The Texas Chili parlor is an institution. Walking into this place is like walking into a museum of old school Austin. Lot of variety of chili, burgers and bar type food. I would say if you're a first timer try one of the bean-less Texas chilis. Only giving three stars because it definitely feels like some of the food is just mediocre. I have been coming for year and it just seems like it's not what it used to be. Service is great and friendly. Absolutely worth coming to have a beer at the bar and step into a really cool establishment though. read more

Good food...very reasonable prices...fun place. What's not to like? We stopped in for lunch and joined a couple of other folks at the bar. The bartender was fun and friendly, and took great care of us. I got the Habanero Chili, and my wife got the Sausage and Beef with Black Bean Chili. Both of them were great! Hers had a lot of meat and was mild; mine had a nice heat, and was delicious! In a rare moment for me, I didn't need to add the side of jalapeños to spice it up. Drinks were very reasonably priced, and the conversation with the bartenders and other patrons was lively and fun. May have to go back before we leave town! read more

Legendary Austin spot. Amazing food service and drinks, all at great prices. You can never go wrong with a mad dog margarita!

Bowl of red medium was just about perfect regarding flavor. Nothing taking over the show. The meat was perfectly trimmed, not fatty and tender but with enough chew. Staff were a couple good ol' boys that made you feel welcome and at home. We'll go back again read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Bowl of red and a Shiner. - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Dropped by here for a warm bowl of chili and some sides. The interior has a very cozy, divey feel. Interior is currently open with tables spaced far apart. Service was very spotty but they were more busy than their staff level (the restaurant had a few tables but only one waitress working). Prices are very reasonable especially for the drinks. The default chili was very warm and hearty, although the XXX wasn't really that spicy. We also tried the pork white bean which was also delicious with very tender meat. The Queso and mac and cheese were very Velveeta forward, if that is up your alley. Fun pit stop for some tasty Texas red chilli! read more

Texas Chili Parlor - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great location and easy going staff serving awesome comfort food. Great place to take new austinites to.

I was told this was a landmark in Austin, so needed to check it out. Fun place, and good prices. Our server was kind and helpful! Will visit again! read more

Went here on a Monday night to get together with some old friends who were in town for a conference. Looks like a dive, but was actually amazing! Was able to sit immediately for 5 people. The special was steak and hubby said it was amazing. I know they're known for their chili, but I found it to be 'okay'. Our waitress was phenomenal, (I think her name was Janell). Will definitely be back! read more

Cheap drinks. Good environment. The multiple alarm chili does not have multiple alarms. It doesn't even have A alarm. I guess paprika is a pepper? read more

Any place that inspired a Guy Clark song - "Well, I wished I was in Austin, In the Chili Parlor bar Drinkin' Mad Dog Margaritas And not carin' where you are" - is worth a visit, so today I found myself in Austin and thought I'd give it a try. This is kind of a divey place, dark inside and not a place overly familiar with a mop. Just the kind of place that would serve good bowl of red. Service is friendly, a little spotty, and delivered by what you'd think would remind Mr. Clark of home. I ordered "the song", chili with no beans and a mad dog margarita. Both were quite good, but not good enough for five stars. Oh. The margarita would've earned five, hand mixed, served in a highball glass on the rocks with just the right amount of salt. The chili was what I thought was a little weak. I ordered the XX, medium spice but didn't find it very spicy at all. It's served with fresh chopped onions haphazardly plopped on the plate along with some pickled jalapeños and a basket of Lance crackers. It's chunky, made from cubes of chuck roast with a nice gravy, the authentic way. Overall, I'd say it's kind of a Texan's bucket list place, but not good enough for a lot of repeat visits. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Chili Parlor Chili with a Mad Dog Margarita. - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Came here while visiting from Seattle and it was so nice to get real spicy food for a change! Ordered a small queso (which was plenty big, and came with salsa). I was debating what to get - XXX (no beans, per tradition) or habanero beef with beans. The gentleman next to me gave me some recommendations and I went with the habanero version that contained beans. I later learned he was the owner! Sweet guy and totally inconspicuous. Brendan, the bartender, was great and super attentive. The chili was hot, but still flavorful, and this was the perfect Texas meal. read more

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Yummy and old school location. Great service. We will go again when I'm craving a good bowl of chili with all the fixings read more

