Food and Drink America's Best Restaurant Chains - Page 7

Stewie · 07-01-2012, 01:54 PM

From Consumer Reports with 50,000 responses...

First Watch and Le Peep started locally. IMO they both do it right.

What we found

Nine chains earned especially high marks across the board for the seven attributes in our Ratings—taste, value, service, mood, noise, menu, and cleanliness—and were praised for menu variety, cleanliness, and a lack of noise. They were:

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, focusing on big portions and personal attention.

Black Angus Steakhouse, for flame-grilled steaks with an “over-the-campfire flavor."

Bob Evans, for breakfast and homey fare.

Bravo Cucina Italiana, for “upscale affordable dining” in a “Roman ruin” décor.

First Watch, for eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches.

J. Alexander’s, for American classics, sandwiches, salads, and specialties such as grilled fish with mango papaya salsa.

Le Peep, for eggs, crepes, and salads.

Elmer’s, for pancakes and comfort food.

Fatz Eatz & Drinkz, for grilled or fried sandwiches, entrées, and finger foods.

Bewbies · 07-02-2012, 07:07 AM

I've yet to get a meal at Longhorn that is edible.

**Gonzo** · 07-02-2012, 07:18 AM

What, no Chili's?

OmahaChief · 07-02-2012, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bewbies

I've yet to get a meal at Longhorn that is edible.

That is odd. The one here in Omaha is about the best thing I have ever eaten. it blows all of the local steak joints with the exception of the Drover, out of the water. They are consistently great in my opinion.

patteeu · 07-02-2012, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOhillbilly

I eat at the first watch in nkc once in a while, I dig the sports bar across the street as well.

That's Kelso's. They've been in the Northland for a long time. Pretty good pizza.

**TinyEvel** · 07-02-2012, 07:24 AM

I just spent ten days in France and Spain and the amount of obese people (like, Walmart fat) I saw in that time? THREE. Out of tens of thousands of people.
We eat too much in this country. And walk too little. It was a big eye-opener.

Deberg_1990 · 07-02-2012, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

I think that keeping the quality high at a given location of a restaurant must be one of the most difficult tasks in business. When a new place opens, everyone is trying to do their best at a new job and everyone wants to make a good first impression. But when you are working your 500th shift after a couple of years doing the same routine tasks, the work has to lose its shine a bit.

As a manager, can you keep the dishwasher on his toes month after month? Cause if the dishes aren't clean, the whole place can go down hill. There are 10 million things that can go wrong in a restaurant and you have to really work at it to keep just a few of them from ruining your business.

Yes, couple that with what im sure is a ridiculously high worker turnover and i imagine its very hard to run a successful resterarunt chain.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 07-02-2012, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

I've been to Texas roadhouse twice in my life. The first time I asked for the baby-backs with the sauce on the side and two sides. I received boiled ribs that were not smoked and tasted like an old shoe, microwaved rice and instant mashed potatoes.
The second time I ordered a prime cut of steak, (either ribeye or kc strip can't remember). I ordered it rare with a baked potato. What was placed on my table was likely a two-dollar arm steak from Aldi's that was pre-cooked and smothered with old bay or some shit.
At least the potato was ok.

Anyone that loves Texas Roadhouse has a generic palate and enjoys the whole 'line dance' bullshit and throwing peanuts on the floor. **** Texas roadhouse.
"OH WOWS! TEXAS ROADHOUSE IS SO GUD!!! CAN I GOEZ TO FAMUS DAVEZ NEXT FOR REAL KC BARBEECUEZ? THEY HAZ RIBZ!"

Your Roadhouse muyst really suck. Here they do not dance. The potatoes are real (complete with lumps), and the food is above average.

patteeu · 07-02-2012, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

Your Roadhouse muyst really suck. Here they do not dance. The potatoes are real (complete with lumps), and the food is above average.

It's hard to believe they don't dance since that's a big part of their schtick. They even have a national line dancing competition. Maybe you just haven't been there at the right time or something.

patteeu · 07-02-2012, 07:33 AM

A national chain that I think is very good is Carrabba's Italian Grill. Far superior to Macaroni Grill AFAIC.

**Predarat** · 07-02-2012, 07:35 AM

I do like Bob Evans. The Chicken Fried Chicken or Chicken Fried Steak is a heart attack, but a good one. J. Alexanders is so damn expensive for what you get. Never heard of the others. One bad one I found out about is Longhorn Steakhouse. Nowhere near Texas Roadhouse.

