This is a tough question. I always ask people what they are actually into. Do you want the best local places making stuff you can't get anywhere else or do you want our best attempt at a french restaurant in the midwest?
Dallas, TX - This is a toughie. But from my limited experience...
Lockhart Smokehouse (Sorry Pecan Lodge) - Bishop Arts District
Rodeo Goat - Design District
Emporium Pies - Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts
If you ever come to Ann Arbor, MI, Mario Batali has you covered: http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/10/where_does_mario_batali_eat_wh.html
He omits a few good ones and Zingerman's is way overrated but it's a good starting point.
Lately I've been more inclined to recommend restaurants one town over from Ann Arbor. Ypsilanti has some great new restaurants including wonderful Moroccan food at Casablanca, great sausages ground and smoked in-house at the Wurst Bar, and delicious Honduran food at Antonio's Coney Island.
Man - the Inspired Cuban at Frita Batidos literally changed my life. Best sandwich I've ever had - and that place is *always* packed when I swing by!
I agree, Zingerman's is overrated, but the quality of the food makes up for the pretentious vibe...
Shalimar used to by my favorite for Indian cuisine - but Cardamom has taken over that spot. Even better since they expanded their dining room and added the bar!
I haven't been there in a while, but the Blue Nile was always pretty good.
Also - if you come to Ann Arbor, you can't leave without hitting up Blimpy Burger for a gut bomb...
and the Fleetwood Diner for some Hippie Hash. The Fleetwood isn't for everyone (as the yelp reviews show) - but I've always enjoyed grabbing a bite there...
Franklin Barbecue - You simply cannot find better BBQ anywhere.
I came really close to putting Bollywood on there, as I personally love the place. So fucking good. Beast is good, but I hesitate for 2 reasons, set menu and communal seating. I'm not against the former, but the 2nd one... I fucking hate.
Toro Bravo is great, all his places really are. Though I honestly recommend Tasty N Sons (or Alder) for the Gorham treatment as it's a bit more accessible and more "Portland" if that makes sense.
Ox is just good.
HA/VL is the best... or Rose VL... same owners really.. but you have to like that kind of soup... but if you do it's heaven on earth.
Man. That is tough. There are some super high end fancy places (Uchi/Uchiko springs to mind) that people would definitely recommend ahead of some of these options, but for me personally, these 3 are musts.. Franklin is a big time investment, so you could sub La Barbecue for a shorter wait.
Austin, TX
Torchy's Tacos - A Texas institution at this point. The queso is unparalleled and the variety of tacos is fantastic.
Franklin Barbecue - You simply cannot find better BBQ anywhere.
Via 313 Pizza - This is actually Detroit style pizza so it isn't unique to Austin or anything, but man, I love their pizza.
Man. That is tough. There are some super high end fancy places (Uchi/Uchiko springs to mind) that people would definitely recommend ahead of some of these options, but for me personally, these 3 are musts.. Franklin is a big time investment, so you could sub La Barbecue for a shorter wait.
Austin, TX
Torchy's Tacos - A Texas institution at this point. The queso is unparalleled and the variety of tacos is fantastic.
Franklin Barbecue - You simply cannot find better BBQ anywhere.
Via 313 Pizza - This is actually Detroit style pizza so it isn't unique to Austin or anything, but man, I love their pizza.
Man. That is tough. There are some super high end fancy places (Uchi/Uchiko springs to mind) that people would definitely recommend ahead of some of these options, but for me personally, these 3 are musts.. Franklin is a big time investment, so you could sub La Barbecue for a shorter wait.
Austin, TX
Franklin Barbecue - You simply cannot find better BBQ anywhere.
Man - the Inspired Cuban at Frita Batidos literally changed my life. Best sandwich I've ever had - and that place is *always* packed when I swing by!
I agree, Zingerman's is overrated, but the quality of the food makes up for the pretentious vibe...
Shalimar used to by my favorite for Indian cuisine - but Cardamom has taken over that spot. Even better since they expanded their dining room and added the bar!
I haven't been there in a while, but the Blue Nile was always pretty good.
Also - if you come to Ann Arbor, you can't leave without hitting up Blimpy Burger for a gut bomb...
and the Fleetwood Diner for some Hippie Hash. The Fleetwood isn't for everyone (as the yelp reviews show) - but I've always enjoyed grabbing a bite there...
Excuse you?
This is a little tough, because I'm assuming you want the food to be approachable in price.
Philadelphia:
Vernick - New American Cuisine - Instagram
What to eat: Seriously, check out the toast starters, they are surprisingly awesome. I recommend the crudos as well. Nothing on this menu is bad. They also have an amazing bar program.