The General manager kicked my service dog and me out and said that he does what he wants in here. He has the right to refuse me and anyone he wants. I was told I have to show a device dog card (which doesn't exist- nor is it required by the law) and laughed when I called him out on violating the Americans with disabilities act. He didn't ask me if my dog was a service dog or what she assisted me with (the only two questions legally allowed to be asked). I asked to speak with the Owner or his boss, and he again laughed and said it wasn't going to happen, he is out of the country, and the owner has no email. So again, I asked who do I make a complaint to about you "the general manager", he laughed and responded smugly with "me." I am a disabled veteran and have never been treated like this before. I already called my lawyer, so Russell, with two s's and two l's, can laugh and tell me I will find out who owns the parlor eventually. I don't care who owns the restaurant. I have rights, I served this country, and I will not be treated like this by a slobby rude General manager. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place is iconic! It's been in movies ex "Death Proof" with Kurt Russell. Don't be fooled by their name, it isn't just chili. Tacos, enchiladas yep! Queso is cheese awesomeness! Recommend Freida's enchiladas topped with any 1 of their chilis. I'm like the medium beef chili or the white pork chili. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I finally made it to Texas Chili Parlor and am a forever fan. You walk in and are greeted quickly and taken care of right away. Basically you decide the flavor or chili and in what form you want it. Enchiladas? They've got them. Frito Pie more your style? Done. Can't decide? Sampler platter it is. Just do yourself a favor and go. You will be so very happy you did. Happy eating! read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Three chili taster - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I loved this place. It was walking distance from our hotel and seemed to be the perfect place to visit while in Austin. As we walked up, it felt like Texas. Looking at the menu, it seemed liked Texas and when I ordered the Frito pie, it tasted like Texas. We don't have anything like this in San Diego so I loved it. I mean, I had never heard of a Frito pie so of course I was curious and I wasn't disappointed. It was extremely busy so I suggest giving yourself additional time in case you have other plans. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Nice place for chili. Close to the capital. It is more bar like and dark on the inside. I'm sure it's crazy during football games. The food was amazing. The hot chili is HOT! The mouse cake was to die for! I would love to go back in the future. Our waitress was very friendly and worked the table well. read more

What a bunch of madness! I was interested in this place because it was my first time in Austin (and Texas). My buddy made sure to set my expectations mostly because it is divey. He was right, and I LOVED IT This looks similar to a run down little dive bar within steps of the impressive capital building. It filled out real fast so we ended up eating at the bar. They do a pretty nice sampler platter where you can try three different chili's. Its actually a pretty decent deal since its basically "get two, get one free". I went with the medium and spicy Texas chili AND the green chili pork white chili. All three were great! Nice heat on the spicy. It gave me a little bit of a "woah". The only thing I didn't really like about the Texas Red Chili was that the chunks of meat were a little too large. They were a bit hard to eat and frankly took up a bunch of space that could be filled with more spicy goodness. Still, I would certainly order them again. I think I like the red a little better than the white. I also had a pretty good (and thick) Bloody Mary. They didn't skimp on the spice or the booze! As for the service, it was pretty good, but these people are a little unique. They are true Texans with a bit of a edge. I was treated super nicely there, but I could see them having an attitude if you have one as well. The doorman made me laugh as he was grumbling about the swarm of people that ran in right at 11 (thus us eating at the bar). Either way, it was a good time and glad to go there. I would recommend it to all who are looking for a bit of an authentic Texas experience with some crazy characters. read more

I was in town for a UT game and this place was recommended as I was staying in the Hampton inn just up the street. I love the atmosphere. Very "townie" type of feel. The night I was in the Astros were playing in the World Series. Not sure many people were there to watch the game but it was definitely packed. It is a seat yourself place. Didn't know that. Good thing for those coming to know so you don't stand at the door waiting to be seated like a dweeb. Lol. At first, because it was busy service was a little behind and a little off putting when the server finally showed. As the night went on and the crowd died down that changed. To the food......ordered the Texas Sampler with a chili, queso and guac. The chili is definitely a little different than I expected. It has the old style chili taste. I like my chili with a little more seasoning but it definitely has the old style chili taste like you would get from a can of chili or chili beans. Tried both the Venison and Beef Chuck chili. Both had similar taste. Guac was good. Just needed a little salt. I live in Arizona, so it's pretty easy to upgrade guac when needed. The salsa was nice and hot. Not too hot where it wasn't good but definitely had a little heat. The queso was the best part! Could have taken that home for later if it would reheat. Overall the restaurant was ok. It was bad enough that I wouldn't try it again but also was good enough that I would say it's a must go. Prices are very reasonable for Austin area. I'll try it again and try some of the other recommended options and maybe I'll up the rating. This being my only time having "Texas Chili" this may be the place to go. Texas Chili just May not be for my kind of chili. read more

