Must-see restaurants in The USA

  • Sushi Rei

    Mammoth Lakes

    Modern space with wooden tables and a counter for single diners. Sushi Rei serves sashimi, sushi rolls and ramen, plus all the trimmings (edamame, tempura…

  • Cong Tu Bot

    Portland

    Slightly surly tattooed staff and a bohemian crowd share the space at this almost painfully hip modern Vietnamese joint. You'll find real-deal cuisine…

  • Julwin's

    Alabama

    Julwin's has been around since 1945, and their decor doesn't look like it's changed much since then. That's alright – the country diner fare apparently…

  • Sugar Pine Cafe

    Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada

    Gussied up with chrome soda-counter stools and red circular booths, this 1940s-era diner serves yummy breakfast items like omelets, buttermilk pancakes or…

  • Nell’s

    Seattle

    For fine dining opposite Green Lake, Nell’s serves up classic European items with Northwestern flair. Beloved dishes include the sweet onion tart and the…

  • Bruno's Country Club

    Nevada

    On the fringe of the Black Rock Desert, family-owned Bruno's is a friendly local serving massive meals and Bud Light on tap. They're famous for the…

  • Thep Thai

    Fayetteville

    The decor and menu of this little Thai restaurant may not surprise you if you've eaten Thai food before, but the quality and the execution of the dishes…

  • Duane's Ono Char-Burger

    Kapaʻa & the Eastside

    If you’re a fan of In-N-Out and Dairy Queen, you’ll go nuts over this drive-in. Try the ‘old fashioned’ (cheddar, onions and sprouts) or the ‘local girl’ …

  • Kara's Cupcakes

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    Proustian nostalgia washes over fully grown adults as they bite into cupcakes that recall childhood magician-led birthday parties. Varieties range from…

  • Mad Martha's

    Martha's Vineyard

    If the Obamas are on the island and you want to snag a photo, this is your best paparazzi hang: they’ll invariably swing by for a scoop of award-winning…

  • Diaz Café

    Ketchikan

    Located on the south side of Ketchikan Creek, this longtime cafe dates back to the 1920s, when Filipinos and Japanese weren’t allowed to live north of the…

  • Tra Di Noi

    Malibu & Pacific Palisades

    A dependably good, classic Italian kitchen in the heart of Cross Creek, with ample patio seating, good wines and pastas, and almost always a full house…

  • Fayze's Restaurant & Bakery

    Wisconsin

    This landmark downtown bakery and sandwich shop is a local favorite. People pop in for the takeaway fresh-baked bread, including the house speciality, a…

  • Olde Tymers Café

    Durango

    Voted Durango's best burger by the local paper, Olde Tymers is popular with the college crowd, especially on Monday's $5.50-burger nights. Well-priced…

  • Big Sky Café

    San Luis Obispo

    Big Sky is a big room, and still the wait can be long – its tagline is ‘analog food for a digital world.’ Vegetarians have almost as many options as…

  • Birds Cafe

    Coastal Highway 1

    The menu consists of just a few things – usually fish tacos, fish 'n' chips, chowder and a few salads. Barbecued oysters are available seasonally. Order…

  • Sam La Grassa’s

    Boston

    Step up to the counter and place your order for one of Sam La Grassa’s signature sandwiches, then find a spot at the crowded communal table. You won’t be…

  • Over Easy Cafe

    Southwest Gulf Coast

    Despite the Provençal decor, the menu offers strictly top-quality diner fare, including eggs every which way. Add fluffy pancakes, good coffee and…

  • Park on Fremont

    Las Vegas

    The best thing about this gorgeous little oasis away from the Fremont St frenzy are its outdoor patio and courtyard areas. OK, the burgers are great too,…

  • Cowgirl Kitchen

    Gulf Coast

    A longtime favorite for casual Tex-Mex bites like burritos, nachos, tacos galore and spicy chicken salads, in the center of cute, walkable downtown…

  • Russell House Tavern

    Cambridge

    Smack-dab in the middle of Harvard Square, this attractive gastropub has a classy, classic atmosphere, enhanced by good-looking, effervescent patrons. The…

  • Old German Bakery & Restaurant

    Hill Country

    For a solid German meal, try this busy and loud Main St stand-by. You'll find German pancakes as well as omelets on the breakfast menu, served all day,…

  • Captain Frosty's Fish & Chips

    Cape Cod

    Don't be misled by the 1950s ice-cream shack appearance: this simple seafood takeout joint does it right. Forget frozen food – there's none in this…

  • Ember

    Breckenridge

    Great jazz on the sound system, strange glowing floral-art around the room and creative combinations on the plate. Appetizers include pheasant tacos with…

  • Ruby Slipper

    New Orleans

    The Slipper has become a small local chain and serves basic American breakfast food prepared with a touch of gourmet flair: the hollandaise has a kick,…

  • PJ's Stagecoach Inn

    Southern Front Range

    On your right-hand side as you enter downtown Manitou Springs, you won't miss the historic stagecoach out front (it's usually covered with kids). Inside…

  • Hitty's Cafe

    Mount Desert Island

    In front of the Historical Society, Hitty's is an easygoing take-out spot that serves up tasty sandwiches filled with curry chicken, crab cakes, turkey,…

  • Brax Landing

    Cape Cod

    Head to this casual harborside gem for water-view dining and fresh seafood at honest prices. The menu's broad, but stick with the local catch, like the…

  • La Fonda

    Flagstaff

    This local favorite, slinging big plates of simple and tasty Mexican and American fare in a residential neighborhood, has been going strong since 1958…

  • Ranch House

    Grand Teton National Park

    This Western dining room with a branded bar offers a formal setting, serving wine and beer. Going beyond steak and potatoes, there's miso salmon and…

  • Emiliano's

    Northeast Florida

    A Gainesville standby, Emiliano's rocks a mid-century Cuban-Floridian vibe, with striped awnings, rattan chairs and salsa in the background. Go for Cuban…

  • Anita's Cocina

    Arizona

    Family-run since 1986, this happenin' hacienda is a perfect spot for winding down south-of-the-border style. Think margaritas, chilies rellenos, fajitas,…

  • Red House Cafe

    Central Coast

    Crowded with locals, this shingled late-19th-century house dishes up comfort food with haute touches, like cinnamon-brioche French toast, grilled eggplant…

  • Cowboy Ranch House

    Bryce Canyon National Park

    Part of Bryce Canyon Resort, this is a decent spot to grab a bite. Expect classic Americana fare like flame-grilled steaks, trout and burgers, with some…

  • Fins Grill & Icehouse

    Corpus Christi Area

    Next to the docks at Deep Sea Headquarters, you can overhear charter captains talk about the fish – or maybe it was the tourist – they lost overboard…

  • Western Omelette

    Colorado Springs

    If you're hungover after a big night, do as the locals do and head here for a green chile cure. The Mexican breakfast dishes, including the huevos…

  • Corner Cafe

    Door County

    This modest coffee shop in the middle of downtown Sturgeon Bay is a handy spot to grab a quick breakfast or lunch. House favorites include a very good …

  • Khyber Pass

    San Diego

    Afghan tapestries and moody photos set the atmosphere in this tall-ceilinged space, with adventuresome Afghan cooking. If you’ve never had it, it’s kind…

  • Old Jerusalem

    Chicago

    A humble, hidden gem in Old Town, this mom-and-pop Middle Eastern spot has been serving falafel and pita sandwiches, kabobs and baked kefta (spiced lamb)…

  • Red Lion Inn

    The Berkshires

    The Red Lion is the main eating venue in Stockbridge. On the stodgy side is the formal dining room, where you can indulge in a roasted native turkey while…

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