Location: I-95, exit 6 - Stamford, Connecticut

City Limits Diner is a gourmet restaurant masquerading as a diner. It offers the same great atmosphere and gourmet-to-family fare as the two White Plains locations. This City Limits Diner (which is attached to Marriott’s Fairfield Inn) has an upscale retail area for pastries, breads and dessert sales. The Stamford location also features a spirited decor, state-of-the-art bakery, an extensive bar featuring fifty varieties of beer, as well as an array of wines and spirits, and a spacious seventy-seat private dining room. One can sample a variety of foods, from haute cuisine such as Maryland lump crab cakes and prime New York strip steak, to homespun recipes such as veal meat loaf and balsamic apple glazed grilled pork chops.

I love City Limits Diners because it is great for families, kids, couples and people of all ages looking for a gourmet meal at a great price.

Location: Various locations along I-95

Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuit restaurants are few and far between up here in New England, but every time we travel south on I-95 we make it a point to stop at a Popeye’s at least once. Specializing in New Orleans-style chicken, Popeye’s is the world’s second-largest quick-service chicken chain. We love it! It’s got KFC beat by a mile!

Location: Various locations along I-95 in New England

Papa Gino’s is a New England chain of pizzerias specializing in American-style pizza along with pasta, subs, salads, and a variety of appetizers. I’m your typical pizza lover… I could eat it daily if my wife would let me. Of all the pizza I’ve experienced Papa Gino’s is definitely in my top 5. Prices are a little high but they are always having specials deals. AAA members also get special treatment.

There are several Papa Gino’s located just off I-95 exits in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. They also have plans to expand beyond New England… New York, Virginia and Florida. Give them a try!

Location: Various locations along I-95

The 99 Restaurant has generous portions and low prices. You’ve got to try the broiled sirloin tips! One pound of tender, juicy, marinated, flame-broiled beef… and only $8.99! I’m hungry already. The “99″ is a small (about 60) family-owned regional chain of New England restaurants. Very popular with the locals, so you know it’s good. We’ve been to several in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and the quality, service and prices are consistently good.

Location: Various locations along I-95

This is a nice place to take the family! Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is a national chain with a great atmosphere, a nice selection and reasonable prices. There seem to be more and more Applebee’s being built and we’ve noted that the menu varies from region to region but some of the more popular choices are common to all. They have also got a great selection for the kids.