28. Outback Steakhouse
27. Chili's
26. Johnny Rockets
25. Big Boy
24. Denny's
23. Cheddar's
22. Applebee's
21. Carrabba's Italian Grill
20. Cracker Barrel
19. Hard Rock Café
18. Planet Hollywood
17. Red Robin
16. On the Border
15. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
14. Friendly's
13. T.G.I. Friday's
12. Uno Chicago Grill
11. Waffle House
10. IHOP
9. California Pizza Kitchen
8. Red Lobster
7. Hooters
6. P.F. Chang's
5. Pizza Hut
4. Ruby Tuesday
3. Olive Garden
2. Bonefish Grill
1. Benihana
Ranking Chain Restaurants
Moderators: UAdevil, JMarkJohns
- ghostwhitehorse
- Posts: 15747
- Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:29 pm
- Reputation: 150
- Location: Jupiter Trojan: 3317 Paris
Ranking Chain Restaurants
http://gawker.com/chain-restaurants-ranked-1621009287
- Merkin
- Posts: 42709
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
- Reputation: 1493
- Location: UA basketball smells like....victory
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Over the last 12 months I have been to Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Red Robin once each. Did get some takeout from Pizza Hut also once.
Otherwise haven't been to any of the others in years.
Otherwise haven't been to any of the others in years.
-
- Posts: 14664
- Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:28 am
- Reputation: 1150
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Planet Hollywood is still a national chain?
- Chicat
- Posts: 46048
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:19 pm
- Reputation: 3726
- Location: Your mother's basement
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
From the Dinner Tonight thread:
Chicat wrote:Pizza Hut
Longhorned wrote:How is Pizza Hut these days? I remember it being pretty good. Do I misremember? What's the best pizza to order there now?
Chicat wrote:It's the best of the fast pizza chains IMHO.
Hand-tossed Meat Lovers FTW
ASUHATER! wrote:pizza hut is terrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrible. by far the worst of the pizza chains (well it's tied with papa johns)
all of pizza hut's food is frozen and reheated. they don't make the dough or stretch it or anything. just throw a hockey puck into a pan.
Chicat wrote:You'd eat Domino's over Pizza Hut?
You just invalidated all of your arguments . . . not only in this thread but in all threads . . . forever.
Of the 12 coaches, Rush picked the one whose fans have the deepest passion, the longest memories, the greatest lung capacity and … did I mention deep passion?
- Bear Down Vegas
- Posts: 580
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:39 pm
- Reputation: 0
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I'm down with the occasional Outback or PF Chang's run...not gonna lie. Also - how in the hell is Cheesecake Factory not even ranked? I kinda feel like that's the best chain joint.
- ghostwhitehorse
- Posts: 15747
- Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:29 pm
- Reputation: 150
- Location: Jupiter Trojan: 3317 Paris
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
The ranking is one dudes subjective opinion (which explains Pizza The Hutts high rank, and Red Robins low rank). Cheesecake Factory is not on there because he hasn't sampled their fare.
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Seriously. Cheesecake Factory Hands down.
Acceptable for early dates, great shopping outings with wife, families, etc etc. Good place to watch the game, again, if you get suckered into a shopping trip with wife/SO.
A chain, that doesn't feel too chain like.
I do like me some Maggianos Little Italy as well.
Acceptable for early dates, great shopping outings with wife, families, etc etc. Good place to watch the game, again, if you get suckered into a shopping trip with wife/SO.
A chain, that doesn't feel too chain like.
I do like me some Maggianos Little Italy as well.
- Longhorned
- Posts: 14758
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:04 pm
- Reputation: 975
- Location: In a guayabera at The Sands Club, Arizona Stadium
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Looks like Claim Jumper didn't make the list.
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Longhorned wrote:Looks like Claim Jumper didn't make the list.
Claim Jumper has perfected the art of "slop on a plate". Good food mind you, but heaps of it.
Can be pricey which is why the author doesn't know about it.
Macaroni Grill is way better than Olive Garden and their jug wine makes for a great buzz the rest of the day/evening.
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlf45egl ... e-factory/
This rank order seems more appropriate.
And Cheesecake Factory at #1!
This rank order seems more appropriate.
And Cheesecake Factory at #1!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Not that it's only them by any stretch, but I haven't been to Maggiano's since I dared to look up their nutrition facts. Some dishes were out of this world for fat and calories. Like many, many thousands of calories and hundreds of grams of fat and saturated fat.
