Last week we gave our two cents on the top 3 best restaurants (click here to read) according to food quality and integrity and variety of healthy menu items, so we felt it was only fair to also warn you about the TOP 3 NOT-SO-AWESOME places to spend your dollar.  We apologize in advance for ruining any personal favorites....

SBARRO Pizza

Why it made the not-hot list:

• Poor quality and freshness. Honestly most pizza chains struggle in this area, but SBARRO came in as most disappointing according to nationwide consumer reports.
• Lack of healthy options.  In fact, every single slice rings in at 400+ calories (other than their featured "skinny slice" that's recorded at 270 cals) But who really eats ONE piece of pizza...?
• Filed for bankruptcy two years in a row.  Unfortunately when news like this gets out, it's understandable to have some question marks.

Bottom line: This chain is most popular in shopping centers, rest stops, and in the airport...all places where you may find yourself starving, desperate, and craving pizza.  Do yourself a favor and keep looking!

Better alternatives:

• BJ's. Their flatbread pizza, bruschetta or fresh mozzarella and tomato salad are some of our favorites!
• Thin crust. Then skip the meat (chalk full of preservatives) and fill up with veggie toppings instead.

OLIVE GARDEN

Why it made the not-hot list:

• Zero freshness.  From a close source, it's been revealed that almost every dish is delivered frozen and stored until needed.
• Misleading menu.  The "lighter fare" may be under the claimed calories, but the items are still high in fat and contain over 1,000 mg of sodium
• Poor value.  For unauthentic italian food...it sure puts a dent in your wallet.

Bottom line: This chain is super popular and has done a good job of marketing Italian culture.  However, they have really missed the mark when it comes to creating Italian food.

Better alternatives:

• Carrabas.  This gets the golden star in our book.  Delicious menu comprised of real Italian family recipes from some sweet folks in Houston.
• The grocery store.  Pasta is one of the least expensive meals to make. The best decision is to put the power in your own hands to choose exactly what goes in...and what stays out!

BURGER KING

Why it made the not-hot list:

• Lack of cleanliness.  Of fast food restaurants, Burger King had more critical violations than any other in a nationwide sampling.
• Unidentified meat source.  It's not clear what the patty is made out of (although recently admitted to using horse meat), where it came from, or how it's processed.
• Low quality across the menu.  Aside from the questionable meat, the menu as a whole leaves the customer without any solid options.

Bottom line: The likelihood of arriving at a clean, safe, well-staffed Burger King is next to none.  Even if you happen to stumble across a decent location, the food is still filled energy draining chemicals.

Better burger alternatives:

• In-N-Out. Probably the best burger chain in terms of food freshness and quality with exceptional customer service.
• Five Guys.  Good, classic burger. And personally, it's nice to see all the potatoes sitting there waiting to be freshly sliced and cooked.