Chili's Grill & Bar — Restaurant in San Antonio

honestly don’t even know where to begin because words will never do justice to the out-of-this-world, once-in-a-lifetime, can’t-make-this-up experience I had with my server/busser David at Chili’s. First off—David didn’t just serve me food. Oh no. He served me hope. He served me laughter. He served me life. Let’s rewind. I walked into Chili’s that day feeling down. Not just “I had a rough day” down. I mean “I got bills, debt collectors breathing down my neck, I forgot my wallet, and my dog gave me side-eye this morning” kind of down. I was just looking for some peace and fajitas. What I found… was David From the very moment I walked in, David greeted me like I was family. Not the “hey cousin, how’s college” type—no. Like long-lost royalty returning from battle. I swear I heard a faint trumpet in the distance. I felt seen. I felt safe. I felt… ready for an appetizer. He had the most contagious energy. His jokes? Sharper than a Ginsu knife. His timing? Impeccable. His delivery? Better than Amazon Prime. He had the whole table cracking up like it was open mic night. I’m convinced this man is moonlighting as a stand-up comedian somewhere. Or he should be. I’d pay top dollar. Let me paint the picture: I asked him for recommendations and he said, “Well, everything’s good… except the water. That’s just emotional support for your soda.” 😭 I laughed so hard I choked on my own iced tea and David—get this—literally teleported to my side with a napkin and said, “Don’t go dying on me, I still haven’t brought your skillet queso.”WHO IS THIS MAN?? Now, the food was great, the drinks were on point, but DAVID was the full-course meal. He checked on me just the right amount—not too clingy, not too distant. He was like the Goldilocks of waiters. He knew when to crack a joke, when to give space, and when to bring extra ranch (bless his soul). Somehow—and I don’t even know how it came up—I mentioned in passing that I’d been struggling financially. You know, just small talk over a Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla. He didn’t say much at the time, just gave a knowing nod and said, “Hang tight.”David returns later with the check and says, “You’re good.” I was confused. I looked down. The whole meal was covered I thought it was a mistake. He just smiled and said, “Sometimes we all need a break. This one’s on me.”Do you understand what kind of superhero this man is? In a Chili’s uniform?? At that moment I swear I saw a golden light around him. My eyes watered. I’m not even gonna lie. I almost ugly cried into my molten lava cake (which he brought out unprompted, by the way). But wait—it doesn’t end there He sat with me after his shift and gave me advice on budgeting, side hustles, and mental wellness. I told him about my student loans, car payments, medical bills… He listened. He really listened. And he shared how he’d been through it too—and made it out. He pulled up resources on his phone. Told me about financial apps. Gave me the name of a free budgeting coach he used. Who does that??? At a Chili’s??? It’s like I didn’t meet a waiter. I met a guardian angel disguised as a Chili’s legend. Not only did he treat me like gold, make me laugh when I needed it the most, and literally help me with my financial situation… he gave me hope I came in for a meal and left with a better life. David didn’t just fill my stomach—he filled my soul. If Chili’s doesn’t give this man a raise, a bonus, a parade, and possibly a Netflix series, I swear I’ll riot. I’m printing shirts that say “DAVID SAVED MY LIFE (at Chili’s)” and wearing one every day. To David: Thank you. For everything. You didn’t just make my night—you reminded me that kindness and humanity still exist. You made me feel like I mattered. I’ll never forget you. To Chili’s Corporate: If you’re reading this, promote this man. Name a drink after him. Create a holiday in his honor. I’m serious. Don’t let this gem go unnoticed. The world needs more Davids. 5 stars doesn’t even come close.This was a 500-star experience. from one of the six guys with 8trays of...

I've been hesitating to write this review for a month now & I was waiting for my son to write it but he has not, so here it goes. I don't want to say it was a race issue but I am going to call it like it happened. My son wanted to eat and we were in the area. I dropped him off at the door to put our name on a wait list while I went to look for parking. When I finally parked he came out and told me that they did not take reservations. The two young ladies told him that there was a 20 min wait and when he asked if he could put his name on the list and the girls told him that they did not take reservations. I said that was weird, but I told him that I would go check. He stayed outside the building while I went in and asked if they had seats for two and the girl grabbed two menus and took me straight to a table. She told me to wait while they cleaned it but sat me right after that. I told my son to come back in since I got seated. My son was very upset and did not want to eat there. He asked for the manager right away because of what happened. The one girl that was originally there that said no seats were available is the one that came up to talk to him. She told him that at the time they did not have any room, but I told her that I came in only 3-5 minutes after he was told no, so how was that possible. Then, she asked my son if he wanted to speak to the manager where then my son was more upset because we thought we were already speaking to the supervisor because we specifically asked to speak to one. So we just left. So where we call that maybe there may have been a race issue. My son is biracial and he had this huge Afro walking in and was told no but I walk in 3 min later and was taken straight...

Where to start? Oh man, this experience was one for the books to be sure of it. I have had bad experiences, but this one takes the cake.

I ordered online (08/02 at 2:22pm) for my family and I to have a quick convenient meal. It said that I would receive a text message when the order was ready, but I didn't receive one. Luckily I live around the corner, and was able to get there.

When I got inside, I was greeted by a very short tempered hostess. When I told her that I was there for a pick-up order, she gestured towards the back and said, "you'll have to go around the bar to get your food." I didn't understand, as it was my first time ordering to-go. I asked for clarification, she huffed and said, "You have to walk around the bar, and go to the back and ring the little bell to get your food." Then she walked to the doorway, and pointed to another doorway.

When I got back there, there was my food sitting on the counter. Where was this magical text I was supposed to have received? Not on my phone. However, there was someone waiting for their order. I sat down, as I am 9 months pregnant and it was 109° outside. About 5 minutes later a young man popped around the corner, talked with the man in front of me. I told him that I was here to grab my order, he set it down in front of me. A huge bag, and no carrier for my drinks. When I asked if there was one, he just shook his head. I then told him, "Oh, well then. I'm 9 months pregnant, it's 109° outside and I had to park in Timbuktu." His response was, "Not my problem." And walked away.

I get home to give this food to my family, and it was COLD!

I do not think that I will be going back to...