Ahhh, the chain... staple of the American casual-dining experience... I prefer the hole-in-the-wall ethnic joint or family-owned restaurant, but many of my friends are scared of trying new things so we usually default to chain dining. (One thing I hate is, when traveling to a new city, people who want to go with the chains, instead of exploring what the city has to offer - when I'm in Miami, I want Cuban food, when I'm in Alabama, I want BBQ, Buffalo, I want wings and beef on weck!)
Good chains:
Grand Lux Cafe - probably the best chain restaurant out there in terms of decor and quality of food. Unfortunately, I think it's only in major markets.
Boulder Creek Steakhouse - I think this is a regional thing, but their food isn't too pricey and it's not bad. It's not quite on the level of a local steakhouse, but their chipotle-marinated skirt steak for $16, and a rack of lamb for $20, are delicious and more than worth the price.
In-N-Out - Only had this once in LA but it was damn good, much better than their competitors.
Mighty Taco - Buffalo-region only Mexican fast food chain - higher quality ingredients than Taco Bell at the same price.
Cheesecake Factory - Hit-or-miss, which is understandable due to the excessive menu... the salads are consistently pretty good, though. Unfortunately, sometimes I've had to wait 3+ hours for seating... at least they're usually set within large malls so I can shop while I wait.
Texas Roadhouse - None around LI now, but I've been to ones in Buffalo and Huntsville. Unlimited peanuts before the meal begins, and some decently-priced BBQ fare.
Famous Dave's - The closest I'm gonna come to getting good BBQ on the island, for now. Gives you a shit-ton of food, their sausage is good, and the campy redneck-inspired decor is good for a laugh or two.
Popeye's - All the ones near me closed down, so the nearest one is in Jersey... love the spices and the crispness of their fried chicken, doesn't seem to be nearly as greasy/fatty as KFC, either.
Worst chains:
Olive Garden - I come from an Italian family and live in an area with a family-owned Italian restaurant on every other corner, so I can't even fathom how others can eat here... food has no taste whatsoever, only thing I can tolerate is the breadsticks.
Applebees - poor food and not to mention you get tons of annoying kiddies here, only good thing about them is 1/2 price appetizers after 10
Chili's - used to love it but my friends killed it for me by wanting to go there all the freaking time... plus, their food just tastes overly salty to me.
