Now this is my type of place! Cash only old school spot cooking everything up on a stove/griddle from 1939. What ever you get here is going to be excellent. Fresh off a 5mi hike at discovery park I got a bowl of chili with beans and a burger. I'm a big chili guy and it did not disappoint. Super hearty and filling. The burger was perfect. Super simple but man was it good. Pro tip dip it in your chili and get the whole shebang. Smaller spot with a grave next to it for parking. Staff were super friendly and very welcoming. If you don't have cash they got an atm in the back. Definitely a great spot to fuel up and have a brew. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Some burgers and dogs on the griddle - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Solid dive bar, cold beer and very much a regulars spot. Went to try the chili after hearing about it and wanted to check it out. For all the hype it was ok, nothing out of this world just classic and maybe a bit oily. Ordered it with cheese and jalapeños. A bowl and beer is all I needed. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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We've tried to come in here twice now and have been turned away twice. Lol. The first time, it was because I didn't have my ID, even though I'm in my 30s. I let the staff know we wouldn't be drinking if that's an issue, but she insisted we leave anyway. But hey, we didn't fight it and peacefully walked out. Rules are rules. The second time, they were closing a few hours early and not taking in any more customers. The couple that came in after us was also turned away. We tried to go here twice, and both times it didn't work out. We're not trying again, but hey, give it a shot, maybe you'll have better luck. read more

Tavern meets diner meets dive bar. Cool spot, great food. Fresh cut fries fast service read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chilli cheese fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Well beer and chili good Tavern great locals and in this day and age we are very lucky to have Mikes as so many places have gone by the way side. If you want to feel the good ol days of Seattle Ballard life step in and live it. Love this special place. read more

I love dive bars and dive bars that have been around as long a Mike's. I used to pass by here every day as a teenager on the 15 bus and never tried it until recently. It's cash only and I had to use the atm. As an adult, the bar was a blast from the past reminding me of old pioneer square of the 90's with the brick building exterior and Coors lite smell. The chili was delicious and the beef was generous. It reminded me of a comfort dish or recipe passed down multiple generations. It's hard to find diners or chili parlors anymore. Service was excellent and I appreciate parlors like this that continue to serve the Ballard community and hungry fishmongers. I'm really happy Mike's has remained in business post pandemic. I'll definitely return. read more

I have driven by this neighborhood dive bar for year but never stopped and I could kick myself for missing this hidden gem. The burger is deliciously simple. A single fresh patty, slice of yellow American cheese, thin slice onion and 4 pickles with mayo, mustard and a touch of the chili juice. In a word,...EPIC! The chili is hard to describe. It is not your typical tomato based chili. I can't put my finger on, but it is tasty and I will be back for more. Next time you are in Ballard hit up Mike's Chili Parlor for some great pub grub. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Single cheeseburger - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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On my quest for stupid food I found myself at another Triple D alumni. This place was only a few blocks from my job site in Seattle and since it was on Diners Drive Inns and Dives I had to go. It's a quintessential dive bar. That's not a bad thing. This is a place that you have to visit. It's filled with rich history that is lovingly protected by the wonder people who run and maintain it. The bar tender and grill man were stellar!!! Over the top awesome!!! This is no stretch both people behind the bar were cool. So nice friendly and engaging. The people at the bar were cool too. I felt like a local. Now onto the chili. Dude!!! Really? What a great anchor item. It was great and the chili dog was a mountain of chili hiding a hot dog and a bun. It ruined all future chili dogs in my life. Just one will quell the biggest eater's appetite. Just get here have a beer and try the chili!!! read more

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Haven't been here for over 25-30yrs. The place still looks the same outside & inside, but the Neighborhood has changed Big-Time. New businesses all around. The service is Excellent, the Chili is Awesome! I will definitely return in less than 30 yrs next time! read more

We as Seattlelites love Mike's. This place is amazing and the considering that I'm 79 and have been several times since I was 9 shows us it's been around awhile read more

