It all just depends on what you order at most of these places. You have to understand what they're likely to be good at and avoid the other items. I overheard somebody at Red Lobster one time complaining and complaining over and over again about their steak. Good grief, learn what to order! When I want a huge plate of crab legs for cheap, its outstanding there. If I want a steak, I'm definitely not going to Red Lobster (or most chains, for that matter). The chains tend to do well with salad and salad bars. TGI Fridays has an awesome bistro steak salad. Ruby Tuesdays has a yummy salad with fried chicken and avocado on it. Chains make eating on the road easy and its nice to go to a place and already know what's going to be on the menu and what it will taste like ahead of time... can help with homesickness and stuff... and those places are usually cheap and fast... but I would never go to one looking for fine cuisine.