Fun thread: great restaurants in various cities...share your faves (Edit: still waiting for the Denver/Ft Collins/Loveland peeps to make recommendations... :-) )

[Halftime Hope]

Edit 5/9: Thanks to all who who've chimed in...I'm adding these to my travel notebook! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Anyone with Front Range recommendations? Anything from Denver to Estes Park and in between? We're going to be there twice this year.  ❤️ )

 

I'm thinking good food, rather than Michelin ratings, and places suitable for a family. But if you have a favorite "splurge/couple night" restaurant, feel free to note that, too. 🙂

Why I started this thread:

I had fantastic "Mediterranean grill" food at Fadi's in Houston last weekend with a relative. It was wonderfully memorable and a delightful adventure, because dh is not an adventurous eater. Great and plentiful food with all kinds of vegetarian and probably vegan options. It is set up like a very nice smorgasbord, you walk down the serving line and point to foods that look yummy -- I could have spent the whole evening eating different cold, saucy salads! Their flat bread (like naan) was to die for. The bill came to $35 for two of us, including tiramisu (not that great), and we both got take home boxes and warmed our left-overs for breakfast. I see that they also have Dallas locations for anyone traveling in Texas this summer. 

Got some good ones?

There will be Denver and Fort Collins trip in my future this summer...anyone?

 

 

Edited May 9, 2023 by Halftime Hope

[WildflowerMom]

trying to think of vacation destinations...  
 

Savannah:  Treylor Park

Pigeon Forge:  Old Mill Pottery House Cafe

Gatlinburg:  Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Portland Me: Gilbert's Chowder House

Amelia Island: Timotis  

Jekyll Island: Wee Pub Beach

 

[Navymom]

David Chang's Major Domo in LA, $$$ but SO good.

Night + Market Song in LA for Thai

Louisiana Lagniappe in Destin, FL

Opposite ends of the country! But, these are a few of my favorite places to eat.

[MEmama]

Portland, Maine: Taco Escobarr for tacos and margaritas, the Hunt and Alpine Club for cocktails and Scandinavian small plates (mmmm anchovies toasties)

Salt Lake City: Red Iguana for the mole

Boulder, Utah: Magnolias food truck for kimchi tacos and churros

NYC: Coopers Bar for cocktails, Mochi Mochi Doughnuts for mochi doughnuts, Ole and Steen for Scandinavian pastries, everywhere and anywhere because all NYC food and drinks are amazing

Boston: the taco stand in the North Station for the veggie tacos and guacamole, best eaten on the train home 🙂 

[Sneezyone]

Any suggestions for KC, MO? I have a conference to attend and would enjoy both GOOD BBQ and fine dining options. If I have to travel for work, I intend to enjoy it.

[gstharr]

The "Blue Market in New Orlean's 7th ward.  The place is way past dive, it's a dump.  But, they have the best crawfish boil.  Taking the 12th grader back for his h.s. graduation gift next month.

[prairiewindmomma]

43 minutes ago, Sneezyone said:

Any suggestions for KC, MO? I have a conference to attend and would enjoy both GOOD BBQ and fine dining options. If I have to travel for work, I intend to enjoy it.

For BBQ: https://www.joeskc.com/

https://www.jackstackbbq.com/

Bryant’s

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-kansas-city (read through this as there are some great Black owned bbq listed—but they represent different styles that are not necessarily KC style bbq)

 

Fine Dining: Town Company, 801 Chophouse, The Savoy at 21C

 

Local vibes:

Westport Cafe

Bristol

 

[Sneezyone]

17 minutes ago, prairiewindmomma said:

For BBQ: https://www.joeskc.com/

https://www.jackstackbbq.com/

Bryant’s

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-kansas-city (read through this as there are some great Black owned bbq listed—but they represent different styles that are not necessarily KC style bbq)

 

Fine Dining: Town Company, 801 Chophouse, The Savoy at 21C

 

Local vibes:

Westport Cafe

Bristol

 

Awesome, also thanks for thinking of SWaMs for me! I'm actually not a fan of sweet BBQ so I appreciate the variety. 🙂

Edited May 6, 2023 by Sneezyone

[Faith-manor]

Mama Lu's Modern Day Taco Shop - Traverse City, MI.

Slabtown Burgers - Traverse City, MI.

