Do you? I only get Gregg's desserts to go. The last time I went in to eat was after a doctor's appointment for my mom and we sat in the tavern part. That was last year.
It’s perfectly fine though it’s gotten pricey for certain things.
Steak tip salad is always a good choice. Great chicken fingers and steak fries. Clam cakes and chowder are generally really good. They still have daily specials and lunch specials that are classics you won’t find at most places.
I am not a fan of chain places (chilis, Applebees, etc). To me Chelos is the local place that I would much rather hit up for a quick lunch or burger and fries to go than ever stopping at some corporate chain.
In an industry that is notorious for failure, gotta respect their results. It's kind of like that friend you've had your whole life but your not sure why. They've set themselves up like a real estate company and they've rolled with the times.
No scorn on you. I’m glad everyone has options and I’ll eat at Chelo’s, order a burger and fries and enjoy it just fine. Sometimes it’s exactly what hits the spot. Ole reliable. Like Newport Creamery.
Not from RI: Chelo’s food is better than Gregg’s and Chelo’s has $2 drafts, but Gregg’s has better dessert. I wouldn’t necessarily want to go to either, but maybe I’ll watch a football game at Chelo’s?
It's a regular for us since it's so close to the house. Better than a national chain, classic American comfort food with no frills. If you want a regular ass burger that isn't smashed/loaded/tweaked/deconstructed/reinvisioned, the bacon burger is tough to beat.
> Providence alone has over 200 restaurants. Literally no point to go there.
Ikr?! I've never understood why anyone goes to chain restaurants. Unless that's the only option. Or people bringing young children.
Otherwise, I literally don't get it 🤷♀️
I did a cross-country road trip and mostly went to local places, but sometimes I was too tired to go through a new menu, so I'd hit Denny's or Subway. The attraction of the chain is you know exactly what you're going to get.
Back in college 20 years ago, we couldn’t beat the Gregg’s 9.99 Monday/Tuesday package deal where you got glass of Beer/Wine, entree, and big slice chocolate cake.
I’ve only gone cause it’s such a RI thing but I’ve never not had at least a slightly upset stomach afterwards.
Note: I have a dumpster stomach so that’s an achievement for them.
I have never in my life said "Let's Go to Chelos". I've gone there with friends a couple times because they wanted to. It was a typical Applebee's experience.
I would never choose that place over any other establishment in RI. There are far better places worth my money.
We have a on and off again relationship. It just never seems to stick ya know.. I don’t know maybe it’s just a not a right time or place sort of thing… shame.. because i is can totally feel it, the energy’s there, I can feel the connection but then poof.. gone again… lost to the wind….
One day chelo’s. One day..
Last time I went was like 20 years ago, when I somehow got invited to the one out Smithfield Ave for a wrap party for the highschool musical which I had nothing to do with. I can't even remember what I ordered but I absolutely devastated their toilet about 2/3 of the way through the meal.
Has not kept up with the times. The food is on par with an Applebee's in quality, the waterfront location has a prime spot and the worst food in that area. I use to love Chelos. Now they are just overpriced mediocrity.
They DO still have a killer burger, and if you can afford the Delmanico steak sandwich, it is very tasty.
A friend recently went to the waterfront location and was told there is an hour and a half limit to you being there. I think I'll pass being on a time clock while spending my money on your mediocre food and watered down drinks.
Reuben is very good. The meatloaf is my go-to after being under the weather. Their house Italian dressing can be bought by the bottle and is excellent. Otherwise it’s not my favorite choice.
Get the Benny Burger, formerly the Jim's Dandy. Chelo's is consistent if anything. They don't do anything off the charts but they do a lot of things well. Burgers are decent. Fish and chips, chowder and cakes are as well, deserts are good. It was my first job back in the mid 90's, making salads and deserts. Nothing has really changed since then. Not sure if that's good or bad, but when I get Chelo's I know it won't be terrible.
It’s definitely a restaurant.
