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Chili Mac's
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Pizza Fast Food, American (Traditional), Pizza [Edit]
3152 N Broadway St(between Briar Pl & Belmont Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 404-2898
- Nearest Transit:
-
Belmont (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
105 reviews for Chili Mac's
Review Highlights
"Chili Macs thin crust pizza is DELICIOUS."
(in 16 reviews)
"It's Cincinnati style."
(in 7 reviews)
"...favorite thing is the delicious, sinful blue margarita."
(in 5 reviews)
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105 reviews in English
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Review from ashley g.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
I stopped by Chili Mac last night for the first time in three years (after moving from Lakeview to South Loop), and one thing is for sure -- i won't let another 3 years, nor 3 weeks, pass me by before stopping in again. Chili Mac has such a unique taste - there really isn't anything like it out there. Coming from Texas, where chili is synonymous with heated battles and city-wide showdowns, I have an extremely high chili bar. At first blush, the thought of putting noodle in chili sounds pretty blasphemous -- but Chili Mac manages to create such beautiful flavors with their various styles of chili (go "texas and mean" flavor for a big kick) and the noodles make the dish subtly cool and truly elegant. I love this place, and so happy to see it still in the lakeview neighborhood where things seems to turn over from time to time. One last thing -- the chili must be eaten with that beautiful blue frozen margarita -- no other way to do it! yum! might be going back for dinner tonight--
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Review from Elise K.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2012
We ordered a pizza from here as it was one of the few nearby places that would deliver late. Apparently we should have had the Chili!
There isn't much to say about the pizza other than it tasted like one that you could buy frozen and bake in your oven. It might have actually been, who knows! Plus the pizza wasn't all to large and it cost around $20! -
Review from Bridget K.
Chicago, IL
11/3/2011
Chili Mac's was decent, but not as good as I was expecting. I mean I have had more than my fair share of Detroit Coney's and my brother has had a ton of Cincinnati style Coney's and is semi adicted to Skyline Chili.
The location is good, except for trying to find parking close by. -
Review from Stormy D.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2011
This is one of those places you want to hate but just can't.
I asked a neighbor where I could get a REAL, regular pizza around here (not deep dish, not thin, just a damn pizza) and he quickly blurted out "that 5 way place". Remember that crap from high school that they called "pizza"? You'll find it here. I've looked at him out of the corner of my eye ever since.
Chili. They almost yelled at me the first time here 'cuz I didn't get the "5 way" deal (tried a 3-way once but it turned into a fight too, deja vu). I guess you can get chili plain or with spaghetti or with onions..... or with onions AND spaghetti and well, whatever else you can imagine. They've got that CINcinnati CINnamon and sugar chili in here, which I'll never quite grasp the concept of either but hey, have at it. The Texas spicy and the turkey chili's with crackers are a-ok corral but nothing to write home about.
Reasonably priced. They have a run-of-the-mill 2 hot dog special that's about $5 but you can have just about whatever you want added on top for no extra charge.
The highlight of this place is the jalepeno cornbread. I'm not a cornbread lover but with jalepenos, and the selection of hot sauces you get for no extra charge to dip it in, makes a flavor sensation.
Now for the Chicago wierdness quotient.....there's a full stocked bar in here. I've never, ever seen anybody sitting at it. This is not the type of place you're going to party at. Strange. Holding on to that liquor license to sell to the next highest bidder? Again, strange. Quite strange.
No complaints on service. -
Review from Sarah D.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2012
I've been 3 times now, and I don't know why I keep going back. I guess because it's around the corner, cheap and fast. I get cravings for good chili, but this doesn't come close to cutting it. I've tried the Frito pie too, but honestly the chili isn't even worthy of Fritos. I've ordered their cheese filled bread sticks; they were remarkably bland and a waste of carbs. Sorry Mac.