This establishment is such a well preserved piece of Seattle food history. It is a family business that has been in place for over 100 years and is currently on the 4th generation of owners. I got to meet Mike and he was a caring man which really reflects in the respect he gives each patron as well as the quality of his food. Walking in here midday was the first time that I had felt a sense of community in a long time. Now for the food, I ordered a Chili dog, a double chili cheeseburger, a single cheeseburger, and large chili cheese fries. They all are uniformly smothered in a delicious homemade chili sauce with a mountain of onions, flavorful jalapeños, and of course, the cheese. I am a large man (6'2 230lb) and let me tell you, the dog and some of the fries did the job itself. When they say large fries, they mean LARGE fries. Everything was cooked to perfection as you can see by the grill marks, the waitress didn't bat an eye at the large order, and it all came out in a timely manner. You can tell they care about what comes out of their kitchen. It is cash only, but they also have an ATM in the corner. It had an old diner feel to it with a bar top that the regulars were happily sitting at while chatting away. I will definitely be returning and highly encourage everyone to bring some friends and check it out at one point also for the classic American food. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chili Dog - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I keep coming back here. Cash only. Menu doesn't change. The kind of place Seattle is losing. Authentic. I always enjoy the chili and I recommend the burgers. I like the beer choices. Bring a friend and enjoy a real Seattle experience. read more

Nice little chili spot with cold drinks. Service was great and fast. Would visit again if in the area. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - The spaghetti chili with cheese, onions and jalapeños. The side of toasted bread was a nice touch. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Always stellar. A Seattle institution that never disappoints! The chili pasta is great if you've never tried it. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chili fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Nice, fairly friendly dive bar. The chili was a huge letdown for me. The beer was good, and so was the service. If I lived nearby, I'd probably enjoy popping in regularly for a beer. But I'd never order their chili again. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place is an experience. I came in with a small group an hour before close for some food after a day at the local breweries. Upon arriving, the waitress was very rude and in retrospect she clearly didn't want us there. We were there plenty before close but she was still trying to turn us away. We quickly sat down and placed our orders because the waitress was very short and rude and made it seem like we were already holding the kitchen back. We ordered the chili cheese fries and the rest of the group tried most everything else - burgers, bowl of chili, pasta, queso. No one was impressed. It was all fine but pretty bland and really greasy. Y'all we were HUNGRY and had been drinking and this still didn't hit the spot. I could excuse the service if the food was great. I could excuse the bland food if it was a fun, family business. Overall we were all uncomfortable enjoying a meal here because the waitress was so unnecessarily rude. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chili cheese fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I took my father here for lunch. He loves chili and since this restaurant specializes in chili, wanted to give it a try. I do agree with other reviews, the service here acts annoyed at you coming in and ordering food. Since my dad and I are both low maintenance customers, we meekly order and eat our food and leave. My dad really enjoyed his chili dog. I got the chili hamburger. These are nostalgic food items we both haven't had in about 20 years. The chili is on the heavier side. Combine that with cheese and onions and there is a meal that will fill you up for many hours. One of the bonuses in coming here was memories of the past. The ambiance of being in a place that reminded me of my childhood, was special. And for my 93 year old father, this was true also. We left, very full and pleased with the food and our experience. read more

Total classic dive bar, awesome ambience tucked in a corner right in the middle of the big city... Went there to see the JV band perform they have an outdoor venue outback that's huge and very nice when the weather is good, had to try the chili as it's called Mike's chili. it was reasonably priced at at the bar, had great service... I'd read about a lot of bad service, but I admit nothing but great service the day I was there... Chili was OK nothing to write home about but very edible and decent for the price would return for the experience fun place. read more

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My wife was looking forward to going to this place. Ever since she saw them watching on a TV show. The food channel really promoted this place to have the best Chili. Well, it wasn't it was greasy,plain tasting, and boring. For a place to be advertised on DDD. It was bad, plus we went during a weekday after lunch. The service was terrible. We felt like a problem than a customer. We gave them a try. But, we will never go again. read more

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Best chili west of Nashville. No frills just great chili. It's a real dive but forget the look. It's awesome.

