Pat's Chili Dogs in Tucson, AZ

"Pat's Chili Dogs—Best fries, great chili dogs all at a reasonable price. They make the fries daily from fresh potatoes and serve them to you in greasy mound with two chili dogs. The best!" — Deborah R.

Hula’s Chinese BBQ in Chico, CA

"[Hula’s Chinese BBQ's] really good (non-watered-down) sauces and their special thick and chewy noodles are amazing!" — Jennifer S.

Hoang Tra in Richmond, CA

"Even though I'm right next door to Berkeley and Oakland, with the best food on the west coast, in my town (Richmond, CA, a gritty, working-class 'burg dominated by Chevron Oil), there's almost nothing in the way of decent restaurants. There is, however, a little Vietnamese place called Hoang Tra that puts out consistently excellent pho and other Vietnamese goodies at reasonable prices, in a really casual and pleasant atmosphere. My personal favorite is their clay pot catfish. It's really difficult to eat, because they use a catfish steak instead of a fillet, and there are hundreds of teensy bones that you just have to spit out, but that cat is something else!" — Senya M.

Sac’s Hot Dogs in Vallejo, CA

"A family-owned business that serves the best hot dogs and chili. When locals move away and come back to visit, it always includes a stop at Sac’s. The service is great, the dogs are delicious (they are made just for them) and that cheese—man, it’s the best, imported from the great state of Wisconsin. Visit Sacs when you're in town. You won’t be disappointed." — Katrina R.

Casa Orinda in Orinda, CA 

"[Casa Orinda has the] best fried chicken around, rivals any Southern cook. The story goes that Harlan Sanders, in his early days as a traveling salesman, sold his recipe to the owner, as well as one of his original fryers. Cowboy bar, Italian food, fried chicken. Gotta visit." — Cathy S.

Vesta in Redwood City, CA.

"[Vesta has] some of the best pizza in the west coast." — Debbi S.

El Indio in San Diego

"[El Indio has] great Mexican food." — Michelle H.

The Burger Parlor, Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen, and A La Minute in Orange

"It's an incredible little area just 10 minutes from Disneyland and [it has] fantastic food finds. The Burger Parlor: loaded baked potato fries. Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen: potato chorizo tacos. A La Minute: Orange Honey ice cream." — Karen T.

Bruce's in Severance, CO

"If you are ever in the northern Colorado area, one needs to check out Bruce's in Severence (just a bit east of Fort Collins). This is where Rocky Mountain Oysters were invented/created! (Don't know how true it is, but they are good!) The bison ones are especially tender. Their cocktail sauce is pretty good, also, with a good amount of horseradish in it." —Karen U.

Little Anita's, New Saigon, and TAG Burger Bar in Denver, CO

"Little Anita's for Mexican (great sopapillas and red chili), New Saigon for fantastic Vietnamese, and TAG Burger Bar (turkey burger with truffle mayo to die for)." — Donna F.

Lobster Craft in Fairfield, CT

"Lobster Craft—Best lobster rolls! I now live on the west coast and miss east coast lobster like crazy. They are also really nice folks who take pride in their product." — Julie P.

Mikro Depot in Hamden, CT

"In addition to an impressive list of beers which is different every time you go in, [Mikro Depot] has terrific burgers, grilled cheese, poutine, and many other dishes, from small plates to full dinners. The servers are very knowledgeable about beer and will bring samples if you're unsure about a particular one. They also have wine and other drinks. And there's always a friendly welcome." — Mary Jane D.

Dairy Palace in New Castle, DE

"Dairy Palace—This quintessential Mom and Pop soft-serve ice cream stand has been family owned and operated for over 60 years and serves the best soft-serve ice cream and unique sundaes and treats in the area." — Rachel K.

Danny's All-American Diner in Tampa, Florida

"[Danny's All-American Diner is] known for its Cuban sandwich (it's really good—"Tampa" Cuban, as opposed to "Miami" Cuban), but the burgers are outstanding. They also have a great selection of hot dogs. It was featured on Guy Fieri's DDD, and with good reason: it's an experience. There is no indoor dining, just picnic tables on a dirty yard. But the food is fast, service is friendly, and there is live (country, of course) music in the back yard." — Kathryn L.

Roger's Ice Cream & Burgers in Coeur d'Alene, ID

"Roger's Ice Cream & Burgers—The iconic downtown Coeur d'Alene location is in a beautiful part of the state." — Cindy M.

Uncle Bob's Homemade Ice Cream in Eureka, IL 

"[Uncle Bob's Homemade Ice Cream has] real homemade ice cream, and only open in the summer." — Chris B.

Beef-A-Roo in Rockford, IL

"Beef-A-Roo's name alone makes it great but their cheese fries and the special seasoning salt on the burgers are awesome." — Kate S.

Cake Bake in Indianapolis

"Cake Bake makes the most beautiful, decadent cakes that are sent to people like Oprah, etc. The Earls Court chocolate is made with a Belgium chocolate ganache and topped with special sea salt from France. Beautiful French-style shop that also serves smooth creamy quiche. One of my favorites is made with goat cheese and lavender." — Joan P.

