Some restaurant menus are simple. Others are practically novels. For indecisive diners, chains with sprawling options can be thrilling—or overwhelming. From endless pasta to burgers and everything in between, these menus prove variety is both a blessing and a curse. Many chains trimmed their offerings during the pandemic, but some still boast epic lineups. Here’s a visual tour of the nation’s most monstrous menus.
The Cheesecake Factory
With over 250 dishes across 20+ pages, The Cheesecake Factory is menu chaos at its finest. From ceviche to Thai noodles to shepherd’s pie, it’s a globe-spanning adventure. Most items are prepped from scratch, making the madness surprisingly edible. Portions are massive, and new dishes arrive semi-regularly. Despite its size, the menu avoids total chaos by scrapping underperforming dishes.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden knows how to wow with carbs. With 25 classic entrees and endless soup or salad, it’s a haven for Italian-inspired comfort food. Several old favorites like Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo and Stuffed Chicken Marsala returned recently. Breadsticks remain the star, proving you can never have too many carbs. Even trimmed post-pandemic, the menu still feels indulgent.
Chili’s
Chili’s has downsized repeatedly but still offers a large, familiar menu. Burgers remain central, with fajitas, quesadillas, ribs, and chicken rounding out the lineup. Appetizers shine, from boneless wings to chips and salsa. While less sprawling than some competitors, Chili’s mixes bar favorites with Tex-Mex reliably. Familiarity here is part of the chain’s charm.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
Applebee’s menu blends classic grill fare with odd fusion dishes. Burgers, ribs, and steaks sit alongside Quesadilla Burgers and Chicken Wanton Tacos. Pre-pandemic, it boasted around 160 items; now roughly 100 remain. Streamlining improved efficiency, but variety still impresses. Sales remain a challenge despite the eclectic mix.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is seafood central, but the menu goes beyond the sea. Lobster, shrimp, scallops coexist with filet mignon, chicken linguini, and bacon mac and cheese. Past promotions, like Endless Shrimp, caused major losses, proving big menus carry risks. Even after a 20% cut in 2024, the menu is larger than most competitors. It’s indulgence and over-the-top in equal measure.
Denny’s
Denny’s thrives on variety, especially breakfast. Classic Slams, specialty pancakes, and crepes fill the menu, alongside burgers, nachos, and chicken tenders. Build-your-own options were simplified recently, but the wide selection persists. It’s a diner’s paradise with something for every craving.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays’ appetizers dominate the menu, from potato skins to pan-seared pot stickers. Entrées cover burgers, fish and chips, salads, and shrimp across 30+ dishes. Recent menu revamps tried to modernize offerings, though sales challenges persist. Appetizers remain the chain’s biggest draw.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel blends traditional Southern fare with cozy décor. Country fried steak, meatloaf, and biscuits sit alongside extensive all-day breakfast options. Recent menu expansions included Nashville hot chicken tenders and chicken and dumpling soup. Comfort and nostalgia are baked into every section.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s keeps deep-dish pizza at the center while offering pasta, sandwiches, tacos, salads, steaks, and desserts. The Pizookies are a standout for sweet-toothed diners. Around 140 items populate the menu, with plans to trim slightly for quality. Every visit promises variety and indulgence.
Red Robin
Red Robin is burger-first but diversifies impressively. Over 20 burgers share space with pizzas, wings, chicken sandwiches, ribs, and salmon. Appetizers like fried pickles and Parmesan sprouts add flair. Menu trims during the pandemic were minor; variety remains a selling point.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe focuses less on culinary innovation and more on sheer volume. Multiple pages of appetizers, burgers, steaks, salads, and sandwiches dominate, with cocktails covering additional pages. Global locations tweak menus slightly, but core variety is huge. Ambiance and memorabilia often outshine the food—but the menu still impresses.
IHOP
IHOP has expanded far beyond breakfast. Pancakes still headline, but tacos, burritos, shrimp, and salads fill the menu. The temporary IHOb stunt emphasized non-breakfast items. Menu bloat is visible, yet breakfast remains the chain’s strongest suit. Plans to refocus on morning meals may tighten the selection.
Menus That Demand Your Attention
From pancakes to deep-dish pizza to Endless Shrimp, these chains prove bigger menus can be both exciting and overwhelming. Streamlining has helped some, while others continue to push variety to the max. What’s your ultimate indulgent menu? Share your favorites and see if your go-to spot made the list.
