G.I. Friday's

Oh, how I lament the days of the old TGI Friday's, back when I was a kid and experienced Vanilla Coke before it was everywhere, the kind with the real vanilla syrup.

But things change and TGIF has reincarnated itself several times over the years (I won't say how many) since I first ate at one as a 9 year old. The newest reincarnation does nothing for me.

My husband and I visited on an impromptu date night when we needed to stay close to home and eat for cheap. We picked TGIF because they sent us coupons, and because sadly, in Garner there are really very few locally owned dinner options.

It was a meal. What can I say? The Red Oak on tap was skunky (a common problem with Red Oak as they don't preserve their kegs and the chains they are in don't promote their beer properly, so there is not enough turnover to keep the beer from turning sour) but our waitress changed it for a Sam Adams with no hesitation. The service was actually probably the best thing about this place. Our waitress was about 14 months pregnant and seemed worn out, but she was an excellent waitress nonetheless.

The food was OK. I got a burger. It was a burger. I think I asked if they could cook it closer to medium (menu says medium well or well) and it was pretty much charred. But I still ate it, and didn't complain. I don't remember what my husband got, so apparently it was neither memorable or offensive.

Bottom line: it's close, and they send coupons, so we may eat there again, but I would certainly rather support locally owned businesses or the Logan's right next door that has a terrific management team than just eat at another everyday chain.

Food was terrible to say the least.  Steak was dry, the steak fries were undercooked and the broccoli was soggy.   And the whole time we were there the server stopped by once to check on us.

Children eat free on Wednesday's. The service is always pretty good and quick. We know most of the servers and the hostesses by name. One server in particular (Charlie) is wonderful. Sometimes they bring out chips and salsa when you are seated. Sometimes they don't. Not sure why. Overall the kids like it and it makes them happy to see the guy who comes around and makes balloon figures.