How We Rate Restaurants

Data-Driven Restaurant Intelligence

Tyler Insider doesn’t rely on opinions or single visits. We’ve built a comprehensive restaurant analysis system that processes multiple data streams to give you reliable dining intelligence.

Our Rating Methodology

Multi-Source Data Integration

We aggregate information from:

  • Yelp Fusion API: Customer ratings, review volume, price indicators
  • Business directories: Operational data, contact information, hours
  • Public records: License status, inspection records when available
  • Geographic data: Location analysis, accessibility, parking

Quality Filtering System

Before any restaurant appears in our directory:

  • Minimum review threshold: At least 15 customer reviews required
  • Rating confidence analysis: Statistical significance testing on review scores
  • Data completeness verification: Must have verified address, phone, and hours
  • Operational status confirmation: Active business license and current operation

Rating Components

Overall Score (1-5 Stars)

Calculated using:

  • Customer rating average (weighted by review volume)
  • Review recency (recent reviews weighted more heavily)
  • Rating distribution analysis (consistent vs. polarized reviews)
  • Confidence intervals based on total review count

Price Level Assessment

  • $ (Under $15 per person): Budget-friendly, casual dining
  • $$ ($15-30 per person): Moderate pricing, quality casual to mid-range
  • $$$ ($30-50 per person): Higher-end casual, premium ingredients
  • $$$$ ($50+ per person): Fine dining, premium service and ingredients

Decision Factors

Our AI system processes review text to identify:

  • Atmosphere indicators: Romantic, family-friendly, business casual
  • Service quality patterns: Speed, attentiveness, professionalism
  • Food quality markers: Freshness, preparation, portion size
  • Value assessment: Price-to-quality ratio analysis

Advanced Analytics

Sentiment Analysis

We process thousands of customer review texts using:

  • Natural Language Processing: Extract specific dining experience details
  • Keyword frequency analysis: Identify most-mentioned positive and negative aspects
  • Contextual sentiment scoring: Understand nuanced feedback beyond simple star ratings

Use Case Mapping

Our algorithm identifies optimal dining scenarios:

  • Date night suitability: Ambiance, noise level, service style indicators
  • Family dining score: Kid-friendly amenities, space, menu variety
  • Business meeting appropriateness: Noise level, WiFi, professional atmosphere
  • Quick bite efficiency: Service speed, ordering options, location convenience

Quality Assurance

Automated Verification

  • Cross-platform data validation: Compare information across multiple sources
  • Anomaly detection: Identify suspicious rating patterns or fake reviews
  • Temporal analysis: Track rating trends over time for consistency
  • Geographic verification: Confirm actual restaurant locations

Continuous Updates

  • Monthly data refreshes: Updated ratings, reviews, and operational information
  • Real-time monitoring: Track major changes in restaurant status
  • Community feedback integration: User reports trigger verification processes
  • Seasonal adjustments: Account for holiday hours, temporary closures

What Our Ratings Mean

5.0 Stars: Exceptional

  • Consistently outstanding across all metrics
  • High review volume with sustained excellence
  • Strong positive sentiment in detailed reviews

4.5+ Stars: Excellent

  • Reliably high quality with minor occasional issues
  • Strong customer loyalty indicators
  • Recommended without hesitation

4.0+ Stars: Very Good

  • Solid choice with generally positive experiences
  • Good value for price point
  • Minor areas for improvement

3.5+ Stars: Good

  • Decent option with some limitations
  • Mixed but generally favorable feedback
  • Consider for specific circumstances

Below 3.5: Not Recommended

  • Significant quality or service issues
  • Inconsistent experiences
  • Better alternatives available

Transparency Commitment

What We Don’t Do

  • Accept payment for ratings or placement
  • Artificially boost restaurant scores
  • Hide negative feedback from our analysis
  • Guarantee accuracy of rapidly-changing information (hours, prices, menus)

Data Limitations

  • Sample size dependency: Newer restaurants may have limited data
  • Seasonal variations: Some ratings may not reflect off-season performance
  • Subjective elements: Taste preferences vary individually
  • External factors: Restaurant quality can change due to staff, management, or supply issues

Using Our Ratings

Best Practices

  • Verify current information by calling restaurants directly
  • Consider your personal preferences alongside our data
  • Check recent reviews for the most current experience indicators
  • Confirm hours and availability before traveling

Rating Updates

Restaurant ratings are updated monthly or when significant changes occur. Major operational changes (new ownership, renovations, chef changes) trigger immediate re-evaluation.