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“Their Kitchen Is Comprised Entirely Of Microwaves”: 30 Of The Absolute Worst Chain Restaurants
Many of us enjoy a cheeky fast-food meal every now and then. But unless you’ve worked on the other side of the counter, very few people think about what it’s like being a chain restaurant employee. All the customers have to go on is the quality of the food and service. Though everyone makes mistakes, some businesses seem to be in the habit of making their errors a regular feature.
Redditor u/Eris3344 wanted to get to grips with the landscape of chain restaurants in the United States, so they asked people to explain which ones are the worst and why. We’ve collected some of the most insightful answers to share with you.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I was excited to try Taco Bell when they launched in the UK a couple of years ago. What the hell America, it's literally warm lettuce in an unflavoured Dorito.
GoGoPDX 2 years ago (edited)
There are 3 times when Taco Bell is great. 1: you are 19, broke, and want something other than hamburgers. 2: you are high, and Taco Bell is suddenly gourmet. 3: you're drunk, your friends are drunk, and the bars are closed. Taco Bell is open. Then there is the weird extra time Taco Bell is good. Some random Tuesday night after a long work day and you just want Taco Bell.
SkyBlueandBlack 2 years ago
Can confirm. Had a couple crunchy tacos two weeks ago, just... because. Dead sober, too.
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Jeremy James 2 years ago
It's like Faerie gold: all glittery and beautiful in the midnight hours, but by the light of day it's just trash.
Rachel Ainsworth 2 years ago
In NZ it's worse than the few mediocre Mexican restaurants that we have.
Load More Replies... Jane No Dough 2 years ago
It's actually food poisoning and warm lettuce in an unflavored dorito. Been there twice in my life, two different locations, food poisoning both times.
Tim 2 years ago
I consider myself extremely lucky. I have never once had food poisoning. (Knocks on wood)
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CrunChewy McSandybutt 2 years ago
I had an English friend say how he couldn't wait until Taco Bell came to the UK. I asked why and he said, "I love Mexican food." Bruh. Taco Bell is to Mexican food as Olive Garden is to Italian (i.e., it's not).
Talitha Jansen 2 years ago
It's not Mexican food though. Mexicans frown upon it.
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#2
Subway. Still lost about how they stay in business. The quality keeps dropping, the prices keep rising, the deals are shrinking, and their market share is being cannibalized over the last decade or so by places that offer a superior offering at less or just slightly more. I can walk in and get a Jersey Mikes sub for 10 bucks and it's miles better than anything subway can spit out.
GoGoPDX 2 years ago
I get sooooo sick every time I eat at Subway. I stopped eating there years ago because of this. Well, about a month ago, I was traveling a long road trip. I stopped to get gas, and was starting. All they had was a Subway. I took a chance hoping that something changed, or maybe it was a "crazy coincidence" when I got sick before. Well, nothing changed and it wasn't a coincidence. I go so sick that I missed work for 2days
Rachel Ainsworth 2 years ago
It's a good option in USA for a healthy meal as most of the alternatives at a similar price are either all meat or fried.
Johnnynatfan 2 years ago
Jersey Mikes blows subway out of the water. Sadly there are not any close to where I live but when I travel and see a Jersey Mikes I usually eat there.
Brocken Blue 2 years ago
Yes! Jersey Mikes is always the best tasting chain sandwich option out there. I grew up in NJ close to where they started, and even remember as a small kid ordering a sandwich in their first-ever shop.
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bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
I wonder if they quit giving money to billionaire sports figures, could they just bring back the $5 footlong? Steph Curry and Charles Barkley are rich enough. I have never been hungry and wondered to myself, what would Steph do?
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
My home town finally got one about 20 years ago. I worked nights at a home close by. I stopped off after work one morning not long after they'd opened, asked for a sausage and egg sandwich. I got the bread, a round grey thing, and a round brown thing. I don't know to this day which was supposed to be sausage and which egg.
Tim 2 years ago
Subway stays around because it has the lowest (by a big margin) entrance fees to franchise. John Oliver did a piece about it once.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
John is MY DUDE! He breaks it down for dummies like me.
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Rick Seiden 2 years ago
And there is evidence that executives knew all about Jerod and didn't do anything because of how much money they were making.
#3
I'm convinced Applebee's isn't a real restaurant. Just a front for repurposed takeout from neighboring restaurants.
ShawshankException:I'm convinced their kitchen is comprised entirely of microwaves.
Ash Cash 2 years ago
My sister worked at Applebees and said literally everything is microwaved ! Especially the "sizzling" plates. They make them hot then throw oil or water on it so it gives the fresh off the grill sizzle effect
JessG 2 years ago
I worked for them for years. They have the skillets on the grill, then when they put the food on the skillet, they add the butter/oil/juices on top and it makes it sizzle, of course, just like any sizzle, that's how you do it. Also, yes, many things are microwaved to reheat, usually side dishes, (NEVER meats) but everything is still cooked fresh. Fresh cooked and put away untill it gets ordered is completely normal. It HAS to be done this way because the general public is super impatient, so things are prepped and stored for faster service later. It isn't Five star for crying out loud people, and your food takes 15-20 minutes, so I don't know what everyone complains.
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JessG 2 years ago
The only reason people have a problem with this place is because of the public rumor mill. There is nothing wrong with the food, and nothing is done differently or worse than any other casual dining corporate named restaurant. The ONLY problem with it would maybe be boring recipes? But those change all the time. Anyone that bad-mouths it has not tried more than one or two things on the menu. It's cheap, and fast, and that's what the public wants. I don't know why everyone whines about cit honestly, oh yeah, because your friends say you should....smh
Never Snarky 2 years ago
We used to like Applebees a lot, but I have to agree, the quality has gone down. This seems to be true of a lot of restaurants.
Nightshade1972 2 years ago
I ate at Applebee's a couple of times when I lived in the US. Seemed like they were more focused on pages and pages of expensive "designer" cocktails (I can't drink, so that was meaningless to me), so they didn't care if their actual food tasted good or not. Pretty bland, pretty uninteresting, plenty of other places I could eat, in the US, that I liked better, for less money.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
I haven't eaten out in 15 years. Thanks restaurant-employee-posted YouTube videos.
Don Donaldson 1 year ago
No way the fud is mircowavd. I am mr. aplebee. I well remedy this post haste
Load More Replies... Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
So, I can get a frozen dinner to nuke for four bucks.
Patrick Whittington 2 years ago
It is lol. I worked there twice. You ever send your food back it's getting microwaved, again.
Most customers are practical. So long as the food tastes great and is pretty affordable, and the staff treats them well, they’ll be happy. However, some of the most important things happen behind the scenes. Ideally, all businesses would operate ethically, treat their employees well, and have high quality and hygiene standards.
These factors also often have an effect on the quality of the food that comes out of the kitchen. Motivated, well-trained, fairly paid, disciplined staff members will provide an excellent customer experience. On the flip side, workers who don’t get paid well, have no clue what they’re doing, and are managed poorly are more likely to not care about their jobs. Caring about the way chain restaurants operate means enjoying a better customer experience.
