The original chili cheese burger shack has a location right here in Lake Forest. Their whole menu revolves around burgers, fries, hot dogs, and of course chili. I've been to many of Tommy's chain locations and this one is just as good as the others. GOOD 1: The chili cheese burgers are amazing. They're nicely portioned and extremely tasty. Pair it up with some chili cheese fries and a drink and you've got yourself one heck of a yummy meal. GOOD 2: This location has a drive-thru so getting in and out is fast and easy. They also have a wonderfully clean and comfy dining room and patio too. GOOD 3: The prices are very reasonable for what you're getting. A large combo meal with the burger, fries, drink will run you about $9. GOOD 4: The staff is very friendly and really seem to like their jobs. They're fast and accurate with the orders. In the past 3 years since I've been coming to this location I don't think they've made a single mistake at the drive-thru with my orders. BAD 1: Honestly, there really isn't any... I always like to point out at least one thing that could be improved but in this case I really can't gripe about anything. Overall this is great food from the iconic Tommy's that started in Los Angeles around the early 50's and now have something like 10 locations. This location serves up the same quality food with a smile that all the others I've visited do. I go out of my way to eat here at least once a month. Be sure to ask for the little green peppers when you order. They put them on the side and the contrast of hot spice to a bite of delicious cheese burger is amazing. Enjoy ! read more

Original Tommy's - Chili cheese burger and fries - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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I love the chili, chili cheese fries and chili cheeseburgers here. The restaurant is always clean and the prices are fair. I don't feel like the staff is always friendly or knowledgeable; a mixed bag on that one. The food stands on its own merit. read more

Can never go wrong with Tommy's chili! Not too tangy or spicy, and all meat! When combined with melted cheese and burger-perfection! read more

Original Tommy's - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Just went here. Ordered chili cheese fries with extra cheese and onions with chili peppers! The best ever! Love this place!!

I've never had a chili cheese burger in my life... I only had chili cheese on my fries. Tommy's was a change up from everything I've ever had... in a good way. A hungry Tuesday night, my friend and I drive down here from UCI to get these famous hamburgers. YUM. Satisfied my hunger, explosions in my mouth, a good end to a good day. A good mix up from the original hamburger, such as In n Out and FIve Guys. Funny thing, Tommy's came before In n Out! I searched it up. I will be back. Definitely. read more

Original Tommy's - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

My wife and daughter bought burgers and tamales Friday night. The tamales were so old, the filling was dry and the corn was hard and crunchy. 4 tamales went into the trash. So, so sad. Used to be a favorite place, now its just a horrible reminder if a business that doesn't care anymore. read more

Went for a double burger, fries and a drink meal. This particular burger was one of the top 2 fast food burgers I have ever eaten in my life. I've eaten here before numerous times, and it was good, but today's burger warranted a 5 star review. It couldn't have been fresher, hotter, or tastier. Pickles and onions piled inside, and cheese for days. It was simply perfection. I asked if they had those hot peppers like they usually do, and I couldn't really hear what she was saying through the speaker.. she asked me "on the burger"? and I replied "on the side is ok", then she repeated "on the burger?" and I repeated "on the side is fine" but I never got them, so I'm not sure what I was misunderstanding. The burger was SO excellent that even though I love my hot peppers, I was still in heaven. The fries were good as they always are: nice and hot, and nice and salty! Their Pepsi is a good mix of syrup and C02... (unlike too many other fast food places who have some nasty fountain drinks! blah). Thank you for making me a burger that literally made my day! read more

We wanted to be bad and eat some unhealthy fatty fast food. Very happy that there's a Tommy's in Orange County. In LA, Tommy's are usually pretty busy. Here at OC, this place is always empty. Husband had the chili cheese burger, and I had the chili cheese dog. The hot dog was a bit too salty. Also It was the lean and skinny kind of hot dog. I remember the ones I had in LA were fat hot dog, like the Costco kind. The chili was good, but I didn't like the skinny salty hot dog. Our favorite thing from Tommy's is chili cheese fries. Love the fat fries with the yummy chili sauce. I probably gained 5 pounds after eating it. But who cares? read more

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I just added the picture of Tommy's Chili Cheese Fries, which are my favorite so far in Orange County. I've tried several and posted a photo comparison on Nibbles of Tidbits, but I haven't found another that beats Tommy's with a side of pickles. http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110. Shelly B. read more

Original Tommy's - Tommy's Chili Cheese Fries - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

If you know you know, if you don't please try it. An LA area favorite. Legendary chili burgers and dogs! Everything comes with a generous portion of chili and thick slice of tomato. Get some peppers on the side and some chili on your fries. You will love it and your tummy will be full for the rest of the day read more

