In the bustling world of American chain restaurants, appetizer combos offer a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary delights awaiting within. While some combos promise a delectable journey, others might leave your taste buds yearning for more. This guide explores 11 appetizers you might want to avoid and 7 that are absolutely worth your indulgence.
Applebee’s Appetizer Sampler
Applebee’s Appetizer Sampler is a feast for the indecisive. It pairs mozzarella sticks, spinach artichoke dip, chicken quesadilla, and boneless wings. However, its charm fades with the reoccurring greasiness and lack of innovation.
The mozzarella sticks often lose their crispiness, and the quesadilla can turn soggy. The wings are sometimes over-sauced, masking their flavor. Consider trying individual appetizers for a fresher experience.
Chili’s Triple Dipper (with Fried Pickles, Egg Rolls, and Wings)
Chili’s Triple Dipper featuring fried pickles, egg rolls, and wings might sound like a party starter. Yet, the flavors clash rather than complement.
The fried pickles are often too salty, while the egg rolls lack authentic seasoning. The wings, albeit juicy, can’t save this combo from mediocrity. Opting for more curated selections could offer a more harmonious taste experience.
TGI Fridays’ Whiskey-Glazed Sampler
TGI Fridays’ Whiskey-Glazed Sampler tantalizes with its alluring glaze. Comprising glazed chicken strips, ribs, and shrimp, it promises much.
Unfortunately, the overwhelming sweetness can overpower the dish, making it feel one-dimensional. The ribs often overshadow the more delicate shrimp, leaving a lopsided taste profile. A single glazed item might better highlight the nuanced flavors.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ House Sampler
Buffalo Wild Wings’ House Sampler is a sports fan’s dream with wings, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and nachos. The excitement is short-lived, as the flavors can turn monotonous.
The wings are the star, but the mozzarella sticks often feel like an afterthought. Onion rings are inconsistent in texture, and the nachos lack substance. Separate orders may enhance your game-day experience.
The Cheesecake Factory’s Roadside Sliders + Tex Mex Egg Rolls
The Cheesecake Factory’s Roadside Sliders and Tex Mex Egg Rolls offer a curious blend. While each item is delightful on its own, together they compete for attention.
The sliders, juicy and savory, overshadow the more subtle egg rolls. The combination lacks cohesion, leading to an unbalanced appetizer experience. Consider ordering them separately to fully enjoy each dish.
Olive Garden’s Lasagna Fritta & Calamari Combo
Olive Garden’s Lasagna Fritta and Calamari Combo invites you to an Italian-inspired adventure. However, the combination often disappoints.
The fritta can be overly heavy, and the calamari lacks the crispness expected of a seafood dish. The richness of the lasagna fritta can overshadow the more delicate flavors of the calamari. As separate appetizers, they might shine brighter.
Red Lobster’s Appetizer Trio
Red Lobster’s Appetizer Trio offers a seafood smorgasbord with shrimp cocktail, calamari, and stuffed mushrooms. Yet, the trio doesn’t always hit the mark.
The shrimp can be bland, and the calamari is inconsistent in texture. Stuffed mushrooms often compete with the seafood for attention. A focus on one seafood star might offer a more satisfying appetizer.
Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie Signature Sampler
Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie Signature Sampler brims with promise, featuring blooming onion petals, cheese fries, and coconut shrimp. Sadly, the reality doesn’t always match the anticipation.
The onion petals can turn soggy, and the cheese fries, while indulgent, overshadow the shrimp. Each item, though tasty separately, struggles to stand out in this crowded sampler.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Appetizer Combo
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Appetizer Combo brings together sliders, spinach artichoke dip, and mozzarella sticks. Despite the inviting variety, this combo often lacks synergy.
The sliders can be overly greasy, and the mozzarella sticks lose their crunch. Spinach artichoke dip offers a creamy respite but struggles to tie the flavors together. Individual orders may deliver a more cohesive taste.
Ruby Tuesday’s Classic Sampler
Ruby Tuesday’s Classic Sampler embodies nostalgia with chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and potato skins. Yet, this trip down memory lane can falter.
The wings are sometimes inconsistent in flavor, and the mozzarella sticks soggy. Potato skins, though comforting, don’t always harmonize with the other items. Consider individual selections to savor each flavor.
Yard House’s Onion Ring Tower + Fried Calamari Combo
Yard House’s Onion Ring Tower and Fried Calamari Combo stand tall and inviting. Despite the visual appeal, their flavor journey doesn’t always satisfy.
The onion rings, while crispy, can become monotonous, and the calamari lacks seasoning. The visual spectacle doesn’t compensate for the culinary imbalance. Separate orders might better showcase each dish’s strengths.
Chili’s Triple Dipper (with Southwest Eggrolls, Boneless Wings, and Quesadillas)
Chili’s Triple Dipper with Southwest Eggrolls, Boneless Wings, and Quesadillas offers a Tex-Mex flair. While each item holds its own, the combo struggles with consistency.
The eggrolls burst with flavor but can be greasy, wings maintain their spice, and quesadillas can be overstuffed. Selecting individual items might provide a more focused taste experience.
The Cheesecake Factory’s Avocado Egg Rolls + Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes
The Cheesecake Factory’s Avocado Egg Rolls and Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes are a delightful surprise. The creamy avocado contrasts beautifully with the sweet corn cakes.
Each bite offers a fresh and balanced taste, making this combo a standout. Unlike other pairings, these dishes complement each other perfectly, making them worth ordering.
Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion + Kookaburra Wings
Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion and Kookaburra Wings bring a taste of the Outback to your table. The iconic Bloomin’ Onion offers a crispy, flavorful start.
Kookaburra Wings provide a spicy punch that complements the onion perfectly. This combo delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for any appetizer enthusiast.
Red Robin’s Pretzel Bites + Fried Pickle Nickels
Red Robin’s Pretzel Bites and Fried Pickle Nickels offer a playful twist on traditional snacks. The warm, soft pretzels pair well with the tangy, crunchy pickles.
The combination provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making it a fun and satisfying choice. Perfectly balanced, this combo is worth savoring during your visit.
Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp + Crispy Calamari
Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp and Crispy Calamari elevate the appetizer experience. The shrimp offers a spicy, creamy kick, while the calamari boasts a satisfying crunch.
Together, they create a seafood symphony that delights the palate. This dynamic duo is a standout choice for seafood lovers, making it a worthy order.
Yard House’s Poke Nachos + Shiitake Garlic Noodles
Yard House’s Poke Nachos and Shiitake Garlic Noodles offer a fusion feast. The fresh, vibrant nachos contrast with the savory, umami-rich noodles.
This pairing provides a diverse taste experience, seamlessly blending different culinary traditions. For those seeking variety and excitement, this combo is a flavorful adventure worth taking.
P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps + Crispy Green Beans
P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps and Crispy Green Beans offer a fresh, light appetizer experience. The lettuce wraps are a delightful, savory bite, while the green beans add a crispy texture.
Together, they form a satisfying and balanced combo. This pairing is perfect for those looking to enjoy lighter, yet flavorful, cuisine.
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