I used to wait tables at Outback right out of college. Outback used to be awesome, at least the one I worked at. Only open at 4pm every day, so from 10AM to 4PM all the workers were prepping fresh food, honest to goodness fresh food. Then sales dipped and they went corporate about 6 years ago...frozen fries, simply focus on branding, etc. It sucks now, I'll never go to another Outback.
I got fed up with all the pizza chains too. I never eat any of them unless there are leftovers in the office or something and I'm starving. They're all kinda gross (or at minimum, make me feel gross after eating them).
I don't mind Cracker Barrel or Waffle House when I'm on the road and need a quick breakfast though.
I used to wait tables at Outback right out of college. Outback used to be awesome, at least the one I worked at. Only open at 4pm every day, so from 10AM to 4PM all the workers were prepping fresh food, honest to goodness fresh food. Then sales dipped and they went corporate about 6 years ago...frozen fries, simply focus on branding, etc. It sucks now, I'll never go to another Outback.
I got fed up with all the pizza chains too. I never eat any of them unless there are leftovers in the office or something and I'm starving. They're all kinda gross (or at minimum, make me feel gross after eating them).
I don't mind Cracker Barrel or Waffle House when I'm on the road and need a quick breakfast though.
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Waffle House is the tits.
I have come to love that resturant since the road trip east and now living in the south. It is a heart attack on a plate but every so often on a road trip, it is so satisfying. Cheap too.
I have come to love that resturant since the road trip east and now living in the south. It is a heart attack on a plate but every so often on a road trip, it is so satisfying. Cheap too.
- ghostwhitehorse
- Posts: 15747
- Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:29 pm
- Reputation: 150
- Location: Jupiter Trojan: 3317 Paris
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Much better. Except for Olive Garden. Their. Food. Is. BORING. Italian should never be boring.CalStateTempe wrote:http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlf45egl ... e-factory/
This rank order seems more appropriate.
And Cheesecake Factory at #1!
- Alieberman
- Posts: 13635
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 11:50 am
- Reputation: 2733
- Location: I can't find my pants
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Waffle house is awesome when I'm on or looking for meth.
- Longhorned
- Posts: 14758
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:04 pm
- Reputation: 975
- Location: In a guayabera at The Sands Club, Arizona Stadium
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I get stuck eating in some chain once in a while. Between those rare visits, I forget how truly bad that food is. It's just a "TV dinner" prepared in some factory in Cincinnati.
"How is your food tasting?" asks the Team Member in the striped shirt.
"Are you kidding me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. It isn't to your liking?"
"Well. I'm not a farm animal."
"How is your food tasting?" asks the Team Member in the striped shirt.
"Are you kidding me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. It isn't to your liking?"
"Well. I'm not a farm animal."
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I admit that I do enjoy the occasional what my wife and I call "Suburban dining"
Helps when you live in locations where chains are limited...
Helps when you live in locations where chains are limited...
- Longhorned
- Posts: 14758
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:04 pm
- Reputation: 975
- Location: In a guayabera at The Sands Club, Arizona Stadium
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I imagine Buffalo Wild Wings would be kind of good. But it wouldn't surprise me to learn I'm wrong.
- Merkin
- Posts: 42709
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
- Reputation: 1493
- Location: UA basketball smells like....victory
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Longhorned wrote:I get stuck eating in some chain once in a while. Between those rare visits, I forget how truly bad that food is. It's just a "TV dinner" prepared in some factory in Cincinnati.
Years ago I went to Applebee's where I live after it opened. Ordered some steak that had grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms on it. I hate mushrooms with a passion, and told the server to leave the mushrooms off.
She comes back 5 minutes later and says the cook can't do it, the grilled veggie mix comes pre-packaged like that, and therefor they cannot take the mushrooms out.
Never heard of such a thing then. They don't use fresh onions and bell peppers?
-
- Posts: 14664
- Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:28 am
- Reputation: 1150
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Speaking of nutrition, Cheesecake Factory is also at the top of "likely to kill you" list too.CalStateTempe wrote:http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlf45egl ... e-factory/
This rank order seems more appropriate.