Delft Bistro - Marquette, Mi.

Pasta Shop - Marquette, Mi.

Elizabeth's Chop House - pricey, oh so pricey and likely more of a romantic night out thing, but the food is divine! - Marquette, Mi.

Courtyard Ristorante - Alpena, Mi.

Pink Pony - Mackinac Island, Mi.

Wheelhouse Diner and goat locker - Paradise, Mi.

Pizza Transit - Niles, MI. (Awesome pizza, lots of fun with kids, family owned, highly recommend)

Clementines Too - St. Joseph, MI.

Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse - Maple City, MI. (within close range of Sleeping Bear Dunes if headed that way. We really like this place.)

 

 

[Faith-manor]

Hey everyone, our main vacation this summer will be a vacation house in Little Switzerland, NC. We will be visiting Pisgah National Forest for kayaking and hiking, and driving around the area for quilt shops and antiquing. If you have suggestions of somewhere to eat, bring it on. We will cook nearly all of our meals, but we like to have one night off for a nice restaurant meal and relaxing, maybe a little wine or mixed cocktail.

Also, on the way there, spending one night at Cuyhoga Valley N.P. We will picnic for lunch, but only have a standard, motel room so no kitchen for supper. We could try to grill out, but I am curious about what restaurants might be worth checking out.

[prairiewindmomma]

San Antonio:

bakeries:

Bakery Lorraine: Ann Ng owns a fantastic french bakery cafe located in the Pearl district; best quiche Lorraine I have ever had

Bird Bakery: also woman owned

street food:

Jerk Shack: James Beard nominated Nicola Blaque has a fantastic Caribbean street food restaurant

La Gloria: mexican street food on the riverwalk (Bourdo's Texas bistro and Biga on the Banks are higher end choices that are also quite good if you are on the riverwalk and looking for something)

Henry's Puffy Tacos (puffy tacos are a San Antonio thing)

for kids who just won't sit still:

Big'z Burgers: bring a soccer ball for them to kick around, there is a little fenced field for them to kick around it; warn older kids that balls do go over the fence, though, and it's difficult to retrieve them; don't skip the fry dipping sauce

 

-------

Austin:

good, not cheap, not super expensive, perfect for couples: Odd Duck, Justine's Brasserie, Fonda San Miguel

iconic: Chuy's, Franklin BBQ

cheap eats: Torchy's Tacos (quality can be hit or miss in individual restaurants along the chain), Juan in a Million

 

 

 

[momto3innc]

5 hours ago, Halftime Hope said:

 

I had fantastic "Mediterranean grill" food at Fadi's in Houston last weekend with a relative. It was wonderfully memorable and a delightful adventure, because dh is not an adventurous eater. Great and plentiful food with all kinds of vegetarian and probably vegan options. It is set up like a very nice smorgasbord, you walk down the serving line and point to foods that look yummy -- I could have spent the whole evening eating different cold, saucy salads! Their flat bread (like naan) was to die for. The bill came to $35 for two of us, including tiramisu (not that great), and we both got take home boxes and warmed our left-overs for breakfast. I see that they also have Dallas locations for anyone traveling in Texas this summer. 

 

 

I used to live five minutes from Fadi’s!!! It was our absolute favorite and we miss it so much. 
We also love Chuy’s, Fajita Pete’s, and Torchy’s (to name just a few) in Houston. So many other good ones, but those were the ones we’d go to over and over again.

[pitterpatter]

New Orleans - The Ruby Slipper on Magazine. Try something new and different.
(For anyone going to New Orleans, stay away from Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter. Eat the beignets from one of the Cafe Beignets there. The famous Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter was bought out or changed who runs it or something and the beignet recipe was changed to maximize profits. They just taste like heavy oddly shaped funnel cakes now. The ones from the Cafe de Monde in City Park are still the originals, though.)

Chicago - Yolk (South Loop), Eleven City Diner

Holland, Michigan - Deboer Bakkerij (loved the orange French toast)

Jamaica Plain (outside Boston) - The Haven. It's Scottish food!

Edited May 9, 2023 by pitterpatter

[Lady Florida.]

Orlando - 

Selam Ethiopian and Eritrian - we love this place

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine - several locations, all good

Black Bean Deli - great Cuban sandwich and other Cuban food. Two locations

[Lady Florida.]

