Love the local character of this hole-in-the-wall place in downtown BD. This place has been around for decades and the interior is a testament to that. A quirky mix of a diner and a bar. Actually somewhat confusing given all of the TVs for watching sports, the booze and the beer. You'd think it would be open into the wee hours but no it closes at 2pm! Odd. Everyone was a local there except for us - we were the only ones who needed a menu! The banter between the staff and the patrons was entertaining. A real hoot. I ordered a chili cheeseburger which was pretty good. My wife ordered a bowl of chili and a grilled cheese. Both were solid though the chili is more like a chili soup than a typical beefy chili. Lots of beans and good flavor. I am glad places like this are still around - a real historical gem. read more

Well first of all I absolutely love that they even have roast beef hash on the menu. I am not a fan of corn beef, but it's available as well. Portions are good and prices are reasonable. However, credit cards are not accepted, so that is part of the reason why prices are reasonable. The chili of course is delicious. Personally, I wish it was a little more spicy. Unfortunately, lots of people don't like or can't handle spice. Most if not everything is home made and has that great homemade taste. Older pictures show that Bloody Mary's and beer are available. read more

Chili John's Cafe - Roast Beef Hash - Cafes Near Me - Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

We stopped at Chili John's for lunch because it was well reviewed and I love a vintage dive diner. Honestly, I'm not really sure what to think about this spot so I'll put it out there and you decide. First, despite being in the middle of a pandemic and under a mask order, CJ's appears to deny the existence of COVID altogether. No masks on any staff, menus are dirty and tattered and condiments are on the table to be touched and shared. No attempt to enforce masks (not a soul had them on at any point) or social distance tables. We stayed because it wasn't crowded but I was very uncomfortable (and yes I did wear a mask). The inside is vintage and pretty crowded with stuff. The hall to the restrooms doubles as storage space and is cluttered with supplies. The men's restroom was out of order and the ladies wasn't great (stepping around a tub on the floor catching leaks in order to wash my hands isn't great). A scrubbing wouldn't hurt is what I'm saying. Two thumbs down for infection control in general. Now - food wise. You are going to get grilled staples - eggs, burgers, hot dogs and "world famous" chili. The place is called CHILI John's so the mister ordered some and it's excellent - just slightly spicy. Two thumbs up for the chili. The Mister also had a double cheeseburger that was clearly hand formed ($6) and served on a great bun. He loved it - two thumbs up for the cheeseburger. I had a ham and cheese omelette ($9, comes with toast). Now, I am a Wisconsin girl who celebrates dairy in all its forms, especially cheese. Today I learned that you CAN have too much of a good thing as my omelette appeared to consist of 70% melted cheese, 25% ham bits and in theory, maybe possibly some eggs? I swear to god, I could not detect eggs in my omelette - it was literally a plate of melted cheese and ham bits. I dug around for a good while trying to scrape through the mountains of cheese and ended up determining that this dish was inedible. Toast is served with egregious amounts of butter, so know that CJ's truly embodies Américas Dairyland. Two thumbs down for serving me an omelette that appeared to be eggless. The prices are pretty cheap, the (maskless) staff are really nice and it's clearly a local favorite. The chili and burgers are legit delicious. If you enjoy eating a pound of melted cheese, you should get an omelette. Thumbs up or thumbs down? Honestly, it's a draw for me. read more

Chili John's Cafe - "Omelette" - I'm not sure this isn't just melted cheese and ham. Today, I learned you CAN have too much cheese. - Cafes Near Me - Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Delicious chili and club sandwich! Very reasonable price. Very friendly staff. The restaurant was started and now still run by the same family. It has a lot of character. (Cash only) read more

Gross interior, gross food, & gross attitudes... it is cheap though... I'd seriously recommend spending your money elsewhere, anywhere else!

Great food! I tried the Chili and a tuna sandwich on sourdough and enjoyed my meal. My brother had the bacon melt and chili fries, and my husband had a burger with the cheese potatoes, all of it was fantastic. Owner was friendly, would go again. read more

Cool atmosphere and family-run business. Visits: about 4 Recommendations: burger and fries read more

Highly recommend, the chili cheeseburger was fantastic, and the service was excellent.

