eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jul 23, 2014 1:56:30 GMT
Applebees
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jul 23, 2014 1:58:31 GMT
I can't get into the post I just posted. It was Applebees. I wanted to add Olive Garden to it.
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Post by Ryann on Jul 23, 2014 2:00:07 GMT
Pretty much any of them. DH and I try to support local eateries and will pick one of them any day over a chain restaurant. We're fortunate that we live in a very large city and have lots of choices available to us - something I know we take for granted!
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Post by Ellie on Jul 23, 2014 2:09:29 GMT
Huh. This thread's made me realize that the older I get, the less I like chain restaurants! Or maybe they suck more now?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 15:20:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 2:11:19 GMT
A bit off topic, but I was in the Dallas area a few months ago and I was amazed by the huge variety of chain restaurants! Being from Seattle, we don't have a ton of chains, so I was pretty amazed at how many chains were in the area. Most I had only heard of and a few that were fun to try like Pei Wei and Pappadeaux's. That being said, there aren't a ton of places I won't go, even though I consider myself a bit of a foodie. I don't love Olive Garden or Red Lobster but it's fun once in awhile. Oh and I love, love, love In N Out
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Post by Penellopy on Jul 23, 2014 2:14:44 GMT
AppleBees
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
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Post by Nanner on Jul 23, 2014 2:19:14 GMT
How do you figure Taco Bell is overrated? I don't think I've ever heard anyone praise Taco Bell for anything other than what it is: super cheap quasi-mexican food that is good when you're down to your last $3 or when you're drunk and/or stoned and/or getting off of work at 2 in the morning. Or when you're trying to teach kids about the mathematical concept of permutations, since we all know everything taco bell is made up of the same five ingredients. hahaha. I have a friend who LOVES it. Who raves about how it's the BEST Mexican food EVER. I just kind of look at and shake my head when she says that. So when I mentioned Taco Bell, it more tongue in cheek, even though she doesn't come here. Kind of a little joke between me and.... me.
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Post by melanell on Jul 23, 2014 2:28:52 GMT
I'd have to say Red Lobster. It's so pricey and the food is terrible. There's nothing worse than dry, rubbery seafood!! There used to be one on Cape Cod where there's a seafood restaurant on every corner - I don't know how it stayed in business as long as it did but if finally closed a few years ago. The other is Chipotle. My dh loves it and I won't step foot in the place. We've been to Five Guys and I think the burgers are okay but the fries are gross. One time they even offered us free fries but I said no thanks. We just got a Red Robin and my son goes crazy for the cheeseburger with the fried egg on it. We've only had burgers there and they were pretty good. We used to chuckle about Red Lobster on the Cape! Why would you eat there on Cape Cod!?!?!? I always wondered that about Seafood Sam's.
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Post by chirpingcricket on Jul 23, 2014 2:29:42 GMT
OMG, I think this is my favorite thread so far. So many discerning palates! It's awesome to see. Clearly, the local food fad is making a difference in people's lives. So, I think the vast majority of chain restaurants are really gross. That said, I still like certain things at certain places. Burger King Whoppers still taste exactly the same as they did when I was 17 years old in 1984, and I love the new low-cal SatisFries. Burger King is "OK in my book." I also know a couple of adults who swear by Wendy's pledge that "fresh never frozen" really is the order of the day there, so I can't slam them. Have you tried Hardee's (a.k.a. Carl's Jr) new baked fresh buns? Delicious! Really elevates the fast food burger to a new level! But that said, I really replied to this thread because one person on the first page listed Famous Dave's BBQ as an overrated chain. And... I concede that it may be not the best, best BBQ in the whole, wide world. (In fact, my favorite BBQ has come from a quaint little Southern chain named Stonewall's -- they're only in Mississippi and Alabama, but for a brief period in 2010, they had one franchise in Loudon, TN, and it was *divine*.) (OMG, I miss it so much!) But my son works in food prep in the Famous Dave's nearby, and he can attest to the fact that Famous Dave's BBQ is fresh, real food, cooked from scratch and professionally prepared by real cooks and chefs. Furthermore -- and this always pleases me -- the people who work there are nice people who get along and are respectful and kind to each other. When my son started working, I warned him, "When you work with so many people, you will probably find major personality differences, and you will probably have to work with people you do not like. Do not let it get to you. It's the real world. Ignore the people you don't like, and try to concentrate on the people you *do* like." However, my son's experience has been unique: He really has not found a person yet who is so unpleasant, he doesn't want to work with them, or dreads the shifts where he has to work with "that guy." Anyway, I do think most chains are overrated, and here's my list: Applebee's O'Charley's TGIF Outback (ugh!) Olive Garden Carraba's In'n'Out (ugh, ugh, ugh!) Shoney's Western Sizzlin (Srsly?!?!? Is it made out of foam rubber?) Chili's!!!! That's all I can think of. Think globally, act locally! -Cricket
