I hate to admit that I often gravitate to familar chains when I'm in unfamilliar surroundings. Unfortunately, the ones I personally am familliar enough to avoid include these....

Applebee's: Usually not "bad" in the classic sense, although you can definitely get a bad meal here. More often they're just "undistinguished" and "boring".

Carrabas: Arrogance meets blandness.

Ruby Tuesdays: On balance everthing that's bad about Applebee's, although they sometimes do have a decent salad bar.

Casey's (Canada): The weather outside isn't the only thing that's usually frozen! The clincher came a few year's ago when they were touting "USDA certified SELECT grade steaks" (that's a notch below the "Choice" usually found in chain supermarkets)

Olive Garden: "Better living through chemistry"

Houlihan's: I think they're trying to pass themselves off as an upscale version of TGI Friday's....which, to me anyway, is ridiculous.

Garfunkel's (UK): They seem to be on a mission to serve meals bereft of any flavor (or flavour) whatsoever.

Outback: Occasionally you can get a good meal here. But all too often it's just overpriced and overcooked. I usually just order a burger and tell them EXACTLY how I'd like it. Usually that approach produces a good result.

For whatever its worth, a few I DO like....

Logan's Road House: The atmosphere gets a little annoying, but the food's usually pretty good. I think they're exclusive to the Southeast.

Ryan's Steak House: Also in the southeast. These can get a little frantic and messy, but they have the best cheap salad bar/comfort food buffet on the planet!

East Side Mario's (Canada): Casual basic Italian. Similar atmosphere to TGIF, but better food. As one manager told me, "You may not get a great meal in here, but you'll usually get a pretty damned good one". How true. Minestrone, salad, and hot loaf is always a good choice here when you're in a hurry at lunch time.

Bonefish: Not many of 'em, but good, creatively prepared seafood...cheap!

On the Border: Best of the tex-mex chains isn't saying much, but these folks seem to usually do a pretty decent job.

One man's humble opinions.