594326 Sat Feb 07 18:25:46 -0800 2009 105 32 Chains 0 4397087 Wendy's, Applebee's, TGI Friday, Ruby Tuesday Sat Feb 07 18:25:46 -0800 2009 12296 steakman55 1 4397112 Why? Sat Feb 07 18:39:49 -0800 2009 4397087 131001 c oliver 1 4397210 When I read your title, all of the last three and Bennigans occurred to me. They all offer pedestrian fare with trumped up names and muted flavours, insincere, inconsistent, and frequently inept service, and an atmosphere that makes conversation (as opposed to shouting) almost impossible. But I'll stick up for Wendy's. For a fast food joint, they're OK - a lunch of their chili with a baked potato is incredibly cheap, filling, tastes fine, and nutritionally, surprising good - only 510 calories, 10g of fat, 11 g of fibre (half the daily requirement), 22 g of protein, and 70% of your vitamin C, and 30% of your iron. Compare that to a Big Mac and small fries - 760 cal, 40g of fat, 6g of fibre, 27 g of protein, 40% of your iron, and only 4% of your vitamin C. Plus, I find after eating a Big Mac and fries, I'm still hungry, but the Wendy's meal (perhaps because of the fibre) fills me up. I'd choose the pigtails over the arches any day of the week. Sat Feb 07 19:42:50 -0800 2009 4397087 48210 KevinB 2 4397311 Agree on the chili at Wendy's.....it ain't bad. Sat Feb 07 20:47:45 -0800 2009 4397210 11914 monku 3 4398136 When there isn't a finger floating in it. I know the finger thing was a set up, but I can't help but think of it whenever someone mentions Wendy's chili. Not fair to Wendy's, but just the same... Sun Feb 08 09:34:40 -0800 2009 4397311 71241 lynnlato 4 4401883 I usually order three fingers of chili when I'm there. DT Mon Feb 09 14:54:06 -0800 2009 4398136 11291 Davwud 2 4397375 Caesar Side Salad - Romaine, Shredded Parmesan, Bacon Bits, & Garlic Croutons For $1.29? Awesome. Sat Feb 07 21:34:24 -0800 2009 4397210 56183 soypower 3 4397966 True, I don't like that much fast food. I do eat the occasional Whopper Jr, I admit. But Wendys isn't bad. Hey it is fast food what do you expect. When I go to Bennigans, Applebees, etc, Rubys, TGIF, I try to stick with what will be good. Don't get a steak or a pasta dish, we all know it is premade and not fresh. Heck anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows that. But a good burger, chicken sandwich, nachos or something like that is a better and safer bet. My homemade pasta ... I made, same with steak or a good roasted chicken and vegetables. But a burger of sandwich, french dip, blt, etc. I think they all do a descent job. I meet clients a lot at those places ... clients like it, and I stay with the safe calls, and overall ... they are ok. And for a post before, same goes for Chilis, Denny's I only do breakfast and Cracker Barrel actually has a few good things ... Olive garden, their soup and salad I totally admit I love (even though my pasta fijole (sp?) I like better) however, when it comes to lunch out. That is a nice lunch for the price. Melting Pot, over priced. Subway, I get the veggie sub toasted. Personally, I like them and go back often, I like a few of their subs. Maybe I am lucky here and I have good managers and staff at these places. Burgers are cooked to order, nothing overdone, usually no wait and descent help. I think the staff plays an critical roll in these types of places. But I realize that food from those places is not mine and also don't expect too much. I take it for what it is worth. But I have been to some that will never go back again too, but I don't even think they are around any more. Sun Feb 08 08:00:11 -0800 2009 4397375 232829 kchurchill5 2 4399336 Agree wholeheartedly; and not just because I worked at a Wendy's in 1979. (I think they've rotated out the chili since then). Yes, their burgers, like all fast food burgers, are too thin and only come well done, but they are tasty and juicy and the toppings are fresh. Applebee's is the worst of the worst. Sun Feb 08 18:10:52 -0800 2009 4397210 10814 sbp 2 4400645 Do Bennigan's still exist? Mon Feb 09 09:38:49 -0800 2009 4397210 165021 Firegoat 3 4400709 The last time I was in a Bennigan's was in 1990. We ordered some nachos and after half-an-hour, were presented with FIVE largish Dortios-style chips and a ramekin half full of lukewarm Cheez-Wiz. Haven't set foot in one in 19 years. Mon Feb 09 10:02:20 -0800 2009 4400645 12359 monkeyrotica 4 4401873 I don't think I've even SEEN one in 19 years. Looks like they're still around, though, and opening new locations: http://www.bennigansfc.com/recent_news.aspx Mon Feb 09 14:49:28 -0800 2009 4400709 67610 Suzy Q 5 4401937 