Dinner at the Olive Garden is a quintessential American experience. It’s the same everywhere, and I think that’s beautiful. It’s always the same rustic, dated Italian decor, the same long wait for a table, and the same ecstatic delight when the first hot breadstick hits your mouth. Whether you’re in Pacoima or Philadelphia, when you’re here, you’re family. 

The breadsticks at Olive Garden have such a grip on culture that even if you’ve never visited the establishment, you’re familiar with the hype. The knockoff Olive Garden in Glee is even called «Breadsticks.» And for good reason. They’re easily the best part of that restaurant. The pasta is always overcooked, the apps are hit or miss, and everything is a little more expensive than you want it to be, but you don’t care, because the buttery bread is carrying you through. They’ve even inspired a whole mess of memes celebrating their glory. Scroll on while you decide between soup our salad.