If you like chili, you have got to visit Mike’s Chili Parlor in Ballard which was featured on Diner’s Drive-In & Dives.  Since I had this week off for some much needed R&R, my wife and I decided to head to Seattle for a night, then pay a visit to Mike’s Chili Parlor on our way back home.  One thing we failed to take into consideration is the repercussions one may have to face after eating chili and having to be in a car for 2 straight hours right after. More about that later.

After getting thrown off track by our badly in need of an update GPS, we finally found Mike’s which was conveniently located beside a Trader Joe’s.  Once parked, we realized our first problem, it was a cash only joint and we spent our last dime shopping in Seattle.  We ended up walking several blocks to a 7-11 to use their ATM. Problem solved. We get back to Mike’s when the next problem arose.  No Minors. Our 8 month old boy was with us. In all fairness, the owner was quite apologetic about not letting us in, knowing we came all the way from Vancouver just to have their chili.  So in the end, we sat across the street on a concrete stair case and had our chili meal experience there. My wife ordered chili pasta while I ordered the infamous chili burger topped with chopped onions and jalapenos.   All in all, the experience was great! I recommend anyone who loves chili to try Mike’s Chili Parlor. Just bring cash and leave your kid at home.  As for the car ride back, surprisingly, it was free from any unwanted…experience.