Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s packed with flavor and nostalgia. The meaty dish became popular during the Great Depression and World War II because it was an affordable way to feed a family. By the 1950s, a meatloaf meal represented the rise of the suburban family and became a routine dinner because it was cost-effective and great for leftovers. While meatloaf is a familiar, comforting food that’s relatively easy to make, not every restaurant gets it right. To find the best spots that serve the best meatloaf, Eat This, Not That! spoke with chefs who share their favorite chains for meatloaf.
Metro Diner
Metro Diner
Metro Diner started off as a single location in Florida, but after celebrity chef Guy Fieri featured the restaurant on his Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” back in 2010, which helped the diner expand. It’s known for its Iron City Meatloaf and the TV personality isn’t the only culinary pro raving about its signature dish. Chef Andrew Owens, a private chef in California says, “the meatloaf is well seasoned and the perfect sear.”
Steak 48
Steak 48 is an upscale steakhouse that offers the “meatloaf of champions.” “Steak 48 is one of the few restaurants that use a mixture of ribeye, filet mignon, and pork for rich depth,” says Chef Andrew. “They go the extra mile by topping it with a black truffle and green peppercorn sauce.” He adds, “The high end ingredients and consistency in their product while providing a gourmet twist on the classic.”
Cheesecake Factory
Cheesecake Factory
Meatloaf, surprisingly, is well-done by Cheesecake Factory. “Using a blend of beef and pork with a sweet and slightly tangy glaze, it pierces through as a comforting dish with a good balance of taste,” says Bitty Lo, a recipe developer with No Dash of Gluten.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse offers a Zesty Jammin’ Meatloaf that’s tangy and sweet. “Outback Steakhouse actually takes a different approach to their meatloaf by having a seasoned and seared crust for added texture and caramelization,” says Chef Andrew. “Paired with a peppercorn sauce and spicy chile jam for a sweet, spicy, savory balance brought to this dish.”
Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner is the place to go for a delicious take on the classic dish. The chain offers a Homemade Crispy Onion Topped Meatloaf, which is made with a special recipe of ground beef and seasoned sausage, roasted, and topped with savory beef gravy and homemade crispy onion straws. Surprisingly they have in house daily preparation using ground beef and seasoned sausage. Topped with beef gravy and onion rings. This provides a nice crunch, evoking classic diner comfort.
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
11 comments
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post! It was extremely helpful for my article. When you have some free time, make sure to enjoy healthy meals and explore new restaurants and places. A refreshed mind sparks stronger writing—so eat well, breathe fresh air, and let your creativity flourish.https://outbackmenuprices.us/
Really enjoyed this round-up of restaurants with standout meatloaf dishes—it’s fascinating how different chefs put their spin on comfort food. While reading, I thought about how restaurant chains also work hard to streamline menus and make them appealing. For example, I recently checked out the Panda Express Menu, and I was struck by how clearly the items are laid out, how nutrition info is presented, and how the menu balances flavor with convenience. Thanks for the informative post! https://pandaexpressmenuu.us/
Our journey began with a simple, irresistible love for Maine Coon kittens for sale. Today, we operate under the brand name “Adorable Claw”, proudly pitting ourselves as one of the credible and well-established breeders in the industry. At our core, we specialize in the sale of superior quality, pedigree Maine Coon kittens, distinguishing ourselves through our passion, commitment, and exceptional standards.
Green Flame Fuel: wood pellets is a comprehensive information resource promoting the UK as a global supplier of quality, environmentally-responsible forest products from sustainably-managed forests.
Fresh poppy pods are the seed pods that are harvested from the poppy flower. Poppies are known for their beautiful flowers, but it’s their seed pods that are of the most value. These pods contain the seeds for the next crop and, when dried, they are frequently used in floral arrangements and other decorative crafts. By using fresh poppy pods, you can take your art to the next level as it gives a natural and pleasant look to your creations.
Your blog post is a very awesome thanks for sharing https://outbackchristmasevehours.store/
Applebee’s stands as a famous American grill-and-bar chain offering comfort cuisine at over 1,500 outlets across the country. Although the menu may vary somewhat between locations, many customer-favourite dishes are always offered throughout the year. This short guide provides an overview of the top dishes, including information on prices and calorie counts, helping you pick meals that suit your tastes and budget.
Thanks For Sharing This
Great article I love how you broke down the healthiest options when dining out. It’s often confusing to choose meals that are both tasty and good for your diet. I recently looked into several menu nutrition plans and found Panda Express Nutrition Facts helpful when trying to balance flavor with health, especially when ordering something quick and easy without sacrificing dietary goals. Thanks for sharing this list very useful! https://pandaexpressmenuu.us/panda-express-nutrition-facts/
LongHorn’s dinner menu has lots of options steaks, chicken, ribs, and seafood. Steaks range from about $23–$30, chicken and seafood around $18–$22. The menu also has appetizers and desserts, and the pictures make everything look really tasty. https://longhornmenus.us/
Wingstop’s menu delivers bold, crave-worthy flavors with fresh wings, tenders, and signature sides. From classic sauces to rich dry rubs, every item is made to order for the perfect crisp and taste. It’s a simple, satisfying lineup ideal for quick meals, late-night cravings, or sharing with friends. https://wingtopmenu.com/