Notes: Be sure to reserve well in advance.
A Mano - Italian Cuisine - Instagram
What to eat: Braised pork shank is where it's at. Also the Squid Ink Alla Chitarra.
Notes: It's a BYOB and cash only, which makes it very affordable for the quality.
Kanella South - Cypriot Cuisine- Instagram
What to eat: The octopus and lamb dishes. There were these lamb dumplings of some variety on the menu that were unreal.
Note: This place moved locations and I have not yet been to the new location.
Man. That is tough. There are some super high end fancy places (Uchi/Uchiko springs to mind) that people would definitely recommend ahead of some of these options, but for me personally, these 3 are musts.. Franklin is a big time investment, so you could sub La Barbecue for a shorter wait.
Austin, TX
Torchy's Tacos - A Texas institution at this point. The queso is unparalleled and the variety of tacos is fantastic.
Franklin Barbecue - You simply cannot find better BBQ anywhere.
Via 313 Pizza - This is actually Detroit style pizza so it isn't unique to Austin or anything, but man, I love their pizza.
2. Mamouns Falafel
for quintessential new york shit:
russ and daughters
grimaldi's
peter luger's
possibly katz
(the food might not even be the best but classic ny spots)
not sure if i could narrow down a list of my actual favorite foods here to 3 tho :/
I don't know if I could do this for the small town I live in, but if we are considering Central NJ I suggest the following;
Rocky Hill Inn Tavern - Princeton NJ - A top notch Gastropub with great food and reasonable prices.
Pictured is their spin on Chicken and Waffles with cheddar bacon scallion waffles, fried chicken, and a dijon maple syrup sauce. Their Pub Burger, bison patty, cheddar cheese, beer battered onion rings, and chipotle mayo served with their twice fried duck fat fries.
Destination Dogs - New Brunswick NJ - An unique spin on hot dogs from various locales around the world
Pictured are the Chivas Royale - Deep fried hot dog w/ cheese sauce, strip bacon, salsa verde, sour cream, scallions. Also is half of the Le Poutine - Duck sausage topped w/ fried potatoes, brown gravy, cheese.
Harolds Famous NY Deli - Harolds is famous for excess and their ginormous portions.
Yes that's their two meat deli sammich served between potato pancakes
Famous for an ugly and disgusting looking sandwich. Gag.
Boston
Yume Wo Katare. You'll only need one meal for the whole day.
Pizzeria Regina (North End, original location). Only good pizza in Boston really
Island Creek Oyster Bar. Come to Boston, you better have oysters.
Excuse you?
[B]Juliano's Pizzeria[/B] - Specialty pies, subs & salads plus bottled beers doled out in a compact, counter-serve nook.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/DNrJAh1.png[/img]
[B]El Paso[/B] - Upbeat restaurant & cantina offering familiar Mexican fare & margaritas amid colorful decor.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/jBbYbOu.png[/img]
[B]Cosmopolitan Grill[/B] - Family-run eatery with a comfortable vibe furnishes goulash, schnitzel & other hearty Balkan dishes.
[B]Dishes of India[/B] - Lower-level, strip-mall eatery serving creative Indian fare, plus wine & beer, in a pink-hued space.
[B]Hard Times Cafe[/B] - Local chain dishing up chili dishes, wings & burgers in a simple setting with flat-screen TVs.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/DRLhj5d.jpg[/img]
[B]Hops Grill & Brewery[/B] - Laid-back microbrewery serving meat & seafood dishes plus a number of handcrafted beers.
[img]http://i.imgur.com/TGL24xy.png[/img]
Mcdonalds, waffle house, krystal
NYC :
Wah Fung , Manhattan
Ottawa, Canada
The Works: The best burgers you'll ever have
Smoke's Poutinerie: Its poutine, I don't need to say much here
Lonestar: Steaks, fajitas, chips & salsa
My tastes are very American-like evidently lol.
Canoe is pretty good with a great view to boot.Toronto
Canoe
Barque
Stockyards
Seattle, WA
Thai Tom
Best Thai Food I've had in Seattle, great atmosphere to boot.
Le Pichet
Nice French food spot, bonus for being directly downtown and right next to Pike Place and Westlake.
I don't have a third place to -have- to eat since I'm not much of a foodie but I do have places you have to drink!
The Crocodile
Solid bar with nice live music just down the hall and the occasional karaoke night.
The Monkey Pub
Best shitty bar ever. Hell, best bar ever. It's like my personal Cheers at times, with regulars who usually show up to sing a bit on one of the three karaoke nights and free pool most days. Cheap, stiff drinks. Really only if you're into dive bars.