I went to Mike's after seeing it on DDD and then on DDD nation and was disappointed to say the least about the chili. I ordered the chili bowl with beans, cheese and onions. It was super greasy and too spicy for my liking. I watched them microwave the chili. read more

Mike, my family use to visit your establishment often but since February our lives changed. My mom is now battleing stage 4 terminal brain cancer and today she asked for Mikes chili. So, my significant other and I came in and brought home the yummy goodness that can only be described as Mikes chili. The food is amazing and I want to thank you for putting a smile on my mother's face... even if it was hut for a moment. We will continue to visit your establishment and enjoy your awesome chili. Thank you!! read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Mom enjoying her yummy chili! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Beans, beans the magical fruit...and so on. I went under the impression that this was chili without beans. As I enter, I'm a little disoriented because it's my first time there and just stand and start looking at the menu. Wow everything with Chili. Barmaid: Going to get something something to go? Me: Yeah, I'll get a bowl of chili. (not really had a chance to peruse the entire reader board and i knew what i wanted) Barmaid: How about a pint of chili? Me: Sure (then I notice she is pointing up at the to go portion of the menu that shows a pint) Barmaid: Cheese, Onions, Jalapenos? Me: Just cheese please. Barmaid: 7 dollars please. Happy Jack the chili disher shuffles around and presents me my bag to go. In it, pint o chili, spoon, a tree worth of napkins and oyster crackers. Sweet. I drive home and immediately rip open the container, stir in the oil that has separated and then I see the interloping beans. WTF. Needless to say I am disappointed. I don't eat beans in this fashion. What I did manage to try was decent but I am left unfulfilled. So 2 stars. I may return. read more

Yay! I've always wanted to try Mikes Chili becasue of the historical building. It' was built in 1939 specifically for Mikes Chili and they've been at it ever since. Yeah, the chili is good and oily. They even brag about it on their website. The menu consists of chili, and things like hot dogs and burgers, even steak that come topped with chili. My boyfriend and I both ordered.....chili! We both had it topped with cheese, onions and jalapenos. The waitress was helpful, chatty and cute. We talked basketball with her before our chili came out, it came out quick and was just what we were hoping for on a rainy day. Mikes is a great little hole in the wall with plenty of tv's for sports watching and lots of regulars, the place really started to fill up before we left. I think 100 years down the road, they'll probably still be serving up nice warm bowls of chili. I love that they are a family run business, and they keep it simple. We will be back for sure. read more

This is the greasiest most fat saturated chili I have ever had and it wasn't that good. You would think with so much fat and oil it was taste good. No. Try using better quality meat. Still overall a funky quirky place to drink beer after a long day work. JUST DON'T EAT THE CHILI. read more

A great Ballard institution that I hope stays around forever. Cheap domestic pitchers and a couple micros will easily satisfy most beer drinkers. The chili is excellent and tastes completely different and better than canned chili. Depending on how spicy you like your chili you might not need any jalapenos on top but the chopped onions, shredded cheese, and oyster crackers complement it well. Come here on a week night to watch an M's game while the salty sea breeze blows through the windows. A++ read more

A total dive bar, but that's exactly why I love it. Now I'm not a connoisseur of fine chilli, but the chilli here wasn't exactly what I expected. As a non-American I've not had a lot of chilli, and what I have had was never served like this. It was Massive, and it was chilli. Wasn't amazing, wasn't bad. Would I eat here again? Probably not. Would I drink here again?, hell yes. What I liked about this place was the no-nonsense attitude, cheap beers, cheap food and the banter being had by barman and customers alike. Don't take your girlfriend here on a date, well at least not a first date, but take your mates or go on your own. It's gritty and divey and that's why I like it and give it 4*. There needs to be a new Category of Attire for bars like this - "Flannelette is suggested" read more

This place is awesome. Delicious local beers on tap, friendly service, games on all the screens and the chilli fries were delish! Make sure you order the small unless you're feeding 3-4 people, portions were huge! read more

It's crazy that they only had 2 guys working the entire place. I imagine this would be pretty cozy place to be during rainy game days. I don't love the decor as it is very manly man decorated bar. Their chili was interesting as it only contained meat with beans as option. It definitely gave some kick in the taste but with a really greasy feeling. It's not horrible but it's not that wonderful either. Definitely a hole in the wall kind of place and if you've never been, you should check it out at least once as it was mentioned in the Million Things to do in Seattle so it does have it's charms. Oh and chili on everything is pretty awesome. read more

