Had a mighty fine bowl of chili at lunch today, which prompted me to start this thread.

So which restaurants do y'all like for chili, and what about the chili do you like?

I don't think I've ever ordered chili at a restaurant. Some things are just better done at home.

I make it at home too. Just curious what restaurants people have found that they consider it good. I can't recall any place in the area advertising it as one of their signature items.

Roadhouse is passable.

I think the last time I ordered it at a restaurant was at Jason's Deli over a decade ago. This has a lot to do with why I prefer to just make my own.

You're right though. It's not really a signature item anywhere.

Harvey Washbangers. EOT.

No need for a restaurant. We have an entire festival around making chili. Starts April 15.

http://www.chilifest.org/

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I don't think I've ever ordered chili at a restaurant. Some things are just better done at home.

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yeah, like everyone else here, my homemade chili is better than anything i would eat at anyplace in town, but i think there is a place in the D/FW area called the Texas Chili Parlor that i would try, and maybe a place in Austin i have heard of, but can't remember the name, that makes good chili.

Yeah, I don't mean to be snobbish, but like the OP said in his second post, it's not really a signature item in but a few places. I think a lot of that has to do with so many people making their own to their personal specifications to the point that there is no broadband "perfect" chili. Just what's perfect for you.

Making "good" chili is pretty damn easy, but making "perfect" chili is way too subjective.

Billy Chili at Margie's downtown. Yankee's has some good chili, also.

Texas Roadhouse

Ozona has a decent chili, but as most have said, I can make better at home.

I find this really interesting because one associates chili with Texas as much as tacos, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. Yet there seem to be far fewer "chili parlors" around then places serving the other items. Was chili always something just confined to the home and cook-offs in this area?

C&J has some, but I have never tried it.

While I agree that the best chili is made at home, really great chili takes a long time to prepare. Way longer than I'm usually willing to provide. Here's my list of local favorites, in no particular order:
Texas Roadhouse
Margie's
McAlister's
Washbangers is good when it's good, but it can be inconsistent
If you're up for a drive, Funky Art Cafe in Brenham has damn good chili!

There is no good chili in BCS, period.

Wienerschnitzel

Ron's Burgers and Chili in tomball is the only restaurant I've ever had chili at. The chili is really good. The burgers not so good.

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No need for a restaurant. We have an entire festival around making chili. Starts April 15.

http://www.chilifest.org/

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Been 3 years in a row, don't think I've ever had a bite of chili.

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No need for a restaurant. We have an entire festival around making chili. Starts April 15.

http://www.chilifest.org/

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Been 3 years in a row, don't think I've ever had a bite of chili.

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Yep. This guy gets it.

I didn't know Chilifest had chili. Learn something new everyday.

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I find this really interesting because one associates chili with Texas as much as tacos, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. Yet there seem to be far fewer "chili parlors" around then places serving the other items. Was chili always something just confined to the home and cook-offs in this area?

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FlyRod, good point. my guess is that we eat chili far fewer times a year than we we eat tacos, BBQ, hamburgers, pizza, etc... I probably make chili maybe 3 or 4 times a yr. i guess it's just not a "go out to eat" kinda food, all though i'm not sure why. if you had a good chili place with different varieties served straight or on burgers, fries, nachos, hot dogs etc... maybe that would work

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No need for a restaurant. We have an entire festival around making chili. Starts April 15.

http://www.chilifest.org/

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Been 3 years in a row, don't think I've ever had a bite of chili.

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Yep. This guy gets it.

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"Come drink in the sun 2016"

Dairy Queen foot-long chili dogs -- damn good chili!!

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Dairy Queen foot-long chili dogs -- damn good chili!!

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... from a can!