#4
Golden Corral is an abomination.
GNOIZ1C:Quantity, Not Quality™️
Rick 2 years ago
This the place you go in America to watch all the people waste excessive amounts of food and feel good about it.
Saint Tim the Godless 2 years ago
Correction: the place you go in America to watch 300-400 pound people waste food and feel good about it.
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David 2 years ago
I have only been to the Golden Corral in Billings Montana but I've been there about three times and liked it every time. My steak was cooked to order, lots of other dishes I liked. We used to have an Old Country Buffet and the Golden Corral was way better than that. But then I read other folks (I think here in a different thread) relating horrible experiences.
Brocken Blue 2 years ago
Yeah, I think quality of buffets depends *greatly* on the quality of management. I’ve been to great Golden Corrals where I happily pigged out and I’ve been to buffets where I was skipping the foods that looked like there’s been sitting there all day.
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NetworkNate 2 years ago
are there, three separate times, each time got food poisoning. haven't eaten at one in 9 years. Nothing worse than gobbling down food that's been sitting in plate warmers, when recent cooked food is mixed or flopped on top of old product. Not to mention ingesting bacterial droplets that came into contact when other customers will be coughing and such, over a barely covered food partition wall.
Patricia Steward 2 years ago
You can also watch the little kids stick their grimy fingers in the chocolate fountain.
Steve Bennett 2 years ago
I just came hear to read comments (from people who went once or never) speaking with great authority on the daily experience. My take? Great fried fish, a huge choice of fresh vegetables prepared in house, the last of the once-ubiquitous salad bars. That's much better quality, in my book, than the reconstituted sauce-pack routine of most chain restaurants. Yeah, there are tradeoffs. Be the first person there at lunch, never go on weekends/nights. Sanitation can be off, but at least it's not hidden as it is in almost every commercial kitchen. There is no excusing the floors, that's just the price you pay. Still, I'm there once a week for my fish and veggies fix.
#5
I fail to understand how Dominoes is still in business. It's the cr*ppiest pizza out there. Like cardboard with red melted crayon for sauce. It's pathetic. With all the far superior places to get a pizza from.......why the hell do people still prefer Dominoes?
Sue Denham 2 years ago
Is this everywhere or just some places? We have Domino's in NZ and it's pretty good.
Mad Dragon 2 years ago (edited)
I'm in Washington State and one near my office is pretty good. They also have a large 3-topping carryout special for $8.99, which gives me lunch for at least 2 days.
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MagicJacket 2 years ago
It could be location-specific. The Domino's in our town is halfway decent, and is gourmet compared to Little Caesar's.
Daniel Atkins 2 years ago
Little sleazers is the one I wonder about you can taste the cheapness.
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TTorrest Author 2 years ago
I live in New Jersey--aka one of The Pizza Capitals of The World--and I used to wonder why Domino's would bother trying to do business in a place outshined by so many other superior places. But honestly? Sometimes, you just want junk food! And Domino's is the junk food version of good pizza. (Oh, and also, when I was out in California one time, their pizza was godawful. Domino's was the best pie out there. Maybe that's the case in other places, too?)
Der Kommissar 2 years ago
Domino's is still better than Papa John's or Little Caesar's. Not saying its good.
#6
McDonald's, they treat their workers like s**t, they get paid to be abused by coworkers, customers, owners, and truck drivers. Get injured? too bad! That's a you problem! Get back to work!! You can't even make enough to SURVIVE food is s**t, overpriced, and I'd rather eat my own s**t over mcs**t. You have a family member dying? Oh well we need you to come in cus our best Boi Mc. Never does anything wrong needs a month off cus he "earned it" aka siting on his a*s doing nothing while you cook, clean, fry, assemble, and so on! Tldr: McDonald's is a hellhole and far worse than any fast food joint.
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
I have lost the desire for McDonald's except those damn delicious french fries. 🍟
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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
My aunt worked McDonald's for over ten years. She enjoyed it as much as is possible, but that was 40 years ago. I will say that the McDonald's closest to me is always clean, and they seldom make mistakes. Once I ordered on Door Dash, and forgot to order the sandwich plain. I called, and asked if there was any way they could do that. The young woman who answered said she'd make sure my sandwich was plain, and it was. They take the slushie and frozen Coke machines offline in the middle of the afternoon for cleaning, so I call to make sure I can get my frozen Coke. Their food isn't great, but the one by me is consistently decent. I don't like going to other McDonald's, though, because of what the other posters have said. I'm lucky to live by a good one.
Sonja 2 years ago
My son has spent two summers working there and they treat him SO WELL. He can take a day off whenever he needs, and they pay more than all the other places he was considering. Heck, they even threw him a birthday party. I’m sure some of it is pandemic/post-pandemic desperation for workers, but they really are just the nicest people. On top of everything, they’re giving him tuition assistance for college, even though he’ll be hundreds of miles away. Go, McDonald’s!
Seadog 2 years ago
Of all the fast food places there are to choose from, I'll never understand why anyone goes to McD. And as bad as their food is, their breakfast is the worst of it all. Sometimes customers bring our staff breakfast and at least half the time it's from McD's. It mostly ends up in the trash as no one will eat it. They have to pass Biscuitville, Hardee's and Bojangles to get here and the best they can do is McD's? They have to pass BK too and as bad as their breakfast has become it's still lightyears ahead of McD's.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
This is so weird. I keep hearing polarizing things about how McDonalds treats it's workers. I've heard the workers are paid very well, they get good benefits and help with college funds, decent hours and all that. But then I hear how terrible it is and low pay. Is there a difference between the franchises?
greasy jungle 2 years ago
I worked at McDonald’s 20 years ago and it was great! I left right before it went 24hours and expanded their menu beyond the classics. Good times.
Companies change their business practices to match their customers’ expectations. So if you feel that a certain chain of restaurants is getting super expensive, ladling slop on dirty trays, and treating everyone who walks through the doors poorly, vote with your feet. Boycott the restaurant and give the chain your honest feedback in writing.
Meanwhile, if you’ve seen hygiene standards slip and you’re honestly worried about your health, report the problems to your local organization responsible for ensuring food safety and standards. There’s nothing like a proper inspection to get restaurants in line.
#7
They all suck, but Pizza Hut has to be the one that fell the farthest.
lemming_follower:I've always believed there is money to be made on nostalgia. Pizza Hut executives are letting this demographic slip away. You think they'd offer a once-a-year special to satisfy us old-timers.
Of course, in addition to my 80's pizza, I'd want a few games sitting down at a cocktail arcade machine...
N G 2 years ago
Pizza Hut in the UK is fairly good. I went to one in Florida and the cheese was terrible.
Saint Tim the Godless 2 years ago
Pizza Hut is bad. Florida is terrible. But a Pizza Hut in Florida? Must have been an inner circle of hell.
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jimmy jack 2 years ago
I used to work here in the 70's. I have been to most of the places and I can tell you its not the food its the people and how society has failed us, no pride in workmanship anymore, employees couldnt care less about what or how they serve you, oh by the way you forgot my tip!
