Another vote for Culvers! Consistently decent food and the frozen custard doesn’t hurt either! :p

I guess I rate those as low end in comparison (like Hippo) with US mid-level chains. But I don't really know as you will never find me in one of those places. There are soooooo many non-chain restaurants in every town in France. Why go to a chain? If you are stuck in muggle-buggle suburban US, you often have no choice.

One of the great joys in life is a strawberry shake at Culver's (that is, after I have a butter burger and I sample the flavor of the day!) :)

PF Changs
J Alexander
In and Out
Steak and Shake
McDonald's Fries (when cooked properly and not oversalted)
Culver's

Culver’s, really? From the same forum that looks down at Applebees? :p I ate there once and it seemed mediocre. I guess the ice cream and custard must make up for it, but I don’t have a sweet tooth.

:) I wouldn't set foot in Applebee's but love Culver's!

I like PF Chang's, because they offer brown rice and In and Out burger, so yums!

Sit down:

P.F. Chang's
Maccaroni Grill

Fast food:

Fudrucker's
Five Guy's
Chipotle

Then there are the high priced steak chains, which are always good: Capital Grille, Morton's, Ruth's Cris, etc.

OK, here they are:

Nobu
Houston's
Wagamama
Curry House

I could do more but four is enough

My votes would go with PF Chang's, Bonefish Grill and Cheesecake Factory. Those 3 are great for solo dining at the bar (or in the case of BFG also at communal tables).

I'm a fan of Texas Roadhouse. I find the atmosphere to be hokey and often obnoxious (and I'm really annoyed they have Shiner Bock signs and no Shiner Bock) but I think the food is of decent quality. Plus, the prices aren't bad. And who can say no to unlimited peanuts?

Higher end/Sit down
McCormick and Schmick's-love the bar menu for happy hour, Alaskan crab legs in the summer and the mussels.
The Melting Pot-fun experience unless the table next to you decided to bring 3 children under 5. Young kids, sharp objects, boiling liquid and raw meat are always a good combo.

Casual/fast food
Panera-good soup/salad lunch
Five guys-good greasy diner style burger
Le Pain Quotidien- good yuppie breakfast

McDonalds
Teriyaki Boy
Famiglia Pizzeria

High-End:
Capitol Grille
Fleming's

Casual/Take out:
Friday's (the ones by me arent bad)
Pei Wei (owned by PF changs - DELICIOUS)
Five Guys
PJ Welihans (PHL area)

If you live in Middle America or Southern California, there is little else than chains. I know of a handful that I would call fairly good, but I know of hundreds that are awful. Usually the more they advertise the worse they are - Applebees, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Marie Calendars to name but a few of the offenders.

My favorite chain is right here in Portland, Oregon - Burgerville! What other burger chain made Gourmet Magazine?