Good "chain" restaurants

I know, I know... it's like taboo to even talk about such a thing, but I was just wondering your thoughts on restaurants that are the typical suburbia chain stuff. (like Chilis, Applebees, etc.) Any good food choices at these, something to look out for when going to these drab places? Thanks.

[lynne]

J. Alexander's. Have their cold smoked salmon salad (appetizer) as an entree. Although I've not tried it myself, some of our guests have really liked Canyon Cafe and have gone back multiple times (and I am talking about those who love food...)

Now, what I can not find is a good pizza here in San Antonio...I miss some of my old D.C. haunts.

[Jim]

I enjoy Macaronni Grill. Its honest, Tuscan Italian. It has the trendy open kitchen, requisite on-your-honor-bottle-of-red on the table, etc. However, some of the menu is a bit creative and there is some good value. Its "safe".

Theres a local chain where i am at called Tomato Street. Its like the TGI Fridays concept, loud and flamboyant, the servers wearing different hats and the such. The menu is pretty run of the mill. I like it because its quick and kid friendly. With 3 children ages 6 and under, I want somewhere that is going to cater to the little hoolighans. The kids enjoy it, the wife is happy, and hey, the food is alright too.

[Pete]

Houston's has pretty good food for a chain. I love their tortilla soup. Also, if you ever get down to the Atlanta area Grady's is not too bad either. Sure chef's may laugh at the idea of chain restaurants, I know I used to, but let's face it. These are the types of places the majority of Americans consume their dining out meals. It is a sad commentary on the American culture, but it is one that chefs, as business people have to consider.

[m brown]

I had the most outragous smoked salmon app. at Houstons. Go figure.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I really appreciated your comments about the state of restuarants, Pete. I think you are right. Most American's would prefer simple, fast, and well-known brand name over "higher quality" food.

lynne, tell me more about J. Alexander's.

Thanks.

[lynne]

Jose,

I see you're from SA--have you been to J.Alexander's? The service is always great, the wait staff is knowledgeable. The menu's a little overpriced at first glance, but the portions meet the price. Their menu is not huge. They have pastas, salads and burgers, ribs and steaks and daily specials. Their Maytag Blue Cheese Coleslaw pretty good too.

Like I've said before, we send our Inn guests there a lot. They always enjoy it and repeat that service is good.

I have to say they do run out of the smoked salmon appetizer I like so much rather frequently which is disappointing--the main reason I go!

So Jose, Any good pizza here in San Antone?

hey lynne, no I've never been to J. Alexanders. But I keep hearing that it's a place I should have known about!

Pizza.... can't say that I'm an expert on this. Not really my style or tastes. Sorry.

[David Jones]

Houston's is a great chain nationally. I love the way the sugar caddies look - perfectly lined up and clean on every table - in Chicago or Scottsdale,or wherever! Every OJ is squeezed to order, too!

They do have a rep for being VERY stringent about their operating standards - almost military. Makes one wonder where the "balance" is in such things.

[BevReview Steve]

hey David, are there any other Houstons in the Midwest? Where are they located.

Thanks.

[shroomgirl]

Chiliboy~
Memphis has a Houstons....New Orleans too not midwest but mid`south.

[holydiver]

I think macaroni grill,california cafe,napa grille,john harvards, are all good choices.

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[BevReview Steve]

Thanks for the locations, shroomgirl.

[Cremaster]

The syrup carousel at IHOP has always made my heart skip a beat.