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Chili in California

A bowl of chili that relies on depth of flavor and slow-simmered ingredients rather than just dumping in extra spice to hide a lack of technique.

Based on 690 Opinions
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01
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Cozy spot offers a calm vibe with live keyboard music and a prayer wall. Savory chili paste enhances dishes like beef bacon and egg bites, while semi-sweet chili oil adds a mild kick. Nostalgic, friendly atmosphere invites guests to relax.

Chili paste stands out with its savory richness and pairs well with dishes like beef bacon and egg bites. The chili oil offers a semi-sweet flavor with a mild kick, making it popular among adults.

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for two or more guests, but walk-ins may be accommodated.

2

Expect a small, cozy atmosphere with limited seating.

3

The restaurant offers prayer tags with the check, showing they care for the community.

02
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Asian spot buzzes with photo-worthy corners and loud, chill music. Chili wontons bring a taste of home with bold sauce, while tamarind chili wings balance sweet and spice perfectly. Cocktails like lychee and passionfruit add a fresh twist to soft dumplings and chicken rolls.

Chili wontons stand out with a super good sauce and a flavor that reminds of home. Tamarind chili wings offer a perfect balance of sweet and spice with a juicy, crispy texture.

People are saying

"The chili wontons here are bomb."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 8pm with $1 wings and late night deals.

2

The $1 wings are a popular choice during happy hour.

3

Parking is easier at this location compared to others in the area.

03
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Small, family-owned spot offers a cozy vibe with handmade dumplings and Studio Ghibli tunes. Fresh, flavorful chili oil pairs perfectly with soy and vinegar dips. Intimate seating makes it a warm, inviting place to enjoy simple, authentic flavors.

Good to know

1

Make sure to come early because there are limited seats in the restaurant.

2

Be prepared to look for parking.

3

The restaurant was small and parking could be difficult.

04
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Small diner with a cozy atmosphere and friendly energy. Chile Verde shines as the signature dish, featured in burritos and chilaquiles. Large tables create a snug dining experience perfect for families.

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on Sundays.

3

Breakfast and lunch are the only meals served; dinner is not available.

05
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Hole-in-the-wall spot offers bold spice in burritos and tacos with varied meats. Green chili with pork delivers rich flavor and heat. Cash-only with careful packaging makes takeout easy and satisfying.

Green chili with pork stands out for its spicy heat and rich flavor. Burritos come with options like Chile Verde and Chile Colorado, topped with fresh onions, lime, shredded cabbage, dried chile, and oregano for added zest.

People are saying

"The green chili here is amazing and sometimes extremely hot."

Good to know

1

The only payment method accepted is cash.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

They offer great takeout options for parties and get-togethers.

06
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Open kitchen and self-service kiosk create a casual dining vibe with cozy seating and popular music. Unique chili sauce adds a delicious kick to dumplings and wontons. Outdoor tables with shade enhance the laid-back atmosphere for a fresh, high-quality meal.

Chili sauce stands out with its unique flavor and is served alongside famous chili oils. It pairs well with dumplings, wontons, and cucumbers, adding a delicious kick to these dishes.

People are saying

"You must try their unique chili sauce."

Good to know

1

Crab meat pork costs $15, and pork soup dumplings are $14.

2

The menu includes vegan options like steamed dumplings and sautéed bok choy.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere; the establishment can get packed quickly.

07
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Spacious dining area blends modern design with cozy booths and bright surroundings. Authentic Hunan dishes deliver bold chili heat with smoky wok aromas. Warm atmosphere echoes street vibes with curated music, making free-range chicken and pickled fish standouts.

Stir-fried pork dishes pack a balanced chili heat with a perfect lean-to-fat ratio, enhanced by tons of garlic and a smoky wok aroma. Authentic Hunan and Hengyang styles bring bold, spicy flavors that complement rice well.

People are saying

"The chili peppers here are fragrant and imported straight from Hunan."

Good to know

1

Parking is very convenient for visitors.

2

The restaurant uses imported ingredients from Hunan for authentic flavors.

