Chili’s is one of my favorite places to eat out. It’s one of my favorite kid friendly restaurants. See, I’ve learned a trick to keep the toddler occupied. Chili’s has delicious (and bottomless) chips and salsa that Colton munches on while waiting for our food. At some restaurants you could be waiting up to a half hour or more to receive your food, and that’s hard for little kids. It has become sort of a tradition to go to Chili’s, sit in the bar area and watch the TV, and order chips and salsa. Over the years I’ve had the chance to try an array of Chili’s menu items, even in different states. Here are my favorites:

Best Burger: Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger

If you’re a burger fan, this will rank among the top. With maple bacon, smoked cheddar, mayo, crispy onion strings and ancho-chile BBQ sauce, the Southern Smokehouse really hits the spot. I am a bacon lover and this thick bacon combined with the crunchy onion strings is delish. Probably not the healthiest thing on the menu, but I sure do enjoy it.

Best Salad: Asian Salad with Salmon

This salad consists of lettuce with Napa cabbage, crispy wontons, edamame, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, Asian vinaigrette and a creamy peanut drizzle. You have your choice of chicken, steak or salmon, but the salmon goes perfectly with the asian flavors. I love how you can choose a small or large salad depending on your diet or how hungry you are.

Kid’s Meals: Chili’s has one of the largest selection of kid’s meals around. With 11 different menu items ranging from burgers and corn dogs, to more healthy options like a grilled chicken platter or sandwich. With these variety of sides, you are sure to find something even the pickiest eaters will love: Fresh Pineapple, Salad with low-fat ranch, Steamed Broccoli, Celery Sticks with low-fat ranch, Mashed Potatoes, Homestyle Fries, Cinnamon Apples, Rice, Sweet Corn on the Cob, Corn Kernels, and Mandarin Oranges.

Win A Chili’s Gift Card!

Don’t want to cook tonight? Tell Chili’s and you could be entered to win a gift card everyday until August 30th, 2010. To enter the contest you must upload a 10 second to 30 second video telling why you don’t want to cook tonight. One winner each day will be selected at random. Visit ShouOuttoEatOut.com to win.

I did receive a gift card for my family and I to have dinner at Chili’s. All of the opinions above are my own.