TGI Fridays - American Food North Ryde

TGI Friday’s – originally an American franchise – has opened its first restaurant in NSW at Macquarie Centre, North Ryde. This place is pretty much exactly what you would imagine when you think of American food; deep-fried, lots of meat and burgers. If you’re looking for healthy food, this is not the place for you.

The potato skins (above right) are tasty and I would definitely suggest dipping them in the sour cream that’s provided. There are 10 on a plate, and being potato, it’s quite filling, so I would suggest you only get these is you have a group of people. They’re great if you’re really hungry and want to order something when you sit down to tide you over until the mains come.

We also ordered a plate of the Sesame Jack Chicken Strips (above left), which comes with a Jack Daniels sauce. And yes, Jack Daniel’s flavouring is kind of a theme for this place. Considering how much sauce was already coating the chicken, I didn’t feel the need to use the extra, but the rest of my table thought the added sauce was amazing.

For mains, you’re looking at burgers, fajita’s, quesadilla’s, grill and a few salads and pastas. There are vegetarian options, which one of my group ate and was very please with, but this place is definitely geared more towards meat eaters. 

Minimum spend for a main is $19.95, which is definitely not bad, but I don’t usually pay that much for a burger. I got a Friday’s Cheeseburger (pictured are the remains … because I may have forgotten to take a picture in my hungry state) which was perfectly fine, but nothing special as it doesn’t come with any of the fancy toppings or sauces. Looking back, I wish I had tried one of the others, because the Cheeseburger really was a too little plain. I will however give a shout out to the pickles. They are awesome and I now think all burgers should come with them. The chips were perfectly acceptable, but nothing fancy.

Two of the group went for the Chicken Quesadilla’s and two went for the Jack Daniel’s Salmon that comes with a cheddar cheese mashed potato. I personally dislike the way cheese is added to pretty much everything in American food, but if you’re keen for that American tradition, you’ve come to the right place. They all really enjoyed their food; definitely no complaints there.

We only ordered one dessert and it was shared between four people. The Cookies and Cream Sundae, which looked delicious, is definitely big enough for two people, especially if you’ve had appetisers as well. Come to think of it, all the serving sizes were large. You do get your money’s worth in that sense.

This place is great if you have a group and are keen for some American style food. It’s pretty average on price, certainly not what I would call cheap, but it’s not too pricey. Good food and atmosphere, I’d go there again and just order a bunch of appetisers – those were yummy.

Level 4, Macquarie Shopping Centre (at the entrance where the bus stops are)

Herring Road

North Ryde NSW 2113

02 9888 3440