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I went here for the first time yesterday and got the Chili Sampler, which is a taster of 3 chilis and I chose the Chunky Beef No Beans, Venison (with Black Beans), and White Pork Chili (Pork Sirloin, White Beans and Hatch Chilis). These came with a basket of plastic wrapped crackers, 2 per pack. To be honest, it was just alright. The venison was so watery that it spilled all over the bowl before it got to the table and they spilled on the table as the waitress lowered it - it looked like she tried real hard to avoid it but it was just too watery. It's also 2023, I understand keeping things traditional but baskets of packets of 2 individually wrapped crackers per table for chili orders is just environmentally irresponsible. The White Pork Chili is the only one I might consider ordering again if someone twisted my arm and made me go back here. As a lover of Chili, I was quite disappointed. I went expecting a Divey ambiance with good food but even the food did not quite make it. 2 stars for service and the White Pork Chili being okay. read more

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I have been to the Texas Chili Parlor more times than I can count but have never written a review until right now (just shameful, I know). Atmosphere: Upon walking into the Parlor, one is instantly transported back to a time when most of the Mad Dogs were still a 'thing'. The air is pungent with the smell of chili spices and booze and the décor is a mishmash of neon signs, old photos, and sundry ephemera. Chili: The last time I came in, I had the white chili. What's that you say, you have never had it? If you are not familiar with it, it's sort of the calmer, nicer cousin of a Texas chili. No frantically looking for something to put out the flames from a beef and habanero fest. White chili is made with white beans, chicken (sometimes pork), and mild green chiles. The Texas chili Parlor serves the chili with white onions and jalapenos on the side so the consumers can spice up their dishes as they please. Drank: The last go around, I also had my go to beverage when I come here which is the Mad Dod Margarita which is STRONG to me (and I am seasoned Navy Sailor drinker)! This drink is made with two parts Monte Alban Mezcal, one part Triple Sec, one part fresh lime juice, shaken vigorously with ice and served on the rocks (salt on the rim is optional). "Just the facts, ma'am"-Sgt. Joe Friday: Fact one: In times past, I have taken my kids here and they have ordered menu items other than chili like the kids burger. The kids portions here are huge and I love that because my kids are bottomless pits. Fact two: If you come here looking for something other than dive bar standards and food, well then that's on you! In addition, if you order something other than chili and complain about it, then again that is also on YOU! It is called the 'Texas Chili Parlor' (don't be that guy/gal who decides to blast this Texas staple because you ordered something other than what the moniker states they have and then write a review about how disappointed you were with it). Fact three: Texas chili has no beans in it! read more

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Must try! Looks like a little hole in the wall, but it has goodness inside. I got the chili dog, best chili I have ever had. I forgot to get pics. everyone was great. read more

Five. Count 'em! FIVE LONE STARS! Great place. Great chili. Great first experience. Being an uninitiated Yank, I went for the trio of tantalizing Texas chilis - from mild to 5 Alarm scorching! (Look, ma. No beans!) Just outstanding - including the Texas chili tutorial I got from the friendly bartender! Good guy. Interesting side note: I accidentally directed my spicy-hating' best gal to the hottest version. Hilarity ensued! Anyway, I reckon this place merits way more than 3.5 stars. Damn, Yelpers. Tough crowd! Highly recommend! read more

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Oh Texas Chili Parlor! How much I wanted to love your food and your food to love me!! We could've had an amazing love affair, but it just wasn't meant to be! I was so excited to taste your chunky and flavorful chili, but there was no flavor and no passion!! Each bite was sadder than the one before it and I finally gave up on getting any love back! The two saving graces were your amazing customer service from Amy, your bartender greeter, and server. The other was your chill decor and atmosphere. I don't think much as changed since you opened back in '76 other than upgrading to flat screen TVs, which is totally fine. I think I will come back for a drink and to chill, but not for more chili. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Cheese enchilada and taster chili - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Good food. Classic Austin dive bar atmosphere. Decent enough service (it's 2023). A robust selection of chili, with a pretty decent vegetable option. (they offer a 3 chili sampler) A decent chili mac. And good chips and queso. The salsa is sweet with a creeping, lingering heat that is worth trying The standard XX chili is medium on spice, (I feel like the hot sauce junkies might be disappointed as there is no face melting option) The white pork (Verde) chili is a pretty solid rep for its class, and good to see on the menu. The veggie chili is a sizable too, there is certainly an effort to make it its own thing. And not just the meat chili without meat. The atmosphere and service are classic Austin. Huts and catfish parlor are gone, and this place felt like going there. It warmed me up as much as their food to see the vibe still going. It has nothing to prove, and the service, and prices reflect that. A good bargain and worth the wait if it's crowded. But things seem to die down around 3 read more

Popped in one night after a business meeting on a trip staying at a hotel within walking distance. having lived in Austin previously for 18 years, this place is a landmark, however, on this night I was disappointed. All I ordered chili flight, a beer and some queso. on such a slow night the service was incredibly slow. I know that they do not make the chill at the time of order so I'm not sure why it took so long, additionally on cup of chili was cold (like out of the refrigerator cold) and the other was luke warm. I will give them another try hoping that it was just an off night. As fellow food service industry owner so I know how much impact online reviews can make and at the same time, I rely heavily on Yelp reviews when selecting places to try for my own personal choices so I try to be fair and send good reviews when deserved while pointing out specifics for improvement that the owners can use as feedback. read more