We have 3 locally. Where do you live :) Mon Feb 09 15:09:17 -0800 2009 4401873 232829 kchurchill5 3 4430418 most bennigan's went bankrupt (their parent). some were (somehow) independent, and remain open. here in d.c. area they closed. Wed Feb 18 18:04:21 -0800 2009 4400645 105717 alkapal 1 4397242 I don't mind any of the four you've mentioned enough to hate them, but I'd finish your sentence with "Ted's Montana Grill" in a second. Yuck. Sat Feb 07 20:02:00 -0800 2009 4397087 67610 Suzy Q 1 4397349 Cracker Barrel, Applebee's, Chilis, Denny's, California Pizza Kitchen. Sat Feb 07 21:14:53 -0800 2009 4397087 40697 Brioche For The Girl 1 4397708 IHOP, Olive Garden, BennirubychiliTGapplebees. Sun Feb 08 05:32:01 -0800 2009 4397087 109573 coney with everything 1 4397746 Any bad Tex Mex place. I've never seen the thrill- Don Pablo, Chipotle, Chili's and most importantly, the annoying fact that lots of airports only have various iterations of bad Tex Mex restaurants for sit-down meals. Sun Feb 08 05:55:26 -0800 2009 4397087 107671 queencru 1 4397914 Subway Sun Feb 08 07:33:31 -0800 2009 4397087 11781 beachmouse 1 4397915 Melting Pot! Sun Feb 08 07:34:07 -0800 2009 4397087 205011 Mr Siegal 1 4397929 TGIF... we have one situated right next to our local Pizza and Brew (a lovely, small, local Italian chain in Westchester Cty, NY) and I am amazed that there is a line out the door for TGIF. Went to this TGIF once and I don't get it. I think they deep fry everything. Guy Fieri (who I think is GREAT, btw) really should hawk something else since this took the shine off his star for me. And Applebees... esp when I have 3 good diners within a mile of our local one. They won't cook a burger medium and their med-well is like a hockey puck. And Olive Garden. People wait on line for this? But at least they have a halfway decent wine selection (for a chain). Sun Feb 08 07:42:40 -0800 2009 4397087 149592 iluvcookies 1 4398085 McDonald's, Wendy's, TGI Friday's, Olive Garden Sun Feb 08 09:04:59 -0800 2009 4397087 19518 rockandroller1 1 4398096 Rainforest Cafe. Just the worst dining experience ever. I'd also have to agree with Subway, Applebee's and IHOP. They are all flavorless institutions with horrible food and horrible service. Sun Feb 08 09:09:58 -0800 2009 4397087 188176 kkachurak 1 4398118 I must be lucky. I've NEVER BEEN IN an Applebee's, TGI Friday, Ruby Tuesday, Bennigans, Olive Garden, Chang's... Sun Feb 08 09:25:47 -0800 2009 4397087 36661 Sam Fujisaka 2 4398140 Keep it that way, Sam. :) Sun Feb 08 09:37:13 -0800 2009 4398118 71241 lynnlato 1 4398196 Mine probably won't be popular, but: Subway, Jimmy John's, Potbelly, any sandwich place really. I just don't like subs or sanwiches. PF Changs and Big Bowl - I find the food at both of these chains very greasy, I always leave feeling a little ill. Whataburger - ok, I haven't eaten here since 1992, but eyuck, it was nasty then. Sun Feb 08 09:59:50 -0800 2009 4397087 65040 cheetobrain 2 4398322 I recently went to a Jimmy Johns for the first time at the University of Central Florida campus and really enjoyed my spicy Italian sub. And I love Quizno's. But I have to absolutely agree with you on Subway... it is truly horrid. Sun Feb 08 11:09:16 -0800 2009 4398196 188176 kkachurak 3 4398371 I know, people LOVE Jimmy John's. Just not a sandwich gal. I'm a pain in my lunch friends' booty because I won't go to JJs or Subway. :) Sun Feb 08 11:30:58 -0800 2009 4398322 65040 cheetobrain 4 4398603 Maggiano's for forgettable "Italian." Two words, "freezer burn." Sun Feb 08 13:11:07 -0800 2009 4398371 198541 James Cristinian 1 4398766 Okay, I'm going to use more words and try my response again. Is it just those four chains that you don't like? Why? I've never eaten in a Ruby Tuesday's and not in TGIF in many years. But I've had better than average fast food at Wendy's and I've had good for what it is at Applebee's. I've also had dreck at non-chains. I also agree with others that you should order to their strengths rather than their weaknesses. For instance, I'd have pretty low expectations if I went to a steak restaurant and ordered fish. I love fine food but I'm not a snob about food. Well, that was a lot more words but I'd be interested in your response, steakman :) Sun Feb 08 14:29:07 -0800 2009 4397087 131001 c oliver 2 4398967 What, more words than one? The only one of the four that I have eaten at is Wendy's. I find it borderline disgusting. Sun Feb 08 15:43:29 -0800 2009 4398766 198541 James Cristinian 2 4398994 Agreed, sometimes I go where others go or just want something quick and on the road. A quick