Primanti’s isn’t a chain. It’s a national treasure. I miss their sandwiches. 
BTW, vinegar slaw (as opposed to creamy slaw) is also known as “Pittsburgh style”. It’s what you’ll find on a Primanti Bros. sandwich.
I definitely agree with pancakes3 - local food right off the highway tends to suck.
One exception to this rule is the 17th Street Bar and Grill, right off I-57 in Marion, IL (of all places). A friend and I got a large 6-meat sampler plate for like $40 and it was absolutely delicious. Turns out, this is a small chain (4 restaurants in Southern Illinois and 2 in Memphis) run by a guy who is apparently a legend in BBQ circles, Mike Mills (PDF.)
If you ever happen to be in the area, I strongly recommend this place.
But I do agree that chains have their place. For example Goldsboro, NC, has pretty crappy local food and I’m glad I can go to Ruby Tuesday’s and make a salad that’s more than lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing and have an entree that’s not fried or greasy.
I personally associate it with North Carolina, but I’ve seen it elsewhere throughout the States. Never heard the term “Pittsburgh style,” but now I know what somebody is talking about if somebody mentions it.
The name might be a Pennsylvania thing to distinguish it from “cream slaw”, which is more popular in other parts of the state. But if you Google it, you’ll find it. (It’s also stupid easy to make: just add sugar to vinegar until it tastes right, then toss it in some shredded cabbage. Adding bell pepper and black ground pepper gives you “pepper cabbage” which is also pretty yummy.)
The Log Cabin?
Nope. Not familiar with that one at all.
I feel fortunate that, in my neighborhood, the mom & pop’s are pretty darn fresh and good. The upscale eateries are fantastic.
Exactly. In-N-Out Burger in California. Ted’s and Anderson’s in western New York. Blake’s Lotaburger in New Mexico. Whataburger in Texas. They’re iconic; a part of a region’s identity and culture.
There are also the local regional chains that seem to have a cult following despite mediocre food. Often, fans will acknowledge that the food isn’t that great, but that it’s part of the “character” and “authenticity” that makes the restaurant so great in their eyes. White Castle, Mighty Taco, and Imo’s Pizza come to mind in the “so bad they’re good” category.
On a related note, when I lived in Southern New Mexico, the locals had a rule of thumb regarding the quality of restaurants; the lower the health department inspection score, the better and more “authentic” the food. If a restaurant is forced to close its doors for a week or two, it must be really good.
When did you move to the East Side? 
I’m east of Rocky River drive, good enough?
We joke that all we need to travel is already in the car: the Atlas and our Culver’s placemat (the one in our glovebox has all the locations). Great burgers and awesome salads (full of interesting greens, fruits and nuts).
We also stop there for the consistent quality. I tell my kids horror stories of traveling before Interstates and McDonald’s, where you really didn’t know WHAT you’d get at “Carla’s Car-Hop Suds ‘n’ Sliders Heaven”.
BTW, if you’re in Wisconsin, you need to find the small town bar/restaurants that do good burgers and The Ubiquitous Fish Fry.
If I were you, next time I was headed north/west, I’d stop by Billy Timber’s in Summit Lake for the best grilled halibut I’ve ever had.
That Carla! Always pretending her place was a restaurant.
I’m reading “The American Way of Eating: Undercover at Walmart, Applebees, Farm Fields, and the Dinner Table” by Tracie McMillan, who addresses much of the above. Very interesting reading.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned “Road Food” by Jane and Michael Stern, who ate their way across the USA finding all those hidden and not-so-hidden treasure restaurants and reviewing them. The book has been around for ages, has been revised I’m sure, but there is also a website where you can type in a city and read reviews of the best local restaurants.
The original location in the Strip isn’t a chain but the franchises don’t quite measure up. We eat at the one in Moon because it’s convenient but it’s just not the same. Not bad but you can tell the difference. I think it’s the same with Quaker Steak and Lube. It’s been years since I’ve been to Sharon but I imagine they are still serving decent wings unlike the franchises.
It’s probably the atmosphere that makes a difference. I’ve been to the one in Oakland and you’re right that it isn’t quite the same as the one in the Strip. But Oakland is on a different planet from the Strip.
“Road Food” was mentioned in an earlier post. In fact, there’s a Roadfood web site that I consult if I’m going to be traveling in a certain region.
In my experience your best bet for consistently good basic meals are Greek owned Classic American Diners, particularly when they offer a few Greek entrees and go a little wild with their pastries (and have their stunning daughters as waitresses).