And Cheesecake Factory at #1!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
With the menu they have, it is nearly impossible to have any fresh food in that kitchen...Spaceman Spiff wrote:Speaking of nutrition, Cheesecake Factory is also at the top of "likely to kill you" list too.CalStateTempe wrote:http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlf45egl ... e-factory/
This rank order seems more appropriate.
And Cheesecake Factory at #1!
I fly like a hawk, or better yet an eagle--a seagull. I sniff suckers out like a beagle...My ego is off and running and gone, Cause I'm about the best and if you diss than that's wrong
- Longhorned
- Posts: 14758
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:04 pm
- Reputation: 975
- Location: In a guayabera at The Sands Club, Arizona Stadium
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
What's worse is that it doesn't only happen in chain restaurants. It's pretty common for a place down the street to only serve food that they purchase pre-made by Sysco in Foxborough, Mass., delivered in those big Sysco trucks we see driving around, which deliver all kinds of restaurant supplies. They warm it up and put it on a plate and serve it. Thankfully, you can just tell even from the outside, and even the name. "Cocomo Joe's." Right.Merkin wrote:Longhorned wrote:I get stuck eating in some chain once in a while. Between those rare visits, I forget how truly bad that food is. It's just a "TV dinner" prepared in some factory in Cincinnati.
Years ago I went to Applebee's where I live after it opened. Ordered some steak that had grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms on it. I hate mushrooms with a passion, and told the server to leave the mushrooms off.
She comes back 5 minutes later and says the cook can't do it, the grilled veggie mix comes pre-packaged like that, and therefor they cannot take the mushrooms out.
Never heard of such a thing then. They don't use fresh onions and bell peppers?
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Cheesecake and Claim Jumper were the two glaring omissions from that list, and Longhorned and CST nailed them for it right away. And yeah, I have to live on Pizza Hut for pizza around here, and most of the time Little Caesar's and Domino's kick its @$$.
Benihana = big disappointment. BWW is hit-and-miss--with families, mostly miss.
Of course, I can't reliably rank these, as none of them can frankly be counted on to serve fresh food in Arizona. Cheesecake Factory comes the closest IMHO.
Benihana = big disappointment. BWW is hit-and-miss--with families, mostly miss.
Of course, I can't reliably rank these, as none of them can frankly be counted on to serve fresh food in Arizona. Cheesecake Factory comes the closest IMHO.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I like the Waffle House. You get that eating over the kitchen sink vibe.
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
In the two times I have been there I have always left dissatisfied. Generally sets in half-way through the meal.Longhorned wrote:I imagine Buffalo Wild Wings would be kind of good. But it wouldn't surprise me to learn I'm wrong.
Too many choices, pricey for what you actually get, not really a sports bar, just lame all around.
Did I mention how awful their wings are? Would rather go to wingstop.
BWW survives based on marketing alone.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
California Pizza Kitchen
Oh yes
Oh yes
- Longhorned
- Posts: 14758
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:04 pm
- Reputation: 975
- Location: In a guayabera at The Sands Club, Arizona Stadium
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
You see? I was imagining that those wings are good. Based on seeing them on TV.CalStateTempe wrote:In the two times I have been there I have always left dissatisfied. Generally sets in half-way through the meal.Longhorned wrote:I imagine Buffalo Wild Wings would be kind of good. But it wouldn't surprise me to learn I'm wrong.
Too many choices, pricey for what you actually get, not really a sports bar, just lame all around.
Did I mention how awful their wings are? Would rather go to wingstop.
BWW survives based on marketing alone.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
no.Longhorned wrote:You see? I was imagining that those wings are good. Based on seeing them on TV.CalStateTempe wrote:In the two times I have been there I have always left dissatisfied. Generally sets in half-way through the meal.Longhorned wrote:I imagine Buffalo Wild Wings would be kind of good. But it wouldn't surprise me to learn I'm wrong.
Too many choices, pricey for what you actually get, not really a sports bar, just lame all around.
Did I mention how awful their wings are? Would rather go to wingstop.
BWW survives based on marketing alone.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Just reading this thread has given me diarrhea...
