how do you rate a restaurant

[creeperz]

for me the chain places the Outback's, Chevy's, Friday's and Applebee's. these are what i use as my base line 3 star place. because most have ok quitely and good price. now that said i try my best to avoid these places at all cost and try local places first.

[Food Network Fan]

Outback is one of my chain favorites. My husband likes The Olive Garden. Those type of places are about all we have available in my area. I like Friday's and Applebees. Never really thought about rating them though. I guess I would have to think about it.

[Lucy]

I've never really thought about rating chain restaurants either. Hmm.

I guess I just go by whether or not I would return to the restaurant. There are certain chains that I do.not.like.at.all. and there are other places that I adore and we eat there often. I go by price, quality, value - as in the amount of food you get for the money, and overall general service.

We do have a few really good local restaurants, but we have hordes of chains. My favorites are: Ruby Tuesday (I simply adore their salad bar. So good and fresh), Carrabbas, Chilis, Olive Garden, Roadhouse Grill, Bahama Breeze, and Kobe Japanese Steakhouse - which is a local chain.

I'm just not sure how to rate them other than to say they are good. Four stars I guess?

[budman]

I rate restaurants in pretty much the same and simple ways, whether its a nationwide/regional chain or a local favorite.

And as much as the chains/franchises try to standardize themselves, there is no guarantee when you step inside any of them.

1. Basics
   • Cleanliness, every minute the doors are open, every square inch
   • Competency, from management through service, its pure team
   • Consistency, every visit results in the same experience
   • Cash value, when I walk out the door I got my money's worth
2. Distinction
   • Attractively themed and integrated with the local area
   • Unique and simple menus that rotate cyclically with the calendar
   • Exemplary service far beyond just competent
   • At the end, I've had an incredible culinary experience

A thumbs up in every category will make me a returning customer, whether its $ or $$$$$.

[isilzha]

Cleanliness is a must. We've walked out of places because they haven't smelled clean (not even being seated) and we still won't eat at them - the one in particular I'm thinking of is a chain. Beyond that I tend to enjoy cheap to moderate places a lot more than expensive places. I have pretty simple tastes. The most expensive place that I have eaten at in recent memory was a tapas bar, it was nice, but for what you got for the price I could have eaten at another place a couple of times.

[BerryBaby]

Atmosphere, attentive servers, cleaniness (a must!), excellent food and a good wine list.

If we are going out, we tend to go more upscale. Rarely, if ever, do we go to chains. Too many great independently owned places out here. We are very fortunate to have such a variety plus they all rely heavily on local produce and seafood.

My thinking is, if I can make it at home, why go out? If I want to treat myself, we go out. I would say we probably go out about once a week. Japanese food is a favorite, I never make that at home.

I would say the places we frequent are top rated...if they weren't, I wouldn't bother.

[radiodugger]

Originally Posted by budman

...

1. Basics
   • Cleanliness, every minute the doors are open, every square inch
   • Competency, from management through service, its pure team
   • Consistency, every visit results in the same experience
   • Cash value, when I walk out the door I got my money's worth
2. Distinction
   • Attractively themed and integrated with the local area
   • Unique and simple menus that rotate cyclically with the calendar
   • Exemplary service far beyond just competent
   • At the end, I've had an incredible culinary experience

I agree, Budman, with the following added:

If it is an ETHNIC place, I tend to frequent those type of places more often...

Italian:

1. Garden salad/house dressing. That can tell you a LOT.
2. Alfredo. I can tell if they cheat or not.
3. Carbonara. I can tell if they cheat.
4. Do they grate fresh parm and romano at the table?

Thai:

1. Do they serve Pad Prik Khing? I don't come back if they do not.
2. Pad Thai. I'm VERY picky about this.
3. Pop-Piah (Thai Spring Rolls). Must NOT be oily/greasy.
4. The Thai Tea. I can tell if it's a MIX.
5. Hot tea. Must be Thai...and be BRIGHT red/orange.

Vietnamese:

1. Pho. This must be authentic. I can tell.
2. Cha Gio (Vietnamese Spring Rolls). The sauce MUST be Nuoc Cham.
3. Che Dau. This is coconut milk, tapioca, and crushed peanuts.
4. Some places serve Kim Chee. Must be HOT and garlicky!!!

Mexican/Latin:

1. Menudo. If they don't serve this, I don't come back. It must smell FUNKY!
2. Tamales. The real thing...not a packaged item!
3. Enchiladas. Filled with meat & cheese, and covered with red sauce.
4. Carne Guisada. Shredded pork w/sauce.

I make all of the above MYSELF. I have high standards, and will judge a place on the quality of items listed above. It's rare that I find perfection at ONE PLACE. When I do, I do not stay quiet about it!

Radio Doug

[Chefnot]

I don't eat out. I'm a "stick in the mud."

[Chap]

Our favorite chain is Outback, in particular the one in Hilton Head. We make a point of going there every year. The food is excellent...every time...and the service is a cut above.

Queenie doesn't like ethnic foods which is problem since I love all ethnic foods. I'll have to take radiodugger's list with me if I ever get out.

Other than that I would rather try making different stuff at home. Retirement has crimped my style eating out! I only even scratch the surface in Philly and I worked there 33 years. So much food.......so little money

[Food Network Fan]

I like the Outback chain also. Mostly all we have here are chains. A few very small mom and pop places, but the majority are bars. With a few "Sunday dinner" kinda places where they do their best business after church service on Sunday.