When I visited, I ordered the 3 item combo for $9 - it was a pretty good value, especially considering how expensive everything else in Austin was. Chips with queso and salsa: the queso was thick, rich, and delicious. The salsa had good flavor but it was a little too hot for my liking. Tamal: I got it with ranchero sauce and it had pork inside. It was a solid tamal, but there was way too much cheese on top. Enchilada: it was supposed to have chicken inside, but it was so flat and loaded with cheese on top that I couldn't detect any (and could barely find the enchilada in the first place). I also ordered it topped with chili, which had great smoky flavor. However, setting all the fluff aside, it was the smallest enchilada I've ever had. To sum it up, the food had great flavors, but was completely smothered in cheese - it was a turnoff. If you need some reasonably priced food, this is a good place to eat at. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Chicken enchilada and pork tamal - way too much cheese on top - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I was here with my children and a friend on ACL weekend. The food was fine and the drinks were very good/strong. Be aware that the food is a little spicy (even the mac and cheese), so if you have young children, they may not enjoy it. The margarita was freaking fantastic and our server was attentive and friendly. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Been going here for years now! Great good, not the best service. I love the spicy chili on a baked potato with a side salad, it's my go-to! It's a cramped space so get ready to rub elbows with people. I've been here twice now where the service was not good. In one instance, my dad had to go to the bar and ask for a refill because we never saw our server. They were very apologetic though. And this most recent time, my dad and I went in for some dinner since we were waiting for a panel for the Texas Book Festival--which was, at that point, over an hour and a half away. The server rushed us to order, and said how it was very busy. We were understanding of course, it was a Sunday evening and there was a festival going on (though we had no wait time and we were surrounded by empty tables). In the almost hour and a half we were waiting, she came by our table a total of two times: to take our drink order, then drop off drinks and take our food order. Let me also point out that she wanted to take our food and drink orders as soon as we sat down (my dad had to grab us menus). Then we never saw her, not for refills or for updates on our food. We saw her scrambling around to other tables, also exasperated and telling them how slammed she was. It wasn't until we saw another server covering her table and overheard her telling the group that their system to read cards was down. We were confused though, because our server had handwritten our order on a ticket and given it to the kitchen. Sooo would that delay our food??? Also this is information that would've been great to hear from our actual server. After over an hour of waiting later, with multiple attempts to wave her down and multiple times meeting her eye, we left (we had only ordered water). Did she notice? Probably not. Were we late to our panel? Almost. This place is iconic and we've been going for years, but this particular experience left a very sour taste in our mouths. read more

Absolute legend. Killer chili, killer other dishes, killer drinks. Been there forever. A must-try whether you live in Austin or just visiting. Used to be a main meeting spot for old-school Texas politicians and celebrities like Ann Richards and Molly Ivins. If you're a Tarrantino fan, it's the location of the pivotal scene in "Death Proof" where Killer Mike is first introduced. read more

The food was amazing and super tasty. The service was super quick and the place is very clean. The ambiance was super nice it's bright but not to bright the music is great. Would come back read more

Relaxed, casual, dive atmosphere. It was just what I was looking for I came by myself and enjoyed people watching and the great food. The salsa was hot yet flavorful. I had a chili sampler, but my favorite was by far the medium meat chili. The venison chili was good as well, I can't remember the name of the third, but it was also flavorful and tasty. I paid $1 extra for each sour cream and cheese on the side, but it was not needed. The waitress was friendly and helpful. read more

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Went this week at lunch since it is in walking distance from work. Coworker had enchilada special and it did not taste "special. She let us try, bland. Child was average. I personally had the black bean chili and was pretty okay. PROS: Food came fast though busy. Server was gracious. Price was good. CONS: Chili was okay not fantastic for being in its name. Cashier was horrible that was a turn-off of to visit again. Server told us they could split bill. Cashier (long bearded man) told us cannot be done. Actually, wasn't a big deal. We could Venmo each other. Made a bigger deal and split bill while saying- this was a pain. Spoke ill of the server who told us incorrectly. Then made a comment about this is wasting their time. So very unprofessional. Sour taste did not want to come again. PS- I did go tell server of her error in a nice way (cause I've been a server before) and did not want her to get yelled at by the man. So due to customer service will not be going again. read more

