Perry Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 We're going to be doing a lot of traveling over the next couple months, for dance and skating competitions. We usually have to spend most of the weekend hanging around a hotel, convention center, or skating rink, and the kids don't have time to leave for meals. I usually run out and pick up food between performances. It's easiest if I have a list before we go out of town so I have ideas and maps all ready. We will be in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Omaha so there should be plenty of options. So what are your favorites if you have to eat at chains? We like Brueggers Jimmy Johns Chipotle PF Chang Outback We don't like McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's KFC, etc. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 In Chicago, I like Macaroni Grill and Pizza Uno. In general, I really like the Olive Garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Pei Wei Panera Bread Corner Bakery Genghis Grill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Olive Garden TGIFridays Quiznos Chili's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Olive Garden They are tolerant of differing dietary needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3littlekeets Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 In Chicago, a local "Chicago chain" is called Leona's. Their Italian food is amazing from the stinky rose (roasted garlic) to the pastas, 5 cheese-lasagnas to the pizzas. AMAZING. Take out is FAST and prices are no more than chains! http://www.leonas.com/ I love Bucca Di Beppo and Maggiano's for Italian chains, too. Sign up online at Bucca and get great coupons! Obviously, for Mexican there is On the Border, and fast food Mexican, Chipotle is never a miss for us. The Midwestern better than McDonald's and BK is called Culver's. Their burgers are called "butter burgers" because they cook them in butter. So tender and yummy. Their frozen custard is fabulous. If you tell us what arenas in each city, we can get you LOCAL joints which will make you much happier than chains ;-). ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldskool Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Noodles and Co. and Potbelly are a couple of our favorites. We live in Minneapolis so if you need anything more specific let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn in OH Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 In general, I'm not fond of chain restaurants but Macaroni Grill, Pizzeria Uno and Panera Bread are the few we do like. I'm missing Macaroni Grill right now. The nearest one to us is well over an hour away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leanna Tomlinson Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Maggiano's - a little more expensive than Olive Garden, but worth it. Cheesecake Factory - great food, we never have room left for cheesecake! Qdoba - Mexican Everything else we like is local. Look for lots of cars in the parking lots.:) Leanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted January 30, 2010 Author Share Posted January 30, 2010 In Chicago, a local "Chicago chain" is called Leona's. Their Italian food is amazing from the stinky rose (roasted garlic) to the pastas, 5 cheese-lasagnas to the pizzas. AMAZING. Take out is FAST and prices are no more than chains! http://www.leonas.com/ I love Bucca Di Beppo and Maggiano's for Italian chains, too. Sign up online at Bucca and get great coupons! Obviously, for Mexican there is On the Border, and fast food Mexican, Chipotle is never a miss for us. The Midwestern better than McDonald's and BK is called Culver's. Their burgers are called "butter burgers" because they cook them in butter. So tender and yummy. Their frozen custard is fabulous. If you tell us what arenas in each city, we can get you LOCAL joints which will make you much happier than chains ;-). ;) I should have put Culver's and Olive Garden on my list. We like those too. Thanks for the suggestions. Know of anything near the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, or the Hilton Garden in St. Charles? It needs to be within about 10 minutes and they have to have takeout. TIA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3littlekeets Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 I should have put Culver's and Olive Garden on my list. We like those too. Thanks for the suggestions. Know of anything near the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, or the Hilton Garden in St. Charles? It needs to be within about 10 minutes and they have to have takeout. TIA. In both places, you'll be close to Portillo's. GREAT hotdogs, burgers, and ribs. Spaghetti and other items fairly decent. St. Charles is a bit more limited, but we always liked The Filling Station if it is still there. You'll find chains galore at the Charlestowne Mall In Shaumburg, you are close to Woodfield (supposedly America's second largest mall). We love Champps -- American food chain. Good everything. And, of course The Cheesecake Factory :lol: Lou Malnati's Pizza likely deliver right to you and their deep dish is too die for! Moretti's is fabulous, and Stir Crazy is great if you can find time to eat in! We loved Yu's Mandarin for Chinese. Barnelli's Pasta Bowl has fabulous salads. And, DH reminded my about Egg'cletic Cafe for Breakfast foods that are really cool and fresh! In Shaumburg, your biggest problem will be getting anywhere in less than 15 mins...and all the above are within 2 miles of you, I think ;-). