23 Hearty Casual Menu Items

While some could argue that casual dining restaurants, especially those that are a part of a chain, don't do anything too crazy in terms of the food they serve -- but these casual menu items might prove otherwise.

One way to surprise and delight customers is to offer an adult take on a nostalgic dish, such as alcoholic milkshakes. Red Robin did this with limited edition festive vino milkshakes and boozy bacon ones, but also offered hangover-curing breakfast burgers right after the new year.

Other casual menu items put an unconventional spin on classic pasta meals. This includes sausage-stuffed rigatoni, spiced chipotle pastas and even bottomless pasta passes at some establishments. Some eateries are playing around with pizza, in shape and in the excessive amount of toppings.