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11 Chain Restaurant Meals That Are the Biggest Wastes of Money

There's always that one dish you want to avoid.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Feb. 27, 2026

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Some nights, any price seems worth it to not have to cook dinner, but then you immediately regret that choice when you get the bill or taste the meal. Restaurant remorse is increasing among consumers, as chains try to lower costs by adding cheaper ingredients or shrinking the size of meals as prices rise.

Like most consumers, you are likely trying to boost your restaurant budget further by making smart choices about where and what you eat out. Unfortunately, many well-known national restaurant chains have dishes that just aren't worth the money anymore.

Find out which meals are the worst offenders to your wallet.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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The Cheesecake Factory: Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo

Price: $24.95

The Cheesecake Factory menu is known for offering many regional cuisines, but sometimes it misses the mark. If you're craving a good Cajun gumbo, you might want to look elsewhere. Mashed reviewers have said it's very tomato-based and actually doesn't taste much like gumbo. If you're craving Cajun food, The Lost Cajun is a great franchise that has just gone nationwide.

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Denny's: All-American Slam

Price: $13.99

Denny's is a classic American diner-style restaurant known for all-day breakfast, but the All-American Slam might leave you wondering why. It includes the most basic breakfast components: scrambled eggs with cheddar, bacon strips, sausage links, hash browns, and toast.

Any restaurant banking on their breakfast menu should have these items on lock, but reviews consistently slam the All-American slam. Not only is it overpriced, but customers and reviewers also complain about its quality.

IHOP: Fresh Berry Crepes

Price: $11.49

IHOP is primarily seen in the public eye as a breakfast restaurant with an extensive menu, and its name indicates that pancakes are a priority. Crepes are pancake-adjacent, so that might seem like a solid choice, but reviewers say that is not the case, especially with the Fresh Berry Crepe meal.

Customers often expect a berry mix, but it's really just strawberries. There's also no filling, so it's mostly just bare crepes that often are drenched in oil or butter, leaving a lackluster consistency. If you're craving crepes, maybe try La Madeleine French Café or Crepe Delicious.

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Chili's: Triple Dipper

Price: $16.99

Chili's Triple Dipper is having a social media moment, but customers are growing disenchanted as prices keep rising. The appetizer combo lets diners choose three apps and three dipping sauces, and the deal went viral on TikTok, but then the price went up… and up… and up again.

It used to be under $12, but now it is nearly $20 at some locations. Customers like the mix-and-match setup, but only if it's priced to be a good deal.

Outback Steakhouse: Shrimp on the Barbie

Price: $15.99 (appetizer) or $23.99 (meal)

Outback's Shrimp on the Barbie is an iconic addition to its Australian-themed menu, but it's not a great value. This shrimp appetizer is an even worse value than the entree, but reviewers say it's not even better than store-bought frozen shrimp you could easily have at home. If you're dining at Outback Steakhouse, maybe stick to the steaks and Bloomin' Onion.

LongHorn Steakhouse: LongHorn Salmon

Price: $21.99

LongHorn Steakhouse is a strange choice if you're craving salmon, and reviewers say it's not a good value for a lighter alternative to steak. The signature bourbon marinade sounds tempting, but the fish itself is often reported to be dry, flavorless, and seems less than fresh. If you're craving seafood, then it's best to stick with a seafood-focused restaurant to get the freshest fish.

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Texas Roadhouse: Fried Catfish

Price: $18.49

Texas Roadhouse is another steakhouse that isn't nailing the dockside menu. The Fried Catfish is often misrepresented on menus to look appealing, but reviewers say the dish is more breading than fish and sometimes still has bones. Fans of the Southern-cuisine fish dish say to go to Cracker Barrel to get your catfish instead.

Olive Garden: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Price: $20.29

Olive Garden's Stuffed Chicken Marsala has been rated the worst item on the menu by PureWow's food editor, and servers for the popular Italian chain say customers regularly send the dish back.

Complaints include overcooked chicken, burnt cheese, overwhelming saltiness, and rubbery mushrooms. Many also complain that the dish is completely lacking in the Marsala wine flavor that should be present in the sauce. Stick with the endless breadsticks, daily fresh soups, and pasta dishes.

Applebee's: Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

Price: $17.49

Applebee's ranked at the bottom spot when Tasting Table ranked restaurant chain pasta dishes, and the three-cheese chicken penne pasta was the worst offender. Customers have complained about every single aspect of the pasta, which is almost impressive considering how easy this meal is to make. Instead, opt for the new Ultimate Trio, which is Applebee's equivalent of the Triple Dipper from Chili's, but costs less.

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Buffalo Wild Wings: All-American Cheeseburger

Price: $11.99

Buffalo Wild Wings is clearly all about the chicken dishes, specifically wings, and you'll want to stay in the poultry lane when ordering there. What you definitely want to avoid is the All-American Cheeseburger. It's hard to mess up a basic cheeseburger. Still, according to TastingTable, they make one of the worst burgers ever, especially considering it's not exactly cheap.

Cracker Barrel: Friday Fish Fry

Price: $17.49

Cracker Barrel's best value often comes from the different weekly specials, and the Friday Fish Fry can look like a good deal for four fried cod fillets served with tartar sauce, three sides, and biscuits. Unfortunately, many customers say it tastes more like mystery fish and ends up being soft and mushy. Skip the fish and get the best value with a Lunch Pick 2 Country Combo for the most cost-effective meal.

Bottom line

Most families are looking for ways to tackle high grocery costs, which makes eating from a restaurant more of a treat than a staple. Customers want affordability, but they also want something delicious that they are unlikely to make at home.

To make the most of your dining experience, it's probably best to stick to dishes within the restaurant's focus, so if you want seafood, go to a seafood-focused dining establishment, steak from a steakhouse, etc.

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