Hot chili with a rainy seattle weather . Affordable price cute diner with amazing juicy burger and chili fries! Ps: remember to bring cash and check their hours before heading over! read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Double cheese Chili Burger - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Have lived in Ballard off-and-on since 2006 and after numerous trips over the years to Trader Joe's next door, thought I'd finally swing into the Ballard longtime establishment to try out their take-out service and chili. WOW...first and last time for patronage! Where to start - the staff were rude and completely impersonal. That was the biggest issue. The chili was way too spicy for me...so beware, tolerate at least three-stars spice, in my opinion, if you get the chili. Everyone has their own taste in food, so not totally knocking that - everyone however deserves friendly service, and you won't find it here. read more

Mike's is a part of Seattle history and elements inside - old cash register and bar stools - make this spot feel frozen in time. It survived the gentrification around this neighborhood, and you're sure to find crowds popping in for beer and a sports game on the 3 TVs. CASH ONLY, but there's an ATM in the back. We felt a little rushed when ordering takeout, but the food speaks for itself. 5 s for the CHILI DOG: chili's super flavorful & love that the beans are put on top, with options for heaps of jalapeño and diced onions. CHILI QUESO well-balanced: creamy, and thick with a kick of spice and lime. As of March, you can only get a quart or pint for takeout (no bowls & cups). read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

**CASH ONLY** Came in exclusively to try their famous chili. It is topped with diced jalapenos, onion and shredded cheese. It it was not a chili soup but not a thick chili bowl neither. Enough pinto beans and hamburger to satisfy. It's served with oyster crackers. There was a clear orangy oil layer left on bottom of the bowl when I was done eating. Chili definitely not from a can. The bar in general is a classic dive bar with in and patio seating. Patio seating was pleasant. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Here it is - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The chili I'd give a 3, maybe a 4 for what it is, if it was hot, but the whole package is a 2 star for me. First, you have to go into this place knowing that the chili is not a modern gourmet version with big chunks of anything. Also, there are no beans, which is awesome. I'm not from Texas but I firmly believe that real chili doesn't have beans. So they are in the right ballpark. The chili is more like a tomato sauce with hamburger and a lot of grease, served lukewarm at best. I've been there 3 times in the last 6 months. I used to go there often in the 80's when I lived on north Queen Anne, nothing has changed. First time I went recently my friend got a bowl of chili and I got the chili burger. The chili burger costs less than the "big bowl" of chili, but comes with almost the same amount of chili, which is a plus. But there was a problem, the chili was on the cold/lukewarm side. My friend wanted to get his bowl heated up and we could not get someone to even look at us. There was only one other customer in there when we were. So he took it up to the bar and ask that it be microwaved. The reception he got for that was sullen and cold. They put cheese on top of both meals and neither the burger or pre-microwaved meals were warm enough to melt the cheese. So your meal has essentially cold cheese on top. I didn't send mine back, I soldiered on, but it was not hot a meal by any stretch. (you can see that in pictures people have posted here) A couple of months later, I stopped in to get a bowl of chili. When you walk in the reception is very cold. The guy behind the counter and the regulars turn and look at you like you have 3 heads. It's nothing like a biker bar vibe, but the vibe is kind of "who are you coming into "our" place". I had the big bowl of chili, again, lukewarm, LOTS of grease and unmelted cheese. I had forgotten that they only take cash so I had to pay the couple of bucks fee to get cash out of their machine to pay the bill. I went there about a week ago, I live on the Eastside and don't get to Ballard much. Mike's has some nostalgia for me since I had frequented the place in the 80's, so I thought I'd overlook the problems and get a bowl of chili. I walked up to the from door and saw the "cash only" sign. Crap, I never ever have cash on me. It's 2024, who carries cash? Almost nobody, that's who. So I'd have to put my card in the sketch machine and pay a couple of bucks for the privilege of getting cash to pay the bill. I take a couple of steps in the door and the guy behind the counter just stares at me with a sour look. I turned around and walked out. The greasy cold chili isn't good enough to overcome the unfriendly vibe I get from the place. I love old neighborhood institution type of places. It can leave a hole in a neighborhood when they go away. But customers don't buy tradition, they buy food and service. Not to mention, in 2024 they buy it with a card or their cell phone..... read more