Food: LOVED the chili! We had chili dogs, chili burgers, and chili fries. With beer. The chili wasn't as thick as I thought it would be, but the consistency was still good. I think I actually like that the fries could soak up the flavors a little bit, rather than just have a chunk of immovable chili sitting on top. The meal is definitely hardy, so wear pants with an elastic waist! There is something about the chili... it's not super spicy where you can't taste the meat or the beans, but it isn't so mild that you don't get that slow-burning after-taste. Add some cheese = awesome. Drinks: I like washing down a thick and heavy meal with something refreshing, so I wish they had more beers on tap. Service: It's a small place, so we weren't neglected, but I can't say I remember the service being exceptional either. Not bad. Location: Kind of out of the way. It took me awhile to find the place! And it kind of stands alone in the middle of nowhere. Overall... YUM. read more

If you want a nice clean, vegetarian, friendly, cookie cutter, yuppie bitch place then do not go to Mikes Chili. If you want a great bowl of chili in a working mans bar then Mikes is the place for you. Its greasy, its spicy, the staff can be aloof, the seats are less than comfy, the bathroom less than clean, ITS A DIVE BAR! It has personality and history, if that offends you then you should go to some lame ass chain restaurant, but if you like old school good food dives pull up a stool and grab some chili cheese fries. read more

Pass by this place on the bus every day and I've always been intrigued. Finally went in yesterday since it was a cold, rainy day and chili sounded good. I had chili fries and a burger, both were quite good. The chili on the fries seemed a bit watery when I looked at it, but after mixing it all a bit I didn't notice. The fries were fantastic, the finely chopped jalapeños were a terrific addition. The burger was even better. It wasn't the chili one, just a regular cheeseburger. Not a fancy burger by any means, but a nearly flawless execution of a standard, american cheese burger. My service was also great here. Super friendly woman (her name escapes me) who was helpful and funny. Can't wait to come back and try the chili on its own. read more

Finally made it today for the 2nd time to the amazing Mikes Chili parlor...once again I was not disappointed...amazing chili...even ordered some to go...I had to have more for dinner. Anyone who comes to Seattle must eat here...and remember to bring cash...they only take cash. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chili burger up top and a simply chili bowl on the bottom with cheese and onions - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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One of my favorite places to grab a few (or a lot) of beers and eat something with chili. It doesn't really matter what since everything is covered in chili. Mike and the staff are great and super friendly. One time my boyfriend and I went for a quick bite and Mike was walking around offering pinochle and cards for patrons. Anyway, this is not a place for snotty people expecting gourmet chili. So don't take them here! read more

I never expected chili to be an eating experience until I had a meal here. This is the best chili around and I get cravings to go out of my way and get a bite here. Their chili is consistently amazing and so satisfying. You won't go wrong ordering any style of their classics. I hope to see this joint around for years to come. read more

My significant-other and I stopped by Mike's the other day, after hearing about it on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" -- so this is a combined review. I would give this place three stars. I had the "straight bowl" of chili, with cheese and jalapenos. My sig-other had the "straight bowl" with cheese. She gives it one star (or less, if possible). The place reminds me of those dark, smokey taverns you used to see in the poorer neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Newark. The place definitely has an atmosphere all its own. But very often, the dingiest places have great food (my favorite haunt in college was a sandwich shop called Greasy Tony's). My Chili-with-Cheese-and-Jalapenos was a bit spicier than the chili you can get at Wendy's. (I thought it was OK.) My significant-other stopped after a few bites, and looked at me with amazement, "Are you _really_ eating that stuff? No, tell me you're NOT eating that stuff! Ack! You must have an iron stomach!" "Yes -- I'm eating it. It's not too bad! Can I finish yours?" "Oh - - My - - God! Here, take it, here here. I want to see you eat this stuff! Blecch!" So I finished hers. Her non-jalapeno version was not as spicy as mine, so I put a little salt on it. My significant-other just sat and stared at me, wondering if I had gone crazy. (I suppose Mike's Chili is a "Guy Thing") read more

This was bar none the best chilli I have ever had. I'm not sure why there is lower stars but this is absolutely the best chilli I have ever had. Just saying. read more

This is by far, the best f*cking chill I've ever eaten, and that's saying something lemme tell ya. The wait staff is super awesome, the atmosphere is great and the food.... Yum! Frosted tips food guy from TV was right! 10/10 would recommend! read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I had eye surgery next door - while waiting we saw the reviews for this dingy little outpost in ballard, and I thought wow i'm so hungry lets eat there after surgery. Well, of course after surgery, i was in no mood for food, so I asked my wife to go in and get a bowl to go. So I have no idea what its like inside - but this is indeed the best chili I've ever had, and my son who shared it with me said same. Good as it gets. :) read more

