Originally Posted by
Peterpack
If Fine Dining is the top of the food chain and McDonalds/street food is the bottom of the food chain, is there a term for restaurants just below Fine Dining but above buffets/cafes/regular restaurants ?
My gradations of U.S. Dining:
1. Michelin-star dining, usually found in ritzy neighborhoods in large cities (NY, SF, Beverly Hills, Vegas) and usually denoted by the chef's name on or closely associated with the restaurant.
2. Chain fine dining, e.g. Chart House, Palm, Ruth's Chris.
3. Chain dining, e.g. Claim Jumper, Black Angus, P.F. Chang
4. Chain suburban, e.g. Outback, Lone Star, Red Lobster
5. Japanese teppan
6. Good Asian buffets; local Italian; local NY/NJ fancy diners
7. Average buffets, e.g. local Asian, Home Town
8. Coffee shop, e.g. Denny's/IHOP; Boston Market
9. Fast food
Notes: Categories 1-5 have liquor licenses, 6 have beer/wine.