There are many reasons why you’d want to hop across the pond for a visit – there are the bright lights of New York, the majestic Grand Canyon of Arizona and the theme parks of Florida to name but a few top tourist destinations! However, it’s always worth taking a trip state side just to sample some of the amazing food they serve up in their top restaurant chains.
The name may be familiar to any How I Met Your Mother fans out there, but this chain restaurant was famous long before that. Families flock here to enjoy oversized plates full of food, with over 250 menu items to choose from. That’s before you explore the dessert counter, with a takeaway service available for all 50 signature cakes and desserts, ranging from the traditional vanilla cheesecake or chocolate fudge cake to the more exciting ‘Ultimate Red Velvet’ and ‘Oreo Dream Extreme’ options.
Specialising in breakfast foods, including waffles and omelettes that can be ordered at any time of day, this pancake house currently has an all-you-can-eat option across its 1,650 restaurants. Signature favourites are offered as well as more adventurous combinations, such as the ‘Pumpkin Pancakes Combo’ that comes with whipped cream and is served with eggs, bacon and hash browns, whilst cinnamon raisin French toast can be generously stuffed with sweet cream and topped with strawberries. The only ingredient they say is constant throughout all dishes is “a smile”, and with a dress code that is summed up as “come as you are”, it’s a guaranteed student spot!
This Australian themed restaurant specializes in steaks, though all meat is heavily seasoned to give it a unique flavour. It has been criticized recently for its liberal use of heavy cream and butter in many dishes, and even the broccoli here is smothered in a four-cheese sauce, but for an occasional indulgent treat, you can’t beat their famous crunchy ‘Aussie Fries’ that are served up with most meals. For the more health-conscious, an under 500-calorie menu is also available, but options are fairly limited. You’d be better off just staying home with a salad!
Italian-American cuisine has been served here in a relaxed setting since 1982. Its main appeal is the unlimited breadsticks and salad served as a starter, but from there you can personalise your main dish by choosing the style of pasta and accompanying sauce, with added meat toppings also available. They also have special ‘Lunch Duos’ where the indecisive customer can opt for two smaller portions of regular menu items.
Found mainly in the western regions of America, this is essentially a glorified burger chain that boasts a whole host of celebrities as regulars including Selena Gomez, Adele, Sam Smith and Anna Kendrick. The hype around this drive through joint comes from its not-so-secret secret menu, featuring items such as ‘Animal Fries’ (topped with melted cheese, grilled onions and a special spread) and the ‘Neapolitan Milkshake’ that combines strawberry, vanilla and chocolate in one.
This chain is vastly growing in popularity due to its indulgent fondue menu, guaranteeing a unique and interactive dining experience within a dimly lit venue. Before the main course, a traditional cheese fondue pot (available in four flavours) is on offer, served with a selection of artisan breads and seasonal vegetables. For those with a sweet tooth, the chocolate fondue wraps up a delicious evening out with fresh fruit, marshmallows, cakes and brownies for dipping, also available as a one-course meal option.
Edited by Sarah Holmes
Image sources:
https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/cheesecake-factory-toronto/
https://hannahandclaireeat.wordpress.com/tag/ihop/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outback_Steakhouse
http://yourslownewsday.com/olive-garden-is-obsessed-with-their-own-breadsticks/
http://qz.com/385241/in-n-out-is-still-americas-favorite-place-to-get-a-burger-a-survey-says/
http://photos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2012/02/50_top_eat_drink_for_melting_p.html