If you are sentimental and you have been coming here since you were a kid, this place is worth 3-4 stars. If not the above, don't waste your money on this hole in the wall. It is over rated and the woman was just plain rude. read more

I previously gave a review in the thread below and I was 100% wrong by calling out Penny. Penny, I am sorry as I got the servers names mixed up. So I apologize to you as much as I can via this review. In fact after chatting with Mike I have your face to the name and you are absolutely a great server wish a smile when you are helping Mike out. No BS. I learned that the server that I was writing the tough review is Angel. I hope that others when they read this they will not get you and Angel confused in the future. I noticed from previous threads that in advertently your name was used as the tough/rude person on the floor. That was not you. I truly hope this gets the record straight. Last mention about the double cheeseburger, simply outstanding and I will be back. Thank you Mike for being a straight up person and honest. read more

Ordered a Togo chili dog with fries. I called in an order and when I showed up 5 min later the person who makes the orders was "out" and had to 10 Min for order. Once I had my food I left and drove 6 min home. Once I opened the order I could a cold hotdog cut in half, cold chili covered in onions and a table spoon of jalapeños. Very disappointed that I had to wait as long as I did to then not even have warm food. Chili had no flavor, I had to add spicy green chilis to give it any sort of flavor. I also shouldn't have to microwave my food. Also for $11, you could provide a quality hotdog. read more

Food is always good. Burgers, chili, fries -- bar food but well done. Service is bipolar. One server is just amazing. Friendly, attentive, and always smiling. On other days there is a server who is always scowling and just SUPER unfriendly. I've actually stopped going the service is so bad and unfriendly on days she is there. read more

Great vintage bar in Ballard. I believe the 4th generation owners is running the place now. I got to visit when the back lot was open during KISW's Men's Room hosted an event there and had a blast. This is an awesome family run business! read more

The first thing you need to know about Mike's is that it's cash-only. That's the only reason for a missing star. But: they have an ATM. Second, they're really proud of their chili. Now, chili is one of those foods everyone seems to have a different opinion of. To bean, or not to bean (their Chili Cup has beans, while a Straight Cup is meat only here)...Texas style, New Mexico style, Colorado style... its done as many different ways as there are cooks to make it, and I've tried a few. Hundred. The best chili I've ever had my wife made, and it was a tomatillo-based, five-bean, four-pepper diced beefsteak monster with heat that made my eyebrows tingle, served with sour cream, cornbread and -this is the kicker- little garlic dill pickles, cornichons, on the side. Seriously. I say all this to make a point: you will never, ever get the best chili you've ever had from a cook who isn't the cook that made it the first time, if then. Not happening. So when you eat chili- including Mike's- suspend comparison and just take it at face value. I like it, especially the all-meat or "straight" version. All chili aside, this is a cool, historic old-school joint with lots of televisions for sports, mostly lighter beers and IPAs on tap, very basic hard liquor, a juke box, comfy seating, and an ancient and amusingly senile video game. It's a joint that's stuck to its guns, doing its signature dish and serving it to generations of Ballardites. A cool, funky dive that knows who it is, and where it's come from. Be respectful. Not in a chili mood? The burgers are decent too. Fries are very good here. Relax, and set aside the impulse to try to bend everything to your will. This place has bent without breaking for a long long time, and it's seen bigger fish than you. So relax. Deep breath. Good. Now try the chili... Highly recommended. read more

Chill vibe. Burgers, dogs, fries, cash only. What you see is what you get. Great place.

