Before showtime, we walked around the venue's large merchandise shop. I'd heard about the dinner show's famous soup, so I couldn't resist purchasing an at-home mix and branded soup bowl.

Before heading into the theater, we also passed a bar selling alcoholic beverages, like moonshine cocktails.

After we checked in, we were seated in the theater. The seating was stadium-style, meaning you could have a great view of the stage from just about any vantage point.

We were immediately greeted by our server, who offered unlimited Coca-Cola, tea, or coffee, included in the cost of the experience. Dinner was promptly served after.

I couldn't wait to try the show's famous starter, which is simply called the original creamy soup.

It was deliciously rich and savory without being too heavy.

The main course was a homestyle Southern meal featuring bread, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, buttered corn on the cob, fried chicken, and pulled pork. I couldn't believe how large the portions were.

Dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free meals were also available by request.

I enjoyed everything but was especially impressed by the fried chicken, which was crisped to perfection with a juicy interior.

It ended up being my favorite of the main course, along with the extra creamy and garlicky mashed potatoes.

The elaborate stage was impressive, featuring water and fire elements, as well as a 24-foot-deep diving pool.

The show, which featured dozens of talented performers, was engaging and funny. It also had pyrotechnics, stunts, dancing, and live music.

At the time of booking, diners choose which side they'd like to be seated on, either Hatfield or McCoy. So, the audience was split and encouraged to root for their respective side.

Overall, the content felt family-friendly, making it perfect for audience members of any age.

By the time we got to dessert, I was pretty full.

Still, the pudding and whipped cream were refreshingly light, which was perfect after a heavy meal.

I've dined at Parton's other shows, including Pirates Voyage and Dolly Parton's Stampede, but the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud show is now my favorite.

From the delicious food — especially that fried chicken — to the engaging entertainment, I thought it was worth the $165 price tag for two tickets.

I definitely recommend checking it out if you're in Pigeon Forge.

I ordered an eight-count of bone-in traditional Buffalo wings at the restaurant I visited in Massachusetts. They cost $12.19, excluding taxes and fees, and came with celery sticks and sides of ranch and blue cheese.

I live in New York City, but I had to travel further afield to try the chain's wings because many of my local TGI Fridays restaurants have closed.

In early November, the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Reuters reported that it was facing $37 million in debt, which led to some underperforming restaurants closing.

The TGI Fridays location I visited in Massachusetts is locally franchised and owned, so it's not included in the larger brand's bankruptcy filing.

Unlike some of the other chains I tried, TGI Fridays also doesn't appear to make its own Buffalo sauce.

On the menu, it's advertised as simply Frank's Red Hot Buffalo. While I do like that brand of sauce, I could easily make the same wings at home, which made it feel less unique.

I also thought they were slightly smaller than some of the other wings I tried.

Business Insider reached out to TGI Fridays for comment but did not receive a response.

Though I liked the crispy skin and texture of these chicken wings, as well as the tender meat inside, I thought they were lacking in sauce and flavor.

Overall, I probably wouldn't order these again.

At my local Applebee's in Brooklyn, an order of nine classic bone-in wings costs $18.99, excluding tax and fees. They came with celery sticks and sides of ranch and blue cheese.

Applebee's partnered with the NFL this year as the league's official grill and bar partner after finding a major crossover between their customer base and NFL viewers.

"We know our guests are football fans," Applebee's chief marketing officer Joel Yashinsky told Business Insider.

Since Buffalo wings are a favorite among football fanatics, I was excited to see how the chain fared.

The wings were a rich red-brown color and fried to a crisp.

The Buffalo sauce had a nice balance between the heat and the more savory, buttery flavor, making for a balanced bite. I thought the meat inside was pretty juicy, and I loved the sheer size of these wings.

My only real complaint was the price — $18.99 for a plate of wings felt pretty pricey, even though the wings were on the larger side. However, the price will vary depending on which location you visit.

At the Massachusetts location I visited, an eight-count of bone-in Buffalo wings cost $14.99, excluding tax and fees. They came with two dipping sauces: ranch and blue cheese.

However, the wings cost slightly more, $17.99, at the Chili's location I typically visit in Queens, New York.

I've tried these wings before and commented that they could have been slightly saucier and crispier. However, when I tried them this second time, I didn't encounter those issues.

They were perfectly crispy and almost dripping in sauce.

The Buffalo sauce had a strong buttery flavor with just the right amount of heat. The chain is also known for its ranch dipping sauce, which paired very nicely with the wings.

Though the wings were smaller, I thought they packed more flavor than the ones from Applebee's and TGI Fridays.

The chain's Buffalo bone-in wings are arguably Buffalo Wild Wings' most famous menu item, so I was eager to see how they would stack up against other chain restaurants' wings. I certainly wasn't disappointed.

I ordered a six-count of traditional Buffalo wings through the Buffalo Wild Wings app for $12.49, excluding tax and fees, and a side of ranch.

The wings were crispy and had a light coating of Buffalo sauce that covered every part of the wings.

There was a selection of both drumsticks and flats, but I noticed that the drums were particularly meaty.

The chicken meat inside the wing was moist and tender, and the crispy skin and slightly sweet, just-spicy-enough sauce added a lot of flavor. Overall, these were really solid Buffalo wings.

I also thought these wings were a great value for the money and would definitely order them again.

I ordered 10 classic bone-in wings for $17.29, excluding tax and fees.

Wingstop doesn't offer Buffalo sauce on its menu, but it does have its Original Hot sauce, which is the chain's version of Buffalo. I ordered them with a side of ranch.

The sticky sauce clung to my fingers as I ate these wings, which were the perfect size: not too big, not too small, and just the right amount of tender chicken meat.

The sauce had a lot of levels, balancing between a strong vinegar flavor, to buttery, and topped off with a layer of spice that was slightly smoky yet not overpowering.

The Wingstop wings stood out as the spiciest among all the chains I tried. However, the heat didn't overpower the flavor — instead, it enhanced it.

Each element, from the crispy seasoned skin to the tangy undertones of the sauce, came through distinctly. These wings balanced bold, spicy flavor with a depth of taste, making them the best chain-restaurant Buffalo wings I tried.

The Melting Pot first opened in Maitland, Florida, just outside Orlando in 1975. At the time, it sold just three fondues: Swiss cheese, beef, and chocolate.

Over time, the chain began serving more varieties of fondue, plus things like craft cocktails and salads.

As its menu grew, so did its reach. Today, The Melting Pot has almost 100 locations throughout the US and one in Canada.

We started our meal at The Melting Pot with a round of drinks.

My husband chose an old-fashioned cocktail ($15), my daughter and I selected alcohol-free mixed drinks ($8 each), and my son ordered a soda ($5).

As someone who stopped drinking alcohol months ago, I was impressed with the restaurant's spirit-free menu, which went beyond Shirley Temples and club soda with creative options involving fresh ingredients.

Later in the meal, my husband had two $12 glasses of red wine, and I ordered an additional $8 alcohol-free drink from the bar.

The menu at The Melting Pot can feel a bit overwhelming at first.

The chain does a great job organizing a few fondue-for-two meals at a pre-fixe price, but its à la carte menu of separate cheese, entrée, and dessert courses can be hard to navigate with a larger party.

For example, the cheese course alone starts at around $30 for two people, but the cost goes up for additional diners or add-ons like charcuterie or gluten-free dippers.

