Chili’s has been a go-to casual dining spot for decades, serving up Tex-Mex favorites and American classics. With so many options on their extensive menu, it can be tough to know which dishes truly deliver on flavor and value.
We’ve gathered feedback from regular customers to highlight the must-try items and those that might leave you disappointed.
1. Worth It: Molten Chocolate Cake
This legendary dessert has maintained its cult following for good reason. The warm chocolate cake comes with a gooey center that flows like lava when you dig in.
The vanilla ice cream on top creates the perfect hot-and-cold contrast. Many customers admit they visit Chili’s specifically for this indulgent treat.
2. Worth It: Classic Ribeye
Surprisingly excellent for a casual chain restaurant, the ribeye consistently earns praise for being tender and flavorful. The steak comes perfectly seasoned and cooked to your preference.
Paired with loaded mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, it’s a satisfying meal. Regulars say it rivals steaks from pricier steakhouse chains.
3. Worth It: Oldtimer Burger
Sometimes simplicity wins. The Oldtimer keeps things basic with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and mustard on a toasted bun.
The well-seasoned beef patty remains juicy and substantial. Customers love that it doesn’t try too hard with unnecessary toppings, letting the quality beef shine through.
4. Worth It: Skillet Queso
This bubbling hot appetizer creates instant table happiness. The creamy blend of cheeses comes mixed with seasoned beef and green chiles for a kick of flavor.
Served with warm tostada chips, it’s perfect for sharing. Many tried to recreate this dip at home but always return for the real thing.
5. Worth It: Baby Back Ribs
The dish that inspired their famous jingle lives up to the hype. These fall-off-the-bone ribs come slathered in tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes perfectly.
The meat remains tender and juicy even after reheating leftovers. Served with fries and corn on the cob, this signature dish consistently satisfies rib lovers.
6. Worth It: Southwestern Eggrolls
These crispy cylinders pack a flavor punch that keeps customers coming back. Filled with chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese, they offer a delicious fusion twist.
The avocado ranch dipping sauce elevates them to must-order status. Ideal as a shareable starter or even a main course for lighter appetites.
7. Worth It: Margarita Grilled Chicken
Health-conscious diners rejoice over this flavorful yet lighter option. The chicken breast gets marinated in lime juice and tequila before grilling, giving it a bright, zesty flavor.
Served with rice and black beans, it satisfies without weighing you down. The pico de gallo topping adds freshness to complete this popular dish.
8. Worth It: Chips And Salsa
Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best. Chili’s complimentary chips arrive warm and crispy, paired with their house-made salsa that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and spicy.
This free starter consistently outshines many paid appetizers at other restaurants.
9. Worth It: Classic Chicken Fajitas
The sizzling arrival of these fajitas turns heads across the restaurant. Tender strips of grilled chicken come with caramelized onions and bell peppers on a scorching cast iron plate.
Warm flour tortillas and all the fixings let you build your perfect bite. The generous portion size often provides enough for next-day leftovers.
10. Worth It: Triple Dipper
Can’t decide on just one appetizer? This customizable sampler lets you pick three from their most popular starters.
Most customers recommend including the Southwestern Eggrolls, Boneless Wings, and Loaded Potato Skins. With three dipping sauces included, it’s perfect for sharing.
11. Skip: Cajun Pasta
Despite its promising description, this pasta dish consistently disappoints. The sauce often arrives too watery or bland, lacking the bold Cajun kick you’d expect.
The pasta frequently comes overcooked, and the protein portions seem skimpy. Many customers recommend ordering Cajun-inspired dishes from restaurants that specialize in that cuisine instead.
12. Skip: Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers
While regular Chicken Crispers make a solid choice, the honey-chipotle version falls short. The sauce often comes too sweet and overwhelming, masking the chicken’s flavor completely.
The regular crispers or buffalo version make for better alternatives on the menu.
13. Skip: California Turkey Club
This sandwich consistently ranks among customer disappointments. The turkey often comes dry and flavorless, while the bread frequently arrives soggy from too much mayo.
Portion size complaints are common, with thin slices of turkey and bacon. For the price point, customers suggest ordering a burger or heartier sandwich option instead.
14. Skip: Spicy Shrimp Tacos
These tacos promise spice but deliver disappointment according to regular customers. The shrimp portion typically runs small, and many report receiving barely warm or even cold tacos.
The spice level varies inconsistently between visits. Choose a restaurant that specializes in Mexican cuisine instead.
15. Skip: Grilled Chicken Salad
This seemingly healthy option often disappoints with wilted greens and dry chicken pieces. Many customers report receiving salads with browning lettuce edges and sparse toppings.
The dressing typically comes in tiny portions that don’t adequately cover the salad. Margarita Grilled Chicken provides better value and taste.
16. Skip: Classic Sirloin
While the ribeye earns praise, the sirloin consistently receives complaints. Customers frequently report tough, chewy meat that lacks flavor compared to other steak options.
The portion size seems to have shrunk over the years. Spending a few extra dollars for the ribeye makes a world of difference.