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Most of the restaurants being mentioned I haven't seen in Canada (I've only lived in Ontario and Alberta though). That being said, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Jack Astor's would be ranked high on my list...I haven't seen a Jack Astor's since leaving Ontario though :crying: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Panera, Pei Wei, Jimmy Johns, Jason's Deli, McAlisters Deli, Tossed ETA: Oh, and we like Olive Garden, too. Forgot all about OG until I started reading the other posts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renee in NC Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Chili's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue G in PA Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Qdoba is my alltime favorite. Moderately priced, good food, good service and fast. Also like Panera Bread, but my kids don't so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 My first thought was "Chipotle", but I see you have that covered! :) Jason's Deli is a fantastic option too. There are a range of healthy and not-so-healthy options, including an ever-increasing number of organic ingredients. My family usually goes straight for the salad bar (which is usually high turnover so kept very fresh), though we like their sandwiches, fruit plates, and baked potatoes as well. (The soups I've had weren't great -- maybe we've just had bad luck?) And afterwards there is "free" soft-serve ice cream. I also like Schlotszky's. Not quite as fresh and healthy as Jason's, but pretty good by comparison with other chains and quick-serve restaurants. I luuuuurve the "turkey original". :) And if only there were Wahoo's Fish Tacos more places! :) I miss those desperately from our time in California! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 We like Outback because it has a full gluten free menu for our gf girl. She can eat a bloomin' onion and chicken tenders and mac and cheese there. My sister likes Connie's Pizza in the Chicago area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 I would try Famous Dave's BBQ in Minneapolis. I love the Georgia chopped pork. Yum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 I like Mimi's Cafe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfside Academy Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Islands Famous Dave's BBQ Chick Fil A Panera Bread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 In MPls, check out Lee Ann Chins..they do take out..and sometimes they are located in a grocery store such as Byerly's.. Byerly's is a fabulous store by the way. http://www.leeannchin.com/locations.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kat19 Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 I found this website for Omaha~OmahaontheGo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom3tn Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Not sure if they have one where you're going, but I love The Mellow Mushroom. This one has already been mentioned, but The Outback is one of my faves, too. And it's so bad for you, but my favorite burger joint is Steak and Shake. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Macaroni Grill and Outback are my favorite chains (although Outback changed its recipe for rib eye, and the new one isn't as good:sad:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2abcd Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 While in Omaha be sure to try Runza and Valentino's. Runza has hamburgers, etc., but their most delicious item is the Runza (a hamburger and cabbage calzone-- Mmmm!) Valentino's has pizza and the one on 108th has a fabulous buffet. http://www.valentinos.com/locations.php http://www.runza.com/locations The Garden Cafe is another of Omaha's locally-famous places, but it's a sit-down place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 (edited) White Castle. I have to go all the way to Louisville to get my fix. Waffle House. There's one on the way to Louisville, and plenty once I get there. Outback. Although the food is not very healthy, IMO. If I'm going to eat unhealthy food, I want it to be cheap. Friday's -- I like their honey mustard salad dressing and their steaks which have been marinated in bourbon (or cooked in a bourbon sauce, or something -- Jack Daniels, I think it is). Edited January 31, 2010 by RoughCollie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMom2One Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Olive Garden TGIFridays Ruby Tuesdays Panda Express The Old Spaghetti Factory Don't go out all that often, but when we do these are our favorites (at least in this category). Blessings, Lucinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Cheaper - Quiznos More expensive treat - Olive Garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaMa2005 Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 The Midwestern better than McDonald's and BK is called Culver's. Their burgers are called "butter burgers" because they cook them in butter. So tender and yummy. Their frozen custard is fabulous. Oh my gosh. While visiting DD in Minneapolis we came across Culver's. Delicious! Scroll to the bottom of this post on our blog and you can see how good the frozen custard oreo sandwich was to a four year old.:001_smile: http://sheridans-shenanigans.info/?p=1238 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 This is funny, (since you are going to Chicago, too) but there is a restaurant chain called Old Chicago in Omaha. You should go to the zoo in Omaha if you get a chance. Check online and see if your local zoo has reciprocity with Omaha's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 