Chain restaurants that are actually good
Feb 18, 2010 | 6:18 am
#347
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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.
Feb 18, 2010 | 6:53 am
#348
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Feb 18, 2010 | 8:40 am
#350
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Culver’s, really? From the same forum that looks down at Applebees? 
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 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.
Feb 18, 2010 | 9:06 am
#351
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Feb 18, 2010 | 12:42 pm
#353
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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.
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.
Last edited by DullesJason; Feb 18, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Feb 18, 2010 | 5:50 pm
#355
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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).
Feb 18, 2010 | 7:54 pm
#356
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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?
Feb 19, 2010 | 8:17 am
#357
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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
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
Feb 26, 2010 | 11:26 pm
#360
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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?
My favorite chain is right here in Portland, Oregon - Burgerville! What other burger chain made Gourmet Magazine?