Chili’s delivers service, disappoints with quesadillas

When it comes to sit-down chain restaurants, some similarities are expected: the same generic menu layouts, the same pop or rock music playing through speakers, the same insincere banter between waiters and customers and the same slightly overpriced new gimmicks.

While Chili’s is generally no exception, I was pleasantly surprised by the menu’s variety and by the quality of service at Dothan’s branch.

I ordered what can only be described as an overpriced soda ($2.19!) to go along with my meal, which was the new “fire-grilled” quesadillas (as opposed to ice-grilled quesadillas, I suppose).

For an appetizer, I nabbed a half order of Texas cheese fries, which were pretty awesome. In fact, the cheese fries were much better than the entree, but I’ll get to that in a moment.

The fries came loaded with cheese, bacon and jalapenos, with ranch dipping sauce.

The whole time I was there, my cup stayed filled and my waitress was kind without being annoying. For example, she didn’t feel the need to interrupt my phone conversation to ask me 45 times if I’m OK or if I need something.

Note to aspiring waiters and waitresses: if I say I’m fine, that means I don’t need anything at the moment.

Anyway, she was an excellent waitress. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the bland, salty quesadillas.

I got the bacon ranch quesadilla, and the bacon was much more prominent than the ranch. It was predictably dry, but I did not anticipate the overabundance of bacon.

I ordered a milkshake for dessert, and it was decent but overpriced ($3.79).

All in all, though, I chalk it up to a bad menu choice on my part.

The service was great, the appetizer was great, and the dessert was just fine. Next time, however, I’ll order a water to drink and something different on the admittedly robust menu.

Chili’s is highly recommended, both for variety and service.
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Chili’s Grill and Bar
Location: 3083 Montgomery Highway, Dothan
Phone: 677-6767
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday-Sunday
Rating: Three stars out of four