I'm no food snob, but there are a couple places that are just so overrated that I can't see how they stay in business. A local "favorite" is Stanlieo's Sub Villa, off Governor's in Huntsville. They may have been great years and years ago, but both times I've been in there I've waited a looooooooooonnnng time to pay way too much money for a small, bland sandwich. Close 2nd would be Red Robin. Overpriced, small burgers. I like their idea of "limitless" fries but the fries themselves aren't good, and when you ask for more they'll bring you like 5 fries in a tiny basket.

What y'all got?

Thats funny, right when I saw this thread I thought of those two places. I do not enjoy Red Robin at all. And I don't like Stanlios.

Hamburger King in Montgomery. Since I started working in the gump about a year ago I've heard about all the awards and long standing tradition they have as the best burger in town. When I finally tried it I was disappointed. Not a lot to the burger. IMO Vickies Burger Van is the best burger in the gump.

If you want a really good burger and your in Auburn. Sheila C's has one of the best flat grilled burgers I've ever had. It's my guilty pleasure cause I'm sure Its an easy 2000 calorie meal

I was at a BBQ place in Decatur Wednesday night and it was pretty terrible.

I like the Stanlio's hot Kitchen Sink with hot sauce on it. Maybe once or twice a year is good for me.

Red Robin, meh.

Chili's, meh.

Most chain restaurants, meh. Whenever I hear someone say, "Oh, I love Outback (or other chain) because they have great steaks!" it makes my head hurt. They buy in volume just like a Walmart or CVS, hire someone to learn how to cook meat on the showcase grill via their allotted times, and then they sling it on the table.

Gibson's BBQ in Huntsville on South Parkway - meh. The cocoanut pie is good. Never been impressed with anything else.

AU7MM08, if you're referring to Gibson's on 6th Avenue, I've had great meals and WTF? meals there, a few more of the latter in recent years. Went in one night in winter and they were out of Brunswick stew. That's one of their supposed big deals, and they ran out? That's not good. Have had tough dried-out chicken there, too. And have had some meals that were great.

A lot of places live on their past reputations or get involved in other things that distracts them from their primary goal, which is consistently producing good food. IMO that's one reason smaller BBQ places that only do a couple of things -- ribs, chopped pork, stew, pies, little else -- instead of trying to do do too much often stay in business longer. I can think of one like that near my home, and another that I'll drive 25 miles to because it's simple and good.

Chic-fil-a. I just don't get it. Yeah it's ok, but I wouldn't go 50 ft out of my way to get it. Ppl set in the drive through for an hour.

I do like thier values and political views, but I'm not impressed with thier food.

Crawmama's in G'ville...I don't understand how in the hell that place stays open. The food is pricey and pure schit.

Ruth Chris-Service is fantastic, but other than that I wasn't impressed at all with their steak

Down here in Mobile, it's the Dew Drop Inn for me. All of old Mobile loves the place since it's been around since the 20's, but the hot dogs are mediocre, the service is practically non-existent, and their tea sucks.

I'm with you here 100%. Foosackly's has better chicken and will actually fill me up for less than $10

Chris' hotdogs in the Gump. Roach infested with runny bland chili.

I would't wait an hour for ANY fast food. People go because they get what they order from polite servers that are happy to help you. The normal "fast food" is usually wrong, given to you by someone that clearly would prefer to be somewhere else. I never worried that my Chick-Fil-A sandwich has a spit topping!

We went four years ago for Mother's Day lunch. Busy, which we expected, to the point of "Maybe we need to leave." But, we waited.

Finally got water. Then waited and finally gave our orders. VERY simple - steaks, asparagus, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes. We were sharing so it wasn't difficult.

Three plates came out for me and the kids. Wife waited. We waited to begin eating, figuring they were on the way. Finally we let the kids start eating and I FINALLY flagged down the server.

The kitchen "lost" my wife's order. I almost lost it. I mean, lose mine or one of the kids' order, but her's on Mother's Day? Manager came out, profusely apologizing, etc., etc.

Steak arrived in like four minutes. I'm sure someone else's meal was delayed. And then it was all underwhelming, too. Manager knocked off the price of her meal from the bill but that was little consolation.

Haven't been back. Doubt we will. I like a nice restaurant and RC has a good reputation and OK food, IMO. I enjoy being served by people who serve without trying to be chatty; take my order, notice and handle things, quietly and professionally do your business. But if I'm going to spend that kind of money and get Meh service then I can buy ribeyes and food to prepare at home.

Dreamland

Rendezvous in Memphis. Ribs are horrific, tough.

Forgot about Dreamland. The one in Huntsville, has the worst ribs I've ever "Chewed" on. I say chew, because it's like trying to eat a tire.

Dreamland in B'ham and H'sv suck. Dreamland in Tuscaloosa is fun to visit but IMO not the same as in the olden days.

Well we also have Archibalds. So that makes up for Dreamlands crappy tough, over cooked ribs.

Archibalds is awesome. Ill fight anyone who disagrees.

Red Robin.
The worlds most expensive, yet unremarkable hamburgers.

Cracker Barrel. Just don't get all the hype..

Whoa now.
I love me some cracker barrel. I can't pass a cracker barrel without eating breakfast. That's all I order no matter the time of day. Cracker barrel breakfast is outstanding!