3

The portions are generous, providing good value for money.

08
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Industrial-Japanese design meets bright yellow noren curtains and a railroad-style layout with communal tables. Cilantro chili oil and chimichurri chili add bold spice, especially in the chili dipping sauce. Warm, cozy vibe with good music and casual seating focuses on gyoza.

Chili shines through in their cilantro chili oil and chimichurri chili, both adding strong flavor. The chili dipping sauce stands out, especially paired with gyoza or added to broth.

People are saying

"The gyoza here are flavorful, whether steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays with great deals on gyoza.

2

Parking can be challenging, but public parking is usually available nearby.

3

Dine-in service is now allowed, providing a comfortable atmosphere.

09
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Family-owned spot shines with authentic Tex-Mex and bold chili flavors. Signature Chili Verde fries and birria tacos offer rich, spicy bites. Friendly staff create a lively atmosphere perfect for burger lovers and spice fans alike.

Red chili and green chili stand out with strong flavor and spice. The Chile Verde fries with pork and chili cheese fries offer tasty, satisfying options with a mix of heat and richness.

People are saying

"The red and green chili here are really spicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned, offering a personal touch to service.

2

Expect large portion sizes; one burrito can feed multiple people.

3

The menu features a mix of burgers and Tex-Mex dishes.

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Small, cozy spot with a modern design and lively energy. Bold chili wontons and spicy Dan Dan noodles bring strong flavors. Soft Asian pop music keeps the vibe casual and perfect for chatting.

Chili wontons stand out with their bold chili sauce and rich flavor. Dan Dan noodles and chili dumplings also feature a strong, spicy kick that complements the dishes well.

People are saying

"The chili wontons here are amazing and the chili oil are amazing."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable, about $35 for two people.

2

The meal is sufficient for two people, and leftovers are common.

3

Authentic Chinese cuisine is prepared by cooks speaking Mandarin and Cantonese.

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Cozy spot with an old school family vibe and Hawaiian theme offers a laid back, festive mood perfect for groups. Award-winning chili shines with rich flavor and perfect spice, drawing many back for pints. Homemade dressings add a special touch to casual dining.

Chili stands out with its rich flavor and perfect spice balance. Many return specifically for this exceptionally good dish and even take pints home.

People are saying

"I thought the chili here was delicious and award-winning."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private parties and special events.

2

Prime Rib Fridays feature a special menu and often require early arrival.

3

Daily specials are posted on a whiteboard; check for unique offerings.

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Cozy spot with vivid murals offers authentic Chongqing noodles and handmade dumplings. Spicy chili oil adds bold heat to wontons and dumplings. Free WiFi and comfy seating make it great for casual group meals.

Chili oil here is spicy and lingers well, adding heat to otherwise mild dishes. Dumplings and wontons come in chili oil, with the wontons tasting handmade and authentic.

People are saying

"The chili wontons here are incredible and taste authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The menu features Chongqing-style noodles with several combo options.

3

Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

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Cozy diner buzzes with pop-themed decor and a lively mural. Chili cheese fries and pocket burger feature bold chili flavors that pop. Loud music energizes but challenges chat, while self-serve soda adds a fun touch.

Chili shines as a fun and flavorful addition here, especially on the chili cheese fries and the pocket burger. The chili blends well with fries and chips, making those options stand out.

People are saying

"I thought the chili cheese fries were amazing and unique."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider carpooling or takeout.

3

They stop taking orders 20 minutes before closing time.

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Small spot offers silky tender chicken and flavorful garlic rice with a quiet, low-key vibe. Meals come with sweet chili sauce and a spicy dipping sauce that add bold flavor. Limited seating and sketchy parking don't stop early crowds from enjoying the specialty Hainan chicken rice.

Sauces include a sweet chili sauce and a garlic vinaigrette that pair well with proteins. Meals come with broth, fresh ginger, chili, and a flavorful dipping sauce.

People are saying

"I loved the sweet chili sauce; it complemented everything."

