What is your favorite?
Mine is Chili's, hands down. Way more selection and good Chips and Salsa!
Chili's. For their con queso or whatever they hell it's called.
Microwaved food is microwaved food is microwaved food. Both have cold beer though. Sticking with stuff from the frier is generally a good idea because then it's at least cooked fresh.
Have I ever told any of you my theory on shitty chain restaurants? If you go to an Applebee's in small town America, the food will be not bad. If you go to an Applebee's in a big city, the food will taste like the nasty frozen dinner it is. My theory is that there are good cooks everywhere. In small towns, they work for chain restaurants and actually make an effort with the food. In big cities, they work in real restaurants and places like Applebee's get the B or C team of cook staff.
I'm not anti-chain, although I do admittedly avoid chain restaurants when traveling because I can eat that at home and would rather find something interesting and local. Texas Roadhouse and Outback are guilty pleasures for dirt cheap steaks and deep fried onions, and BWW is one of my go-to wing and beer spots at home. Higher end chains like PF Changs and Cantina Laredo and generally a good, if safe, option. I avoid the low end chains though even at home because I'm not paying for stupid microwaved fajitas or ribs.
Edit: the last Chilis I ate at was in Greenville, TX. It was apparently the only place in the county with a liquor license, so I went primarily for the beer. If nothing else they have a decent bar with an ok, if glaringly unofficensive, beer selection. And yes, Chili's does have good chips and salsa. The chips are probably the one of the few things they cook fresh, which makes sense because they're fried.
I think both serve rather tasteless reheated entrees, but Chili's wins with its chips and salsa and chicken tenders.
I used to really like Chili's for their chicken-fried steak, but since they got rid of it, I'm not a big fan of either. Last time I ate at a Chili's was in Waynesboro, VA, in mid-April. It was really :meh:
I just want food, so both
Definitely Chili's. Every time I go to Applebee's I'm reminded that I don't actually like their menu a whole lot. Same with Friday's.
But whatever; if any of them is next door to a hotel where I'm staying without transportation, and especially if the hour is late, they're all reliable enough.
Honestly I prefer TGI Friday's over both. The last few times I had Chili's it was "okay".
I'll vote for Sizzler over either one of these places.
Rick
Quote from: empirestate on September 29, 2015, 12:01:39 PM
But whatever; if any of them is next door to a hotel where I'm staying without transportation, and especially if the hour is late, they're all reliable enough.
This.
When you're staying in a three exit town, its one of those or their regional equivalent. There's usually one close enough to the hotel to walk, even though there's usually no good path since those types of commercial developments are built for cars and not people. Between Chili's and Applebees specifically, I can't tell the difference. Same food, same layout inside, same people working there, same beers on tap, same corporate bullshit about serving alcohol. I much prefer find a local place to grub at, but many times that is not practical. The answer is "whichever is closer".
Ugh. This is like choosing between two evils, but Applebee's is much worse than Chili's. If there are other places around, I wouldn't bother with either of them.
I got a couple Applebee's coupons if anyone wants them... :-D
They may only work in Canada
I have no opinion. Applebee's and Chili's are rare in Canada, and I have only eaten at them a couple of times. I did go to a Chili's in Orlando FL once though. It was "ok", but nothing special.
I'm not sure there is a real difference between the two. This thread also made me remember I have a 2 year old Chili's gift card to use some time.
Luckily, towns that have these two restaurants are large enough to have something else. If I'm staying in a hotel in such a town, I'll choose the local grocery store first and make something in my room before I'll go to either Chili's or Applebee's.
Last time I was at either place, Chili's was overpriced with pathetic service and Applebee's served cold food. Gun to my head, I'd probably go with Applebee's since I can find more things on their menu that I like.
Don't care much for Applebee's and Chili's isn't much better, IMO.
The quality of the food and service have suffered over the years.
Ruby Tuesday's on account of its salad bar
These types of chains are usually ones I'll go to only upon the invitation of someone else. They aren't awful; there are other places (usually local) that I prefer when dining in this segment.
Both are pretty similar, but I'll go Applebee's, mostly because the one nearest to me has a bit better of a beer selection than Chili's.
