Eatwell Chili Shop

Eatwell Chili Shop is located in the southeast section of Roanoke on Jamison Avenue in a small building. It has a small patch of gravel that I guess is considered the parking lot that can probably fit about four cars - this is fine because the restaurant isn’t any bigger. When you walk in the door, there is a counter and small kitchen on your right and two small tables on the left. I’d guess full capacity for the entire restaurant is about 12 people. The kitchen is handled by a woman who knew everyone by name and spent her time chatting with all of us as she cooked. Most diners were enjoying a late breakfast when we there but I decided to try the chili and a cheeseburger. The chili again reminded me of Texas Tavern. For those who say Texas Tavern has the best chili, this is a good thing. For me, I thought it lacked flavor and had too many beans. It did have a little more meat and spice than what you get at Texas Tavern (that’s not saying much) but I did have to add a generous amount of salt and pepper. However, I was much more impressed with the cheeseburger. I watched the lady hand-make the hamburger patty and cooked it on the grill, meaning it was freshly made from meat that wasn’t frozen. The burger had good size and was topped with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, and onion. If I’m comparing this to Texas Tavern, the burger at Eatwell Chili Shop blows the tavern away. No contest. The prices at the Eatwell Chili Shop are a throwback. Most things are no more than $3.00 and it’s very easy to get a meal for under $5.00. I think my bowl of chili was $1.75 and my cheeseburger was $2.85. I know Eatwell Chili Shop isn’t a place for everyone. It’s not ideal for a business meeting or special occasion, but it’s the type of restaurant a foodie is always willing to try. If seeing a hair on your plate or finding a bug in drink freaks you out, I suggest moving on. But if you’re up for a true adventure at a blue collar place that is full of locals, Eatwell Chili Shop is exactly what you’re looking for.