19 hours ago, Faith-manor said:

Hey everyone, our main vacation this summer will be a vacation house in Little Switzerland, NC. We will be visiting Pisgah National Forest for kayaking and hiking, and driving around the area for quilt shops and antiquing. If you have suggestions of somewhere to eat, bring it on. We will cook nearly all of our meals, but we like to have one night off for a nice restaurant meal and relaxing, maybe a little wine or mixed cocktail.

Also, on the way there, spending one night at Cuyhoga Valley N.P. We will picnic for lunch, but only have a standard, motel room so no kitchen for supper. We could try to grill out, but I am curious about what restaurants might be worth checking out.

I've spent the last two days researching a trip to Asheville. I was thinking we'd stay a couple of nights in Hendersonville and spend some time exploring Dupont State Forest. Both Asheville and the much smaller Hendersonville seem to be foodie heaven.

[City Mouse]

Definitely off-the-beaten-path, but a few weeks ago, I ate at Cajun Tex in Marshall, Tx https://www.cajuntx.com/

They had the best fried green tomatoes that I have ever had in a restaurant. I am planning a trip back through Marshall summer ‘24 just so I can eat there again. I’m sure there are probably better Cajun food restaurants in Louisiana, but this is the best within 12-15 hours of my house.

[katilac]

On 5/7/2023 at 10:56 AM, pitterpatter said:

(For anyone going to New Orleans, stay away from Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter. Eat the beignets from one of the Cafe Beignets there. The famous Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter was bought out and the beignet recipe was changed to maximize profits. They just taste like heavy oddly shaped funnel cakes now. The ones from the Cafe de Monde in City Park are still the originals, though.)

 

Unless I missed a really big story very recently, the Fernandez family has owned and operated Cafe du Monde since 1942, and all locations use the same recipe. 

🎶So what'd I miss? What'd I miss?
Beignets, my home sweet home, I wanna give you a kiss 🎶

[Ottakee]

On 5/7/2023 at 11:56 AM, pitterpatter said:

Holland, Michigan - Deboer Bakkerij (loved the orange French toast)

My hometown……I have never actually eaten there 😀

[kathyl]

In Brattleboro, Vermont:

Brattleboro Food Co-op

menus 

It's been a few years since we've eaten there, but that was one of my favorite places to eat when we lived in NH.  The people were as interesting as the food.

 

In McKinney, TX:

Hutchins BBQ

I only get the "burnt ends" when we go there.

Edited May 9, 2023 by kathyl

[katilac]

Another family-owned cafe in NOLA is Angelo Brocato's,  over 100 years in the city and very much worth a trip. Gelato, Italian cookies of all kinds, cannoli, spumoni, all the things, plus coffee, lattes, Italian sodas. 

Small-ish on the inside and the line will wind out of the door at busy times, so try to go at off times. 

 

[popmom]

On 5/6/2023 at 4:36 PM, prairiewindmomma said:

San Antonio:

bakeries:

Bakery Lorraine: Ann Ng owns a fantastic french bakery cafe located in the Pearl district; best quiche Lorraine I have ever had

Bird Bakery: also woman owned

street food:

Jerk Shack: James Beard nominated Nicola Blaque has a fantastic Caribbean street food restaurant

La Gloria: mexican street food on the riverwalk (Bourdo's Texas bistro and Biga on the Banks are higher end choices that are also quite good if you are on the riverwalk and looking for something)

Henry's Puffy Tacos (puffy tacos are a San Antonio thing)

for kids who just won't sit still:

Big'z Burgers: bring a soccer ball for them to kick around, there is a little fenced field for them to kick around it; warn older kids that balls do go over the fence, though, and it's difficult to retrieve them; don't skip the fry dipping sauce

 

-------

Austin:

good, not cheap, not super expensive, perfect for couples: Odd Duck, Justine's Brasserie, Fonda San Miguel

iconic: Chuy's, Franklin BBQ

cheap eats: Torchy's Tacos (quality can be hit or miss in individual restaurants along the chain), Juan in a Million

 

 

 

The food and cocktails at Boudro's are always consistently very good, but good grief is it crowded and loud. For anyone interested...do NOT sit inside. The only way it's worthwhile is to get an outdoor table. Unless you don't mind shouting across your table to have a conversation lol.