I've been meaning to try Mike's for a long time. One day I was considering making my own batch of chili when I got lazy and decided to give Mike's a shot. Upon walking in the bar I saw a full bar people watching football. I looked over the menu for a bit and ordered at the bar. Few minutes later my chili was brought out and it was pretty damn tasty piled with cheese and onions. A good sized bowl and a pint of beer for less than $10 is fine by me. read more

I'm on a quest to find a chili joint that could erase my grief after having lost the World Class Chili in the market. Unfortunately I am still searching... Mike's would been much better if my spaghetti noodles were warm. The cold noodles made my chili not hot like it should have been. It's a good chili and will be back if I'm in the area. Beer and chili always go so well together and this place got both. read more

Mikes chili parlor sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the area it's in, but in a good rustic way. Upon entering the parlor I was welcomed by Mike and his son who were very welcoming. The waitress seated us and sparked up a friendly conversation. She was very helpful when it came to suggesting what to order. The food was bought to us in no time. Get ready to eat! The portions are massive, you really get what your paying for. I personally don't really like chili but this stuff was AMAZING! I cleaned my plate! Definitely going back when I am in the Seattle area again. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Get ready to eat. This place serves massive portions! You get so much food for your buck. The food is amazing, best chili I've tasted ever! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Honestly, I really wanted to like this place. I really did. There are a lot of good aspects like the pretty friendly staff and reasonable prices. But for the chili. Dear god. I do not know who could possibly call this amazing chili. The other reviews about the grease are absolutely correct. After a few bites, i was too overwhelmed to even finish my meal. It was so much grease it was separating from the rest of the chili and filling the bottom of the plate. If you're into that kinda thing, then maybe you will love it here. But for me, it was just way too much. Also, the chili caused some bathroom troubles but this can be expected from chili. But that is never a good thing regardless. Will not be returning to mikes. You shouldnt always trust tv. read more

The absolute best thing about this place was the neighborhood-y dive bar quality. The waitress was very nice and extremely helpful. The prices are great, and the food isn't bad. The chili was a little bland, but the fries more than made up for it. Overall, i think i'd have liked the chili a bit better if it was a Friday night and I was drunk off my ass. But it was lunchtime, and the ATM was broken. By the way, make sure to bring cash, as it's the only thing they accept. read more

The simple, straight-forward menu and atmosphere makes Mike's Chili a fun and relaxing destination. The chili is flavorful and spicy but not too hot. I would recommend adding cheese, onions and jalapenos to your chili order. All of the toppings are shredded and diced very fine, the jalapenos resemble a relish consistency which is unique and really good. As I remember, there are 8-10 good local beers on tap. Georgetown, Maritime and other local breweries are represented.. read more

This chili was much better than I expected. Not a lot of customization but you don't need it. You can get your chili with or without (straight) beans and you can get sour cream, cheese, onions, and jalapeños for toppings. I had a bowl of chili and me and my friend split a large chili cheese fries. Very excellent with a perfect amount of kick. Guy knew what he was talking about. The atmosphere was also very chill, just a few people hanging out and watching football. Service was fast and friendly too. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Chili burger was excellent as were the chili fries. Couldn't find any chili beer so that was a let down :-P read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chili burger - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Mike's chili is a great dive bar! The small pasta chili is my favorite, with everything. I like spicy food and the jalapenos and onions are great, they are chopped so fine that they blend right in. Which is great, cause I hate large chunks of onions. My families recommendation is to get extra bread, that way you can soak up all the yummy-ness from the plate! The service is wonderful, the waitresses are great, they will chat with the regulars and be friendly to new people. The owner, Mike, is in the bar just about every time I've been there. It is really impressive to see an owner of a place that has been owned for multiple generations still there working. read more

Fun place to hang out with friends on a Sunday afternoon. We watched football for a few hours and there is not one bad spot. There is a TV in every direction. It's obvious that there are lots of locals that drop by for a quick cup of chili or a beer after a long day. Staff is so friendly and hard working. Can't wait to come back and bring friends. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Cup of chili - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Best Chili in Seattle. Try to sneak out of work around 2 or 3 on a sunny afternoon and head to Mike's. Walk in order a frosty pitcher of beer and a large plate of Chili fries. Get the fries "loaded" diced onions, jalapenos, cheese Oh hell yeah! When everyone else is at work you will be cherishing your sloth loving-self. Its a family run show and you will meet the whole family during a shift change and they are the wonderful. They could of sold the place to the complex being built next door, but thank god they said yes to keep spooning chili over home-cut fries. Note: they made the food channel for Drive-in diners and dives. After Foodtv airs the episode the next day and weekend it gets kinda crowded at Mikes. read more

