Maggiano's Little Italy

This branch of Brinker International, which also owns Chili's, is fancier than its corporate sibling -- and it's definitely several steps above Olive Garden in the Italian chain-food world, with items priced accordingly. The extensive lunch and dinner menus offer traditional and specialty pastas, chef's favorite plates, and various preparations of shrimp, chicken, beef, pork and veal. Parties of four or more can order family-style, choosing appetizers, salads, pastas and optional desserts that keep coming to the table as long as everyone's still hungry. The two Denver locations are big enough to feature banquet facilities, and the managers will help you plan anything from a breakfast or corporate lunch meeting to a wine-and-cocktail gathering or a wedding reception. And though half the fun at Maggiano's is eating in the knickknack-filled dining room, you can still get carryout and order online.