Chili John's is a Beaver Dam staple! You are heading back into time when you walk in. We went with our grandparents and now they've started to go back. The menu has something for everyone, and things aren't greasy like some diners. The chili wasn't super interesting when I went, but the other food was good. The bloody mary was a highlight and they have a decent tap beer selection to keep you going. read more

Should have gotten takeout Then I wouldn't have noticed the complete lack of acknowledgment that there is a global pandemic going on right now. I wouldn't have tripped over the mountains of stuff stored in the back hall on the way to the only "in service" bathroom. I wouldn't have wondered how bad the "out of service" bathroom was if this was the good one. I wouldn't have been given a paper menu that was clearly used by every patron in the past six weeks. Had I ordered takeout, I would have only remember one of the best cheeseburgers I have had in recent memory. I would be waxing romantically about the love I have for their namesake menu item. I would only remember the warm greeting and friendly service. I would have walked in, glanced around quickly and been overtaken with the charm of a well established, old school diner. I would have grabbed my food, turn around, and then depart with a smile on my face. But we dined in. read more

I was originally going to get breakfast in the town I was going to be in but I decided to see what was in the surrounding area and I noticed that this place is almost a century old. Since this would be the oldest restaurant I would ever eat in at this point I changed my plans. The place is very old looking on the inside with a long lunch counter and tables on the opposite side. This is no frills but a great destination diner place. It's been family run all this time and there is a place on the wall for the old school family photos. It's eclectic to say the least with items and equipment spanning the years. The flat grill and cook area is in the front with the owner cooking and taking the orders, see my pictures. Home made bread was cooling on a rack, how cool is that. The owner is a nice guy and asked me how I found the place because I'm not a local which is most of his business and I told him by accident. He happily told me the family's history/story and how it's been a century in the same family. I was there around 8 ish am so I was looking at the breakfast menu and the unique Clyde omelet caught my eye with eggs, bacon, sausage, Ham, green pepper, onion, cheese and topped with chili. The home made toast was nice but I had to scrap off the excessive butter. The Clyde omelet was knocked out of the park because it all worked so well and I have not had an omelet quite like this. Plenty of cheese so my bites had string cheese trails. The chili topping was so good and everything played so well together with the textures of fresh vegetables, meats and melty cheeses. This was over the top in every way so if you are a health nut than this is not for you. Overall this is a great destination foodie spot and I would definitely go back. I'm boosting the Clyde omelet concept for home use in the future, good chili and eggs I would never would have thought for a breakfast omelet. It was a great experience that I will not forget and I so glad I stopped by. Never open on Sunday's just so you know. read more

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Small Local owned Hole in the wall but Great food, Nice Owners, and YEARS of Good business

Great place to get breakfast or lunch. The chili cheese burgers are awesome and so are the black cows, only rivaled by Blue Boy. I only get to go here once or twice a year they still remember who I am and what I order. Great experience every time, highly recommend. read more

Great spot- delicious food. Guy is very friendly. Cooked the eggs perfect over easy. Everything comes out fresh and hot. Also had the french toast which was delicious. I love to order the coffee with a shot of Baileys. Looking for a delicious cheap meal- must try. My friend loves to order the BLT and a side of fried potatoes. read more

Chili is superb and so are cheeseburgers. Nothing could beat the delight waitress. Funny and cute and right on the ball Family owned since 1920. A must visit when in Beaver Dam. read more

A true Beaver Dam gem. Old school diner with counter service and a sassy waitress. Excellent burgers and the Bloody Marys are out of this world! read more

Good local flavor, famous for chili. BUT, I think they are even more famous for the longevity of the business! Great story, ask the owner or a local. It's fun to hear about that stuff. My co-conspirator & I each had a bowl of chili and we split a bacon grilled cheese. BIGGEST. BACON. EVA. Me love you long time, bay-cohn. It was yummy, greasy, slippery, salty and BIG - just what you would expect from a short-order type place. Stop in for a quick lunch and good conversation. Oh! And they serve beer. #winnnnnnnnnn read more

Excellent food, great service, very friendly...kool little cafe...has the 50's theme..best omelette ive ever had...i love this little place, i recommend it highly read more

Chili John's Cafe - Excellent food, very friendly, awesome service...best omelette I ever had...very unique diner...i recommend this place highly - Cafes Near Me - Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Chili John's is a classic diner in downtown Beaver Dam. It is nestled right down the main street across from the movie theatre with plenty of street parking in front. Upon entering the owner greets and says to sit anywhere he is doing all this while short order cooking on the flattop. I ordered a sausage sandwich with fresh cut fries and that hit the spot as I was looking for a greasy breakfast and it was. The fries were piping hot and perfectly seasoned and the sandwich was just oozing sausage and egg plus cheese. I have heard about the famous Coney Island yet I haven't tried it and will report back. All this place needs is some updating regarding the restroom and I wouldn't be surprised to Guy from the food network walking in. read more

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The only thing I can comment on is the chili/coney dog, because I find it impossible to order anything else. The current dog has a really nice snap to the casing and a little bit of spice; it's not just some OM-style wiener designed to be nothing more than a carrier for the chili. The chili's not overly spicy nor is it really thick, but I like that it has good flavor and complements the dog well. If I was many years younger I'd probably consider a run at the "most dogs" record, whatever it happens to be. read more

Great food, great atmosphere. Beer and margaritas with breakfast. Great little nostalgic diner.

