Thursday Thirteen No. 18

My 13 Favorite Chain Restaurants



I truly love one-of-a-kind, mom 'n pop restaurants. Whenever I travel I seek them out, kind of like "Drive-Inns, Diners, and Dives" on the food network. It's one of my favorite shows. However, I am usually found at some chain restaurant when on the road. Nope Mickey "D" is not on my list. I would never take my daughter there when she was little, and she wouldn't take her kids there. Unfortunately my son-in-law lived off of McDonald's so, the grand kids are there more often than I care to mention. Here are thirteen of my favorites in no particular order or price point.

1. Cheesecake Factory: The name says it all. All of the food here is great. The salads are wonderful and the portions are huge. Dessert speaks for itself.

2. Sonic Drive-Inn: This is my favorite burger place. They're done the old fashioned way, and there is nothing better than the foot-long coney. WoooooHooooo!!!!

3. Wendy's: Wendy's makes the list because of their chili. It's probably the best fast food chili around.

4. On the Border: I love Mexican food and this is one of my favorite places. I got hooked on their salsa years ago.

5. Abuelo's: Another Mexican restaurant. The menu is a more diverse and upscale than On the Border. It is my wife's favorite Mexican restaurant.

6. Papadeaux: "Holy Cow Batman!!!" This is some of the best Cajun food I have ever had. Again, great food, huge portions, and spiced the way I like. You gotta order the Crawfish Trio.

7. Joe's Crab Shack: Again, good food, large portions, and generally good service.

8. Slim Chicken's: This is so much better than Buffalo Wild Wings that there is really no comparison. The chicken is fresh and never frozen. That ensures that it is much juicer than BWW.

9. Jim N Nick's BBQ: I don't know how big this chain is, but I do know it is in Alabama, and I will seek it out anytime I am in that state. The pork is the best.

10. Texas Land and Cattle Co.: Yep, it's a steak joint, and it is great food.

11. Granite City Food & Brewery: A little on the upscale side, but a great menu, great atmosphere and good service.

12. Mimi's: Big time comfort food restaurant. The portions are huge. Many items can be a meal for two.

13. Copeland's: Based out of New Orleans, this is more upscale than Papadeaux, but the food is excellent, the portions are great, and the service is always outstanding. This is a great place for a special occasion.

Honorable Mentions: Chili's, Ruby Tuesday's, Outback Steak House, and Pasta House, Johnny Carino's, Chipolte's.