The first time I visited Upper Crust, I was so angry that I left without my food. Subsequent visits have convinced me I probably shouldn't have bothered visiting to begin with. I hate to write a universally bad review, really, but that's what this is gonna be.

K&W started as a restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem in 1937. Today, there are 33 cafeterias in the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia. At a time when cafeteria chains in other parts of the country are struggling (or are mere memories), K&W is actually thriving and opening new locations. Contrary to the stereotype of an establishment full of blue-haired ladies waiting patiently in line, you actually see young families, college students, and more here.

Clemmons Kitchen is a place that really seems to pack 'em in. They have a loyal and voluminous crowd just about all the time, probably due to their location and agreeable hours of operation. Unfortunately, neither the service nor the food seem to support this loyal following.

Carriage House definitely doesn't need us boosting it. They can draw a crowd all on their own merits. The strange thing is, those merits, while noticeable, don't seem as overwhelming as their reputation suggests.

The Cloverdale Kitchen is a great place for breakfast. In fact, it has quite possibly the best pancakes in the world. They are piping hot when they arrive (provided you ordered the simple Breakfast Special, with two pancakes, an egg and bacon or sausage), and they serve them with real butter, which I'm sure goes a long way in rendering my opinion of them.