Popular places you just don't get! No National chains please!

[Bigstu99]

We all have these places that we get dragged to or run too on recomendations and then we just wonder WTF do people see in these places.

My top 5

1. Flanagan's... bad bar food cheap prices very mediocre ribs.

2. Giorgio's Bakery... There is a reason they sold the restaurant next door! only reason to go is the view!

3. Mauro's Pizza No A/C Drunken fools @ 2AM!

4. Primani Brothers If this is the best Pittsburgh can offer!

5. Jefe's fish taco small dry tasteless excuse of a Taco

[gammish]

We call them the 'One & Done' restaurants and in South Florida, they are a dime a dozen.

[GatorFL]

I have two places I have been which I cannot fathom why they are popular.

The first is Michelle Bernstein's at the Omphoy in Palm Beach. The service is among the worst ever (case in point--Flanagan's mentioned above is better) and the food is just mediocre. I ate there and the lack of training was evident both in the waitstaff and the food.

Secondly, why the hell does anybody like Bulldog BBQ in Miami? Howie is another tv chef who simply fails to deliver. Yeah, it's a small joint and has an upscale BBQ feel but the food itself is pretty crappy. I was in there a few months ago and got a chicken salad. Piping hot microwaved chicken breast, uncut mind you, served on top of my greens. Fortunately I had an ice cold beer to drown the wilted consistency of my salad. The chicken was so rubbery I barely ate any of it. The place was close to full but not packed enough to justify the food I got.

I know you aren't focusing on national chains but my favorite one to hate is Cheesecake Factory. Other than the cheesecake I don't get it. It all tastes like cafeteria food to me.

[GatorFL]

Never ate at Jefe's but I agree with your top 3. I have to disagree with you on #4. I love Primanti Bros. They make a bunch of pretty good sandwiches. I mean, it's only a sandwich joint but it is consistent and the sandwiches taste good!

[Bigstu99]

But Primanti's Bread is so pasty and tasteless I don't care what goes in it!

[flavrmeistr]

The ribs at Flanigan's suck. That is beyond dispute. Flanigan's is all about the cold draft beer and smoked fish dip, the blackened tuna sandwich and the burgers are decent, but not special. That smoked kingfish dip is where it's at, though.

[coffeyucf]

Great topic. I agree with others on Rocco's Tacos. Cool place to hang and grab a drink but the food stinks.

One place I don't get at all is La Spadas. Yes, they do pack the meat onto their subs which is nice. Yes, a regular sub is packed enough for it to be your only meal of the day. Though I consider it to be just ok. I would really compare it to a Jersey Mikes with more meat. And I would consider Jersey Mikes to be a step above subway.

[swoll50]

Calypso in Pompano Beach

[pilches]

The Meat Market on Lincoln Road. I was so looking forward to trying it and was so disappointed. I always think maybe I ordered "wrong", but if it's on their menu and it's that good a place, there really shouldn't be a "wrong".

-----
Meat Market
915 Lincoln road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

[Nick]

Ah, but PRL next door to Mauro's DOES have A/C...

[freakerdude]

Palm Beach Gardens edition

Rocco's Tacos - great place to drink but food is mediocre
Cabo Flats - great place to drink but food is less than mediocre
Yardhouse (a national chain but not a household name) - great beer selection but very mediocre food

[smartie]

agree with you on Rocco's Taco's food, mediocre and pricey - only been to Boca though.