They say location is everything. But, I might occasionally disagree, especially when it comes to restaurants.
After all, some of the best places are a
little bit off the beaten path. Some of my favorites include Crazy
Water, Tess,
La Merenda, and Sobelman’s Pub & Grill. And, more recently, I’d also add a relative newcomer to the
block, Chili Lili’s Chili Bar.
Chili Lili’s
opened on the corner of Jackson & Menomonee Streets in June of 2010. Their
location, which previously housed the short-lived Holiday House, is tucked back
in the southeastern portion of the Third Ward – just around the corner from the
Italian Community Center, and surrounded by condominiums and new
construction. It’s not a high traffic
area, which means they don’t get much “accidental” traffic.
But, that’s OK. The
people who know about Chili Lili’s are devoted to this awesome little
neighborhood spot – and for good reason. It’s really something special.
I love to cook. So, if I’m going to go out for lunch or
dinner, I want it to be some place interesting. It doesn’t need to be upscale
or fussy. But, I appreciate spots that
do something a little bit different, and who aren’t afraid to step out of the
box. I also love a restaurant that has a
dedication to serving food made with real (not processed) ingredients. And Chili
Lili’s is one of those places. Featuring
free-range (but well-behaved) chicken, local El Rey tortillas, and an award
winning Kobe beef burger based on a recipe from Lagniappe Brasserie’s Chef Andy Tenaglia, Chili Lili’s
menu offers a plethora of home-style comfort food.
Their chili is thick, almost stew-like. You can order it
straight up, served over cornbread or garlic toast, or atop a steaming hot bowl
of 
macaroni & cheese. And they offer up over seven varieties on any given
day, each one more unique than the last.
How about a portion
Vegetarian Chili with roasted portabella mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini and
topped with herbed goat cheese?
Or some Spicy Pizza
Chili with Italian sausage, pepperoni and kalamata olives with melted
mozzarella served over a thick slice of garlic bread?
Or what about their
latest special featuring jalapeno tomatillo potato kraut chili with McBob’s
corned beef and shredded Swiss cheese, served over Breadsmith’s marble rye?
If you’re like me, and you appreciate having something
different to choose from on the menu every time you stop in, you’ll probably
also be excited to know that they’re currently tweaking some brand new
offerings that could appear later this spring or summer. The list includes a
Thai peanut chili, summer gazpacho chili, a BBQ pulled pork chili, and Tailgate
chili (think racing sausages).
Of course, avid chili fans never have to worry about a trip
to Chili Lili’s getting boring. After
all, once all the chili bowls have been sampled, patrons have their choice of a
variety of chili-based menu items – like the Sloppy Lili, Chili Dog, Chili
Burrito, or Chili Cheese Fries. There are even options for patrons with food allergies — including a host of gluten-free options.
Chili isn’t your thing? No worries. The two-sided, lengthy menu has
something for everyone, including the kids (who can eat for free every Sunday
after 4pm).
And, if you’re the type who would like to hang out for a
while after dinner, Chili Lili’s also provides after dinner entertainment. The restaurant owns four pinball machines, Ms.
Pac Man, Galaga, a pool table, and a foosball table. I’ve also heard rumors that they might be
thinking of starting up a pinball league.
Sounds pretty fun, no?
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