There’s been an endless debate on social media about whether some restaurants are appropriate for a first date. This led to arguments about expectations and quality. Some people even revealed that they’d never been to establishments that are obviously very popular. So we’re wading into the internet’s ongoing restaurant war with our ranking of the best fast casual food spots.
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15: Buffalo Wild Wings
Fast is not a term I’d apply to Buffalo Wild Wings, but this is the category it falls in. You’re meant to sit there all day and watch sports, so don’t expect your food to come out in a timely manner. When it finally does, it’s not exactly an unforgettable meal.
14: Outback Steakhouse
The bloomin’ onion is so good, but unfortunately, that’s where the love affair with Outback ends. If you’re in the mood for a steak, there are much better choices, including making your own.
Denny’s
Denny’s can be disappointing for some, but hey they’re literally everywhere and always open so they’ve become a mainstay. Though, unless it has special meaning, I wouldn’t recommend taking a date there.
12: Golden Corral
Golden Corral is a solid choice if you’re going to dinner with picky eaters. It’s a buffet, so there’s something for everyone. Plus the food has slightly more seasoning than Hometown Buffet.
11: IHOP
The International House of Pancakes is as advertised. It has great pancakes. Unfortunately, everything else is subpar. And let’s not even get started on the brown water they pass off as coffee.
10: Sizzler
For Black kids, if your parents said you were going to Sizzler, it was a big deal. Back in the day, they didn’t really pay attention and two people could eat good if one of you ordered the salad bar.
9: Red Robin
Personally I think Red Robin is underestimated in this space. They have a variety of unique burgers and the delicious french fries are endless.
8: TGI Friday’s
Every once in a while, TGI Friday’s offers endless appetizers. Free refills on apps is the American dream.
7: Cracker Barrel
If you want a homecooked meal without all the fuss of a dirty kitchen, Cracker Barrel is your spot. According to The Root entertainment writer Shanelle Genai, their pecan pancakes and buttermilk biscuits are “ELITE!”
6: Applebee’s
Sometimes you don’t need all the fancy trappings. Sometimes at the end of the day you just want good cocktails and appetizers.
5: Cheesecake Factory
For all you snobs turning your nose up at Cheesecake Factory, don’t act like you don’t love the brown bread and wide assortment of cheesecakes. I’m all about the banana cream, but you also can’t go wrong with the turtle.
4: Waffle House
No matter what you hear about Waffle House, the food is delicious. What’s a few fights here and there when the trade off is amazing late night food?
3: Chili’s
Don’t pretend you’re not down with the triple dipper with Southwestern Egg Rolls and Big Mouth Bites. And don’t sleep on the fajitas!
2: Olive Garden
Two words: endless breadsticks! Plus, with Olive Garden’s portion sizes, you usually get two meals for the price of one.
1: Red Lobster
Red Lobster is the official celebration spot for Black families. Birthday, graduation, anniversary, christening, it doesn’t matter, we’re getting some Cheddar Bay Biscuits. If it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for you.
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