Mike’s Chili Parlor
About
Dive Bars, American (Traditional)
Price Range : Under $10 ($)
Location
Adress: 1447 NW Ballard Way, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 782-2808
Work Hours
Business info
- list_altTakes ReservationsNo
- directions_carDeliveryNo
- move_to_inboxTake-outYes
- credit_cardAccepts Credit CardsNo
- thumb_upGood ForLunch, Dinner
- local_parkingParkingStreet
- directions_bikeBike ParkingYes
- accessibilityGood for KidsNo
- groupGood for GroupsYes
- insert_emoticonAmbienceDivey, Classy
- volume_upNoise LevelAverage
- turned_in_notMusicJuke Box
- music_noteGood For DancingNo
- local_barAlcoholFull Bar
- turned_in_notGood For Happy HourYes
- transit_enterexitOutdoor SeatingYes
- wifiWi-FiNo
- tvHas TVYes
- turned_in_notWaiter ServiceYes
- fastfoodCatersNo
- scatter_plotHas Pool TableNo
Reviews
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Beheshta A.
They got some good chili!!!!
Has a nice clean feel to the place, I like chili a lot but haven't really found a place that has the exact consistency I've been looking for and now I have!
Has a full bar which tops it all off. -
Robyn C.
The portions are HUGE, no skimping on the toppings and the price is right. It packs a little kick, but nothing about it made me go The Terminator and say I'll be back. The pasta is cooked and just heated up in the microwave but- the burgers are fresh and cooked perfectly... thin but juicy! There was one lady doing everything! tThe bar, cooking the food AND serving the place! She seemed like she wasn't too pleased with it, but once we got the food ordered she started to warm up a little.
I don't think I'll be back any time soon because there were bugs flying around, tables sticky and the restroom had even more bugs!!!
Food: ok
Service: ok
Cleanliness: no. -
Eric E.
This was bar none the best chilli I have ever had. I'm not sure why there is lower stars but this is absolutely the best chilli I have ever had. Just saying.
-
Brian C.
The first thing you need to know about Mike's is that it's cash-only. That's the only reason for a missing star. But: they have an ATM.
Second, they're really proud of their chili. Now, chili is one of those foods everyone seems to have a different opinion of. To bean, or not to bean (their Chili Cup has beans, while a Straight Cup is meat only here)...Texas style, New Mexico style, Colorado style... its done as many different ways as there are cooks to make it, and I've tried a few. Hundred.
The best chili I've ever had my wife made, and it was a tomatillo-based, five-bean, four-pepper diced beefsteak monster with heat that made my eyebrows tingle, served with sour cream, cornbread and -this is the kicker- little garlic dill pickles, cornichons, on the side. Seriously.
I say all this to make a point: you will never, ever get the best chili you've ever had from a cook who isn't the cook that made it the first time, if then. Not happening. So when you eat chili- including Mike's- suspend comparison and just take it at face value. I like it, especially the all-meat or "straight" version.
All chili aside, this is a cool, historic old-school joint with lots of televisions for sports, mostly lighter beers and IPAs on tap, very basic hard liquor, a juke box, comfy seating, and an ancient and amusingly senile video game. It's a joint that's stuck to its guns, doing its signature dish and serving it to generations of Ballardites. A cool, funky dive that knows who it is, and where it's come from.
Be respectful. Not in a chili mood? The burgers are decent too. Fries are very good here. Relax, and set aside the impulse to try to bend everything to your will. This place has bent without breaking for a long long time, and it's seen bigger fish than you. So relax. Deep breath. Good. Now try the chili...
Highly recommended. -
Marney H.
Mike and his daughter were such amazing hosts. The chili is amazing! True chili straight with no beans, or with beans or on pasta! Best Chili Parlor in Washington! Thanks for the hospitality today! We will have to come back soon!