Best chain restaurant for breakfast?
 

We've gotten in the habit of going out for Sunday brunch/breakfast. I'm familiar with all the local spots that I like for breakfast, but was wondering if there are any chains that do it well too? We love First Watch and Bob Evans. Any other recommendations? I saw that Copelands has a Sunday brunch but I've never been. Would love some new ideas!

Is this for anywhere in the US or at a particular location?

Anywhere, really. I'm in Ohio but am asking about chains as not to limit responses to local spots. We've gotten in the habit of rotating the same spots every Sunday morning (dh works Saturdays so Sunday breakfast is our regular family meal out). I figured it would be good info for when traveling as well. I've never been to a Waffle House and have heard mixed reviews (after a health inspection report I saw on tv I've been a bit scared to try it!).

Just be aware that there are certain types who prowl this thread who look down upon those of us who enjoy chain restaurants. That being said I will offer Cracker Barrel as my fav spot for breakfast. They used to be pretty much in the south along interstates but I believe that they are pretty much all over now and there are several in Ohio.

IHOP, and not just at breakfast.

Waffle Houses differ widely. And the customers at 2 a.m. are very different than 10 a.m.

If we lived near a Cracker Barrell, that's where I'd want to eat! :o)

Well, IHOP's must "differ widely" too, because the one near me is absolutely the pits. Not TOO bad for breakfast but for lunch and dinner nothing but frozen junk fried in week-old grease. (I must admit I haven't been for a few years though).

I frown upon those who go to a "chain" restaurant for breakfast. But if you must, Bob Evans is OK. Thing is, Ohio has no real quality breakfast places like the east does. Ohio considers The Olive Garden "italian " food.

Too bad a place like "The Cooker" doesn't serve breakfast. Does "Max and Ermas"?

IHOP and Waffle House, and Denny's (in a pinch).

Bob Evans is not good.

Cracker Barrel is popular for breakfast. I suppose it's fine to support them if you aren't opposed to their various lawsuits and continued practices of major discrimination. I don't think I could properly digest my food there.

I'm trying to figure out why you want a chain for breakfast. My experience has been that that's the best meal of the day at the little local Mom and Pop places. We have a lot of the chains here in Naples, but none of them quite match up to our own Cove Inn Coffee Shop, Mr. Mom's, The White House, and Three Sisters.

I'm an unapologetic NYC food snob and I readily admit that I like the occassional breakfast from Denny's. So SLAM me if you will, but I'm comfortable straying away from the path of culinary excellance now and again.

In the Portland, OR, area, the Elmer's chain is a popular breakfast spot. I love their silver dollar pancakges; my husband likes their German pancakes. FYI, the plot to attack skater Nancy Kerrigan was hatched at an Elmer's. For some odd reason, that fact isn't included in the historical milestons on the Elmer's web site.
http://www.elmers-restaurants.com/history.html

In Astoria/Seaside/Cannon Beach area we like The Pig n Pancake! Fun place with many items to choose from, very family-friendly! ***kim*** ((#))

My opinion on eating breakfast at a chain- frankly I've found little difference in quality between mom and pop style diners/restaurants and chains like Denny's. Just more local color and ambience in the mom and pops. But there is a downside- say you have a bad experience either with service, or the food, etc. Chains are franchises and operate under customer satisfaction guidelines. Mom and Pops only have self imposed standards, meaning if Mom and Pop got up on the wrong side of the bed that morning you might not get a free meal if you have a bad experience.

We have some good mom and pops down here in Key Largo (Ganim's, Harriet's) but like I said in terms of food quality, quantity, and price, not to mention service, they are really not any better or worse then Denny's.

Original Pancake House - is a "chain" but independently owned (i believe). There aren't too many throughout the country - but whenever I am traveling I always look for them - very good!

I can't remember the last time I was in one around home, but if we're on the road, Denny's works just fine. The food is consistent, and you have to appreciate the creativity on the menu: Moon over My-hammy (I think).

You can't beat a Sausage, Egg and Cheese Taquito from Whataburger.