Sharon Vaughn 2 years ago
My son works there and it's NOT microwaved. I've seen him make and bake pizzas.
Almost sunny 2 years ago
Bring back all the pizza huts and blockbuster please. Wouldn't that be awesome
Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
They reopened Pizza Hut in the area to much excited buzz, only to have it fizzle out within the first month due to lack of quality.
#8
Panera is on the list too.
Nature_Goulet:Panera costs more than a regular sit down. Totally ridiculous.
Phobrek 2 years ago
I ate there once. Just had some soup and bread. The bread was nice, which made sense, that's what they're supposedly about. The soup was tiny, overpriced, and mediocre at best. How do you f**k up soup?
R Dennis 2 years ago
It comes in big freezer bags and is put in a re-thermalizer to heat up. Sodium levels are ridiculous as well. The prices are ridiculous, but I promise you the workers aren't getting any of it.
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Amaree Matthews 2 years ago
Ordered some French onion soup there once and all it was was a bowl of sadness.
Saint Tim the Godless 2 years ago
Panera used to be GREAT 20 years ago. Their quality is now s**t. Their portion size is now s**t. Their service is now s**t. I walked past one at 5:30 the other night in a touristy spot and it was almost vacant. Shame.
BWC 2 years ago
That's the nicest way to say it's the only restaurant in town serving French onion soup .
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Karri Berkowitz 2 years ago
I like the food but hate that it's close to impossible to eat there b/c all the tables are taken up with ppl and their laptops that only have a drink
#9
KFC. How can a chicken place be out of chicken so often? And bring back the corn on the cob as well as the tater wedges you fools.
TheGramdWaZoo:It doesn't even taste like chicken anymore... It's just battered grease.
alwaysmyfault:Bring back the buffet!
Stygtand 2 years ago (edited)
Fries looks and taste like they have been soaked in water after cooking them and the chicken is tasteless and not crispy. More like greasy. Dont get me started on their so called coleslaw..
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Don't they have chicken salt on them? I can't stand chicken salt so haven't been to KFC or Red Rooster for years. I am now celiac too, so can't eat most chicken salt anyway.
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David 2 years ago
It's sad what happened to KFC. Back in the mid 90s I'd get a KFC meal for lunch sometimes. Back then they had a decent priced lunch special, the chicken was crispy and the honey was honey. Then one day my honey tasted weird and it turned out to be honey flavored corn syrup. Then over time the chicken also got more greasy / nasty. I don't know how to put that in words but I can say that several of my friends have commented on the same thing. And the price has gone up quite a bit to where I can get better food for the same price.
Jrog 2 years ago
This was likely one of the cost-saving measures that PepsiCo took when they split the restaurant division into its own company
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Mark Fuller 2 years ago
Quality variable in the UK. But we do still have wedges and corn cob. The fries however, are criminally bad. Like, it requires effort to make fries that unpalatable.
While chain restaurant employees ought to be proud of their jobs and try to do the best they possibly could, the responsibility doesn’t rest just on their shoulders. It’s also essential that their managers and bosses motivate them properly. After all, if someone’s superiors don’t care about the customers, why should the employees?
This motivation could, for instance, mean rewarding the staff with monetary bonuses for excellent work, top-notch customer service, and good hygiene practices. That way, there’s a very practical incentive to be at the top of your game. Similarly, workers ought to be incentivized in the long term as well. They should know what kinds of training, raises, promotions, and other perks they can reasonably expect, and when. And that comes down to upper management that genuinely wants their staff to thrive, and is transparent about their goals and expectations.
#10
Sbarro. It takes a lot of work to ruin pizza.
Em 2 years ago
I've heard this a couple times lately. What exactly is supposedly wrong with it? My only issue with Sbarro is that it's delicious and the only one I know of still in existence is like 20 miles away.
Rostit . 2 years ago
I have never heard anyone call their pizza delicious. Edible, better than starving sure, but delicious? You must have an sbarros that is not the same as the chain. Their sauce (the chains)is crappy ketchup.
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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
The pizza is bland and boring, but fits the whole mall vibe.
Daniel Atkins 2 years ago
I think they exist only in airports mainly because you have few choices there.
Jeremy James 2 years ago
Growing up, we had a Sbarro in my hometown and the pizza was phenomenal. I stopped into a location recently after not having seen one for years and it was garbage.
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
Omggg I can't eat sbarro... when we went on our senior trip to Nassau we had meal tickets and the only restaurant near our hotel that took them was sbarro. So nasty after 7 days especially drunk abd hungover eating it
Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
Ugh, I hated walking past Sbarro in a mall. Smells like toe cheese.
Rachel Ainsworth 2 years ago
Foot bacteria and cheese bacteria are the same (Brevibacteria spp).
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#11
Burger King - awesome when I was a teenager, sucks now. I dunno, the food quality has gone too downhill for me.
Hawkmoon 2 years ago
I have to admit that this is the only fast-food chain I let myself be tempted by from time to time. In Europe, the quality of food is closely monitored, even "junk food".
Eric Spinfisher 2 years ago
A flame grilled whopper is one of the best burgers out there. With onion rings and choco shake, of course.
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Naya Busch 2 years ago
Would've been better if they still had the old chicken nuggets, the crown shaped ones. Those tasted SO much better.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
Burger King I find better than McDs. At least all the fixings are distinguished and taste fresher. I don't feel terrible after eating it either.
Saint Tim the Godless 2 years ago
The quality of every food place has crashed in the last ten years. Everyone wants to maximize profits by selling the worst product that people will still buy.
Living Example 2 years ago
I didn't eat fast food for a couple of years. I recently went to a Taco Bel, a Burger King and a Wendy's. It seemed to me that TB and BK have gotten even worse in that short period. TB was just nasty. It was like everyone there stopped caring a long time ago. I thought the BK burger patty was not bad in the past. Now it seems really mealy and non-beefy. Wendy's was the only one that I will definitely be going to again. It was hot, fresh and just as I remembered them.
Pamela Blue 2 years ago
I haven't been in a Burger King or McDonald's for a couple of decades now. I'm sure they've both gone downhill since then.
Living Example 2 years ago
You wouldn't believe it. Sometimes as things evolve constant users may not even notice incremental change. If you can stand it, I would really like to see you go to BK and McD and try just a simple burger from each. Bet you can't finish them.
Load More Replies... #12
Hate me if you want, but I can't stand Olive Garden. Their menu is just too limited and their food has no inspiration.
DenL4242:Why would anyone hate you for stating straight-up facts? Olive Garden can't even cook pasta correctly.
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
Unlimited salad and breadsticks are sort of wonderful when you're broke tho lol.
David 2 years ago
Not any more. At least in my area they upped the price a lot. It used to be about $7.99. Now the price is on par with a regular meal. It's now real close to the all you can eat Chinese buffet that is only about 1/4 mile from Olive Garden..