Was on my list of Seattle institutions to try and glad I finally did. I have had better chili but this was very serviceable. If the chili had time to set for a day or two it might be better as this tasted pretty fresh. Still a great meal! read more

Disgusting!! Don't know who own's this place but I can't believe they are still in business!!!! My wife makes way better chili!!! The lady at the bar is rude unless you know her! This place is super scary! I would stay away if you're curious! I was and I paid the price! Terrible!!!!! read more

I had a great time at Mike's Chili Parlor today. The chili (bowl straight up with onions and jalapenos) was flavorful (nice spices!), the owner and server were friendly and helpful, and the clientele was fun and welcoming. As a bonus, a Godfather marathon was on AMC, and nearly everyone knew the dialogue by heart. It was a comforting, fun, exuberant environment -- like being with family who cook with love. Improvements that I would like to see are chili served at a hotter temperature, with in-house fresh shredded cheese and in-house cut onions and jalapenos. read more

I have a special place in my heart for Mike's Chili Parlor. It has stood the test of time. Is the place old? No, it's vintage. It's classic. It's chili and liquor. You can get chili all ways. Chili with beans, chili without beans, chili with pasta, chili without pasta, chili fries, chili dogs, chili burgers, and add on some classic toppings like cheese, sour cream, onions, or jalapenos. Eat it there or take it home in a pint. Portions are generous and meet the cost. All of the standard bar options from beer to bourbon to jello shots. The young ladies know how to run the place and keep the customers served. It's a fun place to grab some chili and a drink. read more

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is it a diner? maybe. ist it a drive-in? no. how about a dive? ok. let's define "dive". .....the floors were swept, the tables were not sticky and the restroom was clean. guy fieri made Mike's world-famous and i'm glad for it. Mike's Chili can survive it. by the time i got there, everything had calmed down. i love driving into Mike's and seeing it standing proudly in-between the highrises and the freeway. that's how progress and history live side-by-side. straight chili: is the kind of chili where the meat is almost melted into the sauce. it would make a perfect chili for a chili dog. i prefer the Straight Chili: no beans. interestingly, the onion is grated. onion and cheese is extra charge. fries with bacon: oddly weird. strips of bacon sitting on top of the fries. chili dog: a bit too wet for me. needed a fork to eat this because the juice/sauce was on the plate under the bun. lunch crowd is people like me and local office workers and other types of workers dropping in. lucky for all of us, there is a very convenient but weirdly tight-spaced parking garage next door. if you haven't been to Mike's, you must go there. i need a Mike's tee-shirt read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - straight chili bowl $8 - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I took my fellow human being to the UW clinic in Bothell. In some ways it's a shithole with people living in tents and campers and cars and businesses putting out concrete barriers to prevent parking. None of which is a review of Mike's. I had a drink, which was reasonably priced and no chili. Service was great. Nice spot for a stop. read more

When you only do one thing, you should be the best at it. Unfortunately, this place has got both lazy and sloppy. First few times I was here it was life-changing. The chili was hot, rich and savory. Last few times I was there, the chili was lukewarm, greasy and the service was beyond rude. I can deal with the fact that you have an ATM that charges $5 to use, I can deal with the fact that you don't pride yourself on being polite or courteous, But I won't accept a lukewarm bowl of chili. Condiments should be prepared daily in house. A 30 dollar food processor is all you need to grate cheese, dice onions and peppers, etc. The problem with store bought shredded cheese is it's coated with a chemical to keep it fresh, that 's why I bag could be opened and be edible for weeks. If you hand grate cheese, you have about two days before it hardens or turns. However, the flavor of hand grated cheese can not be duplicated with an processed form. Same applies to onion, you can but pre diced onion and it takes like onion, but it doesn't have the crunch or bite that fresh onion has. If you want to serve pickled jalapeno from a jar or can, I say yuck! You should dice peppers daily and if you want to service pickled peppers, Peter Piper style, dice fresh peppers and soak them yourself, it's cheaper fresher and better tasting. You got space to boil beans separately, why not do so. Some people may want Pinto only, others Kidney only. I end up getting the start bowl, because I got tired of picking Kidney Beans out of my chili. This is my issue with the place, it was built on quality and service and he current owner has abandoned both to be a bratty imitation of the original. If he ran thing right, there would be a line to get in, multiple locations and gallons of chili going out the door for catering and to go orders. Even pre covid he was closing early do to lack of business. Don't matter how good your product is champ, if you don't cook and serve it the way your uncle intended. This is a great example of why some people should never be left the keys to the castle. I haven't been here in a couple years, but was invited to join someone yesterday, I declined, because I hate paying for a mediocre meal. read more

