# Chain restaurants that are actually excellent **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 18, 2015, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834 "2015-06-18T08:54:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/41 "2015-06-18T15:27:24Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > I don’t get the love for 5 guys. They are about as good as Wendy’s which only makes them a bit better than McDonalds’s basic bottom of the line burgers. I would disagree - I think their burgers are clearly better than Mickey’s, BK, or Wendy’s. But YM varies, and that’s OK. But I would add that Five Guys is one of the few places I know of that actually have French fries worth eating. (McDonalds’ fries have to be one of the most overrated foods in the known universe, and its competitors’ aren’t any better, but at least nobody talks about how great Wendy’s or BK’s fries are.) ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/42 "2015-06-18T15:31:12Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > I would disagree - I think their burgers are clearly better than Mickey’s, BK, or Wendy’s. But YM varies, and that’s OK. > > But I would add that Five Guys is one of the few places I know of that actually have French fries worth eating. (McDonalds’ fries have to be one of the most overrated foods in the known universe, and its competitors’ aren’t any better, but at least nobody talks about how great Wendy’s or BK’s fries are.) And, honestly, while I like Five Guy burgers, I don’t like their fries here. The ones at Freddy’s are much better, IMHO…they are the shoe string kind and are always fresh, hot and crispy. ---
**Author:** ![LVBoPeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/858c86/32.png) [@LVBoPeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LVBoPeep)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/43 "2015-06-18T15:35:02Z")
I have a lot of chains I love at their best- P.F Changs, Macaroni Grill, Outback, and Olive Garden to name a few but none of them are always good. In fact, I had given up on the local Macaroni Grill here as very meh but then I visited Denver and had one of the best meals I’d had in a chain in a long time. Here in Vegas- the downtown PF Changs has never disappointed me but the satellite locations (downtown was the original for LV) in Green Valley and Summerlin always have something that isn’t quite right or had terrible service. The only chain I can say always hits it out of the park for me is In N Out - though it does have the advantage of being a place I rarely go to and usually when I’m traveling. When we used to go on vacation in Southern California as a kid, we always stopped at the Barstow In N Out so there is a nostalgia flavor that never fails me. As far a local chains goes- we have Hush Puppies - has been around here forever and their all you can eat catfish is amazing. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/44 "2015-06-18T15:36:34Z")
Red Robin has some very good burgers. And I can get a beer there 😃 . The last time I was at one though, they put some sort of very weird seasoning on their french fries. Gonna ask for a batch without that stuff next time. It was bad. My Wife doesn’t like Cracker barrel. I think it leans a little to much toward the Gravy and Biscuits crowd. Can always find something that suits us at the Cheesecake Factory. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/45 "2015-06-18T15:39:00Z")
[QUOTE=LVBoPeep] I have a lot of chains I love at their best- P.F Changs, Macaroni Grill, Outback, and Olive Garden to name a few but none of them are always good. In fact, I had given up on the local Macaroni Grill here as very meh but then I visited Denver and had one of the best meals I’d had in a chain in a long time. Here in Vegas- the downtown PF Changs has never disappointed me but the satellite locations (downtown was the original for LV) in Green Valley and Summerlin always have something that isn’t quite right or had terrible service. [/QUOTE] The PF Changs here is pretty good (I actually meant them instead of Pei Wei, which I go to as more fast food Chinese). I especially like the dumplings. ---
**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/46 "2015-06-18T16:01:35Z")
Can’t stand PF Changs. You know, Olive Garden unlimited soup-salad-breadsticks is not a bad deal. EXCEPT the servers seem to NEVER come back around to give me more. All those bags of peanuts at Five Guys make me sneeze for an hour after leaving. And when I travel by car, I am perfectly happy to see Denny’s. It ain’t gourmet, but it’s solid fuel. And you always know what it it. Been to Ruby Tuesday 2X and both times the vaunted salad bar was a miserable fail. If I can find Sweet Tomatoes or (what’s it’s other name–something Plantation?) I can happily graze for an hour. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/47 "2015-06-18T16:39:38Z")
Consistently good: Red Robin, Fuddruckers, Grimaldis, Souplantation, In-N-Out Over-rated: 5 Guys Red Robin and Souplantation are two of our default choices for eating out. Good food, great selections and the staff at the restaurants around here are very helpful. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/48 "2015-06-18T16:40:07Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > Nowadays, small restaurants can’t afford to serve bad meals. I can only think of one time I hit a place that was disappointing. It’s happened to me more than once, but none of the chains listed here (that I’ve tried, and that’s most of them) would qualify as “actually excellent”. If I’m forced to a chain, I consider myself lucky if I get mediocre. Give me a diner breakfast over a Denny’s breakfast any day of the week. I don’t need Denny’s portion sizes. That said, I know that in many parts of the country, diners are as ubiquitous as they are in the metro NY and surrounding areas. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/49 "2015-06-18T16:47:49Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > Nowadays, small restaurants can’t afford to serve bad meals. I can only think of one time I hit a place that was disappointing. Sure they can. In my town, there are any number of small restaurants, mostly Italian. One or two of them are genuinely very good. Most of them are about on a par with, or slightly below, what you might get at a chain…and then there are a bunch that are just plain lousy (our sole Korean restaurant comes to mind). All of them stay in business, though, and have their regulars. Of course, one must take into account the widespread culinary cretinism here in the Beaver Valley. A local chain of hot dog shops (just the smell from them makes me queasy) gets voted “best breakfast” every time The Times runs the contest. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/50 "2015-06-18T16:54:19Z")
