El Torito Grill

15301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 907-7172

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We went to this chain restaurant on Christmas night because we were going to go see a movie at the new Arclight at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, and honestly this was the only place open, and thus even had a 45 minute wait to get a seat (actually it was longer because they lost a whole list of people they had put down, and started taking people who came after us, so the service was fairly mediocre). And this was a chain Mexican restaurant, so the food was of course only mediocre at best. It sounded interesting, but was not all that impressive. In fact it was a little strange, and I would only eat here again if it was the only place open.

Bob's Big Boy

4211 Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 843-9334

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The earliest still standing Bob's in the country, and one that still has it's 50's look, and even has 50's style drive up one night a week. The place is always packed, and there is usually a wait, but it is cheap. The burgers are OK, but again are not juicy, but fried, so not that great, just decent, as are the fries.

Morton's

100 Westgate Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 280-1170

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A delicious and great steak house, but still way, way overpriced. There were 3 of us, and we had 2 bottles of wine and it was over $450 dollars. Sure it was good, but that is some damn expensive steak. Sure they have good service, and I love how they bring the food out and show you (including a live lobster) before you are given the menu.

Le Pain Quotidien

88 W Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 396-0956

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I didn't realize this was an international chain restaurant, but to me it seems a pale imitation of the Alcove Cafe, with interesting looking food, small portions and an overall disappointing experience. The menu made it sound wonderful, but Kelly and I were so disappointed and the portions so small, that we went to Johnny Rockets afterwards.

Johnny Rockets

52 Hugus Aly
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 793-6570

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A decent fast food burger place set up as a 50's diner (though started in the 80's) and even including a nickel juke box at every table with a whole slew of 50's music. Sure the burger is a bit dry, but it is tasty, and you get to put on your own ketchup.

La Parrilla

3129 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 661-8055

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There are 3 of these restaurants, but I have only been to this one on Sunset, and it has amazing food and inexpensive and huge margaritas. This place is a must, as it is very inexpensive and has top notch food. The decor looks like Tijuana chic, but it fits, as does the traditional Mexican music. Often there is also a mariachi that comes around. I want to try this place with a bigger party, because the food portions are huge, and delicious. I highly recommend it. And it always fun to see someone making tortillas fresh in front of you.

StoneFire Grill

6405 Fallbrook Ave
West Hills, CA 91307
(818) 887-4145

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At a shopping plaza at the corner of Victory and Fallbrook, this is a chain restaurant with incredibly good food, fast service and is well worth checking out. In fact the chicken is to die for! Well worth checking out.

Philly's Best

1419 W. Olive Street
Burbank, CA

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My friend Jeff Briggs and I had lunch this week in Burbank, and we went to this new Cheesesteak chain that has recently opened in Burbank. And it was delicious. This is in a little strip mall with not much parking, and around 1 PM on a weekday, the place was absolutely packed, I mean the line went out the door. Not only that, but 2 motorcycles pulled up, and it was Jay Leno going to have lunch! Ha, must be good cheesesteak.

6801 Hollywood Blvd. #67

Hollywood, CA 90028

(323) 871-0888

Sun-Thurs 11A-9P, Fri-Say 11A-12PM

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Located in the Hollywood and Highland mall, this is actually a quit tasty french dip place. The food is high quality and good, and fast and they have a huge variety of condiments including lots of hot peppers and even habanero mustard, ketchup and hot sauce.

22806 Victory Blvd.

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818) 883-6142

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In a strip mall on the south west corner of Victory at Fallbrook Ave, this is a little whole in the wall Mexican place that is mostly mexican (they barely speak English, though the menu is in English) and quite tasty and delicious. They have some great inexpensive food, and also have the bottles of Mexican soda, which is always tastier.