Chili's Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Harlem Township

We have dined at dozens of Chili's over many years across the country as it became our go-to place for meeting friends and family.

On April 12th we met some friends here who live locally while we visit family in the area.

The restaurant was not crowded with many empty booths so we were seated immediately while we waited for our friends.

We explained to the waiter (Chris) that we had a coupon for a free appetizer and that our friends would be paying for their own meal. Immediately Chris began pacing up and down the row as he said he hates the corporate coupons that make his life miserable as one never knows how their computers will process them. Nonetheless we ordered our meal, drinks, and appetizer just as our friends showed up to order their meal, etc.

Things progressed normally as we received our food and we conversed with our friends.

The problem started when my wife logged on to scan in her free appetizer coupon into the portable computer. The two orders were clearly present and with separate order numbers, but the very limited controls available to us did not let us select our own individual order, it only offered us to pay a split amount of the entire order.

We summoned the waiter (Chris) whom began pacing up and down the ilse complaining that our use of coupons complicated his life. After he fiddled with the controls on the portable terminal for several minutes, he said he was going to go split the order manually. After 15 minutes he did not return, by then we took turns visiting the restroom. Both of us independently heard our waiter (Chris) complaining to other guests that he was servicing that he was very tired of customers bringing in corporate coupons that kept messing up orders and no one was doing anything about it. My wife heard Chris complaining to a different table than I did. In no case did we complain, on the contrary, we just raised our hands to ask for help in checking out so we could leave our table so someone else could eat there.

Finally the acting manager showed up and we eagerly asked for his help. He fumbled with the controls for about 3 minutes and handed the portable computer back to me. As I picked up the computer to put my credit card in it, the acting manager darted off to another table on the other side of the restaurant. As I looked at the computer, nothing had changed, it still showed both separate orders, but would not let us select an individual order to pay for it. Our friends were paying cash, so they went to find the manager to pay for their order. The waiter Chris saw that our terminal had locked up when he was editing at the main terminal, so we waited while he rebooted the portable terminal. After another ten minute delay it was finally rebooted and he handed the device back to me, only it still showed both orders, but no way to select an individual order. Our friends were now putting on their coats to leave so I did what any desperate customer would do who was abandoned by the manager & waiter, I selected split order and paid for the exact amount of our order even though we could not select an individual order number. We added a 20% tip and by then our friends were back from visiting the restrooms, they had their receipt from paying cash and my wife confirmed she was emailed her receipt. As our friends came back to the table the manager was right behind them to inform me that I had paid for the wrong order and that he had backed out our payment, but I would have to scan my card again. I was beginning to worry that I was the crazy one, but after assurances that the first charge hadn't gone through I again scanned my card into the portable computer. This time I selected 18% tip although it should have been none, but the whole time all of us had acted calm while all that had been presented to us was chaos, incompetence, and unprofessional behavior without proper training.

I checked my debit card and both charges posted, I disputed them, but no action on their part. We have all 3 receipts (cash & 2 debits). Beware of this place, they do Fraudulent charges...

If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, look no further than the Chili’s on 173 in Machesney Park, Illinois. My recent visit was nothing short of fantastic, thanks in large part to my incredible waitress, Spring.

From the moment I walked in, Spring made me feel like a VIP. The restaurant was packed, but she managed to juggle her duties as both a waitress and bartender with ease, all while giving me her undivided attention. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and she went above and beyond to ensure my meal was perfect.

Let’s talk about the food. I ordered the Big Smasher Burger, and it was an absolute flavor explosion. This burger is a masterpiece—juicy, perfectly seasoned beef smashed to create a crispy, caramelized crust, topped with melted American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and that signature Smasher sauce. Every bite was a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. The burger was so satisfying, and the portion size was generous without being overwhelming.

Spring made sure my side of fries was hot and fresh, straight out of the fryer basket. They were golden, crispy, and perfectly salted—just the way I like them. It’s clear that Chili’s takes pride in serving quality food, and Spring’s attention to detail ensured everything was spot-on.

But the highlights didn’t stop there. Spring introduced me to the My Chili’s Rewards App, which I immediately downloaded. Thanks to her suggestion, I scored a free chips and salsa—a classic Chili’s starter that never disappoints. The chips were warm and crispy, and the salsa had just the right amount of kick.

For dessert, Spring recommended the Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie, and oh my, was she right! This dessert is a chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream. The rich, creamy filling paired with the crunchy chocolate crust was heavenly. It was the perfect sweet ending to an already amazing meal.

What truly stood out, though, was Spring’s exceptional service. Despite the busy restaurant, she made me feel like I was her only customer. Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine care elevated the entire experience.

If you’re in the Machesney Park area, do yourself a favor and visit this Chili’s location. Ask for Spring—she’s a rockstar! Whether it’s the mouthwatering Big Smasher Burger, the addictive fries, or the decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie, you’re in for a treat. And don’t forget to download the My Chili’s Rewards App for some...

Me and my family went to the Machesney Park Chili's on 11/10/2023 for my sons 7th birthday. We got there we asked for our favorite server Dena but was told her section was full so we got seated in a different section. We got seated and our server introduced herself as Ebony and took our drink order and that was the last time that we saw her for just about 15 minutes. We were ready to order. She came back out with the food for the table behind us, they asked for ketchup and she brought that and we were still ignored. We saw her again she went to the table that was a booth next to us and got there items and walked away again. So we continued to wait so that we can order my son is telling me that he is hungry, I am trying to keep him calm while we wait. It was 25 minutes then she came to ask what we would like to order. I told Ebony we will pay for the drinks we are going to go. As I was leaving I asked to speak to the manager. He came out and he said that his name is Jacob. The entire time that I was talking to him he looked like he was on drugs. Then the server Ebony T walked by shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes in my direction. I asked Jacob is this how this place is ran with bad customer service? Then she (Ebony t) walked by again with drinks in her hand and rolled her eyes again in my direction. He (Jacob) went to the back and then he came out with a card his name was not on it but the general manager name was on it (Dave Stoll) and that is not who i spoke with. He gave us 2 $5.00 gift cards for the inconvenience.With how the manager looked and how I was treated I NEVER want to bring my family there again especially when I had to see the disappointment on my sons face when we left and we ended up going to McDonald's. In the picture below is like a slap in the face to a kid...