Stopped in due to the show Diners Drive Ins and Dives. On the show it looked like a fun place with a 100 yr history and great chili on everything. It lived up to my expectations and would highly recommend for a fun lunch stop at what I would call a dive bar. I love dive bars and I'm guessing this is in that category. Lots of character and great chili! Very friendly owner and his sister who was working realized I had never been there and was super helpful in explaining it is cash only and was very attentive to make sure my lunch was great. Nice people, good beer and great chili. I'm making the rounds of all the Triple D episodes in WA and this was a great one. I'll be back with my daughter next time! I even bought a pint of the chili to go. read more

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WoW.... just WoW... and not a good WoW... Rude!. Sub standard 'Chili'...Did I mention Rude?? Some very sad and unhappy People....

We decided our last day (of a five day trip) in Seattle would consist of a self-directed "pub crawl" in the Ballard Area. We planned on hitting around eight microbreweries, so we needed to get some food in us before starting our journey. Searched Yelp and found this highly rated, iconic location. Upon arriving, we knew this was our type of joint, dive bar atmosphere with cool workers and great beer and food. I got the chili fries, my brother got the chili burger, and friend got chili dog. We were thinking the chili would be the typical tomato base chili with beans, but we were wrong. This chili was loaded with lots of meat and had very few beans. It was OUTSTANDING and the portions of our dishes was HUGE. This was some of the best food we had during our entire stay in Seattle, plus it served our purpose of filling us with something to soak up our upcoming beer intake. Make sure you take the time to visit this iconic spot. The owners are great people and we enjoyed talking to them about local history and finding out about other places we should visit for eating/drinking. read more

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Having grown up in the area I frequented Mike's regularly when I was younger. There was an ambiance to the place and it was always a culinary adventure to remember. I returned there today after not having been there for 20 years and was really disappointed with the entire experience. The "ambiance". was replaced with a sign at the door that read "sit down and shut up". I ordered the Chili burger with the works. I got cold chili, soggy buns, and a burger buried beneath that mess that looked like something the Kraken boys slap around. The portions have shrunk considerably over the years and the prices have skyrocketed. I'm going to try my hardest to remember the old days. Nothing stays the same. read more

i been around the whole county and others. my taste buds say best chili in the world. i choose chili cheese burger with lots of shredded cheese, oyster crackers as best. regular bowl with cheese 2nd choice. they have chili with or without beans. good tap beer selection & hard drinks. free parking. real low prices for new yuppie ballard. * google, amazon & techs * nice old time blue collar bar , fisherman dive !!! yummy read more

During a quick trip to Seattle we stopped by an old favorite. The decor had been updated and they now feature an outdoor patio/bier garden area. It's still a great comfortable neighborhood tavern with great chili. Nice neighborhood bar operated by a native Seattleite, so you know he's a true fan of the Mariners and Seahawks. Great service as you would imagine in this family run business, and this chili is legacy stuff. Try a bowl, you won't be disappointed. Glad to see them thriving, read more