Load More Replies... Eh-non-o-mous 2 years ago
Ate Shrimp Scampi ($19.99) there last year and the consistency of the shrimp was slimy like they got it out of can (definitely not seared in a pan with butter - the classic scampi method) and the sauce had no hint of garlic -- it looked like Paul Newman's Italian Dressing thickened up. A waste of money and I vote with my wallet and will not be back EVER.
The Veil of Fire 2 years ago (edited)
Lived in italy...never tasted Italian food like that. Its simulated Italian food or better yet Americanized Italian food. Real Italian in fresh, light, fresh, properly seasoned with fresh herbs and lightly fresh spices. It should taste like it was fresh from the garden. Please note Fresh.
Sharon Vaughn 2 years ago
My DIL worked there and says management isn't all that great either.
#13
Chick-Fil-A. They cause horrific traffic jams. One just opened and it’s already making everyone around miserable.
It’s a damn sandwich.
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
Never been and never will, so I can't comment on quality of food. The WTF America part of it is how horrible they are as a company. I absolutely cannot support a business that is so overwhelmingly obsessed with homophobia and the desire to shove religion down the throats (literally and figuratively) of the masses.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago (edited)
Not a restaurant but Hobby Lobby is another religious zealot run business. The heiress to Publix supported Trump and gave $2-3 million in support of Jan. 6th rally.
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and_a_touch_of_the_’tism 2 years ago
Also they’re a terrible company that actively donates to hate groups.
WonderWoman 2 years ago
They are run by homophobic faux christians who want to shove their beliefs down everyones throats. Their chicken is just okay. Where they shine? Milk Shakes, but I will never buy from them.
Captain Awesome 2 years ago
I have found chic fila to at least be consistent between restaurants. I always know what I'm getting there and that it will look and taste the same. As someone with IBD knowing the food how you body responds is a big plus.
Patricia Steward 2 years ago
They said they were going to be better re: LGBTQ, but they haven't.
The Veil of Fire 2 years ago
I have eaten at Chick-fil-A several times. Always knew it was Christian based company however not once was I served a meal with a homophobic message or the company pushing their owners religion in my face. In fact I recognize that at various locations a wide variety of folks worked there including many LGBTQ folks. Various ethnic folks. Different ages. Etc. So, as long as the chicken is good, served in a friendly manor and I'm hungry I don't mind getting a meal there every once in a while. its better then many other places around here.
Curly Q 2 years ago
Ok I work at Chick-fil-a, and to be fair, we have multiple queer people in the business! One queer girl is a BOH team lead, and she's starting to be FOH lead as well. From my personal pov, there are a lot of Christians in the business, but we don't try to witness or push religion on people.
Justin Laflamme 2 years ago
I tried it once. WTF? It tasted like they fried the chicken in old motor oil.
#14
Papa John's went from the top to the absolute bottom in a very short time. We refuse to order it anymore. It was never great but it has become inedible in the last 5 years or so. We actually threw it out last time we ordered it and made something else.
CanadianDimes 2 years ago
Of all the things the UK could import from the US, I will never understand why Papa John’s was chosen. It’s just so bad.
Nightshade1972 2 years ago
Gimme Apache Pizza any day of the week, and 2x on Sundays.
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MINNI THE HAMSTER 2 years ago
Papa Johns are decent in the UK (I HATE pizza so I dunno what that’s like) the chicken is great!
Zoe Duddle 2 years ago
Yeah, they use good quality ingredients and you can tell.
Load More Replies... Duuuuuuude 2 years ago
So true. They used be awesome. Not even sure I can say still better than dominoes.
#15
Long John Silver, it has to be a cover for the mob or something.
draggarJust something about fast seafood doesn't sit right with me.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
I like Captain D's. People seem to like one or the other, but never both.
Bubs623 2 years ago
I've never gotten 'seafood' from LJS, but their chicken 'planks' are so fried, so greasy and so bad for me that I love them. They literally slide down your throat. And the hush puppies aren't even close to authentic, but that's ok! They slide down too. I allow myself to ruin my cholesterol once or twice a year by going there. How they stay in business though?? Don't have a clue.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Bring back pineapple cream cheese pie! Doesn't sound good, I know. I had to be bribed to try it. But, DAYYYM, it's amazing!
Tee Rat 2 years ago
40 days of pure insanity and that's even with every Catholic fish fry completely full.
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Hphizzle 2 years ago
In all my life, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard anyone say out loud that they wanted to go to Long John Silvers. No one saying that hmmm LJS sounds really good right now.
Potato 2 years ago
I actually kind of miss it... those hush puppies slapped.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
A&W used to be better than it has been. Now it's becoming more like McDonalds. Their root beer isn't even that good anymore.
#16
Food? Mcdonald’s. Being able to make the food? Popeyes. Being able to CONSISTENTLY f**k up? Jack in the box. Somehow getting people to order online? Chipotle. Longest wait? Sonic. Closing every store? Burger king. Trying so damn hard to no avail? Arby’s. Please support independent restaurants yall. Same price or cheaper, way better food, doesn’t take 30 minutes just to get fries, and your money isn’t going to some corporation.
D-m Keilman 2 years ago
Every Christmas I buy immediate family gift cards to local family owned restaurants. Found some really great places that way.
Almost sunny 2 years ago
Macca's in Australia is good. I wish there was one in my town so I could have it more than once every 3 months.
Robert Beveridge 2 years ago
The Sonic down the road from me in 2013 (now RIP) was so, so good. The guy who always worked open was a massive stoner, and he made burritos the size he'd want when he got the munchies 🤣 A supersonic burrito with extra jalapeño was the perfect way to wake up on the way to work. Then he disappeared and the burritos were a third as big.
justaprettypotatopanda 2 years ago
hehe i used to work at a sonic, the food was terrible and the management was horrible, they fired me because i was talking to the owner about leaving and somebody wrote me up for it. she didn't even fire me herself, she had her crappy as *insert your favorite curse word here* boyfriend to do it. i'm better off without them, but they're not better off without me, that's all i'll say :)
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️Crystal️ 2 years ago
Most of my local restaurants are much more expensive, and some of them have much worse food. I hate that. We do not even have many good fast food places. McDs gets every order wrong, BK is always out of everything, Wendy's - do not get me started - order a burger with no bun and they'll give you an empty bun🤦🏻♀️ I am too poor for eating out much anyway, I save my treat money for when I am out of town and can get something yummy!
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Ordered online at Popeyes once. It says let us know when you're here and we'll start your food. The line was LONG, so I didn't want to notify them until I got closer. As I waited, I got the urge to tinkle, so I parked and ran in. The I approached the counter and told them I was here. They handed me my food. I still hadn't notified them that I had arrived. I asked when my food was prepared. I was told when it was ordered. OVER TWO HOURS BEFORE!!!! Two managers REFUSED to remake my food or refund my money. I had to speak to a third and threaten legal action. Has NO ONE at Popeye's heard of food safety???
Rahul Pawa 2 years ago (edited)
I dunno where these magic independent restaurants are that have better food for *cheaper* than the places on this list. A lot of these places stay in business on price alone.