Good to know

1

Heng Heng Chicken Rice 2 is take-out only with limited indoor seating.

2

Call ahead to confirm availability, as popular items may sell out.

3

They offer a promotion: a free $6 Thai iced tea with two entrees.

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Offers authentic Mexican dishes and burgers with large portions at low prices. Enjoy spicy chili cheeseburgers and steak burritos paired with crispy fries. Interior is clean with cute decor, creating a welcoming vibe.

Chili appears in several dishes like the chili cheeseburger and alongside steak burritos. It pairs well with sides like fries and onion rings, adding a hearty touch.

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served all day, making it a versatile option.

2

The restaurant offers large portions at a low price.

3

The establishment is very clean and well-maintained.

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Cozy spot serves three chili types with varying spice levels, including Oaxacan and Rancho Beef Chili. Enjoy a chili burger with tater tots in a quiet, dog-friendly patio. Street parking is easy, and the vibe blends diner casual with quality breakfast and brunch.

Three types of chili come with three spice levels. Options include Oaxacan chili and Rancho Beef Chili served with sourdough bread. A chili burger with tater tots offers a mouth watering twist.

People are saying

"I loved their chili, with three different types to choose from."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street right in front of the building.

2

The dining area and restroom are very clean.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually quick even during brunch.

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Small Vietnamese spot offers authentic pho in a cozy, family-owned setting with soft music. Homemade chili sauce and chili oil bring balanced spice with lemongrass and peanuts. Clean, simple vibe makes it perfect for a laid-back meal.

Homemade chili sauce and chili oil stand out with a balance of lemongrass, peanuts, and chilis. The chili oil pairs well as a dip and adds the perfect amount of spice to dishes like pho.

People are saying

"Their house-made chili sauce adds the perfect amount of spice."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but there is free parking available nearby.

2

Noodle refills are available, ensuring a satisfying meal.

3

Expect a wait time of about 10-15 minutes for food after ordering.

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Menu blends Korean, Japanese, and Western dishes with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Chili features tender beef chunks for an authentic Texas taste. Atmosphere is clean and lively with a simple interior and convenient drive-thru.

Chunks of very tender beef define the chili, making it a true Texas chili rather than a ground beef version. Other items like chicken wings and potato balls also complement the menu.

People are saying

"The chili cheese galbi fries were bomb."

Good to know

1

There is a drive-thru available for quick service.

2

Parking is available next to Vons, which is convenient.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait as everything is made to order.

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Cozy spot with a family vibe and Mediterranean touches offers a relaxed meal experience. Chile verde shines in dishes like fries and burritos, adding bold flavor. Clean, open space with great music keeps energy positive and inviting.

Chile verde appears in several dishes like fries and burritos, often praised for its flavor. Staff sometimes offer tastes, and it pairs well with items like chilaquiles and French toast.

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait at Lindos Diner.

2

The diner is fully handicap accessible for all guests.

3

Prices are reasonable, with a typical bill around $90 for four meals.

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Enjoy spicy Pork Chili Verde tacos and rich brisket dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly spot. Fresh handmade tortillas and scratch-made salsas with pineapple add unique flavor. Patio seating and a big screen TV create a welcoming, casual vibe.

Pork Chili Verde tacos bring a spicy, full flavor. Brisket and chili braised beef appear in several dishes, adding rich, savory notes.

Good to know

1

There is patio seating with TV and indoor seating for larger groups.

2

Patrons should be warned about the spice level; hot is not the default.

3

Everything is made fresh from scratch, including hand-ground masa tortillas.

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Cozy, family-owned spot offers a warm atmosphere with quiet, clean space perfect for families. Green chili sauce shines on burritos and chips, while chile relleno stands out as a favorite. Enjoy shrimp tacos and enchiladas in a calm, welcoming setting.

Good to know

1

They celebrate Father's Day.

2

They have parking in the back, but street parking is limited.

3

The prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.