A fun dive bar near the capital that has yummy chili to boot! We came in early evening and were able to get happy hour drinks. We like dive bars and felt right at home at a table. My boyfriend ordered a chili sampler and enjoyed the venison the best. I started with a cup of gumbo and then the frito pie. I was glad to have found this place in my research for our trip. I would come back if I came to town again. Our server was very nice too! read more

Good old classic dive restaurant near the Capitol building. Great chili frito pie. Unless you're really hungry, the small frito pie bowl (which is the size of a large chili bowl) was more than enough for two people. Great Texas staple. Service was fast, but on a Saturday I'd get there before 12 or you will wait. read more

Delicious food at a reasonable price, in a great, no-nonsense atmosphere. My friend and I had just been complaining about how most places blare music at you to try to make you think you're having a good time, but just make it hard to have a conversation. We immediately noticed that in the Texas Chili Parlor, there is none of that. Just the sounds of people having a good time, without a pumped-up soundtrack. The server was friendly and helpful without being fake bubbly. It was the perfect place to enjoy great chili, eggs, Tex-Mex, and steak. read more

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Wonderful food, wonderful staff, felt welcome as soon as I walked in the door, love the vibe, and loved the chili, had 4 sampler bowls, they were all fantastic. Had a mad dog margarita, these I highly recommend read more

Texas Chili Parlor is a staple in downtown Austin. Who knows, you might be sitting next to a famous politician without realizing it. I recently got the chili sampler: Medium heat chili (no beans) Habanero chili White bean chili with pork All really tasty and delicious. Small portions but they're the sampler for a reason. The service here is average at best. The workers act like you should know the process when you walk in. Almost as if they're frustrated with how many people come through on a daily basis. Let's ramp up that customer service, there's no need to make people feel awkward from the jump right when people walk in. read more

I was in Austin for one night while the husband had meetings and I spent the day seeing the sights but when I asked a couple of locals where to eat they recommended the Texas Chili Parlor and they were not wrong. It's a dive for sure but friendly, great food and I def didn't leave hungry. I will be back! read more

Great atmosphere and the food was delicious. Server was friendly and the food was delivered hot. My niece and I both had enchiladas, cheese for me and chicken for her, and they were excellent. Just a block or so from the state capitol if you're in the area. Would definitely eat here again. read more

Genuinely the meanest stuff I've ever met out of any restaurant. One of the waitresses shoved my friend, then yelled at us, and the man at the bar screamed at us when we tried to sit down. Absolutely do not go here all of the staff was so unwelcoming. read more

I don't even know how to start... The vibe is unbelievable the chili is something never tasted in my life...can't wait to be back read more

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It's not like it used to be. It's been turned into a generic Tex-Mex restaurant with, by the way, some odd types of chili. Dirty, bad service place hyped by social media "content providers" and "influencers" to entice unsuspecting tourists to a fake "Texas experience". Welcome to the new Austin! read more

Killer salsa, food and service! The side salad was so simple but so impressively fresh and delicious with the house made ranch. Will definitely be back. read more

Great hole on the wall old school chili parlor. I am a huge fan of texas red chili and they delivered well. They have a couple of varieties but I will stick to no beans. Sports on the tv, good ambiance and great chili, does it get any better? read more

This place hasn't been cleaned since 1976. Mold on the vents blowing everywhere. The dust bunnies have been there so long that they have braids. The venison chili tastes like road kill. The margaritas taste like antifreeze, don't ask me how I know. Gross all around. read more

Wow okay so it's a dive spot but man oh man the food!! The chunks of meat in the chili were so tender I want to go back lol!! True Texas chili - no beans or tomatoes it was amazing!! We had a frito pie and the steak and enchilada! What a great deal and fun to share! Modelo went perfectly with the chili as the waitress said!!! It was walking distance from the hotel and really worth it!! It's been there since 1976 and you can tell why! Great food good service and fun atmosphere - nothing fancy but good food!!! read more

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This was an extremely unique place. Like a chili parlor dive joint. When we walked in we were politely greeted by the bartender. We were told we could sit anywhere. We were seated less than a minute and a gentleman walked up to us and asked what we would like to drink. He was very polite and attentive during our entire meal. About three minutes later our server showed up and took our orders. I can't recall what everybody ordered but I do know I ordered the Frito pie and it was excellent. I had it with venison chili and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Reminded me of all carnival snacks. I think people used to call and pepper bellies. They cut the top off a bag of Fritos and put chili on top of it. The meal came with pickles and onions. We also ordered nachos and cheese and they were excellent. Covered with jalapeños. The decor is really cool looking. Real throwback. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed their meals and we would go there again if we were wanting to have chili. It's worth stopping in this place. read more

