It is always helpful to provide the links to the website so those of us who have never been there can get more info...

Macaroni Grill: http://www.macaronigrill.com/
Maggiano's: http://www.maggianos.com/
Claim Jumper: http://www.claimjumper.com/
McCormick & Schmick: http://www.mccormickandschmick.com/
Smith & Wollensky http://www.smithandwollensky.com/
Houstons: http://www.houstons.com/
Waffle House: http://www.wafflehouse.com/

Then don't forget...

Waffle House (http://www.wafflehouse.com)

;)

Well, I didn't feel like being helpful. I felt like being lazy! But thanks for the pangs of guilt, because it made me realize that Marketplace is a mostly Arkansas thang. 3 locations here and one in Joplin, MO. Here, my friend, is the link: http://www.marketplacegrill.com/

And then I brought up the Waffle House. Since I know everyone is dying to surf on over to their site, here it is: http://www.wafflehouse.com/
You can order your very own copy of the Waffle House Jukebox Favorites: Vol 1 cd. Wahoo!

:p

Dude! You beat me to it... :D

I LOVE THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY[COLOR=SandyBrown] :)

I absoutely love Claim Jumper and Buca de Beppo.

Other favs:

Pappacitos/Pappadeaux http://www.pappas.com/
IHOP http://www.ihop.com/
Original Pancake House http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/
Abueloshttp://www.abuelos.com/

I can't believe no one has thought of China Grill. NYC, Miami, Las vegas

PF Changs is an OK runner up, but CG is stunning.

You gotta try In-N-Out Burgers when you are in California, Nevada & Arizona... http://www.inandout.com/ Don't forget the unpublished, special menu... http://www.zenlemur.com/innout.shtml

I have to agree with Craig6z on Palomino -- I hit the ones in Cinti and Indy frequently....yummy! Hmmmm, note to self....still have a gift card to use ;)

By far the best chain restaurants are the Outback owned/operated Roy's with a special mention for the Flemings Steakhouse also run by Outback.

mike

Well I thought "good" was specific enough. ;) What I'm referring to are restaurants that are able to maintain a very high quality of food and service while operating as a chain. Those are pretty rare. If the quality of the food (fresh natural ingredients, etc.) is of importance, you won't eat at most of the suburban chains mentioned in this thread.

And yes in America good generally means expensive at chain restaurants. Chains are all about profit you see.

A favorite of mine when in the northeast http://www.legalseafoods.com/

Chain restaurants that are actually good
 

I have found a couple on my trips around the US. "Friendly's", an eastern chain, is good, home cooking, with a great ice cream and dessert menu. It's not fancy, but it's good food at good prices. The milkshakes are the old fashioned type, served in the mixing container!

I too vote for Cheesecake Factory. Good food (huge portions) and great desserts if you're looking for a reasonably priced place to eat. My first experience was in Chicago at the Michigan Avenue location.

One other chain that is also good, is the Cracker Barrel chain across the east and south.

Granted, these restaurants are "themed" but they have good food. If you're not looking for or into fine dining one evening, try these. The breakfast menu at these chains are good too.

Haven't been to a Corner Bakery for awhile, but the first time I stumbled onto one was in Chicago. Great breakfast menu. Then I got my friends hooked on the one in Ft. Worth a couple years ago while we were they for a conference planning session.

Happy Holidays! ^

Consistently good comfort food
 

Cracker Barrel

http://www.crackerbarrel.com

Without a doubt

FOGO DE CHÃO

Absolutely the best :) ^^