Restaurants Calorie Counts and Healthiest Options | Eat This, Not That! https://www.eatthis.com/restaurants/ Your ultimate source for expert nutrition tips and health advice, covering wellness, healthy recipes, cooking hacks, food news, style trends and shopping. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:23:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.eatthis.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/ETNT_favicon-1.png?strip=all&cf-bypass&w=32 Restaurants Calorie Counts and Healthiest Options | Eat This, Not That! https://www.eatthis.com/restaurants/ 32 32 195777497 7 Massive Fast-Food Spring Deals Disappearing at the End of This Month https://www.eatthis.com/chain-restaurant-meal-deals-this-week/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:08 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=910339 It’s officially spring, and many of your favorite restaurants are launching new deals and promotions...

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It’s officially spring, and many of your favorite restaurants are launching new deals and promotions to celebrate the season. Whether you love fried chicken, an exceptional burger is your jam, breakfast sandwiches make you happy, or just a basic turkey sub is all you crave, these chains have something for everyone. So what should you add to your list? Here are seven new meal deals you won’t want to miss right now.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Senior Meals

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is adding Senior Meals (55+) to its menu this week:

Single Cheeseburger: Freddy’s premium steakburger patty with American cheese on a toasted bun with mustard, onion and pickle.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Crispy chicken breast on a toasted bun with mayonnaise and pickle.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken on a toasted bun with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato.

Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog on a toasted bun with the Guest’s choice of condiments.

Each meal includes a small drink and small fries/tots, or can be upgraded to a full-size premium side. Check your local Freddy’s for pricing!

McDonald’s Super Mario Galaxy Movie Happy Meal

McDonald’s has a new, limited time-only meal fans will go crazy for: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Happy Meal. “Discover one of 12 unique toys in your Happy Meal, each featuring a collectible character from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on a posable clip,” the chain says. “Clip Mario to your backpack, pin Princess Peach to your purse or let Yoshi dangle from your keyring – now’s the perfect time to grab this season’s must-have accessory.”

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is celebrating March Madness with free chicken sandwiches.  To help make watch parties even easier every day of the week, customers can get a free Chicken Shack or Chicken Shack Lettuce Wrap with a $10+ purchase using code SpringChicken in the Shack App, at shakeshack.com, or at kiosks inside Shake Shacks. Take advantage of the deal now, as it ends on April 1.

RELATED: 8 Chain Restaurants With the Best Bottomless Bread

Raise the Roost

Raise the Roost restaurant has some great new deals for hungry customers:

2 for $5 Crispy Wraps: Hand-breaded chicken tenders fried to a deep golden crunch, wrapped in a soft flour tortilla with crisp lettuce and shredded cheese, finished with a drizzle of Roost Signature, Honey Mustard, Ranch or Spicy Ranch sauce.

Spicy Ranch Deluxe Chicken Sandwich: Juicy chicken tenders stacked on a buttery, toasted brioche-style bun with smoky bacon, melted pepper jack cheese, sliced jalapeños and a layer of spicy ranch.

Jimmy John’s

Jimmy John’s has a new $8.99 Meal Deal available nationwide, built around two fan-favorite menu items. Guests choose between a regular 8″ #4 Turkey Tom® or #1 The Pepe®, paired with chips and a drink for just $8.99 when ordered online, or through the Jimmy John’s app. This is a limited time-only offer so grab it while you can.

Hardee’s

Hardee’s just launched a promotion called “Second Breakfast Insurance” in honor of the new Frisco Breakfast Burger, which contains over 40 g of protein. From March 23-March 31, guests who submit a past receipt or a photo of a sad, unfulfilling breakfast at hardees.com/nosecondbreakfast can get a complimentary Frisco Breakfast Burger combo from the chain.

KFC

KFC is celebrating the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special with some excellent deals right for fun watch parties: 20 Wings for $20 delivers a shareable spread with 20 wings and four dipping sauces, perfect to celebrate the milestone anniversary. And: KFC’s $10 Tuesdays offers an 8-piece bucket or 8 tenders (with four sauces) for $10.

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7 Best LongHorn Steakhouse Dishes to Order This Week https://www.eatthis.com/best-longhorn-steakhouse-dishes-order/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:45:53 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=912178 I’ve made it no secret that LongHorn Steakhouse is my favorite casual dining chain. I...