burger, sandwich, etc. I love great food but I'm not a snob about it. I can eat a mcdonalds burger and I'm just fine. It's not great, but I'm guess I'm easy with that. I don't have high expectations for these places so therefore I'm no disappointed. They are fast food or chains and what you get it what you get. Now a nice restaurant ... ordered a nice dinner and got bad service and food ... I would be disappointed. I guess I can eat anywhere and never complain, but when I cook, I like to cook good ... however ... there are days ... no time 15 min to make dinner for 6 people. Well, I take shortcuts when need be. But a nice dinner when I have the time is the best. I'm also not too concerned about organic or only the best. I do try but sometimes. But regular asparagus from Publix or any grocery store is ok for me compared to the 3 dollars more per lb from my whole food store ... I dare any of my friends to tell me which was which... LOL. Ok, my point being ... if you don't like that kind of food don't go. If you go and don't like it, just don't go back. Personally, all my friends go so ... I go with them, not a big deal. Don't take anything serious, this is just my opinion. Sun Feb 08 15:55:00 -0800 2009 4398766 232829 kchurchill5 3 4428530 I think it really depends on where you live and what your choices are. I live in the SF Bay Area, and there's no reason ever to go to a chain: there are too many non-chain places where you can have a decent meal for a reasonable price. On the other hand, when I'm traveling I occasionally find myself in a place where chains are the best option, especially if I'm with a group of people who don't want to check out some weird local place I found through chowhound <vbg>. What gets me about chains is that with some exceptions they aren't that cheap and in some cases they aren't that fast/convenient, either. I read about people waiting hours to eat at Cheesecake Factory for the privilege of paying fairly high prices for oversize servings of mediocre food and shake my head. Wed Feb 18 09:37:06 -0800 2009 4398994 10159 Ruth Lafler 4 4429052 You completely sum up my feelings. When we're in SF or NYC our choices are so huge. And the Cheesecake Factory phenom just amazes me. A few months ago we were in Macys in SF where there's a CF (as you know). People were in line to get on the elevator to even go up to the floor where the restaurant is. And this is right in the middle of Union Square where there are gazillions of places to eat within minutes' walk. Or just the Cellar at Macys would probably be a better choice. I've eaten at CF a couple of times because someone else really wanted to. It's probably fine if your other choices are food courts in malls but in the middle of SF, I just don't get it. Wed Feb 18 11:46:43 -0800 2009 4428530 131001 c oliver 2 4399487 As for Wendy's, the burgers taste steamed not cooked on a griddle, and the fries are piddling at best. On the other hand, I admire Mcdonald's for their double cheeseburgers and fries. For the casual dining stores of Applebee's, TGIF, and Ruby Tuesday, they have gone steadily downhill, in my opinion, at a pretty rapid rate the past few years. I ate in a Ruby Tuesday a couple of years ago and have to say that there was absolutely nothing on the menu that appealed to me, but I ordered anyway, and my expectations were confirmed. As for Bennigan's, I apologize for leaving it off the list, but the ones I know have all closed and I honestly thought it had gone out of business and did not want to speak ill of the dead. Sun Feb 08 19:20:48 -0800 2009 4398766 12296 steakman55 3 4399521 Thanks, s55. I can't even remember Wendy's fries so they're probably ------ not memorable :) Yeah, we are definitely MdD's double cheeseburger/fries eaters when we're on the road, which is a lot sometimes. My 88 y.o. MIL like Applebee's --- probably because she can indulge in all the super fatty stuff - but we don't mind their salads. Boy, Bennigan's is a name from way, way back for me. Like decades. So no opinion. Sun Feb 08 19:38:51 -0800 2009 4399487 131001 c oliver 1 4399190 Macaroni Grill, unless I want to be pickled for posterity. I've never had so much salt on my food. However, I want something to order at an Applebee's or other sit down chain so that I do not starve on long road trips. Sun Feb 08 17:10:49 -0800 2009 4397087 65193 EdwardAdams 2 4399198 HINT, ask for no salt, I always do. Most of their stuff already is pre packaged as most people know and has salt. Asking for no salt usually works. Besides ... salt on the table if you want. Never failed me yet. It is the