I don't think I've ever eaten in an Applebee's. I can't recall a visit to any of their locations. I was to Chili's once many years ago. The food was okay, but nothing phenominal. I didn't have a bad experience overall, (decent food and a relatively attentive waiter) however, I remember them having the air conditioning set way too cold. This is vivid in my mind because I remember joking with my friend that that's how they came up with the name of the restaurant. If I'm going to patronize a chain place when dining with a friend(s), I'll choose Longhorn. I've never had a bad meal there. Can't say that about their other Darden affiliates.
When traveling, I tend to stay away from restaurants; whether it be chain or local fare. I'm often alone when road tripping and I don't like dining alone. Instead, I'll either get fast food and take it back to my motel room or I'll go to a grocery store for something to consume in the room if there's a store a reasonable distance from the hotel. Added bonus if my room has a microwave so I can get something intended to be eaten hot.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on September 29, 2015, 04:48:38 PM
same corporate bullshit about serving alcohol.
what's this now?
Quote from: rawmustard on September 30, 2015, 10:16:25 AM
These types of chains are usually ones I'll go to only upon the invitation of someone else. They aren't awful; there are other places (usually local) that I prefer when dining in this segment.
Exactly. It's pub-grub. Commonly cooked with love in local restaurants everywhere, and now with innumerable apps to give one an idea of what's good, much of the uncertainty is gone from the equation.
And for the "known quantity on the road" argument, did you drive all the way to place X to eat in an identical version of home?
I would always go to Chili's over Applbee's just based on the type of food on the menu.
I was once at a Chili's near Trenton with a big group including some executives from Matsushita. The executives were rather unfamiliar with how to eat fajitas and the like!
Do I really have to choose one of those when there are far better options available?
Neither. They're both too expensive for me.
Both are overpriced for what they are. That said, I tend to prefer Chili's because their chicken strips/tenders/whatever used to be great. I'm presuming they still come in a dinner with fries and corn on the cob. (Yes, it's been that many years since I've eaten at a Chili's.)
Lunch: Applebees. Dinner: Chili's. Then again, I don't have much choice. The only Chili's in Seattle is inside the airport.
Last Chili's I visited was in Mt Pleasant, Texas. I had a steak, and it was fantastic.
Both chains seem to have been closing locations around here. I don't think they can compete.
Quote from: Big John on September 30, 2015, 01:34:26 PM
Do I really have to choose one of those when there are far better options available?
Outback? ;)
Doe's is very good, but very $$
Neither as both are fairly generic fare. Heck, they keep removing unique items from their menus! Remember when Applebee's had that onion tips appetizer? Chili's can't even be bothered to give you chips and salsa anymore. There is a regional chain (locally owned) around here called Charlie Brown's that is generally better, plus they have an unlimited salad bar with a large selection of toppings. The frequent diner program is much better too.
As a whole, the "casual" dining chains haven't been doing too well. Prices are up and quality is down (particularly noticeable at TGI Friday's, and I haven't been to Ruby Tuesday's in close to a decade after consistently lousy meals). Competition from "fast casual" places like Chipotle and various burger joints (Five Guys, Smashburger, etc) is having an effect.
Quote from: US71 on September 30, 2015, 09:07:05 PM
Quote from: Big John on September 30, 2015, 01:34:26 PM
Do I really have to choose one of those when there are far better options available?
Outback? ;)
Count me unimpressed with Outback. I've eaten there twice. Can't remember where I was the first time, but I thought it was way overpriced and not up to the hype. The second time was in Middletown, NY, where there was an Outback right next to my motel and I didn't want to go exploring trying to find something I liked better. I was equally unthrilled and I don't really see what's so great about it.
Applebee's has really generic food. I think I last ate at one three years ago, because I'd exhausted that town's food choices at 8:30pm. Their fries taste like they're slathered in Crisco.
Chili's is a bit better, but more of a "whole family can find something" option. Service varies from great to terrible, I've noticed over the past 25 years. Management comes through in spades when they goof up, unlike Applebee's.
On the road, I'll usually steer clear of both of them.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 02, 2015, 03:23:53 PM
Quote from: US71 on September 30, 2015, 09:07:05 PM
Quote from: Big John on September 30, 2015, 01:34:26 PM
Do I really have to choose one of those when there are far better options available?