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I’ve made it no secret that LongHorn Steakhouse is my favorite casual dining chain. I have such hit-or-miss experiences at most chain restaurants, with inconsistent food quality and service. I’ve never had an awful dinner at my local LongHorn in Jenkintown, PA. And let me preface: I am a food snob. In fact, the first time my neighbor, Alex, mentioned he regularly dined at the chain, I literally laughed out loud. I gave it a shot a few years ago, and my kids and I have been regulars ever since. What should you order at LongHorn? Here are the 7 best LongHorn Steakhouse dishes to order this week.

Flo’s Filet

longhorn steakhouse flos filet
Flo’s Filet, a 6- or 9-ounce serving of filet mignon, is my usual order. It isn’t the best filet I’ve ever had, but I challenge you to find a better filet for the price. I also like that it comes in two sizes. The smaller size is under $22 and includes two sides. Sometimes I do the shrimp add-on, but keep reading for my thoughts on that.

The LongHorn Porterhouse

The LongHorn Porterhouse

On a recent visit with my boyfriend, our server, Soniya, recommended the LongHorn Porterhouse, one of the priciest items on the menu at $36.29. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she told me, as the 22-ounce chunk of meat combines a bone-in New York strip with a generous filet mignon. It was honestly delicious and so big that there were plenty of leftovers. It was seasoned to perfection, rich, and fork-tender.

Renegade Sirloin

Longhorn Steakhouse Renegade Sirloin

The most popular steak at LongHorn is the Renegade Sirloin, starting at $16.29. Why? It’s the cheapest option and gets the job done. The  “lean and hearty center-cut top sirloin” is generously seasoned with their signature Prairie Dust, “grilled to perfection,” and comes with two sides.

Redrock Grilled Shrimp


I’ll let you in on a secret: LongHorn Steakhouse has the best shrimp of any chain restaurant. I am super picky with shrimp because I can’t stand the fishy smell or taste that it often comes with. But the Redrock Grilled Shrimp, which can be ordered as a side or entree, tastes so clean. It includes jumbo shrimp that are marinated and grilled on skewers, then glazed with a smoky tomato butter sauce and served over rice.

The Texas Tonion

longhorn steakhouse texas tonion

All the apps at LongHorn are amazing, but the Texas Tonion is perfection. This is how I remember the OG Bloomin’ Onion at Outback tasting: Super fresh, perfectly seasoned, cooked to perfection on the inside, and crispy breading on the outside. I like that the onion petals are separated, because there are no soggy bites. And, the “zesty dip” it comes with is super tasty.

Strawberry and Pecan Salad

longhorn steakhouse strawberry pecan salad

All the salads at LongHorn are great, including the side salad (I get it with ranch) or the Caesar. My boyfriend recently tried the Strawberry and Pecan as one of his sides. It was delicious, a bed of farm-fresh field greens topped with fresh-cut strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, candied pecans, feta, and a refreshing raspberry vinaigrette.

RELATED: 7 Best LongHorn Steakhouse Steaks, According to Diners

Chocolate Stampede

longhorn steakhouse chocolate stampede

If you still have room for dessert, order the Chocolate Stampede. The huge, calorically high treat is basically a sampler of all things chocolate. It comes with six different kinds of chocolate, paired with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. It’s honestly big enough for a huge table to share.

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5 Most Delicious Dishes at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, According to Chefs https://www.eatthis.com/best-carrabbas-orders-chefs/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:30:51 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=909838 Carrabba’s Italian Grill blends comfort food, family-style atmosphere, and a touch of authenticity in a...