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Review from kevin c.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
Stopped in this place recently. The chili was just average. The hotdog part of the coney dog was sub-par. The chili, although being just average, lifted this place to 3 stars. That is not really saying much. Ok place for some chili if you are close, but nothing to go out of your way for.
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Review from Vito C.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2011
You can always stop in for a hot slice of pizza , and tasty chili. Cool staff, a local favorite on Broadway for lunch. Even the over-sized cookies are worth every penny too! Chili Mac's Cornbread... another winner!
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Review from Sadie S.
Chicago, IL
10/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Delicious! Will be hard to not eat here every weekend...
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Review from Michael S.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2011
Delicious Cincinatti-style chili. The place is pretty grimy though.
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Review from Kyle H.
2/20/2011
Chili Mac's (commonly called 5-Way Chili) was my savior back when I taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music when both were on Armitage Ave. It was a hearty quick meal for cheap, in between my slots teaching bass.
It wasn't quite the gourmet chili I remembered. I ordered the Cincinnati style w/cheese, and onions. A soupy chili with spaghetti noodles, it was okay, with a hint of that Cincy cinammon; but no huge taste revelations.
This place is friendly, relatively clean, and okay for a pop-in if you're craving chili or pizza, and in the area, but not much more than that. -
Review from Derek S.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2011
5 way chili was slightly bland. I had it with Cincinnati chili. However, I did really enjoy the jalapeno poppers. Also, my friend will vouch for the chili dog. Texas style chili isn't as spicy as you may think.
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Review from S N.
Chicago, IL
12/17/2011
This place is the best! A must try
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Review from Bill H.
Los Angeles, CA
10/8/2011
Chili five ways and pizza are fantastic. Great little spot.
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Review from Tony A.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2010
When the weather turns from cold to subzero, every thing you want to eat or drink is to warm you up. Some choose soup, some choose pho, and I choose chili.
Knowing that I had a chili place near by it was my chance to get what I have been craving for in this weather. Faced with a big appetite, I decided to order chili four way which is basically chili on spaghetti with cheese and onions or beans. Sadly, the outcome was beef and spaghetti boiled in salt, oil and pepper flakes and sitting on a pool of brown water. With quality like this presented, I didn't even bother asking where is the cheese because I worry what might come out... -
Review from Kathryn W.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2011
I LOVE THIS PLACE!
I have been going to this place for 10+ years. The chili is great and I always take some home with me. Regular Cinci 3 way is my go to order. Not spicy but just enough flavor.
This place is cheap and easy. And you will def leave full. But you have to know what you are getting into, dont go here expecting it to be a great date night spot. Do go in expecting yummy chili served quickly!
I also recently tried there pizza, it was not the best ever. But I was pleasantly surprised for $10. -
Review from Katie K.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2011
New to the neighborhood so loved finding a great place for good american favorites as well as great pizza. Love it!
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Review from Jacob J.
In the neighborhood and quickly scanned reviews on Yelp app mobile. Good thin crust pizza and strong margaritas were the consensus. Orders placed at the counter unless you don't mind waiting a very long time for someone (?) to eventually visit your table. Still not sure what the process is, but they were able to serve us our food fairly quickly.
Thin crust "Meaty Mac", a pie composed of all their meats. Sauce is tasty, not sweet like most pizza sauces and wasn't changed by baking with the meats. I hate when some pizza restaurants use salty meats which change the flavor of the entire pie. Not paper thin, but thin with a soft crunch. Don't allow the pie to sit too long with many toppings, otherwise it can get soggy. Though still, tasty.
Enjoyed a few strong margaritas; the salt rimmed glasses however tasted of a low quality table salt. That night they offered $2.50 domestics. Nice to see nightly booze specials and food specials on some nights for carry-out or dine in! No need to call ahead. It's a small eatery with a couple booths or a few tables and chairs. When sitting at the booth, I swear I could smell pee pee. Beer garden available on the side street, restaurant is conveniently on a corner. -
Review from jim f.
