Whenever possible, I try to eat at independent restaurants. But that doesn’t mean that I never go to chains, either because we are traveling and it’s the most convenient food to find, or because I honestly like the food – as is the case with Elmer’s, a chain of family restaurants from the Pacific Northwest, or burger joints like Nation’s. So here are my reviews. I’ll have to update that for Elmer’s next time I’m in Oregon, though it was just as good as I remembered when I visited in January 2024.

Fast Food

  • Chipotle
    Mexican, US nationwide
    Last visited San Leandro location in June 2024. OK.
  • Cupid’s Hot Dogs
    Hot Dog chain. Los Angeles
    Visited in September 2024. OK. $
  • IHOP
    Breakfast, American, US nationwide
    Last visited Lebec location in September 2024. OK.
  • Ike’s Love and Sandwiches
    Sandwiches, western US & Florida
    Last visited San Leandro location in June 2024. Good.
  • Little Caesar’s
    Pizza, US nationwide
    Last visited San Leandro location in Sept 2021. Good.
  • Nation’s Giant Hamburgers
    Burgers, Bay Area, CA
    Last visited San Leandro, CA, location in March 2024. Very Good.
  • Nick the Greek
    Pitas, California & southwest
    Last visited San Leandro location in October 2024. Very Good.
  • Panda Express
    Chinese, US Nationwide
    Last visited San Leandro location in May 2024. Good.
  • Panera
    Sandwiches, US Nationwide
    Last visited Hayward location in May 2024. Good.
  • Popeyes Chicken
    Fried Chicken, US Nationwide
    Last visited Winetka location in May 2024. Good.
  • Taco Bell
    Tex-Mex, US Nationwide. Boycott
  • Wataburger
    Burgers, Texas & Nearby states
    Visited Natchitoches, LA, location in April 2024. Very Good

Bakeries & Desserts

  • 85°C Bakery Cafe
    Chinese bakery. US Nationwide, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia
    Occasionally visit San Leandro location. Very Good.
  • Mochinuts
    Mochi donuts & hot dogs. California
    Last visited San Leandro, CA, location in March 2024. Very Good.
  • Porto’s Bakery & Café
    Cuban Bakery. Southern California
    Visited Northridge location in June 2024. Very Good.
  • Sugar Factory
    American/Dessert, Nationwide
    Visited NYC location in February 2024. Very Good.

Family Restaurants

  • Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
    Chicken, Texas
    Visited Burleson, TX, location in April 2024. Very good.
  • Bag O’Crab
    Seafood, Bay Area
    Visited San Leandro location in October 2021. OK.
  • Black Angus
    Steakhouse, West Coast
    Visited San Lorenzo location in May 2024. Good.
  • Bob’s Big Boy
    American, Southern California & Michigan
    Visited Northridge, CA location in May 2024. OK.
  • El Torito
    Tex-Mex, CA
    Last got take out from San Leandro location in May 2022. Good.
  • Gen Korean BBQ
    Korean, CA, FL & AZ.
    Visited Northridge, CA location in May 2024. Good.
  • Pacific Catch
    Seafood, California
    Visited Dublin location in May 2022. Very good.
  • The Counter
    Burgers, selected airports
    Visited San Diego airport location in April 2024. Good.
  • The Olive Garden
    Italian, nationwide
    Visited Hayward location in October 2024, OK.