"local" or regional food chains (how much, area)

[Irvinegal]

Originally Posted by Bilirubin

Just tried Cook Out - liked it a lot. Very good burgers at a great value. As close to In & Out as I've found.

That's high praise! I'll have to try them today. I haven't found any place here yet that can hold a candle to In N Out... I've been to Char Grill and didn't think much of it except my kids liked filling out their own orders.

[CrysD724]

My BF and I tried Cook Out the other night after I kept getting intrigued by this thread. We went to the one on Roxboro in Durham, and in fact it actually reminds me a little of Checkers. We both got the tray deal and I think it was around 5 bucks each, but then we also got shakes. The burgers and the shakes are definitely real, and definitely good. We hate mayo/mustard and usually fast food places mess up even if we ask for none, but the workers at Cook Out were very friendly and caught all our specifics (even though we were doubtful) and even asked if we want cheese - another thing that my boyfriend usually never wants, and always ends up getting even if he says no cheese. I had the reeses milkshake and he got banana fudge, and there was definitely a lot of chunks - very similar to Dairy Queen's blizzard.

I didn't really care for the sides (he got fries and chicken nuggets, I chose onion rings and hush puppies) and I thought the portions were pretty small but I wasn't totally unhappy - especially for the price. It was all just a little bland. In my opinion, Five Guys is better but I haven't gone to any of them here, I've only been to them in Brooklyn so quality might be different.

Oh yea, we went around 7pm on a Tuesday and there was absolutely no wait, we were out in about 5 minutes. That was pretty much the number one complaint I read, but I guess most people go on Fridays/Weekends.

[DanielleNC]

Originally Posted by Jdatlas

I love Pei Wei. I'm sure others will disagree with me but I think the food is great. Good value. Tasty. And they offer brown rice!

I love it too! I live near one and go there all the time. If I order there for to go they give you a free drink while you wait!

[DanielleNC]

Originally Posted by CrysD724

My BF and I tried Cook Out the other night after I kept getting intrigued by this thread. We went to the one on Roxboro in Durham, and in fact it actually reminds me a little of Checkers. We both got the tray deal and I think it was around 5 bucks each, but then we also got shakes. The burgers and the shakes are definitely real, and definitely good. We hate mayo/mustard and usually fast food places mess up even if we ask for none, but the workers at Cook Out were very friendly and caught all our specifics (even though we were doubtful) and even asked if we want cheese - another thing that my boyfriend usually never wants, and always ends up getting even if he says no cheese. I had the reeses milkshake and he got banana fudge, and there was definitely a lot of chunks - very similar to Dairy Queen's blizzard.

I didn't really care for the sides (he got fries and chicken nuggets, I chose onion rings and hush puppies) and I thought the portions were pretty small but I wasn't totally unhappy - especially for the price. It was all just a little bland. In my opinion, Five Guys is better but I haven't gone to any of them here, I've only been to them in Brooklyn so quality might be different.

Oh yea, we went around 7pm on a Tuesday and there was absolutely no wait, we were out in about 5 minutes. That was pretty much the number one complaint I read, but I guess most people go on Fridays/Weekends.

I love Cook Out. The first one I ever went to was the one on Roxboro when they opened up. Then they opened the ones on Hillsborough and 70. The one on Roxboro is really bad during lunch. Other than that it's not as crazy, though they stay busy. I usually go in the left lane b/c for some reason a lot of people don't use that one. Once I pulled up and there were six cars in the right lane and NONE in the left. I just don't get it? You can't miss the left lane, it's very well marked. I usually get the tray too. I love their hushpuppies. Their other sides are ok, I don't really care for their fries. My favorite shake is the peanut butter banana and it is so thick and chunky. I know you have only been there once but they are only human and on occasion have messed up my order.

Five Guys is better and my favorite, but I rarely go since it's not as convenient.

I don't get the whole Char Grill thing? I mean it's good but I still prefer Five Guys. I know they are finally opening/opened(?) one in Durham so on occasion I may go if I don't feel like going to the mall for a good burger.

[Hiker Mel]

Originally Posted by daveraleigh

Pei Wei is the same as PF Changs, right? Just low(er) key? I love their chicken lettuce wraps!

Yep, Pei Wei is the cheaper, walk-up-to-the-counter-and-order version of PF Chang's. I was VERY thrilled to see there are Pei Wei's in the area, having moved from PF Chang headquarters (AZ)!

I'd say their food is slightly different though- not as many things offered as at PF Chang's but their Pad Thai and Chicken Teriyaki bowl are yum, yum, yum! Some people who can't stand PF Changs really like Pei Wei (haven't figured that one out but my friend is one of those people).

[angie313]

Pei Wei is actually owned by PF changs, a lot of their food is the same, just smaller portions, different names, and a few less selections Not all of it, but a large part of it...

[joey2000]

So Pei Wei is a Thai place? ?

[twoisbetter]

Originally Posted by bill545

eg "Cook Out" burger joint or "Bagazzis" (sp?) - stuff like that - any general impressions appreciated.

Cook Out is the In-N-Out of the East...at least as good as its going to get.

[skaternum]

Originally Posted by bill545

So Pei Wei is a Thai place? ?

Nope. (And neither is PF Chang's.) It's one of those Asian-fusion kind of places. Go look at their menu online.

[hula]

Originally Posted by Hiker Mel

Some people who can't stand PF Changs really like Pei Wei (haven't figured that one out but my friend is one of those people).

I'm one of those people too.....they seem very different to me. Pei Wei is much better IMHO