Chili's Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Florida

Good Intentions, Underwhelming Wings

It had been about 10 years since my last visit to a Chili’s, and after this experience, it might be another 10 before I return.

I stopped in after work with a craving for some bold, flavorful chicken wings—something spicy to end the day right. The visit started strong: I was greeted quickly by the bartender, who was friendly, attentive, and had a great personality. She got my drink order and food order in without delay. I went with the Nashville Hot Wings, which were described as their spiciest option.

The wings came out fast and were identified by the food runner as “Nashville Hot,” so I assumed all was well. But visually, they didn’t look like any hot or sauced wings I’ve ever had—more like a dry rub, and not a particularly flavorful one. They were piping hot in temperature, but the flavor was almost non-existent.

When the bartender checked on me, I had only made it through two wings. I asked for extra sauce, and without hesitation, she looked at them and said, “Yeah, those do look dry.” She quickly got me extra sauce at no charge—props to her again for the great service.

Still, the overall experience was disappointing. I boxed up most of the wings to take home and tossed them in the extra sauce myself, hoping I could salvage them later.

From a leadership standpoint, there was no presence at the bar. A manager did come out—but only to chat with two other guests, who seemed to be regulars. I overheard them making dinner plans together. Meanwhile, I sat there clearly unsatisfied, and no one followed up.

Takeaway: The bartender was the highlight of the visit—friendly, fast, and honest. But the food missed the mark, and there was a noticeable lack of management engagement with all guests, not just familiar faces. For a national chain like Chili’s, this should be a learning...

Today I went to this 'restaurant' with a group of friends. It was a special day and we needed a place we could all agree to. Upon walking in some of the girls were already there; we're a big group. It took each addition to our party five minutes to get a drink. Mine, sweet tea, was basically oddly flavored water. We then began sifting through menues looking for something to eat. I split a pick two with the loaded fries and a quesadilla. The loaded fries tasted microwaved. Fries are suppose to have a slight crunch and fluff to the inside. This was solid mush with half melted cheese. My quesadilla: the chicken was clearly from a frozen package. I honestly don't know why you call yourself a dine in restaurant when Moes (fast food) has their act together- more so than you. This is where I dive into the chip fiasco. Each visit you get free chips and salsa. In Tallahassee (where I'm from) you get free chips even if you're not in the bar section. We were in the bar section. They told us we'd have to pay for chips and literally everyone around us was offered free chips. We heard our waitress offer another group free chips. We called friends who have received chips here, worked here, etc and even they said you receive free chips and salsa. We never figured out why we were denied. This Chili's is the exact reason why I stopped eating at 'dine in restaurant' chains years ago. They all use frozen food, take no care into what they're making, no care for the customers, and are overpriced for the slop you receive. Long story short, none of us nor our friends will be back.

-Update: They also gave me...

I would remind your asian night bar tender that the service she gives at 1045pm should be just as good as the svc she gives at 3pm. I get its annoying having someone walk in 45min to close, BUT regardless your open til 1130 & shes aware of last call time which was 1115 & also aware shes stuck until at least 1130 whether she has customers or not, so might as well give your best service regardless-time goes much quicker when your not twiddling your thumbs. Plus to be courteous we ASKED would it be a problem if we ordered, & told her we understood if it was. - id rather her be honest about needing/wanting to get out than be rushed to eat. Isnt “were open late” chilis main slogan? Plus we only ordered a bowl of soup & 1 appetizer. The drink was pure mix, the food was good & hot so KUDOs to the kitchen but the srver/bartenders(same person) service reflected her attitude which was short, rude and annoyed. If i had paid and not my husband, her tip wouldve reflected her. We were rushed to order and rushed to leave, she brought a box less than 5min after getting food, without even asking for it, clearly hinting we needed to go, plus still 15min before even last call. He graciously still left 20% but she deserved about 10. The tip should reflect the service and hers was below subpar. Id remind you're ppl, just bc they think they're entitled to 20%,...