only thing special I ever ask for and never had a problem. Sun Feb 08 17:15:04 -0800 2009 4399190 232829 kchurchill5 3 4405645 If the food is prepackaged and (evidently?) pre-salted, how does that work? Not that I'd eat at an Applebee's even at gunpoint. Tue Feb 10 17:35:02 -0800 2009 4399198 16030 Brennius 4 4405710 So you've eaten at an Applebee's and didn't like it? Or you've made up your mind that you wouldn't like it? Tue Feb 10 18:06:51 -0800 2009 4405645 131001 c oliver 4 4405846 You won't get NO salt, but no added salt. most pre packaged always has salt but add additional too. I managed a restaurant similar to that for a short period and have a friend who runs a Perkins and a TGIF, I know the food, it isn't the best admit, but asking for no additional salt does help. I meet a client every week at Applebees, and I'm still alive, lol. Hey I look at it as 1 night not to cook. I sticks with basics and not all that bad. Tue Feb 10 18:52:03 -0800 2009 4405645 232829 kchurchill5 1 4399690 quiznos, bleh. olive garden. soupplantaion dominos applebees wendy's arby's del taco Sun Feb 08 21:00:31 -0800 2009 4397087 115162 bu dat 1 4400703 Taco Bell. I can get down with fast food every now and then, but I find the stuff at Taco Bell is downright vile to look at, nevermind ingest. Aside from a teenage affair with the Cinnamon Twisties, I have no love for the Taco Bell. Mon Feb 09 10:00:21 -0800 2009 4397087 112494 corgette 1 4400820 Buca di Beppo, Joe's Crab Shack, and of course Applebees. Mon Feb 09 10:29:46 -0800 2009 4397087 135452 pollymerase 1 4401326 applebee's, cracker barrell, denny's, ruth chris, mortons, taco bell, olive garden, red lobster Mon Feb 09 12:32:17 -0800 2009 4397087 12933 meb903 1 4401900 Cracker Barrel and what my FIL refers to as "The roast beef place." That being Arby's of course. Just dreadful. I know it's popular but I fully don't understand Chik Fil A. Went there once and had a miserable chicken sandwich. DT Mon Feb 09 14:58:13 -0800 2009 4397087 11291 Davwud 2 4402555 ha! Arby's is so off my radar I didn't even think of it, but I'll add that to my list as well. It's never even a consideration when I am out looking for fast food. Mon Feb 09 18:34:56 -0800 2009 4401900 65040 cheetobrain 3 4402565 We had a wrap at Arby's a couple or more years ago and it was pretty tasty. Mon Feb 09 18:38:40 -0800 2009 4402555 131001 c oliver 4 4402615 Not my favorite place, but never bad ... like I said, I'm very easy. I enjoy great food, but can eat anything and it doesn't other me. Mon Feb 09 19:06:44 -0800 2009 4402565 232829 kchurchill5 5 4402626 I really appreciate your weighing on this thread because you are obviously are great cook and, yet, are not a snob. I think any criticism of "chain" food leans towards at least a little snobbery. As you say, eating with friends is more important than just eating. Well, actually, I took what you said and added to it :) BTW, I read you regularly. Thanks for all your help. Mon Feb 09 19:11:07 -0800 2009 4402615 131001 c oliver 6 4402671 I don't think criticism of chain food equates snobbery whatsoever. One either likes a place or not. There are chains that are fine, people make choices. Mon Feb 09 19:25:37 -0800 2009 4402626 243172 Samalicious 7 4402707 I don't disagree with you but don't you think that there are some people who are snobs about chain food? As in "oh, I would never eat *chain* food." Quick to criticize, slow to praise. I've almost never read this board for that reason. They serve a purpose. Mon Feb 09 19:39:06 -0800 2009 4402671 131001 c oliver 8 4403125 I agree w/ you on that, a lot of the time it's "oh the food is terrible there and there's not enough of it either." ;) Tue Feb 10 03:49:19 -0800 2009 4402707 243172 Samalicious 8 4403156 I fully agree. There are people out there who competely discount anything that comes from a chain simply because it comes from a chain. The is most definitely snobbery. DT Tue Feb 10 04:35:33 -0800 2009 4402707 11291 Davwud 8 4405464 As the one who started this thread, let me say I love McDonald's...at least their fries, egg McMuffin, and double cheeseburgers, particularly when just made. And my family regularly goes to Chili's which I think is head and shoulders above the Bennigans/Fridays/Applebee's crowd. Longhorn puts out a decent steak for its price and if you aren;t expecting prime beef. I also crave Jimmie John's and think Chik Fil-a is pretty good. Tue Feb 10 16:34:47 -0800 2009 4402707 12296 steakman55 6 4402879 Thanks much appreciated. Mon Feb 09 21:10:34 -0800 2009 4402626 232829 kchurchill5 2 4402890 We've also sworn