Chili John’s: The 80 Year Old Diner Beloved by Food Critics and Hollywood Alike

April 1, 2026, Leave a Comment on Chili John’s: The 80 Year Old Diner Beloved by Food Critics and Hollywood Alike

I’m not quite sure how to put into words what walking into Chili John’s is like…except it’s somehow magical. There are few places that feel as honest, warm, yet also bit like the Twilight Zone. Chili John’s is one of those places. From its massive murals to its well worn linoleum to its cracked orange vinyl barstools to its incredible horseshoe countertop to the incredibly nice staff, Chili John’s is a wonderful time capsule that I couldn’t help but fall in love with immediately.

While Chili John’s has been in Burbank since 1946, its origins start back in 1913, when John Isaac, an immigrant from Lithuania, opened the first Chili John’s in Wisconsin. Later he expanded, and his son, Ernie opened this location, which has become Burbank’s oldest restaurant. Because of its close proximity to multiple studios, over the last 80 years it has attracted those who work in the film industry, including Walt Disney. Also being in the heart of where movie magic happens, it’s been featured in movies and television. It appeared the the reboot of Twin Peaks as Pop’s Diner, and briefly in Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood during the neon sign montage. And, it is assumed to appear in the sequel, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, but made up to be Big Kahuna Burger, the fictional Hawaiian burger joint that originated in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, and seen in his other films, as well as the works of Robert Rodriguez and even Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Remnants of Big Kahuna can been seen on the windows, and I assume the beach mural. But I guess we will just have to wait for The Adventures of Cliff Booth to find out. As was the case for The Aquarius, just because locations get the movie treatment, and cameras roll, doesn’t mean it will make the cut.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I love chili. Typically at home, Patrick whips up a vegetarian chili, but I went for the original beef recipe here on a burger, and I can honestly say I think it’s the best chili I’ve ever had. Chili John’s will for sure become the spot to grab a bite each time I’m in Burbank. If you aren’t convinced yet, and need the word of real foodies, it’s worth noting that Food Network celebs like Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri have sung the praises of Chili John’s, with Fieri signing the wall.

Sadly, Chili John’s fate is unknown, as it may not have long left. Roughly a year ago the restaurant made public its financial woes, and even started a GoFundMe, which is still active. So if you’re in or soon to be visiting the Burbank area, make sure you stop in while you can! Also, if you’re looking for a fun place to grab a beer, Chili John’s opened its very own Tap Room right next door.

Sit down at the horseshoe counter of Chili John’s, located at 2018 W. Burbank Boulevard in Burbank. Check their website for hours on both the diner and the tap room.