Must-see restaurants in North America

  • Central Station Bar & Grill

    Kansas

    This barn-like addition to the old train station is locally owned and serves good steaks, burgers and a smattering of Mexican dishes. There's a sports bar…

  • Fatty's

    Breckenridge

    Fatty's is true to its moniker: even the 10in pizza can feed two. It's a local dive with a sports bar that can get rowdy come dark. In summer you can sit…

  • Three Rivers Village Market

    Sequoia National Park

    Small supermarket selling campfire food supplies, snacks, drinks and take-out deli picnic salads, sandwiches and freshly cooked barbecue meat (cooked on…

  • Burgeria de la Ribera

    Guadalajara Region

    It's a bit of a schlep up from the boardwalk but apparently the burgers at the 'Riviera Burgeria' are worth the trip. Mind you, they do a roaring takeaway…

  • Arches Thai

    Moab

    This large dining room is geared up to serve, with a pleasant, ample space. With options for tofu, seafood or organic chicken in typical curries and…

  • Restaurant Chez-Binni

    Bahías de Huatulco

    The Camino Real Zaashila’s Restaurant Chez-Binni specializes in grills and Oaxacan dishes. The all-inclusive hotel generously lets non-guests use it on…

  • Government Street Grocery

    Mississippi

    This popular spot serves an array of burgers, fried shrimp baskets and po'boys, gyro and falafel. It gets a nice bar crowd at night, especially on…

  • Riverside Cafe & Lounge

    Around Seattle

    This is one of the better and more well-rounded options on Oak Harbor's main drag. It has a full bar, serves solid diner fare and you may even get a water…

  • Café l’Échourie

    Québec

    This summer-only bistro with a log-walled interior and a terrace facing the beach sits right in the sand overlooking the St Lawrence. Sandwiches, salads…

  • Cellarman's Ale House

    Georgian Bay

    This cozy pub has an intimate location, tucked away off King St. Hearty British fare keeps the locals strong during drafty winters; try a Scotch egg with…

  • River City Brewing Company

    Northeast Florida

    Jax's premier riverfront restaurant is a good place to quaff a microbrew and enjoy some upscale seafood overlooking the water. Prices are reasonable for…

  • Pandaville

    Northwest Territories

    The only recommendable restaurant in town has a straight-up Chinese menu with a lunchtime buffet, some Western dishes, and ample portions of à la carte…

  • Water Wheel

    White Mountains

    A red water wheel marks the spot at this down-home eatery where decorative bears hang from the wooden rafters. Portions are hearty, service can be a tad…

  • Cafe Citti

    Sonoma Valley

    Locals favor this order-at-the-counter Italian-American deli, with standout roast chicken, and homemade gnocchi and ravioli. At lunchtime there’s pizza…

  • Cruizzers

    Black Hills

    What separates this place from other family-filled pizza joints in the center is the great view from the second-floor dining area and long terrace. The…

  • Mai Xiang Yuan

    Old Montréal

    Tasty plates of 15 dumplings come pan-fried or steamed at this humble restaurant. Fillings include everything from lamb and onion to pork and leek, as…

  • Fred Meyer

    Fairbanks

    This airplane-hangar-sized store has every grocery imaginable, plus bulk foods, an extensive salad bar and all sorts of ready-to-eat fare. Excellent if…

  • Tarahumara

    Wasatch Mountains

    Locals dig the large salsa bar and salad buffet that shore up classic northern Mexican cuisine. Its carne asada (rib eye) and smothered enchiladas are…

  • Saltgrass Steakhouse

    Southern Nevada

    Feeling carnivorous? This river-view Wild West–themed restaurant inside the Golden Nugget casino serves up savory cuts of Angus beef as well as…

  • Rika's Roadhouse & Cafe

    The Interior

    Basic breakfasts, strong coffee, baked goods and sandwiches rule the roost at this cafe-cum-gift shop, located within Big Delta State Historical Park.

  • Matthew's on Main Street

    Catskills

    Matthew's serves up burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as more elaborate seafood and meat dishes at dinnertime; locals cozy up to the bar from the…

  • Farmer's Market Cafe

    Alabama

    This oversized downtown cafeteria serves up God-fearing Southern home cooking at recession-friendly prices according to the meat/veggie combo of your…

  • Dildo Dory

    Newfoundland & Labrador

    The Dildo Dory is recognized as a fine spot for a sit-down seafood meal, with their fishcakes and fish-and-chips coming in for special recognition, as…

  • Rino's

    Southeast Colorado

    Situated in an antiquated stone church, Rino's is where Las Vegas meets Little Italy, and your chicken parmigiana is served by a singing waiter. No joke…

  • Mac's Drive In

    Finger Lakes

    Midway between Seneca Falls and Geneva, this classic drive-in restaurant established in 1961 (and little changed since) serves up burgers, fried chicken…

  • Island Freeze

    Kodiak Island

    Cool off after a long hike with self-serve frozen yogurt and toppings at this pink-walled froyo joint. Or grab a bubble tea (Thai tea recommended) to…

  • Mill 109

    Washington Coast

    The best eating option in this neck of the woods has a family-friendly restaurant atmosphere and serves everything from burgers, salads and fried razor…

  • Sherman’s Dairy Bar

    Gold Coast

    Beloved Sherman’s scoops massive cones in 50 flavors (try the Mackinac Island fudge). Can't decide? Order a 'tour' where you pick six flavors for sample…

  • Kilauea General Store

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Slim pickings for groceries, but does decent sub sandwiches (from $7.45) and pizza to go (from $13; 3pm to 6:30pm – call ahead for pickup). ATM and gas as…

  • Bandar

    San Diego

    Exotic spices and fragrant cooking make this white-tablecloth Persian–Middle Eastern a favorite for giant kebabs and salads that zing with flavor. Come…

  • Yeti

    Northern Colorado

    This tony pub offers some of the best views on Old Town Sq and serves up solid new American fare. Go for the blackened salmon burger on the patio or stay…

  • Pop's Burritos

    Southeastern Utah

    An egg-and-potato burrito smothered in green chili can put you on your way with a happy belly. While it would be good to see more of a kick, as fast-food…

  • Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant

    Kailua

    Pretty good sushi in a non-central location. Daily early-bird and late-night (9pm to 10pm) specials help keep the costs down. Presentation is stylish; the…

  • Aromas

    Virginia

    One block north of Merchants Square, this coffeehouse serves pastries, sandwiches, a few dinner mains and appalling concoctions such as Snickers lattes…

  • Clan MacLaren

    Midcoast Maine

    Fresh, simple and oh-so-tasty subs and paninis – tuna on mayo, chicken and cheddar, turkey and provolone – are the draw at Clan MacLaren, a welcoming…

  • Mud Street Café

    Ozark Mountains

    You'll find simple, tasty options like gourmet sandwiches, wraps and main-sized salads. The brilliant coffees and breakfasts cultivate a devoted local…

  • Restaurant Los Pampanos

    Celestún

    Said to be the most consistent restaurant in town. It's OK. Or you could just stick with the afternoon margaritas (M$50) overlooking the beach. Service is…

  • Vietnamese Noodle House

    Drumheller

    This place is a long way from Saigon in both geography and authenticity, but it is cheap and cheerful. The real reason to come is for the giant ice-cream…

  • Café Azul

    San Luis Potosí State

    Open all day, this airy, Swiss-run spot is perfect for breakfast, freshly baked cakes and light meals, including excellent crepes. The delightful owners…

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