Thankfully, our server helped us decide how much we needed to order so everyone got enough to eat without us having tons of leftovers.

Our Alpine cheese-fondue course for four cost $56.

Alongside the cheese, which was a blend of gruyére, raclette, fontina, white wine, and garlic, we were served dippers like crusty bread, apples, and a blend of carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli.

This course was incredibly delicious. Having made fondue at home many times before, I can say having someone assemble the dish and clean it up afterward was well worth the price.

Plus, the portion was large enough that we could've been pretty happy ending our meal here.

Although salad is typically the last thing on my mind when a fondue spread is on the table, our server told us there was one on the menu he loved and suggested we order one to try.

His pick, the bacon-and-blue-cheese spinach salad ($8), came with spinach, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, tomato, and blue cheese. It was pretty incredible — so much so that I'd consider ordering it again the next time I visit The Melting Pot.

At our server's suggestion, we also shook a bit of the restaurant's garlic-and-wine seasoning on top. The flavorful blend added a lot to the already tasty salad.

For our entrée course, we chose the coq-au-vin cooking style, a yummy blend of burgundy wine, mushrooms, scallions, and garlic.

Since we were already a bit full from our cheese course and salad, our server suggested we split two entrées among the four of us.

We ordered the $34 Pacific Rim selection, which included proteins like shrimp, ahi tuna, and chicken, and the $38 classic, with meats like pork and steak.

We enjoyed cooking the proteins in our fondue, but the real star of the entrée course was the array of sauces paired with them. It was fun to taste the dips, which ranged in flavors from teriyaki to curry.

To end our meal, we ordered the chain's yin-and-yang chocolate fondue for the table ($56).

The pretty mixture of white chocolate and dark chocolate made for some great photos and was a delicious way to try two flavors of fondue.

At the time of our visit, my daughter and I were on a special diet for medical reasons, so we asked for gluten-free dippers.

We were charged $8 for an extra plate with things like gluten-free brownies and cookies.

The extra cost was worth it, as she and I were able to fully enjoy the course without having to stick solely to dipping fruit into our melted chocolate.

Although I remember previous dinners at The Melting Pot taking a long time, it only took us about two hours to move through cheese, salad, dinner, and dessert courses.

The experience felt perfectly timed: We could take as long as we wanted for each course but were readily ushered into the next one as soon as we were ready.

Our meal cost $268 before tax and tip — a price that felt worth it for the food, service, atmosphere, and overall fondue-making experience.

For me, The Melting Pot's unique dining experience alone made this meal worth the cost. There aren't many restaurants where you can dine out while having the feeling of cooking together as a family.

My husband and I loved having our kids at the dinner table with us for a few hours. We had easy conversations as we all busied ourselves with picking up food and dipping it in cheese, broth, and chocolate.

Next time, though, we might save money by skipping the entrée course and only ordering cheese and chocolate fondue.

They were the highlights of our meal, and we'd have been plenty full with just those two courses. I'd still order that amazing spinach salad to go with them, though.

Founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, Wingstop has grown a cult following over the years for its chicken offerings, from its wings to its recently released chicken sandwich, which has caught the attention of Gen-Z consumers.

Wingstop does have dine-in options, but I felt it was more authentic to the Wingstop experience to order in.

I ordered four crispy tenders plain with a side of honey mustard sauce from my local Wingstop in Brooklyn, New York, for $10.39, excluding tax and fees.

I ordered these tenders plain, but they also come in all of the chain's signature sauces, from lemon pepper to Buffalo. I liked the ability to customize my tenders according to my preferences.

The tenders paired well with the honey mustard, which was creamy and had an ideal level of tanginess. I also thought the classic breading had a nice amount of flavor and peppery seasoning.

Each Wingstop tender had a different amount of juicy chicken meat, with some pieces being thicker and more satisfying than others. While the flavor was spot-on, I found myself wishing there was a bit more meat in each bite to really hit the mark.

These tenders would make a decent addition to a spread of wings from Wingstop, especially for folks turned off by spicy food.

Next time I order from Wingstop, I'll probably stick to their specialty: their wings.

Business Insider reached out to Wingstop for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

I visited my local Applebee's in Brooklyn, New York, to try these chicken tenders.

Applebee's partnered with the NFL this year as the league's official grill and bar partner after finding a major crossover between their customer base and NFL viewers.

"We know our guests are football fans," Applebee's chief marketing officer Joel Yashinsky told Business Insider, adding, "This season, we've been all in on the NFL."

Data collected by Applebee's in April showed that 64% of its guests were interested in or very interested in the NFL, and about 34% had watched the NFL in the last 12 months, which informed the chain's football season strategy, Yashinsky said.

While the chain is consistently lauded for its boneless wings, I haven't heard much about its chicken tenders.

At my location, the chicken tender plate typically costs $12.99, excluding tax and fees. However, I ordered them as part of the chain's "2 for $2X" deal, which also allowed me to get an order of boneless wings and a classic cheeseburger.

They were really crispy, but slightly on the smaller side. The serving size of the honey mustard was also smaller than the Wingstop version.

However, unlike Wingstop, these chicken tenders came with a generous serving of fries, which I thought made this meal an excellent value.

I appreciated the seasoning on the breading, which was a highlight since this chain serves its tenders plain without coating them in signature sauces like those available at Wingstop, Chili's, or Buffalo Wild Wings.

My only complaint, other than the smaller size of the chicken tenders, was just how fried they were. I thought the breading was a little overcooked, to the point that it left a dry, almost burned taste in my mouth.

However, this could have just been the batch I received and not standard for all Applebee's chicken tenders. I reached out to Applebee's about my experience, but they did not respond before publication.

TGI Fridays has run into financial trouble in recent months. In early November, the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Reuters reported that it was facing $37 million in debt, which led to some underperforming restaurants closing.

The TGI Fridays location I visited in Massachusetts is locally franchised and owned, so it's not included in the larger brand's bankruptcy filing.

I ordered a four-piece tender meal for $15.69, excluding tax and fees. It came with a side — I opted for mac and cheese — and honey mustard.

They still had the signature finger shape I typically look for in a chicken tender.

This honey-mustard dipping sauce was less creamy compared to the other chains I tried. However, I was mostly judging the chicken tenders on their own, not the sauces they came with.

I was impressed by these chicken tenders and would definitely order them again the next time I visit TGI Fridays for game day or just a standard dinner out.

However, I thought the breading was just slightly too thick and underseasoned to rank them higher than the top two chains.

Business Insider reached out to TGI Fridays for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

Chili's has been killing the game lately — with traffic and sales on the upswing leading up to football season, the chain is arguably in a league of its own.

The chain told BI in April that a return to commercial advertising has been a major part of the brand's efforts to increase brand awareness over the past couple of years. This includes during sports seasons. Sports Business Journal reported that in 2023, Chili's spent 38% of its TV advertising budget on live NFL action during games.

Value has also been a focus for the chain in the past year. It has expanded its "3 For Me" menu and offers happy-hour beers starting at $3.

"We're focused on creating a lively, social atmosphere that makes Chili's a great spot to watch the game," Chili's chief marketing officer George Felix told BI.

"Of course, we understand that some people prefer to watch the game from the comfort of home, which is why we also offer everyday favorites and party platters for takeout and delivery," he added.