It's really not hard to find good places to eat, besides chain places, even if you have little time. Chicago is packed full of amazing eateries. Maybe while you are hanging at the hotel, ask the locals about their favs. Dh & I have crossed the US four times, and we almost never ate at a chain restaurant. Food should be an adventure, like life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted January 31, 2010 Author Share Posted January 31, 2010 It's really not hard to find good places to eat, besides chain places, even if you have little time. Chicago is packed full of amazing eateries. Maybe while you are hanging at the hotel, ask the locals about their favs. Dh & I have crossed the US four times, and we almost never ate at a chain restaurant. Food should be an adventure, like life! I agree, in theory, and if it was just me and my kids that's what we would do. We're usually getting meals for several other families too, many of whom are picky and want to order something they're already familiar with. When we started this a few years ago most of them were eating McDonalds for every meal. I feel like I've made great progress when I can get them to eat Jimmy Johns!:lol: The kids are backstage most of the day, so we plan the meals and take orders in the morning, then someone (me) sneaks out when there is enough time between dances to rush out and pick up food. If I had a menu beforehand, and knew that everyone could find something to make them happy, I'd try it. Unfortunately, we'd probably end up with a bunch of kids who wouldn't like their food and a bunch of moms mad at me for trying to be adventurous. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 If I had a menu beforehand, and knew that everyone could find something to make them happy, I'd try it. Unfortunately, we'd probably end up with a bunch of kids who wouldn't like their food and a bunch of moms mad at me for trying to be adventurous. :glare: Well, in case you get daring :D: Road Food Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Chicago area - Panera Bakery. Corner Bakery also good. And can't go wrong with pizza - I vote GIORDANOS!!!! Leonas is GREAT!!! I wish we had one out here in Elgin!!! Culvers is kinda fast food - but tastes way better (and they have custard!!!) Cheesecake Factory is fine if you don't have to watch what you eat ;) try their fried macaroni balls, followed by cheesecake!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Macaroni Grill. It is a birthday tradition at our house to go out to dinner on birthdays and the birthday person gets to pick the place. Mine is always Macaroni Grill. One dd like PF Changs and another like Boca di Bepos. Cheesecake Factory is good to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted January 31, 2010 Author Share Posted January 31, 2010 Well, in case you get daring :D: Road Food That will be perfect for my first Kindle purchase! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Our favorite is In-N-Out Burger. Pretty sure they haven't reached the midwest yet however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 Thanks for the suggestions. Know of anything near the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, or the Hilton Garden in St. Charles? It needs to be within about 10 minutes and they have to have takeout. TIA. I would consider checking out Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights. They have a grocery store and a food court, Japanese-themed. The food is prepared very quickly (some already prepared items and made-to-order) and is inexpensive. It looks like it's ~10 min away by car. I think you'll find it fun. You can preview the restaurants online (see website above). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 A second vote for Jason's Deli. The one here has a fabulous salad bar. Their sandwiches, potatoes, etc. are huge, so satisfy teen appetites. One I haven't seen mentioned is Cracker Barrell. We enjoy the inexpensive (less than $10) homecooked meals. They have a large variety of veges, too, which is a plus for me. We enjoy several already mentioned many times as well, though some are only special treats because of the prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 My favorite is P.F. Chang's and the runner-up, Olive Garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikeBookBread Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Chopped (salad restaurant) I know you already have Chipotle on your list... Mimi's Cafe (for lunch...) Einstein's Bagel's Jamba Juice Great Harvest Bread Panera Panda Express Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 While in Omaha be sure to try Runza and Valentino's. Runza has hamburgers, etc., but their most delicious item is the Runza (a hamburger and cabbage calzone-- Mmmm!) Valentino's has pizza and the one on 108th has a fabulous buffet.http://www.valentinos.com/locations.php http://www.runza.com/locations The Garden Cafe is another of Omaha's locally-famous places, but it's a sit-down place. I love Garden Cafe! That is always on my list of places to go when I visit Omaha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Panera Bread Chic Fil A Subway Bonefish Grill Olive Garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Uno's Pizzeria (sp?) and Cracker Barrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Around here, we love Panera (love it!), Moe's (similar to Chipotle, but I don't like Chipotle's marinade), Baja Fresh (like Moe's but more Mexican than Tex-Mex), and Olive Garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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