Outback? ;)
Count me unimpressed with Outback. I've eaten there twice. Can't remember where I was the first time, but I thought it was way overpriced and not up to the hype. The second time was in Middletown, NY, where there was an Outback right next to my motel and I didn't want to go exploring trying to find something I liked better. I was equally unthrilled and I don't really see what's so great about it.
I agree with HB on this one.
Quote from: Rothman on October 02, 2015, 05:05:50 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 02, 2015, 03:23:53 PM
Quote from: US71 on September 30, 2015, 09:07:05 PM
Quote from: Big John on September 30, 2015, 01:34:26 PM
Do I really have to choose one of those when there are far better options available?
Outback? ;)
Count me unimpressed with Outback. I've eaten there twice. Can't remember where I was the first time, but I thought it was way overpriced and not up to the hype. The second time was in Middletown, NY, where there was an Outback right next to my motel and I didn't want to go exploring trying to find something I liked better. I was equally unthrilled and I don't really see what's so great about it.
I agree with HB on this one.
Plus Outback (surprise, surprise) is overpriced, and if you're paying for atmosphere and ambience, I don't get that either.
Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 30, 2015, 09:39:13 PM
There is a regional chain (locally owned) around here called Charlie Brown's that is generally better, plus they have an unlimited salad bar with a large selection of toppings. The frequent diner program is much better too.
The one in Hillsborough closed down quite some time ago. It has since been replaced by a Chase bank...
As for the topic, I don't like either. My personal preference is Ruby Tuesdays, Five Guys and then TGI Fridays.
I prefer Chili's to Applebees, but not by a lot. Chili's will fess up if you call them on a mistake, Applebees's will try to dodge.
Applebee's quality has gone down the last 10 or so years. I prefer Chili's by far in the genre of what I call "Americana Restaurants" (Chili's, Applebee's, TGI Friday's, Ruby Tuesday). Chili's quality has stayed to worth the money. I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from Applebee's: It looked more like airportsteak.
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
And no one in the Philly area calls them a Philly Cheesesteak. It's a cheesesteak. So guaranteed next time you see "Philly Cheesesteak", it's probably gonna suck.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
And no one in the Philly area calls them a Philly Cheesesteak. It's a cheesesteak. So guaranteed next time you see "Philly Cheesesteak", it's probably gonna suck.
I've had excellent steaks elsewhere. But man this Applebee's one was the worst I've ever had.
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 02:03:11 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
And no one in the Philly area calls them a Philly Cheesesteak. It's a cheesesteak. So guaranteed next time you see "Philly Cheesesteak", it's probably gonna suck.
I've had excellent steaks elsewhere. But man this Applebee's one was the worst I've ever had.
The most interesting ones are when they slab a piece of meat on a roll, or something to that effect.
If I'm at an all-inclusive or someplace where I'm not paying for it and can easily get something else, sometimes I'll get one just to see what they actually call a Philly Cheesesteak.
I love Chili's, but the last time I went to Applebee's which was the first time I'd been there in a couple years I was impressed.
Chili's has gotten my money at a couple of airports. Their Tex-Mex offerings are not especially worse than similar places. Their margaritas are pretty bad.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
There's a sandwich shop near me (MSM in Tacoma) that makes a killer cheesesteak. I don't think I need to visit Philadelphia to get a decent cheesesteak.
I've only been to Applebee's. Never been to Chili's. The only thing I'm going to get when I go to either one is a medium cooked top sirloin steak and french fries. As long as my steak tastes good I'm fine with both.
Quote from: jakeroot on December 18, 2015, 08:03:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
There's a sandwich shop near me (MSM in Tacoma) that makes a killer cheesesteak. I don't think I need to visit Philadelphia to get a decent cheesesteak.
I was intrigued, so i looked it up: 6 inch French roll, toasted, with sirloin steak, mayo, tomatoes, onion & green peppers. That ain't a Philly Cheesesteak. That's some f'ed up hoagie.
Mayo...seriously? Philly should sue for having their city associated with that on a "Philly Steak".
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2015, 12:43:54 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 18, 2015, 08:03:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
There's a sandwich shop near me (MSM in Tacoma) that makes a killer cheesesteak. I don't think I need to visit Philadelphia to get a decent cheesesteak.
I was intrigued, so i looked it up: 6 inch French roll, toasted, with sirloin steak, mayo, tomatoes, onion & green peppers. That ain't a Philly Cheesesteak. That's some f'ed up hoagie.
