Texas Chili Parlor

The Texas Chili Parlor has been sitting in the shadow of the Texas State Capitol on Lavaca Street since 1976, and in that time it has become one of Austin's most beloved institutions — a no-frills, sawdust-and-neon chili house that attracted writers, politicians, musicians, and rascals in roughly equal measure. In the early days it was a hangout for the 'Mad Dogs', a loose circle of Texas Monthly writers and creative figures that included Gary Cartwright and Bud Shrake, and through them it connected to the singer-songwriter world blooming just a few blocks away on 6th Street.

Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Guy Clark were among the early regulars. Guy Clark later name-checked the Parlor in his song 'Dublin Blues', cementing its place in Texas music mythology. The margaritas — particularly the mezcal-based Mad Dog — became as famous as the chili, which comes in three heat levels: X, XX, and XXX. Quentin Tarantino filmed scenes here for Death Proof, which brought another wave of pilgrims to the red-checked tablecloths.

The Texas Chili Parlor is still very much open, unchanged in atmosphere if not in age. It remains one of the most authentic Austin experiences available — a place where the city's creative and political worlds have always overlapped, lubricated by chili and cold beer, just around the corner from the seat of Texas government.