#17
TGIFriday’s. Between TGIF, Applebee’s, and Chili’s (all essentially the same place) TGIF is the absolute worst. I doubt they even have fryers or ovens/grills in the kitchen - wouldn’t be surprised to just see 10 microwaves lined up.
troufaki13 2 years ago
TGIFriday's is pretty good in Greece though. Maybe it's something regional?
BlackestDawn 2 years ago
There will at least be country level variations (and possibly even more local levels depending on country size) between chain restaurant locations, and that is mainly due to regulations and taste profiles.
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Michelle C 2 years ago
Chili’s is okay, though. I agree that TGIF isn’t what it was when I was a kid.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I've only eaten there maybe a couple times. The only location I know of in Manitoba is in or near Teulon. Can't remember what the food was like. I guess average.
Will Cable 2 years ago
Music is so loud in our local one you don't have a conversation, you have a shouting match instead just to be heard.
Twizzle Sticks 2 years ago
While it’s difficult to disagree about pretty much all the restaurants here, I beg to differ on TGIFridays. They have several very unique and tasty dishes. Unlike most of these others listed here.
Me. Just Me. 2 years ago
Went there one time in the mid-2000's and never again. Service was poor, food was not all that great, and it felt very unclean.
#18
I’m definitely going to get hate for this but Panda Express.
The food is mediocre at best but I will give them the benefit that you can’t find a larger portion of food for ~$10 anywhere else. However the real reason I say it is the worst is because due to how popular and widespread they are, it’s given a lot of people in less culturally diverse sectors the idea that all Chinese food is a cheap and greasy struggle meal. I am of East Asian descent and I’ve learned to stop suggesting Chinese food as a first date when meeting a non-Asian girl because I usually get hit with something like “What like Panda Express? Can we go somewhere better?” 🤦🏻♂️
Barong 2 years ago
Not the best but not horrible either. Sure it’s not “authentic” (it’s a lot of American Chinese menu items and lacks a lot of the simplicity, traditional vegetables and sauces. More steamed items and dumplings would be nice.) There are better places probably near your local Panda Express but for those that don’t know or don’t have time, they are quick and consistent. They offer somethings that are better than other fast fresh peers. Their food has generally more veggies and much of their veggies were fresh until being cooked there. Their garlic eggplant and tofu was the only thing I really liked and they took it off the menu. I’m not a vegetarian, but i love vegetables. It’s hard to find restaurants, especially fast ones, that have a decent selection and offer a good volume of veggies. Any way the eggplant with tofu was really good.
Carole Petricek 2 years ago
So it's not just me? I call them "Intestinal Express"!!! Thinking my system just doesn't like the kind of oil they use?
Load More Replies... Son of Philosoraptor 2 years ago
I love Panda. Best broccoli beef!! It's fast food but way better than most fast food. You want restaurant? Go to restaurant!
Praea Kitten 2 years ago
PE always makes my lips and face rashy and puffy immediately and hurt for days after. I won't eat anything from there
#19
Waffle House
EDIT: I Googled "Waffle House shooting [hometown]" to support my point, but I then had to specify which one.
ConfusedCub 2 years ago
A shooting has absolutely WHAT to do with food chain quality? I myself have never tasted their food but I really can't imagine it being any better or worse than ihop.
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
The food is usually good, but to get an idea of Waffle House atmosphere, I have taken the liberty of posting this 🤣: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYNFqmu2toI
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Living Example 2 years ago
Someone should make a movie based on the Waffle House and the people who go there.
Patricia Steward 2 years ago
It's been a few years, so it may have changed, but their breakfast was pert dam good.
#20
Denny's. EVERY time I eat there (desperate times call for desperate measures) It sucks. Only 24/7 place open by my airport. How can you screw up food that bad and stay open?
David 2 years ago
Denny's is like McDonalds in that when you are traveling they both give you consistent mediocrity when dining in a strange town. You know they will be more or less c**p but you are familiar with that particular c**p and the prices so you eat there and then drive away asking yourself why.
John L 2 years ago
And too often, a nice big heaping side of racism...in the south.
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Holy Shimmering Sheeps541t 2 years ago
We used to live in Denny's when we were travelling the US as kids (this was 1981), I think my mum's still got the old glove puppets.
Fabian Bernard 2 years ago
I remember having good breakfast there in 1991 in Miami. But it's a past century...
Robert Beveridge 2 years ago (edited)
Got ill every time I ate there. Different stores, different states, didn't matter. Every time.
Spittnimage 2 years ago
I once ordered chili cheese fries at Denny's and was given fries with chili on them and a slice of cheese on top of the chili. WTH?
The Other Guest 2 years ago
I read a comment somewhere - I wanna say Tumblr? - that said, "No one plans to go to Denny's; you just sort of end up there."
#21
iHop Just go to a local diner. Much cheaper, better food, better service by far.
Brocken Blue 2 years ago (edited)
That assuming there *is* a local diner. Sometimes IHOP is the best/only game in town (and it’s always better than Denny’s)
Tee Rat 2 years ago
In the last 10 years 4 local diners have closed their doors since the next generation didn't want to be part of the restaurant business. 3 of them were open for over 100 yrs each.
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#22
My wife and kids LOVE this place, but I'm just gonna say it; Fazoli's.
It's literally just microwaved Italian Lean Cuisines (and if it's not I will be VERY surprised). It's not that it's gross, but I don't see the need to go out and pay a premium for it when I can hit up my local grocery store and nuke it at home.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
It's not the pasta. It's the bread sticks. *drools* *drools* *pounces Bouche's tail*
Nancy Lynch 2 years ago
Just when I discovered the place it closed. Never got to try the food. Oregon does not like Italian food.
Michelle C 2 years ago
I tried it once in Nashville as a teenager; the guy running the to-go order desk was miserable there and I felt sad for him.
#23
Sonic. Which sucks because I remember when the food there used to be good.
Seadog 2 years ago
First one we ever saw was in Rockingham NC. It was great. Next time through there we stopped again. It was good but everyone has off days. Next time wasn't so great. Then they opened one in Eden NC and then 2 near us in Virginia. None of those 3 were ever good and we've never tried them again anywhere. The 2 in Virginia are long gone.
Brenda Pereira 2 years ago
I go for the ice only, unless I'm really in the mood for a greasy burger.
#24
Chili’s has gone so far downhill that it’s sad. 15-20 years ago it was the top family restaurant in my eyes. Food was excellent, service was good and the atmosphere was fun. Now, the food is bland, it seems every chili’s is woefully understaffed and every time I go, it feels miserable there. It was one of my favorite places to catch a bite to eat and now I don’t even bother anymore.
KindnessMatters 2 years ago
Totally! I worked there almost 20 yrs ago and it was so good! I just went after having not been in years and was shocked at how mediocre it was!