off Chik-fil-A. Last year, we went to one on the way back from Mobile. All was well until spouse picked up the nutritional information flyer and there was a note that they sometimes used food coloring to keep their sandwich lettuce looking green. Mon Feb 09 21:18:08 -0800 2009 4401900 11781 beachmouse 3 4402912 Chick-Fil-A is the best fast food chicken sandwich. The classic Chick-Fil-A sandwich has no lettuce, just pickles. http://www.chick-fil-a.com/#nutritiondata Mon Feb 09 21:29:52 -0800 2009 4402890 11914 monku 4 4403111 I've NEVER had lettuce on my Chick-fil-a. Plain with pickles. Same with the breakfast chicken and biscuit sandwich. And compared to the mechanically extruded, spongiform Mcnugget sandwiches you get at most fast food places, I'll more than happily put up with a little food dye in the lettuce. Tue Feb 10 03:26:54 -0800 2009 4402912 12359 monkeyrotica 4 4403598 Do you think you had to "cut your teeth" on Chick-Fil-A? I LOVE them but they don't seem to have them here in NoCal. The last I had was in an airport somewhere when I was dashing to make a connection. I thought it was great even there/then. Mmmm. Tue Feb 10 07:46:57 -0800 2009 4402912 131001 c oliver 3 4405788 Lettuce on a chick fil a?? I've never heard of such...pure craziness Tue Feb 10 18:29:31 -0800 2009 4402890 20475 twisterp 2 4405767 Life without Chic Fil A, Whataburger or even an occasional Arby's roast beef, I just couldn't bear it. I can live without Applebee's & TGIF. I can barely pass a Golden Corral w/out shuddering, sure most of you don't have to worry about that thankfully. Tue Feb 10 18:23:40 -0800 2009 4401900 20475 twisterp 1 4402009 I haven't eaten at McDonald's for over 10 years. I just got fed up with it. Customers causing a scene when they don't get the toy they wanted in their Happy Meal; ordering two hamburgers and one small fry and make sure the hamburgers are in one bag and the fries are in a separate bag and can I have a container of sweet and sour honey mustard whatever it is in the bag with the fries in it not with the hamburgers; gimme one coke with no ice and one with two pieces of ice and I'm gonna check those drinks right here in line thank you; people in the food prep area slopping sandwiches together from plastic bins, dimwitted counter help who get confused if they have to do anything more than punch the pictures on the register, it will be a minute on that Filet Of Fish every damn time one is ordered, customers wearing flip flops and sleeveless shirts who plop their diapered kids' butts on the same counter space where food trays are served and spend 5 minutes looking at the menu like something is going to be good and different this time but they always order two hamburgers and one small fry and make sure the hamburgers are in a separate bag. Thank you no. Mon Feb 09 15:29:00 -0800 2009 4397087 243172 Samalicious 2 4402164 Same as some of the others. Macaroni Grill - everything was extremely salty Rainforest Cafe - the worst experience ever - even my kids did not want to eat the food Chick-a-fila - tried it twice not sure what all the fuss is about Mon Feb 09 16:12:45 -0800 2009 4402009 85530 caitlink 2 4402168 I think you can pretty much say the same for tho other big two. I used to like a filet o' fish before I totally quit fast food about a year ago, and you're right, you almost always had to wait for it. The last time I went to McDonald's I had a freebie coupon for a quarter pounder with cheese. It was so disgusting after about two and a half bites I tore it in pieces and fed it to some stray dogs, even the vaunted fries were terrible. Mon Feb 09 16:14:12 -0800 2009 4402009 198541 James Cristinian 2 4402358 Real conversation I've had at Mcdonalds: "I'd like a hamburger, a coke, and a side of fries." "May I help you?" "I'd like a hamburger, a coke, and a side of fries." "Would you like fries with that?" "Yes." "And what would you like to drink?" "A COKE!" Mon Feb 09 17:23:37 -0800 2009 4402009 12359 monkeyrotica 1 4402173 McDonald's, and I don't mind telling you why, whether you're interested or not. Then I'm gonna tell you why i decided to tell you why. About 4-5 yrs ago I went to McD's for a snack of a regular cheeseburger to go. When I took a bite I realized they had forgotten the pickle.. Oh yea, and the cheese also. My "lovin it" for McDonald's had been waning anyway and that was the last staw. I vowed "never again". But one Friday afternoon about a yr ago I was hungry, a McD;s was close by and I couldn't shake the urge for a filet o fish. Thinking "Hey it's Friday, they're only 99 cents." that excuse