The Most Popular Chain Restaurant Dishes You've Got to Try at Least Once
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.
Bloomin' Onion at 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.
Loaded Potato Skins at TGI Friday's
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.
Chicken Bryan at 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!
Bang Bang Shrimp at 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.
Admiral's Feast at 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!
Fresh Baked Bread at Texas Roadhouse
A 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.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Panera Bread
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.
Tour of Italy at 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!
Buttermilk Pancakes at 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.)
Cheesecake at 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.
