Originally Posted by
FullTimeFlyer
Just adding to what you've got from lhrsfo, that leaves the question of how widespread the restaurants are. Its hot or miss - when I'm traveling in big, well-developed areas I can usually find something that's OK< especially because I eat a lot of pub grub and the like. There isn't any real connection with UA hubs vs other locations because they run the same program with the same restaurants for multiple other airlines (I'm aware of at least AS, DL, and AA), at least one hotel (Hilton), and just a free standing version where you get cash back instead of miles. But if I have a car in the burbs or am in a big city I can usually get to something. Be aware that a lot of their restaurants are struggling outfits. Doesn't mean they're bad (and certainly not unsanitary) - just that I've eaten in a lot of 20% full MP dining places, as well as some popular ones.
FTF
Matches my experience exactly. Sometimes the more popular places drop out of the program, because they don't need it considering the costs to them. More than once I've pulled up to a restaurant, including ones I've been to before, and found them closed. But if you are in populous areas, and look at it as a way to score some extra miles rather than your FF lifeblood, it's pretty darn useful. I eat at a lot of pubs too, so why not one with miles?