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Finding a restaurant that offers an array of food options and is liked by many is not always an easy task. Thankfully, TripAdvisor—who claim to be the world’s largest travel site—did the dirty work for you. TripAdvisor collected data from reviewers to determine the best small chain (10-50 locations), medium chain (51-100 locations), and large chain (101+) restaurants in the United States. Rankings for each establishment were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quality, quantity, and recency of reviews from all of a chain’s property locations that were listed on TripAdvisor during a 12-month period (Dec. 1, 2017, through Nov. 30, 2018). Each chain’s property locations that are listed on TripAdvisor were accounted for. Eager to see which of your favorite restaurants made the cut? Read on to find out!
Top 10 Small Chains (10-50 locations)
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Haven’t tried Eddie V’s Prime Seafood? There are 22 locations of the small chain restaurant across 11 states spanning from California to Massachusetts!
Seasons 52
Seasons 52 Fresh Grill quite literally follows the seasons—the restaurant crafts meals based on ingredients that are in peak season.
Houston’s
Select cities in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas have the luxury of dining at Houston’s—a spot that has a focus on serving a diverse range of American classics.
Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime surf’s up (see what we did there?) seafood, steak, and a list of high-end cocktails. What more could you possibly ask for?
J. Alexander’s
This upscale eatery is the go-to spot for steak and prime rib in 11 states, from Pennsylvania to Texas.
Fogo de Chão
If you want an authentic Brazilian cuisine experience, Fogo de Chão will be of service to you. If you don’t believe us, check out their website, which offers this tidbit: «The story of Fogo de Chão began in the mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil.» Seriously, painting us a picture out here.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
You can see what the hype surrounding this seafood kitchen is all about in one of eight states. There’s an especially high concentration of the restaurant in Texas with 30 locations across the state.
Half Shell Oyster House
Half Shell Oyster House is reputable for its local Gulf oysters and New Orleans flair. You can seek out one of them in one of four Southern U.S. states!
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
Gluten-free? Well, then it’s time to head on over to Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano. They’ve got you covered with their specialized gluten-free menu.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Open since 1991, Maggiano’s Little Italy offers an Italian-American inspired menu in a casual dining setting.
Top 10 Medium Chains (51-100 locations)
The Capital Grille
You can find this upscale restaurant serving delicacies such as dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and acclaimed world-class wines in one of 25 states.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Indulge in one of eight signature steaks at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
Texas de Brazil
Sink your teeth into one (or multiple) of Texas de Brazil’s 15 types of meat and cuts.
Yard House
From poke nachos to skirt steak, Yard House includes a little bit of everything on its expansive menu.
BRIO Tuscan Grille
BRIO aspires to create the ultimate Tuscan escape, according to their website. Stop into one of the many locations across the U.S. for brunch, dinner, and dessert.
Portillo’s
Don’t let the sign deceive you, Portillo’s whips up anything from hot dogs and char-broiled burgers to ribs, pasta, and even malts.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
The first location of Morton’s The Steakhouse opened in Chicago in 1978. Today, there are more than 74 restaurants across the U.S. serving prime steak and chops, as well as seafood.
The Melting Pot
Fondue lovers are likely very fond of this popular medium chain-sized restaurant. The Melting Pot offers an interactive dining experience with both savory and sweet (think cheese and chocolate) fondue options!
Sweet Tomatoes
It was back in 1978 when the first Sweet Tomatoes was opened by two California surfers. This restaurant has grown exponentially since then, now boasting nearly 100 locations across the country.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Broken Egg Cafe’s website says it all in this mouthwatering description, «Start your day the delicious way with southern-style biscuit beignets, gourmet omelets, a variety of unique eggs benedicts and more.»
Top 10 Large Chains (101+ locations)
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House has been grilling succulent steaks since 1965. That single restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, is now a global steakhouse leader with 150 locations worldwide.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory may just be one of the most well-known large chain dining spots in the world. It’s often highly regarded for its extensive menu, which includes an impressive 250 dishes.
Bonefish Grill
Depending on which Bonefish Grill you’re dining at, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of fish, including Chilean sea bass, Caribbean cobia, and rainbow trout.
Texas Roadhouse
You’re bound to find something the whole family will enjoy at Texas Roadhouse with main dishes comprising protein-packed steak, chicken, ribs, and salmon.
Mellow Mushroom
The first Mellow Mushroom opened its doors in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia. According to their website, bakers at the pizza place have been, «serving up fresh, stone-baked pizzas to order in an eclectic, art-filled, and family-friendly environment» for more than 40 years now.
In-N-Out Burger
If you haven’t been to In-N-Out, it’s likely because you don’t live on the west coast. One of the most famed fast-service restaurants has locations in only five states, which says a lot about its high ranking from TripAdvisor reviewers.
First Watch The Daytime Cafe
Did somebody say breakfast is served all day? That’s right at First Watch, the most important meal of the day is available for the latest of risers to enjoy.
Jason’s Deli
This independent family-owned business has been churning out healthful meal options for over four decades.
Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery Cafe offers up anything from pancakes and bacon to a dish called the «Rustic Italian Panini.» Talk about bourgeois to high-class!
Blaze Pizza
Just how popular is Blaze Pizza? There are over 250 of these build-your-own-pizza restaurants across 39 U.S. states.
