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Guide to Los Angeles

Chili spots

You want a bowl of chili that treats the dish with the same culinary rigor as any other fine-dining staple.

Based on 555 Opinions
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01
The Original Tamale Co. image 1
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A small Mexican restaurant with a back patio offering outdoor seating. The air carries a strong scent of fresh masa and simmering chiles, creating a rich, authentic atmosphere. Known for large, flavorful tamales made without lard, it draws a crowd despite limited parking and a takeout-focused setup.

Tamales come in cheese and poblano pepper, green chile cheese, and red pork varieties. The chili in the tamales is mild, not spicy, and pairs well with plenty of cheese.

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, which can be a problem.

2

The tamales are $4 each and are pretty big and filling.

3

They don't take small orders over the phone.

02
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Old style Mexican restaurant with beautiful wall art and two dining rooms creates a friendly, calm atmosphere despite loud music. Back patio and small bar add to the inviting setting. Frequented by families, it offers a mix of traditional and new elements.

Tender pork chunks simmer in a special Chile Verde recipe that stays true to a 1964 original. The Chile Verde burrito is known for its rich flavor, and the chili rellenos are made in-house, avoiding watery textures.

People are saying

"This pork chili verde is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is available right up front or in a small lot in the back.

3

The restaurant can get busy, so be prepared for potential wait times.

03
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Lively hamburger spot with noisy atmosphere and warm, caring staff creates a fun vibe. Seating includes patio and food hall stools, with a dog-friendly policy offering water bowls for pets. Offers vegan and vegetarian options alongside classic burgers, making it a versatile choice for diverse tastes.

Cheesy Chili melts in your mouth with a rich, vegan flavor. The spicy chili burger offers a solid kick, while chili fries are decent but not standout.

People are saying

"I was around downtown Los Angeles and saw this spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both meat and vegetarian burger options.

2

Parking can be challenging in downtown Los Angeles; consider public transport.

3

The ordering process is convenient with an iPad for both menus.

04
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Classic, old-school burger joint with a small indoor space and a cute patio with hanging plants. Atmosphere is casual and noisy, making it a quick spot for a bite. Known for excellent pastrami burgers and free soda refills, it offers a vintage vibe with simple seating.

Homemade chili features in several dishes like the double chili cheeseburger combo and chili cheese fries. The chili cheese fries have a unique flavor, though some find it unusual.

People are saying

"I always ordered the chili cheese fries."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging to find a spot at Boulevard Burgers.

2

The burger combo costs over $20, which some may find overpriced.

3

Boulevard Burgers offers multiple burger combo options with fries and a drink.

05
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Small space with limited seating creates a busy, lively atmosphere where standing tables dominate. Fast-casual setup includes robot woks delivering authentic Chinese flavors with a cafeteria-style service. Self-serve stations and condiment options add to the practical, no-frills dining experience.

Spicy condiments stand out here with chili paste featuring wagyu, chili pepper sauce, and chili oil all tasting rich and flavorful.

People are saying

"The chili paste and chili oil here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Dishes cost around $4 each, making them very affordable.

2

The restaurant offers great portion sizes for the price.

3

There is free parking available in the garage.

06
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Barbecue restaurant offers juicy, tender ribs and fresh melt-in-mouth barbecue with a large bar and outdoor patio seating. Atmosphere feels comfortable and lively with top-quality music and a wide craft beer selection. Space ranges from small indoor seating to a pleasant side patio for dining.

Chili stands out with a smoked thicc patty and Texas chili on a potato bun in the Rampart Thicc Chili Cheese Burger. The Frito pie comes fully loaded, balanced with sliced scallions and fresh chili, making it a bold and hearty choice.

People are saying

"The Texas Chili was good, but not a standout."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available from 2-5pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

2

Expect wait times of 30 minutes to an hour, especially during peak hours.

3

Arrive early as the restaurant opens at noon; lines form by 11 am.

07
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Small space feels like a mini butcher shop with a cozy, quick-casual vibe. Outdoor patio offers a fun, chill atmosphere with wheel promotions adding a playful touch. Seating is limited but comfortable, attracting those seeking quality burgers in a casual setting.

Chili here is exceptionally good with a sweeter profile. The chili cheese fries stand out, simple but effective, topped with onions and priced around $11.

People are saying

"I thought the chili cheese fries were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of street parking available.

2

My total bill was about $42 after tax and tip for a cheeseburger and fries.

3

There was no wait to get the burger during my visit.

08
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Fast food hamburger restaurant offers 24-hour drive-thru and utilitarian indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere carries an old school, 1970s nostalgia with a busy lunch hour vibe and a sometimes rough crowd at night.

Chili here is beanless and stays consistent with well-balanced spices and very little heat. It tops burgers and fries with a rich, savory flavor that complements juicy cheeseburgers and crispy fries perfectly.

People are saying

"I loved the chili on everything, especially the burgers."

Good to know

1

They are open 24 hours, including the drive-thru.

2

Parking is available in the rear of the restaurant.

3

Prices have increased significantly, so check the menu before ordering.

09
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Small space with street art-inspired decor and unique artwork creates a lively, inviting vibe. Music sets a consistent vibe that enhances the atmosphere, though seating feels cramped and indoor temperature can be warm. Outdoor seating offers a cooler, breezy alternative.

Chili adds a rich layer to the district burger combo, which includes a hamburger patty, cheese, bacon, grilled onion, pastrami, pickles, and an egg. The chili cheese fries stand out as well-executed and flavorful.

Good to know

1

There is only street parking available, which can be difficult to find.

2

A 3% credit card surcharge applies to all transactions.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a cozy atmosphere.

10
All American BBQ (Barbecue) Smoked Ribs & Mesquite Fire Pit image 1
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Mesquite fire pit infuses barbecue with authentic smoky flavor and fills the air with a distinctive aroma. Rustic interior features license plates on walls and a warm, inviting atmosphere that suits casual outings and takeout. Live music and a family-owned vibe add to the relaxed, welcoming energy.

Chili cheese fries come with crispy fries topped by hearty chili and gooey cheese. The chili is rich and flavorful but can be sour and acidic at times.

People are saying

"The chili cheese fries are loaded with flavor."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Sunday night, starting at 8pm.

2

There is plenty of parking available, both indoor and outdoor.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

11
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Outdoor seating under a roof creates a casual dining space. Busy drive-thru lines reflect steady demand despite some operational quirks. Chili dogs, corn dogs, and ranch bacon chili cheese fries stand out as popular, flavorful options with coupon specials helping offset higher prices.

Chili comes meaty and hot with a secret recipe. It tops ranch bacon chili cheese fries and chili dogs, both served in generous portions.

People are saying

"I loved their chili dogs and mini corn dogs dipped in chili."

Good to know

1

Wienerschnitzel offers a $7.99 special for 5 chili dogs or corn dogs.

2

Prices are generally high, but coupons can help reduce costs.

3

The location is clean with well-maintained restrooms.

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