# A counterpoint: Chain restaurants we actually like. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 22, 2007, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460 "2007-08-22T04:01:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/121 "2007-08-23T20:11:56Z")
[QUOTE=Necros] The problem is that people in the Midwest know nothing about fish, and people from the East Coast know nothing about tacos. So, putting the two together is foreign to both groups. 🙂 I just had Wahoo’s for lunch yesterday! [/QUOTE] People in the Midwest don’t know anything about WHAT? (says the man living right next to one of the five biggest lakes in the world, where perch, walleye, trout, whitefish, etc. abound…) ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2007, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/122 "2007-08-23T21:17:04Z")
**DesertDog** beat me to Fazoli’s. I don’t know if they’re quite as good as they used to be or if my standards have just gone way up, but they’re still reliably good for the money. I’d eat there over the Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill any day–not that the food is that much better, but at least it’s a lot cheaper. I adored Baja Fresh when I lived near one. ---
**Author:** ![HelloKitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecccb3/32.png) [@HelloKitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HelloKitty)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2007, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/123 "2007-08-23T21:56:21Z")
Our neighborhood restaurants are soooo good that we rarely frequent the chain places, but there are a few that we like: **Outback Steakhouse** - God help me I love the Bloomin’ Onion and the little brown loaves of bread they dole out, and their beer on tap is always cold and frosty. I’ve never had a bad meal there…they are a bit pricey, though so we don’t go very often. The SO loves **Taco Bell** , whereas I am more of a **Taco John’s** girl. Potato Oles (little flat tater tots sprinkled with taco seasoning) with cheese sauce and hot sauce for dipping…it’s like a dream!! Alas the closest Taco John’s is 30 miles from here. I also like **Chili’s** …I always get the Southwest Eggrolls or the Lettuce Wraps. Used to be a big fan of their burgers but I have been spoiled by local burger masters at our neighborhood places. I’m a little surprised there’s not more love for **TGIFridays**. They have perfectly respectable appy’s and a great happy hour. Plus their beer is always nice and cold. As for breakfasts, **IHOP** hash browns are the best in the business!! (Sorry WH!) Also I’m in love with **McDonald’s** Sausage McGriddle sammich…sausage patty between 2 maple-flavored pancakes…genius, I say!!! My rules for having an above average experience any time I go to a chain “sit down” type restaurant: 1) always sit in the bar section for the best service 2) if all else fails order the Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard dip and fries. ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/124 "2007-08-24T01:34:58Z")
I disagree about the fish tacos too. Here on the East Coast I eat fish tacos at Chevy’s, a Midwestern chain, very frequently. ---
**Author:** ![LH75](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lh75/32/4438_2.png) [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/125 "2007-08-24T01:42:45Z")
The Sirloin Marsala at Carraba’s is one of my favorites, and I agree with friend Drain Bead that the food at Champs is great. Our local Champs closed and we really miss it. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/126 "2007-08-24T02:17:49Z")
[QUOTE=HelloKitty] My rules for having an above average experience any time I go to a chain “sit down” type restaurant: 1) always sit in the bar section for the best service 2) if all else fails order the Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard dip and fries. [/QUOTE] That can be hit or miss, too. If they hand bread their own tenders (as in, start with raw chicken tenders, toss them in milk then batter or flour, then fry) then yeah, they will probably be good, or at least decent. But the places that just take pre-cooked frozen ones and re-deep fry them…blech ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/127 "2007-08-25T02:30:24Z")
When I was in Tallahassee and wanted fast food Tex Mex style, I’d hit up **Panchero’s** ; they make and press the tortillas fresh when you order 'em and their pico de gallo was really, really good. I’d often get a grilled veggie and steak quesadilla with pico, guacamole and sour cream and be full for the rest of the day. These days, however, I like **Tijuana Flats** , which appears to be an Orlando-area-based chain. A wee bit like Panchero’s, but with more sass and spice. I really enjoyed **Bonefish Grill** the one time that I tried it. The trout was divine. ::swoons:: ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/128 "2007-08-25T15:40:43Z")
[QUOTE=DSYoungEsq] People in the Midwest don’t know anything about WHAT? (says the man living right next to one of the five biggest lakes in the world, where perch, walleye, trout, whitefish, etc. abound…) [/QUOTE] He probably meant seafood. Growing up in West Texas, I thought Long John Silver’s was truly representative. ---
