(chilis.com) – JFK Airport

How I heard of this place: I had seen Chili’s restaurants in the past years, even back in the Seattle area, but never made the effort to venture in. Our three-hour layover at JFK afforded us this opportunity, at Chris’s suggestion.

Type of cuisine: I always thought that Chili’s was a Tex-Mex establishment, but the menu threw me off at first glance. The cover page complete with only the photograh of a large, juicy burger, boasting, “Show Your Taste Buds Who’s Boss“. Sandwiches, salads, burgersand  soups, chili, ribs, and tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, Chili’s basically has it all.

Ambiance: Terra cotta tiled floors, heafty, stone pillars, and a small gated area, creating a patio feel, look out onto JFKs Gate 11 in the terminal. The bar to our left, complete with big-screen televison and weary travelers, we found our seats at one of several tile-decorated high tables with stool seating. Other patrons found their seats at tables with chairs either inside the enclosed space, or just beyond the patio, where servers ran to and from the kitchen to settle orders and present food to diners.

What I ordered: Chris immediately knew he wanted a burger, and we chose the Southern Smokehouse Burger ($13.99) to share (kind of). The 2,290 calorie burger was topped with maple bacon, smoked cheddar, mayo, crispy onion strings and ancho-chile BBQ sauce, served with a side of fries.

My 220-calorie side house salad ($3.99 with any entree), came with lettuce, tomato, red onions, carrots, cucumbers, shredded cheddar cheese and croutons with our choice of ranch dressing on the side.

What I loved: The salad. Simple, light and refreshing after a long flight from Athens.

Why I loved it: Quick. Simple. Easy.

Cost: Average ($10-$20 per entree)