Another film location, from Death Proof, this chili joint is the real deal. Worth it for the chili alone. What kind? Several kinds. The beanless Texas variety and several others. We tried three and were not disappointed. Stayed near full the whole time we ate, so arrive early and hungry. The staff was cool, friendly and accommodating. The meal was prompt, beers were good, and portions reasonable. It should be a required recommendation. read more

The habanero chili is really good. The Frito pie is amazing. They have really good iced tea as well. Enjoy my friends. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Frito pie! - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

I never thought I would like Texas chili since it's usually served with no beans. This place made me a convert. Now that we're back from Austin, I'm in my kitchen trying to duplicate the recipe. The margaritas are amazing. The service was friendly. It seems like it's more of a local place since most of the patrons there were watching the Texas A&M football game. If you've seen the movie "Death Proof", you'll recognize the interior. read more

Three of us went to this iconic restaurant and we were very disappointed! We each ordered different items and all were horrible!!!! The pork chops were over cooked and like leather. The venison frito pie had chunks of meat that were not tender and the chili with beef was rubbery. All dishes lacked flavor! This place deserves a negative star. We will never return!!!! read more

Had never heard of this, our party needed a local dinner spot and this was fabulous! We had burgers, chili, gumbo, tacos, and more...staff was wonderful. The resturant was very eclectic and Texan, and serving was very quick! The noise level was of making, we were kind noisy, but no one seemed to mind. IF ever in Austin be sure to look for them!! read more

Came here to have mad dog margaritas based on the place's history and notoriety, specifically the it's reference in Guy Clark's song "Dublin Blues". Great decor that reflects Austin's eclectic zaniness through the years. Sadly, they had run out of mezcal (which is what makes a mad dog margarita), so had to settle for a regular marg with tequila. Also, had a small bowl of hot chili given it is after all a chili spot. Both the margarita and chili were decent if not outstanding, but I you ultimately come here more for the history than the food or drinks. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Small hot chili with regular margarita - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

If you want TEXAS Chili, this is your place. Go here now. Or go later. Or anytime I guess. What's a bean?

It's a rundown looking restaurant that resembles a dive bar but serves some good food. For starter I ordered the tostadas and salsa and it was spicy but delicious homemade salsa with some crispy chips. For main I ordered the chili sampler of white pork, venison, and black bean beef sausage chili. Venison and white pork were ok, just bland bowls of soup, but the black bean beef sausage one was very good, full of flavor without being spicy. I also got the gumbo sampler and that was delicious also. I was warned not to get the habanero beef and pinto beans because it's the spiciest thing they have in the whole restaurant, so don't order unless you can handle it. The bathroom was pretty nasty and the scenery is tacky but if you only care about trying some good chili then you should come read more

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Awesome spot. Good food, full bar, unique decor. Friendly service. A nice, cool, dark space on a warm day.

I waited about half an hour to be seated I don't like the guy at the door (at all). He is too brisk. The guy behind the bar is great. The chili was very average, but the price was excellent. I would probably visit again. read more

I love everything, especially Freida's enchiladas with chili and a mad dog margarita!!! "Well, I wish I was in Austin at the Chili Parlor bar drinking mad dog margaritas and not caring where you are..." read more

This place is a classic for a reason. Nothing better than a lovely bowl of chili. When I lived in Austin I would eat here as often as possible. Now when I go back it's a lovely treat. I might be wrong but the menu prices have not seemed to have gone up lately, could be just wishful thinking. read more

This feels like Texas. Like an authentic, when Austin was much smaller, experience. The TX Chili Parlor has been around since those days, and it feels like that...in a good way (with the exception of the bathrooms which could definitely stand for an update ). I love the decor, all the wood, and the hodgepodge of tables. Our waitress, Amy, was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We got there just before the rush on a day when a cold front blew in, so suddenly chili sounded like a good idea to lots of folks. I recommend an early lunch or early dinner if you don't want to be stuck in a queue, as there are only a handful of tables. My guy and I tried the chili sampler. You may choose three different chilis and add on accoutrements like cheese etc. Our three were: medium chunky beef no beans, white pork chili, and black bean beef and sausage. All were delicious. If you're sensitive to spicy, I would recommend going with mild, as medium does have a kick to it that lingers. I think this is a "must" try. I plan return to give some other menu items a go. Check it out. Let me know what you think. read more

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Dive bar at its best. Will is fun and makes you feel right at home. As far as I'm concerned, Texas chili parlor is a must stop when in Austin. This food speaks for itself. Everything is amazing. read more