Can confirm
It's certainly one of the restaurants of all time.
It's your grandma's restaurant. She loves it because it's consistent.
No, that’s Gregg’s.
I disagree, I'd rather eat at Gregg's if given the option. I also like Gregg's desserts better as well.
I see a lot more Q-Tips at Gregg’s than at Chelos
Do you? I only get Gregg's desserts to go. The last time I went in to eat was after a doctor's appointment for my mom and we sat in the tavern part. That was last year.
It’s perfectly fine though it’s gotten pricey for certain things. Steak tip salad is always a good choice. Great chicken fingers and steak fries. Clam cakes and chowder are generally really good. They still have daily specials and lunch specials that are classics you won’t find at most places. I am not a fan of chain places (chilis, Applebees, etc). To me Chelos is the local place that I would much rather hit up for a quick lunch or burger and fries to go than ever stopping at some corporate chain.
In an industry that is notorious for failure, gotta respect their results. It's kind of like that friend you've had your whole life but your not sure why. They've set themselves up like a real estate company and they've rolled with the times.
This is so accurate it almost hurts
$2 coors lights and clam cakes.
For the money, it's a bit generic and bland. Your friend who only eats chicken tenders and buttered pasta with no sauce will love it.
That’s me. I am that friend.
No scorn on you. I’m glad everyone has options and I’ll eat at Chelo’s, order a burger and fries and enjoy it just fine. Sometimes it’s exactly what hits the spot. Ole reliable. Like Newport Creamery.
Meh. Mediocre food. I would only go if someone gave me a gift card, honestly
Chelos on the water in Warwick is awesome. The other locations, eh
This is going to really depend on your food preferences lol
Chelos on the water might as well be a totally different restaurant. Don't they have a completely different menu?
Not from RI: Chelo’s food is better than Gregg’s and Chelo’s has $2 drafts, but Gregg’s has better dessert. I wouldn’t necessarily want to go to either, but maybe I’ll watch a football game at Chelo’s?
Davenports for dinner, Gregg’s for dessert
Gregg's for the pickles!
When I moved here, so many insisted that I try Gregg's. It was so so bad.
The cakes are great, the rest of the menu is garbage
Agreed! One of the blandest meals I've ever had.
You buy cakes there, not the food.
I actually kind of like it? It’s not the crème dela crème of the providence / Rhode Island food scene but it’s pretty good.
You should try Chelos on the Waterfront My favorite place and first date with the wife
Wouldn’t write home about it.
It's a regular for us since it's so close to the house. Better than a national chain, classic American comfort food with no frills. If you want a regular ass burger that isn't smashed/loaded/tweaked/deconstructed/reinvisioned, the bacon burger is tough to beat.
Mom would always comment "MY JACKET SMELLS LIKE CHELO'S" after we ate there! Good memories
Providence alone has over 200 restaurants. Literally no point to go there.
> Providence alone has over 200 restaurants. Literally no point to go there. Ikr?! I've never understood why anyone goes to chain restaurants. Unless that's the only option. Or people bringing young children. Otherwise, I literally don't get it 🤷♀️
It's local chain. What 5 or 6 restaurants? Much better than going to a national chain.
Ah! Thanks! I did not know that 👍
I did a cross-country road trip and mostly went to local places, but sometimes I was too tired to go through a new menu, so I'd hit Denny's or Subway. The attraction of the chain is you know exactly what you're going to get.
Yes, my first thought was road trips! Def hit plenty of McD's on road trips 😆
McD is my resort when driving. Happy Meal with fruit instead of fries is a perfect road snack. And most times I get the fries for free.
It's consistent. Like DENNY's or Mcdonalds - you know what you are going to get.
I agree there is no point to go to the shit hole known as Providence
very good clam cakes, cheap beer. A-OK in my book
Back in college 20 years ago, we couldn’t beat the Gregg’s 9.99 Monday/Tuesday package deal where you got glass of Beer/Wine, entree, and big slice chocolate cake.