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Carrabba’s Italian Grill blends comfort food, family-style atmosphere, and a touch of authenticity in a way that feels both familiar and a little more special than typical chain dining. From pasta and lasagna to chicken and steak, the menu focuses on rich, satisfying classics. It’s approachable food—familiar flavors, generous portions and something for almost everyone.”Carrabba’s is one of those places I appreciate for bringing bold, rustic Italian flavors to a setting that still feels approachable and consistent every time you walk through the door,” says Dennis Littley, Chef and Culinary Expert at Ask Chef Dennis. “It’s a kitchen that understands the importance of layering flavor—from fresh herbs to slow-simmered sauces—without overcomplicating the dish.” There are a lot of great options on the menu, but with so many choices, it’s hard to choose, so Chef Dennis shares his must-have orders at Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Tomato Caprese with Fresh Burrata

Chef Dennis loves to start his meal with a nice appetizer and the Tomato Caprese with Fresh Burrata is his go-to. It’s still fresh and not overly heavy, so you’re ready for the main course. “This is the kind of starter I look for because it shows the power of simple ingredients handled with care,” he says. “The burrata is rich and creamy, the tomatoes bring freshness and acidity, and together they create a clean, balanced bite that wakes up your palate.”

Italian Classics Trio

With so many great options on the menu, the Italian Classics Trio is the ideal choice. You can enjoy chicken Parmesan, lasagne & fettuccine alfredo at once. “I always enjoy a dish that lets you sample a few favorites at once,” says Chef Dennis. “It’s a well-rounded plate of comfort, giving you different textures and sauces that showcase the heart of Italian-American cooking.”

Lobster Ravioli

Lobster ravioli pairs nicely with a good wine and feels like a special-occasion dish that’s still comforting and approachable—a rare mix of luxury and familiarity. “When done right, lobster ravioli should feel indulgent without being heavy, and this one delivers,” Chef Dennis explains. “The filling has a subtle sweetness, and the sauce complements it without overpowering the delicate seafood.”

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is flavorful, and a little bit fancy without being complicated–the kind of dish that feels both comforting and elevated at the same time. Chef Dennis highly recommends the version at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. “This is a classic that depends on depth of flavor, and Carrabba’s does a solid job here,” he says. “The Marsala wine sauce, combined with mushrooms, creates that rich, savory profile you want in every bite.”

Cannoli Cake for Two

Cannoli Cake for Two is the perfect way to end an unforgettable meal. “It’s a smart, shareable take on a traditional favorite,” says Chef Dennis. “You still get those familiar cannoli flavors of creamy ricotta and a hint of sweetness, but in a more indulgent, layered dessert that’s perfect to end the meal.”

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6 Best Desserts From Popular Chains, According to Chefs https://www.eatthis.com/best-desserts-chain-restaurants-chefs/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:15:44 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=909285 Chain restaurants may be known for craveable appetizers and entrées, but don’t overlook the dessert...

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Chain restaurants may be known for craveable appetizers and entrées, but don’t overlook the dessert menu. From gooey chocolate creations to over-the-top carrot cakes, some chains are serving sweet treats that rival high-end bakeries. To find the best of the best, Eat This, Not That! asked chefs to share their favorite desserts from chains.

Red Lobster’s Chocolate Wave

Red Lobster is making a major comeback. After facing significant financial struggles, the company is finding its footing again—and fans couldn’t be more excited. The renewed buzz isn’t just coming from loyal customers, either. Red Lobster is also earning praise from culinary pros, including top chocolatiers, for its standout menu items like the Chocolate Wave dessert, which Christian Paul Headley, Chocolatier & Founder of Christian Paul Chocolatier, is obsessed with. “The first time I tried this dessert was with my family, I was about 7 or 8 years old and my parents ordered the chocolate wave cake for me,” he explains. “I remember the server bringing out this huge piece of chocolate cake layered with chocolate icing and covered in mini chocolate chips. It was rich, decadent and fluffy all at the same time.”

Ocean Prime’s Ten Layer Carrot Cake

For an upscale dining experience, Ocean Prime always delivers. The chain combines steakhouse luxury, seafood quality and consistent service—making it a go-to for nights when you want something a little more elevated. For a showstopping dessert, the Ten Layer Carrot Cake is Instagram-worthy and delicious. “It’s perfectly spiced, full of the creamiest icing layers, yes, ten layers,” says Corrie Duffy, chef and food blogger at Corrie Cooks. “Eating this cake feels special in itself,” he says.

RELATED: 7 Best Desserts at Costco Arriving This Week

Maggiano’s Little Italy’s Tiramisu

For classic, comforting Italian-American food in a polished, yet relaxed setting, Maggiano’s Little Italy is the place to go. According to Dennis Littley, Chef and Culinary Expert at Ask Chef Dennis, the tiramisu is a must-try. “Tiramisu should be light, creamy, and balanced between espresso and cocoa, and Maggiano’s version hits those notes beautifully,” he explains. “It’s the perfect finish to a big Italian meal without feeling too heavy.”

