What are the most popular family-style menu items?

Mar 27, 2024 | 4 min read

Family-style restaurants are known for their wide-ranging menu that caters to the tastes of both adults and children. They tend to offer comfort food that is hearty, flavorful, and encourages sharing. Among the most popular items you'll find in these establishments are fried chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad, BBQ ribs, garlic bread, and roast beef. These dishes are not only popular for their delicious taste but also for their ability to cater to a variety of dietary preferences and meal types. They are equally popular for dine-in, take-out, and delivery, making them versatile choices for any family meal.

Fried chicken

Fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser in family-style restaurants due to its universal appeal and versatility. It's a dish that can be enjoyed by all age groups, from kids to adults, making it a staple in family dining. Its popularity extends to various meal types, from lunch to dinner, as well as for take-out and delivery. Buttermilk fried chicken, fried chicken platter, southern fried chicken salad, Korean fried chicken, fried chicken sandwich, and kids fried chicken meal are some of the popular menu options that highlight the comforting and familiar allure of fried chicken in various preparations.

Spaghetti and meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that is loved by many, making it a popular choice in family-style restaurants. It's a hearty meal that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, and it's just as popular for dine-in as it is for delivery. The traditional spaghetti and meatballs, baked spaghetti with meatballs, kid's spaghetti & meatballs, spaghetti and meatballs dinner, linguine and meatballs, rigatoni with meatballs, meatball parmesan pasta, and spaghetti alla puttanesca with meatballs are all variations that cater to different tastes and appetites.

Macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food that is universally loved, making it a hit in family-style restaurants. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, and it's popular among both children and adults. The classic mac & cheese, homemade mac & cheese, baked macaroni & cheese, lobster mac & cheese, truffle mac and cheese, buffalo chicken mac & cheese, bacon mac & cheese, pulled pork mac & cheese, fried mac & cheese, and macaroni & cheese bites are some of the popular menu options that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Caesar salad

Caesar salad is a popular choice in family-style restaurants due to its refreshing taste and versatility. It can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, and it's just as popular for dine-in as it is for delivery. The family Caesar salad, chicken Caesar salad, grilled chicken Caesar salad, salmon Caesar salad, Caesar salad platter, vegan Caesar salad, and kale Caesar salad are some of the popular menu options that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

BBQ ribs

BBQ ribs are a favorite in family-style restaurants for their tender, flavorful meat and versatility. They're a popular choice for dinner, and they're just as popular for take-out and delivery. BBQ baby back ribs, BBQ spare ribs, full slab and half slab options, BBQ pork spare ribs, BBQ beef ribs, Korean BBQ ribs, BBQ spare ribs combo platter, and boneless BBQ spare ribs are some of the popular menu options that cater to a wide range of tastes and appetites.

Garlic bread

Garlic bread is a popular side dish in family-style restaurants due to its savory flavor and versatility. It's a great accompaniment to pasta dishes and salads, and it's just as popular for take-out and delivery. The homemade garlic bread, mozzarella garlic bread, garlic cheese bread, garlic bread with melted mozzarella, garlic bread parmigiana, garlic naan bread, garlic basil naan, garlic bread cheesesteak, garlic chicken pizza, and garlic toast are some of the popular menu options that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Roast beef

Roast beef is a versatile dish that is popular in family-style restaurants. It can be served as a main course or in sandwiches, making it a versatile choice for both lunch and dinner. The homemade roast beef, roast beef dinner, roast beef salad, roast beef & Swiss sandwich, hot roast beef sandwich, Italian roast beef sandwich, roast beef po'boy, roast beef roll, roast beef & cheese wrap, and roast beef melt sandwich are some of the popular menu options that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

The information presented in this article is based on a comprehensive study of Otter’s internal menu data for family-style restaurants, and does not represent a guarantee.

Mar 27, 2024 | 4 min read

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