Chain restaurants offer a sense of familiarity and comfort that keeps people coming back. You can visit a location on the West Coast and then fly to the other side of the country and still know the menu without having too many surprises - that's a big part of what keeps people loyal to familiar eateries. There are plenty of chains to pick from, too, whether you like the seafood options at Red Lobster, the popular menu items from Applebee's, or margaritas at Texas Roadhouse.
Steves emphasizes avoiding main tourist streets for dining, suggesting that those areas often serve overpriced and not authentic local cuisine. Instead, diners should seek smaller eateries on side streets, which tend to offer real cultural experiences and true regional dishes.