I ordered a four-count of Chicken Crispers for $14.99, excluding tax and fees. The meal also included fries, mac and cheese, and two sauces.

The tenders are available in a variety of flavors, such as Nashville Hot, Honey Chipotle, Buffalo Ranch, barbecue, and Buffalo.

I paired my chicken tenders with ranch and honey mustard and was impressed by the creaminess and flavor of both sauces. However, the chicken tenders really hit it out of the park.

It was peppery, slightly salty, and just crispy enough to not overpower the chicken meat inside. Plus, for the price, you also get a lot of food.

While I'd probably opt for smothering these chicken tenders in a signature sauce next time, they also hold up on their own with their crispy breading and succulent chicken meat.

Buffalo Wild Wings was founded in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio, by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, who started the restaurant with the goal of bringing authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings to the area.

The chain has since expanded to over 1,200 locations and offers 21 different sauce options, including the chain's signature Buffalo sauce, for its classic bone-in wings, boneless wings, and tenders.

A five-count of the chain's hand-breaded tenders with no sauce or dry rub and fries typically costs $17.99, excluding tax and fees.

However, Buffalo Wild Wings was running a promotion that allowed me to order 15 boneless wings, five tenders, ranch or blue cheese dipping sauces, and fries for $19.99, so I chose that deal instead.

These chicken tenders had tiny pieces of fried breading that enhanced the texture of each bite and paired well with the tangy and fresh ranch dipping sauce provided.

The chicken tenders themselves were well-seasoned and sizable — they were probably the largest chicken tenders I tried, length-wise, and also the thickest.

The breading had the most distinctive flavor out of all the tenders I tried.

The chicken meat inside was moist and high-quality, in my opinion. These tenders from Buffalo Wild Wings also tasted the most homemade to me, which I attributed to the flaky, hand-breaded coating.

The crispy breading added a satisfying crunch without being too thick, complementing the tender, juicy chicken inside. Every bite struck the perfect balance, making these feel less like a mass-produced product from a chain restaurant and more like something prepared fresh in a home kitchen.

All of the chicken tenders I tried had something tasty to offer for game-day and tailgating season. But in the end, Buffalo Wild Wings was the real MVP.

Dōgon is located in the DC-area Salamander hotel, close to the city's southwest waterfront.

I had to make my reservation at Dōgon nearly a month in advance. Although 5:15 p.m. felt early for dinner, it was the only time I could get so I happily took it.

The lobby's subtle yellows, browns, and blues contrast greatly with the chain-link curtains that beckon diners into the hotel's restaurant to the left.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the dark atmosphere. Music blared from the dining room to the hostess counter.

But once I was seated across from the bar, an illuminated glass ball provided sufficient light for me and my camera.

When I walked to the back of the restaurant, I was drawn to the view of the open kitchen.

A large group of chefs appeared to be working in harmony to bring the menu to life.

Onwuachi's menu includes dishes with influences from Nigeria, Jamaica, Trinidad, and New Orleans.

Several staffers helped throughout my meal, but my primary server, Andrea, especially stood out. When she found out it was our first time dining at Dōgon, she walked us through her favorites.

Our party had an allergy, which eliminated a few options from the menu. However, Andrea offered to adjust some dishes so that we could enjoy them.

Andrea suggested we order the coco bread, and although the $15 price tag of it horrified me, I'm glad we did.

The five petite balls of sweet, buttery dough were far lighter than coco bread I've had at Jamaican restaurants. I was impressed with the bread's cloud-like texture and how easy it was to spread the malted-sorghum butter that came with the dish.

The piri piri salad was smaller than I'd hoped for, especially given its $22 price tag. But any complaints I had quickly vanished when our server arrived to pour papaya dressing over the flower-adorned salad.

The thick papaya sauce was flavored with garlic and chiles — the same mixture used in the hot sauce that Andrea had already brought to our table.

The sauce helped accentuate bites of cucumber, tomato, cape gooseberries, and grapes, along with the almond-butter-filled avocado half.

The salad's balance between creamy and crunchy textures and spicy and sweet flavors made it extremely compelling. Once I'd eaten all that I could with my fork, I spooned the remnants into my mouth, savoring every last bite.

For years, I lived and worked in Houston, where I frequently indulged in food from the Nigerian community and became mildly addicted to skewers of suya and jollof rice.

Although Onwuachi's $63 chicken wasn't as spicy as the dishes at the mom-and-pop restaurants I used to frequent, he still brought some heat to the dish.

The roasted half chicken that dominated the plate barely required a knife. The tender meat was rubbed in a paste flavored with an earthy spice mix known as berbere and crowned with an herb salad.

The rice — made with tomatoes, chiles, and complex spices — tasted just like a grandmother's comfort food.

The deceptively simple dish was also plated with half a lime, more berbere paste, and a sweet-and-creamy mix of ricotta and honey. It was fun to mix and match these toppings to make each bite taste slightly different.

The Caribbean-style oxtails that Onwuachi made at Kith/Kin returned to DC on November 1, just days before I dined.

At $65, they weren't cheap, but I ordered them over the $110 wagyu short rib I'd been considering. The sugar and collagen in the sauce made it delightfully sticky — the dish felt like a beefy dessert.

Extracting the pillowy meat from the bones reminded me of gamja-tang, my favorite Korean stew made from a pig's neck bones. It was tougher to get the meat off without the chopsticks or gloves usually provided at Korean restaurants.

However, I did my best to finish every bite, spooning the sauce over the coconut-infused rice and peas to experience the unique flavor combination of sweet heat and flesh.

I didn't get any pressure from Andrea or the other servers to order dessert, but I didn't want the meal to end just yet.

There were only two desserts on the menu, so I chose the $17 rum cake over the spiced cherry sorbet — and I'm glad I did.

Although the sweet treat sounded a little boring on paper, the crisp edges and fluffy center of the two slabs of cake made it a textural delight. It was squiggled with a vanilla whip and then finished with mint leaves and boozy, blistered cape gooseberries.

Dōgon took some of my favorite dishes from around the world and elevated them to levels I had never imagined.

I can imagine the dining experience will be even more eye-opening for guests who haven't tasted as many world cuisines.

Either way, Dōgon is a must-visit restaurant in DC. I spent $244 there on dinner for two with no alcoholic beverages, and I would happily do it again.

When I walked into the restaurant, I was shocked by how familiar the main dining area looked. I felt as though I had stumbled onto the set of the show.

According to the restaurant's website, emulating the show was intentional. The kitchen, which was visible from the dining area, even had chefs broken up into red and blue "teams" — just like on the show.

My husband and I ate at Hell's Kitchen as part of our anniversary celebration, so we were surprised with complimentary glasses of sparkling wine.

The glasses were topped with strawberries pierced with toothpicks shaped like pitchforks, a nod to the show's logo. The theming didn't stop there — the lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling were also shaped like pitchforks.

My favorite details were the bathroom doors marked with pitchforks resembling a "W" for women and an "M" for men.

It's no secret that a lot of screaming happens on the set of "Hell's Kitchen."

At the restaurant of the same name, however, I was pleased to see the chefs laughing and chatting with each other as they prepared our meals.

As fun as it is to see Ramsay shout on TV, I was happy not to hear yelling during our dinner.