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jul 23, 2014 2:32:06 GMT
How do you figure Taco Bell is overrated? I don't think I've ever heard anyone praise Taco Bell for anything other than what it is: super cheap quasi-mexican food that is good when you're down to your last $3 or when you're drunk and/or stoned and/or getting off of work at 2 in the morning. Or when you're trying to teach kids about the mathematical concept of permutations, since we all know everything taco bell is made up of the same five ingredients. hahaha. I have a friend who LOVES it. Who raves about how it's the BEST Mexican food EVER. I just kind of look at and shake my head when she says that. So when I mentioned Taco Bell, it more tongue in cheek, even though she doesn't come here. Kind of a little joke between me and.... me. Your friend is, as they say, loca. I say for her birthday, you make her some of Yvonne's mexican rice.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jul 23, 2014 2:35:00 GMT
I also know a couple of adults who swear by Wendy's pledge that "fresh never frozen" really is the order of the day there, so I can't slam them. Have you tried Hardee's (a.k.a. Carl's Jr) new baked fresh buns? Delicious! Really elevates the fast food burger to a new level! I will never eat at a Wendy's again: three trips, three bouts of a food poisoning. I'm done. Haven't tried any of Hardee's new buns, but their hot ham n cheese sandwich is my favorite fast food sandwich in the history of ever. (Closely followed by McDonald's cheddar melt, which technically isn't even in the running since they NEVER HAVE IT ANYMORE.) But I digress.
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Post by Debbie on Jul 23, 2014 2:39:24 GMT
I'd have to say sonic. Food is crappy, but drinks are good!
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Post by Flibbertigibbet on Jul 23, 2014 2:48:50 GMT
So many to choose from: Red Lobster, Outback, Olive Garden. Make that most chains.
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chico
Junior Member
Posts: 77
Jun 28, 2014 4:03:03 GMT
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Post by chico on Jul 23, 2014 2:49:27 GMT
I think Sonic, Chilis and definitely 5 guys are overrated. I had Carrabas for the first time ever this winter when we went to Arizona, and I loved it! I mean, really loved it...I will go back for sure if I'm near one again
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jen4
Shy Member
Posts: 39
Jul 9, 2014 11:29:45 GMT
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Post by jen4 on Jul 23, 2014 3:20:26 GMT
These chain places have changed over the years but many of them still serve foods that are unhealthy. Some of these places I'm not a fan of at all...
Buffalo Wild Wings Smokey Bones Chipotle Qdoba O'Charley's Applebee's Moe's
I don't mind Olive Garden once in awhile for soup, salad, and breadsticks. I make the cheddar biscuits at home that they make at Red Lobsters. There is no restaurants that are considered "healthy" anyways.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Jul 23, 2014 3:42:25 GMT
This thread is good!
We have been to one Cracker Barrel - were traveling - because there aren't any where we live. The "vegetable of the week" is hilarious! It was cornbread ! There were other starches on the list. I actually emailed the company about this bizarre choice on the menu. They clearly didn't get what I was trying to communicate. Oh well!
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Post by peano on Jul 23, 2014 3:47:01 GMT
We don't have any chain restaurants in our town, so we have to drive a little bit to get to any of them. Typically we eat at them when we're on the road and looking for a quick, easy meal; I find the quality varies across locations, but I'm not going there for a fabulous meal. I typically order a salad because they're hard to mess up.
What mystifies me is how places like Olive Garden and Pizza Hut stay in business in my area, which is this hotbed of great Italian food. Literally Italian restaurants and pizza places on every corner.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 15:20:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 3:57:16 GMT
Hi It might be easier to say what chain resturants we do enjoy. Red robins (teenagers love) Longhorn Chick-fila Cook -out ( milkshakes) Other than those we don't eat at any other chain resturants. We love finding those mom and pop resturants the food is better, more creative and the people are more special.
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Post by hookedonpeas on Jul 23, 2014 4:24:14 GMT
I don't think anyone has mentioned Chili's yet. I have a relative that always gives us gift certificates to Chili's for Christmas and we never use them. Yum! Send them my way! I could live off the quesadilla explosion salad!
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cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,387
Jun 26, 2014 0:42:38 GMT
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Post by cycworker on Jul 23, 2014 4:26:22 GMT
I was really excited when we got an Applebees in Courtenay BC. And then we went & it wasn't very good. IT's gone now. I don't mind Olive Garden. I KNOW WHY!!! We had one here as well, same owners. They didn't pay their franchisee royalties, so Applebee's pulled their name. Now it's Chad's Westcoast Grill. And actually, much better food. Fascinating! I had NO idea! I bet the food is much better. I will see if my friend wants to go when I visit her next.