Ok. Let me preface my review by saying that I absolutely HATE writing nasty reviews. But based on tonight's HORRENDOUS, DISTASTEFUL, INHOSPITABLE "service," I will never again spend my money here and I would never recommend this place to anyone. I get it; customer service isn't easy. I've worked in customer service for many years, but the woman who served us tonight made us feel extremely unwanted as customers. Right off the bat, before we even sat down, she threw her nasty attitude at us. DISGUSTING. She's either a disgruntled family member "helping" with the business or management is just that desperate and idiotic to let her go. Either way, yuck. Someone needs to tell this lady to chuck her ugly attitude right into the ocean. And seeing past reviews (way before COVID-19), seems like she's been a RUDE SERVER for many years. Good lord, woman!! She seems like the kind of person who doesn't mind giving shitty customer service, but God forbid *she* ever gets bad customer service, she'll be the first to rip her waitress a new one!! With that attitude, she's probably going to end up on YouTube someday in one of those customer freakout compilations. read more

The portions are HUGE, no skimping on the toppings and the price is right. It packs a little kick, but nothing about it made me go The Terminator and say I'll be back. The pasta is cooked and just heated up in the microwave but- the burgers are fresh and cooked perfectly... thin but juicy! There was one lady doing everything! tThe bar, cooking the food AND serving the place! She seemed like she wasn't too pleased with it, but once we got the food ordered she started to warm up a little. I don't think I'll be back any time soon because there were bugs flying around, tables sticky and the restroom had even more bugs!!! Food: ok Service: ok Cleanliness: no. read more

My partner and I were looking forward to dining here for quite some time and we couldn't be more disappointed with the outcome. Upon entry we were met with an extremely condescending and rude waitress that set the subpar tone for the meal. We got the chili bowl and chili burger, both of which the waitress was happy not to describe or assist our decision. In fact, despite being one of two parties in the restaurant it seemed like the waitress viewed our presence to be a nuisance and acted accordingly. I have had my fair share of chilis, and trust when I say that it was undoubtedly the worst chili I have ever had. The beans and meat had no flavor, was drowning in grease, and I'm pretty sure the "cheese" was stale shredded Kraft. The best part of it was the oyster crackers, and yes they were just the standard packaged crackers. The chili burger was quite literally just an unseasoned burger with the same bland chili dumped on it. The buns were not toasted and thus completely soaked up the chili grease making it essentially a plate of soggy bread chili with unseasoned patty. Not only would I not recommend going here, but I would encourage a food safety inspection. If you have a kink for being treated like and eating garbage then this is the place for you!! read more

Grabbed a pint of Chili here one night after passing the place dozens of times and thinking "yeah, that old brick building looks just like my kind of chili eatery". Keep in mind, this is REAL chili, people. Slightly soupy, greasy, lotsa meat and red beans, and a spot-on blend of spice (I like mine on the hot side). In other words, YUMMMMMM. My husband had to take it away from me when I got home, otherwise I would have gulped the whole pint down in a hot minute. I noticed they had several brand-newish looking mounted TVs, so went back to watch football on Sunday with a group of friends. The bartenders even gave us a free pitcher of beer after we bought a bunch of chili, dogs, and fries. They also have a full bar and friendly staff. We will be back. read more

Love the place and the chili too! Great atmosphere. Sure, parking is tight but isn't that what Uber is for?

