Chope's in La Mesa, NM is one of my favorite middle-of-nowhere places. Maybe it's because I was in college when I regularly frequented the place and 40 oz. of beer only cost $2 back then. Be sure to eat in the bar, not the restaurant: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writ...=401&RefID=401

At the higher end of the ambience chain is Bistro on the Bayou in Alexandria, LA. The food is consistently good (don't miss the raspberry and white chocolate bread pudding for dessert): http://www.bistroonthebayou.com/