The Cheesecake Factory’s Cheesecakes

The Cheesecake Factory is an obvious choice, but for a good reason. The chain has a nice variety of options that wow!”Their cheesecakes have a great creamy texture, and with so many options (over thirty) like the classic New York-style and the rich Oreo Dream Extreme, there’s a flavor for everyone,” says Rena Awada, Owner, Head Chef, Food Blogger and Content Creator at Healthy Fitness Meals. “Each slice is a decadent experience with perfectly crisp crusts and smooth fillings.”

Fogo de Chão’s Cheesecake Brûlée

With its all-you-can-eat model, it’s hard to save room for dessert at Fogo de Chão, but the Cheesecake Brûlée is worth it. “If you want to end your dinner on a sweet note, go for the cheesecake brulee…. You’ll be glad you did,” says Dennis Littley, Chef and Culinary Expert at Ask Chef Dennis.

Yard House’s Bread Pudding

Known for its expansive menu and great beer selection, Yard House is a place to go for happy hour, a good casual meal and dessert. The Bread Pudding with Crème Anglaise is amazing, according to Dennis Littley, chef and culinary expert at Ask Chef Dennis. “Yard House’s version is special because of the vanilla bean and caramel sauces topped with vanilla ice cream and powdered sugar that’s worth its 810 calories,” he says. “The texture is soft but structured, so each bite feels indulgent yet balanced.”

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3 Chain Restaurants Serving Award-Winning Prime Rib https://www.eatthis.com/award-winning-prime-rib-chain-restaurants/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:46 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=909068 You can get prime rib at a number of steakhouses across the United States, including...

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You can get prime rib at a number of steakhouses across the United States, including chains like LongHorn, Outback, and Texas Roadhouse. Sure, they will serve you delicious, tender, savory, and thick slices of the meat with all the fixings, including au jus sauce, horseradish, and some type of potato. You can also get prime rib on special occasions at a lot of swanky restaurants, country clubs, and supper clubs. However, if you want to enjoy award-winning prime rib, there are only a few places to go in the country. And here’s an interesting fact: All of them have “prime rib” in their names. If you want to try the best of the best, Eat This, Not That! has you covered. Here are 3 chain restaurants serving award-winning prime rib, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Lawry’s The Prime Rib is one of the most famous prime rib-centric restaurants in the world, with locations in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, and all over Asia. One location was voted TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best – Fine Dining. “This award is TripAdvisor’s highest honor and features the very best by combing through reviews, ratings and saves from travelers all over the world. We are proud to be the top 1% of restaurants worldwide for this honor. Thank you for your support. We will continue to serve with excellence and bring the grand dining experience to all who walk through our doors,” they wrote in an Instagram post.

House of Prime Rib

House of Prime Rib is another famous restaurant in San Francisco that serves the delicacy. It has received tons of praise over its lifespan, including the coveted James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality in 2026. It has gotten several other awards, including SFGate’s.com Best Steakhouses in the Bay Area and OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in the US.

RELATED: 5 Chain Restaurants With the Best Smothered Steak

The Prime Rib

The Prime Rib is a swanky meat joint in the Northeast with locations in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. It has received lots of awards, including the Silver Plate Award from the National Restaurant Society, Top Five Romantic Restaurants in the US from Food & Wine, and #1 Sreakhouse in Washington, D.C. by Zagat.

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4 Chain Restaurants with the Best Margaritas, According to a Mixologist https://www.eatthis.com/chain-restaurants-best-margaritas-mixologist/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:38 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=911783 Whether you love them spicy, classic, fruity, frozen, or on the rocks, margaritas are delicious....

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Whether you love them spicy, classic, fruity, frozen, or on the rocks, margaritas are delicious. No matter your mood, a well-made margarita always seems to hit the spot. Even people who don’t usually gravitate toward cocktails often find them easy to enjoy, thanks to their bright citrus flavor, balanced sweetness and not-too-boozy taste.

