Texas Chili Parlor

"Texas Chili Parlor is a portal to Old Austin—there are usually a handful of people sitting at the bar who look like they haven’t moved since the restaurant first opened in 1976. This place is hardly a secret, and yet it still feels like privileged information. Here, Austinites wanting to avoid the trendy spots Downtown and on the East Side gather for chili, steak, and Tex-Mex in what looks like an appealingly grungy roadhouse where the margaritas are stiffer than a frozen ribeye." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs

"Texas Chili Parlor has been around since the ‘70s, in that time evolving into one of Austin’s best dive-bar/Tex-Mex/chili-parlor hybrids. And hiding on that long menu of burgers, hot dogs, and enchiladas are a couple of steaks. They’re a great value all the time—a little over $20 for a ribeye, a salad, and a fully loaded baked potato—but on Mondays, they knock it down to $19. The Deal: Ribeye, salad, and a fully loaded baked potato for $19" - nicolai mccrary

"This hole-in-the-wall spot has been doling out bowls of Texas red since Scott Zublin opened it in 1976 — in fact, the opening predates chili being named the state food of Texas by one year. The parlor was immortalized in Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof. If you can take the heat, go for the XXX chili, but you might want to get a Mad Dog margarita on the side to cool things off, just in case. The Frito pie is also a classic. There are enchiladas, tacos, and burgers too — and takeout is available online." - Melanie Haupt

"Go back in time to the 1970s at this longtime Downtown Austin institution. Opened in 1976 – a year before chili was proclaimed the official state dish of Texas, the Parlor dishes out chili —without beans, of course — but with beans, too, in addition to its vegan versions and renditions filled with pork and/or beef. Diners can also enjoy their chili atop potatoes, as a part of a tasting sampler, with eggs, or in its most recommended form: on top of cheese enchiladas. It’s hard to go wrong here. Grab an ice-cold beer or margarita to complete the experience." - Darcie Duttweiler

"Walking into Texas Chili Parlor feels like stepping through a portal into Old Austin—there are usually a handful of people sitting at the bar who look like they haven’t moved since the restaurant first opened in the ’70s. If you’re planning on touring the Capitol across the street, this is the perfect place to fuel up beforehand. And while chili might be in the name (and on the menu), Tex-Mex is what you’re here for. Order the Freidas Enchiladas—a giant platter of cheese enchiladas topped with a scoop of Texas-style chili (no beans)—snack on some free chips and salsa, and maybe consider ordering a Mad Dog margarita if you don’t have anywhere to be later in the day. " - nicolai mccrary