Top Ten Sit-Down Chain Restaurants

Inspired by one of my favorite TV shows, Top Chef (on Bravo), I thought I'd do a countdown of some of my favorite restaurants. Of course, since my favorite restaurants are localized to areas I've lived and visited, that countdown wouldn't be well understood by many people. So instead, I'm going to focus on MY Top Ten Sit-Down Chain Restaurants...

10) Cracker Barrel

• Decent-sized portions of traditional American foods. When you want a home-cooked style meal like your grandmother used to make, consider Cracker Barrel. The food isn't great, but this restaurant offers menu items that most other sit-down restaurants don't delve into. The best part - the price... Almost shockingly inexpensive.

9) Olive Garden

• I always enjoy going to the Olive Garden, but I do not have a bunch of great reasons as to why. I just have two, and they're really basic... Unlimited Salad and Breadsticks. Straight up - both things are delicious, and though I've had some sub-par meals at the Olive Garden, I never really remember them... instead, I always remember how much I enjoyed the salad and breadsticks, and I tell you - that's what keeps me coming back.

8) Pizza Hut

• I suppose this could actually fit into the Top Ten List of Fast Food Restaurants too, but since they do have a dining room with waitstaff, I'm listing it here. I know it seems crazy, but I still like Pizza Hut pizza better than any of the pizzas I've had from little specialty pizzarias. The fact that they have expanded their menu to include organic ingredients and a variety of crust options has only helped them stay on my list.

7) T.G.I. Friday's

• American classics all over the menu, with some more recent additions to add variety. The food is usually good, and reasonably priced. I love hat there is something to satisfy just about any craving you're having, and the cocktail menu is great as well. Now, if they would just get rid of the pieces of "flair" on the waitstaff, we'd all be better off.

6) Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

• I've only had better steak at really, really expensive restaurants... not that Ruth's Chris is inexpensive, but for what you pay, I feel you get a very, very good steak. I've had a few other items, but ultimately, I go back for the steaks, and they are the reason this restaurant makes my list.

5) The Melting Pot

• This made my list because of the uniqueness factor... I love the novelty of a fondue restaurant. The food is good, but really, you got The Melting Pot for the experience of cooking your own food and enjoying a leisurely dinner with family or friends. The soft, romantic ambiance is an excellent complement to the novelty of the restaurant.

4) International House of Pancakes

• I love a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert any time of the day, but what sets IHOP apart from other restaurants of this genre is the effort they put into coming up with new and interesting breakfast dishes. From crepes to unique fruit compote toppings, they continue to please. Mmmm - I could go for a blintz right now, and even though it's midnight, I could get one at an IHOP.

3) Rock Bottom

• I have NEVER been disappointed in a meal from the Rock Bottom, and we go there frequently. The prices are very reasonable, and there doesn't seem to ever be much of a wait. Ultimately, though, good tasting food is why I've listed it.

2) Outback Steakhouse

• The Outback has been a favorite in my family for well over a decade now, and amazingly, we still enjoy going there on a regular basis. Perhaps this is in part because every time we go they seem to have revamped their menu. Nevertheless, they still maintain some of the classics that put them on the proverbial map in the first place. The appetizers at Outback keep us coming back - sometimes we'll even skip dinner in lieu of multiple appetizers. Reasonably priced, good portions, and good flavor - that pretty much sums it up.

1) The Cheesecake Factory

• This is hands-down my favorite chain restaurant for a variety of reasons. I've never had a bad meal there - everything I've ever ordered has been tasty, well-portioned and also very fairly priced. The specialized cocktail menu has a nice variety of unique drinks, and the dessert menu is nothing less than fabulous (as it should be for a restaurant called the Cheesecake Factory!) The ambiance rivals that of higher end restauarnts, which is always a big selling point for me. Still, the best thing about this restaurant is that there is literally something for everyone on the menu. You name it, there is some derivation of it on the menu, and yet, most items still manage to seem culinarily unique. I must not be the only one who loves this restaurant - every time I go there, I have to wait at least 45 minutes - but it's well worth the wait!