Mayo...seriously? Philly should sue for having their city associated with that on a "Philly Steak".
Local variation is to be expected anywhere in the US. But, I can tell you this much: I ain't gonna visit Philly just to get a god-damn sandwich. There are a billion sandwich shops in the US. You don't need to go to Philly just to get the "real" version.
I've heard that the Philly area has a variation of the cheesesteak called the "Cheese Steak Hoagie". Are you familiar with this? It includes mayo.
The real Philly Cheesesteak is in Reading Market down in Philadelphia, PA. Just a mere 2-3 hours from me.
Where is the Pat's vs. Geno's thread?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2015, 12:43:54 AM
Mayo...seriously? Philly should sue for having their city associated with that on a "Philly Steak".
...but cheese steaks are so good with mayo
Quote from: jakeroot on December 19, 2015, 01:13:30 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2015, 12:43:54 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 18, 2015, 08:03:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
There's a sandwich shop near me (MSM in Tacoma) that makes a killer cheesesteak. I don't think I need to visit Philadelphia to get a decent cheesesteak.
I was intrigued, so i looked it up: 6 inch French roll, toasted, with sirloin steak, mayo, tomatoes, onion & green peppers. That ain't a Philly Cheesesteak. That's some f'ed up hoagie.
Mayo...seriously? Philly should sue for having their city associated with that on a "Philly Steak".
Local variation is to be expected anywhere in the US. But, I can tell you this much: I ain't gonna visit Philly just to get a god-damn sandwich. There are a billion sandwich shops in the US. You don't need to go to Philly just to get the "real" version.
I've heard that the Philly area has a variation of the cheesesteak called the "Cheese Steak Hoagie". Are you familiar with this? It includes mayo.
There's definitely variations of foods throughout the country. But a Philly Cheesesteak is pretty specific It's like trying to call a thick-crust pizza 'New York Style Pizza'.
In fact, what you are describing is much more along the lines there is what we would consider a cheesesteak hoagie.
You don't have to go across the country to get an authentic cheesesteak. But don't be fooled into thinking what you're eating would be considered a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly.
Quote from: noelbotevera on December 19, 2015, 08:25:03 AM
The real Philly Cheesesteak is in Reading Market down in Philadelphia, PA. Just a mere 2-3 hours from me.
We have a really good cheesesteak place not too far from me here in Jersey. Anytime a cheesesteak story comes up in the Philly paper, there's quite a range of places where people consider it the best. For many, it starts with the roll. There's a few large-scale bakeries in the area, and for many people the cheesesteak is only as good as the roll it's on...as long as it comes from their favorite bakery.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2015, 01:05:11 PM
You don't have to go across the country to get an authentic cheesesteak. But don't be fooled into thinking what you're eating would be considered a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly.
Okay, and I agree that perhaps the MSM Philly ain't the real deal. But, you just said (edited?):
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
Are you saying that you can get an authentic Philly Cheesesteak anywhere in the country, it just won't be as good?
Quote from: jakeroot on December 19, 2015, 02:13:33 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2015, 01:05:11 PM
You don't have to go across the country to get an authentic cheesesteak. But don't be fooled into thinking what you're eating would be considered a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly.
Okay, and I agree that perhaps the MSM Philly ain't the real deal. But, you just said (edited?):
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2015, 01:57:56 PM
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 18, 2015, 01:45:51 PM
...I once got a Philly Cheesesteak from anyplace other than the Philly area. It sucked.
Fixed for you.
Are you saying that you can get an authentic Philly Cheesesteak anywhere in the country, it just won't be as good?
Yep. Hard to explain. But yep!
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 20, 2015, 02:06:18 AM
Yep. Hard to explain. But yep!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgifsec.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FGIF%2F2014%2F03%2FSheldon-Big-Bang-Theory-Animated-GIFS.gif%3Fgs%3Da&hash=8e0d27e8f66edb650cd37dfc77768c18f91465c0)
I'll go to Applebee's, just because I can eat relatively inexpensively. Usually, I get a garden salad (which is pretty large and tasty compared to what is offered at other places) and an appetizer. Or, I will get a burger and unlimited fries, which is only $6.99 on Mondays. To me, Chili's is just overpriced psuedo-Mexican.