Niles, IL
9/14/2011
Good food. Not a chain, private owned by good people. I love that when you eat the food at the restaurant it comes on plates and in bowls and cups and glasses that are washed and reused over and over again. The bible is fiction people, please! I hate to see the 'to go' orders going out in Styrofoam. We all need to stop shitting on our earth.
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Review from Shawn K.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2010
Chili Mac's is a locally owned, family style restaurant. It is in a fairly convenient location on Broadway with a very small amount of outdoor seating.
One of the first things you notice is that the seating areas don't appear to be well kept. You can usually find a few adequately clean tables to sit at but they definitely need to work on this more. In addition the inside is very warm on hot days which makes sitting inside a bit annoying sometimes. I recommend takeout or sitting outside.
The pizza was a big disappointment for me. Something about the taste just doesn't seem right. The ingredients look to be good quality so maybe its just the way they cook it. It's an average taste overall. Not awful but not amazing either.
The Hot dogs are a typical hot dog. I would say they taste a bit better than the average hot dogs you get from the grocery store. That's a nice plus but with Flub A Dub Chub's in the area it's hard to compete in the Grilled food space.
The chili is some of the better chili I have had in Chicago. I agree with the Ohio reviewers here though. They cannot touch Cincinnati chili but they come close.
The margarita's are where it's at. Have one with your meal and you will be satisfied with the overall taste of things. ;)
I have had good and bad experiences with the staff here. I think it really depends on who is working at the time. The majority of them are junior high/high school age which is usually fine but not always (pay attention to your customers and not your cell phone please).
Is it worth it? If you live in the area and need some quick takeout or want to grab a fast lunch. I'd say put this place on your list...but not anywhere near the top. I wouldn't bother making a special trip if you are outside of walking distance. -
Review from Amie C.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Turkey chili? Yummy! Yes please!
Hot dog covered in said chili? Heck yes please!
Fries? Eh, standard frozen fries.
Pizza slice? Wish it were fresher but I liked it none the less.
Pretty great carryout pizza special. $9 for a large one topping. $12 and some change for 2 toppings. Pizza was decent. Ours was kinda burned but it may have been an off night. I'll give em another shot simply bc it's around the corner from my apartment and I dig neighborhood joints.
Blue frozen margarita? Yes! Sadly I haven't had the full experience as I didnt dine in but if you ask they will gladly give you a small sample in a little shot glass! Score! -
Review from SHERESSE S.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2010
GOOD GOD MAN! This place is so amazing! The staff is extremely friendly, everything about this place is delish!
Usually I'm a pretty slow eater ,but when something is just knock out delish I eat like I haven't had anything to eat in a month and that's how I eat when I'm here. I need to come here more often! -
Review from Erika G.
9/26/2010 1 photo
Fall day, what red blooded woman doesn't crave a big bowl of meat and cheese laden CHILI?
I walked by here last night, when my chili craving began. Denied! It was closed, too late in the evening. I had to come back today and get my chili!
This chili is pretty standard. Cinncinnati style puzzles me. What, they invented bowls of meat, sauce and cheese? I don't like the spaghetti, so I leave that out. What I do love - 'cos I'm from WI - is CHEESE in my chili. And onions. Even the mild spiced chilli is pleasantly warm.
I rarely drink soda, but a nice, frosty Coke hits the spot with a big bowl of this chili. YUM. -
Review from Tiff D.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2011
Underwhelmed is an under-statement. Watery chili?
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Review from Matthew D.
Chicago, IL
1/4/2009
I love me some chili! I love it in a bowl, a cup, a bowl made out of bread, on a hot dog, inside cheese dip, with beans, without beans, spicy, mild, beefy, vegetarian-ey, but most of all, I love it 5 ways!
Since I am nowhere near Cincinnati, or even a *gasp* Steak and Shake for my 5-way chili fix, I was excited when I discovered Chili Mac's. However, after visiting Chili Mac's, I quickly learned to never be excited for a chili place in Chicago for the rest of my life.
