re: Best and worse national casual dining chains.

I've never been to Bonefish or Carraba's, so I can't chime in (except people seem to love Bang Bang Shrimp).

Does Ryan's still exist? Because THAT seems to be the grossest place of the chains discussed. Last time I went (about 18 years ago), it was filthy. Filthy. FILTHY!

Copeland's - I like their hot crab claws, as well as their Thai shrimp salad. My husband likes the tomato basil chicken. Dat taste good, cher.

Chili's is okay to me, but I haven't actually had anything from there in a couple of years, and I haven't eaten inside in more than that. When they started doing the drive up stuff I went there for the convenience a few times.

I went to O'Charley's once. A friend invited me for lunch and raved about it being her favorite place and how she went so often that they always knew her order.

To her I say:


Olive Garden, I've been twice in the last 20 years. I didn't hate it, just didn't love it.

I had lunch at Cracker Barrel once, and I was appalled, but maybe I ordered poorly. It was an all beige meal. Very unappetizing. My best friend loves the breakfast, so I probably just chose the wrong time of day and the wrong meal.

I am only half foodie. I love good stuff, but Rotel & Velveeta dip tastes pretty effing awesome, too.