#casual-dining

#casual-dining

Meatloaf. Mashed potatoes. Breakfast all day, every day. A cup of coffee that always seems to be full. These are the menu hallmarks of the American diner. Throw in a countertop with stools, booths with laminate countertops, and a lot of stainless steel, and the nostalgic vibe is complete. The first iterations of diners popped up in the mid-1800s, and have been a national staple ever since.

We ask chefs across Ireland who currently hold one or more Michelin stars to share their greatest culinary secret: from pizza and pasta to steak and seafood, pastries, toasties and more, where do they eat when off-duty? Nobody earns a Michelin star without really knowing food, and they don't just turn that knowledge and skill off when they want to eat something casual.

Like you, the staff keeps things casual, flying between the tightly packed two-tops in oversized button-ups and distressed jeans, and always attentive without hovering. Courses arrive in quick succession, without long, drawn-out pauses, and reservations come relatively easy (weekday tables are usually available day of and weekends just need a day or two of notice). Stlll, there are fine dining touches where it counts: big-deal wine bottles, cutlery swaps between courses, and daily printed menus.

With rising inflation showing no signs of slowing down, Americans are tightening their belts by opting to dine in. Though higher costs make eating at home the more cost-friendly option, people will always swing by an eatery when in need of a quick bite. Fast food used to be the go-to spot for cheap food, but casual spots like Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden seem to be winning more customers.

Hosting lunch parties can be more relaxing than dinner parties thanks to their informal atmosphere and smaller guest lists. Simple one-pot dishes suit this vibe well.

Halving baked goods not only reduces waste, allowing guests to enjoy smaller portions without leftovers, but it also lets them mix and match their favorites.

Girl Dinner, a TikTok phenomenon, focuses on the joy of grazing and simplicity, encouraging people to mix their favorite foods in casual, unstructured meals.

Buffalo Wild Wings is launching its Bottomless Apps, an all-day, every-day deal for $9.99, focusing on appetizers to attract dine-in customers amidst the casual dining struggle.

In my quest for the cheapest cheeseburgers, I found that all options at Applebee's, Chili's, and TGI Fridays were cooked properly and served with ample fries.

The closures came as a shock to many customers, who found out as they walked up to the restaurant ready to eat only to find signs posted on the door.

The al pastor is perfectly seasoned, and upgrading to a super taco with all the fixings pushes it over the top.