When I think of "Hell's Kitchen," I immediately think of dishes like beef Wellington, scallops, and risotto. They're cooked often on the show and are some of Ramsay's signatures.

I was pleasantly surprised to find all these items and more on the restaurant's menu. And, yes, the risotto certainly lived up to the hype.

When we first made a reservation at Hell's Kitchen, I expected our meal would be quite expensive.

After all, my husband and I can easily spend $50 on dinner at our local diner, and this is a TV-famous restaurant serving some high-class dishes.

However, we got three appetizers, an entrée, and a dessert cocktail for $216, including tax and tip. Considering the quality of our meal and the immersive atmosphere, I thought this price was surprisingly fair.

What to order: Ahi tuna poke bowl, rigatoni

What customers say: "Why didn't y'all tell me about Catalina sooner? We had a great time. First off, validated parking — a win. Emerson was awesome. I had a spicy marg, and my friend ordered a limoncello drink — both solid. The [Brussels] sprouts were a 5/5, seriously blew me away. Bread was good. Both of our entrees were delicious. We couldn't stop talking about how amazing everything was. Definitely coming back," wrote a Yelp user named Tyler G.

Learn more about Catalina Kitchen + Bar here.

What to order: Braised short ribs, skirt steak

What customers say: "Oh my! What a gem we stumbled on while in Boise! From the decor to the thoughtfully designed menu to the drinks and finally the excellent service, we had such a memorable meal. I loved the Crispy Cauliflower over Parsnip Puree with Italian Chili Crisp and Pickled Veg! Yum!!! I wish I lived in Boise. I'd be here 3 times a week!" wrote a Yelp user named DeAnna L.

Learn more about Percy here.

What to order: Prime rib sliders, shrimp tacos

What customers say: "Hillary was our server on 11/14 and she was the sweetest server I've ever had, she has great customer service as well as a great personality. The food was good and we let her know that is was my mother in laws birthday and she surprised us with a birthday dessert. Kaitlin also helped us refill our waters as well as bring out our appetizers and she was so sweet. Will definitely recommend to others as well as visit again," wrote a Yelp user named Eddianna H.

Learn more about Wolf by Vanderpump at Harveys Lake Tahoe here.

What to order: Spicy tuna, shrimp tempura

What customers say: "Had a little birthday celebration for a friend and it was a great time! Highly suggest the wagyu Tower option for meats to grill and the Udon "Mac" and cheese. Yum! The mango popsicles were a perfect end to the meal. Service was great from the start as we were greeted by a uber friendly host and our server was also friendly and helpful. Looking forward to coming back and trying the sushi options as well," wrote a Yelp user named Casey J.

Learn more about Love, Makoto here.

What to order: Tiramisu, arancini

What customers say: "I am happy to report that my experience today was top notch. The food, service, and ambiance was all that I have come to expect from this establishment. The bartender came over and apologized for the bad service I received on my last visit, and he didn't even service me. I am impressed that he was aware of the service and appreciate him for taking the time to acknowledge me. Top notch service!" wrote a Yelp user named Sauncy E.

Learn more about Carbonara here.

What to order: Brazilian flan, Parmesan-crusted galeto

What customers say: "Love this place and the concept! I knew the food would be good but it exceeded my expectations! The service was top tier and I will definitely go back," wrote a Yelp user named Lauren L.

Learn more about Casa Pollastro here.

What to order: Meatballs, Caesar salad

What customers say: "Great food, great drinks, great vibes. Service was excellent. The Caesar salad was perfectly dressed with the perfect amount of dressing, cheese, and croutons. The fingerling potatoes - with a side of truffle-topped mayo. The chai espresso martini was delicious- not too strong on the chai. I've had the pacherri on another occasion which was also very good. I'll definitely be back!" wrote a Yelp user named Dana L.

Learn more about Sartiano's here.

What to order: Chawanmushi, wagyu sukiyaki

What customers say: "FOOD - next level! I 100% recommend the unagi/caviar add-on for those who are fans. Pairings offered, too (we passed). Absolutely enjoyed experiencing the Wagyu-centric tasting menu - each dish was uniquely presented, and quality of ingredients and care to preparation was evident in every item. No substitutions or accommodations for dietary restrictions - no issue for our party SERVICE - Friendly & efficient/brisk as they are on a timetable due to timed seatings. AMBIANCE - Intimate and extra nice when you are fortunate enough to score seats directly in front of Chef Ogawa!" wrote a Yelp user named Kathleen S.

Learn more about Kappo DC here.

What to order: Toro tar tar, mushroom rice hot stone

What customers say: "Hard not to like this place with its posh design, attentive service and superior sushi offerings.... especially if someone else is paying! Yes, expensive, but if you're looking for a singular sushi experience, then this is the place. From the same people that brought you Kata Robata, so you know you're in good hands…Houston is fortunate to have so many top-tier sushi options and Katami is right there at the top of the list," wrote a Yelp user named Ronald D.

Learn more about Katami here.

What to order: Mag mile roll, butter-poached lobster

What customers say: "We celebrated my aunt's bachelorette here and it was such a great time! Our waitress Lisa walked us through the fall specials and gave some great recommendations. She was very attentive and kept our great vibes going and made us feel special and celebrated. The food was also 10/10. Highly recommend having your next girls night here!" wrote a Yelp user named Nicole S.

Learn more about The Evie here.

What to order: Hamachi, lamb chops

What customers say: "Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS. Inside The Wave Hotel which it's beautiful itself, Nami is a stunning restaurant tucked into the back side of the building… The food is predominately seafood, wagyu, and pork. There was no poultry on the menu and really it is more like a small plates/tapas kind of place because everything is a la carte… The food was delicious, of course, and the presentation was so nice - my favorite above all was the wagyu fried dumplings, though i'm not 100% sure what it was called on the menu! Very expensive, I would like to note - with four people it was almost $600 after tip for the table. My Espresso Martini was $30, for reference!" wrote a Yelp user named Brittani W.

Learn more about Nami here.

What to order: Seafood paella, shrimp ajillo

What customers say: "Came here for my birthday dinner. Husband picked the place. We were a little late but they have a grace period of 15 minutes. We were sat right away. They also have outdoor seating. Our server was amazing…We ordered one order of the croquettes and one empanada and my husband loved them so much he ordered another order of both. The octopus was extremely tender and with the chimichurri it was delicious. I got the uni and crab pasta it was okay would definitely try something else next time. My husband got the steak and it was very tender. The dessert they gave with the happy birthday writing was a flan I think with lilikoi and it was so good! We also got the ube basque cheesecake. It was good too not too heavy," wrote a Yelp user named Amanda K.

Learn more about El Cielo here.

What to order: Braised short rib, Japanese fried chicken

What customers say: "Chef Jean Paul, Kat and Derek were a great team last night. Scallop raviolis are not to be missed as well as the fried chicken and scallop and shrimp risotto. The preparation and presentation were great. Food served fresh and straight from the kitchen. Wonderful meal with a superb service. Look forward to many more wonderful meals," wrote a Yelp user named Bert K.

Learn more about Rustica Earth Sea and Fire here.

What to order: Prime rib, lobster bisque

What customers say: "Don't let the fact this restaurant is inside a Courtyard Hotel fool you. It has nothing to do with Courtyard and this is one of the best dining experiences we have had in years...and we live in San Francisco where there is no shortage of great restaurants. […] The food and cocktails were all excellent. My wife had the empanada and I had the double pork chop. The arugula and roasted butternut squash was amazing as well. Wish Gannons and Bennett could relocate to San Francisco!" wrote a Yelp user named CJ K.