This place is a gem. The servers are ace, the drinks are easy to come by, you can download their jukebox app and play all of your fave songs. What's not to like? I haven't eaten here, but I've had a few too many drinks on different occasions and the lovely bartenders are what make this place great. Angel is exactly that and she makes amazing jello shots! Try them ;) read more

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It's ok, and way over-rated. Sure, it's old and divey, and over the years, Ballard has been slowly losing places with those qualities. The chilli and the burgers are usually ok, but not anywhere near the "OMFG- you HAVE TO try this place- it's THE BEST" these sensationalist self-congratulatory reviews make it out to be. Yes, you may enjoy a beer and a bowl of chilli here. It's a dive, so the bartenders feel ok being surly or sassy if they want to. That's cool. It would be weird if they were all, "Good evening! My name is Robin and I'll be your bartender tonight. You can scan this QR code for our menu. Can I start you two off with some libations, or would you like a minute to look over our cocktail list?!" Yeah, no- that'd be weird. Gotta keep up with the vibe. Get a shot and a beer, get a chilli, have a conversation with a stranger, maybe another beer, and go live your hipster treasure-hunting life somewhere else. read more

Montezuma's revenge oh I mean Mike's Chili Revenge! This was the worst chili experience I've ever had! TRIPLE DDD was smoking crack the day then gave you the thumbs up! It's the only logical answer as to way they praised you! Chili is basic cooking's, just check out SLIMS LAST CHANCE because they have no issue with making chili. Within minutes of finishing this bowl of chili at MIKES I needed to locate another bowl ASAP if you catch my drift. Now after speaking with others about MIKES CHILI my opinion will stand because they hated it as well! Maybe you could send some to the Al-Qaeda boys in Guantanamo Bay. I'm sure this would get them to confess! However I'm not sure but the Geneva Convention might classify that as cruel and unusual punishment. Oh well it was for me. read more

They got some good chili!!!! Has a nice clean feel to the place, I like chili a lot but haven't really found a place that has the exact consistency I've been looking for and now I have! Has a full bar which tops it all off. read more

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

Wife ordered the chili. It was the greasiest chili I have ever seen. I posted a picture of the grease on the plate. They recommend eating the chili while hot. Now i know why. I had the chili burger with cheese and onions. I wiped it out but the star here was the large chili fries with cheese. We both would have been happy just splitting this monster. read more

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

Food was delicious, beer yummy. Lady running the place, not so much. Real crabby, crappy attitude. I walked in happy, walked out disgusted. If you enjoy getting treated rudely, I'm sure it's great! She said "you need to address me not him". How about I just leave and never come back? read more

Stopped in today expecting to have to take out and was pleasantly surprised to be seated and served a barley pop. :) I ordered a chili dog with onions and cheese expecting I would need to get another. Nopes. The chili dog mounded with the namesake chili, bean , cheese and onions was a plate filler! Best of all it was was an amazing prototype chili dog reminiscent of something I would get in Cincinnati. I looked at reviews and saw a few folks that thought the chili bland. I guess if you are expecting a Terlingua scorcher you are out of luck. This is fresh, meaty yumminess. Highly recommend this place for the beer, the unique and classic building and most of all, the food! read more

First thing to note is that it's 21 and over!! Maybe I was the only dummy that didnt realize this, but it is a "tavern" thus you must be 21+ to experience their chili. OK, now to the chili, considering that it is a chili parlor, I thought that I should try the bowl of chili to test if it really IS the best chili in town... and Meh, I've experienced better. It was lukewarm... and if you want to add cheese, onions, or jalapenos it's an additional 50 cents per item (maybe 25 cents?), kinda lame, but oh well, way to make money I suppose. The other thing that disturbed me was the orange oil... chili isn't the healthiest dish in the world, but I don't like to see a puddle of oil in my bowl... gross.. ON A LIGHTER NOTE, my boyfriend had the chili spaghetti and that was good. I did see them pop the already cooked noodles in the microwave to nuke it, but still, the dish was HOT. Not lukewarm. Saw this place on diners, drive-ins and dives and of course Guy made it seem amazing... so I guess I had really high expectations, and it certainly did not meet it :( read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - PUDDLE of orange grease.. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Yup! Saw this place on DDD. Been dying to check this place out for awhile and since I was on vacation up in the Seattle area, this was definitely on my list to visit. All I can say is, "Damn!!" I love chili and so does my wife, but my wife can be very picky about her chili and she was like, OMG, that's good chili". The chili is very flavorful, tasty with a slight little bite to it, but I love spice/heat. I had a bowl of chili with cheese, onions and jalapeños.....and took a quart home with me. The service was prompt and very friendly. As other reviews have stated, it's a bar! No one under 21. I'm sure some have thought, "...but there are booths and they serve food. Kids should be allowed". Umm...NO!! Take a quart home for the kids. It's a small little place and many patrons are regulars. There is a parking garage right next door. Don't worry about the ticket machine at the entrance, parking is free, have fun. Overall, the chili is awesome! Others have different opinions and that's fine. I really really enjoyed the chili! Very tasty and delicious. As far as the quart I took back to our hotel? My wife and I devoured it. Can't wait to go back. read more