I ordered the Chili Dog & Nacho Cheese Doritos for $3.70. The Chili was superb and complimented the Hot Dog perfectly. The Doritos were crunchy and went great with the Chili. An excellent meal, but 4 Stars because this Drive Thru does not accept Credit Cards with No Fee. read more

Place was clean and welcoming. All employees were kind and helpful. Food was amazing! They have specials through out the week that make this place just that much better. The best part of my experience was the manager Malinda who had a very welcoming smile and a great attitude towards me and all the other customers. I highly recommend this place if anyone is looking for a good burger and friendly people. read more

If your in a tight spot for time do not go here. Waited in the drive for 16 min. I should have gone somewhere else for my lunch. On top of that the chili dogs being unremarkable the outside of the hot dogs where like rubber. I could not tear into them let alone digest them. The reason I gave them 2 stars is because on the grill they were very clean and organized from what i saw. Nothing to amazing about the chili. Called the customer service line but it was closed on a sat. read more

Sat at drive through window and was ignored, 10 am Feb 12, 2021, drove up to window and saw them but employees wouldn't come to the window, I like Tommy's but now I have to drive to another location to enjoy their food. Worst location of all Tommy's, avoid. read more

Stop by last night for a bite to eat and the food was great. Service was awesome the girl who took my order was very nice and she was good looking. Think her name is Melinda. Thanks read more

*** Pitstop Review (Lake Forest) *** I've been coming to this Tommy's for years every time south orange county is my destination. This has always been my place to visit long before it was crowded with all of the expansion along El Toro. Even with the crowded streets making a pit stop tops my list. Here's what liked... * The fries well done with a side of chili is my favorite and a tamale. There is some method to my madness. I hate soggy fries, hence the order for the fries well-done and the chili on the side. It adds a little extra crunch when dipping it into the tasty chili. * There was once a time when I could always find parking at this plaza no matter when I visited the area. These days it seems like traffic is crazy on the main strip and in this shopping mall on a typical day. Even with the increased crowds it still seems like parking is easier in this plaza than other nearby places. * The manager was super friendly :-) Here's what I didn't like... * Parking can be scarce nearing lunch time on a typical weekday. ********************************* Food = good, as expected. Seating area = clean Service = very friendly Restroom = clean read more

I haven't eaten at the original in Los Angeles for ages, so I can't compare. What I do know is the chili burger at this location was quite tasteless to me. Even the fries were not remarkable. Service, however, was fine. All in all, no reason for me to go back. read more

To be honest the first time I ate here I had a tummy ache. You noticed I said "first time", because its been dozens of times since then because I just can't stay away. The chili here is nothing like I've ever had in my life, its thick and dark like engine oil, but just so good. The Chili Cheese Fries are the best, esp when the fries are fresh, I also get a bit of onion on it to give it a little kick. read more

My all time FAVORITE!!!! Leave your diet at the door and grab tons of napkins!! Your hands will be greasy and your burger can be very messy! Tommy's is all about the chili, not the actual burger! If you prefer your food without chili, please go somewhere else. I have been enjoying Tommy's since I was about 4 years old. I was so excited when they opened the Lake Forest location and now I don't have to drive to Fountain Valley for my fix. I've introduced Tommy's to several people, including my husband, who had never eaten at any of their locations before and the majority of them love it. I've gone through the drive-thru and eaten inside this location several times. The location has always been clean on my visits and the staff has always been friendly. Depending on the line in the drive-thru you may have to wait a tad bit. But its definately worth it once you take that first bite of your hot and freshly made burger (the buns and toppings have always been fresh as well). Tommy's locations take cash and debit cards (no credit cards). They recently changed their policy and no longer charge a service fee for using your debit card. Prices are very reasonable for a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or midnight snack! This location is conveniently located off the 5 Fwy at El Toro in the city of Lake Forest. There is ample parking in the lot. ENJOY! read more

If you're looking for something different, you can tease your tastebuds with a chili burger or cheeseburger. The taste isn't out of this world amazing, but it's a good burger. You might be a little shocked at the portion size of the fries as it's smaller than what you are accustomed to receiving. The fries are tasty and crunchy, and surprisingly not greasy though! Service is a bit slow, but when there's only two workers you can't expect it to be fast! Both employees were friendly and doing their best to get orders out in a timely manner. Customer service gets 5 stars. read more

I've been eating at Tommy's for years and I get the same thing every time chili cheese fries. This location isn't to far from my house, So I go a lot. read more

Good food but no holiday gift cards this year. Prices are pretty high now, so without some discount I'll probably pass

If you've ever eaten at the original in Los Angeles on Western nothing compares to that especially these franchise units.