Learn more about Gannons Nashville here.

What to order: Szechuan dumplings, crab fried rice

What customers say: "This is one of the best meals I've had in Denver (and really as a whole) in a long time. Everything was tasty but my favorites were the infuse sake bombs, tofu pockets, tuna, and Szechuan dumplings. Truly, you can't go wrong with this place. I can't stop raving about it," wrote a Yelp user named Kimberly L.

Learn more about Kawa Ni here.

What to order: American red snapper, grilled octopus

What customers say: "This was a last-minute date night spot. We had driven by it countless times but this time we had time to go inside. Parking was a breeze and they even offered free valet. Our servers were always prompt and explained each of the food options well so we were t surprised when it got to our table. The oysters were so fresh, and they offered a large variety. Overall the price wasn't bad and we'll be back to try some different foods in the off season of seafood," wrote a Yelp user named Jazlyn R.

Learn more about Little's Oyster Bar here.

What to order: Mama's cochinita pibil, chicken enchiladas

What customers say: "The food is delicious, and the presentation of each dish is beautiful. The service was friendly & attentive starting at check-in, to the hosts, to our server Avelino who took his time to explain the dishes and give his recommendations. The ambience is also fantastic. Overall, a great experience," wrote a Yelp user named Aurora F.

Learn more about Paseo here.

What to order: Gh Jidori chicken wings, Gh smoked deviled eggs

What customers say: "This restaurant is located in part of an office building but truly is a find! We came in for brunch/lunch on a Sunday afternoon to football on the tv behind the bar and a pretty quiet restaurant. All the decor was beautiful, from the lighting to the tables and chairs. We ordered the shakshuka and spicy chicken sandwich. The food did take a little while to come out but boy was it delicious! And piping hot when it came to the table! The shakshuka might be my favorite that I've had with chunks of lamb sausage and satisfying crunches of cabbage. And the pita was absolutely perfect: warm, puffy and with just the right amount of chew. The chicken sandwich was juicy and well balanced with the slaw, though not particularly spicy but the winner on that plate were the fries. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect texture. I'll definitely be back for dinner!" wrote a Yelp user named Kyna N.

Learn more about BoujieMana here.

What to order: Sturgeon pie panna cotta, Lamb loin

What customers say: "I've been to my fair share of highly rated restaurants, but this one might be my new favorite in AZ. My wife and I each got the tasting menu and were able to share the plates that we got that were different. EVERY plate was amazing. It's hard to pick a favorite, everything was plated beautifully, all the flavors worked perfectly together. Our servers were amazing and very attentive. I can't wait to come back again!" wrote a Yelp user named Kenzie Z.

Learn more about Course Restaurant here.

What to order: Beef Wellington, Chilean sea bass

What customers say: "This place is fantastic! We stopped in before a show at the Majestic Theater, which is just a block away. The staff was very friendly, and the food was excellent--as in some of the best steak you will ever have excellent! We were given complimentary glasses of champagne, risotto balls, and at dessert some mini chocolate-chip cookies. I love it when restaurants do that sort of thing as it is unexpected and very classy. The steaks we ordered were cooked perfectly to our individual tastes, and again, I cannot overstate just how good the food was…Overall this place has just become one of my new favorites for high end steak houses!" wrote a Yelp user named Scott S.

Learn more about Wicked Butcher here.

What to order: Steamed egg, cold noodle soup

What customers say: "I came here reading that they do a Thai seafood sauce so I came to confirm. And I can confirm that they DO!!! The service is quick and on point. The seafood is fresh and cooked for you!! The side dishes are usually an afterthought but it's clear that they still live up to the freshness and goodness of the seafood. I can't wait to come back!" wrote a Yelp user named Jaymie N.

Learn more about Burnin' Shell here.

What to order: Wagyu tartar, Miyazaki A5 beef, spring pea soup

What customers say: "This place is just second to none! Expensive yes. But I've been here twice and felt it was worth it each time. Decor is really beautiful, simple, very Japanese that way. Even the bathroom is an experience! Food quality and mixing of ingredients is exceptional and unique…the staff is insanely on-top of things and and polite. The entire restaurant is there to serve you and they make sure you know it. Beautiful people, beautiful environment, beautiful food, really beautiful experience. Can't say much more than that," wrote a Yelp user named Jessica S.

Learn more about Kinme Omakase here.

What to order: Smoked lamb, brown butter knafeh

What customers say: "We started with delicious crafted house cocktails. The servers are integral in understanding the Mediterranean menu. We had a six top and shared three appetizers and four entrées. The crispy cauliflower and beets were my favorite apps. The chicken thighs and grape leaf wrapped branzino were my top two. Note: the branzino is boned but head/tail on so be aware for those who don't care for that presentation…Very highly recommended Slainte!!" wrote a Yelp user named Sean M.

Learn more about Meesh Meesh here.

What to order: Tuna crispy rice, burnt-end lettuce wraps

What customers say: "The food is not only fantastic but the owners have built a culture of upscale yet non pretentious hospitality that permeates the entire staff. Favorite Nashville restaurant," wrote a Yelp user named Christina M.

Learn more about Noko Nashville here.

What to order: Lamb chops, cacio e pepe

What customers say: "I absolutely loved this place!!!! The food! The service! The ambiance! All top tier. The restaurant's decor is beautiful. There was a violinist playing throughout the night. The lighting was perfect. Our waiter was very attentive and took great care of us. Everything we ate was amazing! The drinks were also amazing. With a couple of appetizers, my friend and I were able to split an entrée due to the size. Definitely a must if you are ever in NYC," wrote a Yelp user named Nita D.

Learn more about Mēdüzā Mediterrania here.

A few years after making millions from a deal with his brother in 1999, Kimbal attended culinary school in New York.

The South African-born businessman later moved to Boulder, where he worked with chef Hugo Matheson at a restaurant on Pearl Street for a few years until the pair co-founded The Kitchen Restaurant Group in 2004.

Although it began in Boulder, the group now has restaurants in Chicago, Denver, and Austin.

Kimbal is also now somewhat of a local celebrity here. Many residents, including myself, have spotted him eating at The Kitchen's flagship location or walking around its surrounding area.

After not visiting The Kitchen for several years, I decided to pop in for a late weekday lunch to see what the seasonal menu looked like and if it continued to live up to its hype.

I went to the original location on West Pearl, a historic district with a pedestrian mall that's perfect for residents and visitors alike.

As a Boulder resident, I consider it the heart of the city. I love walking to the popular area to dine, drink, or shop.

When I arrived at The Kitchen, just a few other groups were dining.

Although the restaurant has been open since 2004, its interior looked like it had definitely been updated throughout the years.

The bar was well-lit and looked elegant with a mirrored wall and simple stools. The back dining area looked cozy and intimate, with dark woods, exposed brick, minimal decor, and artsy orb-shaped light fixtures.

The atmosphere felt casual but still upscale, which I appreciated.

The lunch menu at The Kitchen includes handhelds, plates, and sweets, with a wide variety of shareable dishes — crab fried rice, burrata, carrots, and lamb arayas, to name a few.

