Restaurant Review: Chili's Bar & Grill Restaurant

Restaurant:
Address: 312 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087   (610)-687-1001

Rating: ★★★★ (4) out of 5 stars
Style:  Casual
Food: Traditional, American, Tex-Mex
Atmosphere:  Modern chain restaurant

Parking: Yes, Lot parking
Service: Fast and on-point
Price Range: $$

Unique Feature: Family-friendly, $20 Dinners for Two

After dealing with the unfortunate circumstances of a devastating fire back in August 2011, Wayne’s own Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurant recently opened back up for business. Given the expectations of American chain restaurants, it only seemed fair that I see how Chili’s has improved since the loss and renovations of their previous establishment.

My girlfriend and I arrived on a Sunday afternoon around 1:00pm to a moderately crowded restaurant. After being seated by an overly polite hostess, our server was practically waiting side-table ready to take our drink orders. While waiting for her to return, we both admired the modern décor that Chili’s offered; vibrantly decorated, the booths and dining areas provided an atmosphere reminiscent of the late 1950s.

Ten minutes after placing our orders, the server was already bringing out our appetizers. Considering how hungry we were, I recommended getting two starters: Texas Cheese Fries and Spinach Artichoke Dip. Though decadent and oily, the fries were one of the highlights of the meal. Smothered in cheddar cheese and topped with scallions, smoked Applewood bacon, onions and jalapenos, the fries were perfectly complimented with a side of ranch dipping sauce. Another fan favorite, the Spinach Artichoke Dip proved to be equally as delicious and filling. Presented with warm, salted tostada chips, the appetizer was piping hot yet unfortunately, oozing with grease.

As we picked at what was left of our starters, our server checked on us twice to see how the food was (and if refills were necessary). Though I know it’s a gesture of fine etiquette, I could see the waitress staring down our table like a hawk, waiting to strike as soon as our glasses were half-empty. As we awaited our entrées, a table directly across from us accidentally dropped a plate of Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole on the ground, causing the dip to projectile all over the tile floor and our booth. Without missing a beat, their waitress came over with napkins and a spray bottle, making the clean easier for the back-up waiter to sweep up the shards of plate.

After another fifteen minutes, our entrées were brought out. My girlfriend decided on the Quesadilla Explosion Salad, which, according to the restaurant’s website, is their “most popular salad.”  Chock full of lettuce, cilantro, corn relish, tortilla strips, cheese, and grilled chicken, the salad was also adorned with four wedges of cheese quesadillas. Given the size of the meal, she could barely make a dent and soon decided that while tasteful, a to-go box would be her best bet. After eyeing up the burger list, I ended up trying their Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger, but with turkey as a substitute for the beef. As the picture indicates, the sandwich was a beast.  Dripping with cheese, mayonnaise, and BBQ sauce, the turkey burger was piled high with lettuce & bacon and came with a side of fries and a pickle. Though I found it to be absolutely delicious, the presentation was a bit sloppy and made it quite the challenge to even pick up the sandwich without making a mess.

Overall, our Sunday lunch at Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurant turned out to be a very enjoyable experience, quenching our thirsts and filling our stomachs completely (and then some). I can only imagine that after the terrible events of last summer’s fire in Wayne, all will be completely forgotten by locals as they stop in for a bite.

Click here to see the Menu