Our Customers

People talk about us:

1. Andrew C.

Now this is a cool spot. It's old school so be prepared to not be impressed about the ambience. Fast and prompt service. Stopped for drinks and a 'taster' of chili. Very tender meat and authentic Texas chili. A bit pricey though. Two beers, two shots of tequila and a taster of chili was $50.

2. Sonia C.

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.

3. Renee J.

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!

4. Whitney K.

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!

5. Christine K.

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!

6. Chris H.

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

7. David L.

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.