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Originally Posted by TMOliver
(Post 14655793)
^ Chipotle - no franchises, all company stores, HQ in Colorado, strangely, the easiest to prepare of all components, pintos and negroes (the beans, not horeses or people) come fully cooked from a central commisary along with their imitation "barbacoa" (and /"carnitas"/pork, IIRC). Most else purchased, prepped/cooked locally. Satisfying, modestly priced, and I wish they were in airports. Go for the "Bowl", not the burrito.
Macaroni Grill? It's all concept, carefully staged "Sizzle" aimed at a market gradutating from "youth" to the next step on the ladder. It's not Italy, but for those who have not been there, cheap thrills.... And I prefer the burrito over the bowl... |
Copeland's
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Originally Posted by jessej
(Post 3449081)
I LOVE THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY[COLOR=SandyBrown] :)
The guacamole at The Cheesecake Factoryy in Honolulu is excellent! |
Oregano's is a mini chain in Arizona with a handful of restaurants in the Phoenix area and outlets in Flagstaff and Tucson. A few months ago (maybe a year) an investment group bought equity in them with the idea to expand the franchise. Don't know what the status is on that but if one pops up around you they offer some awesome a little on the spicy side Italian favorites with big wallet friendly portions.
I'll also offer Gandolfo's Delis. Great sandwiches, waaaay better than Quizno's, Subway, etc. |
Originally Posted by mailbroad
(Post 14737068)
The guacamole at The Cheesecake Factoryy in Honolulu is excellent!
On the other hand, the made to order special Guac at Mexicana Taqueria #9 (#1 thru #8 apparently exist only in imagination.) is both good and for us purists, traditional. |
Originally Posted by PhlyingRPh
(Post 14658945)
Copeland's
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Originally Posted by Amelorn
(Post 14646936)
Applebees: Too much "antique store" junk on the walls...the sort of garbage that appeals to rubes in flyover country. The one redeeming point: 2 for one draft pints between 3 and 6 pm.
They were mortified! :D |
For sit-down chains, my favorites are Claim Jumper and Rock Bottom. Both give you so much food that you can share with another, or take home for another meal.
For fast(er) food, Five Guys and Taco del Mar are always superb choices. :) |
I have a soft spot for Outback Steakhouse, but I'd be hard-pressed to make an argument that it is actually "good." Claim Jumper isn't terrible.
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Originally Posted by SWCPHX
(Post 14745105)
Oregano's is a mini chain in Arizona with a handful of restaurants in the Phoenix area and outlets in Flagstaff and Tucson. A few months ago (maybe a year) an investment group bought equity in them with the idea to expand the franchise. Don't know what the status is on that but if one pops up around you they offer some awesome a little on the spicy side Italian favorites with big wallet friendly portions.
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In Chicago: Portillo's and Giordanos.
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Originally Posted by godlovesugly
(Post 14770099)
In Chicago: Portillo's and Giordanos.
Oh, and Hackneys is a great local chain. Get the brick of onions and a patty melt on rye, and have a cardiologist on call. :) |
Originally Posted by CMK10
(Post 14769747)
I will +1 this. I used to frequent them when I lived in Phoenix, though often the waits were somewhat long. The meatball sandwich was amazing, and someone more amazing when you reheated it the next day.
Chicago - definitely have to stop at Portillos everytime I'm back in the city. A combo with italian beef and italian sausage, side of onion rings and a shake...caloric intake for the week but worth it! |
Another mini-chain with two locations in Austin TX, 1 in San Antonio, and 1 in Scottsdale are the Roaring Fork restaurants. Awesome wood fired grill food.
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Pollo Tropical in Florida has really good grilled chicken with the locally mandated rice and black beans. Healthy, cheap and good.
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