I had the vegetarian chili (5 ways!), but I also tried the Cincinnati chili. The vegetarian chili was extremely watery and lacked any sort of flavor (you know you are having a great meal when the oyster crackers rival the main course's flavor). The Cincinnati chili was slightly better, but it was still bland, watery, and just a big plate of disappointment.
I wish I could just chalk this up to me being too picky, but nobody in my group of 6 enjoyed their chili.
It's cheap though! -
Review from Jade T.
3/18/2009
What is the food of choice on those blistery winter days? No, hot chocolate is NOT a food. I say it's CHILI! (Mmmm...)
GOOD chili that is.
So I was strolling around Lakeview one day and stopped by Chili Mac's. I heard they had inexpensive chili. Great. Why would I want to spend more than $5 on a bowl of beans and spices? After dining here, I had to reconsider my question. While their chili wasn't terrible, it was far (oh so very far) from being the best. My vegetable chili (made from 10 vegetables, or so they advertised) was spicy, but watery. The $1 cornbread has sweet, slightly nutty texture - a nice contrast to the chili. The cornbread is best served crumbled over the chili or broken apart into large pieces to be dipped into the chili's liquid.
I hate to say that a can of Hormel's Vegetarian Chili outrivals Chili Mac's any time. -
Review from Patrick W.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2007
My mom makes the best chili, but if I get a craving I'm confident that Chili Mac's can fit the bill. We stopped in last night after, imagine that- a craving, and we'll definitely be back. I had the Cincinnati 5-way, which was great, though maybe a tad watery. Lots of flavor and still a variety of hot sauces for you to add if you like. A small but full bar sits to the side- no beers on tap, but plenty in bottles, including Lone Star which I'm going to have to have when I go back to try their Texas chili.
The portions were well-sized and they give you a huge coke to work with in case you overdo it with the Tabasco. The two of us stuffed ourselves for $17 including soft drinks. You can't beat that even with a stick.
It's close to lunchtime and I already have a taste for more chili... -
Review from Briana J.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2007
This place is not worth the calories. I just had some chili and I instantly regretted my decision.
The salad was repulsive...however the bill was super cheap...but you get what you pay for. -
Review from Mike P.
4/12/2006 1 Check-in Here
Solid Chili joint. I don't think it holds a candle to Bishop's Chili in Westmont, but a solid pick. I go with the Original. It's Cincinnati style. The Texas is good as well. Surprisingly, the pizza here is pretty good too, and a great buy.
Also I like a blue margarita or 7 on my way to work in the morning. -
Review from Jenny z.
Logan Square, Chicago, IL
8/30/2007
I am a chili hound, I'll be honest - I'm a little brutal when it comes to chili. That being said, this is the only place in town that I know of to get 5 way chili, so two points for that.
Not the worlds biggest fan of Cincinnati chili, but they do it pretty well. Plus, they have Little Kings - hot.
My chili is way better (as is the chili at the Harmony Grill) but this place isn't bad at all. I'll not only eat here, I even enjoy it. When it comes to chili, that's pretty high praise coming from me. Plus, muy, muy, cheap. Worth the trip if you are craving some 5 way action. -
Review from Evan W.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2006
I'm looking to agree with the majority of the reviews I've read about Chili Mac's, but I need to add a little more background to the Cincinnati chili...
Living 10mins outside Cincinnati for the first 7yrs of inconsequential life, and visiting the 'nasti at least 1 or 2 times a year, I've grown to love that unique taste that leaves your bowels hoping you never think of going back. 'Cincinnati Chili' is actually a type of Greek chili that is rumored to have chocolate mixed into it, which gives it that undeniably delicious taste.
