Ruby Tuesday:
Although largely the same as Chili's or Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday has made an effort to set itself apart with really good burgers, cooked as you order them, and prime steaks.
Cracker Barrel:
This countrified, interstate-hugging joint deserves a review all by itself. The down-home fare — from country-fried steak to chicken and dumplings — is actually worth a visit, especially if you load up on all the old-fashioned vegetable sides.
Carrabba's:
Although not up to the standards of most family-owned Italian restaurants, Carrabba's is just good enough that you don't have to regard the food as Italian-like. The bread is the star.
Bonefish Grill:
I reviewed the place a few years ago, mainly because I was dismayed by how few restaurants in town actually cook a decent selection of fish. Here they do it well enough, with enough variety, to make for an acceptable destination.
Red Lobster:
If you like butter, parsley and garlic salt, then the big selection of fish and shellfish here will be paradise to you. I also like that Red Lobster single-handedly introduced a whole new species to American seafood chains — the langoustine. Maybe they grow it in vats.
Bob Evans:
Maybe it's 'cause we're both from Ohio, but this gets an honorable mention for being the only national restaurant to serve mush (essentially sliced and fried grits covered in syrup).
This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2009.