But not every margarita lives up to the hype. While some lean too sugary or rely on pre-made mixes, others strike that perfect balance of fresh lime, quality tequila, and just the right touch of sweetness. To find the best ones, Eat This, Not That! turned to Sanwar Mal Khokhar, Mixologist & Beverage Program Leader, Sanjh Restaurant & Bar, Irving, Texas, who shared the top four chains that serve worthy margaritas.

What Makes a Great Margarita

Margarita

Drinks these days are pricey, and if you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on a cocktail, it should be worth it. Here are the key things that take a margarita from mediocre to excellent.

According to Khokhar, “A great margarita lives or dies on three basic things: a good, clean tequila, fresh lime juice and balance.” He explains, “When someone puts a sour mix in the margarita, the drink is dead. Margarita requires a good blanco and reposado tequila, fresh lime juice and a sweetener that does not overpower the rest of the ingredients.” Khokhar adds, “Another important thing is the salt rim. It is not just to make the drink presentable; it also serves to cut the harshness of tequila and the sharpness of fresh lime. When all these things are lined up, the margarita will be the best.”

Chili’s Grill & Bar

Chili's Presidente Margarita

Chili’s Grill & Bar has been around for years and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. There are tons of social media videos circulating showing off a great meal for a good value–with fast food prices soaring, you can spend the same amount, but for a quality sit-down meal. In addition to a solid meal, Chili’s also serves good drinks, like the Presidente Margarita, which is Khokhar’s favorite.

“It has Patron silver, grand mariner and fresh lime juice,” he explains. “It is consistent and served always at the right temperature and for the high volume they do across thousands of locations around the country, that kind of quality control is genuinely hard to pull off,” he points out.  “The Presidente Margarita is the drink that made a generation of casual diners realize a margarita could actually taste like something.”

On The Border

On The Border Margarita
One of the many appeals about On The Border is that the chain offers familiar, crowd-pleasing dishes—fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, and queso—served in hearty portions. The premium margaritas compliment any item on the menu and Khokhar says they’re a must-try.

“What makes their margarita is the freedom that they give to the guest to choose their tequila,” he explains. “This is the one thing that most of the restaurant chains completely ignore. Their margaritas are citrus-forward, not overly sweet and they pair beautifully with their food instead of competing with it.”

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse Margarita

Go to Texas Roadhouse any day of the week, and you’ll find a line waiting for a table–it’s always packed. Known for affordable, high-quality steak meals, Texas Roadhouse delivers in many ways, including its legendary margaritas.

“Frozen margaritas can have a bad reputation for being too sugary or not strong enough, but Texas Roadhouse proves that theory wrong,” says Khokhar. He shares, “Few chain restaurants have the best frozen margaritas without fake lime, powder or premix, and that is the key behind a good frozen margarita.” He adds, “For a steakhouse chain, the bar program always plays a very important role, and Texas Roadhouse does justice with their drinks, especially margaritas.”

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar

applebee's margarita

Applebee’s is beloved for a few simple reasons: it’s easy, familiar and reliably satisfying. The chain is also a great value–you can usually find limited-time offers and free or discounted appetizers. It’s a go-to spot for Khokhar when he’s craving a good margarita.

“Applebee’s does one of the best seasonal margaritas I’ve had over the past couple of years,” he says. Their main focus is also on using fresh lime juice. The classic margarita on a specific price point has gained attention.” He adds, “The margaritas are fulfilling and at a great price point.  Sometimes that is exactly what the guest needs: a quality margarita within a price limit. Their Dollarita margarita is also getting some real attention.”

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7 Best Texas Roadhouse Menu Items Diners Call Hidden Gems https://www.eatthis.com/best-texas-roadhouse-menu-items-hidden-gems/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:45:16 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=911644 Texas Roadhouse is the number one dining chain in the United States due to one...

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Texas Roadhouse is the number one dining chain in the United States due to one reason: The Lone Star State inspired brand offers delicious food in huge portions for competitively low prices. If you are heading to one for the first time or want to try something new, there are some items that come highly recommended by regulars. Here are the 7 best Texas Roadhouse menu items diners call hidden gems.

Bone-In Ribeye Steak

Meat eaters swear by the Bone-In Ribeye, a 20oz., a “juicy, flavorful ribeye served on the bone for extra flavor,” the menu reads. The steak is cooked to your preference and served with choice of two sides. “I almost always order the ribeye and it’s never disappointed,” one diner said. “I went to Texas Roadhouse back in January for the first time in like 15 years and was blown away by how good it was for the cost. 16oz ribeye, two sides, couple of drinks and got out for $45 with tip,” writes another fan.

