The Great Austin Burger Hunt

Chili’s Oldtimer

Chili’s
12901 N IH 35
Austin, TX 78753-1018
512-251-2442

“I want my baby back, baby back, baby back…..”

Okay, not really. Purely by accident, Chili’s is second on my Great Austin Burger Hunt. Accident, because I went out with my wife and my mother-in-law and that is where we ended up. Now, what I really love at Chili’s is the Skillet Queso, but when it comes to dinner, you can do a lot worse than the Oldtimer. I picked the Oldtimer, because I wanted to try the burger, somewhat plain-ish, if you will. I didn’t want a burger buried in BBQ sauce, or bacon, or what have you. I wanted a burger, plain and simple.

Funny thing, well actually 2 funny things, when I ordered it the waitress didn’t ask how I wanted it. I expect that in a sit-down restaurant, and I seem to remember it from past trips to Chili’s. I told her medium well anyway, and asked for some mustard and mayo. I asked her to leave off the red onions, but forgot to mention the tomato, and pickles, which I didn’t want either, my bad.

So, I finished my Skillet Queso, with a little help from my Mother-in-Law (my wife does not eat meat) and waiting for my burger. It wasn’t long in coming and that is when I noticed the second funny thing. The burger was considerably smaller than I remember. They are called Big Mouth Burgers, and it wasn’t exactly tiny, but it was not the same enormous burger that you used to get at Chili’s.

It was good though. Once again, not spectacular, but it was good nonetheless. They put plenty of mayo on it, but I did have to ask for some mustard. Now, that does not really detract from the burger, so much as from the overall dining experience, but it is something to note. The meat was juicy and tender and cooked perfectly. I ordered Swiss Cheese, which was nicely melted. There wasn’t nearly enough lettuce, especially after I removed the tomato and pickles (again, my fault).

Chili’s Fries are very good and these did not disappoint. They may not travel well, but they don’t need to and they remained crisp and tasty until I finished them, and never turned greasy or soggy. I am not a big fan of pepper on fries, but it works for Chili’s.

So, for a conclusion…the burger itself was good, but not great, and the fries were very good.

If I had to compare them to Five Guys (do I? why yes, I suppose I do) I would probably put them about even. Neither excelled into the burger stratosphere, but both left me willing to come back for more, and isn’t that what a restaurant is really looking for, repeat customers?