I was on vacation in Chicago this past week, and while I try to stay up to date on current events as much as I can when I’m out, that usually just equates to me watching a ton of college football and forgetting the outside world exists.
Last week was no different, and when I got back home on Monday night and started to shift back into “OutKick mode,” I saw the fine dining establishment known as the Cheesecake Factory was trending on social media.
I felt pretty out of the loop, but after seeing people pick a side of the aisle to fall on in the Great Cheesecake Factory Debate as well as rank some of their other favorite sit-down restaurants, I knew it was time to throw my hat in the ring.
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If there are three things you must know about me, it’s that I’m passionate about sports, music and eating at restaurants.
That might come as a shock to anyone who has seen me in person, considering I’m about 160lbs soaking wet and looked like an emaciated child until I was 25 years old, but I am a chain restaurant connoisseur of sorts.
With all the commotion surrounding the Cheesecake Factory, and American eateries as a whole, I thought now would be as good a time as any to share my Mount Rushmore of fast-casual sit-down restaurants.
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This isn’t just some slapped together list either (shout out to “Rolling Stone”), as this topic is something that I’m constantly revisiting and reevaluating.
This Mount Rushmore represents a good mix of four different kinds of food and dining experiences, with different menus, atmospheres, and themes.
With all the preamble out of the way, let’s begin.
We start this list off with a bang, and a somewhat controversial one at that.
I’m not sure why Olive Garden has this reputation as a classless knockoff (my dad calls it the McDonald’s of Italian food), but I would never slander a place that offers endless breadsticks and pasta.
The soups are incredible, the variety of pastas is awesome, and the entrées are varied and filling.
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The vibes are immaculate too, giving me a classy place to “sample The Boot.”
My go-to choice is the chicken parm (duh), but I’ve never had a bad meal at Olive Garden and I don’t plan on it anytime soon.
If you’re looking for good old American fare at solid prices, look no further than Texas Roadhouse.
Their steaks are some of the best you can get at their price point, and the ability to smother them in sautéed onions and mushrooms is underrated.
Texas Roadhouse isn’t just a one-trick pony, though, as their appetizers — the cheese fries in particular — are immaculate, and their chili is some of the best in the biz.
I know what you all are here for, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the bread rolls, which would probably merit placement on this list by themselves.
They really lean into their Texas themes here, too, and if you’ve ever had a birthday at Roadhouse, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Can I get a “yeehaw?”
Maybe it’s just because I lived in Dallas for six years, but TexMex is supremely underrated and should be more of a national delicacy.
Luckily, Chuy’s is a national TexMex chain that is worthy of both Lone Star State natives and outsiders alike.
Their signature sauces go with just about any of their entrées, and although I’m not a big drinker, I have to say that their frozen margarita machines are worth the price of admission alone.
Whether you’re into spice or just some good old-fashioned, hearty fare from the southwest, Chuy’s has you covered.
The biggest selling point, to me though, is the creamy jalapeño ranch dip they give you with your chips and salsa.
Every great sit-down restaurant has a “gimmick,” and this one is undeniably delicious.
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It’s the perfect blend of creamy ranch and spice that will have you filling up on chips before your meal even comes out.
For my money, there is no greater fast-casual sit-down establishment in this great country than Chili’s.
The menu is insanely diverse. You can get seafood alfredo, steak, southwestern salad and traditional American fare all on a single page.
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Their lunch deals are also second to none, with the Three-For-Me and Three-For-$10 being go-to’s for yours truly.
There is nothing better than sitting in the Chili’s bar on a college football Saturday afternoon, ordering some chips and salsa and an ice-cold Coke and just soaking in the ambience.
My personal favorite has to be the Chipotle Fresh Mex Bowl, but I’ve been known to get a classic sirloin, the Margarita Grilled Chicken, or even the boneless wings, which are incredible even though I’m normally a traditionalist when it comes to wings.
I could write an entire book on my love for Chili’s, but this has gone on long enough and my mouth is starting to water, so if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear a Triple Dipper calling my name.