Chili’s has been a stalwart of American dining since its founding in 1975.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent lots of fun dinners there over the last few decades, enjoying the casual atmosphere, solid food, and great prices.
But the restaurant wars are heating up – and let’s face it, there’s tons of competition.
In response to that, Chili’s has gotten creative with its menu.
To the delight of longtime customers like me!
However…
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Let’s also face facts – Chili’s has unfortunately let go plenty of fan favorites, to the disappointment of many longtime diners.
This has opened up an opportunity to capture many of their fans, and plenty of competitors are circling in to take advantage.
In fact…
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Many of these competitors’ fans would absolutely claim they’ve lapped Chili’s.
They each make a compelling argument.
But are they right?
Well, that’s for you to decide, starting with…
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Where you can find them: Outback is in 49 states (sorry North Dakota.)
What makes them great: Great steaks, good sauces, solid sides, excellent appetizers. Everyone’s heard of their Bloomin’ Onion – but their Aussie fries are also excellent if you like cheese fries, and their coconut shrimp is another great option.
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Where you can find them: Red Robin’s in almost every state and every big city (plus most of the mid-sized ones too).
What makes them great: Excellent burgers and shakes, bottomless fries, fun atmosphere. Get the Whiskey River BBQ Burger or the Royal Burger if it’s your first time.
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Where you can find them: Red Lobster is in 44 states, including all the big ones.
What makes them great: Great seafood, especially their lobsters (you can see them in the tank) and shrimp. Make sure you load up on the cheddar bay biscuits!
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Where you can find them: LongHorn is in 42 states, and you’ll find plenty up and down the eastern seaboard.
What makes them great: Great steaks, casual atmosphere, fun appetizers. Get the spicy chicken bites and the baby back ribs if you’re not in the mood for steak.
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Where you can find them: Texas Roadhouse has over 600 locations across all 50 states.
What makes them great: Steaks are solid and prices are good, but my favorite thing at Texas Roadhouse is the appetizers – fried pickles, rattlesnake bites (fried jalapeno cheese balls), boneless buffalo wings, tater skins, cheese fries, chili…they’ve got the works.
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Where you can find them: 41 states including all the big metropolitan areas.
What makes them great: The food is good (try any of the flatbread pizzas) and so much selection, but the cheesecakes are as amazing as advertised. You want s’mores on a cheesecake? They’ve got it. Dulce de leche caramel cheesecake? Why not. Banana cream cheesecake? Sure. For my money, the best flavor is the Reese’s peanut butter chocolate cake cheesecake. For all the obvious reasons.
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Where you can find them: Carrabba’s is in 29 states, especially in the South and Midwest. (Although they go as far north as Upstate New York and Vermont.)
What makes them great: It’s all your Italian favorites, all in one place. Lasagna, chicken piccata, parmesan chicken, spaghetti…and for dessert, get the cannoli cake, the “chocolate dream” (trust me on that one), or a traditional tiramisu.
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Where you can find them: Cracker Barrel is going strong in more than 40 states.
What makes them great: You likely know Cracker Barrel for its delicious Southern breakfasts, but it also has an extensive lunch and dinner menu – chicken tenders, sirloin steak tips, chicken and dumplings, catfish, fried chicken, pot roast and so much more. Their food is warm, filling, and a great value.
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Where you can find them: Applebee’s is in every state – they’re everywhere!
What makes them great: Applebee’s offers a lot of similar food to Chili’s, usually for a slightly lower price. Just as an example, my local Applebee’s Neighborhood burger has two patties, cheese, and your typical burger toppings – for $14.99. Chili’s Double Oldtimer with cheese – which is a very similar burger – costs $17.49. Hard to argue with the value!
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Where you can find them: Ruth’s Chris is in 37 states plus DC, with plenty more locations around the world.
What makes them great: Ruth’s Chris is easily the most expensive restaurant on this list…and it’s also probably the best. You’ll pay up, but the steaks are fantastic (and make sure to get a bleu cheese crust on them – it’s extra but worth it), the crab cakes are some of the best I’ve ever tasted, and the desserts provide the perfect endcap to a great meal.
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I couldn’t leave without giving Chili’s its due. After all, it’s so well-known for a reason!
Where you can find them: Chili’s is in all 50 states plus DC.
What makes them great: Baby back ribs, of course – plus their sizzling fajitas. I’ve always had a weakness for their burgers as well. Good portions, good prices.
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So there you have it – ten chain restaurants whose fans would absolutely argue they’ve lapped Chili’s.
And let’s face it – they each have a good case to make!
But of course, that yields a big question:
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Are they right?
Has Chili’s been beaten by one of its competitors?
Or do they reign supreme?
Let us know in the comments!
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