When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Chi'Lantro
Why Chi'Lantro is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chi'Lantro BBQ, founded in 2010 in Austin, Texas, has become a celebrated destination for friends and food enthusiasts seeking a unique and flavorful dining experience. Emerging from its origins as a food truck, Chi'Lantro quickly gained fame for its innovative Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine, particularly as the originator of the now-famous Kimchi Fries — crispy French fries topped with caramelized kimchi, Korean BBQ, fresh herbs, and signature sauces. This dish alone, served more than 200,000 times a year, embodies the brand’s inventive spirit. With over ten restaurant locations in Austin and one in Houston, Chi'Lantro offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for casual meetups. The bright, modern, and colorful interior designs create an inviting space, complemented by friendly and attentive service that makes guests feel welcome. Chi'Lantro’s menu incorporates build-your-own options like bowls, burritos, and salads featuring diverse Asian-inspired ingredients, appealing to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether it’s gathering for a quick bite or an enjoyable meal with friends, Chi'Lantro stands out as a flavorful hub for socializing, combining the best of Korean BBQ and Tex-Mex culinary traditions into a fun, approachable dining experience.
Here's what people think of Chi'Lantro
As of recent, Chi'Lantro holds a 4.4-star rating based on 985 reviews.
Reviews for Chi'Lantro consistently highlight its creative fusion menu and engaging dining environment. Many customers praise the originality of the Kimchi Fries and the variety of fresh, flavorful options like bowls, salads, and burritos. Positive reviews commonly emphasize the high quality and freshness of ingredients, the welcoming and knowledgeable staff, and the inviting, vibrant restaurant decor that enhances the dining experience. The friendly service often receives special mention for helping guests select from a diverse menu with patience and enthusiasm. However, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in food preparation or flavor balance, and a few guests found the restaurant a bit crowded or noisy during peak hours. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus is that Chi'Lantro offers a consistently enjoyable and unique culinary experience. The brand’s evolution from food truck to multiple full-service locations reflects a commitment to adapting and growing while maintaining the innovative, flavor-forward spirit that sparked its initial success. In conclusion, Chi'Lantro remains a beloved local favorite and a great meeting spot, celebrated for its distinctive Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine and warm atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mengnan Xu
The food is awesome and people are so friendly and nice. You can get greens and proteins in a single bowl with brown rice as base. Perfectly balanced. The Kimchi Fries are superb! Love it.
Steve Takata
Cilantro is a Korean and Mexican style fusion fast food restaurant. I discovered it from Shark Tank a few years ago. They have several different types of rice bowls, my favorite one is the b’bimbap. The sauce is great and I like it especially with a couple of extra eggs.They also have great fountain Stubborn sodas and lemonade.
Emma Cartwright
Soft and supple tofu caressed the inside of my mouth with its warm and loving juice. Ratatouille style moment but to the best lay of my life. Also excellent customer service.
Mohamd Rafid
It’s one of the amazing Tex-Mex cuisine, so delicious and the drinks are so fresh, the cuisine is so delightful with authentic taste.. My favourite dish is Buddha bowl, highly recommended I’ll spread the word to my friends colleagues, it’s so delicious for branch, lunch, dinner .. Family gatherings they have meals for the kids as well..
Philip Hake
I was nostalgic for the food truck so stopped in for a kimchi fries and a bulgogi burger, but the brick and mortar is a bit different. It's set up like a Chipotle with everything already prepared and scooped into bowls. This is a good option to be quick, but not what I was expecting. The fries were great, but also cost $17 after adding protein and a tip.
How to reach Chi'Lantro
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Why Chi'Lantro may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chi’Lantro with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable outing is all about choosing a place that offers great food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. Chi’Lantro, a popular Austin-based Korean BBQ-inspired eatery, fits this bill perfectly. With a solid 4.4-star rating based on nearly a thousand reviews, it has become a favorite spot to meet up for casual hangouts or celebrations. The unique fusion of Korean flavors with Southern hospitality creates a culinary experience that’s both exciting and comforting, making it an excellent place for groups seeking something out of the ordinary. Beyond the food, Chi’Lantro’s warm and inclusive environment encourages socializing, making it ideal for groups of friends or families to bond over flavorful dishes and shared experiences. Whether you want to catch up over a hearty meal or enjoy a lively atmosphere with delicious bites, Chi’Lantro provides a space where everyone feels at home and satisfied. It’s the kind of place where every visit feels special, encouraging repeat meetups and long-lasting memories.
What activities can you do at Chi’Lantro that make it perfect for group meetups?
Chi’Lantro offers more than just a dining experience; it’s a social hub designed to accommodate groups of all sizes. The first and most obvious activity is enjoying its signature menu together. The fusion of Korean BBQ and Mexican flavors, especially the famed Kimchi Fries™, makes sharing dishes a fun, interactive event. These flavorful fries with kimchi and a spicy kick are ideal for communal snacking, sparking conversations and smiles all around. Additionally, the eateries often have casual seating that encourages group interactions, with some locations providing comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for relaxed chatting and casual meetups. For groups wanting something more structured, organizing a tasting session of various menu items lets everyone try different dishes without committing to just one plate. Since Chi’Lantro is open from late morning until late evening, it’s flexible enough to accommodate brunch meetups, lunch breaks with coworkers, or dinner gatherings, making planning with groups much easier. Also, the easy online ordering and delivery options can make pre-planning for larger groups seamless, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the time together.
How does Chi’Lantro’s menu enhance your group dining experience?
