I'm not anti-chain but I don't seek them out. I only go to the ones that are near where I live or near where I'm staying. To me, a good chain is never expected to have a visionary chef or pursue culinary excellence. The chain restaurant experience is very different, so my expectations are different. Good food that you can depend on for consistency. I hit a chain rarely though, so some of these get only a single annual visit from me. My favorites:

Expensive food & wine:

Morton's
Capital Grille
Ruth's Cris (closest steakhouse to my driveway, too)

Ethnic: (I guess)

Maggioan's
Macaroni Grill
PF Chang's

Burgers/Fast:

Five Guys
Fudruckers
Chipotle

Breakfast:

IHOP, baby
Silver Diner

One day I really must try:

In & Out Burger