Around here we have our chain favorites such as Applebees, Old Spaghetti Factory, Olive Garden, Gustav's but when it comes to really good food we have a few local places we really like. When we go out it is usually with the kids so we tend take their pallets into account along with cost.
There is a little place we really like called Jerusalem Cafe that makes really awesome mediterranean food. Mexico Lindo's for Mexican, McMenamins for pub food and the Mars Inn for Chinese; they make this sesame beef that just melts in the mouth. There a a couple a good Thia restaurants in town but no pho or really great teriyaki.
Still trying to find a good locally owned place for Italian in Vancouver.
If we cross the river into Portland there are many great restaurants. Marrakesh for Moroccan, Macaroni Grill for Italian, Benni Hanna's for Asian, Du's Grill for Teriyaki (little mom & pop place), Kells, and there are lots of brew pubs. There are many places I would like to try but time and money (and little kids) make it tough to get to our favorites let alone try out places we haven't had a chance to try.