Prime Rib

Prime rib is “the hidden gem of Texas Roadhouse,” according to one fan. “Great flavor, and it’s way more consistent than the steaks in terms of quality and doneness. I’ve been eating it for several years and it’s great. One of my favorite meals out from a chain.” Another diner recommends eating it with creamy horseradish, “and save one of those rolls for dessert and dip in that horseradish au jus,” they say. “It’s one of my favorite things I’ve ever eaten. Perfect blend of savory and sweet.”

Steak Kebabs

Texas Roadhouse Marinated Steak Kebabs

The steak kebabs are another sleeper item on the menu, offering a decent portion of meat and veggies at a great price point. “For me, at least, the real hidden gem is the kabobs. Somehow, they always seem to nail the cook, and I love the charred veggies,” reveals one Redditor.

Tater Skins

texas roadhouse tater skins

As for an appetizer, the “potato skins are legit!” confirms one Redditor about the item, actually named Tater Skins. It comes with 8 baked potato skins, smothered with melted cheddar cheese and bacon bits, and served with sour cream for dipping.

Filet Medallions

texas roadhouse Filet Medallions

In one Reddit feed, a Texas Roadhouse fan revealed that they swear by the Filet Medallions, which comes with three, 3-ounce medallions of filet, “which is a total of 9 oz of Filet that costs $1 less than the 8oz Filet,” they write. The Medallions are served on a bed of rice and come with two sides and a choice of sauce. “You can also pay a small upcharge to add 1x more 3oz medallion which price varies but is a great way to ensure leftovers or a very hearty meal for a great bang for the buck and is very easily slept on menu item,” they reveal.

Chili

Texas Roadhouse's Texas Red Chili

And, don’t forget to order chili, which is one of the most high-value items. “I know it sounds dumb as a side, but if you’re a meat lover, it’s worth mentioning,” the same Redditor says. “TXRH handcuts all of their steaks. Those trimmings are not wasted,” they continue, adding that this chili is “one of the most expensive chili you could make at home because it is ground Filet, ribeye, strip, and sirloin meat,” they write. “I’m a big fan.”

The New York Strip

Texas Roadhouse New York Strip Steak

You also can’t go wrong with the 12 oz NY/KC strip. “If you want to ensure your steak is cut to order (instead of precut that morning like many 6/8/11 oz Sir) you can always request a specific size as long as it is bigger than the largest size on the menu. For example, 16oz ribeye + 2oz for an small additional cost per oz that varies per restaurant/region and you will get an 18 oz that will be cut the moment that server puts in the order,” one fan said.

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6 Chain Restaurants Where the Ribs Are Actually Smoked Over Hickory Wood https://www.eatthis.com/chain-restaurants-ribs-smoked-hickory-wood/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:30:15 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=907967 Fun fact: Not everything that claims to be “hickory smoked” is actually smoked over hickory...

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Fun fact: Not everything that claims to be “hickory smoked” is actually smoked over hickory wood. While natural hickory smoke lends a bold, savory, and bacony smell and taste to meats, some people take shortcuts by using a fake liquid hickory smoke, which is more cost-effective and quicker. If you want real-deal hickory-smoked ribs, there are a handful of chains smoking them the authentic way. Here are 6 chain restaurants where the ribs are actually smoked over hickory wood.

Famous Dave’s Pit Ribs

Famous Dave’s serves competition-level smoke flavor, hand-rubbed with spices, slow-hickory-smoked in a pit, and basted in scratch-made sauces. A former pitmaster for Famous Dave’s maintains that “the ribs are smoked for approximately 3 hours with pure hickory. The rub in restaurant is primarily smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, garlic, and a little cayenne pepper. The celery seeds are added after the rib rub and only on the top side of ribs,” the informant writes on Reddit.