**HemiEd** · 07-02-2012, 07:36 AM

Is that the same Black Angus that is in KC? I have only heard of it and Bob Evans.

Not really a restaraunt, but last week we had a chance to eat at a Jason's Deli. Wow, I agree with all the good things that have been posted about them.

patteeu · 07-02-2012, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Is that the same Black Angus that is in KC? I have only heard of it and Bob Evans.

Not really a restaraunt, but last week we had a chance to eat at a Jason's Deli. Wow, I agree with all the good things that have been posted about them.

Awesome.

**Predarat** · 07-02-2012, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

There's a Cheddars close to where I work. You can get a really good lunch for just a couple more bucks than what you'd spend at McD's or KFC. You can call ahead and carry out. Decent food for a decent price.

I agree, Cheddars is awesome.

**Predarat** · 07-02-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Is that the same Black Angus that is in KC? I have only heard of it and Bob Evans.

Not really a restaraunt, but last week we had a chance to eat at a Jason's Deli. Wow, I agree with all the good things that have been posted about them.

The Gumbo at Jasons Deli is outstanding. Very tasty.

sedated · 07-02-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

A national chain that I think is very good is Carrabba's Italian Grill. Far superior to Macaroni Grill AFAIC.

This. I was surprised with the quality of their food after being to other italian chains like Macaroni Grill.

And I'm not sure if its a chain or not, but Cascone's (near 95th & Metcalf in OP) is vastly overrated.

07-01-2012, 01:54 PM
Stewie MVP Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West of the Equator Casino cash: $-1610099	America's Best Restaurant Chains From Consumer Reports with 50,000 responses... First Watch and Le Peep started locally. IMO they both do it right. What we found Nine chains earned especially high marks across the board for the seven attributes in our Ratings—taste, value, service, mood, noise, menu, and cleanliness—and were praised for menu variety, cleanliness, and a lack of noise. They were: Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, focusing on big portions and personal attention. Black Angus Steakhouse, for flame-grilled steaks with an “over-the-campfire flavor." Bob Evans, for breakfast and homey fare. Bravo Cucina Italiana, for “upscale affordable dining” in a “Roman ruin” décor. First Watch, for eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches. J. Alexander’s, for American classics, sandwiches, salads, and specialties such as grilled fish with mango papaya salsa. Le Peep, for eggs, crepes, and salads. Elmer’s, for pancakes and comfort food. Fatz Eatz & Drinkz, for grilled or fried sandwiches, entrées, and finger foods.
Posts: 13,833

07-02-2012, 07:07 AM	#91
Bewbies Ith Fuhtbawl Time Join Date: Apr 2010 Casino cash: $9999900	I've yet to get a meal at Longhorn that is edible.
Posts: 10,085

07-02-2012, 07:24 AM	#95
TinyEvel Just a li'l Evel Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bald. Goatee. Jorts. Casino cash: $2389601	I just spent ten days in France and Spain and the amount of obese people (like, Walmart fat) I saw in that time? THREE. Out of tens of thousands of people. We eat too much in this country. And walk too little. It was a big eye-opener.
Posts: 12,313

07-02-2012, 07:33 AM	#99
patteeu The 23rd Pillar Join Date: Sep 2002 Casino cash: $10019237	A national chain that I think is very good is Carrabba's Italian Grill. Far superior to Macaroni Grill AFAIC. __________________ “Boy, you all want power. God, I hope you never get it.” - Lindsay Graham
Posts: 110,871

07-02-2012, 07:35 AM	#100
Predarat Run Chiefs fans, run!! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nashville, TN Casino cash: $9963863	I do like Bob Evans. The Chicken Fried Chicken or Chicken Fried Steak is a heart attack, but a good one. J. Alexanders is so damn expensive for what you get. Never heard of the others. One bad one I found out about is Longhorn Steakhouse. Nowhere near Texas Roadhouse.
Posts: 10,776

07-02-2012, 07:36 AM	#101
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $-299436	Is that the same Black Angus that is in KC? I have only heard of it and Bob Evans. Not really a restaraunt, but last week we had a chance to eat at a Jason's Deli. Wow, I agree with all the good things that have been posted about them.
Posts: 34,814