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A local spot in Ballard that had so much promise for being my new jaunt! I love the retro signage which is what made me aware of this place in the first place. Place. I had no idea it was on DDD until I saw it in another review. I was excited when I came in. It looks divey and dank, in the good way. Seemed more like a watering hole, a place fishermen would come after a long day. The food itself, the jury might still be out. I have to (unfairly) compare this to Ben's Chili in DC. That place transcends chili. Nothing can top it. How did Mike's compare? I'm not sure. As far as chili goes, it's good. It didn't blow my mind like I had *hoped* .. be aware that the chili dogs or burgers aren't really the dogs or burgers you would eat with your hands. It's basically open-faced with chili doused over it to the point you can't even see the dog. A mountain of chili. The dog did have beans, but as I understand the beans are not cooked with the chili and only added later. A bit weird, imo but I would have preferred it plain. The chili fries are quite the star. It's HUGE, but the perk to this is that if you take it home to reheat in the oven, it tastes delicious. One of those foods that is probably better reheated after the ingredients have had time to amalgamate. I'm sorry to say that the service really wasn't that great. Our server did get to our drinks and our food orders quickly. She left us alone during our meal, which is fine.. nobody needs constant "How is everything, can I get you anything" but when it was time for the cheque, we were sitting for a long time and she never really looked up to our table. She brought our cheque and when we asked for a box, we were charged for it. We were leaving our payment without a requirement of change, but she never came back to our table with the box and seemed to almost be intentionally avoiding us. I'm usually not a stickler for this kind of thing, but it was just strange that had we needed change, it would have taken even longer. I finally got up to ask Mike himself for a box and he happily gave me one. He definitely seemed the friendliest and attentive to guests at the counter.. it seemed like there were a number of regulars there as well. Service aside, it's a decent little place that is probably worth a visit for foodies or Food Network whores. I'm sad to say I probably wouldn't make this a regular spot, but might drop in again at some point with an out of town friend. read more

GREASE, luke warm, lots of it. I don't know what people think is good about their chilli. Threw mine in the compost, did not even want to give the "meat" to my dog. Went with my Wallingford neighbors. 6 for 6 people thought it was a greasy mess of low quality ingredients. Even a Jack in the box (down the street), grease bomb would be better. You have been warned. read more

Love their chili and get it to go when I'm in Ballard, Their hours are odd because of everything but they keep their facebook page updated with hours. Parking in the area is easy but it's a bit weird to get to since they're so close to the Ballard Bridge. Cash only and their their service is a bit curt but love supporting this local business! read more

Came in because we saw it on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and were in Seattle for the day. Ordered small chili fries with cheese and were surprised by the size. Meal was good, but super greasy. Service was mediocre. Waitress was not friendly but cook who delivered the fries was. read more

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

Was a weekly regular at Mike's for 10+ years - great food, friendly service and a funky Ballard classic! Then Steve retired/died and the friendly servers disappeared... now it's the most unpleasant place in town. Seems like we're supposed to apologize for coming in. Lose the mean/grumpy server who's been there the past few years and we'll come back. read more