I want to address the couple of bad reviews on Yelp/elsewhere. I was almost dumb enough to second guess going there due to them, I'm glad I didn't. Those people don't seem to understand what this place is. This isn't Texas chili, not even really American chili, the most similar thing I think you could compare to would be Cincinnati's famous Skyline chili. This is chili based on a Greek recipe similar to Skyline. If you say this is bland you must have ordered it wrong because it comes heaped with cheese, onions, and jalapenos. I don't know how you could ever call jalapenos bland, other than maybe if you have brain cancer or something. Do you smell burning feathers too? Get chat checked out. Is it greasy? Of course it is, they also serve chili dogs and hamburgers with chili, this is greasy spoon Americana, it's not Evergreens. This is immigrants, making lots of food, for cheap, like Garbage Plates out of Rochester (Also a Greek guy, coincidence?) I'm Italian and I worried about the chili pasta to be honest, but the pasta was perfectly al dente, I almost asked for hot sauce and the second I took a bite I realized I didn't need it. Came with some delicious garlic bread. I also worked in restaurants for years, mostly in fine dining, but this place deserves every ounce of appreciation it gets from everyone. If you don't let or it, most likely you don't understand what it is you're eating and you're comparing it to something that it's not supposed to be. The only reason I can see someone not liking the place is if you just really didn't like cinnamon or cardamom, because that's not normally put in American chili. However, it's not sweet, it's used in the same way you often will see it used in Indian food. It's amazing, I've been hearing about it on KISW for a while, and it really lives up to the hype in my opinion. There's a reason that it was on diners, drive one and dives. It's high class trash food, lots of food, for a comparatively good price, when you need to put something in your stomach. Just go there. I will again. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - I should have taken this pic before I ate half of it. Chili pasta. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Worth the hype. Great chili and fries are on point. Super old decor with lots of character. In and out in twenty mins for a quick lunch. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chili Bowl with cheese, jalapeños and onion with fry basket - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This place is everything you want it to be. The menu is simple and straightforward with mainly chili-topped items like hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and pasta. Beans are an add on - it's nice to have the option. Optional toppings include cheese, onions, and jalapeños. Full bar available with a bunch of beers on tap. The ambiance is that of a dive bar, which we don't mind, and the waitress we always seem to have is typically grouchy. The bathrooms are tiny and cold, and keep in mind that it's cash only! read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - Chili dog and chili pasta - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I have driven by this place sooo many times and have been dieing to stop here and try this "Famous Chili"! Its been around forever! They have been serving the same chili recipe since 1922 & it has been featured on Food Network's DDD! One overcast Saturday afternoon a friend and I had the chance to stop in for lunch! A couple of beers on tap and a nice warm bowl of chili! YUMMY! This was damn delicious! I feel like chili can be hit or miss, because it seems to always come out different, but Mike has it down! DELICIOUS! They let me bring my little senior dog in and sit in the back under the canopy tents! Good service! Good food! Fair prices! HIGHLY RECCOMMEND MIKE'S CHILI! I will definitely be back here for many more gray Seattle afternoons!! read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - ...for the simple guy!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Was a regular customer for about 9 years when Stevie worked there. Spend about $180/month in the place.. cash no merchant charge. Didn't mind the duct tape or the dilapidated bathroom. Recommended the place to friends and cruise ship passengers. When I walked in, I was greeted. Upon transition to a new generation the food remains the same. The Customer Service that was friendly and welcoming has switched to at best utilitarian, along the lines of the welcoming service of a vending machine, but the vending machine at least flashes the words Thank You. The current service at the Chili Parlor doesn't even do that. It would be unfair to the DMV to make a comparison.. the DMV is slammed with people renewing drivers licenses, while at Mike's even when the place is slow with empty tables, expect to be treated as if coming in and ordering food and drink is an imposition on the wait staff. So... if you venture to Mike's Chili and you feel like you're being treated like a bothersome trespasser.. don't take it personally. It's the new 'ambience.' The food remains authentic to the family recipe. read more

I don't know what's happened to the chili at Mike's during the last couple of years. It used to be about the best in the city. What I had today was god awful. There was a thick layer of oil in my take-out container. I drained off more than a half cup of it and hoped I had salvaged som edible, but all I had was a soggy greasy mess which I tossed. read more

Mike's chili parlor once again delivered an epic meal to me and the crew this place is awesome. The chili is wonderful. The service is great and that's a family run business is going back 102 years!! Should be on anybody's bucket list list visiting Seattle or if you live here like we do read more

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I accidentally left my hydroflask there. Called them 2 days later and they said they had "thrown it out".... In what world would you throw out a hydroflask??? I can only think that one of the workers claimed it and didn't want to give it back. Not cool, Mike's Chili. Not cool. I will never be back and will not be recommending this place for my followers, friends, or bar patrons. read more

Mike's Chili Parlor - This is the hydroflask that the staff told me they "threw out". Just seems really sus. - Dive Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

If you are sentimental and you have been coming here since you were a kid, this place is worth 3-4 stars. If not the above, don't waste your money on this hole in the wall. It is over rated and the woman was just plain rude. read more