Despite the interesting choices, I stuck with my basic perennial favorite: hand-cut garlic fries. I got a large portion of fries served with a bearnaise aioli for $9.50.

Although I enjoyed the fries, the garlic was a little overpowering for my taste. The creamy, flavorful aioli was the best part of the dish.

During my visit, the lunch menu featured dishes like a fried-chicken sandwich, lobster roll, steak frites, Halloumi naan, quiche, and rigatoni.

Although many sparked my interest, I was most curious about the crispy cauliflower for $24.50. When my server told me it was one of his favorite dishes even though he doesn't like cauliflower, I knew I had to try it.

The breaded and fried cauliflower was paired with carrots, chickpeas, tamarind chutney, coriander chutney, mango, pickled red onion, and an herb salad.

I loved the combination of flavors, but the texture of the cauliflower stood out the most. It was perfectly crispy and almost resembled fried chicken.

The portion felt nearly too large, but I was happy to be able to take leftovers home.

To end my meal, I couldn't resist ordering the cheesecake with a brown-sugar pecan crust, poached pears, and fig coulis.

The slice was beautifully plated and I loved the fresh taste of the cheesecake, which didn't feel too heavy. The star, though, was the crisp brown-sugar pecan crust.

It seemed reasonably priced at $12.50 for a slice.

As a frequent solo diner, I've found restaurant service can be hit or miss when I'm alone. Sometimes, staff don't spend enough time checking in on me or ask me to sit at the bar instead of a table.

Fortunately, at The Kitchen, I was given the same level of service I'd expect if I'd been there with a group.

The professional, knowledgeable staff I encountered seemed available to answer my questions and bring me what I needed at any point during my visit.

Before this, I'd had dinner at The Kitchen several times. I'd always enjoyed my experience but found the space could get crowded, so I'm glad I came here for a quieter lunch.

The prices felt very reasonable for the quality of the dishes, attentive service, and the amount of food I received — I spent $62 for a starter, main, and dessert, including a 22% tip.

Overall, The Kitchen lives up to the hype, with professional and friendly service, a great location, fair prices, and fresh, inventive dishes that left me wanting to return for another lunch.

When we arrived at Capa for a Friday-night dinner, we noticed the restaurant had a sleek, modern layout with minimalistic Spanish decor.

The dining area's floor-to-ceiling windows displayed breathtaking views of the resort, a few Disney World theme parks, and the Florida sunset.

The main dining room also had an open kitchen, where customers could watch staff cook meat and seafood on a wood-fired grill.

To start our meal, my kids and I ordered mocktails, and my husband got the In Spanish Fashion ($18) — a whiskey- and brandy-based cocktail.

My kids chose the Lavender Haze ($10 each), made with butterfly-pea tea, and I ordered the Spa Day ($10), a refreshing cucumber-based drink.

Throughout the course of the night, my husband also ordered a glass of wine ($28) and a vermouth ($12).

For our appetizer, we got the pan con tomate — crusty bread topped with a tomato pulp. We opted to add Manchego cheese and ham to the dish ($24) and were not disappointed.

Each bite burst with the salty flavors of the cheese and ham, and the bread tasted fresh and delicious.

For my entrée, I chose the Miyazaki wagyu beef, which had a top-grade A5 quality score and was made from purebred Japanese cattle.

I ordered 5 ounces of the tender beef, priced at $32 per ounce ($160 total), and was blown away by its preparation.

The medium-rare wagyu, which was served atop a hot-pink salt slab, melted in my mouth like butter. It was the most tender beef I've ever eaten.

My 14-year-old daughter ordered the 8-ounce filet ($72), served with a piquillo-pepper purée. The medium-rare steak was perfectly cooked, and she ate every bite.

A filet is my daughter's go-to at any steak house, but she said her meal at Capa was the best she's ever had — which is high praise from a kid who often dines out with her food-writer mom.

At our server's recommendation, my husband ordered the bone-in cowboy ribeye ($91).

The steak, cooked to a medium temperature, was perfect when I tried it. Each bit of fat marbling turned into a melt-in-your-mouth tender bite.

To accompany our steaks, we ordered a selection of five sauces for $22.

The bernesa sauce was buttery and creamy, the verde version was tangy with hints of Greek yogurt, and the cilantro-horseradish option had a perfect blend of herbs and spices. The peppercorn sauce was just as good as au-poivre-style sauces I've had at other steak houses.

However, my favorite was the Capa steak sauce, a vibrant, spicy option that tasted way better than store-bought condiments. 

During our meal, our server also brought a complimentary flavored-sea-salt tray.

My daughter and I loved one salt that tasted truffle-infused, and my husband was so inspired by a smoky flavor that he made his own version at home later that week.

My son is a picky eater, so even though he's 16, he ordered two $10-entrées from the kid's menu: a grilled-cheese sandwich and chicken fingers.

Even at a fancy, Michelin-starred restaurant, the standard fare tasted like any other kid's menu items.

The setas ($16) — mushrooms with a caramelized-onion sauce — were earthy and savory. We also tried the maíz, a corn-and-polenta dish topped with goat cheese ($14), that was so good we said we'd try recreating something similar at home.

The true star, however, was the perfectly crisp patatas bravas ($12) — spicy fried potatoes topped with cornichons, chipotle aioli, and a paprika-tomato sauce. 

For dessert, we got two orders of the $15 churros de Madrid.

The dish, served with chocolate and dulce-de-leche dipping sauces, was a hit with everyone at the table.

When we made our reservation, we checked the firework schedules for both Epcot and Magic Kingdom so we could watch the nighttime shows from Capa's veranda.

After dessert, we headed outside to watch back-to-back fireworks displays at the two theme parks. It was a great way to see the shows without battling the crowds or buying theme-park tickets.

With tax and without the tip, our meal cost $580, which we felt was a good value. The Michelin-starred food was incredible, and the prices didn't seem too far off from those of other major steak-house chains I've visited.

The award-winning restaurant also did an amazing job accommodating families, as I noticed lots of younger kids and parents dining at other tables.

For me, this delicious, elegant dining option opens up a different kind of Disney adventure — one with fine dining and spectacular cuisine.

A serving of four bite-sized apple pies cost $2.91, excluding tax and fees, at my local KFC in Manhattan, New York. When I tried these in August, the pies also came in a 10-count serving.

The apple pie poppers were only added to KFC's menu in April, so I was excited to try them. KFC's menu no longer lists the apple pies, but it did add a cherry pie version in October. The brand did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

I placed an online order through DoorDash and received my pastries within 14 minutes. Despite the quick delivery, when I opened the packet, the pastries were barely lukewarm and already slightly soggy.

Three bites into the tiny pocket pie, I still hadn't gotten the gooey apple taste I love. Instead, I felt like I was eating fried flour.

While these weren't my favorite apple-pie dessert, I could see how they could be a good snack option because of their size. Given that they came in packs of four or 10, I thought groups might enjoy ordering them.

The pie roll cost $2, excluding tax and fees, at a Panda Express I visited in Chicago.

The chain's first-ever dessert option, introduced in 2023, was created to combine the flavors and textures of an American apple pie and a Chinese egg roll.

It's made using a wonton wrapper and apple filling, topped with cinnamon sugar.

I was impressed with the freshness of this roll and liked that it is always served hot. Before I even took a bite, I could tell the pastry had a nice crunchy exterior.

