This is the place to go for the freshest pasta around. Fresh pasta salads or fresh salads (although why go to a Pasta house for this), Hot pasta, it's all here at affordable prices. They also do catering and have take out service. This is good food, but authentic Italian food. But this is Southern California dining for those on the go.

This was once a big chain. These are the separate franchises that remain. They still serve the best barbecued sandwiches. Their barbecue sauce is very good. They have the best "Clam Chowder" for those like me who love "Clam Chowder". Their service is always good. This location has been here for years. Try their "Heart's Delight" sandwich.

These people started years ago in Long Beach (on 2nd street near the beach) as a pie shop and bakery. Today they are one of the very finest family dining restaurants around. They feature some great breakfast skillets (for breakfast), rotiserre chicken in a lot of different ways (for lunch and dinner), and a complete menu of other items including some delicious sandwiches and burgers. The food is extremely good here and the service is very fine. They still offer outstanding baked goods to be eaten at the restaurant or for takeout.

This has to be one of the most pleasant family dining type restaurants in the area. They have great food. Their waiters and waitresses are all young and sometimes aren't as professional as I would like, but they all are trained by Mimi's and are all very courteous. Among the food items that are great here are their "Pot Roast", it's just outstanding. They have a 1000 Island dressing that I've never found anything close to anywhere else. They serve a great "French Onion Soup" daily and on Fridays they have the "Best Clam Chowder" around. Visit their website to get some free recipes. Try their breakfasts which are all great. They even have a healthy "Vegetarian Omelette" made with egg substitute for the healthy conscious. Their children's menu is great, so bring the kids.

This has to be one of the most pleasant family dining type restaurants in the area. They have great food. Their waiters and waitresses are all young and sometimes aren't as professional as I would like, but they all are trained by Mimi's and are all very courteous. Among the food items that are great here are their "Pot Roast", it's just outstanding. They have a 1000 Island dressing that I've never found anything close to anywhere else. They serve a great "French Onion Soup" daily and on Fridays they have the "Best Clam Chowder" around. Visit their website to get some free recipes. Try their breakfasts which are all great. They even have a healthy "Vegetarian Omelette" made with egg substitute for the healthy conscious. Their children's menu is great, so bring the kids.

This is the finest Mexican restaurant chain in the entire southwest (and some northwest locations). But don't go here for the normal tamales, enchiladas, burritos et. al. Try the innovative dishes like "Tequila Lime Chicken (or Shrimp) Fajitas" or "Enchiladas stuffed with Shrimp". There is always something new on their menu. You don't have to have your entree with "Refried Beans", try "Frijoles Negros" or "Frijoles Charros". Look for discount coupons in the local Sunday papers, they give you a second entree for $1.49. Visit their website to see what new items will be on the menu.

This has to be one of the most pleasant family dining type restaurants in the area. They have great food. Their waiters and waitresses are all young and sometimes aren't as professional as I would like, but they all are trained by Mimi's and are all very courteous. Among the food items that are great here are their "Pot Roast", it's just outstanding. They have a 1000 Island dressing that I've never found anything close to anywhere else. They serve a great "French Onion Soup" daily and on Fridays they have the "Best Clam Chowder" around. Visit their website to get some free recipes. Try their breakfasts which are all great. They even have a healthy "Vegetarian Omelette" made with egg substitute for the healthy conscious. Their children's menu is great, so bring the kids.

The Macaroni Grill is one of the more unusal Italian restaurants you will ever find. They have menu items you can't find anywhere else. Their service is by far the most attentive you will find anywhere. Their food is wonderful, and abundant. They start everyone off with a traditional dish of olive oil and a loaf of bread. I would rate them 5 stars, but they are pretty pricey.

When I review a restaurant I try to copare it to restaurants of it's type and not compare family restaurants against fine dining restaurants. So my remarks about Pick Up Stix is a little more harsh than some people would critic. The food is very average. It is production line type Chinese food. The menu is fairly limited. I would rather spend my money for Chinese food elsewhere (there are members of my family that love this place). Those are the negatives. The positives are: very affordable, large portions and lightning quick service. But I still think it is just average or a little below when you compare it to other Chinese restaurants.

When I review a restaurant I try to compare it to restaurants of it's type and not compare family restaurants against fine dining restaurants. So my remarks about Pick Up Stix is a little more harsh than some people would critic. The food is very average. It is production line type Chinese food. The menu is fairly limited. I would rather spend my money for Chinese food elsewhere (there are members of my family that love this place). Those are the negatives. The positives are: very affordable, large portions and lightning quick service. But I still think it is just average or a little below when you compare it to other Chinese restaurants.

I enjoy buffets (even though my waist line suffers). The problem with most of them is the food all tastes the same. Not so here. They do a great job. The food is not in the production line manner where you wait for the erson in front of you to make their selections, rather all the food is on small islands which are accessable from either side. They have the roast beef, turkey and ham which are cut for you by a "real live" person. Compared to other buffets this one is probably the best (unless you go to Las Vegas or Reno).

If you are a spaghetti lover, then this is the spot. They have the best spaghetti and meat sauce. Their service is excellent, and the price is so reasonable. A great place to eat in the area.

This is the only place to eat a good seafood dinner. Seafood is expensive, but they keep their prices affordable. the service is always alert and friendly. The quality of the food is exceptional. Well worth the visit.

This is the finest Mexican restaurant chain in the entire southwest (and some northwest locations). But don't go here for the normal tamales, enchiladas, burritos et. al. Try the innovative dishes like "Tequila Lime Chicken (or Shrimp) Fajitas" or "Enchiladas stuffed with Shrimp". There is always something new on their menu. You don't have to have your entree with "Refried Beans", try "Frijoles Negros" or "Frijoles Charros". Look for discount coupons in the local Sunday papers, they give you a second entree for $1.49. Visit their website to see what new items will be on the menu.

This is a popular chain of Mexican restaurants with very good food. However, they are now being bought out by Alcapulco who will retain the El Torito label, but improve the menu. El Torito has a very festive atmosphere always, and is a great place for the famly. The service is good and helpful at all times.

This is a popular chain of Mexican restaurants with very good food. However, they are now being bought out by Alcapulco who will retain the El Torito label, but improve the menu. El Torito has a very festive atmosphere always, and is a great place for the famly. The service is good and helpful at all times. This location has been unfortunately mislabled. This is not a cafe.

This is the finest Mexican restaurant chain in the entire southwest (and some northwest locations). But don't go here for the normal tamales, enchiladas, burritos et. al. Try the innovative dishes like "Tequila Lime Chicken (or Shrimp) Fajitas" or "Enchiladas stuffed with Shrimp". There is always something new on their menu. You don't have to have your entree with "Refried Beans", try "Frijoles Negros" or "Frijoles Charros". Look for discount coupons in the local Sunday papers, they give you a second entree for $1.49. Visit their website to see what new items will be on the menu.

I can't believe what two other reviewers wrote. This is not "so-so" Mexican food. Obviously they didn't try some of the more innovative dishes. This is a class Mexican restaurant. I am sure there are some individual Mexican restaurants that can measure up on individual plates, but on the entire menu basis, and the innovative new items, nothing comes close in good quality. Sorry Jason and Patricia, the score is now 2-2.

This is a great family dining spot. They have some really outstanding entrees. You almost get the feeling of "Fine Family Dining" here. They are clean, the food is done well and the service is great.

This is one of those kinds of restaurants that make you want to come back again and again. I don't know what they do to their rice here, but it has a real buttery flavor. I have only eaten lunch here and it was crowded, but the service was wonderful.