SincerelyMeesh 2 years ago
I've been to Chili's twice, only as a child, and both experiences were terrible. First time my food came out cold. they fixed it immediatly so we decided to try it again Second time they brought me the wrong dish. I was too young to be comfortable sending back food. My mom convinced me to speak up cause the dish they brought me had a large quantity of an ingredient I am allergic too. The waiter argued this was what I ordered. My dad looked at him and said "do you think we would let our child order something that could kill her?" I looked at the waiter and just said "I ordered X and you brought me Y" The manager had to get involved cause another server stepped up for me, she had heard my original order. I guess the server we had was famous for screwing up orders and blaming the guest. Our meal was comped
Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
I can't have alcohol. I throw up even after a sip. This one time I went to chili's (different location, not my usual one) and I ordered the strawberry mojitea and my friend had some cocktail. As we were busy eating, chatting, laughing, I didn't think much about the taste. (Also the trust on workers like noone can make a mistake like this). Before the second sip, before I could even realise and go to the loo, I vomited. On the table. My friend checked my drink and yes, it was the alcohol.
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Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
They removed my favourite dish from the menu. Stopped going after that.
Sea cucumber (They/them) 2 years ago
The only good thing at Chili's now is the honey chipotle crispers.
#25
Cheese Cake Factory. One of the worst meals I've ever had from a restaurant is from them, and I can happily eat at Applebee's or wherever. Not only that but you pay a premium for their s**t food.
DeShotz 2 years ago
People knock CF for having a huge menu, but everything on it is made from scratch at the restaurant except, ironically, the cheesecake.
John L 2 years ago
Their problem is that their menu is WAY to big. Usually the more menu items there are, the less good anyone of of them is. Successful restaurants, stay in their lane, with smaller menus and higher quality food. It's a major reason why older chain restaurants are failing left and right.
Naya Busch 2 years ago
Also, they treat their workers like garbage, never give them any breaks, and more often then not the silverware is never fully cleaned and there's always napkins and other stuff underneath the booths. Also, don't even get me started on how unsanitary the back is. Food on the floor and a very slippery floor.
Ozymandias73 2 years ago
They must've had a bad night. Another restaurant I've gone to a few times and had no bad issues with. They're flexible with picky eaters as well. Don't want something in the dish? Ask, and they won't put it in. Pricey? A little yes, but still delicious food.
SkyBlueandBlack 2 years ago
Srsly. I had a friend who insisted on having her birthday at Cheese Cake Factory. Note "had" (completely unrelated reasons, but still).
Valerie Young 2 years ago
It's SO expensive. I took my 8 year old for a mommy daughter day. It was 65 bucks for 2 people!
Nightshade1972 2 years ago
Given the size of their menu (both regular food, and cheesecake), I would've expected them to have more stuff on it that I actually like. Seemed like there were maybe 1-2 entrees I could order that were reliably good, but if I decided to try something new (either new to me, or a new menu item), it was disappointing. Way overpriced for what you got, even the stuff I liked.
#26
Ruby Tuesday is absolute a*s.
Jus Frpn 2 years ago
Are they even around anymore? All the locations I know of closed. Their salad bar was decent.
The Other Guest 2 years ago
There's one fairly close to me. I've eaten at that location three times, and one that was (and possibly still is) near where I used to work once. I got sick afterwards three out of the four times. (Went to the one by work because my boss was part-owner; got sick. Went to the one near my house because I thought maybe a different location would be OK. Got sick. Went to that one again because my dad wanted to go and he was old enough that yeah we went where he wanted to eat; food was great & I felt fine after. Went again since I was OK the previous time, ordered the same thing & got sick.)
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Philly Bobcat 2 years ago
We had one here in NE Pennsylvania for some time and it was really great! Staff were cool, prices reasonable, salad bar was fantastic and always kept up and food always good. Then, covid killed it.
#27
Chipotle. The one time I attempted to eat there, I waited 20 minutes in line, the place was filthy, and then while my burrito was being made, the girl at the guacamole station LITERALLY VOMITED IN HER MOUTH AND RAN OFF THE LINE. The manager just called someone else up to take her place. I walked out. This was AFTER the whole "Chipotle is making people sick" thing, where they figured out it was sick workers and bad hygiene that was infecting customers with norovirus. That place is gross. I'll take Salsa Fresca over them any day.
Big Chungus 2 years ago
I feel like this is a regional thing, I haven't had any issues with the chipotle near me, so I guess lucky lol
Joshua David 2 years ago
Remember the McDonald's conspiracy? That McDonald's corporate workers were getting jobs there and poisoning the food lol?
Little Phoenix 2 years ago
Why do people still eat there? I read countless times " closed location,due to food poisoning". This company should not be handling food!
Ariadne Toms 2 years ago
Anyone see the thread where someone found a toenail in their chipotle burrito....?
Saint Tim the Godless 2 years ago
This is another chain like Panera that used to be really good, but now sucks. There are NO good ones in eastern Massachusetts. The one near me closes at FIVE and is always "out of ingredients". It's also filthy.
Michelle C 2 years ago
They’ve really gone downhill where I am and I will never be ordering from there again unless I’m desperate.
#28
Never met a Red Robin that didn't give me food poisoning.
WonderWoman 2 years ago
20 years ago, that place was amazing, then they starting cutting corners, increased their prices, lowered their quality - and just like that - they suck
Nolgoth 2 years ago
My aunt got hired to work at a red robin in like 2019. A month later she is told the restaurant was closing. A month later it is shut down, all employees fired. It is now an in n out
#29
Tim Hortons. DeliciousPangolin:I hate their phony, mass-produced nationalist pandering. Especially from a foreign-owned company that does everything in its power to avoid employing Canadians. No one outside Ontario gave a s**t about TH until they started spamming TV with ads depicting themselves as a cherished Canadian institution. Where did they get the money to do that? By selling themselves to Wendy's.
Krystle Deschene 2 years ago (edited)
It's not a coffee shop anymore. They try to push to many products, and "refocus on dinner menus" I managed one (shamefully, for 20 years) and the changes they made are atrocious.... focus on coffee donuts and bagels. Fix the coffee machines. Fox the drive thru set up amd youll have happier customers again. And 100% this post is correct. They get a government grant to support foreign workers which is fine, no problem there. Problem is the owners pay for one house, stick 10 -20 foreign workers in it. Screw them over in every way possible. Yet we couldn't hold onto our long term locals because the owners didn't give a s**t about them
Susan Green 2 years ago
It’s gone so downhill. I haven’t been there in a long time and I won’t be going back.
Justin Laflamme 2 years ago (edited)
Fack Tim's. My boss is a Timmies guy. "We have a coffee maker, McDonald's has better coffee and is closer and you like that swill?" "It's a Canadian product that we export." "So is asbestos." We don't get along edit: We run a homeless drop in and get really high quality coffee donations. there is a pot ready and he runs to tims. It's not marketing it's propaganda. "
Load More Replies... CG 2 years ago
As an Ontarian, I can say I actively try to avoid Timmies as much as possible. I'd say a decade ago, the food was fine, and the coffee was good. Now, the coffee tastes like dirty dish water (even when I put sugar in), and the chicken has some of the most soy fillers by comparison to most other places. Their pastries are still good, but the ones from the grocery store/an actual bakery are much better.
