If you are on the open road and looking for a place to eat, then you need to search for some of the best chain restaurants that are found along America’s highways. We are not talking about McDonalds or Denny’s here, but the kind of good quality restaurants that those who travel a lot will seek out due to the good quality of food at affordable prices.
One of the best-known chains in the Midwest is not only a restaurant, but also an excellent general store. Cracker Barrels is starting at almost every exit along the interstates. A big hit with bus groups, Cracker Barrels offers country-style cooking along with the opportunity to shop for gift items and groceries like jellies and specialty candies.
If breakfast is the main thing, it’s hard to beat Bob Evans, a midwestern chain. Always open early, the Bob Evans chain is most famous for its “Down on the Farm” sausage. Mmmm, mmmm. They also serve a delicious lunch and dinner and always have hot homemade cookies and rolls served with sweet honey.
In the south, take the time to stop at cafeterias as you have the opportunity to customize your meal at a reasonable price. Chain coffee shops always offer a variety of vegetables and salads and almost always serve delicious homemade desserts. Chains to watch out for: Furrs, Morrisons and Lubys. These chains are always busy and don’t be intimidated by the long lines. The wait is well worth it. Also keep in mind that seniors are always welcome at these cafeterias and will also benefit from special discounts.
Perkins, a nationally well known chain, is like an upscale Dennys, which is open 24 hours and also has a very good bakery department. Walking into one of their outlets and smelling freshly baked bagels is just heaven!
On the east side, the aptly named Friendly’s serves amazing soups, sandwiches, and burgers, all of which can be finished off with ice cream from their huge selection.
Two other chains that started out west but are now starting to pop up all over the US are Marie Callenders (known for its delicious pies) and Hamburger Hamlet. Both offer a full menu for lunch and dinner. Don’t let the Hamburger Hamlet name fool you, though, as it serves much more than just burgers.
And if you’re really hungry, try the good Old World Buffets. Ranging from the Midwest to the East, this chain offers good quality food, plus all you can eat. Senior discounts and a daily changing menu also apply. Awesome!
If fast food is your choice, try the In and Out Burger chain when traveling west. They have amazing burgers and fries, cooked to order. In the South, one of the best burger joints is Whataburger. In the Midwest and some parts of the South, Steak and Shake is a must try. Their burgers, aptly named Steakburgers, are amazing, as is their Cincinnati-style chili, available five different ways.
If you want fast food, but don’t really fancy a beef burger, there are some new chicken franchises that will give “the KFC colonel” a run for its money. Two that stand out are Boston Markets and Kenny Rogers Roasters. Both feature rotisserie chicken and a variety of delicious homemade sides. And Boston Markets recently added turkey, ham, and meatloaf to its extensive menu.
Dining al fresco can be quite tedious and we don’t always want to sit down for a five course meal and wait hours for the treat. The chains mentioned in this article are some of the best and you won’t be disappointed if you want to stop for one course or many more. Enjoy!