I fly like a hawk, or better yet an eagle--a seagull. I sniff suckers out like a beagle...My ego is off and running and gone, Cause I'm about the best and if you diss than that's wrong
- devilswin99
- Posts: 513
- Joined: Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:56 am
- Reputation: 0
- Location: The Land of Champions - Tempe, AZ
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Olive Garden sucks.....bad! Even worse than Mitt Romney! I like Buffalo Wild Wings. Their chicken queso wrap is very good and I like thai sauce for the wings. Pizza Hut sucks and so does Little Ceasars....
it's a great time to be a pothead - Chicat
- Merkin
- Posts: 42709
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
- Reputation: 1493
- Location: UA basketball smells like....victory
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I don't often go there, but when I do, even at dinner I just get the unlimited soup and salad.ghostwhitehorse wrote:Much better. Except for Olive Garden. Their. Food. Is. BORING. Italian should never be boring.CalStateTempe wrote:http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlf45egl ... e-factory/
This rank order seems more appropriate.
And Cheesecake Factory at #1!
- Longhorned
- Posts: 14758
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:04 pm
- Reputation: 975
- Location: In a guayabera at The Sands Club, Arizona Stadium
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Ok ok who makes a decent fried chicken these days? Including fast food chains? I haven't had KFC since 2001, and even then it wasn't in the U.S.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
The KFC by my house has really gone down hill, but my wife likes the grilled there so......................................Longhorned wrote:Ok ok who makes a decent fried chicken these days? Including fast food chains? I haven't had KFC since 2001, and even then it wasn't in the U.S.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Actually had some pretty tasty takeout from a Popeye's in Blythe last week, believe it or not.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I haven't had Popeye's in ages.
- Bear Down Vegas
- Posts: 580
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:39 pm
- Reputation: 0
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
We have a few Raising Canes here in Vegas that are decent for fried chicken. Not sure how wide spread it is as a chain? I ate a lot of KFC growing up - easily more than any other fast food chain. My parents were big on the twice a month bucket of chicken to get ma out of the kitchen. I eat it now & can't believe we all survived it.Longhorned wrote:Ok ok who makes a decent fried chicken these days? Including fast food chains? I haven't had KFC since 2001, and even then it wasn't in the U.S.
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
As far as fast food fried chicken, Bojangles and it isn't even close.
If you are ever in Durham, you have to, HAVE TO eat the Fried Chicken at Geer St Garden, best I have ever had, and fried chicken is one of those gold standard meals that I judge restaurants on.
Hursey's BBQ in Burlington makes a mean fried chicken as well.
http://geerstreetgarden.com
https://www.facebook.com/HurseysBBQ
If you are ever in Durham, you have to, HAVE TO eat the Fried Chicken at Geer St Garden, best I have ever had, and fried chicken is one of those gold standard meals that I judge restaurants on.
Hursey's BBQ in Burlington makes a mean fried chicken as well.
http://geerstreetgarden.com
https://www.facebook.com/HurseysBBQ
Last edited by CalStateTempe on Mon Aug 18, 2014 2:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Count on that never happening.CalStateTempe wrote:If you are ever in Durham,
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Every Applebee's should be shut down for food poisening. It is terrible. Olive Garden is like dog chow. Not a fan of Pizza Hut. I think the only places that are chain restuarants I eat at are:
Red Lobster (I think its pretty good, just limited)
Texas Road House (Decent steaks and fast service)
Cheesecake Factory (underated I think)
Red Lobster (I think its pretty good, just limited)
Texas Road House (Decent steaks and fast service)
Cheesecake Factory (underated I think)
Waiting at the Rose Bowl patiently for the cats to arrive
"I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more wildcat sports"
2019 BDW Survivor Pool Champion
"I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more wildcat sports"
2019 BDW Survivor Pool Champion
- Merkin
- Posts: 42709
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:31 am
- Reputation: 1493
- Location: UA basketball smells like....victory
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
I do like the cheesy biscuits at Red Lobster.
I think their shrimp is all farmed though, so pretty tasteless.
I think their shrimp is all farmed though, so pretty tasteless.
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
The problem I have with Red Lobster is again the price to size ratio. At that point, I feel its better off the go to a real seafood restaurant and have better quality for the same price.
They do have damn good cheddar biscuits through. Sad to see they are dying as a chain.
They do have damn good cheddar biscuits through. Sad to see they are dying as a chain.
- ghostwhitehorse
- Posts: 15747
- Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:29 pm
- Reputation: 150
- Location: Jupiter Trojan: 3317 Paris
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
For once (mark this on your calendars people) I agree with DW99.devilswin99 wrote:Olive Garden sucks.....bad! Even worse than Mitt Romney! I like Buffalo Wild Wings. Their chicken queso wrap is very good and I like thai sauce for the wings. Pizza Hut sucks and so does Little Ceasars....
