Red Robin - Any opinions?

While driving around an unfamiliar part of the city searching for a toy store last week I noticed a new (?) chainey looking place called Red Robin. Every parking spot in their lot was occupied and it appeared people were even waiting outside to gain entrance. I asked about it on a local food board and they raved about it, but I thought I would ask here because the people that post on this board are a little more, um, how can I put it politely, sophisticated in their tastes.

Outside of In-N-Out or A&W, I have never been too wild about burger chains. Is Red Robin worth a visit?

"Steve, don't eat that."

Where you live, especially, lines and crowds are a good indication.

edit: Think "Ruby Tuesday" or "Chilis."

Outside of In-N-Out or A&W, I have never been too wild about burger chains. Is Red Robin worth a visit?

In a word, NO.

Formula, chain restaurant always equals a pass from me. I'd rather have a burger in a greasy spoon somewhere.
We had a Red Robin here in Santa Barbara for a while, but I believe they closed the location.

The most noteworthy thing I know about the place is that they were sued by a woman who was refused an alcoholic beverage by an overzealous server, who was under the mistaken impression that it was illegal to serve booze to a pregnant women.
I'm not sure how that all turned out.

[Robin Garr]

While driving around an unfamiliar part of the city searching for a toy store last week I noticed a new (?) chainey looking place called Red Robin. Every parking spot in their lot was occupied and it appeared people were even waiting outside to gain entrance. I asked about it on a local food board and they raved about it, but I thought I would ask here because the people that post on this board are a little more, um, how can I put it politely, sophisticated in their tastes.

Outside of In-N-Out or A&W, I have never been too wild about burger chains. Is Red Robin worth a visit?

What the others said, pretty much. It makes an above-average burger for a chain, and it's an interesting concept that (at least in Louisville) it is both "upscale casual" with adult beverages AND attracts huge family crowds with lots of kids.

But all that being said, I just don't see foodies eating at chains. Please support your local, independent eateries. In this era, they need your help; and the good ones deserve your help.

The last time were there, the restaurant had an awful odor. We have never been back. We used to enjoy their food when they first opened and when I was working, I'd go there with work mates. The parking lot is always full, but we have never gotten over that awful smell and the food was less than desirable.