Red Hot & Blue

Red Hot & Blue in Annapolis, Maryland, is an authentic smokehouse that serves up some of the most succulent and flavorful ribs you can find. They start with the “finest cuts of pork,” which are “carefully chosen to ensure a beautiful balance of meat and fat, essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness,” they write on the website. “But what truly sets these ribs apart is the smoking process. The ribs are slow-smoked to perfection using a blend of seasoned hickory woods. This method imparts a rich, smoky flavor and tenderizes the meat, making it fall right off the bone.”

Hickory River Smokehouse BBQ

Hickory River Smokehouse BBQ uses real hickory for its dry-rubbed ribs. “Every cut of Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Pork Shoulder, Turkey Breast, and Half Chicken are carefully selected and Hand-Rubbed with our Signature Spice Blend. Then, we slowly smoke them over Hickory Wood in our on-site smokehouse for a Juicy, Award-Winning Smokehouse Flavor. It’s all served up with our own Special Recipe Barbecue Sauce and our Famous Sides,” they write.

RELATED: 7 Chain Restaurants With the Best Honey BBQ Ribs

City Barbeque

City Barbeque is a Midwestern chain that has expanded into Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It authentically smokes meats in one of three hickory burning smokers to slow cook meats, including brisket and St. Louis–cut pork ribs to “bite off the bone” perfection. “We don’t limit ourselves to any particular region or style, but instead try to showcase the breadth and depth of barbecue found across the country,” the restaurant says.

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ

Lucille’s Smokehouse uses hickory smoke and the best seasonings and BBQ’s bold sauces to get its meats tasting delicious. The chain has three branded BBQ sauces that keep customers coming back for more: Original, Hot & Spicy, and Memphis. Lucille’s Original BBQ sauce “might be my favorite bbq sauce,” writes a Redditor. “Their Memphis style sauce was good also but very vinegar heavy which I didn’t mind.”

Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ

Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q serves up high-quality meats and scratch-made sides for reasonable prices, using hickory smoke and slow cooking methods. For under $20, you can enjoy a plate of any meat aside from brisket, which is $21.99. The meal comes with two “trimmings” and two of the chain’s famous biscuits.

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7 Bottomless Pasta Deals That Are Actually Worth the Carb Coma https://www.eatthis.com/bottomless-pasta-deals-restaurant-chains/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:15:31 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=908095 Bottomless or all-you-can-eat pasta deals are usually found in certain Italian chains or pizza buffets,...

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Bottomless or all-you-can-eat pasta deals are usually found in certain Italian chains or pizza buffets, offering items like mac and cheese or creamy alfredos for a set price, so diners can go to town. These tasty meals are very filling, so you have to really plan ahead to take full advantage of the all-you-can-eat deals. If you’re hungry and want to enjoy as much pasta as physically possible, there are some spots you should add to your list. Here are seven bottomless pasta deals you should definitely plan a nap for afterwards.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden‘s Never-Ending Pasta Bowl is a limited-time special where diners can enjoy unlimited pasta, sauce & toppings with soup or salad & breadsticks. This popular annual deal has fans sharing tips on how best to take advantage of the offer. “The trick is to START LIGHT. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people ready to order multiple bowls but then their first dish is always fettuccine alfredo with frita. They never make it past the first dish,” one Redditor said.

Cicis Pizza

Cicis Pizza doesn’t just have endless delicious pizza options—the chain has some great pasta dishes as part of the all-you-can-eat buffet. Guests can enjoy Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, and even a yummy Pasta Salad: Cicis pasta salad is mixed with veggies including black olives, green olives, banana peppers, and tomatoes over pasta tossed in our signature Italian dressing.

Pizza Ranch

The Pizza Ranch chain has pasta options at participating locations, like the Rotini Pasta with sweet marinara. Guests can also enjoy chicken, wings, desserts, and sides like mac & cheese as part of the buffet. “My kids love this place, it is their favorite restaurant. Aside from pizza, they had a good strawberry pecan salad option at the salad bar,” one diner said.

RELATED: 8 Chain Restaurants With the Best Bottomless Bread

Golden Corral

Golden Corral diners can indulge in all-you-can-eat pasta as part of the endless buffet. The chain is also launching its Easter Meals To Go program, giving families a full holiday spread, ready to pick up and enjoy at home without lifting a finger. No stress, no mess, just delicious food without any work.

