I agree. ^

When I was up in vancouver ate at a chain called white spot which is a BC only chain.The burgers there were quite good.Didnt try anything else on the menu...
-howie

Agreed with Mastro's, just make sure to not get the heated plate. I also think the Fleming's at Fashion Island in Newport Beach makes a great steak as well. I haven't been to any other Fleming's, but every meal at the Newport one I have enjoyed.

I've gotta agree with the Corner Bakery, Carrabba's, and Roy's suggestions.

I had no idea that Copeland's was a chain.

Although they aren't an official "chain," I've always had great meals at Houston's and find it especially blows away Cheesecake Factory(esque) competition.

Oneworldboy - Why would you not consider Houstons to be an official chain? I think that they meet the very definition of a chain:

"a businesses under one management or ownership and offer similar goods or services but are found in different locations"
see: http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/featur...fid=1861596080

p.s. - Here is their website: http://www.houstons.com/

Another vote for Houston's
 

I'll second that vote for Houston's, as well as their cousin restaurants Bandera and Gulfstream. I've had consistently good quality of food and service at many of their locations across the country.

Despite living here in Texas where good Tex-Mex food abounds, my colleagues and I all go ga-ga over Chevy's when we are traveling out west (and their east coast cousin Rio Bravo).

Buffet wise, if you ever live in the areas where they have "Sweet Tomatoes" it's really good. It's an all you can eat soup, salad, pasta, and bread place. 6 differnet kinds of soups everyday, 3 different kinds of handmade salads, along with a full salad bar, and 3 different kinds of pastas everyday.

It started in 1977 and in the california area, it's called Soup Plantation.

http://www.sweettomatoes.com/

Chevy's Fresh Mex is also here in the East.

That place pisses my wife off something good because of "El Machino". :D

Obviously the distinction is vague (and I see your point), but as learned from studying Houston's a couple years ago, their management adamently tries to steer away from being a "chain" and thinks of each store as a seperate entity.

Krispy Kreme .... but only when the hot light is on ;)

I have found Outback to be inconsistant. In Anchorage the meat has little flavor, the atmosphere is good at all locations if that is what you're after.

Chili's for their tortilla soup

The Keg has been consistantly good in Oregon & Washington.


Alison
Chugiak, AK

AlisoninAlaska and any other FT'ers:

Could you recommend any dishes at Outback and Chili's to someone who has never been to either but might want to try one of their Asian outlets one day? I did try TGI Friday's once but found it almost disgusting, cheap taste and feel, but this might have to do with the unfamiliarity of Asian cooks and staff with American (fast) food.

Are there any American chains in Asia /Europe that offer good "gourmet" burgers, especially of the more spicy variety?

I am not a fan of Chili's, but have to admit they have really good tortilla soup.

I ate dinner at Sweet Tomatoes tonight in Houston. And yum! I've eaten at the Orlando, FL locations before and was happy when I saw a Sweet Tomatoes here in Houston.