Dammit I wanted this place to be amazing. I love chili and while I was working in Seattle we had a location very close to Mike's. We drove by it a couple of times and decided it was definitely going to be a stop for lunch. Well... the food came out to the table warm not hot. Not a good sign. The chili was very watery the bun on the chili size was absolutely saturated and just soggy. My friend had the chili dog and his was the same. The cheese wasn't melted on the chili fries or the burger and the hot dog. Maybe we should have just tried a bowl of chili but we went all in thinking if you own a chili parlor you're going to be good at it. Cocktails were priced fair and the service was friendly. Maybe it was an off day. read more

I keep bouncing back and forth from absolutely loving this place and just finding it so so, truth be told, this is one of those 1/2 star moments. Mike's Chili Parlor is a solid 3 1/2 stars, I'm comfortable giving it 4 while 3 would be too low. Opened in 1922 this is a GREAT Local Neighborhood Bar that serves large portions of OK, not great, but good, food. If you just want to hang out, have a drink, watch some sports and eat a little comfort food, this is your place!! The service is a little abrasive, unless you are a regular and trust me when I say this place has some long term regular customers. Even though the service is a little rough they are fast and your order will be correct. They only accept cash, no worries, they have an ATM machine so you can grab some cash if need be. So the food, if you are craving Chili this is the place to go, it's in the freaking name, Mike's Chili Parlor!! Is it the best chili you have ever had, nope. It is good Chili at a fair price and you will not leave hungry, the servings are huge!! You can order a "Big Ass Bowl of Chili", hey, that is how it is listed on the menu, you can order a Chili Cheese Dog which I really enjoyed, they have an amazing Chili Cheeseburger, and don't forget the Chili Cheese Fries. They have something called Chili Pasta, not sure what that is but I will be trying it some day. If memory serves correctly, they list a Grilled Cheese Sandwich on the menu for $55.00, it's not $55.00 because it's the best Grilled Cheese Sandwich you have ever experienced in your life, as the menu says, it's the cost for you asking them to make it ..... just order the Chili is the message, I think!! Mike's Chili Parlor is a true "joint", it is a dive in every sense of the word and that is meant as a compliment, some of my very favorite places are dives and it was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Until next time my fellow Yelpers ..... Be Local, .......... Live Local, ..... and whenever possible .......... BUY LOCAL!!!! read more

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I had been missing my Mike's Chili Parlor double cheeseburger with straight chili Schmeer, so I popped in yesterday. Outstanding burger and service while I sat at the counter. Looking forward to the next time I pop in for my usual. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Mac and Jack. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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We went as a group for the start of the 100th anniversary of his family run business. Food and drinks were terrific but the service really shine as you're treated like family. Penny Anthony and Mike took terrific care of everyone in our group looking for a spectacular evening read more

Shockingly rude. I always try to show my appreciation, crack some jokes and even bring treats. The waitress was having none of it and treated me like dirt. read more

The chili, especially straight, is quite pricey in my opinion. But, if you are craving flavors that you typically won't find in the PNW, then it is worth it. Unless you are a bean lover or on a budget, forgo the beans and go straight. Happy hour is between 3p-6p. They have a Mike-ro-Brew, a rotating craft beer, during this time it is $4 and discounted for a $1. They serve hard liquor too. Note: All Texans, and any of y'all that can relate, bring your own bag of Fritos, to make a frito pie, and I swear you'll think you are at the ballgame on a Friday night. For those of y'all with some extra féria to spare order the grilled cheese sandwich.....it is said to be the pièce de résistance. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - $17 for one quart of chili with no beans - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Seen this place on the food network and had to check it out. Stepping inside the place is like stepping in to a time machine. It looks like nothing has changed in 50 years. I enjoyed the bar and the local people were friendly. I order a chili bowl straight no beans. I also order the Chili cheese fries. Both were amazing the chilly was a bit grease but i still loved bite. Best chili cheese fries in the state. I will be coming back before I leave Seattle. read more