That's why I patronize the locally owned/operated restaurants. The home-style food is founds at ButterBurrs, Oliver's, Elmer's, Uncle Jim's and Tom's. I've eaten at Cracker Barrel during my business trips in southern states, so I do have a point of reference.
We have a 50's style diner at Johnny B. Goode. Good food and good service. They frequently sponsor special evenings that attract lots of classic restored cars or motorcycles.
I very much enjoy the Lei's Mongolian BBQ. You build your own plate including chicken/beef/pork/fish, lots of veggies and a long line of sauces. The chef does the stir fry with the sauces you poured on. The plate is delivered hot to your table. A bowl of rice, egg drop soup, fried egg roll and salad bar are included. About $8. You get exactly what you want because you put all the ingredients in the bowl. It's an "all you can eat" for that price too.
We have a Mongolian BBQ here too but I’ve never been. My son and his wife have gone there though and rave about it. We have a place here called Genghis Grill - it sounds a lot like what you describe. We like to go there for lunch sometimes because we get a discount b/c we are county employees.
Strangely enough, there are no Applebee’s or Cracker Barrels in my city although there are in some of the surrounding suburbs.
I like to stop at CB when I’m on the road and get a good breakfast (which I hardly ever eat when I’m home).