David 2 years ago
I live near Canada so I hear the Tim Horton talk on the canadian radio or TV (used to anyway). So one time I'm up in Vancouver for a concert and I see a Tim Hortons and think, well I'll go see what's so great about them. I got a coffee that was okay not great and looked the place over and thought 'meh, what's they hype all about'
CG 2 years ago
It's more the nostalgia that made Timmies so big, and that's it been around for so long. Quality has drastically gone down over the years, but I guess some people get hung up on their nostalgia. I do have some nostalgia for their Timbits, personally, as my mom would get some for me after her shift as a manager when I was a kid.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)
It USED to be Canadian owned until Taco Bell bought it. The USED to be good. Now they can't even get your order right, hustle you, then leave out their donuts all day and night. At least I go there frequently enough (only fast food place within walking distance from my job), that when I was given a stale, day old donut, they gave me a freshly made one from the back. And I know it was freshly made because it was still very warm and moist. Why can't they just put out all their fresh made donuts than having them sit in the back for hours? Oh, and fyi, any Timmies kiosks have no fresh donuts. They're brought in that morning from another store that does make them. Corporate changed the type and source of coffee they use. I believe McDonalds is using what Tims used to use. That's why McDonalds coffee is better now than Tims. There is nothing special about their specialty drinks, other than whipped cream and stuff sprinkled on top. So, if you want an Oreo frozen latte or frapp. It's just Oreo crumbles on top of the whipped topping, and just a normal frozen frapp.
Pudgy Panda 2 years ago
TH donuts used to be made fresh in-store. Now they all just bake frozen ones that come from their headquarters.
Load More Replies... bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
My kids went to Tim Horton's camp years ago. They loved it and had experiences they never would have otherwise. I hate their donuts, but I can't hate them.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
My only complaint was that they were basically the only thing open in the smaller towns when I travelled across Canada, and I got so sick of them because the only gluten free thing on the menu was hash browns (which means I was probably getting cross contamination anyway) and I couldn't even get a decent cup of tea/coffee because they had only heard of regular cows milk. My sister loved them, especially the bagels.
UselessKnowledgeFont 2 years ago
I miss when Tim's was decent. Aka before the Wendy's split. We want Canadian Maple donuts back in the USA. Who do I petition?
Stranger-Has Candy 2 years ago
From Buffalo, NY. We are inundated with Tim Horton’s locations. I swear there’s a store every 5 city blocks. They’re all always PACKED, with their Drive-Thru lines blocking traffic and occasionally even causing accidents. Never saw the appeal. Now just can’t stand the sight of them.
#30
Arby's is just reconstituted diarrhea on a soggy bun.
Stephen Andrews 2 years ago
Logged in just to comment on this. About once a year I get overwhelmed by how good the food looks in the commercials and stop in. This is followed by a case of food poisoning that night/next day. This is about 10 years running now (apparently my brain has reset and wants to try again every 12 months). Hopefully, I’ve learned my lesson now.
Patricia Steward 2 years ago
Not to mention that that steak sandwich piled high in the commercial looks NOTHING like what you get.
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
If you like gyros avoid theirs. There is a local Greek restaurant with gyros a friend and I love. chunks of roast lamb etc. BUT - they were not open until later in the day. Arbys is having a 2 for 1 special on their gyros so my friend and i thought what the heck. they were gross. I mean they were food I guess but they were gross compared to a GOOD gyro. So yeah.... first time I'd set foot in an Arbys since the mid 90s and now I've good for another 40 years. LOL
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
I've never had that problem. My only issue with Arby's is the fries.
StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)
The last time I ate at Arby's, there was a disgusting ball of mold stuck in the bottom of the bun. It just fell out, leaving a nasty, trypophobia inducing crater. When I brought it to the attention of the manager, she just looks at me blankly then says "Ok... So, are you not wanting to eat it? The garbage can is over there if you want to throw it out." B***h, I want my money back. That placed closed down, not surprisingly.
#31
Whataburger. I’ll never understand why someone would prepare a burger that way or why so many would pretend to like it.
Seadog 2 years ago
Cookout. People rave about it but I never found it to be good. Gave my ex a cup with a hole in it and told her if she wanted another cup she'd have to pay for it. So she just sat there and let it leak all over the table and floor. Refills are free so when she needed more she just refilled the same cup.
Anony Mouse 2 years ago
I ate at one once - we don't have them in my state - and it was pretty much just Burger King. Like I was was surprised - is this like a Hardee's/Carl's Jr. thing? It's the same food. Better fries, but the burgers were identical and they were blasting terrible christian rock.
Johnnynatfan 2 years ago
Hmm I tried it when I was I Texas and I thought it was pretty damn good.
Stephen Andrews 2 years ago
Matter of taste I guess. Grew up near the original Whataburger and to many of us, that’s the only burger there is. Seems to be slipping since they were bought out by a corporation to go national though. A Whataburger in Corpus Christi is still special though.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
I confused it for Wahlburgers. Never had either. Someone break it down for me.
#32
National chains only? On the east coast we have Friendly's and that has got to be one of the worst chain restaurants I've ever seen I used to work in one, and the menu was the dumbest s**t. It's worse than regular fast food, served in a fast-casual sit down setting for some reason. I feel so bad for the waitstaff when the customers probably spend like $10-20 total for their meals which is comparable quality to like Tyson chicken nuggets it makes Applebee's look like fine dining. Just stick to ice cream!
Stephanie A Mutti 2 years ago
Friendly's used to be the best back in the 80's-90's. Then things started to slide. It was probably my favorite place as a kiddo.
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
Wtf they closed all our Friendly's down!! Where on the east coast???
Warrior Mama 2 years ago
I used to work there as a server and we also had to clear tables and prep salads. We had no way to wash our hands, and we had no utensils for most of the salad ingredients so assembled them by hand. I was one of two staff who switched out ingredients into a fresh container each time it was my turn to refresh the salad prep station - all other servers just topped off old containers of old ingredients with fresh and called it done. I left after a month.
#33
I don't think there has been a single time where i haven't felt like vomiting after eating Carls Jr. Bacchus_71I just had a Carl's JR burger for the first time a couple weeks ago. I was in my bosses car, so out of respect I waited until I got home to shove my f*****g finger down my throat and puke that abomination up.
Seadog 2 years ago
Hardee's/Carl Jr's was much better before they decided to go with Angus beef. I'll never understand why restaurants think people want Angus. Hardee's went from having the best burgers in town to the worst. I can't even figure out how our local one even stays in business. The only time they have any real business is breakfast and even then it's not that much.
#34
Cracker Barrell. The food is bad.
Johnnynatfan 2 years ago
The place sucks. They sell some fake a*s nostalgia and people fall for it. The food is bland and mediocre at best.
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S. E. in Indiana 2 years ago
The one we have is awful. The food and the service sucks. Nothing but a motel row tourist trap.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
I've never had bad food there. There isn't one near me, though, so it's only been once I've had it since I got out of prison.
Ozymandias73 2 years ago
SMH. I'm surprised some of these are on here. I wonder if a lot of them are one time bad experiences?
Mary Ann Burgess 2 years ago
Cracker Barrel USED to be good. Their food has gone way downhill.
