(There is a Cheddar's right near Allen's place and I love it!!!)

This article is the archived version of a
report that appeared in July 2009
Consumer Reports magazine.
If you want to save your cash and eat out
too, you're in luck. Experts predict a sales decline at restaurants this year,
so diners are in the driver's seat. "Today's dining deals are incredible," says
Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, a food-service research
and consulting firm based in Chicago.
Our recent survey of 70,403 subscribers who made
158,744 visits to 101 restaurant chains revealed good meals, good deals, and
choices for every budget and taste. Readers gave 21 chains top marks for food,
and five very different chains earned exceptional scores for value: Black-eyed
Pea (home-style comfort food), Sonny's Real Pit BBQ, Azteca Mexican Restaurant, Cheddar's Casual Café (eclectic American), and First Watch (eggs, pancakes, and
sandwiches).
At the other end of the spectrum, with
lower marks across the board, were Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Joe's
Crab Shack, and Friendly's.