Chili John’s was across the street from Buchanan Arms and considering Chili John’s is Burbank’s oldest restaurant and that they serve chili I decided to pick myself up some chili to-go. If you want chili to-go you have the option of getting it warm or frozen, since I was on my way back to Orange County I got the frozen chili with my intention to eat it for dinner the next day.
I heated the chili up on the stove top on low heat. The first thing I noticed is this isn’t the traditional chili that most Southern Californian’s are used to, it is much more like a traditional Cincinnati style chili. This chili is red, thick, and full of beef, and it’s not ground beef it’s the smallest pieces of stringy beef that your eyes can see. The chili reheats well but I think I missed out by not getting a fresh bowl there. After tasting the heat of the chili (on the above medium side) I knew I need to cut it with some cheese but my only options were some Stout Dubliner and American, I went with the American and although it went well, I would have loved to had used some shredded cheddar. I also mounded a bunch of oyster crackers (they must have given me half a bag of them) which soaked up the grease from the oil (there was just right amount).
The chili was good but next time I’m just going there to eat it and not taking it home, I think the experience is best served sitting at the u-shaped counter and enjoying the bowl of red with fellow patrons.
(no review since I didn’t eat it there, I recommend going there and trying it yourself!)
Chili John’s
2018 West Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
818.846.3611