I keep hoping a fellow motorcyclist is going to come in and gush about Twin Peaks. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/51 "2015-06-18T17:23:35Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Even In N Out or Five Guys, which people constantly rave about, are better than average but the food isn’t really fantastic. They are a clear step above McDonalds or Burger King, but that’s setting the bar pretty low. Depends on what you like. For me, those two are the perfect fast-food style hamburger, which is my favorite style of hamburger. Every time I’m back West, I visit In N Out, and every time it’s exactly as great as I remember it. I’ve never been disappointed. I understand not everyone gets the love, but I do. They are the quintessential American fast-food hamburger. If I could only eat one hamburger for the rest of my life, it would be an In N Out double double, animal style. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/52 "2015-06-18T17:38:44Z")
> [@Aeschines](#): > > **Cracker Barrel.** You can get an absolutely solid, healthful, delicious meal here for cheap. Overall, the quality-to-price ratio is close to unbeatable. The grilled catfish is impeccable. It’s perfect. I typically get that with the turnip greens, sweet potato, and cole slaw. Of course, this restaurant is everywhere and is a godsend on the road. The service is quick and pleasant as well. It’s a massive, massive chain that really delivers for the masses. > > **Cheesecake Factory.** The crazy thing about this one is that you can get something pretty damn close to fancy dining for a reasonable price. Here’s something that blew me away recently: I got a burger, they had gluten-free buns, and it was frickin’ amazing. It was the three-bacon one. Beef done truly medium-rare, melted in my mouth. The corn cake appetizer is really delicious and intelligently put together. Their steaks are great. The Jamaican shrimp is a real treat. CF represents. There arent too many Cracker Barrel’s around here, the one time we tried one we were impressed by the choice of sides. I solidly and totally disagree about Cheesecake Factory- it’s overpriced, and the service is horrendous. The Owner makes everyone wait extra time as the lines thus created create an illusion they are hard to get into. \*\*Using my time to promote his restaurant is simply unethical. \*\*:mad: In San Jose we had very good Outbacks, with great service and very good food. However, they vary. Here in Santa Clarita we have quite a good TGIFridays. The appetizer specials make it a cheap early dinner option. I dont care for Five Guys as they refuse to serve 1000island dressing on the burgers. We love In&out. Smashburger is good. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/53 "2015-06-18T17:54:37Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Depends on what you like. For me, those two are the perfect fast-food style hamburger, which is my favorite style of hamburger. Every time I’m back West, I visit In N Out, and every time it’s exactly as great as I remember it. I’ve never been disappointed. I understand not everyone gets the love, but I do. They are the quintessential American fast-food hamburger. If I could only eat one hamburger for the rest of my life, it would be an In N Out double double, animal style. Love the 4X4 too…so cheesy so delicious. And what other chain would give you a 4 patty 4 cheese burger? They are a great once a month treat. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/54 "2015-06-18T17:59:42Z")
El Pollo Loco has great flame-broiled chicken. In-N-Out for burgers. Of course both are 2000 miles away now… :smack: ---
**Author:** ![carlb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carlb/32/5930_2.png) [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/55 "2015-06-18T18:42:09Z")
> [@OneCentStamp](#): > > **Italian:** Carrabba’s is the only national chain I would spend my own money on. I’ll agree with **Carrabba’s** , and add their sister restaurant **Bonefish Grill**. I especially like that all of their nutritional data is available online, and they don’t serve stupidly large portions. It’s pretty easy to get something tasty at each of these places, and not feel like I’ve undone all of my workouts for the week. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/56 "2015-06-18T19:21:16Z")
I’m gonna say it, and I don’t care what anybody thinks: **I love Taco Bell!** ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/57 "2015-06-18T19:52:29Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > I’m gonna say it, and I don’t care what anybody thinks: **I love Taco Bell!** Taco Bell isnt so bad, but they started using “cheeze sauce” instead of real grated cheese on many items. That shit is nasty. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/58 "2015-06-18T19:54:46Z")
In the West, Black Bear Diner is very good. Really excellent breakfasts, but have never had a bad meal there. We used to go a ways to one, then they opened one in walking distance from our house. My 5 Guys has excellent fries, and good burgers. In N Out fries are a crime against humanity. Either way. Cracker Barrel is fine, but none near here. While Olive Garden breadsticks are good, their entrees are always lacking something. Macaroni Grill is far better. Cheesecake Factory has been fine the few times I’ve eaten there, but it is so crowded that no one goes any more. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/59 "2015-06-18T19:58:45Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > In N Out fries are a crime against humanity. > > While Olive Garden breadsticks are good, their entrees are always lacking something. > Cheesecake Factory has been fine the few times I’ve eaten there, but it is so crowded that no one goes any more. Yesbut, you can order them well done. Much better. Some like “animal style” but not me. Still it’s the burgers, not the fries. Yes- they lack “flavor”. You thought you were being funny but Cheesecake Factory actually makes people wait longer- usually 15 minutes- to make a long line and thus give the impression it’s crowded. :mad: assholes. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834/60 "2015-06-18T19:58:53Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I also used to really like \*\*Perkins \*\*- do they even exist any more? We’ve got one in Gainesville. It’s stupendously terrible. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chain-restaurants-that-are-actually-excellent/722834.md?page=4)