10 Restaurant Chains To Avoid And 10 You Should Try Instead
Ever found yourself stuck in a fast-food rut, wondering if there’s something better just around the corner? Trust me, I’ve been there too—more times than I’d like to admit.
After too many disappointing drive-thru meals (including one unforgettable bout of food poisoning from a well-known burger chain), I made a vow to be more mindful about where I spend my hard-earned dining dollars.
Not every big-name restaurant lives up to its reputation when it comes to quality, freshness, or value. But don’t worry—there are still plenty of gems out there. Let’s dive into which popular chains you might want to skip—and the tastier alternatives worth trying.
1. AVOID: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
Microwave City, population: your dinner! During my last Applebee’s visit, I watched in horror as my server popped my “freshly prepared” pasta into what was clearly a microwave behind the bar. Yikes!
The chain has earned a reputation for pre-packaged, reheated food masquerading as restaurant-quality meals. Most items arrive frozen at locations, then get zapped back to life before hitting your plate.
Despite their constant menu revamps and $1 drink specials trying to lure customers back, the food quality remains stubbornly mediocre. Why pay restaurant prices for glorified TV dinners when so many better options exist?
2. TRY INSTEAD: Seasons 52
Fresh ingredients sing on every plate at this gem! My first bite of their cedar plank salmon literally made me close my eyes and savor the moment – something that NEVER happened at chain restaurants before.
Seasons 52 stands out with their commitment to seasonal menus that change (you guessed it) four times yearly. Nothing exceeds 595 calories, yet portions satisfy completely. Their oak-fire grilling technique infuses dishes with incredible flavor without drowning everything in butter or cream.
The sophisticated yet unstuffy atmosphere makes this perfect for date nights or catching up with friends. Bonus points for their mini-indulgence desserts that deliver just the right amount of sweetness!
3. AVOID: Olive Garden
Those never-ending breadsticks can’t hide the truth – authentic Italian cuisine this is NOT! Last Christmas, my Italian grandmother nearly fainted when I mentioned considering Olive Garden for our family dinner.
Behind their faux-Tuscan decor lurks a kitchen relying heavily on pre-made sauces, frozen pasta, and dishes loaded with sodium and preservatives. Their famous unlimited salad arrives pre-dressed and often wilted, while entrees drown in salt-laden sauces that mask mediocre ingredients.
Most disappointing is their pasta – often overcooked and smothered in sauces that would make any real Italian chef weep. For the same price, local Italian restaurants typically offer genuinely fresh, authentic options.
4. TRY INSTEAD: Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Mama mia, now THIS is Italian-American food done right! The first time I tasted their made-from-scratch pasta, I nearly proposed to the chef (embarrassing my date considerably).
Carrabba’s hits the sweet spot between casual dining and quality cuisine. Their open kitchens showcase chefs hand-preparing dishes using recipes from the founders’ Sicilian grandmother. The wood-fire grill imparts magical flavors to their meats and seafood that factory-line kitchens simply cannot replicate.
Their house-made sauces contain no preservatives or artificial ingredients, and you can actually taste the difference. While slightly pricier than some chains, the quality justifies every penny spent on their chicken bryan or tag pic pac.
5. AVOID: McDonald’s
Golden arches? More like golden disappointment! My last McDonald’s visit left me with a burger that resembled the sad, flat picture on the menu board about as much as I resemble Brad Pitt.
Beyond the obvious health concerns, McDonald’s struggles with consistency and quality. Their burgers often arrive lukewarm, with wilted lettuce and special sauce that’s anything but special. The chicken nuggets contain so many fillers they barely qualify as poultry.
Workers frequently handle food with the enthusiasm of someone filing tax returns, resulting in sloppily assembled meals. While their breakfast items fare slightly better, there’s no escaping the fact that most ingredients are processed beyond recognition.
6. TRY INSTEAD: Five Guys
Burger heaven exists, and it’s lined with free peanuts! My Five Guys epiphany happened during a road trip when I bit into their juicy cheeseburger and actually exclaimed out loud, startling fellow customers.
The difference is immediately apparent – hand-formed patties made from never-frozen beef cooked to order right before your eyes. Toppings burst with freshness, from the crisp lettuce to perfectly ripened tomatoes. Their fries, cut fresh daily from whole potatoes and fried in peanut oil, put the frozen competition to shame.
Yes, it costs more than fast-food joints, but you’re getting actual food made by actual humans who seem to actually care. The simple paper-wrapped presentation lets the quality ingredients speak for themselves.
7. AVOID: Subway
“Eat Fresh” might be the most ironic slogan in fast food! After discovering my local Subway kept their “fresh” vegetables in plastic bins for days, I couldn’t unsee the wilted lettuce and slimy tomatoes.
