These days it seems as if an American restaurant can't open without whistling the same old song.

But the biggest leap has been made by purely American restaurants.

They are redefining the very idea of what an American restaurant might be.

Here are 12 places that have helped reinvent the American restaurant.

I can't think of another mainstream American restaurant that doesn't have steak on the menu.

They are also a common offering on children's menus in American restaurants.

I think it is because American restaurants have, finally, come of age.

What follows may sound familiar to those who have observed the fate of American restaurants since the late 80's.

Five years ago, it was all but unheard of in American restaurants.

He says he would like to work for American restaurants that pay more.