| When we go out, my husband and I look, on | | | | BJ's Brewery-Everything is fresh out of the stone |
| purpose, for small out of the way cute places. | | | | ovens and the air heavy with the aroma of the |
| We like the homey atmosphere, the willingness of | | | | beery bread dough. Like California Pizza Kitchen, |
| the staff to cater to our dietary needs, the | | | | choices are all over the map and there's |
| sometimes unusual dishes that the chef (and | | | | something tasty for everyone. Atmosphere is |
| usually owner) creates. However, there is a couple | | | | that of a beer factory. High ceilings with pipes, |
| of family members who have always been of the | | | | noisy and dimly lit, yet loads of fun. |
| belief that "bigger is better", whether it be the | | | | Ruby's-Bright, light and awash with activity from |
| size of their car or how many restaurants | | | | the flying transportation above your head |
| someone has spread across the county (or | | | | (depending on the restaurant it could be planes, |
| country). With that in mind, I decided to check out | | | | trains, automobiles, boats or even bicycles) and |
| some of Orange County, CA's chain restaurants. I | | | | done in a 1940's theme, this chain has expanded |
| was nicely surprised! There were so many that | | | | from the usual burgers and fries fare to include |
| had great choices and atmospheres. Most are also | | | | breakfast, various types of burgers and |
| quite family friendly and able to accommodate our | | | | numerous types of fries. A great kid's menu. Fun |
| ever growing crowd-here were some of the ones | | | | music! My four month old grandson found the |
| our group of 12 enjoyed the most: | | | | fans and just loves "talking" to them and laughing |
| Claim Jumpers-If you can, share meals. Honestly, I | | | | the entire time we're there. |
| remember when this chain started down the | | | | Only drawback-grandparents aren't thrilled eating |
| street from where my sister and I grew up. The | | | | their burgers out of a plastic basket. |
| decor is "old camping miner town" theme, portions | | | | The Cheesecake Factory-More upscale than the |
| are huge and frankly, in over 30 years, no matter | | | | rest, but the atmosphere is fun, the food terrific |
| which unit we've gone to, we've never had a bad | | | | and it's perfect for a regular night out for two or |
| meal. Even when something was messed up, the | | | | for a family birthday celebration. The biggest |
| manager bent over backwards to make up for | | | | drawback? This place is always packed to the gills |
| even the most minor of mistakes. CJ's doesn't | | | | and they do not take reservations. Best |
| take reservations, so if you're going with a large | | | | suggestion: go on the off hours and never on |
| group-send someone ahead to get your name in. | | | | holidays! |
| California Pizza Kitchen-Portions are huge. Decor is | | | | There are of course many other chains that have |
| bright and airy. My husband can feed his need for | | | | great menus-PF Changs, In and Out, Jerry's Deli, El |
| pizza, the teenagers have great fun tasting the | | | | Torito, just to name a few, but ones mentioned |
| gourmet calzones, the grandparents love the | | | | handled our large group with the widest menu |
| grilled chicken dishes and I'm content with the | | | | choices and the most accommodating service |
| vegetarian fare. Even my picky brother-in-law | | | | staff. |
| finds something good enough for his palate. | | | | |