Always great food and service! This a must place to stop and eat at if you live or stop through Beaver Dam! read more

Chili John's Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Great place for breakfast or lunch, and the service is always great! I highly recommend the Reuben omelet And their Bloody Mary's are delicious as well! Such a fun atmosphere and everyone is so friendly. Definitely recommend giving them a try! read more

Wow - from IL and just moved to WI (Fox lake) and have been looking for a good sandwich place. Stumbled upon the best Greasy Spoon I've been to in a very longtime. Phenomenal Chili and wonderful sandwiches, breakfasts and burgers. 4 generations and 100 years in business this - with a long dining counter with some tables this is a Classic Diner that should not be missed ! read more

Very friendly, good food , Chili was very good little different from back home in Detroit where there's a Coney Island restaurant on every other corner ( literally), but Very Tasty Chili !! Joe - Detroit,MI read more

There is no better place to go for breakfast or lunch, with that old time diner feel! Chili John's has been a staple in the Beaver Dam community for years, and there is no doubt as to why. The food and atmosphere are unlike anything you will find elsewhere. From the Clyde Omelette, to the Greek Gyro Hash, Texas Burger, and everything in between; there is something for everyone of all ages and tastes! If you're in the area and have never been, I strongly suggest you try it out!! read more

Best breakfast and burgers in town hands down, same family owners for like a century.

Stopped here for breakfast on our way home from Madison. I had the Reuben omelette--corn beef was stewing in a pot on the grill, perfectly sliced, just enough fat, succulent as hell. Kraut tasted just like my own dad makes. Delicious. Best part though--talking to Chris. We will be back many times. Bonus if you went to college in LaCrosse. read more

Really enjoyed our Rueben, chili dogs . Cheese burger and fresh cut fries! Will be back!

This place is awesome! It's a locally owned small business with a small time feel. The food is great, and the conversation is better. They don't make you wear a ridicules mask, and don't employ any of the other Covid scare tactics. read more

Stopped by from out of town. Solid chili and the breakfast sandwich was greasy and comforting :) I got the egg sausage and cheese... The cheese was extra oozey in the good kind of way. Classic quick diner style, enjoyed it and pricing was very reasonable. Will come back when visiting beaver dam read more

Chili John's Cafe - Famous chili bowl - Cafes Near Me - Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Chili John's is a total dive, and I love dives, right on Main Street! Old pool hall converted to a short order food spot. Owner is a character and if you ever need anything just shout because he will shout right back and get it taken care of. Great little coney with some tasty chili on top! I also got a burger and fries and the burger was extremely small but tasty. Fries weren't my favorite but once again a small portion. My coworker went with the margarita omelet. He said it was mediocre at best and a little runny with all the tomatoes. All in all a neat little spot to grab a meal with the locals and check out a little piece of history in Beaver Dam read more

Total dive. Owner (Chris) cocky as hell. Love it! Coney dogs with homemade chili, homemade fries, amazing Ruben with homemade "secret sauce". Prepare to be entertained with great food! read more

The food was okay, but they don't tell you by any sign in the window or on the door that they ONLY take cash. So I had eaten my meal and was about to pay with my debit card, and the owner told me "We only take cash." It was a very cold day in January, 21 degrees, and had I not raised a stink about no sign, and that I had no cash, I would have had to walk four block away to an ATM to pay a $3.50 bill. He then said it would be on him but not till after I had said "You should put a sign up that you only take cash!!" But they did have a large sign out on the sidewalk that talked about aliens. Seriously !!a read more

This is the comfort food everyone is looking for! It's not a huge place but I think that makes it even better. The chef is cooking right there in front of you. I call it Old School Good Ol' Fashioned Food. read more

Walked in on a Saturday. Wasn't busy because of road construction but the owner was working. You're not getting over the top nice because He is old school. He is tough - like family & treats you so you feel comfortable. I had the omelette w chili and it was good. Would come back because of the service. read more

Unlike the chili at Real Chili and the Green Bay Chili John's, the kind here is not too greasy - for better or for worse - and more subtly spiced (with a bit of heat as you get toward the end of the bowl). It's thick enough that it seems to work best without spaghetti, but I have the suspicion that it would also be pretty good if you opted to include some. I plan to try it that way the next time I'm back at home. read more

This is one stop that i have to make any time I'm in town. I've been coming here for 20 years and its just the best diner around for chili and hamburgers. I have no doubt the test of the menu is spectacular but I've never tried it as I order the same thing every time I'm here. When it's this good, why go anywhere else! read more

Food was okay. Don't look around too much or you'll see the dust on everything and lose your appetite. Price isn't great for what you get. I can go to other places, get the same thing but hashbrowns are included and the food is better. Probably won't go again. read more

The name says it all.. "great chili". You'll be happy if you set your expectations at that. Hole in the wall place for those who like them. read more