Current Favorite Sit Down Restaurant
Posted by TryFine317@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 98 comments
What’s your favorite place to go out to eat at these days? Only recently discovered Yardhouse and it’s quickly moved up to the top of my list. (One finally opened in my general vicinity 3 years ago.) I like some local places too but the variety and quality at YH is awesome. Don’t even care for beer - but the patron margarita is on point. Excellent music too. Now I wonder what other good places I’ve been sleeping on.
bcentsale@reddit
Whenever possible we try for locally owned. We have several favorites, including a couple of local chains. As far as larger chains go, we like Texas Roadhouse, with Outback a distant second.
This-Guy-87@reddit
Did you know that "Texas" Roadhouse was founded in Evansville, IN? I guess Evansville Roadhouse doesn't have much drawing power.
bcentsale@reddit
I did not, but that's not overly surprising. "Evansville Roadhouse" doesn't sound that bad.
No-Gas5342@reddit
There’s a small pizza chain called Dewey’s that we like to go to. These days that’s about the only place we can go. They have excellent salads and a good beer/wine list so you can have a nice chill evening out.
This-Guy-87@reddit
Dewey's makes a great slice!
valhallaswyrdo@reddit
Local steakhouse owned by a lady who has been running it since the 80s. Best steak I've ever had, flame grilled with S&P.
But it's very close with a local Vietnamese owned french bakery that makes the best Banh Mi on the planet.
aboveaveragewife@reddit
Are you in South Mississippi? Because I know of 2 places like these as well.
valhallaswyrdo@reddit
You guessed it and you probably know exactly which 2 restaurants bc they are the best.
aboveaveragewife@reddit
Yep, to be more specific it’s coastal ‘Sip rather than just southern.
valhallaswyrdo@reddit
Yeah, we're probably on the same page. I live in OS.
nuke-a-soup@reddit
Locally owned mom and pop restaurants.
Flight_Not_Fancy@reddit
100%
FlyingAnvils@reddit
dumbass_sempervirens@reddit
I want a 9 year old running the register with their homework spread out on the counter.
sweet_pickles12@reddit
Preferably translating, because these are usually Asian or Mexican joints
nuke-a-soup@reddit
Our local Chinese restaurant has exactly that.
SickOfNormal@reddit
That’s usually a Chinese restaurant in my area
bcentsale@reddit
Working the register actually was my third job, and I was around 9 at the time. I was in the kitchen and bussing before then
sweet_pickles12@reddit
We have a rotating list.
I had a picky spouse… so sometimes places go on probation for a bad dish or bad experience until I get a craving. I’ll eat almost anywhere so it’s not that big a deal.
Just discovered a local joint we somehow never tried… I had a tamale Benedict and pretty much died and went to heaven.
SimpleVegetable5715@reddit
The staff actually seem like they want to be there, it’s so refreshing.
Traditional_Entry183@reddit
Unfortunately the ones near where I live that I used to like all closed, and the ones that are left suck. Low end ingredients and food that feels like it was microwaved.
big_ringer@reddit
We hit up locals and small-chains whenever possible.
FlatSixFun@reddit
Same. My wife and I don’t go to chain restaurants.
Logical-Cherry9395@reddit
My kitchen. We've reached a point in our cooking skills where what we make is better than the restaurant, cheaper, cooked to our tastes, and we also pick the music.
Frosty_Cloud_2888@reddit
What’s your address cause we are coming over! Just kidding.
Logical-Cherry9395@reddit
Lol, left of BFE
Bastard1066@reddit
I just love a good diner.
DrewBaron80@reddit
I love a simple diner breakfast.
leviathynx@reddit
There’s a punk bar in my town that serves an $8 cheeseburger with bottomless fries and coke. It’s my favorite by far. Second favorite is a Salvadoran place that serves Chicharron y Queso pupusas. Pair that with a Mexican Coke and it’s heaven.
Da12khawk@reddit
Do tell.
mickeltee@reddit
There’s a punk joint near me that does great pizzas. It helps that the owners are awesome people too, so I’m happy to spend my money there.
Frosty_Cloud_2888@reddit
What makes a bar a punk bar?
leviathynx@reddit
They have a lot of punk rock acts there and the owner (who I know personally) loves punk rock. They also do Goth Line Dancing and Heavy Metal Yoga!
sweet_pickles12@reddit
Heavy metal yoga!!? Cool
Frosty_Cloud_2888@reddit
Cool thanks
StarGraz3r84@reddit
The music played?
The "get fucked" attitude if someone starts being an asshole?
DearBurt@reddit
Attitude.
SlackerDS5@reddit
Most of mine are local owed places. Pretty lucky for the good Asian and Mexican food scene even though I’m 60 miles away from San Francisco.
GramercyPlace@reddit
I like Lawry’s Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. I’m guessing there’s one in other big cities (you know the seasoning). It’s a very well done classic style steakhouse. Everything there is excellent.