As mentioned in other reviews, there are different ways of ordering. You can mix and match your order with kidney beans, onions, an ass-load of cheese...or if you like spaghetti chili, the 3-5way is what you would call your customized order. A word of advice, if you go the noodle route, don't mix it all up, trying eating it like a pie by cutting it with the side of your fork. Also, try sprinkling a packet of sugar on top of the chili and hot sauce is a must for me. All in all, good chili; brings me back to my childhood. Not really... -
Review from Amber L.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2010
I'd heard amazing things about this place, so I was excited to go there with my +1. Unfortunately, we both had a disappointing experience.
Although there were only two other diners when we arrived, it took a minute or so before the staff noticed us and took our order. My +1 got the cincinatti chili, and I got the turkey. We both thought the noodles were overcooked and way too wet, and that the chili was sort of bland and unexciting. I definitely ordered the wrong thing: so much for attempting "healthy" in a chili joint. I'm not sure I would have done better with the cincinatti, however. I tasted it and agreed that it was pretty bland. The mound of cheese (that never melted) didn't improve matters.
Maybe this was a fluke, and if we return we'll have a better experience. I'm not too sure we'll go back to find out. -
Review from Marisa R.
Munster, IN
2/18/2008
Ahh, Chili Mac's--the perfect place to stop in when you get the crazy drunk munchies while barhopping.
The Texas "hot and mean" chili is divine, especially when atop a plate of steaming fries and corroded with a heap of cheddar cheese. It may sound like a heart attack on a plate, but you'd be surprised at how well the chili cheese fries really cut through that acidy feeling after drinking too much beer.
The chili menu is really exceptional---turkey chili, veggie chili, Texas, and Cincinnati, but you can't pass by the rest of the menu. As eclectic as it is (pizza, gyros, Mexican), you wouldn't think Chili Mac's could excel in everything that they have, but they do! I had perhaps THE best Chicago-style dog I've had in a really long time. Maybe it was the Miller Lite talking, but I can't imagine a better meat substance in that dog than whatever they used. It was tremendous!
The seating is kind of sparse, but they DO have a bar stuffed in this little fast-food corner diner, so any shortcomings to this place can instantly be revoked. -
Review from Richie D.
12/17/2008
What I thought was a bar, ended up being a hole-in-the-wall diner-esque joint. I heard about their Cincinnati Chili, which brought back memories of the two times in my life I had been to Skyline Chili in Ohio. While the Chili wasn't exactly up to par, they do mix your choice of Chili (Original "Cinci"/Turkey/Veggie/Texas-style) with speghetti, cheese, oaster crackers, onions and beans.
I wish I would have seen the Chili Boat when I walked in...too bad my eyes were watery from a blistering cold winter day. The chili boat is a potato topped with all the goodies (all "5-ways" as Macs boasts) and Frito chips. Next time I'll ride the boat through chili heaven, just as I used to do in my childhood days. I enjoyed my boyfriend's chili burger as well. I'll be back when my water salivates for a spicy fill. Oh and unless you're me thinking it is a bar, it actually does have a small yet full bar inside. -
Review from William D.
Saint Charles, IL
6/21/2009
On Monday. I took a west-coast friend here for his first taste of Cincinnati chili. This is the chili that I grew up with, but others should know that this is not Tex-Mex chili; Cincy chili is milder and sweeter and is served over spaghetti (usually). You can actually choose what kind of combination you want: chili with onions, beans, pasta, cheese, or any combination thereof. Mom used to cook the spaghetti in her chili; I was an adult living in Texas before I realized that most of the U.S. finds this weird.
This is clearly a greasy-spoon but the chili and cornbread are both good, better than the similar stuff you can find at any Steak 'n' Shake. Plus you get a lot of food for very little cash. -
Review from Chuck S.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2008
This place gets a full-on four star review based almost solely on its uber-awesometastic PIZZA!
There is a deal. You must get this deal. It is a good deal:
Large, 1-topping thin-crust pizza - $8.99. Carry-out only.
You won't be sorry! And I'm a pizza FREAK so you can definitely trust me on this!
