Must-see restaurants in North America

  • Restaurante El Cotarro

    Veracruz

    It may not keep up with the kitschy sea-themed decor of most of its neighbors, but El Cotarro’s food is fresh and inexpensive. The mojarra al ajo is a…

  • Firehouse Saloon & Grill

    Nevada

    For gorgeous 100-mile views of the surrounding valleys, have an ice-cream cone on the back porch of the Firehouse Saloon & Grill, where the friendly…

  • T&L El Corral

    The Deserts

    Grab a turquoise swiveling stool at the counter or squeeze into a booth at this family-friendly diner that makes creative wraps (Thai, BBQ, Caesar) along…

  • Big Save

    Hanalei

    For supply runs or immediate snacks, Hanalei’s only supermarket offers good produce at decent prices, along with an enticing selection of fresh fish and …

  • Canyon Crepes Café

    Grand Canyon Region

    Creative sweet and savory crêpes, plus soups, salads and free wi-fi, in a convenient location near many of Page's tour outfitters. It's just off the…

  • Snowshoe Inn Restaurant

    Northwest Territories

    Opposite the namesake inn, this restaurant whips up a middle-of-the-road melange of sandwiches, burgers, pork chops and chicken wings, as well as solid…

  • Camino Secreto

    Chiapas

    Don't miss the nearly hidden entry off the street – the piles of locals eating here in the morning indicate that it's a great stop for a quick breakfast…

  • Toki Ona

    Northern Nevada

    Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this family-style diner prepares fresh beef, lamb, pork, and chicken dishes prepared in both American and Basque…

  • A&W Drive-In

    San Joaquin Valley

    A vintage burger stand (part of a chain founded in nearby Lodi), where roller-skating carhops and classic cars on display move a lot of root beer floats…

  • Rams Head Tavern

    Maryland

    Serves pub fare and refreshing microbrews in an attractive exposed-brick and oak-paneled setting. Live acoustic music most nights. Attached to Rams Head…

  • Bolinas People’s Store

    Marin County

    A little co-op grocery store behind the community center, the People’s Store serves fair-trade coffee and sells organic produce, fresh soup and excellent…

  • Captain Pattie’s

    Homer

    This oceanfront eatery has become a spit institution by selling overpriced seafood to a constant stream of landlubbers. It claims its halibut is Alaska’s…

  • Blue Willow Tea Shop

    Muskoka Lakes

    This quaint waterfront tearoom serves high tea daily from 2pm. The lunch menu has British staples like ploughman’s lunch and chicken pot pie, though there…

  • Canseco's

    New Orleans

    If you're self-catering or just need some picnic food before Jazz Fest, head to this little grocery store – their hot plates (fried chicken, pasta and…

  • Char-Pit

    Lake Tahoe

    No gimmicks at this 1960s fast-food stand, which grills juicy burgers and St Louis–style baby back ribs, and also fries up crispy onion rings and breaded…

  • Mercado Municipal No 2

    Mérida

    Numero Dos is cheap, good and less crowded than some of the busier markets in town. On the north side of Parque de Santiago, it's packed with juice stalls…

  • Piste Mountain Bistro

    Jackson

    Ride the Bridger Gondola up to the summit (free in summer) for a dinner with an unrivaled view. Outdoor tables on the deck may be the perfect place for a…

  • Bizarro Famous NY Pizza

    Space Coast

    This NY-style pizza joint sits in a majestic spot beside the beach in Indialantic. Service is brusque – think 'the soup Nazi' but for pizza. But the…

  • Buttercream Bakery & Diner

    Napa

    This retro-flashback pink-striped diner, favored by Napa's little old ladies, has all-day breakfasts and white-bread lunches, served by matrons in heavy…

  • El Candil

    Mulegé

    Cavernous restaurant and bar where you can play pool, darts, watch football or sit for a meal of burgers, pizza and Mexican staples. It's popular with…

  • Silver Cliff Mountain Inn

    Southeast Colorado

    This family-run diner is a local favorite, best for hearty home-style breakfasts and southern-style daily lunch specials that will fill the tummy, sate…

  • Tony's Mountain Pizza

    Southeast Colorado

    In one of the newer buildings in neighboring Silver Cliff, what would be a run-of-the-mill pizza joint anywhere else is a cut above the handful of other…

  • Mezzaluna Aspen

    Aspen

    Known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and serious Italian grub, Mezzaluna is a favorite with Aspen locals. While you munch at the marble bar, check…

  • Pizzeria Porto Bellissimo

    Québec

    For homemade thick-crust pizzas, almost overflowing with toppings, or for sandwiches and decadent desserts in a cheery atmosphere, this pizzeria and…

  • Bashas'

    Flagstaff

    For groceries, Bashas’ is a good, local chain supermarket that carries a respectable selection of organic foods. There's another branch at 1000 N…

  • Happy Fish Bakery

    Cape Cod

    Follow your nose to the calorific French pastries, sticky buns and traditional loaves baked at this high-end bakery – and get in early or you may find…

  • Delmonico Grill

    Black Hills

    Fine burgers, sandwiches and salads star at lunch at this casually elegant downtown dining spot. At dinner, choose from superb steaks and other meaty…

  • Guerilla Cafe

    Berkeley

    In North Berkeley's 'Gourmet Ghetto,' this small cafe has polka-dot tiles on the counter handmade by one of the artist-owners, and organic ingredients…

  • Massadona Tavern and Steakhouse

    Northern Colorado

    Way out on a lonely stretch of Hwy 40, 20 miles east of town, Massadona Tavern has the feel of a mid-century roadhouse. It serves up passable chops,…

  • Gyu-Kaku

    Las Vegas

    The Las Vegas outlet of one of Japan's, and now America's, most popular barbecue chains offers do-it-yourself yakiniku (grilled meat) barbecues at your…

  • Gypsy Cab Co

    St Augustine

    Across the bridge from downtown, this arty turquoise-and-purple bistro is a local fave for an eclectic menu spanning Italian pastas, French strip steaks,…

  • Shanty on the Shore

    Burlington

    With its fine lake views, this combo seafood market and eatery serves fresh lobster, fish and shellfish. The outdoor deck is wonderful in summer, and the…

  • Terminal Brewhouse

    Chattanooga

    Looking for a local pint, hearty bar fare, welcoming staff and some historic atmosphere? This pub's for you. It's next door to the Chattanooga Choo Choo…

  • Il Bistro Italiano

    Southwest Colorado

    Seasonal homemade pasta, lovingly made by Brunella Gualerzi, puts this rustic provincial Italian place on the radar of pasta aficionados. The dining area…

  • 19th Hole

    Death Valley National Park

    Overlooking the golf course and the Panamint Range, this laid-back place has table and counter seating and a short menu featuring dogs, burgers and salads…

  • Anthony's Diner

    Northern Vermont

    At this local institution with a large counter, the homemade soups, chowders and desserts are a deserved source of pride. Try the mountain-size Vermont…

  • Café Arômes et Saveurs

    Baie St Paul

    When you're craving serious coffee and freshly made waffles, garnished with fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, caramel, chocolate or other sweet…

  • Mercado de Mariscos Playa Norte

    Mazatlán

    This no-frills market sells fish and seafood straight off the boats that dock on the beach opposite. Stalls here will cook up your purchases or your own…

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