clinched the decision. Well it was $2.59 !!!! but as many of you know parts of your body below the brain can easily take over one's thinking, and in this case it was my stomach. Well, again it was basically about a slice of cheese. Or in this case, a 1/2 a slice of cheese !!, 1/2 hanging out of the bun as if the "chef" had tossed it from 10 paces. They nicely accommodated me w/ a full slice on a fresh filet o fish. But again I vowed never again. Now what really prompted me to tell my tale was a 7 minute piece I saw a few days ago from ABC News, that couldn't have been better PR for McD's if they had produced it themselves, about - A SLICE OF CHEESE (actually billions and billions of slices of cheese that adorn the double cheeseburger. The conundrum for McD's was that they could no longer afford to keep the double cheeseburger w/ 2 slices of cheese on the 99 cent menu but they didn't want to disenfranchise their dbl ch burger loving customers. Anyway they came up w/ a solution to please everyone. They raised the price of the dbl ch burger to $1.19 AND offer a single slice CH burger for 99 cents. Happiness abounds and I'm glad McDonald's can totally relate to how important a slice of cheese is, but I still "don't care if I never again step foot in a ......" Guess. Mon Feb 09 16:16:56 -0800 2009 4397087 16666 ilikefood 2 4402203 You could have my cheese. I tried ordering a quarter pounder without cheese at multiple locations and about eighty percent of the time I ended up with cheese, despite requesting none from the order taker, the money taker, and the food giver. It just blew there little minds that I don't want cheese on a burger. Mon Feb 09 16:26:57 -0800 2009 4402173 198541 James Cristinian 1 4402253 Sweet Tomatos T G I Fridays Bennigan's Ruby Tuesdays Longhorn Steakhouse Olive Garden Red Lobster Lee Roy Selmon's Outback Bahama Breeze PF Chang's Pei Wei McDonald's Arby's Coldstone Marble Slab I do like Taco Bell and Wendy's occasionally. I will make special trips for that horribly delicious "Mexican Pizza." I will visit Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Denny's and Perkins when I don't know an area and its next to my hotel. I just found Mellow Mushroom and love it. Westshore Pizza is great "philly style" and still accepts my old college ID. Florida is the land of chains - especially the suburban areas I grew up in and around. I grew up near Dardenland and went to college in Outback territory. Mon Feb 09 16:45:59 -0800 2009 4397087 152043 TampaAurora 2 4402837 coldstone is so freakin' nasty! thank you. that's another. ugh! and i'm not a snob b/c i love rite aid ice cream and br. Mon Feb 09 20:45:17 -0800 2009 4402253 115162 bu dat 3 4404041 I will and have traveled 30 miles for Rita's! Tue Feb 10 09:48:31 -0800 2009 4402837 152043 TampaAurora 3 4404508 Coldstone is gooey, sticky, chunky, and just FOUL. The shops are always gross as well. Tue Feb 10 11:40:10 -0800 2009 4402837 88683 stellamystar 2 4481125 You just reminded me - I will never willingly set foot in an Outback again... Fri Mar 06 17:31:16 -0800 2009 4402253 10378 RWCFoodie 3 4481449 I've never been to Outback. What's wrong with it? Fri Mar 06 20:07:23 -0800 2009 4481125 131001 c oliver 4 4481859 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/336954#1971015 Sat Mar 07 05:29:35 -0800 2009 4481449 12359 monkeyrotica 5 4482097 So it sounds like it was more the non-food issues. That does make a difference. Sat Mar 07 07:34:53 -0800 2009 4481859 131001 c oliver 4 4483571 See monkeyerotica's link: just the most awful so-called "food", etc. Sat Mar 07 20:15:34 -0800 2009 4481449 10378 RWCFoodie 1 4403205 Speaking of places I wouldn't want to step foot in... I saw a commercial for Little Caesar's Pizza the other day and it caught me by surprise. I thought this chain went under years ago. I haven't seen a Little Caesar's shop anywhere in a very long time. So, I went to their website and sure enough they are still around and i actually have 3 here in my hometown. They are in neighborhoods I don't venture into though. Anyone have one in their town? Tue Feb 10 05:16:14 -0800 2009 4397087 71241 lynnlato 2 4403227 I can't believe you don't get inundated with their ads, lynn. Got tons of them, Ilitch the owner is rich enough to own not one but TWO sports teams. Them $5 anytime pizzas must really add up! Tue Feb 10 05:28:25 -0800 2009 4403205 109573 coney with everything 2 4403379 Little Caesars peaked in the 1990s with 5,000 stores; now they're around 2,000. They expanded into Kmarts, but when they declared bankruptcy, those Little Caesars closed. Most of