Favorite chain restaurant?

[odoreater]

My favorite chain and regular restaurant is Benihana.

Btw, I know of at least a couple of Cheesecake Factories here in NJ, so they're not just in socal. I don't really like it there because there's too much variety. "Hmm, do I feel like Chinese food today, or do I feel like a steak and potatoes?"

 

[JBZ]

J. Gilbert's. It's a small steakhouse chain with only four locations. Prices aren't as high as Ruth's Chris or Morton's, but I've found the food to be comparable.

As for big chains, I'll vote for The Cheesecake Factory, as well.

 

[gamelan]

and from another thread, not sure if they'd be considered a chain or fast-food or if there's even a difference, but the Waffle House of course!!!

-Jeff

 

[shoreman1782]

I'm surprised at all the love for the cheesecake factory. I hate that place. The constant wait is the biggest reason. A friend of mine calls it "applebees with table cloths."

I can be drawn into California Pizza Kitchen and Maggiano's.

For local or fast food, Five Guys is great, and Austin Grill (handful of DC metro/Baltimore locations... cheap Shiner Bock) and DuClaw Brewery (Maryland microbrewery with multiple locations) do a consistent job.

Oh wait, how could I forget Hooters?!

 

[rdawson808]

Red Robin's

IHOP



Ummmmm....now I'm hungry even though I'm literally eating my lunch right now.


bob

 

[von Rothbart]

For small chain restaurants I really love Vong, their prix fixe and tasting menu prices are very reasonable given the quality. They have 4 locations in NY, Chicago, London & Hong Kong. I've tried the NY and London locations, I like NY slightly better.

For large chain I like Earl. Open kitchens, large portions, brick oven pizzas, lively atmosphere and very good prices.

 

[ratboycom]

if you want to talk fast food I like Mos Burger

 

[drizzt3117]

Hmm...

Morton's, Penang, Wahoo's, The Hat, Aijsen Ramen for a few...

 

[Beckwith]

Houston's. Consistently good food and good service, although paying for bread is a bit over the top for a chain.

 

[cchen]

Houston's
Ruth's Chris

 

[von Rothbart]

Despite the name, is One China a chain restaurant? They could name each location after each administrative zone like One China-Mainland, One China-Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and so on.

 

[WatchGuy]

Originally Posted by shoreman1782

I'm surprised at all the love for the cheesecake factory. I hate that place. The constant wait is the biggest reason. A friend of mine calls it "applebees with table cloths."
Cheesecake factory is great because most of their food is fairly decent and everyone can find something that they like there. Its a great place to go with a large group of people. Too many choices can be a downside, but better than going to a place that doesn't have anything interesting. Great desserts and drinks too!

Trust me, CF is a giant leap above applebees. I know someone who worked there and the only cooking appliances applebees have in their kitchens are microwaves and deep-fryers. No ovens/stoves/grills/etc. Ouch!

 

[Andrew V.]

I'm addicted to Chipotle.

 

[Carey]

+1 Ruth's Chris.
+1 Chipotle.

Palm Steakhouse.

Hardees actually makes a very good fastfood burger.

Cheesecake Factory - my god who wants mango iced tea? Too many choices = nothing good.

Magiannos blows, too.

 

[StevenRocks]

Originally Posted by Carey

Cheesecake Factory - my god who wants mango iced tea? Too many choices = nothing good.

Magiannos blows, too.
SouthPark, right? All the cool kids denigrate that location, but how come I can never get a table in less than 45 minutes?

The iced tea at Cheesecake Factory is awful, but I've only had one bad meal there: the pizza, on a slow weeknight. Other than that it's been pretty good. Maggiano's is a little overpriced, but if you order the family-style selections, the food is tasty and plentiful.