Love the chili cheese fries! Always a treat when I go. Employees are always so friendly. Only complaint is that the location isn't convenient to get to and leave from. I would probably go more often if I didn't have to make a bunch of u-turns. read more

This location is never too busy! The food is great with large portions. If you like spice ask for the yellow peppers on your burger or chili fries! read more

Original Tommy's - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Love their burgers. I generally get the single cheeseburger combo with everything (chili, cheese, mustard, onions, tomato). Their fries are awesome... I like mine plain with ketchup/salt. This location is a bit of a cluster to get in/out of as others have mentioned and regulars know...when I leave I go behind the CVS shopping center, take the long alley out and you can pop out on Rockfield and avoid the traffic cluster on El Toro and make a quick exit. read more

Been enjoying Tommy's since the early '80s. Glad they have locations closer than driving to Los Angeles as we did back then. If you want a Chili Burger fast this is the place. Preference us a double or triple (depending on how hungry you might be) with no onion and extra mustard & pickles. Now you can upgrade to 1/4 lb patties. Lots of customers will just get a bowl of their chili, chili fries or chili dogs. Worth a try if you need a Chili Burger Cons: Review lowered because they are now limited to Pepsi beverages read more

As all the signs n everything around were lit up, we advanced to the menu and after waiting a few and asking if anyone could help, they told us they were CLOSED! Really?! You couldn't shut your menu lights off? Rude!!! read more

Dick was a smart ass when I ordered my food and intentionally did my order wrong fuck this place

Food served slow through the drive through. We ended up becoming sick after eating the chili. Won't be going there again.

11/16/2018 18:44:25pm I've been a LONG time customer of the Fountain Valley location, so when we got a Tommy's closer to home, I was thrilled!!! Great quality! So yummy! Special thanks to the ladies that consistently welcome me thru the drive thru!! I call these ladies working there my "J,J Angels", cause I can never remember their names. Sorry girls. But thank you to both of you for serving our community like the BOSS's you both are!! read more

My affair with Original Tommy's started in the 70's working for LAPD, I'm talking the Rampart and Beverly Blvd location. Working Pm's in HWD, RAMP, or Wilshire divisions many times you would be denied code 7 (mealtime) so between radio calls we would pull up to the curb, make our order, and bounce. That double cheese chili burger is still the bomb. read more

Came to this location for the first time today, not busy at all, probably because it's kinda hidden. Really fast service, and of course, the chili mmmmm. I'll definitely be back. read more

Original Tommy's - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Slowest tommys every time. Food on fleek. Always slow AF. Corporate nerds to see this

Service was good. The gentleman explain to me all of the question very well. However the chilly tasted little watery... and since I was hoping to get amazing chilly burger it was little let down. read more

I love this place the chili is incredible. Been eating at tommys in FV since the '80's. The original on Rampart is a legend and a good reason to go to LA. Why 4 stars at this location, smiles. Employees should smile or go work somewhere they want to smile at. Maybe I need to come work there for a bit, show those kids what customer service is. read more

Original Tommy's - Shady drive-thru - Burgers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Location is kind of run down and in need of a make over. Service was not the best and the food horrible. Chili cheeseburger was gross, fries soggy. Overpriced for the portion size and quality that you get, I would not bother to come back, it was so bad that we threw it out after one bite, not edible at all. read more

Great Chili Burgers, good customer service and dining room kept clean. Location is kind of hidden read more

Original Tommy's keeps it simple and the menu hasn't changed much over the years. Leave your diet at the door cause there is nothing healthy about this food. It was nice to see a Tommy's open up in South OC and it is within easy driving distance to boot. I don't always have a craving for everything that is chili and cheese, but when I do, Tommy's is one of the few fixes out there. And if you want your food without the chili, please go somewhere else, the chili is the star here. I usually order the #1 which is a double chili cheeseburger with fries and a large drink. You can upgrade to chili cheese fries for a reasonable fee. Everything is made to order, so expect a wait for your food. The good thing is even though I had to drive home, the food was still hot when I arrived. They don't skimp on the chili, the fries get a generous ladle full, then a slice of American cheese and then another ladle of chili. The cheeseburgers come with mustard, onions and tomato unless you request otherwise. The chili drips off the sides of the burger. The chain manages to save some costs by not monograming anything. The napkins are plain old napkins, the paper they wrap the burgers in is plain yellow and they use cardboard boxes for carry-out orders. Tommy's proves if you it keep it simple and provide a good product, you can be successful! read more

I'll be the first to admit, this isn't a five star burger for probably 90% of the people out there. But for a certain subset of us, nothing beats the Tommy's chili cheese burger. I only have it maybe once per year these days, but when those days roll around, I relish that burger. Great when you're sober, 100 times better after a night on the town, give it a try if you're in the mood for a greasy burger with a substance that is vaguely identifiable as chili on top. LOVE IT! read more