Cafe Holliday in Topeka, KS and WheatFields in Lawrence, KS

"Friday night and Saturday morning, I would send you to Cafe Holliday. Friday night is the only night they are open and they run specials. I also am a fan of their Saturday morning breakfast. It’s a little cafe tucked in a neighborhood. They have sandwiches named for authors, but really they have fantastic Mexican food. And if you were traveling through, I would also suggest WheatFields in Lawrence, KS—best biscuits and gravy." — Adrianne J.

The Charmery in Baltimore, MD

"[The Charmery] has quickly become a regional fave. It features a uniquely "Baltimore" take on traditional ice cream flavors. For instance, instead of "salted caramel," they offer "Old Bay caramel"; instead of cookies and cream, there's a "Berger cookies" and cream with another local, quirky fave." — Joe J.

Blacksmith, Baked, and Island Creamery in Berlin, MD

"Berlin, Maryland: America's Coolest Small Town—officially! Blacksmith for dinner, Baked for lunch and Island Creamery for dessert!" — Susan S.

Trinicria Ristorante and Bar in Baltimore, Maryland 

"[Trinicria Ristorante and Bar] is a rustic gem in downtown Baltimore. The menu is Italian and inexpensive. Everything is homemade. Anything with their sausage is worth the trip. This family also has had, for many years, an Italian grocery store on Paca St, a great place to get those Italian meats and specialty items, fresh breads, stuff frozen for dinner, and a selection of drinkable (read young and cheap) wine. And they are very friendly." — Nancy P.

Benson's Homemade Ice Cream in Boxford, MA 

"[Benson's has] been around forever! Family-owned ice cream made out back. AMAZING local summer fruit flavors. The BEST ice cream I’ve ever eaten." — Anita W.

The Brewster Fish House in Brewster, Inaho in Yarmouthport, and Spoon and Seed in Hyannis, MA

"[The Brewster Fish House has an] innovative, fresh menu, beautifully plated. Inaho is by far my favorite sushi place—the freshest fish, extensive menu, very attentive service. [Spoon and Seed is a] surprising breakfast and lunch gem plunked in the middle of an industrial park. This place was started on a shoestring by an ambitious couple. The menu is also innovative and fresh, using locally sourced ingredients. Hands down our favorite breakfast place. The line is usually out the door, but it's well worth the wait." — JoAnn M.

China Kitchen in Taunton, MA

"Chow mein sandwiches at China Kitchen, in Taunton, MA. Here is the history of the chow mein sandwich, which you can only get in Southeastern Mass. and Nathan’s Coney Island!" — Katie N.

Gabriel's Cheesesteak Hoagies in Ypsilanti, MI 

"Gabriel's has been in business since the late 1950s in the same location on Michigan Ave. They sell the absolute best cheesesteak hoagies in Michigan! Each sandwich is prepared to order and served on a warm, soft roll. The meat is tender and moist. The cheese is gently folded into the meat and flavors every bite. You can add mushrooms or mild peppers and wash it down with a cold soda. Each sandwich contains so much succulent beef that they are a complete meal. I have been eating these sandwiches for 35 years and they are a go to food for me when I've been gone from home for a while." — Paul D.

Corkys Drive-In in Allegan, MI 

"[Corky's was] voted best burgers in West Michigan several times and [has] 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor." — Susan K

That French Place in Charlevoix, MI

"If visiting up north in Charlevoix, Michigan, stop at That French Place for wonderful authentic French crepes, both savory and sweet. The buckwheat crepes are great with your choice of breakfast fillings. They also make their own small-batch ice cream with natural ingredients, such as morel mushrooms and rhubarb (not together, obviously)." — Joan P.

The Bruncheonette in Joplin, MO

"[The Bruncheonatte] is a small local restaurant with really unique and amazing food. They regularly incorporate local produce and other goods. And they are creative in their combinations—not to mention the names and descriptions of their dishes. Definitely out of the box breakfasts and lunches." — Dory K.

Stella's Bar & Grill in Bellevue, NE

"Stella's Bar & Grill has served the best burgers around since 1936. They still use the original cooktop! And, they still serve the burgers on a napkin just like Stella always did. " — Melissa W.

iPHO #1 in Bellevue, NE

"[IPHO #1] serves the most tantalizing soups and sandwiches around! You can absolutely taste the 12 hour cook time in their amazing food." — Melissa W.

Biji's Best in Lincoln, NE

"Biji's Best serves up takeout, home-style Indian food every Friday from the Vellero gas station in Lincoln, NE. A small menu with a great taste!" — Kathleen L.

Windham Junction in Windham NH

"[Windham Junction's] sandwiches are great, soups are delicious and they have daily specials. They serve with a smile and I just love going there. Very charming, too." — Carol B.