#35
There's a regional chain called Runza. I guess Nebraskans like it. But I'd rather eat at Sonics, and I hate Sonics.
#36
In my experience Buffalo Wild Wings but it could just be the one that is close to me. I went 2 times like 7-8 years ago. Never been back since. Sticking with hooters for the win.
Dirk Daring 2 years ago
Hold up. Going to Hooter's for their wings is like calling your bank to listen to their hold music.
Michelle C 2 years ago
The one where I am is actually really good, so I can’t complain, thankfully!
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Went one time. Ordered 2 different flavored wings. Got wings with sauce. NO SEASONING. You still have to season the chicken!
S. E. in Indiana 2 years ago
What I find amusing about these places is their so-called jumbo wings. These things are so small they must come from pigmy chickens. And then order the boneless ones, you are lucky if they are bigger in size than a dime.
#37
Shoney's. Come for the terrible music and bleak decor, stay for the buffet that's been sitting under heat lamps for, oh, let's just say "a while."
WonderWoman 2 years ago
Never ever ever going to partake in a buffet again. A petri dish of hellish proportions.
H05 2 years ago
Wait, they're still around? I thought they went bust 20 years ago. It's certainly not missed around here.
SincerelyMeesh 2 years ago
I only recently learned Shoney's was a real place and not just a Rick and Morty punchline.
#38
Bob Evans.
Andy Williams 2 years ago
One thing is clear for all fast food. When you stop smoking weed, its not good anymore
jimmy jack 2 years ago
I have been to most of the places and I can tell you its not the food its the people and how society has failed us, no pride in workmanship anymore, employees couldnt care less about what or how they serve you, oh by the way you forgot my tip!
Tash Taylor 2 years ago (edited)
They actually have a really good turkey and stuffing family meal. Comes with a ton of food to feed everyone at a reasonable price.
Ed Vergara 2 years ago
Wendy's. They are consistent. Their food is tasteless and always cold. Bread falls apart. Too much mayo on everything. I'd rather eat at Burger King, and their food is trash. Wendys-64d...22af6b.jpg 
#39
Hard to choose, so many! Applebee's, Chili's, Panera, but Texas Roadhouse is my personal worst. Their steaks are only tender because apparently they soak them in a salt solution, super loud, hate the line dancing thing! (The other 3 just have crappy, old, overpriced food).
Shawn 2 years ago
Its called brining and is a legitimate way to prepare steak. I think Texas Roadhouse is one of the best cheap steak houses. Great quality and incredibly consistent. The one by me was always 1-2 hours out for seating no matter the day of the week and the same experience every-time over 10+ years. And the butter? OMG!
S. E. in Indiana 2 years ago
I am afraid I have to disagree. Our Texas Roadhouse is great. Some of the best steaks around. And their pork chops are juicy and tender. Their cactus blossom is much better than Outback's blooming onion.
ConstantlyJon 2 years ago
Texas Roadhouse is literally one of the best casual dining places in the country, and one of the top earners. I think just about everyone disagrees with you
Fay Louise 2 years ago
I'm in the UK so I've never tried, but brining meat is a legit WTG. Works great with pork chops.
Betty Boom 2 years ago
Rhodes frozen dinner rolls and real butter+ powdered sugar+ cinnamon. You're welcome. 😁
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Christos Arvanitis 2 years ago
So fast food and fast casual chains aren't at the top of the culinary experience? Who knew?
Ace 2 years ago
This isn't so much about food quality but people's changing tastes. In reality, fast food has been seen as getting worse consistently since it first came on the scene, each generations remembering how good it seemed when they were growing up and how much worse it tasted later, completely ignoring how their own tastes have changed over time. It's mainly nostalgia, of the "things were better when I was a kid" kind.
Brocken Blue 2 years ago
100% agreed … maybe folks should consider that childhood memories aren’t the most reliable? And people are pickier when they are the adults who have to pay the bill? IDK but I often have slight suspicion for “it was better when I was younger” arguments
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Agfox 2 years ago
Outback Steakhouse - any thoughts, anyone? I've eaten there in several Asian Countries & thought it wasn't too bad although, as an Australian, I thought that naming convention was cringeworthy
Brocken Blue 2 years ago
Oh the naming is definitely cringeworthy but their food is pretty reliable
Load More Replies... Holy Shimmering Sheeps541t 2 years ago
What about Red Lobster? I've never eaten there, I sat at a table for 15 minutes once, eventually gave up trying to get our waitresses attention and left.
Marleina Hershberg 2 years ago
Some of these don't reflect the chain, it is just of 1 location, the places have really good food at other locations.
Chewie Baron 2 years ago
So basically this is a thread of Americans bashing their fast food joints that are somehow better outside the US than they are in the US? Ok.
marcelo D. 2 years ago
well, usually, outside the US you have a lot of rules and regulations about what restaurants can and can't do, both with their staff and with the food they serve
Load More Replies... Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago
Come over to India to see a different version of all your fast food joints... also our street fast food can give them a run for the money. These days, lot of local joints are coming out with better versions of any junk food
third molar 2 years ago
The list basically sounds like my dad who has atleast one compliant abt any food he eats.
Christos Arvanitis 2 years ago
So fast food and fast casual chains aren't at the top of the culinary experience? Who knew?
Ace 2 years ago
This isn't so much about food quality but people's changing tastes. In reality, fast food has been seen as getting worse consistently since it first came on the scene, each generations remembering how good it seemed when they were growing up and how much worse it tasted later, completely ignoring how their own tastes have changed over time. It's mainly nostalgia, of the "things were better when I was a kid" kind.
Brocken Blue 2 years ago
100% agreed … maybe folks should consider that childhood memories aren’t the most reliable? And people are pickier when they are the adults who have to pay the bill? IDK but I often have slight suspicion for “it was better when I was younger” arguments
Load More Replies... Agfox 2 years ago
Outback Steakhouse - any thoughts, anyone? I've eaten there in several Asian Countries & thought it wasn't too bad although, as an Australian, I thought that naming convention was cringeworthy
Brocken Blue 2 years ago
Oh the naming is definitely cringeworthy but their food is pretty reliable
Load More Replies... Holy Shimmering Sheeps541t 2 years ago
What about Red Lobster? I've never eaten there, I sat at a table for 15 minutes once, eventually gave up trying to get our waitresses attention and left.
Marleina Hershberg 2 years ago
Some of these don't reflect the chain, it is just of 1 location, the places have really good food at other locations.
Chewie Baron 2 years ago
So basically this is a thread of Americans bashing their fast food joints that are somehow better outside the US than they are in the US? Ok.
marcelo D. 2 years ago
well, usually, outside the US you have a lot of rules and regulations about what restaurants can and can't do, both with their staff and with the food they serve
Load More Replies... Sapna Sarfare 2 years ago
Come over to India to see a different version of all your fast food joints... also our street fast food can give them a run for the money. These days, lot of local joints are coming out with better versions of any junk food
third molar 2 years ago
The list basically sounds like my dad who has atleast one compliant abt any food he eats.
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