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Small Mexican spot offers a family-friendly atmosphere with soft ranchero music. Dishes shine with green chile sauce, especially the Chili Relleno Burrito WET. Generous portions and affordable prices make it a cozy, home-cooked experience.

Green chile sauce features prominently in dishes like ribs and burritos. The menu includes a Chili Relleno Burrito WET and a shredded beef taco plate with chili verde.

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

2

Expect generous portions with every meal served.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

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Cozy space glows with Moroccan-style lamps and authentic Middle Eastern decor. Menu shines with spicy green chili hummus and smooth red hummus, adding fresh twists. Enjoy Armenian and Lebanese beers that perfectly complement the Mediterranean flavors.

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect longer wait times during weekend dinner hours.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes at reasonable prices.

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Small spot shines with deep fried shrimp and chili cheese fries. Chili comes bean-free and flavors chili rice, great with shrimp or burgers. Casual vibe and affordable prices keep it true to Downtown L.A. comfort food roots.

Chili comes as a side without beans and also mixed into chili rice that pairs well with crackers. The chili rice adds extra flavor when combined with other dishes like cheeseburgers or shrimp.

People are saying

"You have to try the chili rice with crackers."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of shrimp and fries options.

2

Dining in is preferable for the freshest food experience.

3

You can order ahead to save time on your visit.

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Hole-in-the-wall spot serves best burritos with unique pork rind sauce and flavorful chile verde that pairs with gooey cheese. Simple, cash-only place offers quick, affordable meals with green and red salsa options. No parking, closes early.

Burritos feature chile verde that is flavorful but a bit dry, balanced by gooey cheese. The chile relleno uses a pickled pepper cooked with egg and cheese, creating a crispy, browned texture.

Good to know

1

Omana's is cash only; bring cash to pay.

2

There is no parking available at Omana's.

3

Omana's closes early, around 5 pm.

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Halal restaurant offers live jazz saxophone and Northwestern Chinese cuisine for a lively vibe. Chili blends natural lamb flavor with smoky BBQ and cumin, delivering mild to moderate heat. Musicians serve by day and perform by night, adding to the authentic atmosphere.

Chili here features a natural lamb flavor mixed with smoky BBQ notes and a hint of cumin. The heat ranges from mild to moderately spicy, with chili peppers adding subtle warmth.

People are saying

"I found the chili spicy enough, but not too mild."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates a semi-self-service model with no tipping accepted.

2

Generous portions are served, making it a good value for money.

3

No reservations are required; seating is first-come, first-served.

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Small shack with classic drive-up setup offers a nostalgic vibe and plenty of parking. Outdoor seating creates a cozy spot for old-school car meets and local comfort food lovers. Chili cheese fries add a hearty, flavorful touch to burgers and fish tacos.

Chili cheese fries come with burgers and fish tacos, making a solid combo. The chili adds a hearty, flavorful touch to the fries and pairs well with the other dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the chili fries were awesome."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The menu offers a diverse range of options, including burgers and sides.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

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Bright orange walls and cat-themed decor create a cozy, calm space with a friendly vibe. Shrimp and pork dumplings shine in spicy chili sauce, while tendons offer a rich, chili oil kick. Affordable prices match the relaxed energy perfectly.

Shrimp and pork dumplings come in a spicy chili sauce that packs heat. Tendons served in chili oil add a rich, spicy kick. The chili oil itself tastes delicious and flavorful.

People are saying

"You have to try the tendons in chili oil; they're phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Yum Dumpling offers authentic Hubei Wuhan specialty snacks.

2

Pricing is reasonable, and everything is made to order.

3

Expect no wait time for dining.

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Spacious dining offers a family-friendly vibe with soft home-style Mexican music. Chili verde has tender meat that melts in your mouth, while chile relleno is deliciously prepared. Quiet and pleasant atmosphere makes it perfect for enjoying authentic dishes.

Chili verde features tender meat that falls apart easily with minimal fat for a smooth texture. The chile relleno stands out as delicious and well-prepared.

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes for all menu items.

3

Prices vary, but most dishes are reasonably priced.

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