Guide to the Restaurant Survey

Ratings are based on 70,403 responses to the Restaurant Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center between April 2007 and April 2008. Each chain had at least 250 visits; Applebee's had the most, almost 16,000. Findings reflect the experiences of our readers, not necessarily those of the general population.

Categories are based on dining concept and cuisine. Reader score reflects overall satisfaction and isn't limited to factors listed under survey results. A score of 100 would mean all readers were completely satisfied; 80 would mean readers were very satisfied on average; 60, fairly well satisfied. Differences in scores of fewer than 5 points aren't meaningful. Scores for taste, value, service, mood, and choice are based on the percentage of readers who judged the chain excellent for each. Those scores are relative, reflecting how each chain differed from the overall average. In general, respondents were quite satisfied; even the lowest-rated chain pleased most customers.