Chili John's

Chili John's has apparently been around since 1943. It is no new chili on the block. Debbie has worked there for 20 years, and can therefore point out things on the wall that she knows have been there that long. Sometimes when a body's been working somewhere that long, they are cranky. They are not excited about new customers. And they sure as hell don't want to give you a spiel about the history or go into depth about what they are serving or how best to enjoy your dining experience. But that was certainly not the case here. Alec- the young man (presumably Debbie's son or nephew) who was brewing up the chili asked us "have you eaten here before?" almost immediately and not in a tone that smacked of irritation- but invitation. He lovingly described his creations, made sure we tasted before choosing and piled extra food into my leftover container. He is busy perfecting his vegetarian recipe- which he feels is not yet right- but I definitely admire his quest. He spoke like a scientist about his craft and is rather well informed about Scoville units so don't be afraid to chat him up about the Bhut Jolokia or pepper spray.




The basics: You choose a type of chili & can have it on or mixed with a variety of things. It's just the meat (or unmeat) until you scoop it on to something. There are some sides and soft drinks & that's pretty much it. Simple.


Alissa: The first thing I noticed was that eating around the horseshoe shaped counter (which is the only seating) was like... 10 dudes. Zero ladies. So I had the pleasure of being the only female nasty enough to take down a bowl of chili for lunch. I tasted the chicken and veggie chili- but Alec seemed disappointed in the amount of quinoa in the veggie, so I chose chicken. I got it over spaghetti. He said a couple drops of apple cider vinegar would make the protein pop- so i dropped them puppies in there. It was just spicy enough to have that special tingling- the threat of sweat on the brow... but no actual sweat. I ate nearly the whole thing before feeling totally food-drunk so, needless to say I enjoyed it. I liked Cory's too...


Cory: Be prepared to perspire when you walk in the door. The place is like a sauna. A sauna full of bearded paunchy dudes huddled around steaming deep wells of chili, which are placed appropriately dead center of the seating arrangement.
Don't read that as a negative statement though. This place is exactly what a chili joint should be: down & dirty (in a clean way), plain & simple. Chili John's serves up an awesomely satisfying bowl of chili in the classic sense. I opted for the chicken chili over beans with some cheddar, a few droplets of vinegar, some oyster crackers, & a dollop of sour cream to cool the burn on this already sweltering summer afternoon. I was impressed! The flavor was right on, with a not-too-fiery finish. I could have put down another bowl, but I opted not to for Alissa's sake (since she had to work near me for the rest of the day).
I'll definitely return, but may wait for the temperature in Burbank to dip below 90 first. Or wear a mesh shirt...



Good bite? Or just totally bites?
A: good bite. recommend. i want that feller to get that vegetarian chili poppin so I can eat it.
C: good bite. I'd love to go back. And I have an idea for that veggie chili: barley.
Possible bummers: saunaesque atmosphere, grease, a little $$ey


Info:
2018 West Burbank Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91506-1319
(818) 846-3611
Open Weekdays 11am-7pm; Sat 11am-4pm

**Our reports are based on one visit/meal- so we're far from experts on these joints! so if you have advice or experiences you'd like to share, please feel free to enlighten us & our readers! Our goal is to give enough info that someone might feel okay trying somewhere new (or know to avoid it!). Thanks for reading :)