I ate at one of the original Chili's in Houston, TX many, many years ago, and since that time - likely as they have grown larger - I feel that the quality of the food has slipped.



Case in point - I came to this Chili's last night with a large group of friends (11 in all). We were seated promptly and drink orders were taken within a few minutes of our sitting down. Our server was very pleasant and professional, and was attentive without hovering.



Since we'd just done a group workout, I decided to address my cheeseburger craving with the "Big Mouth Bites," described on their online menu as "Four mini burgers topped with applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, sautéed onions and Ranch dressing on sesame seed buns. Served with crispy onion strings and jalapeño-ranch dressing."



I was expecting something that resembled "sliders," the mini-burgers that White Castle made famous decades ago that many other restaurants have made popular again. What I got instead looked like a regular cheeseburger cut into quarters - like something you'd serve to a small child - with said crispy onion strings haphazardly tossed over a hand-full of fries.



To make matters worse, the burger was dry and cooked "over-well." Come to think of it, our server didn't ask how I wanted them cooked, so for all that was right about the service, this one missed question could have made this meal just that much more palatable.



Maybe the cut up burger is what you're supposed to get when you order this item at Chili's, but it certainly doesn't fit the description or come close to matching the photos in the menu.



All in all, bummed. Not completely disappointed, but it'll be a while before I come back.