- CalStateTempe
- Posts: 16277
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:46 pm
- Reputation: 497
- Location: The Right to Self-Determination: FREEDOM!!!!
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Little Ceasers is a damn good 5 dollar throwaway pizza.
- Alieberman
- Posts: 13635
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 11:50 am
- Reputation: 2733
- Location: I can't find my pants
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
It may be more valuable to do a Top 10 diarrhea inducing chains.Olsondogg wrote:Just reading this thread has given me diarrhea...
I nominate 5 Guys
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Get it for the kids often.CalStateTempe wrote:Little Ceasers is a damn good 5 dollar throwaway pizza.
- ghostwhitehorse
- Posts: 15747
- Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:29 pm
- Reputation: 150
- Location: Jupiter Trojan: 3317 Paris
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
From a Pizza perspective. . . I have Papa Murphy's. Pizza The Hutt, Dominos, Little sleazer. . .fuck that shyte, gimmie some take 'n bake.
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Any list that includes Olive Garden @ #3 is null and void...and whatever else comes after null and void.
- Reydituto
- Posts: 553
- Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:30 am
- Reputation: 0
- Location: Tucson & The Moon
- Contact:
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
That list is kind of silly, and the writer is a bit of a doofus if that's his real ranking.ghostwhitehorse wrote:http://gawker.com/chain-restaurants-ranked-1621009287
I generally avoid chain restaurants when I can, although many of my friends don't care enough to. Also, in a city or town with limited and/or unfamiliar options (although sites like Yelp & Foursquare have rendered most of those concerns moot), a chain restaurant in a pinch can be reassuring.
Places I refuse to go to include Applebee's (the very definition of mediocrity), Ruby Tuesday's (a synonym for mediocrity), Denny's (I always find them depressing, a total punt on your meal if that's where you end up), Olive Garden (aka Italian "Applebee's", salad and breadsticks only go so far), Johnny Rocket's (used to love it, got sick from eating at the one by UA, never again), Cheesecake Factory (menu is too big, nothing there is that good), Cracker Barrel (the WalMart of chain eateries), Golden Corral (abhorrent slop), On The Border (abhorrent Gringo food), any of the national pizza chains (Sorry Chicat, but Pizza Hut sucks, and there are too many good pizzarias in Tucson that deliver - much less to go and sit at - to waste my time on national pizza chains), and any of the seafood chains like Red Lobster (EVERYTHING except the biscuits start frozen), Bubba Gump, Joe's, Pappadeaux, and Bonefish (too laden with entendre for me to take seriously). Used to like Outback before I read what pokinmik said about it, that's added to the "No" list now.
Chains I like enough to eat at include:
P.F. Chang's - although I prefer Pei Wei and rarely go to either;
Chili's - soft spot for their burgers from back before they were in Tucson, now entirely mediocre but I'm not as opposed to them as say, Applebee's or Ruby Tuesday;
Hooters - I like their wings, plus boobs;
Tilted Kilt - See Hooters;
Big Boy - Been over a decade since I've been, but would try again
Carrabba's - so much better than Olive Garden, and IMO better than Macaroni Grill
Hard Rock Cafe - Haven't been to one in years, but to me it has kitsch appeal in a city I haven't been to before, but oddly enough I don't feel the same about Planet Hollywood, which I always thought sucked;
Waffle House - Have to be drunk and/or in another state on a road trip, but it has it's place;
IHOP - When I just don't give a fuck about my health;
Red Robin - See IHOP
Claim Jumper - See Red Robin, x2 for massive portions
BJ's Brewpub - Just barely on the good side of "Meh"
Old Chicago - More for the beer selection than the food
Gordon Biersch - Solid but not spectacular, and would rather frequent better microbrewers
Wingstop - Decent wings in a pinch
Chipotle - Never a complaint there.
Eegee's - Food not as good as it used to be, but love the slushies
Subway - Usually avoid, but never had a bad sammy there, just kinda meh, too many other good local options
Never been to Cheddar's, Friendly's, Maggiano's, Texas Roadhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse (too many good local places or better steakhouse chains) or Benihana. T.G.I. McFunster's is a "maybe", used to like trivia night there in grad school, but to me it's unremarkable. CPK used to be good, but I haven't been in a while, and there are too many good places to sit down for pizza in AZ - same thing for Uno's which I haven't been to since I was in undergrad.