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Post by thatmarie on Jul 23, 2014 4:29:25 GMT
I don't think anyone has mentioned Chili's yet. I have a relative that always gives us gift certificates to Chili's for Christmas and we never use them. Yum! Send them my way! I could live off the quesadilla explosion salad! I actually like Chili's too. The chips and salsa and the buffalo chicken salad are pretty yummy. I got some kind of crusted Tilapia recently though and it was awful
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Post by hookedonpeas on Jul 23, 2014 4:36:19 GMT
I like Olive Garden, clearly in the minority, not my favorite place but their Alfredo sauce is delicious! Chillis is ok too, I love their quesadilla explosion salad Chipotle has great guacamole and chips but not a fan of their burritos Extremely surprised about the dislike of Cheesecake Factory, I love their food! Completely agree with Applebee's &Red Lobster,
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andis
Full Member
Posts: 105
Location: South Florida
Jun 26, 2014 17:10:57 GMT
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Post by andis on Jul 23, 2014 4:54:11 GMT
Olive Garden, went only once didn't like the food and haven't gone back. Outback Steakhouse, their steaks are nothing to rave about, we've gone back several times and still don't see the appeal. Chilli's, just nasty, the tables are always greasy, eating utensils are always dirty with food stuck on them. Red Lobster, not a fan of the new menu, very limited plus the've jacked up the prices. Fuddruckers, not as good as they used to be, or my taste buds matured, lol.
Friday's is still good for a burger and a margarita. I love Five Guys even if their fries are the most calorie laden of the bunch. My kids love PF Changs, one of their top favorite chain restaurants besides Chart House.
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Post by chaosisapony on Jul 23, 2014 5:03:47 GMT
A few years back an In & Out burger opened in my town. Oh my goodness, for the first six months that place had consistent lines out the door. Everyone raved. I went in, saw very few options (and I refuse to research a "secret" menu, that's ridiculous) and tried a plain burger and fries. Might have been the worst fast food I've ever had. Ick.
Olive Garden is terrible and Krispy Kreme is pretty gross to me too. I really do not get the appeal of Krispy Kreme. We have a local chain called Squeeze Inn that is hamburgers and fries (super expensive IMO) and they recently opened a restaurant here. The food was good but so overpriced I won't go back. $22 for two regular hamburgers and orders of fries.
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oblibby
Full Member
Posts: 211
Location: Bonnie Scotland
Jul 10, 2014 10:30:12 GMT
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Post by oblibby on Jul 23, 2014 5:54:14 GMT
All if them. Bland food that's full of calories. I much prefer going to a local cafe or restaurant for lunch. Tinaev, I don't get the Krispy Kreme thing at all. They've only bee available here for the last year and people go mad for them. I've not had one cos I checked the ingredients online and decided they weren't for me. TBH they don't even look appetising. I'm going to try a Voodoo doughnut when I go to Portland in September though Take a look at my blog to find out what I've been up to
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 15:20:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 8:37:20 GMT
Another hater of Applebee's, In n Out Birger and Olive Garden (tho I do love their salad). The food is just gross!!
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,790
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
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Post by Kerri W on Jul 23, 2014 8:47:11 GMT
I may get shunned but I really dislike Chick-Fil-A. We don't eat out a lot so I enjoy ordering things I can't/don't make at home. I think of the Chick-FIL-A menu as food you could easily do at home. Not restaurant food in my mind.
I also don't love Chili's. Never had a bad experience, just never had a great one either and the one closest to me is SOOOO slow.
Sonic-my sister can hardly wait to visit so she can go to Sonic. I don't get it.
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stampstace
Junior Member
Posts: 74
Jun 27, 2014 0:14:00 GMT
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Post by stampstace on Jul 23, 2014 10:26:50 GMT
PF Changs Applebee's Carrabbas
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 15:20:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 11:58:41 GMT
I think all of them are. I do enjoy certain dishes at various ones, but in the end, many of them offer the same chicken strips, same burgers, same steak, and same pasta. The only difference are the toppings and sides.
When deciding where to go, we go by who has the best drink selection and what we're in the mood for.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 15:20:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2014 12:17:28 GMT
Ruby Tuesdays is my least disliked chain, mainly because of their croutons on the salad bar. Lol. I could eat a big bowl of those every day.
We have recently seen the opening of a smash burger and a five guys, across the street from each other, but I haven't bothered to go to either. Grease and calories is all I see.
red Lobster and Fridays have to be about the worst out there! So overpriced and terrible food.
I used to love Champs, when they first opened 20 years ago they had the most amazing menu, awesome chicken salad sandwich and delish pasta salad. We are there over the weekend, their menu was sparse, uninspired, and all the good stuff I loved was gone. No more champs for me.
I do enjoy red robin tho. I've always had good food there.
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