New Lake Norman Tex-Mex restaurant lives up to its ‘spicy cuisine’ warning
When you step in the door at Lake Norman’s newest restaurant — opening Friday, May 8 — a sign warns you what you’re in for.
“Tex-Mex temple of spicy cuisine,” reads the sign behind the host stand at Chili Willi’s in Cornelius, a vibrant, colorful space.
And after the first few bites, it became clear that was no joke.
About Chili Willi’s
The restaurant is the newest venture from restaurateur Rob Duckworth, who owns Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse and Link & Pin. It’s a reimagined version of the Chili Willi’s restaurant he grew up with in Huntington, West Virginia.
Now, in the former Waterman Fish Bar space, Tex-Mex flavors have taken over. The three-page menu includes soups, salads, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and other Southwestern staples . Beer, wine, cocktails and a few non-alcoholic options are among the beverage choices.
The food at Chili Willi’s
The menu proclaims “Chili is an American food of unequaled enjoyment, controversy, and diversity. Grown up in Texas and nurtured all over these United States, chili is one of America’s favorite foods.”
With that kind of introduction — and its place as the restaurant’s namesake — it’s begging for you to give the chili a try. Three versions are on the menu: Original Red (with beans), Texas Red (no beans, of course) and Chile Verde (the spiciest selection, according to wait staff).
Each comes with a big, buttered tortilla, all folded up, which is totally Texas. (They’re fond of serving tortillas with queso, there, too.) It’s a perfect pairing for the spicy bowl of comfort.
I chose the Original Red, a chili con carne with shredded beef, house-made chorizo, roasted chiles, jalapenos, kidney and pinto beans, topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar and green onions. And while I’m no stranger to handling spice, I’ll say there’s a back heat that lingers a bit. (Consider bringing tissues for the moment your sinuses begin to clear.)
I also tried the Tinga Chicken Tacos on my server’s suggestion, adding another layer of flavor packed with heat. The bite-sized street tacos come topped with avocado and queso fresco, alongside vinegar-heavy pickled vegetables. (At this point, I couldn’t hold back on sneezing as the spices took over. Am I a wuss? Maybe. But here we are.)
Full, yet seeking some relief, I moved on to the Ice Cream Taco, another “Chili Willi’s favorite.”
It’s enormous, stuffed with cinnamon ice cream and topped with whipped cream, honey, mini chocolate chips and sliced almonds. It’s a rich, over-the-top dessert — and the perfect way to cool down after all that heat. I couldn’t finish it alone.
Chili Willi’s
Location: 9615 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Instagram: @chiliwillisnc