A dessert doesn't need to be doused in sugar, but this one was, putting it fifth in my ranking.

However, I loved the crunch of the pastry, and the serving had the fewest calories of all the pies I tried — 150 calories — so it may be a good sweet option for some diners looking for lower-calorie options.

The cinnamon-coated dessert cost $1.89, without taxes and fees, at the Popeyes I visited in Chicago.

Unlike the pies from KFC, this 240-calorie pie has no slits or holes on either side. It comes wrapped with a few fork-like impressions on its corners to prevent the filling from escaping.

I think spices like cinnamon are less for taste and more for their fragrance — if you add just the right amount, it can be a game changer, but overdo it, as in the case of this Popeyes pie, and it can really throw the whole recipe off-balance.

The one thing Popeyes got right was the flavor of its filling, which had just the right hint of lemon and some apple chunks. I'm obsessed with mixing tangy and sweet flavor profiles, and I think it helped this pie stand out from the rest.

It cost $2.40 at the Arby's I visited in Chicago, excluding tax and fees.

The turnover came in a regular, white-colored pastry packet with no branding. The basic packaging and the sugary drizzle didn't appeal to me at first, but when I did take a bite, I was pleasantly surprised.

The inside had the perfect layer of apple filling, which was molten but still a bit thick. It was encased in crisp pastry.

Despite having only one layer of apple filling, this 430-calorie pie did not taste doughy and was well-balanced.

Most importantly, the apple chunks were missing. The jam-like texture in the filling meant there was a hint of artificialness, which took away from the spirit of the season and the pie for me.

At $1.89 — excluding tax and fees— this apple pie from a Chicago McDonald's was priced similarly to the one at Popeyes.

First launched in 1968, the brand's apple pie was fried in its early days. Over the years, though, it has undergone several transformations. The most significant of these was the switch from frying to baking in 1992. It's now 243 calories.

Although the shape of the pie was pretty standard, I was happy to see McDonald's added patterns to the pastry.

This pie had the right ratio of apples to dough, and I enjoyed the warm and soft interior and its crispy biscuit-like exterior.

At $3.65 — excluding tax and fees— this apple pie from my local Taco Bell in New York, which I ordered via DoorDash, was the most expensive on the list.

Last month, Taco Bell unveiled a new "Decades" menu featuring old favorites. The menu included popular items that had been previously discontinued from each decade since the brand launched.

Four items have been available since Halloween, but the brand recently added its 2004 hit, the caramel apple empanada.

The empanada was first introduced as part of the brand's Big Bell Value Menu but was discontinued in 2019 until now.

As soon as I held the pastry's paper sleeve, I noticed how warm it felt. It had remained hot even though I was trying it about 15 minutes after I received it on a cold day.

As I took my first bite, I could immediately taste the warm and velvety filling alongside the crispy pastry. Its freshness stood out, and unlike the other pies I'd tried, this one got to the star of the dish — the filling — right from the start.

Even the apples had a nice tart and juicy crunch to them and paired nicely with the caramel.

As far as fast-food pies go, this was by far the best I'd tried.

The filling struck a perfect balance and was not overly sweet, and it paired beautifully with the crispy, lightly salted dough. I had every intention of sharing a few bites with a friend but ended up eating the entire pastry myself.

It also felt slightly larger and more satisfying than the other pies on this list, which perhaps explains why it's also the priciest option.

Overall, each pie I tried had a unique flavor profile and varied textures, ranging from crispy and toasted to soft and molten.

But Taco Bell's caramel apple empanada stood out for its well-balanced flavors: a warm, crispy pie with juicy whole chunks of apple complemented by creamy caramel, setting the perfect tone for the cozy days ahead.

Cap's Place, which is located on a peninsula between Lake Placid and Florida's Intracoastal Waterway, ferries customers to the restaurant in a custom-built water taxi that can hold up to 25 people.

To get to the restaurant in time for our 7 p.m. reservation, we drove through winding neighborhood streets until we reached Cap's Dock, marked with a wooden sign next to a marina.

We parked in the lot and made our way to the dock, where we admired the views of Lake Placid.

We didn't see the boat at the dock at first, so we called the restaurant. The staff assured us the captain would be back shortly, and sure enough, the boat was at Cap's Dock within minutes.

When he arrived, the captain told us the boat makes trips back and forth to the dock all evening. If the boat isn't at the port, guests can trust it will return soon.

When we sat down, the boat felt cozy and elegant. The perimeter of the open-air cabin was lined with seating, and the entire area was covered by a small roof.

The ride to the restaurant, which took about 10 minutes, felt like traveling to a tropical island. The restaurant is surrounded by mangroves and just out of sight from Cap's Dock.

Along the way, we passed stately mansions, yachts anchored at private docks, and graceful birds flying above the calm water.

The boat ride was free (though tips are appreciated). We tipped $10 on both our rides to and from the restaurant.

Even before walking up the path to Cap's Place, I felt like I'd arrived in old Florida — a time when the state's natural beauty ran wild. The only sound was the lapping of the water against the dock.

We followed a path made of wooden planks that led directly to the restaurant and bar at Cap's Place.

The restaurant is owned and managed by the three children of Al Hasis, who helped Captain Eugene Theodore Knight, or "Cap," found the restaurant nearly 100 years ago.

At least one of the siblings — Talle, Ted, and Tom — can usually be found at the restaurant during operating hours.

As I walked into the bar, I noticed newspaper clippings, photos, nautical items, and art prints depicting the restaurant's long history hanging on the walls.

I loved learning about the restaurant's construction (it was originally built on a beached barge) and looking at pictures from the owners' childhood.

At the bar, we ordered two drinks and conversed with one of the owners, Tom.

As we drank, he told us stories about the restaurant's success during Prohibition, when smuggling alcohol from Bimini (a district in the Bahamas) was a known service.

He also told us about some of the celebrities — like Joe DiMaggio —who he said dined at Cap's Place.

We spent $30 on a vodka tonic and a glass of wine, including the tip.

When we moved to the restaurant, which is adjacent to the bar, Talle showed us to our table. The dining area, a spacious wood-frame building filled with large glass windows, offered beautiful water views.

We ordered an Okeechobee hearts of palm salad and another glass of wine. Cap's Place specializes in seafood, so we got the Maryland-style crab cakes and yellowtail snapper as entrées.

It was some of the most delicious fare I've ever eaten. For dessert, we split a piece of key-lime pie, which was sweet and tangy.

We spent $150 on our dinner, including the tip.

At about 10 p.m., we headed to the dock and caught the boat back to the port.

Along the way, soft glittering lights from houses reflected on the water, and there was a nice breeze. It was a magnificent evening out.

Since our dinner at Cap's Place, I've been telling everyone how remarkable this historic restaurant was. The boat ride, the food, and the owners of the restaurant were amazing.

Altogether, we spent about $200 on food, drinks, and tips. It's more than I'd normally pay for a night out, but it feels worth it for a place steeped in Florida history.

I can't wait to take the short boat journey and enjoy the delicious food at Cap's Place again.

Whether you want a classic burger, appetizer platter, or a more festive Thanksgiving-inspired meal, Applebee's might become your go-to holiday spot.

Some, but not all, Applebee's locations are expected to be open, so it's best to call ahead to confirm your local restaurant's hours and menu before arriving with the whole family.

