My father-in-law has been doing a 5 for 5 focus on social media- for 5 days a week for 5 weeks, he’s listing his 5 favorite things in a particular category and asking for others to share as well. It’s been so fun to see the different responses and see what I have in common with others and where I differ!

Recently, he asked about your top 5 favorite restaurants. At first, that seems easy but when I really stopped to think about it, I had the hardest time narrowing it down because so much of it depends on my mood, who I’m with, etc. And of course, there’s also the difference between a nice, sit-down, take-your-time restaurant, versus a quick, grab something tasty on-the-go restaurant.

I’d love to hear about YOUR favorites! It’s fun to learn about people and hear their stories. I’m making it a little easier for you by breaking it up into 2 categories. Tell me your 5 favorite sit-down restaurants, and tell me your 5 favorite fast food restaurants. Here are mine!

P.F. Chang’s. I think this is somewhat a nostalgia thing for me. This is where my husband took me for prom, which was also my 18th birthday. We’ve ended up coming back here for several anniversaries and it just takes me back each time :). I also love love LOVE the Mongolian Beef!

Olive Garden. I’m actually not the biggest Italian food fan. I don’t like tomato sauce and so that cuts out most options. But oh my goodness do I love alfredo and I go crazy for Olive Garden’s alfredo sauce! And of course, their salad and breadsticks are super tasty too!

Winger’s. Man do I love me some sticky fingers! I love their sticky finger salad and sticky finger quesadilla. And I really love a slice of Asphalt Pie for dessert! It’s perfection! And I love that they give you popcorn to snack on while waiting for your meal. So much fun!

Maraca’s. I love Mexican food. And this place became a go-to for my husband and I when we lived in Santaquin. Their nachos were absolutely delicious, the salsa was perfect, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried there. The Alambre (similar to fajitas but with bacon thrown in), the Chimichanga with Carne Asada and Cancun Enchiladas (shrimp, crab and mushroom deliciousness with a white sauce) were my favorites!

Fat Jacks. Gotta get a pizza place in there! I actually don’t like pizza (because I don’t like tomato sauce, as stated above). But a good alfredo is irresistible! And Fat Jack’s has THE BEST alfredo pizza. Their cheese sticks are addictingly good too! My husband goes crazy for their pizza as well. They are hands down the best!! I love going with my parents and siblings, getting several pizzas and sitting and enjoying them together. It’s a favorite in my family for sure!

Now for fast food-

JCW’s. They have the BEST onion rings, hands down. Perfectly crispy, great flavor and size- my favorite!! I used to work at a summer school for special needs kids, and I always grabbed some onion rings for lunch! (back when I was 20 and could eat anything I wanted ;) ). Their burgers are also SO good. Thick bacon, strong flavors and so many great combinations. The Hawaiian burger is one of our favorites, but I also love just a regular bacon burger!

Mo Bettah’s. Hawaiian food that I just can’t get enough of! I could eat the teriyaki sauce with everything. I love the katsu chicken too- a breaded chicken thigh that’s crispy and delicious! And it’s all served with rice and cabbage- and I actually LOVE the cabbage with the chicken. It gives it the perfect crunch and freshness!

Zupa’s. I don't think I’ve ever tried anything at Zupa’s that I didn’t like! And I love eating there because I don’t feel overly full or greasy afterwards. It’s filling and fresh! My favorites are the Chipotle Glazed Chicken Salad, the Brisket Grilled Cheese or Chicken Pesto Sandwich, and the Cauliflower Soup.

Costa Vida. The sweet pork is my favorite!! Whether in a burrito, salad, or nachos, I can’t get enough! I also LOVE their queso, and so getting a sweet pork nacho is a serious treat for me. I don't get sick of them ever!

Taco Amigo. Their burgers are smaller, with fry sauce, pickles, lettuce and onions and they are the perfect size. I can eat one and feel full without feeling grossly full. Their fry sauce is delicious, their fries are great, and they have really tasty shakes! I also love their Nacho Supreme. Simple but everything I want on nachos! Meat, cheese sauce and shredded cheese, olives, tomatoes, jalapenos, sour cream, refried beans- simple but amazing! This was my pregnancy craving with my 5th child ;).

While I could list more, like Red Iguana or Station 22, these seem to be the places I visit the most. These will probably change in a couple months, but for now these are my favorites! I’d love to hear about yours! Share your favorites in the comments below!

    Camille Hoffmann
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com