I visit the US about once a year and have to say that the three breakfasts a day rule applies there too.
Whatever else may be wrong with the USA, if you can't find a good restaurant meal you're not trying very hard. As a general rule, if you're looking for consistent mediocrity, one of the numerous national chains will do. But if you want a really good meal, look to the local joints.
One of the interesting aspects of BBQ in the US is there is something of an inverse relationship between the restaurant appearances and the quality of the food - most of the best BBQ is sold in hole-in-the-wall joints (similar thing applies to Mexican/Tex-Mex, and to a lesser extent to Chinese/Asian places).