Thee-lorax-@reddit
Waffle House
jaybomb40@reddit
Crabapples, mom and pop comfy food
S_A_R_K@reddit
Shenanigans
Kellzy1212@reddit
Individual_Sky_4612@reddit
My mind went right to super troopers
Kellzy1212@reddit
I’m generally not a fan of chains. I only go if it’s a friend/ family member suggesting it. We have an an amazing Chinatown here in Vegas and stellar Japanese and Korean food, so those are my go to’s. I really like Izakaya Go.
Chunklob@reddit
They got this AYCE korean hot pot place up the street.
Stop_Already@reddit
A local diner, usually. I’m in the north east so there are lots around.
Just-Try-2533@reddit
Yard house is too damn loud. Can’t have a conversation with anyone.
say_what_again_mfr@reddit
Isn’t that the draw?
Just-Try-2533@reddit
If you wanna go to a sports bar and catch a game it’s fine. But if you’re going out for a meal, I typically like to talk with the people I’m with. And besides their food is just ok. I’d rather support a local establishment.
Sanchastayswoke@reddit
Hahaha that sounds like something my 77 yr old parents would say.
cmgww@reddit
Indianapolis area here: Excluding chains, probably Wolfies’s on Geist…. It’s a bit on the fancier end but we do like going there from time to time. Since we have kids we don’t eat out a lot. There is a really cool place down the road called CR Heroes (see our heroes, it took me way too long to figure that one out)…. The interior is decorated with tons of superhero stuff, as well as a local police and fire department gear/photos/posters/paintings. The whole theme is heroes obviously, and they do a really good job providing not only discounts to local police and firefighters, but also a ton of charity work as well. They have a great kids menu with lots of variety and reasonable prices.
KittySwipedFirst@reddit
My local Vietnamese place is where it's at. Big delicious bowls of pho and we get out for under $30.
Top-Wolverine-8684@reddit
Only local restaurants, no chains.
jujumber@reddit
100% chain restaurants serve the cheapest quality product and mark it up as much as possible to maximize profit. Panera Bread for example has all their soups premade and shipped to each store in big plastic bags that they simply reheat. I go out to eat often but I haven't been to chain restaurant for many years. I am lucky to live somewhere that has a ton of amazing locally owned restaurants. It helps the local community instead of shareholders who just care about profit. CEOs of these large companies have a fiduciary duty to make decisions solely to increase shareholder value.
theclansman22@reddit
I don’t want to shit on your comment, because going local is always better, but a lot of local restaurants use premade soups/good in a bag, it just comes from Sysco “food scientists” rather than Paneras “food scientists”.
BugEquivalents@reddit
There’s a pizza shop here with THE BEST Italian wedding soup. The broth is so salty, they use elbows and cut up meatballs. Shout out to Bella’s in Scranton PA
Individual_Sky_4612@reddit
Doesn’t nepa have something with their pizza? Like sauce is sweet or something of that nature?
BugEquivalents@reddit
Some places have a sweet sauce, which sounds weird but is good once in a while. There is a different cheese blend that most places use, which sounds odd bc it’s basically American cheese in with the mozzarella. It sounds disgusting but it’s really not bad, it gets nice and brown on top. I think the biggest claim to fame for this region is Old Forge style, which is square cut but the crust isn’t airy like Sicilian. Sicilian with pepperoni sounds really good right now
Exciting-Argument-67@reddit
Well that's true. But chain restaurants are especially guilty of it. Knew a guy who was a manager at a big chain, and he said the place didn't even have a stove. Everything was microwaved.
AdHour943@reddit
A "big chain" with no stove? I call bullshit.
sevalle13@reddit
My own kitchen table! Love my wife's cooking. Restaurants suck and are too expensive
UndoxxableOhioan@reddit
BJ’s Brewhouse is pretty good for a chain.
StevieV61080@reddit
My wife and I have never been fans of bars, so we have some limited options when it comes to sit down restaurants where we feel comfortable and familiar. That frequently leads us to Olive Garden and/or Red Lobster as while we have a gazillion authentic Mexican restaurants, most are of the taco truck variety and I don't believe any are Tex/Mex (a la Chi-Chi's or Don Pablo's). I'm not a fan of steak, so Texas Roadhouse and Outback don't do anything for me.
dominator5k@reddit
Chains can suck my ass. Every single one of them is dog shit.
ExhaustedTechDad@reddit
Chipotle can’t be beat
chargoggagog@reddit
Border Cafe in Massachusetts, really good Tex mex food at an absurdly good price
Traditional_Entry183@reddit
Chillis
Its the only one left that's as good as it used to be. Sadly, they closed the two closest to where I live, so my family will drive an hour to go there every once in a while.
lkmyntz@reddit
3 For Me!
Individual_Sky_4612@reddit
Texas Roadhouse. They’re reasonably priced, and they do a lot of fund raisers in our community. Also those rolls.
boston_homo@reddit
As others have said, local mom n pop places are where I’m spending money. I don’t remember the last time I went to a chain restaurant for a sit down meal, unless you count local chains like The Chateau.
