A chef ranks the five best steakhouses at major restaurant chains.
Meat creates a unique combination of comfort, nostalgia and flavor that few foods can match. It’s simple at heart, but very satisfying. Meatloaf is the ultimate home-cooked meal, and while nothing beats mom’s version, there are a few that come close. Here are the top five restaurant chains that they say serve the best meat dishes Emma Sullivanhome cook and recipe developer at DailyCookingRecipe.com.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is known for its Southern-inspired dishes that rival homemade dishes, and Sullivan says that’s what she compares everything to. Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf is “a thick-cut, sweet tomato glaze served with real sides made from scratch,” he says. “The baked potato is buttery and real—not instant. It tastes like something your grandma made, which is exactly what it is.”
Bob Evans
Meatloaf was a staple on the menu Bob Evans for years, and while it’s not offered now, it’s usually in rotation or as a limited seasonal special. “Bob Evans does comforting farm food better than anyone else in this space, and the meatloaf is proof,” says Sullivan. “Delicious glaze, mashed potatoes, green beans. The whole dish is made in-house because their kitchen really cooks from scratch.”
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Denny
Like Bob Evans, Denny has that Homestyle Meatloaf that is not always on the menu, But when it is, Do not miss.
Sullivan explains that the bread has “two thick slices, brown gravy, mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables. At this price point, it’s the most satisfying meatloaf dinner you’ll find, and it’s available all day, which I love.”
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery
Presented by Perkins Restaurant & Bakery family wrestling venuel with crispy onion option, served with two sides and four fresh baked biscuits. According to Sullivan, “it’s a dream choice.” Meatloaf “Dense, well seasoned, crispy, house-made, generous portions. They bake the patty fresh every day, and with a slice of after-bake meat, it’s the kind of meal you’ll go out of your way to eat.”
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory Famous meat factory has the beef flavor that Sullivan raves about. “Classic preparation, grilled onions, mushroom gravy, real mashed potatoes and corn.” This is seriously close to homemade. “
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather is now freelance in several publications. Read more about Heather