Kim: re Pig N Pancake--- Do they have something call "pig in a blanket" My granmother's favorite for me!!

I only asked for chains because I figured I would get more responses than if I asked for best breakfast spots in Cincinnati. I know all the good local spots, but some times there are good chains too and if they don't specialize in breakfast, you might not know about them.

Congrats to ahhnold on trying every breakfast spot in the state of Ohio. You must be a pretty big guy!

Fairhope, www.pignpancake.com is a website you might enjoy viewing! Yes, it's my favorite there! 3 Little Piggies in a Blanket, I like to drown them in boysenberry syrup! :D

My little pink piggie (Hugo) I picked up last trip sits on my computer. ***kim*** (What's the symbol for the pig icon,LOL?) ((l))

We love Le Peep...check out www.lepeep.com for more information.

This travel forum sure has a way of making me hungry :-D

Come on, Snowrooster. You've tried one, you've tried them all.

Am I wrong?

Perkins & Country Kitchen

Friendly's in South Adams MA has the best homefries that I've ever eaten. I don't know if their other locations are just as good.

Gotta say I love Waffle House's pecan waffles & hashbrowns with onions. Heart attack on a plate! Copeland's here has a jazz brunch & the music is the best part. I am more & more disappointed with Cracker Barrel. The quality has gone downhill in the various ones I've eaten in lately. When in Jax I love to hit Famous Amos. We don't have Shoney's around here anymore but I liked their french toast sticks & also the mushrooms on the breakfast bar. Every once in a while we stop at La Madeline for breakfast. I love the Strawberries Romanoff & an eclair.

#1 = Original Pancake House
#2 - Cracker Barrel

My son was in a band that traveled all over the US. They slept on a tour bus while they went from state to state, he woke in parking lots of Waffle Houses all over the US. Instead of being sick of them, he now ( living in Japan) misses breakfast at Waffle House..any Waffle House :D

Nationwide chain - Cracker Barrel
Local restaurant in North Canton, OH - Susannas Old Fasioned Restaurant

I miss the diner-type breakfast places we used to have when I was a kid in the 1960s and 1970s. Like "Steak and Egg", and "Ones A Meal" Small places w/booths and lots of cholesterol.
We liked Perkins for breakfast in Florida. Simple, basic, inexpensive. And we do like Bob Evans. What is not good about it? Basic breakfast, inexpensive, and someone else makes it and cleans it up. And their kids menu is good and downright cheap.

I'm with Carol...nothing beats the Original Pancake House IMO...I LOVE their crepes and buckwheat pancakes...and coffee...and eggs...and everything...

I'm going to have to go back to Original Pancake House and try the crepes. I've been twice - had an omlette once (okay) and their apple creation they claim to be a specialty which I didn't care for (too eggy). I saw someone else eating crepes last time and they did look fabulous!

I really like the Coco's chain. We don't have them in MA, but whenever I go to CA I try to go to one.

It is their specialty snowrooster, so I hope they make them good for you ! The "fresh fruit" crepe was always good, but they have those special ones too...mmmm enjoy !

Original Pancake house is not what it used to be. We have one on the corner of my house and I think that they are really expensive and definitly not worth the 1 hour wait on a Sat. or Sunday morning.

i know a lot of people like it.

In fact, the Original Pancake House by my house is THE ORIGINAL one.

Hi tina,
I'm curious...where is the actual original ?...I have only been to 2 in ATL and 1 in B'ham....I admit I haven't been in a couple of years, but yes, we waited a long time unless we went a little later...

In Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. The other originals are in the Metro Detroit area too.

The only one I have been to is in Champaign, IL (home of #1 Fighting Illini!)

My two favorite chain restaurant breakfast treats:

Dutch baby pancake from the Original Pancake House (so embarassing when the waitress brings it out because of its absolute enormity but gradually it shrinks as it collapses under its own weight)

Potato galettes from La Madeleine

Wafflehouse. Great hash browns.

I like Cracker Barrel, but no one goes there anymore- it's too crowded.