As for the rest of the spot - don't bother unless you have a hankerin' for some chili because everything else is pretty over-priced ($7 for a cheeseburger from a hole-in-the-wall corner grease joint? Really?). In fact, this being a rather major point, it would ordinarily warrant a loss of at least one star from me.
...but Chili Mac's 5-Way Chili (named as such for the five different ways you can customize your gaseous order) earns that star right back by also doubling as A BAR!
They have sorta groddy options, but the point, dear friends, is simply that they even HAVE booze! Prosit!
Drink one to the manager with the perennial handsfree phone headset attached and tell him that Chuck The Pizza Guy sent ya! -
Review from Ashley M.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2009
Apparently, Chili Mac's is the place to be on a chilly Wed night, because last night, it was hoppin! The busiest I had ever seen the place, actually. The odd thing though- no one else was eating, but they ALL had these giant blue margaritas! Maybe everyone had already finished their food?
The chili here is pretty good. You can choose from the Hot or Mild (if you want medium, just ask them to mix the two.) There's also lots of hot sauces to choose from if you need to add more. A fully stocked bar is available, everything at good prices.
I'm curious about those margaritas... am I missing out on something?? -
Review from Neil C.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2010
I grew up in Cincinnati, and when I first moved to Chicago, this was the only place you could easily get Cincinnati Chili. People who live in southwest Ohio get these weird cravings for it when they leave home, and I was no exception, I needed to find Chili and fast to relieve my craving.
Unfortunately, this place just didn't cut it. The Chili was of extremely low quality, and was overpriced for the quality. I also found it strange that they sold Mexican beer, though I guess it fits more into the theme of Chili in general instead of Cincy Chili only. The whole place just wasn't worth it.
Try Cinners if you want the real thing. -
Review from Zac B.
Chicago, IL
9/18/2007
Chili Mac is the bomb for all sorts of unhealthy American foodstuffs, like chili of course, and then pizza, burgers, and fries. I'm sure they have even more to choose from, too. The name kind of makes the place sound like McDonald's long-lost Mexican step-brother, but it's more of a northeastern style daytime grub pub, with all the nasty fat-fried yumminess one could desire. And they have booze, and lots of it!
I haven't even tried the chili yet, but from the reviews it sounds good enough to warrant a trip once the cold weather sets in. For now I just adore the place for its four-star thin crust pizza and their intoxicating blue frozen margaritas. The blue margaritas are $8 a piece, but considering one is really enough for you to feel like a good nap, I think it's fairly priced. The pizza is really some of the best I've had in town as yet. Much better than my recent folly, Nancy's, which is down the street, and unfortunately open later than Chili Mac.
While the heat allows, there's outdoor seating on Briar St. It's really fun to relax with some good grub and a large cocktail to wind down any summer evening. -
Review from gary g.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2011
So It was about 3pm n I haven't eaten breakfast yet. I saw this place on Chicago's best n thought I would give it a try. I think that will be the last time as well. Chili was very bland n the friendly lady working put way too much cheese on top. I didn't finish the rest and instead got a hot dog and even that was not good at all. Food here had no flavor at all. I do not recommend. Sorry.
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Review from Christina S.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2007
I almost jumped out of my chair when I saw that there's a place in Chicago proper that serves Cincinnati-style chili . . . one that had relatively positive reviews to boot. I only get to have said chili when I go home for the holidays, and I basically spend the other eleven months of the year craving it. All in all, I was a tad disappointed, but just a tad.
The interior is drab and dingy. It's fine for grabbing late-night chili fries between bars, but it's not the sort of place you'd want to plan your evening around. You order at the counter, they call your number, you pick up your tray. That kind of thing. The chili itself was good, but something about it was off. I think I'd enjoy just as much eating Skyline or Gold Star at home . . . from a can.
When all is said and done, I'm glad to have Chili Mac's nearby. I think I'll stick to take-out, though.