Souper Salad

Souper Salad‘s endless buffet has great all-you-can-eat options including tasty pasta. “Souper Salad offers an all-you-care-to eat buffet of fresh salads, made-from-scratch soups, fresh baked breads, fruits, flatbread pizzas, baked potato bar, desserts and more—all for one low price!” the chain says. “Our menu items change regularly and seasonally so you can try something new as well as savor old favorites.”

Fazoli’s

Some Fazoli’s locations offer all-you-can-eat pasta on Thursdays. Diners can enjoy endless breadsticks with their regular meals, too. “Fazoli’s prides itself on serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh, and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza, and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks,” the chain says.

Maggiano’s Little Italy

The Family Style deal at Maggiano’s Little Italy is not technically bottomless, but it’s a huge amount of food. “Our Famous Family Style Experience: Choose from all of your scratch-made Italian-American favorites,” the chain says. “The portions are large enough to share, and if you want more of anything, just ask. It’s an exceptional value available only for parties of four or more.”

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5 Popular Restaurants Serving the Best Chicken Parmesan and Garlic Bread https://www.eatthis.com/restaurants-chicken-parm-garlic-bread/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:45:01 +0000 https://www.eatthis.com/?p=908745 I love chicken parm. It’s not the most complicated Italian dish in terms of flavor,...

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I love chicken parm. It’s not the most complicated Italian dish in terms of flavor, but it is certainly a crowd-pleaser. What makes a juicy chicken breast with crispy, outside-breading, topped with gooey cheese and flavorful marinara, even more delicious? Garlic and butter-drenched bread. The combo of garlic bread and chicken parmesan will never get old, which is why restaurants usually serve the two together. Where can you get the delicious duo? Here are 5 popular restaurants serving the best chicken parmesan and garlic bread.

Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maggiano’s Little Italy recently upgraded its regular chicken parm to The Grand Chicken Parmesan, “bigger, bolder, and better than ever,” the chain wrote in a social media post. The dish is topped with freshly sliced whole-milk mozzarella and fresh basil, a “reimagined, and ready to be savored” version of the already popular dish that has kept guests returning to the upscale Italian chain for decades. And, the garlic bread is legendary. “Fun Fact: our Garlic Bread is filled with truffle butter & cheese which makes it 100% delicious,” the chain recently shared on Instagram.

The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheescake Factory’s version of chicken parm, the Crusted Chicken Romano, features a chicken breast coated with a Romano-Parmesan cheese crust, served over angel hair pasta and topped with an indulgent layer of marinara and cheese. If you want to experience it with garlic-like bread, you will have to order it as a sandwich.

RELATED: 5 Italian Chains With the Best Chicken Parm, According to Diners

Olive Garden Chicken Parm

The classic Chicken Parmigiana from Olive Garden is a fan favorite, served with a hearty side of spaghetti and plenty of melted cheese. According to our reviewer, Matt Kirouac, the “texture is amazingly crispy, resembling a well-fried schnitzel, while the interior remains plump and succulent. Some of the edges were a little burnt, but not really in a bad way,” he explains, adding that there is also a “blanket of gooey cheese.” As for garlic bread, eat as much as you want with the chain’s trademark never-ending breadsticks.

Bravo! Italian Kitchen

Bravo! Italian Kitchen’s chicken parm is traditional but perfect, crispy hand-breaded chicken, zesty marinara, creamy mozzarella, and herb linguine. The parms are so popular that an entire section of the menu is devoted to them, with eggplant and veal options as well. Diners also love the garlic breadsticks, which come with a delicious side of oil.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Carrabba’s crispy, juicy chicken cutlet, topped with its signature pomodoro sauce and melted mozzarella, is Kirouac’s go-to chicken parm. “Everything about this looked amazing, from the even layers of ooey, gooey cheese, hot and fresh from the oven, to the herbaceous sauce, crispy edges on the perfectly plump chicken, and the fact that the staff thoughtfully split the order in half,” he says. Overall, he says the dish is “pretty great.” The chicken, “which was just thick enough, boasted a pleasant crispy texture that held up well under the cheese and sauce—succulent and tender on the inside, while retaining a golden-brown crunch around the edges. There’s a great ratio of cheese-to-meat here, and the sauce lends an acidic zing that helps balance everything out.” The chain serves its famous Italian bread with a garlic olive oil dip, allowing you to make your own version of the classic.

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