the ones close to me have shut down, but there are plenty in the VA/MD suburbs. That is one greasy pizza. We didn't call them Little Greasers for nothing. Tue Feb 10 06:37:06 -0800 2009 4403205 12359 monkeyrotica 2 4403606 There's one in our town but I've never eaten it. But my husband played poker a few years ago at someone's house and it said it was gross. And he's a real pizza guy --- and this was poker food :) Tue Feb 10 07:48:48 -0800 2009 4403205 131001 c oliver 1 4403943 I stay away from: Subway – because of the plastic tasting food and stale bread that cuts your gums when you bite into it McDonald’s – because of the everything-tastes-the-same greasiness IHOP – serviceable food, but emotionally, that place depresses me for some reason Cracker Barrel – bland food and lots of loud children But to prove I’m not a fast food snob, I do love the double at Dairy Queen, with onion rings, or a basket of chicken strips with fries. Mm-mm! Just wish it wasn’t so expensive. Tue Feb 10 09:24:01 -0800 2009 4397087 233294 cuccubear 2 4403965 Yeah, that's what I'm likin'. I used to get that basket of chicken strips at DQ. And cost is an issue. Probably why when I do fast food, it's usually McD's for their dollar (now dollar plus in many places) items. If you do one of those "meals," it can get up in the $5 range easily and that's generally not my goal for that kind of food. Although when we're traveling, we'll get one meal and one sandwich and share the fries and drink. Tue Feb 10 09:28:46 -0800 2009 4403943 131001 c oliver 3 4404160 The best thing I can say about McD's is that wherever you go, they are pretty reliable in terms of quality. Basically, you know what you're gonna get. Not a very chowish attitude I know, but sometimes when you're traveling, you're just starved and you need something quick and cheap. Tue Feb 10 10:21:11 -0800 2009 4403965 233294 cuccubear 4 4404439 Absolutely. We spent 3-1/2 months in Rio in 2007 and every once in a while had McD's which was identical. Also occasionally KFC which was the same except for eating in the restaurant, it came on a real plate with real utensils! Tue Feb 10 11:25:56 -0800 2009 4404160 131001 c oliver 2 4404136 Footlong Chili Cheese Dog for me, please. Make that two. Tue Feb 10 10:14:37 -0800 2009 4403943 12359 monkeyrotica 1 4404522 Applebees (PS - I live in the same town as their HQ). They are everywhere! Golden Coral Tue Feb 10 11:44:15 -0800 2009 4397087 88683 stellamystar 2 4406008 Burger King. I just don't think they are any good. I try them about once a year when I am in a pinch and I still feel the same way each time. Tue Feb 10 20:15:00 -0800 2009 4404522 10854 SIMIHOUND 1 4413210 a cow pie Thu Feb 12 23:11:33 -0800 2009 4397087 264697 foodtastegood 2 4415872 Walmart....terrible in so many ways. Fri Feb 13 17:23:47 -0800 2009 4413210 15039 Tripper 1 4428442 Rainforest Cafe, Applebees, Golden Corral( shudder), Burger King, TGIF, Dennys, soup plantation/sweet tomatoes. I do like Jimmy John's. They make a good sandwich, their cold cuts are high quality. Wed Feb 18 09:17:15 -0800 2009 4397087 190009 Calipoutine 2 4482134 I've only been to one Rainforest Cafe; Downtown Disneyland. I'll admit we hit the Lotto that day and got lucky. Great service, excellently cooked food, and a manager that was walking the floor and actually talking to customers. We were sitting upstairs outside during a beautiful day, too, which added to the "ambiance." Sat Mar 07 07:57:08 -0800 2009 4428442 11175 The Ranger 2 4486960 Went to a Rainforest Cafe in Cancun. Didn't stay for dinner. The music was so loud just standing inside the door, I wasn't going to stay and scream my way through dinner. Mon Mar 09 08:33:16 -0700 2009 4428442 233294 cuccubear 3 4490332 > The music was so loud just standing inside the door, I wasn't going to > stay and scream my way through dinner. That's a deal-breaker for me, too. If we walk up to, or into, a place and the music is louder than the regular noise, or worse -- I get physically pounded by a bass -- we're not going in. My hearing is already bad; I don't like sitting there simply nodding randomly. It's also been proven my lip reading isn't as accurate when I'm not wearing my glasses. :) Tue Mar 10 06:45:18 -0700 2009 4486960 11175 The Ranger 4 4490423 And yet deafening background "music" is a selling for some restaurants, like Hard Rock Cafe. I guess some customers think this means it's "vibrant" and "happening" when you can't hear anything. Or maybe it's just that drunk people go a little deaf as the evening wears on. Or maybe they just have nothing to say. I'll never