After working in the west end of downtown Dallas for 19 years and going to the Palm periodically over the course of those 19 years, I can tell you that the Palm has finally won me over. The huge quantity of food used to intimidate me. But there are some things on the menu that are really terrific. (We take clients there for lunch; I've hardly ever been for dinner.)

On my own nickel, I like Macaroni Grill and California Pizza Kitchen, but I don't really consider them "upscale." Oh yes, I also really enjoy Pappadeaux.

My choices:
Outback and PJ Changs
I didn't include the Cheesecake factory since the only ones I have been in were so much noisier than my above choices that I felt it took away from the dining experience.

"I dont like the new dress code....I can wear cargo pants and sandals but I cant wear my cap?"

Since when do we wear caps/hats inside of public buildings? Might be the teacher in me, but I too would insist you remove the cap if we were dining together.

Agree with most of what is written - with exceptions of Carraba's being good (Twice in Naples, Once in Scottsdale, and Once in Detroit - enough for me).

Also - think that Macaroni Grill can be quite good - one of my favorite chains - along with Changs, Roys, and Baja Fresh.

And who can argue with a bean burrito with extra onions for .99-cents from Taco Bell when you want a snack at a drive through? {Go ahead, I'm ready to get slammed for the mere mention of Taco Bell! lol}

"When you start to actually taste your food, and give a damn about quality vs. quantity, you will not only get better food, but you might drop a pound or two as well."

rjw, if you do not find the above comment by LitespeedChick insulting, you are different than most people I know. I stand by my opinion stated above.

Capital Grille

Cheesecake Factory

PF Changs

Considering how many posters are appalled at the thought of dining at the Olive Garden, I find it shocking that you can never get into one without a wait. The food is okay, not as good as I can make at home, but not horrible either. To each his own.

I've only been to PF Chang's once, but I loved it and would love to try it again.

leelane, I don't find it insulting at all. What's more, it's true; once you do care about the quality of your food, you find you're eating a better, more balanced diet, in realistic quantities, and your health will reflect it. I know-- I'm fighting the battle back to a healthy weight after years of not caring about the food I eat; I now only dine in "good" places where I see fine foodstuffs being prepared sensibly, and I've lost 27 lbs in two months. You won't catch me in an Olive Garden or a TGI Friday's ever again (for that matter, I don't eat out as much as I used to).

Sorry to get on my soapbox (I'll get off in a second), but it's my new "thing"-- getting people to eat better to stay healthy.

Paul that was funny! I too love the Taco Bell bean burritos with extra onions and the green sauce! YUM!

I agree with leelane911 about the remarks from litespeed_chick. Her comments were rude, condesending and just uncalled for and snooty.
Some of us like to go to 'chains' because they are convenient...closer to home.
My favorite is Roy's but it's located downtown, 45 minutes from my house, but Johnny Carino's is only 10 minutes from my house, making that a favorite too.
I also like the Cheesecake and PH Changs, though I've only been once to Pf's.

I like Copeland's. It's not too upscale but not a Cracker Barrel either. My favorite dish is the Catfish Ricochet. The one in Covington LA does a jazz brunch on Sunday & a friend of mine is the strolling clarinetist.

I occasionally go to the original McCormick & Schmick's in Beaverton, Oregon. Pretty good seafood, and with a very "local" feel.

Pappadeux's in San Antonio, and a small chain called Zorbaz which are usually on a lake.

Bonefish Grill!

My favorite fine dining chain restaurant is The Thomas Keller "chain"
of The French Laundry and Per Se!

If all upscale chains could be only half as good...

Enjoy, fun TRAVEL question...my answer is bi-coastal...

Smokey Bones is our newest chain favorite. Great BBQ ribs and pulled pork as well as lots of other tasty menu items.

Oh yea, I love Rubios tacos and In and Out also.

Actually the bread sticks at Olive Garden are awesome. I could make a meal out of just those.

There is a spot for chains. The nice thing is that we have choices. Sometimes, even when travelling, it is comforting to know what you are getting and how much you might have to spend. Especially when travelling with a family. So, the chains serve a purpose.

LOVE PF Changs (and her new little sister, Pei Wei is good, too)

Morton's or Ruth's Criss

Il Fornaio

Haven't tried Roy's and don't have one nearby but now I wish I did

Well, if Le Cirque 2000 is a chain, that definitely gets my vote! I've only eaten at the original and it's fantastic.

Baluchis is an Indian, NYC-only (I think) chain, and I've eaten at many of their different locations...inexpensive and very good food.

Il Fornaio is also excellent...I had no idea that it was a chain the 1st time I ate at their Irvine location.

I can't believe that Outback and Olive Garden are considered "upscale" by some people. I see the people who walk in & out of these two restaurants which are located near my office. If the majority of people are in jeans & sneakers, I wouldn't call it upscale. I've tried each one once. Sure, the price is upscale, but for what you get I think it's a ripoff (I'm talking quality, not quantity).

Litespeed, sure sugar, salt and fat are abundant at fast food chains, and not that I am atating this as one of my favorite chains at all, but an example of fast food with new sides that aren't heavy in these poisonous items you mentioned are some of the seletions on Ruby Tuesday's menu and the opportunity to get a whole grain tortilla, steamed broccoli. You are insinuating that every one on this forum needs to lose weight or that everyone who eats in chains needs to lose weight. Being a nutrition professional, I can tell you that just as much, if not moreso, is the lack of physical activity that could help people to lose weight, and not implying here that anyone does--but physical activity is something that can be done everyday, whereas visiting chain restaurants isn't something most do everyday. Bottom line, an 'occasional' visit to a chain restaurant isn't going send anyone over the top. And again, being in the profession that I am, don't assume for once that trained chefs in the local restaurants aren't adding salt, whole milk, cream and butter to your entrees without your knowledge!

Some of my favorite chains are Panera, Cheesecake Factory and Bravo!

I don't think many chains could be considered upscale! I like the Green Mill restaurants (Midwest) and they are very generous with coupons. Lone Star can be really good, but don't order the salmon.

Olive Garden is lowest common denominator. I got salmonella there in 1991; enough said.

Suzanne, I think most people are answering this question in terms of "favorite chain restaurant" and disregarding the "upscale." Of course, "upscale" can mean different things to different people. If a family can barely afford to eat at Burger King, then Outback is going to be upscale to them.