I would take Carrabba's over Olive Garden. The bread is better and comes with an herbed olive oil for dipping that I love. There is less emphasis on pasta and more seafood on the menu.

I like Ruby Tuesday, and not just because BamaVol Jr #2 is a manager for them. The garden bar is a welcome change of pace from most casual dining chain menus. I prefer it over a pre-made salad.

We do Red Lobster maybe once a quarter if I'm in the mood for seafood that isn't local, like salmon. Their lunch portion of grilled trout is reasonable and enjoyable.

We hit Chilis about once a month. It's kind of predictable. The menu doesn't seem to change as often as some of the others. Our local Chili's has a comfortable bar, although the beer choices are not quite up to snuff. But the food is decent.

I dropped Applebees and TGI Fridays from our local repertoire due to service and food quality issues. I will go to TGIF elsewhere. The weekend brunch is okay, many of the others don't offer it, and they usually have a comfortable bar. They keep the temperature of our local Applebees too warm. The servers work up a sweat in no time and I shudder to picture the kitchen.

We will sit at the O'Charley's bar for a lunch. The bartenders got to know us and they have a 2 for 1 prime rib one day a week that works out pretty reasonable. Neither of us is a big steak fan, but on the rare occasion we visit Outback, their pork chop is excellent.