I think restaurants can be divided into 5 categories, ranked in order of quality and healthiness: 
  1. Fast food.  McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and other bottom-dwellers.  These places are a necessary evil.  They have pretty horrible food, yet we consistently go to them when we need something fast and simple.
  2. Not-as-fast food.  Subway, Quizno's, Panera, and other similar places that have relatively fast food, but usually place a little more emphasis on quality and nutrition.  Subway really shouldn't be in the same category as Quizno's or Panera, but it'll work for now.
  3. Chain restaurants.  Chili's, Applebee's, TGI Friday's, and Ruby Tuesday, which are all essentially the same restaurant.  I'm amazed at how many people disagree with me on this point.  These restaurants all have the same types of food, same atmosphere, same stupid birthday song, etc.  The only difference is their specific dishes.
  4. Nicer chain restaurants.  Outback, Ruth's Chris, Olive Garden, etc.  These choices can be argued.  Typically, these restaurants specialize in a certain type of food (Italian) or dish (steak).  The quality is generally better than that of the chain restaurants, but degree of healthiness is questionable.
  5. All others.  This includes out-of-the-way places, fancy restaurants, and Zagat-rated eateries.  The quality is better because they actually have a focus (BBQ, seafood, Thai, etc.), and their bottom line isn't affected by corporate mumbo jumbo and franchise bull jive.  The price is usually higher (though not always), which I think takes away from the enjoyment of the food (because I'm cheap).
#food