If you like chili, you'll love this little dive! Chili has great flavor, chunks of ground beef and perfectly seasoned! I had mine with onion and jalapeños on top! YUM! Perfect on a cold day. The Bowl was the perfect meal. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

What an honor to have a Chili Parlor named after me! So of course I felt obligated to check it out... They need to remake the movie Magic Mike and make it Magic Mike's. I love my chili piled high with onions, jalapenos and cheese and Mike's delivered! This restaurant has been around and was handed down from father to son twice - they obviously try to keep things old school. This tavern-esque establishment has a few TVs and a nice bar area to watch games. What? They have Mike's beer too? I've been waiting my entire life to have an alcoholic beverage named after me! read more

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Not sure how the customer service is rated well here? Was very excited to come visit for the 1st time & taste the great chili myself that I have been hearing about. When I waLked in the gal with the brown medium length hair that was behind the counter was very rude form the start. Every time I asked her a question about ordering and the chili,She respondedd with a horrible tone and bad attitude. I tried to let it go after a few questions but she was so disrespectful I had to Leave. Disappointed! read more

Great service, great beers on tap and course great chili!

Have been back a few times now. Here's how to think about Mike's chili: Mike's chili isn't chili, it's bar food that just happens to look, taste, and and feel a lot like chili. In that it's bar food it is sometimes lukewarm, sometimes comes with a side of surly. If you look in the window from outside you see a big tub, uncovered, of spaghetti next to a pot of coffee that looks like it was brewed 8 hours before. If you are looking for a "dining experience," look elsewhere. If you are the type of person who watches The Food Network (if you just watch Good Eats, you're excused) and saw this place on some yuppy show, don't expect it to be anything other than what it is: a great neighborhood joint. Mike's could never claim to be "the best chili east of the Columbia River!" or any such silliness. Mike's chili fits within the same niche as chicken fried steak. It's not steak, but damn it's good. Paired with beer, tunes on the juke, and a good friend or five, it's a great place to be. read more

Place feels divey and a little dark, but super awesome staff and friendly service. I don't know why, but I felt like I was in that bar from Always Sunny In Philadelphia when I walked in, but in a good way. No sass from Dee and no crazyness from Charlie. The chili was REALLY good, worth the pit stop. One of the guys that was bartending came by our table to take our orders and provide us with that ice cold amber adult drinks. Overall was happy with the place, location, staff, food, drinks and price. Check it out if you're visiting. read more

There is this thing called "cumin" and this other thing called "chili powder" that are widely understood to be key ingredients of chili. MIke's boldly bucks this belief---which, while disappointing, is probably not so surprising for a chili shack stuck smack in the middle of Seattle's Swedish belt. Don't get me wrong: I like Mike's. The service was very good and the atmosphere echoed great dive bars in other cities. But I do believe the restaurant could as accurately be called Mike's Hash Snackery or Mike's Kibbi Hut. read more

Small menu but the prices are cheap and food is good. Sure the chili is greasy..what do you expect from a chili parlor dive? Chili has beans (I didn't know you could order it without) for those wondering. It is pretty tasty with just the right amount of kick. Fries are great and you can order anything that you'd like to put chili on. Negative: Cash only. There is an ATM in the place so it isn't the end of the world, but they really should catch up to the rest of the world and start accepting plastic. Negative #2: Their website is useless and none of the links work. The menu consists of: hot dogs, spaghetti, hamburgers, and various sizes of chili. You can get cheese onions or jalapenos on your chili. Not sure what else is on the menu..but it isn't much larger than what I mentioned. For an absolute dive, it doesn't get better than this. Don't expect a 5 star dining experience and you'll leave completely satisfied. read more

Tons of meat, cheese piled high, not a lot of bean-matter (if any?). Perfect. Also, they were playing a Bears game AND a Red Wings game. So, thus far, this is the best sportsbar I've been to in Seattle. Go figure! I so want to get the Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $54.76 or whatever, but you know it's just a grilled cheese sandwich, and only a jerk would order that at a meaty chili bonanza. read more

The chili was great. I love the chili bowl heaped with cheese, onions and jalapenos. Its a little pricey though for $4-5. Still its much better than any chili I could make on my own. The chili burgers are great as well. They're massive and fill you up, but I think my burger tried to mask the lack of flavor with a lot of spice. In the summer, the patio is really nice to enjoy a meal outside. They accept cash only, which is kind of a bummer... read more