The chain has faced numerous controversies, from their tuna that allegedly contained no tuna DNA to the revelation that their bread contained so much sugar that Ireland legally classified it as cake! Their meats often contain fillers and preservatives that undermine any health claims.
Most locations now pre-slice ingredients at central facilities, meaning your “freshly made” sandwich components might have been cut days before arrival. The cookie smell pumped through ventilation systems might be the most authentic thing about the place!
8. TRY INSTEAD: Jersey Mike’s
Sandwich nirvana awaits at this sub shop extraordinaire! I became a convert after watching an employee slice premium Boar’s Head meats right before my eyes – no pre-packaged mystery meat here!
Jersey Mike’s stands out by bread-baking daily in-house and slicing meats and cheeses to order. Their signature “Mike’s Way” with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, vinegar, oil and spices creates a symphony of flavors that puts assembly-line subs to shame. The hot subs, grilled fresh while you wait, elevate the humble sandwich to art form status.
Employees seem genuinely happy to be there, often remembering regular customers’ orders. Though slightly pricier than competitors, the quality and quantity justify every penny spent on their authentic sub experience.
9. AVOID: Cheesecake Factory
Menu size inversely proportional to food quality! My last Cheesecake Factory visit required reading glasses and 15 minutes just to navigate their novel-length menu – only to receive a mediocre meal that arrived suspiciously quickly.
How can any kitchen possibly execute 250+ menu items well? They can’t. Many dishes come pre-made and reheated, explaining the inconsistent quality and astronomical calorie counts (many exceeding 2,000 calories per serving – an entire day’s worth).
While their cheesecakes remain decent, they’re increasingly overshadowed by the gaudy décor and factory-line food preparation. The massive portions might seem like value, but quantity doesn’t compensate for the middling quality and excessive wait times for tables.
10. AVOID: Long John Silver’s
Davy Jones’ locker of disappointment! After biting into what was supposedly “wild-caught cod” but tasted suspiciously like deep-fried sponge, I knew my Long John Silver’s adventure had sunk before it began.
The seafood chain consistently ranks among America’s unhealthiest fast food, with most items battered and fried beyond recognition. Their signature fish contains more breading than actual seafood, swimming in enough grease to lubricate a car engine.
The restaurants themselves often feel neglected, with sticky floors and the lingering smell of old fryer oil. While budget-friendly, the low prices reflect the quality – processed seafood products bearing little resemblance to anything you’d actually catch in the ocean.
11. TRY INSTEAD: Bonefish Grill
Fish so fresh you’ll check for gills! My Bonefish revelation came when I tasted their signature Bang Bang Shrimp – a perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and sweet that had me fighting my date for the last piece.
This seafood-focused chain prioritizes freshness and proper cooking techniques over deep-fryers and frozen fillets. Their wood-grilled fish selections change regularly based on seasonal availability, and servers can tell you exactly where your meal was sourced from.
The relaxed-yet-refined atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and special occasion dining. While not the cheapest option, their consistent quality and attentive service make Bonefish an excellent value for seafood lovers seeking more than the typical frozen, battered offerings.
12. AVOID: TGI Fridays
Thank Goodness It’s…mediocre? My last TGI Fridays experience featured potato skins so rubbery they could have doubled as tire patches and cocktails sweeter than liquid candy.
Once an industry innovator, this chain has devolved into a shadow of its former self. Most menu items arrive frozen at locations, then get reheated and garnished to create the illusion of freshness. Their famous appetizers often taste like they’ve been sitting under heat lamps for hours – because they probably have.
The forced quirkiness and wall clutter can’t distract from declining food quality and inconsistent service. The artificially flavored cocktails and sugar-laden sauces might explain why the restaurants are increasingly empty except during half-price appetizer promotions.
13. TRY INSTEAD: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Beer-lovers’ paradise with food to match! My BJ’s conversion happened when I paired their house-brewed Jeremiah Red ale with their incredible Pizookie dessert – a combination so perfect I still dream about it.
Unlike chains that prioritize microwaves over chefs, BJ’s makes nearly everything from scratch daily. Their diverse menu ranges from hand-tossed pizzas to slow-roasted entrees, with something for everyone. The award-winning craft beers brewed in-house complement the food perfectly.
The modern, comfortable atmosphere works equally well for family dinners, date nights, or watching games with friends. While menu prices sit slightly above casual dining averages, the quality, portion sizes, and overall experience deliver excellent value without the corner-cutting found at similar chains.
14. AVOID: Cracker Barrel
Nostalgia can’t mask mediocrity! After waiting 40 minutes for a table (surrounded by country knickknacks priced at three times their value), my Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings arrived lukewarm with a distinct flavor of… nothing much at all.
