It is hard to know what people use as criteria for evaluating any venue, but I have to say, I think some are missing the mark on this Chili's. It is not a Michelin 5-star in Paris and needs to be compared with similar venues in the burbs, and that is how I analyzed it.
We decided to give it a re-try after a hiatus of almost twenty years (mostly because at some point they dropped the onion blossom that drew me there in the first place -- not a valid reason to avoid this place, in hindsight!).
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon with a gloomy overcast over all of Santa Clarita, the most recent in almost of month of rainy days, quite uncharacteristic.
I wanted to go somewhere simple and quick and took the advice of some friends who had been there recently, loving the fact that we could walk to this place and didn't need a reservation.
Everything was great, the minute we stepped through the door. Friendly reception, lots of places to sit and look out the giant windows (which were spotless, by the way). Very courteous guidance to our table and everything we needed to start making our choices were put in front of us. Immediately Gabe, our server, came over and offered us a beverage. He was perfect throughout the meal -- always there when we needed him, as if he read our minds, and so affable about our preferences that we felt as if we were old friends.
The menu speaks for itself -- it is extensive and if you are a meat eater, you will have almost too many choices. But, what was really wonderful was the fact that there was a lot for a vegetarian, like me.
Years back I had loved their black bean veggie burgers and so that is what I ordered. I also had a craving for mashed potatoes and so was able to get the loaded mashed as my side, minus the bacon. Joy! They were creamy, real potato-y, and delicious.
The entire place was airy, comfortable, clean, spacious and rather well populated for the least popular time of the day and week, and in the rain, no less. There was perfect Boomer music overhead with a few more contemporary choices so no one should have been put out by the playlist. I, personally, loved it.
We also got amazing attention from Promise, who brought out all our dishes and came back a few times to be sure we had everything we needed (we did). Between them, Gabe and Promise showed that the nicest and most efficient people are being hired and that the management of this particular Chili's was on the ball.
As we left, the reception team all said, "Thank you" in a sincere way. The whole experience, from start to finish, was excellent.
Any pointers from a picky customer like me? Well, the napkins, while abundant, are a bit thin and kept flying off my lap, LOL. The AC was on a bit high for this weird cold day (almost never cold in Santa Clarita, but, just saying...), and, for some reason, like many places in Los Angeles now, no spoons are served, what's up with that?? I had to use the spoon from my coffee (which was perfect), to ladle dips and sauces, and pack up leftovers. But, those are minor.
Chili's is worth a visit, at least at this one. We definitely intend to go back! read more