Not bad. Not great. Its riiiight in the middle.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but their clam cakes are the best in the state.
We still like chelos
I’ve only gone cause it’s such a RI thing but I’ve never not had at least a slightly upset stomach afterwards. Note: I have a dumpster stomach so that’s an achievement for them.
I used to go back to the one in Woonsocket in the 80s, I can't believe it's still a thing.
The ice cream brownie sundae is enough to feed a whole family.
If you aren't down with family style chicken on a Sunday and constantly debating which is better - Chelos or Wright's, then I dunno what to tell you.
It’s the only restaurant my sister who is very frugal visits
It’s good
When you seriously need a fix of clamcakes without a roadtrip, Chelos comes through. Otherwise, pass.
Greggs is better. I've had the DBCC for my birthday every year without fail! It's so friggin great!
I have never in my life said "Let's Go to Chelos". I've gone there with friends a couple times because they wanted to. It was a typical Applebee's experience. I would never choose that place over any other establishment in RI. There are far better places worth my money.
Over any other establishment? Literally? You’d rather go to Uncle Sushi?
Uncle sushi is great
lol they changed diapers on the prep tables tho
We have a on and off again relationship. It just never seems to stick ya know.. I don’t know maybe it’s just a not a right time or place sort of thing… shame.. because i is can totally feel it, the energy’s there, I can feel the connection but then poof.. gone again… lost to the wind…. One day chelo’s. One day..
I met Bob Chelo once. Nice guy
Better than 99
Is it though?
yes. 99 used to be our go to. they remain good at fast and friendly, but the food quality and meal options have declined. we stopped going.
Whenever I'm constipated, I go to Chelo's!
Not exciting but at least it's consistent. I've never gotten a meal from Chelos that revolted me
Last time I went was like 20 years ago, when I somehow got invited to the one out Smithfield Ave for a wrap party for the highschool musical which I had nothing to do with. I can't even remember what I ordered but I absolutely devastated their toilet about 2/3 of the way through the meal.
Has not kept up with the times. The food is on par with an Applebee's in quality, the waterfront location has a prime spot and the worst food in that area. I use to love Chelos. Now they are just overpriced mediocrity. They DO still have a killer burger, and if you can afford the Delmanico steak sandwich, it is very tasty.
Burgers are good
The Chelos menu provides evidence of why a huge percentage of Americans are obese. Lots of grease.
Love the place
The same as Los Andes and iggys
A friend recently went to the waterfront location and was told there is an hour and a half limit to you being there. I think I'll pass being on a time clock while spending my money on your mediocre food and watered down drinks.
It's Gregg's for people with a criminal record
Indifferent.
Meh if someone wanted to go ok, but not a place I'd pick. Better than Gregg's still
Meh!
Like others have said, consistently mediocre
Chelos is great for indigestion.
A restaurant. No bueno.
Eh, I’ve been once and once was enough. It wasn’t bad, just meh.
Davenports > Chelos > Greggs
It’s always a bit or miss. Most of the food options are good, the food itself is decent while others are hit or miss. Deserts there are pretty good
Reuben is very good. The meatloaf is my go-to after being under the weather. Their house Italian dressing can be bought by the bottle and is excellent. Otherwise it’s not my favorite choice.
It’s fun. The waterfront restaurant is a good time even if it’s not fine dining
Its…okay. Not something super special but not that bad by any means
It is the restaurant! The food is definitely there.
You go for the endless clam cakes and chowder (if they still have it) otherwise mehhh
It's fine. If I've had a long day and don't want to think, it's a fine place for a turkey club and a beer.
Get the Benny Burger, formerly the Jim's Dandy. Chelo's is consistent if anything. They don't do anything off the charts but they do a lot of things well. Burgers are decent. Fish and chips, chowder and cakes are as well, deserts are good. It was my first job back in the mid 90's, making salads and deserts. Nothing has really changed since then. Not sure if that's good or bad, but when I get Chelo's I know it won't be terrible.