Behind the rocking chairs and checkers games lurks a kitchen relying heavily on pre-made, processed ingredients. Most vegetables come from cans or freezer bags rather than fresh produce. Their breakfast items swim in grease, while lunch and dinner options often taste institutional rather than homestyle.
The chain has also faced multiple discrimination controversies over the years. While the gift shop provides amusement while waiting, the food quality rarely justifies the increasingly long wait times or premium “country cooking” prices.
15. TRY INSTEAD: First Watch
Breakfast nirvana exists, and I found it on a plate of lemon ricotta pancakes that were so fluffy they practically floated! First Watch transformed my understanding of what morning meals could be.
This daytime café chain prioritizes freshness with no heat lamps or deep fryers in sight. Everything arrives made-to-order using quality ingredients like cage-free eggs and house-roasted vegetables. Their seasonal menu changes showcase creative dishes alongside perfected classics.
The bright, airy spaces and genuinely friendly service elevate the experience beyond typical breakfast joints. Though slightly pricier than greasy spoons, the quality justifies every penny. Their fresh-squeezed juices and Project Sunrise coffee (sourced directly from women-owned farms) demonstrate their commitment to thoughtful sourcing.
16. AVOID: Sbarro
Mall pizza purgatory! I once waited 20 minutes at a Sbarro counter while an unenthusiastic employee reheated a slice of pizza that had likely been sitting in the display case since the mall opened.
This food court staple epitomizes mediocre pizza – mass-produced, pre-made, and often reheated multiple times throughout the day. The crust typically ranges from cardboard-dry to suspiciously soggy, while toppings lack freshness and flavor.
Their assembly-line approach to Italian food results in pasta dishes that would make any nonna weep with despair. Despite convenient locations, the quality-to-price ratio makes Sbarro one of the worst values in quick-service dining. Even their newest locations can’t hide the dated concept and execution.
17. TRY INSTEAD: MOD Pizza
Pizza revolution on a personal scale! My first MOD experience blew my mind when I realized I could pile on unlimited toppings for one fixed price – and watched them fire my creation in a blazing hot oven right before my eyes.
This fast-casual chain reinvents pizza dining with its build-your-own concept. The thin, crispy crust serves as canvas for fresh ingredients sliced daily in-house. Unlike traditional pizza joints, MOD encourages experimentation without charging extra for additional toppings.
Beyond great food, they’ve built a culture around social responsibility, hiring people with barriers to employment and paying living wages. The modern, clean spaces and quick service make this perfect for families, lunch breaks, or casual dinners. Their commitment to quality ingredients at reasonable prices creates genuine value.
18. AVOID: Arby’s
“We have the meats”… but what exactly ARE those meats? After inspecting the unnaturally uniform texture of my Arby’s roast beef sandwich, I couldn’t shake the feeling I was eating something science created rather than nature.
Despite marketing themselves as a cut above typical fast food, their signature roast beef bears little resemblance to what you’d carve at home. The processed meat product arrives at stores as a liquid-solid paste that’s formed and cooked on-site – explaining the strange, perfectly uniform appearance.
Their other offerings fare little better, with chicken and turkey products heavily processed and sodium-laden. While their curly fries remain a guilty pleasure, the questionable quality and high prices compared to other fast food make Arby’s a chain worth skipping.
19. TRY INSTEAD: Panera Bread
Soup-in-bread-bowl enlightenment! My Panera conversion happened during a frigid winter day when their broccoli cheddar soup in a sourdough bread bowl literally warmed my soul and restored my faith in chain restaurants.
This bakery-café hybrid has built its reputation on relatively clean ingredients and freshly baked bread. Their transparent nutrition information and commitment to removing artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and flavors sets them apart from most quick-service competitors.
The seasonal menu rotations keep options fresh and interesting, while their coffee program rivals specialty cafés. Though not the cheapest lunch option, the quality ingredients and comfortable atmosphere justify the premium. Their rapid pick-up options and delivery service make healthy-ish eating convenient even on busy days.
20. AVOID: Panda Express
Chinese food that would make actual Chinese people cry! After discovering my orange chicken contained more breading and sugar than actual poultry, I realized Panda Express is to Chinese cuisine what spray cheese is to fine dairy.
This mall staple serves highly Americanized versions of Chinese dishes swimming in corn syrup-laden sauces. Most proteins arrive pre-breaded and frozen, then get tossed in sauces containing excessive sodium, sugar, and modified food starch.
The vegetables typically emerge overcooked and limp, while rice often sits in warming trays until reaching the perfect cardboard-like consistency. For similar prices, most cities offer authentic local Chinese restaurants serving freshly prepared dishes with actual culinary heritage and far superior ingredients.