The Utica/Rome area has a great collection of Italian restaurants. It’s great to see these local businesses striving in a world of big chains. But sometimes, you may need a little big chain restaurant in your life. Where would you go out with friends in this area if you’re looking for something different than Riggies or Greens? The answer is very limited. I’ve been taking your calls and comments on Facebook all day long and I think the list is finished. Here’s the list of 20 Restaurants the Utica/Rome regions could use.

  • Hooters/Facebook
    Hooters/Facebook
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    20

    Hooters


    Great Chicken Wings at a great price. What more could you want? Imagine it as a great place for the boys to go out to on the weekends, or family during the week.

  • Golden Corral/Facebook
    Golden Corral/Facebook
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    19

    Golden Corral


    Golden Corral's legendary buffet features a variety of delicious favorites. Imagine a pit-stop on your shopping day at Sangertown here at the Corral.

  • Dave & Buster’s/Facebook
    Dave & Buster’s/Facebook
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    18

    Dave & Buster’s


    Great food and epic fun served up by the friendliest people in town!

  • Wegmans/Facebook
    Wegmans/Facebook
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    17

    Wegmans


    One might ask "How did a grocery store make the list?". Well, Wegmans offers a variety of great meals for Vegans.

  • Cracker Barrel
    Cracker Barrel
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    16

    Cracker Barrel


    It's currently a Southern tradition, why not make it a Utican one? Could you imagine, this could go right on Genesee street?

  • In-N-Out Burger/Facebook
    In-N-Out Burger/Facebook
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    15

    In-N-Out Burger


    On a Friday before a night filled with cosmic bowling at King Pin, you may want burgers, shakes, fries and ice cold drinks. You can get them all at In-N-Out Burger!

  • Dinosaur BBQ/Facebook
    Dinosaur BBQ/Facebook
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    14

    Dinosaur BBQ


    They have it in Syracuse, Albany… but why not Utica? Do people of Utica not enjoy mouth-watering BBQ with a little cornbread? I guess not :(

  • Carvel/Facebook
    Carvel/Facebook
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    13

    Carvel


    Carvel is a leading provider of premium soft-serve and hand-dipped ice cream products.  Have you ever heard of Fudgie the Whale and Cookie Puss cakes? Imagine Tookey and Fudgie hanging out on a fine Saturday afternoon.

  • Bombers Burrito Bar/Facebook
    Bombers Burrito Bar/Facebook
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    12

    Bombers Burrito Bar


    It’s currently Albany’s number one choice for Burrito’s and Wings. It’s a restaurant that needs to reach into Utica.

  • White Castle/Facebook
    White Castle/Facebook
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    11

    White Castle


    If Harold and Kumar lived in Utica, they’d have to drive all the way out west for some White Castle! Buying the little burgers from BJ's just isn't cutting it; we need a fresh little shop here in town. It'd be the perfect food after a night of fun at Saranac during the summer.

  • Cheesecake Factory/Facebook
    Cheesecake Factory/Facebook
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    10

    Cheesecake Factory


    50 legendary cheesecakes and desserts and over 200 menu items, all made fresh from scratch each day. Where could you go wrong? It’d look great in that empty plaza in Whitesboro.

  • Chili’s/Facebook
    Chili’s/Facebook
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    9

    Chili’s


    One place where it’s OK for you to kick back and be yourself. Bring your friends and “Pepper in Some Fun™” at Chili's Grill & Bar.

  • Dairy Queen/Facebook
    Dairy Queen/Facebook
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    8

    Dairy Queen


    Every Roman will tell you that DQ once stood alongside Mickey D's on Black River Blvd, and now sadly it's gone.DQ should defiantly consider rebuilding somewhere in Rome.

  • Texas Roadhouse
    Texas Roadhouse
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    7

    Texas Roadhouse


    Hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and ice-cold beer daily. What more could you want for your husband after a long work day at Remington?

  • TGI Friday’s/Facebook
    TGI Friday’s/Facebook
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    6

    TGI Friday’s


    Who wouldn't want to live Friday every day of the week at TGI Friday's? After catching a great live show at The Tram, why not make a pit-stop at TGI Friday's?

  • Papa John’s Pizza/Facebook
    Papa John’s Pizza/Facebook
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    5

    Papa John’s Pizza


    If you're looking for: great pizza, wings, cheesesticks and breadsticks, and some tasty desserts, Papa John's will deliver.

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    4

    Jack In The Box


    Looking for another choice in monster tacos or burgers, Jack In The Box is the choice. I'm just a little confused with the mascot, but I think we could use a little humor in Utica.

  • Sonic/Facebook
    Sonic/Facebook
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    3

    Sonic


    Sonic may be one of the only places in America where you can still eat in your car like the old days. Food is served from servers on roller blades, and it's the only place ou may turn into Fred Flintstone over the burgers.

  • Buffalo Wild Wings/Facebook
    Buffalo Wild Wings/Facebook
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    2

    Buffalo Wild Wings


    It seems every city around us has one; Syracuse, Rochester, Ithaca, Watertown, and Albany. BFW has some of the best chicken wings on the face of the planet! It would be such a great addition to any BBQ lover's dining stop here in Utica.

  • Olive Garden/Facebook
    Olive Garden/Facebook
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    1

    Olive Garden


    Olive Garden is a family of local restaurants focused on delighting every guest with a genuine Italian dining experience. I’ve had calls about the delicious Italian food, and ofcourse the breadsticks, all afternoon long. At Olive Garden, everyone is welcomed as family and friends.

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