TGI Fridays and Chili’s share a lot in common but also have distinct differences. Both chains offer American cuisine at comparable price points and are predominantly located in the U.S.
TGI Fridays operates just over 200 locations after closing 36 earlier this year, while Chili’s boasts over 1,200 locations, despite also closing some restaurants in 2024.
To compare their offerings, I sampled similar three-course meals from each restaurant. Here’s how their appetizers, sides, entrées, and desserts measured up.
Appetizers: Mozzarella Sticks
TGI Fridays’ mozzarella sticks were a standout. They were perfectly sized for easy eating, with a crisp, flavorful breading and a satisfying cheese-to-breading ratio. The cheese was hot but not too scalding.
In contrast, Chili’s mozzarella sticks had too much cheese, which overwhelmed the taste. They were also less hot, making them less enjoyable.
Entrées: Ribs
When it comes to ribs, Chili’s excelled. The half-rack was tender, moist, and generously portioned, with a barbecue sauce that was tangy, smoky, and sweet. I would definitely order these ribs again.
TGI Fridays’ ribs, however, were less impressive. The meat seemed sparse, and I had to piece together bites from multiple ribs. Despite this, the sauce was flavorful, and I would give them another try to see if it was just an off day.
Sides: Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli
TGI Fridays’ sides were a mixed bag. The mashed potatoes were gelatinous and lacked flavor, reminiscent of instant varieties. However, the broccoli was perfectly cooked—tender yet crisp with a delightful garlic-butter flavor.
Chili’s, on the other hand, served excellent mashed potatoes. They were creamy, buttery, and included potato skin bits for added texture. The broccoli, however, was soft and bland, which was disappointing.
Desserts: Brownie Sundae Vs. Skillet Cookie
Even though I’m not a dessert enthusiast, I tried the Brownie Obsession at TGI Fridays. It was impressive with its rich brownie, high-quality ice cream, and appealing presentation. It was a standout treat that I would happily order again.
Chili’s dessert, a skillet chocolate-chip cookie, didn’t meet the mark. It was average, with a lackluster cookie and unimpressive ice cream. It’s suitable for sharing but didn’t stand out.
Conclusion
Both restaurants’ meals cost similarly, with TGI Fridays totaling $45.05 and Chili’s $44.83. Despite the close pricing, each chain has its strengths. TGI Fridays excelled in appetizers, sides, and dessert, while Chili’s ribs were the highlight. If revisiting, I’d stick with TGI Fridays for its specific standout items and only return to Chili’s for its meat and potatoes.