Rio Grande Valley
The long bar and stools are all repurposed from a now-defunct soda fountain in Raymondsville, but the vibe is authentic 1950s if you don't look too close…
Rio Grande Valley
The long bar and stools are all repurposed from a now-defunct soda fountain in Raymondsville, but the vibe is authentic 1950s if you don't look too close…
Berkeley
Since California legalized recreational marijuana use, demand has only increased at this Canadian poutine shop, open till the wee hours. Get the classic…
Hollywood
Spawned from the long-running, widely loved, farmers-market taco stand of the same name, this version offers a casual-smart ambience and a ceviche bar…
New Orleans
A quick food counter was needed in the Warehouse District, and along came Auction House, bringing eight such establishments. Down some frozen coffee,…
South Dakota
Let all of the billboards along I-90 lure you in to this faux frontier complex with its atmospheric restaurant full of wagon wheels and painted animal…
Tucson
Stop here in the morning on your way west via Speedway Blvd from Tucson to Saguaro National Park. The breakfast burritos at this low-key Sonoran-style…
Chicago
The menu of thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches and salads draws U of C students to this colorful cafe and bakery. For breakfast, try the ‘eggs espresso,’ made…
Northeast Florida
An excellent breakfast/brunch spot in Jacksonville Beach, this tried-and-true diner has been in business since 1938. These days it's usually packed,…
Cape Cod
Super family-friendly and decidedly retro, the Lobster Claw has a cute nautical interior and a menu of steamed clams, mussels and littlenecks, plus…
Cape Cod
Opposite the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Sam's is a good, simple family choice for fish and chips, fried clams and lobster rolls. The $7 kids' menu…
The Interior
Located in a strip mall, the Cave has a nice outdoor deck and a decent menu of chicken wings, prime rib steaks, salmon and pasta. It advertises itself as…
The Deserts
This cheerful cafe has an eclectic menu that should please diverse tastes (handy if you're in a group). Pasta to pizza, salads to grilled fish and meats…
Hill Country
The Honey Badger is a crazy combination of 'crack'-aroni and cheese surrounded by a moat of chili with Fritos on top. It's a somewhat undiginified dish…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Affordable lunch specials ($10-15) make this a popular spot for State House staffers and other professional types. The minimalist decor and extensive menu…
St Louis
Top ingredients separate this slick deli from humdrum sandwich chains. Its French dip is a case in point; laden with house-roasted beef. Get your Forest…
New Mexico
The Stagecoach Cafe is a decent place to eat in Ramah. It offers steaks, Mexican food and a giant selection of pies. Service is friendly. Someone was…
Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey
The best eats on the boardwalk. Here you can munch shiitake omelets made with organic eggs, ginger noodles, or a pesto-brushed, arugula-dressed salmon…
Connecticut
Serving up comfort food for two decades, this roadside stand features housemade doughnuts and pies, popular pizzas (including one with clams, scallops and…
Moab
Dine on Baja fish tacos and margaritas in the sky-lit breezeway patio lined with crayon-bright walls. Though it's not a standout, fajitas, chiles rellenos…
Northern Nevada
Ely's favorite old-school diner is the kind where waitresses call you ‘darlin'’ and comfort food is the only thing on the menu. They do a mean chicken…
Las Vegas
Visually high impact, this Thai and pan-Asian kitchen offers a satay bar and quasi-authentic soups, curries and noodle dishes, from tom kha chicken to…
Queen Anne & Lake Union
Hearty and flavorful vegan fare is served up at this location of the popular local chain, perched on the main drag of Queen Anne proper. The menu is big…
Huntington Beach
For hearty Italian fare, follow the twinkling lights to this cozy, homey trattoria, known as much for its ripped waiters as for the thick slices of…
Sequoia National Park
The park's biggest general store sells groceries, camping supplies, snacks and hot drinks. It's recently refurbished snack bar also serves various hot…
Mono Lake Region
All-American bar with flags, patches, license plates and beer pumps decorating the walls and ceilings. Typical bar food includes breakfasts, sandwiches…
Anchorage
If you're in town on Thursday, check out the Food Truck Festival in Spenard, in Chilkoot Charlie's parking lot. It's an eclectic mix of Asian cuisine,…
Telluride
The pizza? It’s chewy and crusty, but the crowd makes the place interesting. Ten minutes after you belly up to the bar for a slice and a cheap pint of…
Orange County
Artsy and sophisticated yet casual Cal-Mediterranean bistro. It whips up creative modern classics like wild-mushroom penne, bacon-wrapped blue-cheese…
Phoenix
This dark and manly place is a gloriously old-school steakhouse. You will get steak. It will be big and juicy. There will be a potato. The ambience is…
Yellowstone National Park
Attached to the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, this fast-food place has breakfasts, burgers, salmon burgers and a bison-bratwurst sandwich. It's the first…
Jersey Shore
The surfboard marks the entrance, and vintage surf-themed bric-a-brac lines the walls. It's a huge sports bar with more TVs than Howard Hughes' bedroom,…
Inland Maine
The sandwiches here are huge and inexpensive (trust us, you only need a half-portion), making Big G's a good stop for travelers on a budget. Grab your…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
This landmark Locke bar is a magnet for amiable Harley crews. The draw isn’t the food so much as the ambience. Above the creaking floorboards, the ceiling…
Northern Nevada
After the culinary rigors of Hwy 50, your palate might need a little spice. Tiny Azteca is unassuming – located in a dusty strip mall on the way out of…
Eastern Sierra
Hidden in a Bishop backstreet you'll find this low-key, friendly joint serving good, inexpensive breakfasts and sandwiches (the latter comes with soup)…
The Berkshires
This old-school diner on the east side of town dishes up all the classics at honest prices. The retro 1950s decor is fun and though the food is nothing…
Faubourg Marigny & Bywater
It’s hard to miss Gene’s: with its pink-and-yellow exterior, it’s one of the most vividly painted buildings on Elysian Fields Ave. The hot sausage po’boy…
Mount Desert Island
If all that fried seafood/craft beer/blueberry pie has you craving something healthy, raw and delicious, head here. Order a zesty juice or a smoothie, a…
Anaheim
Vegan snacks like yam wedges with ranch dressing, veggie burgers, Tex-Mex and big salads are served in this fun counter service shop in a little food…
Montana
Lots of seating, lots of TVs, and lots of good brew to go with the fairly standard pub food. Even the nachos at Missoula's prime gathering hall are…