A perfect place to chill

Located in the heart of Bengaluru’s foodbowl – Indiranagar – ‘Chili’s Grill & Bar’ attracts a boisterous crowd every evening. It doesn’t, however, come as a surprise – the Tex-Mex diner has a far-ranging menu that caters to different tastes and palates.

And the lively ambience, which includes youngsters relaxing over a jug of beer, people watching live telecasts of matches while nibbling on quick starters and couples looking to have a good time, is almost of a home-like quality. On walking into the casual diner, one is accosted with a warm feeling that is generally associated with home. It doesn’t take long for one to curl up on a sofa or pull their legs up to get comfortable. This feeling is further reinforced by the ever-smiling staff, who take much care to help a customer out.

A glance at the (new) menu shows the variety that is available, food and beverage. From giant (and tasty) burgers to nachos and guac(amole), they boast of the wide range of appetisers, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Instead of ordering individual plates of appetisers, one could go for the ‘Ultimate Dipper’, which includes starters like ‘chicken wings’, ‘boneless chicken wings’, ‘original chicken crispers’, ‘Tex cheese poppers’ and ‘South Western rolls’. The ‘boneless chicken wings’ and ‘original chicken crispers’ are worth the try, what with the tender and mellow meat.

The vegetarian options are both good, although the ‘Tex cheese poppers’ in particular are hard to stay away from. To accompany these sides are sauces that add the right ‘zing’; jalapeno and cheese, cheese, mayonnaise, honey mustard and barbecue are just a few of them. If not, order up a plate of the ‘bold nachos’, to accompany the chips and chilli. But it may not help ease the stomach before the round of drinks gets there.

While the regular, old-fashioned brew is a favourite, if one is in an experimental mood they could try the flavoured and fizzy beers. Cocktail lovers may appreciate the ‘Rita Trio’, which comprises ‘El Nino’, ‘Presidente Margarita’ and ‘Tropical Sunrise’. But the inadequate washroom facilities are a bane to customers.

One might want a small break before the main course arrives so that they can lust on more food. The ‘mango Chile chicken’, with its sweet rice and tender chicken, could be devoured in a matter of minutes. For seafood lovers, the ‘Chipotle salmon’ is a viable option. Steaks and ribs, like the ‘Philadelphia melting cheese steak’, are made with finesse.

Although the menu claims to be more “vegetarian friendly”, dishes like ‘jalapeno paneer quesadilla’ fall flat on their face. Even the ‘eggless sizzling brownie sundae’ is nothing more than average. But the ‘cinnamon molten cake’, with white chocolate filling and vanilla ice cream, makes up for its sizzling counterpart. All in all, it is a good place to relax and just ‘hangout’.

‘Chili’s Grill & Bar’ is located at plot 1135, HAL stage-2, 100 feet road, Indiranagar; for details, call 42352526.