#applebees

#applebees

Few pleasures compare to that of biting into a warm, fresh, fluffy breadstick, flavored with tasty parmesan, garlic, and oregano. Perhaps you like to dip yours in some type of pasta sauce, like marinara or Alfredo. Maybe you're a ranch fan, or you prefer classic garlic butter. Either way, not all breadsticks are created equal. To make sure you're getting your money's worth and avoid disappointment, it's handy to know which chain restaurants serve the best breadsticks - and which should be avoided.

Spend happy hour sipping at Chili's, and cocktails are limited to the $6 Margarita of the Month or $7 Tequila Classic Marg. Grab a table at Applebee's, and cocktails drop to $4 or $5. Beers at both chains sit roughly on par, at $3 to $4. It doesn't sound hugely drastic, but every dollar counts - especially if you're sipping multiple Long Islands.

My husband and I have never been big on chain restaurants, but our teenagers love visiting them, so we've tried quite a few in recent years. Luckily, plenty have pleasantly surprised us, from upscale steakhouses like Ruth's Chris to surprisingly affordable spots like Waffle House. Now, we sometimes even look forward to checking out different chains - especially on double dates with our son and his girlfriend. The four of us regularly go to see a movie and get dinner at a restaurant near the theater.