Although Mexican in cuisine and very American in its modus operandi, Chili’s has made its spot in the hearts of Jeddawis and most Saudis across the Kingdom. In assessing the victory of a simple brand, we conjure up the bare necessities an entity must possess to be able to do so. Not only does the food bring you back, it is the ambiance, affable staff and classic hangout for families that makes you pick Chili’s whenever you can. All children vis-à-vis our inner child craves Chili’s. The table tile tops, vintage ceilings and posters take you back into retro space and a comfortable diner routine where you can dig into your all time favorites. Chili’s is perhaps the only location where all family members know what they like and want. Their classics operate in this way.

The first Chili’s in Saudi Arabia opened in Jeddah in 1999. Today, there are branches in Jeddah, Riyadh, Alkhobar, Dhahran and Madinah. The little ones have their playground to keep them engaged at every Chili’s branch whereas the older ones relax in cubicles or outdoor settings to enjoy a classic meal of Country Fried Steak or fajitas. We all know what it takes to bring us back to a location.

Make sure to incorporate this to your next meal if you haven't already, as these signature items reign with a distinctive array of food items. Start with the Texas Cheese Fries if you are craving that extra zest. It is one roller coaster ride. Exploding with flavor, their home-style fries are smothered in chili, melted cheese with spicy jalapeños and crispy beef bacon, served with jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce.

You can also try their Triple play — delicious fried cheese, mouth-watering wings over buffalo sauce and incredible Southwestern egg rolls, served with dipping sauces. Try it with their Peach Breezer. Their perfect mix of not too sweet and not too sour, it is a medley of orange juice and peach with refreshing lemon-lime. Also try their Big Mouth Burger Bites, a serving of four savory mini beef burgers, topped with beef bacon, American cheese, sautéed onions and ranch dressing on sesame seed buns, served with crispy onion strings and jalapeño ranch dressing on the side.

Their Spinach artichoke dip and chicken wings are worth reminiscing over. Their Country Fried Chicken or Steak along with Chicken Crispers is sensational indulgence. No one can say no. Many deem the Fajita Trio — the tender grilled steak, marinated grilled chicken and spicy garlic and lime shrimp as a classic favorite. All in one, the Fajita is served with warm tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, onion and bell peppers. However, if you have arrived on a guilt trip, try their guiltless platters and indulge in grilled chicken or seafood fixes.

This brings us to the finale, the daddy of all desserts: their Molten Chocolate Cake. This chocolate aromatic sensation was born in Chili’s: Warm cake and hot chocolate fudge, melting in the epicenter with a gooey ice cream crown. Did we forget the crunchy chocolate shell? It comes as the best you have ever had. Other restaurants have replicated the enigma over the years, and hence, it may be commercialized. However, we all know Chili’s did it first.
 
SR50 to SR100 per person

Weekdays from 11 a.m. – 1 a.m., Fridays from 1:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.