As someone who grew up in the suburbs of Phoenix, I have a pretty good grasp on which chain restaurants are worth going to and which ones are a pass. Disagree if you want to be loud and wrong!
Map
Sections
5
Sit Down
Order at Counter
Fast Food
Mall Classics
Drinks
Sit Down
Dinner AND a show?! Count me in. And if there’s no onion volcano, I don’t want it.
Benihana
The GOAT, and obviously you should be getting a Triple Dipper.
Chili's Grill & Bar
The biggest menu in chain restaurant history and an entire page of cheesecakes. Yes, this is a dream.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Chang’s Spicy Chicken are both easily in the top ten of chain restaurant foods.
P.F. Chang's
They brew their own beer, make a pretty great pizza, and end the meal with a giant Pizookie topped with ice cream. This is a hit!
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
You’re not gonna call yourself the International House of Pancakes if you can’t make pancakes.
IHOP
It’s alllll about the Cheese Fries dipped in Ranch. And if you can swing Happy Hour, get here because the tropical drinks are great too!
Islands Restaurant Westchester
I guess this is technically a steakhouse (and the steak is pretty good!) but you’re really coming here for the rolls with cinnamon butter and elite chicken fingers.
Texas Roadhouse
The only Italian chain worth going to and it’s WELL worth going to! The free bread, the waiter writing their name upside-down on the table…no notes.
Romano's Macaroni Grill
A whole fondue restaurant that can have four courses, but the cheese and chocolate fondues are what to get here.
Melting Pot
An all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse that NEVER disappoints, but make sure you come here on an empty stomach!
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Order at Counter
It’s like Chipotle but better because there’s queso and guac isn’t extra.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
Best sandwich chain, hands down. Freshly sliced meats and cheeses take this over the top!
Jersey Mike's Subs
The Cheese Fries are the best thing on the menu and a non-negotiable but I also enjoy the burgers with ShackSauce!
Shake Shack
Whatever you want, get it with the sweet pork and you won’t regret it!
Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican
Their Honey Harissa Chicken changed the game! Love this Mediterranean spin on a Chipotle-esque restaurant.
CAVA
Everything is good here and the salsa bar hits every time.
Rubio's Coastal Grill
Fast Food
Don’t come here for the food but for a Blizzard treat? All day, baby.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
Whatever you do, get extra Cane’s Sauce and Texas toast. Thank me later.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Literally the only fast food burger I will eat. A Double-Double, spread ONLY and well-done fries is the go-to.
In-N-Out Burger
Yes, yo quiero Taco Bell and ESPECIALLY the Doritos Locos Tacos and a Baja Blast.
Taco Bell
If we’re talking national chain delivery pizza, Domino’s is the only option in my book.
Domino's Pizza
You want all the sauces here, especially the Chick-fil-A Sauce!
Chick-fil-A
Orange Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Fried Rice…what’s not to love?!
Panda Express
It’s the Frostys and fresh fries for me!
Wendy's
Mall Classics
I just have a sweet spot for Cinnabon but then again, don’t we all?!
Cinnabon
I’ll say it, Auntie Anne’s is FAR superior to Wetzel’s Pretzels. And it’s not even close.
Auntie Anne's
Drinks
For someone like me who doesn’t drink coffee, Coffee Bean has the best tea options in town! I swear by the Tropical Passion Iced Tea in the largest size available (32oz).
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
I used to work at a Robeks in high school and after trying every single smoothie on the menu, I can confidently tell you that the Hummingbird is the best one.
Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies
Sonic is on the list solely for drinks and mozzarella sticks. Inject that Route 44 Cherry Limeade DIRECTLY into my veins!