MundaneMeringue71@reddit
Two favorites now both local spots..a Mexican place and a restaurant with a good salad bar. As for the chains, Red Robin and Outback are still pretty good.
KevinStoley@reddit
Home
Frosty_Cloud_2888@reddit
Home all the way, I make it how I want it
TryFine317@reddit (OP)
Word. 😆
Nanaman@reddit
Pretty much any conveyor belt sushi place
MuffinMatrix@reddit
Everyone always bashes chains, but some are good. I love Cheesecake Factory. Its nice to be able to go to one anywhere and know exactly the dish you're getting (I always gets the same). That can be more important than other factors.
You could go to extremely highly rated local places and be disappointed. Its more of a gamble.
Have favorite local spots too, but unless you're also local, you'd have no idea what they are hahah
Bubbly-Stretch8975@reddit
Yeah the attitude about chains is annoying. I get it and like patronizing local places but it’s also nice to know you can have some consistency. My partner is a truck driver and he likes to go to local places (if he’s not eating out of the truck) but doesn’t always have time or energy to scout them out. And it can a gamble digestively speaking! Texas Roadhouse is consistent in quality and service. Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Fridays - not as much but you know what you’re gonna get.
metwreck@reddit
Yup, they all have their place. We go to plenty of local spots, but sometimes it’s fun to take the kids to Red Robin or wherever too 🤷
crazycatlady331@reddit
A locally owned Mexican restaurant in my hometown. I go there with an old friend whenever I'm at my parents' house.
Sadly, I will not be there for Cinco De Mayo this year.
TryFine317@reddit (OP)
I recently had Mexican shrimp cocktail and it is amazing! Never even knew it about it until a few weeks ago.
Moist-Golf-8339@reddit
Locally owned Mexican restaurant. It’s the best family restaurant in town.
Cutthechitchata-hole@reddit
Red robin ust started sellimg pizza. Yummmm!
elphaba00@reddit
They tore down the Red Robin nearest us and turned it into a Chase bank. Yeah, that's what the world needs more of.
Cutthechitchata-hole@reddit
We really dont. But also could do without tge franchises
Solid_Service_5396@reddit
Everyone giving op shit. Clearly what’s your favorite isn’t meant to be mom’s diner on main straight in your town. Yardhouse is pretty solid and has great specials. It’s probably the best mid chain right now.
Exciting-Argument-67@reddit
No one is giving them shit. They're just answering the question honestly. I push back against the idea that if someone is talking about good restaurants and mentions chains, you're not supposed to say "Actually, we don't eat at chain restaurants." If you take that as being an insult against your manhood, or womanhood, or family, that's a you problem.
AshDogBucket@reddit
Local Thai places, Mexican places, and Indian places are my favorite. I don't do chains much except sometimes for a quick lunch at panera.
WendyPortledge@reddit
I haven’t been to a sit down restaurant in years.. I think the last time I ate in a restaurant was 2019.
Same-Manufacturer773@reddit
We live near some really beautiful spots. The waterfront places are great even if the food isn’t. One rum runner and I’m a happy lady. I can’t stand loud dining rooms where you have to yell for your table to hear you. I love a smaller place that does simple dishes well. Like steak frite. We recently had dinner at one of the best restaurants in our area. I’m gluten free. I was given gf bread and my own butter. Sounds silly but omg it was so nice to enjoy something safe and to even have an option.
caryn1477@reddit
We love Yardhouse!
Smartal3ck@reddit
Canters
hanshotfirst2233@reddit
Yardhouse is dope. So many beers on tap. We have one on downtown Indy. Food is decent as well. Our current go to is Coopers Hawk Winery. As dumb as it may sound for a “nicer” restaurant I love getting the Over the border egg roll appetizer as my main course. Dipped in their cashew dressing is 🔥🔥
TryFine317@reddit (OP)
I’ve been meaning to try them out!!
melissisms@reddit
I’m too busy being economically traumatized by my government to dine out, but when I do, I go local.
GeetarEnthusiast85@reddit
There's a place by me that's the best burger joint I've ever been to. I don't know what type of beef they use but they're delicious, cooked to perfection. They use Sharpe American cheese and Canadian bacon for bacon cheeseburgers with a lot of other toppings to choose from. Their fries are perfectly crispy on the outside, hot and moist on the inside with the right amount of seasoning with sea salt. Also, they serve craft sodas like Boylan instead of regular Coke or Pepsi. And their shakes! They are absolutely delicious and the flavors are vibrant. I find shakes are often the weakest items at burger places as they usually taste like vanilla with a hint of the advertised flavor.
TheREALBaldRider@reddit
I live in a small town. My wife and I used to go to one diner to support our favorite waitress. She opened her own place and now we go there.
Winter_Dimension8107@reddit
BreakfastTime