Real Chili Restaurant

I started writing this review years ago when I was in college and for some reason never finished it.
When back yesterday because I was in the area and decided to stop here. Terrible choice. My original review was 4 stars and it is now updated to 2.
This Milwaukee Institution has died. Nothing has changed here as far as the ambience which I guess gives it nostalgia but the chili has declined drastically - it's now a bowl of oily, salty slop and the hot has no heat.
And the prices are insane. $15 for an eat in 1 1/2 portion of hot. Portion sizes got smaller too. Noodles overcooked, beans undercooked. Want that to go? Tack on a few more dollars. Need toppings? $1 a piece. $1 for 1 1/2 tablespoons of sour cream
Or a bullet ramekin of some chopped onions.
Bring back the original recipe and quality. Heck even consider shutting down and just selling frozen portions to Sendicks or something like Chili John's in Green Bay did

Went to this place a few months ago, doubting much has changed since.

I thought was odd that the chili looked black. First thoughts were that it was sitting on the burner on all day long or overnight. Ended up ordering the chili dog and it was completely meh. Actually it was the worst chili I've ever had.

Employee at the counter was a pretty slow at figuring things out. I had to repeat myself a few times.

I think its obvious, I won't be back. A tourist trap known on tv shows that's not worth it.

HOW have I not been here before?! I'm FROM Milwaukee, I lived there until my late 20s.

NO matter, I went there last week, and now I know. The chili is GREAT. Looks like a diner, the chili gets dished up right away with your choice of toppings - sorta like Cincinnati chili, but I LOVED it.

We also had a Chicago dog, and since we live in Chicago - I can give them props. It was LEGIT. Coupla beers, and we're out the door.

Super reasonable price for a late night nosh.

Friendly place, chili as expected. College area, so very informal ambiance. Prices way too high.

Ground beef and spaghetti noodles.

As close as you can get to the original Chili John's in Green Bay.

This place has been around forever! My dad used to take us here when we were kids & hanging out downtown, now my husband & I stop by whenever we're visiting Milwaukee! You're not going into a luxurious restaurant & it's not updated in the decoration/cosmetic department, but you're here for the food. It's a very laid back place with very casual & kind service. The menu isn't big but what can you expect? It's a place for Chili! I knocked down a star because, I'm guessing due to inflation, the prices are getting a little high. I think I paid $12 for a small bowl of chili & some cheese last weekend. Otherwise, this place is worth stopping by! It may not look like anything special in the bowl, but the flavor will surprise you. There are two locations; this is the bigger & arguably better one.

Fun fact; my parents used to have a restaurant (before I was even on this planet) & won second place for Milwaukee's Best Chili...they were beat out by Real Chili! I love my mom's chili but this place definitely deserves to be #1.

The service was good but the Chili was not. I was actually shocked how bad it was considering that is what they are known for. It was salty almost to the point of being inedible.

Amazing service from Victoria and Santana they made our night out! The service was speedy, food was hot, and they went above and beyond to provide a great experience.

Super friendly staff and a low key atmosphere for a quick and easy bite. I had a Chicago dog and a Chili Dog - both were good however the Chili Dog only had meat on it that was a little dry, maybe just an off day or maybe that's how it's served. Anyways the chili with all the beans and other stuff mixed looked really good so I'll try that next time.

The greatest bowl of chili in the world- no exaggeration. A must have place every time I am in Miwaukee

As much as I love Real Chili's food (I've been a long time customer), we had a terrible experience with one of the employees at the Cathedral Square location. I think he took pleasure in providing a bad customer service experience. Bad attitude, harsh demeanor, all to the point where our group got up and left moments after he came over to "serve us" (basically tell us to leave). A real shame as we have been long term fans of the restaurant and we're taking our friends there when visiting Milwaukee.