San Joaquin Valley
Get lunch at Manny’s, which serves flavorful rotisserie meats and fried-chicken sandwiches. It’s at the edge of the Miracle Mile district.
Must-see restaurants in North America
Boulder
Depending on the season, this grocery store – part of a small chain in the western US – has loads of inexpensive, locally sourced produce.
Nebraska
Classic local burger joint with a great neon sign and a few tables scattered inside and out. Everything, including the burgers, is ultrafresh.
Lake Tahoe
A handy spot on the main drag that serves bagels and locally roasted coffee, plus smoothies and breakfast burritos made with organic produce.
Gulf Coast
Out the back of this relaxed and breezy gulf-front cafe-bar, locals sip rum runners and down oversized po' boys, fish sandwiches and burgers.
Sonoma
A reliable spot for an easy meal, Red Grape serves good thin-crust pizzas and big salads in a cavernous, echoey space. Good for takeout too.
Finger Lakes
Specializing in crepes, sandwiches and wraps, this roomy bakery-cafe has plenty of sweet treats as well as solid coffee and other beverages.
Pittsburgh
Unpretentious Pamela's has a few branches around the city, all with a classic chrome-diner look and signature lacy-thin pancakes. Cash only.
Santa Cruz
The bagels here are twice-cooked (boiled, then baked), and come with fantastic spreads like crunchy 'Tofu del Fuego' or hummus with sprouts.
Monterey
Authentic savory galettes and sweet crepes are swirled by a French expat – the homemade caramel is a treat. Expect long lines on weekends.
Los Angeles
Right on Green Pier is this classic waterside snack bar for burgers (including buffalo burgers), burritos, fish and chips and funnel cakes.
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
A small farmers market (Wednesday is bigger than Saturday) sets up in front of Ace Hardware twice weekly. Arts, crafts and limited produce.
Russian River Area
Occidental's best grocery store has a good deli which prepares sandwiches from 10am to 7pm. There's also a coffee bar open daily until 1pm.
Southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite-run bakehouse selling fruit pies, muffins, breads, quiches and scones fresh from the oven – they taste as good as they smell.
Dawson City
A real bakery and a good one, on the main strip. Muffins, cookies and treats vie for your attention with sandwiches made on homemade bread.
Southeast Colorado
Wood-fired pizza in an antiquated dark-wood Main St dining room with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and good beer on tap. Locals rave.
Gros Morne National Park
Set on the water in Woody Point, this tiny place is popular for its traditional Newfoundland meals and seafood. Try the crisp onion rings.
North Shore
Coffee, hot chocolate, cold drinks and bakery treats are served at this on-site shack on the other side of the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Mammoth Lakes
Great coffee and carbs; try the cinnamon-bread French toast and fresh-baked fruit pies. Excellent soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.
Northern Virginia
This tapas and wine bar on the main entertainment drag serves up tacos, tapas and panini. It hosts live musicians on occasional weekends.
Ixtapa
A touristy restaurant-bar serving up buckets of beer along with familiar North American and Mexican fare such as ribs, burgers and tacos.
Missouri
Little changed from when Truman got his first job working the soda counter. Come for ice-cream sundaes, homemade sodas and banana splits.
Cleveland
Old-school vegetarian dishes brimming with tofu, tempeh and seitan emerge from the kitchen, though carnivores have multiple options, too.
Central Colorado
This cute bistro serves tasty artisan pizzas and specialties such as Colorado bass in brown butter and linguine with mussels and shrimp.
White Mountains
Sit at the counter and you'll be gabbing with locals before you even order your eggs. A friendly spot for getting the Littleton lowdown.
North Shore & Upcountry
Upcountry gardeners gather to sell their homegrown veggies and fruit once a week at this small open-air market next to Poʻokela Church.
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Here's a quick and easy lunch spot on the Boston Common, occupying the handsome 'Pink Palace' (formerly a men's toilet, but never mind).
Reno
This no-frills Mexican joint is a long-standing local favorite with a full bar and seriously good food, made as spicy as you can handle.
Iowa
A local legend, Shorts serves up all manner of gourmet burgers, including a fine selection of veggie burgers. Great regional beer list.
Southwestern Utah
A full-service American restaurant with outdoor deck seating. Portions are large though not very memorable. Beer and wine are available.
Arizona
A mother-daughter team runs this welcoming cafe, which serves gourmet sandwiches and paninis. Desserts look nothing less than decadent.
Wisconsin
Chicken wraps, hummus wraps and cherry pies, all served in a no-frills setting within easy walk of the Washington Island ferry landing.
Valdez
A sandwich and salad bar, plus a warehouse-sized grocery store providing ample opportunity to stock up if you're heading for the hills.
San Cristóbal de las Casas
For picnic fixings or a tasty snack, scoop up some crusty French breads (the pecan is divine), chocolate croissants or a savory pastry.
San Joaquin Valley
One of downtown Bakersfield's swanky spots has red banquettes and big-city classics such as cioppino and pistachio-crusted lamb chops.
Québec
Park on a couch or at a sunny porch table for a coffee at this homey cafe, which also serves pastries, breakfast items and sandwiches.
Downtown Los Angeles & Boyle Heights
Just off Mariachi Plaza, this upbeat, pocket-sized taco peddler is a hit for its al pastor and cinnamon-spiked chorizo tacos.
Salt Lake City
Students line up to dine on kebabs, falafel and shoestring fries at shared tables. There's a full bar with draft beer to wash it down.
West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District
Tasty loaves of bread and pastries serve as a fine tribute to the hundreds of ovens that once inhabited the Chelsea Market buildings.
Central Coast
Now operating as a food truck adjoined to the Hearst Ranch Winery's spacious new tasting room. Try the pork tacos or Cubano sandwich.
