Mike's Chili Parlor
1447 NW Ballard Way, Seattle
(206) 782-2808
Recent Reviews
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Friendly service and great pub fare.
Unfortunately, we were really disappointed with the chili here. I had been looking forward to trying this place for a long time after driving by and seeing the big sign advertising their famous chili, so we were excited to finally stop in.
We paid $33 for what was supposed to be a quart, but nearly half the container was a thick layer of orange oil on top. After carefully spooning the oil out, the actual amount of chili left was surprisingly small.
Even then, the texture and flavor were not what we expected. The chili was mushy and unbalanced, and the overall taste and consistency just weren’t appealing. For the price, we were really hoping for something hearty, home-y, and even pleasantly greasy, not something that felt mostly like just grease and filler.
I really really don’t enjoy leaving negative reviews and even went and contemplated leaving one, but this was genuinely one of the most disappointing food experiences we’ve had. Hopefully our experience was a one-off, but we don’t see ourselves coming back.
We ordered:
A quart of their meat chili.
Fixins on the side.
$33
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
I got a quart of chili. Damn near half of it was just oil. Straight up oil. I had to use my card so there was an extra fee but even though they advertise it for 20 I ended up leaving paying 33. $33 for a quart of chili (and only half of it is edible) ain’t it
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
had lunch here 5 days a week all of 1975 and most of 1980 when I worked next door ....have yo stop in when we're in Seattle
It’s not just the best chilli I’ve ever had.. it’s not even the beer that was at the best temperature on a sunny day.
It was the people that made it such a great experience and also what makes this business (of 103 years) a landmark in Seattle’s history. A must go to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome spot for fall football! Hours have been updated! Google hasn’t updated for weeks, so the above reflect old hours.
They’re NOW OPEN Thursday to Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday noon-6pm. Sunday has happy hour specials all day too!
But don’t worry for Seahawks games they will adjust their hours!
Tue-Mon remain the same at 11am-7pm.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best ever chili burger. Open face. No bun. Onions and jalapeno on top. Lots of love here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun place with good music
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moved to Seattle 30 years ago and finally made my way to Mike’s. What a breath of fresh air, reminds me of the way Seattle was when I moved here. The bartender was great, tons of personality without any pretend niceness. The owner was there and exudes “I would have a beer with that guy!” I had an ice cold beer and a small chili cheese fries (both outstanding). Cash only but plenty of warning signs throughout. Looks like they are having a music festival in August and I will be back for that!! Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best chili dog around! This is exactly what you expect out of a dive bar with unexpectedly good chili. I found this place from watching an episode of Diners, Drive ins, and Dives.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I love this place! Just drove up from San Francisco, where I heard about it. I think this is my new Seattle office.
Great original chili, super generous portions, great flavour, and no fear of more peppers if you want to spice it up.
I had the all meat chili and the hand pressed deluxe burger. A perfect pairing with the Men's Room IPA. I'll work my way across all the other local tap offerings as I get through the other menu items.
The menu has lots to explore. I wish I could have moved it to Niagara Falls for the Bikes and Barrels opening night feast.
Only one person knows the chili recipe... not even grandma knows it all.
Be aware... they like cash. They charge a fee for cards, so hit your favorite atm on the way here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service and really recommend the queso chili!
Absolutely great chili. Total dive, don't expect much for service or atmosphere, but I will come back again for the chili for sure
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
Awesome friendly dive bar with fantastic chili. Cash only.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Chili is made daily,
And the Chili cheese fries are
Awesome. Worth the visit.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chili Cheese Fries, Chili Burger, Chili Bowl, Chili Dog
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