Bob Evans is famous for its annual Thanksgiving meal, which includes slow-roasted turkey, house-made bread-and-celery dressing, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and ham, buttered corn, dinner rolls, and a slice of pumpkin pie.

Bob Evans restaurants should be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. for breakfast or the chain's Thanksgiving holiday meal, though the website recommends that guests check with their local restaurant for adjusted hours and availability.

Boston Market is set to be open for dine-in and take-out this Thanksgiving, though hours may vary depending on location.

The chain's dine-in meal includes classic dishes like roasted turkey breast or half rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable stuffing, a dinner roll, and a slice of apple or pumpkin pie.

Bravo! Italian Kitchens are set to be open this Thanksgiving, offering a traditional meal and the option to order a "Thanksgiving Feast To Go."

The chain's Thanksgiving menu includes sliced white-meat turkey, homestyle gravy, roasted-garlic mashed potatoes, Italian sausage stuffing, a seasonal vegetable, cranberry sauce, and a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert.

Brio Italian Grille is also set to be open on Thanksgiving. Customers can choose from the chain's standard menu, special Thanksgiving meal, or carry out its "Thanksgiving Feast To Go."

The chain recommends making a reservation or preordering a pickup meal ahead of time, as the restaurant can get busy on the holiday.

Buca di Beppo is also slated to open on Thanksgiving. The Italian restaurant offers a Thanksgiving menu for dine-in service, including classic roasted turkey breast and side dishes. You can reserve your table online or preorder a Thanksgiving feast for pick-up.

Many Buffalo Wild Wings are supposed to be open this Thanksgiving for regular dine-in and take-out service, but you'll want to confirm with your local restaurant before making any solid plans to grab some food or catch the football game.

If you're sick of turkey by the end of the night, swing by your local Burger King restaurant. However, hours vary by location, so it's best to check before you hit the drive-thru.

This Thanksgiving, you can also reserve a table at your local Capital Grille.

The chain restaurant's pre-fixe menu, which costs $55 for adults and $20 for children, includes holiday favorites like slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake can also be added to the meal for an added cost.

Cracker Barrel locations should also be open for dine-in service on Thanksgiving this year.

Restaurants will be open during normal business hours, starting at 11 a.m., but guests are encouraged to check their local store hours here.

If you want to eat at Cracker Barrel on Thanksgiving, you can expect a limited menu that includes a turkey meal, available only on the holiday. The meal includes roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing and gravy, green beans, sweet potato casserole with pecans, and cranberry relish. The meal is also served with dinner rolls and a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert.

Cracker Barrel also offers a heat-and-serve Thanksgiving feast, chicken and dumplings meal, and a Thanksgiving sides assortment that comes with dinner rolls.

Denny's is also planning to serve up Thanksgiving favorites again this year. Customers can preorder their Denny's Thanksgiving meal for $55 as early as November 22 for Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving celebrations.

What better way to power through your day of cooking than a morning run to Dunkin'?

While many locations are set to be operating business as usual, you might want to confirm your local Dunkin's hours before heading out, as some locations will have limited hours on Thanksgiving Day.

Although primarily known as a seafood restaurant and steakhouse, Eddie V's is also no stranger to a Thanksgiving meal.

This year, the chain is set to be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and offer a special Thanksgiving menu with slow-roasted turkey, green beans with sundried tomatoes, brioche sage stuffing, gravy, cranberry chutney, mashed potatoes, and a bread basket, in addition to the restaurant's full menu.

For the holiday, Fleming's Steakhouse has its usual menu as well as a special three-course Thanksgiving menu starting at $65 per guest that includes a choice of herb-roasted turkey, filet mignon, or prime bone-in ribeye, a starter, sides, and dessert.

All locations are supposed to open at 11 a.m., and the restaurant chain recommends making a reservation ahead of time. 

Fogo de Chão is accepting catering reservations for Thanksgiving this year and locations should be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The steak-house chain's Thanksgiving menu includes classic holiday dishes like a choice of two fire-roasted meats, sweet-potato casserole, Brazilian sausage and apple dressing, and cranberry relish.

When you're trying to feed the masses, a classic buffet like Golden Corral is a good choice.

Golden Corral restaurants are set to be open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, some locations may be open even later, so it's best to call ahead and confirm your local restaurant's Thanksgiving hours.

If you don't want to dine in, Golden Corral also offers individual holiday meals to-go and holiday feasts that are available to preorder.

USA Today reported that Hooters locations should be open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Thanksgiving. Locations in Michigan and Dallas will operate at different hours based on the Detroit Lions and Cowboys football games.

A stack of buttermilk pancakes would certainly hit the spot on Thanksgiving morning.

Luckily, many IHOP locations are set to be operating their regular hours on the holiday, but customers should consider calling their local store to check the chain's hours first.

If your Thanksgiving meal doesn't go to plan, there's always McDonald's.

Holiday business hours may vary by location, but most McDonald's locations are expected to be open on Thanksgiving. However, it's always best to double-check with your local Golden Arches, just in case.

All Metro Diner locations are expected to be open for dine-in table service until 2:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

The diner chain also offers a take-out feast with a choice of baked ham or roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans or corn, cornbread stuffing or mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, and Hawaiian dinner rolls. The take-out option is served cold for guests to heat up on their own at home.

Most Popeyes locations are expected to operate their regular hours and menu this Thanksgiving, but Popeyes fans can also order a full-sized Cajun turkey for their at-home holiday feasts.

The turkey comes precooked, but you'll need to heat it up again in your own oven before serving. To place a turkey order, call your closest location or order one online to have it shipped to you.

Most Ruby Tuesday restaurants are supposed to be open this Thanksgiving during regular business hours from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., though it's best to call and confirm with your local restaurant before solidifying any plans. 

Select Ruth's Chris Steak House locations are expected to be open this Thanksgiving, and the chain is offering a special festive menu.

The steak house's Thanksgiving menu includes soup or salad, roasted turkey, and several side dishes, such as garlic mashed potatoes, sweet-potato casserole, creamed spinach, and green beans with roasted garlic. Guests can also preorder a full Thanksgiving dinner for pick-up.

If turkey isn't your thing, consider having Thanksgiving dinner at a steak house.

STK locations nationwide are expected to be open on Thanksgiving, though it's best to make a reservation, check the hours at your nearby location or pick up one of the chain's Thanksgiving feasts to go. 

Many Starbucks locations should be open on Thanksgiving Day for home cooks looking for their caffeine fix, though holiday hours may vary by location. 

You won't find traditional Thanksgiving fare here, but why not opt for a turkey sub and skip the cooking?

Although not all Subway restaurants are confirmed to be open on Thanksgiving Day, many are expected to be. However, you'll want to check your closest location's hours just to be sure.

Waffle House is famous for being open 24 hours a day year-round, and Thanksgiving Day is no exception.

Whether you opt for a classic waffle or get your hash browns smothered and covered, Waffle House locations should be open for all of your Thanksgiving breakfast or pre-Black-Friday-feast needs. 

Most Wendy's locations are expected to be open on Thanksgiving Day, giving people the chance to fuel up on fast-food breakfast or even a burger before their meals. However, specific hours may vary by location.

Whataburger, which typically operates 24 hours a day, should have all of its locations open on Thanksgiving Day.