**Author:** ![Paladud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Paladud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paladud)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/129 "2007-08-25T17:34:49Z")
Sadly, these are small and mostly local chains. **Poquito Mas** - unique to Los Angeles. Way tastier and fresher than Baja Fresh (which is also pretty good). Kickass mango salsa, diced onions and radishes sitting among the condiments. Somewhat cheaper too, and they carry beer. **BCD Tofu House** - only found in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Seoul. Excellent tofu stews and orgasmic bulgogi, with a huge meal well under twenty bucks. They claim that they don’t use MSG. I believe them. They probably add crack instead. **Barney’s Beanery** - Unique to Los Angeles. easily the best pizza I’ve ever had, and they don’t even specialize in it. Guinness and lots of other goodies on tap. Good prices. Great atmosphere. ---
**Author:** ![Sal\_Ammoniac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/130 "2007-08-25T17:48:39Z")
The weird thing about this thread is that I haven’t even heard of three-quarters of these places. Red Robin? Tudor’s Biscuit World? Those read to me like fast-food chains from an alternate universe. ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/131 "2007-08-25T18:34:50Z")
[QUOTE=silenus] Waffle House is without a doubt the cheapest, most disgusting chain on the planet. I make sure to take my students there for a meal whenever we are near one for a debate tournament. Broadens their outlook, so to speak. [/QUOTE] I agree with that. Remember when some black patrons sued Waffle House complaining that the flies in their grits had been placed there deliberately by a racially biased staff? How’d you like to be the lawyer in that case. “Your Honor, I request that this case be dismissed as being unfounded. **All** of our grits has flies.” If the judge had ever eaten there he would probably agree, but admitting it in open court can’t be good for business. ---
**Author:** ![MadTheSwine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MadTheSwine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadTheSwine)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/132 "2007-08-25T18:41:03Z")
I LOVE **What-A-Burger**. Pretty fond of **Subway** as well. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/133 "2007-08-25T19:00:14Z")
I looooove the Bourbon Street Steak at **Applebees**. Every time I stray from that, I am disappointed. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/134 "2007-08-25T19:22:18Z")
I’ll second Cracker Barrel. IHOP and Waffle House aren’t even close to them. It is No Contest. The breakfasts at Cracker Barrel are truly crack-licious, reasonably priced, I like the faux country decor, and the place smells great the moment you open the door. I mean, grits adn biscuits an sawmill gravy automatically come with your breakfast! How can you beat that? You cannot. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/135 "2007-08-25T22:02:12Z")
Rubio’s and Baja Fresh. In N Out. Chili’s. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2007, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/136 "2007-08-25T23:20:56Z")
[QUOTE=LunaV] I adore \*\*Carrabba’s \*\* Italian Grill. I would be happy with just the delicious bread and mouth-watering desserts alone, but throw in the fabulous entrees and I’m in heaven. [/QUOTE] I came here to mention Carrabba’s. They are really a standout among chain restaurants, with more fresh food than virtually any other chain. Good management, too. The Lone Star steakhouse here in Northern Kentucky has all the other chain steakhouses beat by a large margin. Tasty steaks, and they actually cook them to the specified doneness! White Castle has an advantage over other burger joints in that they are not franchised, so the home office exerts a lot of control. Also, they have better employee benefits than their competition. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2007, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/137 "2007-08-26T01:49:42Z")
[QUOTE=MadTheSwine] I LOVE **What-A-Burger**. Pretty fond of **Subway** as well. [/QUOTE] Ah, yes, I remember What-A-Burger. It gets a big thumbs-up from me. We have Subway over here and 24 hours. Excellent for a wee-hour meal after carousing all night. ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2007, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/138 "2007-08-26T14:14:09Z")
Oh yeah. **Sonic.** We just got our first one around here, but it’s far enough away that I still haven’t been out there to eat yet. Supposedly they’re building six more. I love cheesy tater tots and the Frito pie. ---
**Author:** ![mikeargo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/858c86/32.png) [@mikeargo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikeargo)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2007, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/139 "2007-08-26T14:31:38Z")
[QUOTE=Sal Ammoniac] Anybody else like **Bertucci’s**? Everything on their menu is good, and they give you those nice, hot rolls that I’m just like a meth addict about. I’m not sure they’ve expanded much beyond the Eastern Seabord, though. [/QUOTE] I’ll second **Bertucci’s**. I would say that even Tony Soprano would approve. ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2007, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460/140 "2007-08-26T15:54:23Z")
In Quebec, there are no sit-down chains that I can think of, so they were always a treat when we were in the US. Now that I live here, I can’t quite shake off liking them. I’ll admit to liking most of the ones in this town - Outback, Olive Garden, TGIFridays, even Applebees (which has a nice Weight Watchers menu). For fast food - I love the Panera here. KFC in general is like chicken crack, although it’s very different here and in Canada. My favourite, however, is Amir, a Lebanese chain, with fantastic shish-taouk and garlic potatoes. I think it’s only found in Quebec, but there are 39 locations. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-counterpoint-chain-restaurants-we-actually-like/416460.md?page=8)