The menu at Chi’Lantro is one of its biggest draws for group meetups because it caters to a wide range of tastes while maintaining a distinct flavor profile that sparks excitement. Korean BBQ-inspired dishes meet Texas-style BBQ and bold Asian spices in a way that’s both innovative and approachable. For example, the iconic Kimchi Fries have become a must-have shareable item, combining crispy fries with savory kimchi, cheese, and a tangy sauce — perfect for groups because everyone can dig in and share. Beyond that, menu staples like Korean BBQ tacos, burritos, and bowls offer versatile options to satisfy different preferences and dietary needs. The ability to mix and match dishes allows everyone in your group to find something delicious, from meat lovers to vegetarians. The moderately priced menu also means large groups can enjoy robust, flavorful meals without breaking the bank, making it ideal for casual meetups or celebrations. Since Chi’Lantro consistently earns rave reviews for both taste and quality, it guarantees a satisfying culinary adventure for your group, elevating the meetup from just a meal to a flavorful event.
What makes Chi’Lantro’s ambiance and location ideal for group gatherings?
Chi’Lantro’s locations, especially the flagship spot on South Lamar Boulevard in Austin, are situated in vibrant neighborhoods that blend convenience with a friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s decor and seating arrangements balance casual comfort with a modern edge, creating a welcoming environment where groups can feel at ease. The design encourages communal dining with ample seating that can accommodate both small and large parties, perfect for meetups that range from intimate groups to bigger celebrations. The lively but relaxed vibe means there’s enough buzz to energize the outing without overwhelming conversation, striking the right balance for social gatherings. Moreover, the accessibility of the locations—with options for takeout, dine-in, and delivery—offers flexibility for groups who may want to shift plans or extend their time together. The parking and public transit options nearby also add to the convenience, reducing logistical stress for group members. Pairing this atmosphere with the delicious food and attentive service transforms your meetup into a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
How does Chi’Lantro accommodate large groups and special occasions?
Chi’Lantro understands the dynamics of group dining and goes the extra mile to make gatherings smooth and enjoyable. The restaurant offers ample seating that can be arranged to fit varying group sizes, ensuring no one feels cramped or overlooked. For special occasions, the staff is typically approachable and ready to assist in customizing orders or providing recommendations tailored to your group’s preferences. The online ordering system facilitates easy coordination ahead of time, allowing groups to place bulk or customized orders without hassle. Additionally, Chi’Lantro promotes a rewarding experience through its loyalty program, which can be a bonus for frequent group meetups, as it offers points and rewards on every order. Their commitment to safety and cleanliness, especially in the post-pandemic environment, means groups can feel comfortable dining in or opting for delivery and pickup without concerns. Whether it’s a casual reunion, a birthday celebration, or just a weekend get-together, Chi’Lantro’s combination of versatility, delicious food, and friendly service makes it a prime choice for those looking to host their social events with ease and flavor.
Why do reviews and ratings highlight Chi’Lantro as a great meetup spot?
With a strong rating of 4.4 out of 5 from nearly 1,000 reviewers, Chi’Lantro consistently impresses customers, especially groups seeking a reliable place to meet. Reviewers often praise the generous portion sizes and unique flavor blends that keep guests coming back. The Kimchi Fries™ stand out as a recurring favorite mentioned for being a perfect sharable dish that sparks conversation and enjoyment. The atmosphere is frequently described as welcoming and lively without being overly noisy, balancing energy with comfort — a key factor for groups wanting to socialize easily. The service at Chi’Lantro also garners positive notes for being attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. Customers appreciate the restaurant’s ability to cater to diverse palates and dietary needs, making it easier to satisfy varying tastes within a group. These strong points combined make Chi’Lantro not just a dining destination but a favorite meetup spot where memories are made over great food and good company.
How can Chi’Lantro’s values and customer focus improve your gathering experience?
Chi’Lantro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a business deeply rooted in community values and Southern hospitality. Their core focus on honesty, positivity, and accountability fosters a welcoming space for guests and staff alike, which naturally translates into better service and a more enjoyable dining experience. The emphasis on celebrating both big and small wins adds a fun, uplifting vibe to the environment, making meetups feel more festive and meaningful. Their commitment to open communication and customer satisfaction means any group’s special needs or requests are likely to be met with flexibility and understanding. This customer-centric approach ensures that your gathering runs smoothly and that everyone feels valued. Participating in their rewards program further enhances the experience by adding incentives for return visits, making Chi’Lantro a place your friends and family will look forward to visiting repeatedly for quality food and great times.
What should you know about Chi’Lantro’s health and safety measures for group meetups?
In today’s health-conscious environment, Chi’Lantro prioritizes safety with rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols. They maintain high standards by frequently disinfecting surfaces during peak hours and keeping hand sanitizers readily available for guests. Their staff is trained to stay home if exhibiting any symptoms, and couriers follow strict hygiene guidelines, including handwashing before deliveries and contactless service options. For groups, this means that whether you dine in or opt for takeout or delivery, you can feel confident that health precautions are in place. These measures allow your group to focus on enjoying the meals and company without anxiety about safety. Chi’Lantro’s transparency and ongoing efforts reassure guests that their well-being is a top priority, supporting worry-free social gatherings whether small or large.
How can you maximize your meetup at Chi’Lantro?
To get the most out of your experience at Chi’Lantro when meeting with friends or family, planning is key. Consider ordering a variety of shareable dishes, especially the Kimchi Fries and Korean BBQ tacos, to offer everyone a taste of what makes Chi’Lantro special. Booking your larger party in advance or calling ahead can help ensure seating availability and smooth service. Take advantage of their online ordering for pick-up or delivery if your group prefers a relaxed gathering at home or another venue. Engaging with the rewards program can also add value to your visits by earning points toward free items, enhancing the overall experience over time. Finally, arriving during non-peak hours might provide a quieter atmosphere if your group prefers more intimate conversations. By combining thoughtful ordering, early planning, and flexibility, your meetup at Chi’Lantro will be memorable, delicious, and comfortable for everyone involved.