Papa's Tomato Pies in Trenton, NJ

"Just outside Trenton NJ, Papa's Tomato Pies makes the most amazing mustard tomato pies (to really take it to the next level, add fresh garlic and onions as toppings). Cash only, BYO, and super casual, but soooo good." — Kerry F.

Michael's Kitchen in Taos, NM

"Michael's Kitchen—Best breakfast. A place where all the locals eat. Remember to get it Christmas-style." — Mary R.

Mary & Tito's Cafe in Albuquerque, NM

"Mary & Tito's Cafe—Family-owned and operated since 1963. Chile is hot and plentiful." — Johanna B.

Thomas’ Ham & Eggery Diner in Westbury NY

"Thomas’ Ham & Eggery Diner for breakfast. Bring cash and your appetite, no credit cards. Try the skillet frittatas." — Debbie L.

Coldwater Cafe in Tipp City, OH

"[Coldwater Cafe] in an old bank that still has the vault! They have the best food and very friendly staff. My favorite place to eat!" — Brenda W.

Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, OH

"[Young's has the] best home-made ice cream anywhere around here and a favorite of everyone from miles around." — Deb M.

Mazunte in Cincinatti, OH

"[Mazunte] is 10 minutes from my home, and has fantastic tacos. They have great food and a great story. We love this place and their food." — Roger V.

Joseph's Fine Foods in Drumright, OK 

"Joseph's Fine Foods in tiny Drumright, Oklahoma is only accessible by a two-lane highway, but there you'll find tender hand-cut steaks with savory unique smoke sauce, fall-apart barbecued brisket, and Lebanese sides like cabbage rolls and tabouli made from family recipes passed down throughout the generations. You'll leave so full that a 5¢ mini York peppermint patty from the front counter is the only dessert you need." — Hope F.

Pamela's Diner in Pittsburgh, PA

"Around Pittsburgh is a small chain of diners called Pamela's Diner, and they feature wonderful breakfast and lunch dishes. A specialty at Pamela's is the pancakes, which are wonderfully flavored and almost crepe thin but have a crunchy dentille edge that's wonderful." — John S.

Rachel's Creperie in Lancaster, PA

"Rachel's Creperie—their Mediterranean Crepe is phenomenal!" — Bianca S.

Gotta Q BBQ in Cumberland, RI

"Gotta Q BBQ—You can enjoy their beef brisket, classic baby back ribs, applewood-smoked pork, pulled chicken, sweet cornbread, sides, and tasty sauces at the Cumberland Plaza Location or the Shell Food Court Location and, of course, the food truck. On a warm night you can top off your dinner with some of the best ice cream from The Keep, just north of Gotta Q or, my favorite, The Ice Cream Machine on the other side of town." — Maryellen G.

The Other Store in Columbia, SC

"[The Other Store has] great soups (yum on the corn chowder), salads (the Tedder is my favorite), sandwiches (they’re famous for their Greek turkey sandwich, which is great, but I’m in love with their BLT)." — Mary M.

The White Duck Taco Shop in Johnson City, TN

"I suggest The White Duck Taco Shop, conveniently located under the same roof as the Yee-Haw Brewing Company. A taco and a craft beer and outdoor seating. What could be better?" — Jeff B.

Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q in Tyler, TX

"Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q—It has amazing barbeque (top 50 in the state) and live music in a hole-in-the-wall venue that’s been there for over 50 years. (Try the Mother Clucker sandwich!)" — Lorraine C.

Taqueria El Lugar in Tyler, TX

"Taqueria El Lugar—The original location on Gentry Parlway or the downtown "On the Square" location. Everyone in town knows the thing to get is "the number 7." While the menu refers to it as a super quesadilla, it’s really a huge burrito filled to the gills with specially seasoned beef, cheese, avocado, jalapeño, tomato, and onion. Use the accompanying green sauce on every bite—wow! A real cane sugar coke from Mexico to wash it down—heaven! I’ve never had one that tasted like it anywhere else. Bring cash." — Chris L.

Slab BBQ & Beer in Austin, TX

"Slab BBQ & Beer —They serve creative barbecue sandwiches with sauces to die for and crave-worthy sides. The green bean casserole is so delicious. This is not your average Texas BBQ joint for sure!" — Jami O.

Lucky 13 in Salt Lake City, UT

"Lucky 13—This bar near the minor league baseball stadium just south of downtown serves phenomenal burgers; the fries and onion rings are incredible." — Alison D. 

AK’s @the Co-op in Walla Walla, WA

"AK’s @the Co-op—Great dining in a gas station." — Mary C.

Sherrie’s Place in Casper, WY

"Sherrie’s Place—The best local restaurant of any place we’ve lived. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch." — Michael B.

Connaught Place in Tsawwassen, Vancouver, BC

"In Tsawwassen, it’s Connaught Place for Indian food. Gorgeous palek paneer, butter chicken, and rogan josh. And their naan is just so good. Oh, and The Red Wagon in Hastings St. in Vancouver. Pulled pork pancakes with Jack Daniels maple syrup." — Lisa S.