At the end of the day, I try to eat local as much as possible, but it doesn't always work out that way.
Ha, so true. Centralized processing kills flavor and texture.Longhorned wrote:"Well. I'm not a farm animal."
Exhibit A for the jury. That place actually makes me a little angry.Merkin wrote:Years ago I went to Applebee's where I live after it opened. Ordered some steak that had grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms on it. I hate mushrooms with a passion, and told the server to leave the mushrooms off.
She comes back 5 minutes later and says the cook can't do it, the grilled veggie mix comes pre-packaged like that, and therefor they cannot take the mushrooms out.
Never heard of such a thing then. They don't use fresh onions and bell peppers?
The BWW in Prescott wasn't so bad G.catgrad97 wrote:BWW is hit-and-miss--with families, mostly miss.
Of course, I can't reliably rank these, as none of them can frankly be counted on to serve fresh food in Arizona. Cheesecake Factory comes the closest IMHO.
But yeah, BWW is hit and miss. The ones in Tucson at Broadway/Harrison and at I-19/Valencia were decent last times I went, but the one on Oracle was terrible - I don't think they've ever cleaned their beer lines, I had to send back the wings I got to be cooked more, and service was lacking. Count me wary of their QC right now.
Good points CST. Used to love the one near my old office in the East Valley, but the one by ASU was almost as bad as the Tucson Oracle one. Like wings at Wingstop better too, but neither are my go-to wings place in Tucson.CalStateTempe wrote:In the two times I have been there I have always left dissatisfied. Generally sets in half-way through the meal.
Too many choices, pricey for what you actually get, not really a sports bar, just lame all around.
Did I mention how awful their wings are? Would rather go to wingstop.
BWW survives based on marketing alone.
Take the idea of Duke Basketball out of the equation, and I really like the Research Triangle. Been a while though since I've been through there ...azgreg wrote:Count on that never happening.CalStateTempe wrote:If you are ever in Durham,
CalStateTempe wrote:The problem I have with Red Lobster is again the price to size ratio. At that point, I feel its better off the go to a real seafood restaurant and have better quality for the same price.
They do have damn good cheddar biscuits through. Sad to see they are dying as a chain.
Cheddar biscuits - as good as they are - aren't reason enough. Not surprising they are dying off.
Lloyd? He's all null and void, got dissed in the Malibu, not sure what to do ...phenom5 wrote:Any list that includes Olive Garden @ #3 is null and void...and whatever else comes after null and void.
But in my book, you gotta get to White Castle before the weirdos show up!
Tonight he gets Happy-Go-Jackie on the big white guy like a donkey eating a waffle!
Sweet Sassy Molassey, get out the checkbook and pay Grandma for the rubdown!
Tonight he gets Happy-Go-Jackie on the big white guy like a donkey eating a waffle!
Sweet Sassy Molassey, get out the checkbook and pay Grandma for the rubdown!
- Alieberman
- Posts: 13635
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 11:50 am
- Reputation: 2733
- Location: I can't find my pants
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
Really Rey?
"Eegee's - Food not as good as it used to be, but love the slushies"
Slushies? You should be up for banishment for calling an eegee a slushie.
"Eegee's - Food not as good as it used to be, but love the slushies"
Slushies? You should be up for banishment for calling an eegee a slushie.
- UAEebs86
- Posts: 29874
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 5:41 pm
- Reputation: 1788
- Location: Mohave Dorm Room 417 Buzz 2
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
True, but I'm willing to let it slide for the Say Anything reference.Alieberman wrote:Really Rey?
"Eegee's - Food not as good as it used to be, but love the slushies"
Slushies? You should be up for banishment for calling an eegee a slushie.
We are the people our parents warned us about.
-JB
2022 Survival Pool Co-Champion
-JB
2022 Survival Pool Co-Champion
- scumdevils86
- Posts: 11610
- Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:34 pm
- Reputation: 218
- Location: t-town
Re: Ranking Chain Restaurants
good stuff from Rey...I feel the same about most of your descriptions. I really don't eat out that often anymore but when I do it is almost never a chain. Always something local with people who do this for their livelihood and like to serve great, fresh food.