The 1980s were a remarkable time for the quirkiest kinds of branding you can possibly imagine for various restaurants across the United States. You had your go-to wild pizza joints that came packed with highly entertaining animatronic shows, just as you had those laid back steakhouses that included iconic salad bars. I rounded up my favorite collection of restaurants from the 80s that aren’t around anymore. Brace yourself for the strong wave of nostalgia.
1. Chi-Chi’s
Chi-Chi’s is nothing short of a legendary spot. It was renowned for its Mexican food, and a go-to destination for tacos,, margaritas, and fried ice cream. Even though you won’t be able to find a Chi-Chi’s in the US, you can still find some locations in other countries. Thank goodness.
2. Howard Johnson’s
Howard Johnson’s was a roadside dining institution. It was infamous for its delicious ice cream, and welcomed casual American fare.
3. The Magic Pan
The Magic Pan’s specialty was in crepes. They made a point of offering up a unique assortment of crepes, all within an upscale dining experience that set the perfect stage for nice date nights and special occasions.
4. Bennigan’s
Bennigan’s was known for its tasty Irish-American, pub-style food. If you were craving a burger or perhaps a Monte Cristo sandwich, then Bennigan’s was your go-to spot.
5. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale was responsible for helping fully launch the world of the casual dining steakhouses. Steak and Ale was especially famous for its salad bar as well as their steaks.
6. ShowBiz Pizza Place
ShowBiz Pizza Place made a point of incorporating the ever entertaining element of animatronics to help elevate their pizza dining experiences. They gained quite a bit of inspiration and eventually merged with Chuck E. Cheese altogether. Definitely a job well done on that account.
7. Burger Chef
Burger Chef was a highly effective pioneer in the fast food game, and early on at that. However, the chain would end up disappearing after it was bought by Hardee’s.
8. Rax Roast Beef
Rax Roast Beef was a direct rival of Arby’s, which was no small feat at the time. Naturally, their specialty was focused in roast beef sandwiches as well as a highly customized salad bar. Sadly enough though, they just couldn’t hold a candle to Arby’s.
9. Bob’s Big Boy
Bob’s Big Boy was most well known for featuring their widely recognized Big Boy statue that still possessed quite a bit of popularity in the 80s.
10. Lum’s
Lum’s was most famous for their hot dogs that were actually steamed in beer. Quite the unexpected and unique approach on that front. We’re not sure if we’ll ever see a chain of restaurants try to reignite that whole approach again, but you never know.
11. Red Barn
Red Barn was most well known for its barn-shaped restaurants. They served up tasty fried chicken, burgers, and fish, but couldn’t make it too long in the fast food restaurant game.
12. Godfather’s Pizza
Many folks are familiar with the ever infamous Godfather’s Pizza restaurants. They skyrocketed in popularity in the 80s for their wide offering of thick-crust pizzas, all within mafia-themed dining halls.