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A great little taste of Texas after visiting the Texas State Capitol or Texas History Museum. I like that they offer a 3 chili sampler so you can get a sense of their offerings. Though since they sell more than 3 varieties of chili, you still have to make some decisions and the stakes are high! Queso and Chips: I just cannot resist queso. Theirs had the classic Velveeta-esqe flavor, so full of comfort. Came out at the same time as the chili and actually did a great job of cooling the mouth after bites of the hotter chilis. XXX: Their signature style, at the hottest level. Enjoyed the large chunks of beef floating in a red sauce that tasted like dried re-soaked chilis (instead of tomato sauce). Had a great smoky aroma. And actually wasn't killer hot for being the hottest level. Habanero Beef & Pinto Beans: Kinda what us non-Texans think of as chili with ground beef and beans. This actually was spicier than the XXX, leaving a pleasant buzz in the mouth after each bite. Cutting that spicy tingle with chips and queso was perfect. White Pork Chili: Felt more like soup since there only little flecks of pork and lots of broth and silky vegetables. From the lens of being a soup, it was nice. But I was hoping for something with a little more personality for a chili. read more

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The chili potato with venison chili is by far my favorite dish I've had in Austin. There's nothing better than a place that exudes the essence of Texas in its atmosphere. Very pleasant experience, and James was such a kind server! read more

Best Chili in Austin!!!! Try the Sampler~ Best Bartender & friend for life-Pepe' and Crew! Give it a try~ read more

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"Everything, from a bowl of Texas Red to the Hamburger salad, is always perfect. This isn't Applebee's; it's an old-school Austin eatery. Many of the lower-star reviews seem to come from soft out-of-staters who complain about the slow service. Just relax, and have a beer or a Mad Dog margarita. Stop complaining about the service, the wait times, and especially about the lack of beans in the chili. A true Texas chili should never have beans! Anyway, enjoy your amazing food and soak in the ambiance of what Austin used to be like." read more

Went a little bit different this time and had the Wagyu cheeseburger and let me tell you it did not disappoint. My wife had chili. My son had mac & cheese chili and there was absolutely no complaints with the entire meal. Staff was super friendly. Drinks were super cold. was typical Texas chili parlor downtown Austin. Great great food great people no complaints. read more

We are regulars and we love this place in ANY weather conditions :) lol the food and atmosphere is warm and welcoming

I woke up and my apartment was chilly and that made me crave chili. Fun lil place Really brings you back in time. I got the habanero chili and the waitress warned me that it was going to be hot and it darn tootin was. It's was painfully delicious. Cheers to the state food of Texas yee haw read more

Texas Chili Parlor - Frito Pie and chili - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

I give this place three stars for the food and 4-5 for the service and ambiance. I'm sorry that I was pretty underwhelmed by the chili and the drinks (margarita just OK -- about what you'd expect for a dive bar, i suppose, but this is one is legendary). The best thing I ate was the potato salad. Actually, I would order that to go in a big tub and serve it to guests, it was that good. The service was wonderful, and what's not to love about a dark, grungy bar that time has forgotten since the 70s? My kids learned some new information from the bathroom stalls, the guy at the door was super friendly. Overall, a memorable experience. I'll just order something non-chili related next time. read more

Okay so this place looks like the dive it is with some of the most amazing chili only found in Texas. It's a true dive bar but has great food, great servers and an eclectic atmosphere. Give it a try read more

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An absolute classic! An Austin institution that's an old-timey TX dive bar that also happens to serve excellent chili. The original bowl o' red is the best but some of the others are tasty and unique (venison, pork & white bean, etc.). read more

Real good. Huge chunks of beef in the chili, very delicious. The place looked cool too. Frito Pie was great.

Great dive bar with amazing chili. Can't go wrong with the atmosphere and surrounding area.

best chili I've ever had in my life! the bartender was okay but my server more than made up for it. attentive while busy is a unique trait and she should be rewarded! the ambiance is nostalgic and gives you a comforting feeling. read more

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Feel n place for lunch. Full of locals. Prices are very affordable. Good service. You can choose your chili- from mild to hot! I will come back for sure. read more

Texas Chili Parlor - American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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

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

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