What is the Texas Chili Parlor and where is it located?

The Texas Chili Parlor is a legendary hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex chili joint located at 1409 Lavaca St., Austin, Texas 78701, right in the shadow of the Texas State Capitol.

What are the hours of operation?

The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

What are some of the most famous menu items?

The menu features an extra-spicy XXX chili that requires a waiver to eat, as well as the Mad Dog margarita, which was invented in the 1970s by a crew of regulars including Texas music legend Guy Clark.

When did the restaurant open and what is its history?

The Texas Chili Parlor opened its doors in 1976, one year before chili became the official state dish of Texas. Over the decades, it has served as a gathering place for lawmakers, songwriters, and regulars, and it is also known for its connection to Quentin Tarantino film lore.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Texas Chili Parlor in Austin

Name: Texas Chili Parlor
Address: 1409 Lavaca St, Austin, Texas, US

What to know

Located at 1409 Lavaca St. in downtown Austin, the Texas Chili Parlor is a legendary hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex chili joint that first opened its doors in 1976. Situated right in the shadow of the nearby Texas State Capitol, this iconic local eatery proudly highlights that it began serving its signature dishes a full year before chili was officially crowned the state dish of Texas.\n\nOver the decades, the parlor has served as a vibrant gathering place and refuge for lawmakers, songwriters, and various local regulars. It has also earned a unique place in pop culture, having been shot into film lore by director Quentin Tarantino. The establishment's modern history was heavily shaped by Scott “Zoob” Zublin, who took over the parlor in 2002. Zublin rescued the restaurant from bankruptcy and successfully kept it going strong for over two decades before he passed away in 2025.\n\nThe menu is celebrated for its bold, fiery flavors, most notably the extra-spicy XXX chili, which is so hot and mean that the restaurant says it comes with a waiver. To wash down the intense heat, patrons often order the famous Mad Dog margarita. This legendary drink was invented in the 1970s by a dedicated crew of regulars, including the celebrated Texas music legend Guy Clark.\n\nToday, the parlor remains a classic Austin institution, welcoming hungry locals and curious travelers alike. It operates daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering a nostalgic, dimly lit atmosphere where you can experience a true slice of Texas history and culinary tradition.

Visitor tips

The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., making it a great spot for lunch or dinner.
If you are brave enough to order the extra-spicy XXX chili, be prepared to sign a waiver.
Try the Mad Dog margarita, a signature drink invented here in the 1970s.

Nearby context

Tucked away in downtown Austin, the Texas Chili Parlor sits just blocks from the majestic Texas State Capitol and the historic Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse. This central location makes it the perfect casual detour for walkers exploring the city's political and legal heart, offering a gritty, authentic contrast to the grand government buildings nearby.