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The Most Popular Chain Restaurant Dishes You've Got to Try at Least Once

One bite and you'll understand why these menu options are forever beloved.

The best part about dining out at a chain restaurant is that you know exactly what you're going to get. No matter where you are, the food is going to taste exactly as delicious as you expect it to.

There are some chain restaurant meals that truly can't be topped. After reaching legendary status, they're now considered staples on their respective menus.

If you haven't tried one of these popular chain restaurant dishes yet, consider this the moment. As you start to head back out to restaurants on a more regular basis, there are some meals you're going to want to finally put a fork into. Trust us when we say they're worth the hype!

Granted, these menu offerings aren't the healthiest, so only indulge on occasion. And don't forget: Sharing is caring.

Now, here's your guide to some of the most popular chain restaurants dishes you should try at least once in your life. Go ahead and take a look at these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback, too.

1

Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse

blooming onion appetizer from outback
Courtesy of Outback Steakhouse

Oh, the Bloomin' Onion! Who would've thought crispy, golden-fried onion petals paired with a tangy dipping sauce would be such a classic at Outback Steakhouse? The appetizer has been on the menu since 1988, and it's been said the chain sells millions of them every year. Impressive? Absolutely.

2

Loaded Potato Skins at TGI Friday's

tgi fridays loaded potato skins
Courtesy of TGI Fridays

There are many yummy ways to eat potatoes, and TGI Friday's is all about the Loaded Potato Skins. So what are these exactly? Well, crispy potatoes are slathered in a layer of melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. (No wonder they're such a popular choice!) There's even a frozen version you can buy, so you can whip these up in your kitchen whenever you're really in the mood for some TGI Friday's.

3

Chicken Bryan at Carrabba's

carrabbas chicken bryan with penne pasta on white plate
Courtesy of Carrabba's

Carrabba's is all about fusing together Italian and American fare, and that combination really soars in the super popular Chicken Bryan dish. This meal is made up of chicken that's wood-grilled and topped with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, basil, and lemon-butter sauce. The description alone will likely keep your mouth watering!

Looking for more helpful tips? Your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here!

4

Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill

bonefish grill bang bang shrimp
Courtesy of Bonefish Grill

If there's one thing to know about Bonefish Grill, it's that the chain's signature appetizer is the Bang Bang Shrimp. It's said to be "often replicated but never duplicated," so that's reason enough to try the best of the best.

5

Admiral's Feast at Red Lobster

red lobster admirals feast
Courtesy of Red Lobster

Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a side dish that steals the show, but you're going to want to order an entrée, too. Enter the Admiral's Feast. Walt's Favorite Shrimp, bay scallops, clam strips, and wild-caught whitefish, all of which are fried to a golden brown, come together on one plate. Yes, it's a ton of fried food to eat at once, so this is one dish that you want to share. But hey, it's nothing short of tasty!

6

Fresh Baked Bread at Texas Roadhouse

texas roadhouse rolls
Holly C./ Yelp

breadbasket that's actually worth it? The one featuring the fresh-baked rolls from Texas Roadhouse. Baked to golden perfection, they truly melt in your mouth. What makes them stand out? The chain's Honey Cinnamon Butter. Spreading this magical stuff on warm bread is truly life-changing.

We like to enjoy butter in moderation, and we love putting together different types of flavored butter to pair with some of our delicious recipes.

7

Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Panera Bread

Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup in bread bowl
Panera Bread/Facebook

If you've never eaten soup from a bread bowl before, then you've been missing out. Specifically, Panera Bread's creamy and flavorful Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It only takes one spoonful for you to realize why it's so beloved.

8

Tour of Italy at Olive Garden

olive garden tour of italy
Courtesy of Olive Garden

With so many pasta dishes on Olive Garden's menu, it can be hard to pick only one. That's where the beloved Tour of Italy comes into play. You get three OG classics all on one plate—Chicken Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Lasagna Classico. It's an easy way to try them all!

9

Buttermilk Pancakes at Cracker Barrel

cracker barrel pancakes
Courtesy of Cracker Barrel

The Cracker Barrel menu is stacked, to say the least. There are so many delicious options, but the Buttermilk Pancakes are a must. (We even have a copycat recipe if you want to recreate the magic at home.)

10

Cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory

cheesecake factory
Courtesy of The Cheesecake Factory

We know, the menu at The Cheesecake Factory is a legit book—and it's a long one! Don't forget to scope out the dessert section, though. You can't go to TCF and never try any of the actual cheesecake slices—that's just plain wrong. From Oreo, Reese's, and Snickers-filled options to simple staples like the Original, there's something for everyone.

Jennifer Maldonado
Jennifer Maldonado is a senior editor at Eat This, Not That!, specializing in food and health content. Read more about Jennifer