forget my first time at Hard Rock. A group of gradeschool kids stepped off a tour bus and while the teacher was talking to the front desk, all the kids cowered with their hands over their ears, clearly in pain. Tue Mar 10 07:22:21 -0700 2009 4490332 12359 monkeyrotica 1 4472635 To extend the OP's reponse, I would say: any chain whatsoever. I'm not saying I'll never set foot in one again, just that I honestly wouldn't care if I didn't, there is nothing I'll miss in any chain that I can't get a better version of elsewhere. On the other hand, I will do everything in my power to ensure that I never again enter an Applebee's, Olive Garden, or Macaroni Grill. I would literally choose a McDonald's over any of them, at least it serves honest junk food. Wed Mar 04 09:12:11 -0800 2009 4397087 14386 BobB 1 4482126 That's easy -- Left Bank. http://www.leftbank.com/ I've found three of the four to be some of the most unenjoyable dining experiences I've ever had often combined with grandly inept service. My biggest gripe was the need for a shoe horn to get seated at tables (and I'm not an XL nor is SWMBO) followed by managements' driving need to blast "hip music" throughout their echo-chamber enhanced dining areas; forget about conversations. The first experience, in Menlo Park, should have sent up flags but when it was repeated at the San Jose branch and then at the Pleasant Hill site, I knew we were never going to give them another cent from my Visa. I've only been to one Ruby Tuesday and found it alright, sort of like a Red Robin; good for what it is but not something to search out. Sat Mar 07 07:54:18 -0800 2009 4397087 11175 The Ranger 2 4482526 I actually searched out a Red Robin because I'd heard people gush about their burgers. The first time I tried to get in was on a Friday evening. It was like some horrible marriage of Grand Central Station and Kafka's "The Trial." Deafening noise, forty-five minute waits, and kids rolling on the floor. The second time was on a Tuesday right as they opened at 11:30. The place was empty, yet they still cranked the music up as if it were a Saturday night and everyone was drunk. The burger was just alright but, yeah, no reason to search it out. Sounds like this Left Bank place would sell like hotcakes in the DC area. Folks here are more than happy to pay through the a$$ to be treated like cattle. As for service, anything short of finding hair in your soup or getting a punch to the junk counts as par for the course. Sat Mar 07 11:06:54 -0800 2009 4482126 12359 monkeyrotica 3 4486124 >>Folks here are more than happy to pay through the a$$ to be treated like cattle.<< i know you're not speaking about yourself, and you're definitely not talking about me. but i'm curious, to which particular places are you referring? Sun Mar 08 21:49:00 -0700 2009 4482526 105717 alkapal 4 4488829 One word: Sequoia. Mon Mar 09 16:33:15 -0700 2009 4486124 12359 monkeyrotica 5 4488879 haha!! hey bro', it's the *scene*. sort of like the "river club" used to be (oh gosh, is that place still around???). "everybody dance now!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b714Wi4CDsQ Mon Mar 09 16:46:51 -0700 2009 4488829 105717 alkapal 1 4482940 Ruby Tuesday, Bob Evans, Applebees (or Crapplebees), Au Bon Pain, Cosi, Subway (the smell...the smell!) Sat Mar 07 14:39:23 -0800 2009 4397087 97325 MDoodle 2 4483299 Really, how BAD is Applebee's? Red Robin's burgers aren't even as good as McDonald's for crap's sake............ Sat Mar 07 17:49:56 -0800 2009 4482940 262223 BBCaprice 1 4483102 Ditto, also add spaghetti factory, macaroni grill. Sat Mar 07 15:52:27 -0800 2009 4397087 149836 cstr 1 4485162 Here is my take on this subject....I don't like ANY of the chains after anywhere from 5-10 years in....what happens is that the original franchise group (the founders), no matter HOW great the concept is in the beginning, either get stale or sell out the whole corporation, partnership, whatever, and the original concept gets lost. Give me an inidividually-owned establishment anytime, and I will never set foot (unless out-voted by dinner companions, and I am very vocal so that is tough), in ANY chain "restaurant". Give me quality dining or I will stay home!! Sun Mar 08 15:45:46 -0700 2009 4397087 271356 TAGcaves4me 2 4490776 All very well to avoid chains but when traveling and avoiding starvation, they are awfully hard to totally avoid, especially if you find yourself unfed late at night. I would be happy to find acceptable items on an Applebee's menu. That is the tough part. Tue Mar 10 09:02:49 -0700 2009 4485162 65193 EdwardAdams