 

[popmom]

Orlando: drive to Titusville and go to Dixie Crossroads. You want the broiled rock shrimp. When I became allergic to shellfish, this is what I mourned the most. I grew up vacationing in Satellite Beach every summer, and we ate at Dixie Crossroads every time we were in the area. I haven't been there is years, but I think it's still good.

Gulf Shores, AL: off the beaten path in Bon Secour, there is Billy's Seafood Market. This is not a restaurant. This is where the boats come in. If you are ever in the area late summer through the end of the year, get the Royal Reds (shrimp). It's another deep water shrimp--like rock shrimp--and it tastes a lot like lobster. They will steam them for you. Make your own drawn butter. You don't want to ruin these with cocktail sauce. 

Are y'all seeing a pattern? I really miss shrimp!

Huntsville or Birmingham, AL: Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint. 

Birmingham isn't a destination, but it is actually a foodie paradise. So I'll throw out a few splurge worthy options just in case...

Ocean

Any Frank Stitt restaurant: Highlands, Bottega, Chez Fonfon (get the burger).

Helen

Automatic Seafood and Oysters

 

 

Edited May 9, 2023 by popmom

[popmom]

Anyone have recs for D.C., or Annapolis? Dd just moved to the area. She will be commuting to Annapolis to work. Living closer to D.C.

[HomeAgain]

3 hours ago, popmom said:

Anyone have recs for D.C., or Annapolis? Dd just moved to the area. She will be commuting to Annapolis to work. Living closer to D.C.

There's a cluster we enjoyed right off the metro in Rosslyn, Arlington. It's called Assembly.  It's kind of an upscale food court, where you sit down at a table and use your phone or waitstaff to order from any of the restaurants inside, any combination of foods or drinks.  Everything we had was very, very good.  Dh still raves about the one chicken restaurant's tater tots. 😄 (Ds opted for tacos and I got some really good General's chicken that was not the sticky sweet sauce others use)

 

[pitterpatter]

All I can tell you is that we were just there in February. The Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter is now kind of a local joke...like a tourist trap. We took several tours and all of the guides told us the same thing. One of the first things we did in NOLA was buy those beignets. Lol. We were underwhelmed, confused, and disappointed. Then, we discovered why. I can't remember the specifics to why they changed the recipe at the one in the French Quarter. Something to do with profits. Maybe it had to do with Covid. I wish we would have bought some at the City Park location when we went there for comparison, but we didn't. Maybe you can. Lol.

15 hours ago, katilac said:

Unless I missed a really big story very recently, the Fernandez family has owned and operated Cafe du Monde since 1942, and all locations use the same recipe. 

🎶So what'd I miss? What'd I miss?
Beignets, my home sweet home, I wanna give you a kiss 🎶

[Halftime Hope]

14 hours ago, kathyl said:

In Brattleboro, Vermont:

Brattleboro Food Co-op

menus 

It's been a few years since we've eaten there, but that was one of my favorite places to eat when we lived in NH.  The people were as interesting as the food.

 

In McKinney, TX:

Hutchins BBQ

I only get the "burnt ends" when we go there.

Ooo, thank you!

[Terabith]

My Denver friend says:  TAG Burger Bar.  D’Corazan if you like Mexican.  Osteria Marco for Italian. Mizuna is French and a bit fancy but delicious, she says.  Wild Ginger for Thai.  

Edited May 9, 2023 by Terabith

[prairiewindmomma]

@Halftime HopeWhen we go through Ft. Collins, we eat at Torchy’s Tacos—simply because we miss it. It’s on S. College Ave. 

[strawberries]

We loved the Pancake Pantry in Nashville. The line was around the building but it was worth the wait.

[BeachGal]

Chicago has so many excellent restaurants, it’s hard to narrow it down, but here are a few of my favorites:

Velvet Taco on State Street in the Gold Coast near Mariano Park (aka Viagra Triangle :)). It’s a chain that makes unique tacos, sides and strong drinks. Eat upstairs where you might be able to nab a window seat and people watch. This one is a lot more fun than the other Chicago locations.

Via Stato for the lunch special. Located in the Embassy Suites Hotel on State Street in River North. Their pizzas are my favorite in the city. Ingredients are excellent and the crust is super thin and crispy, light, so you don't feel like you’ve eaten a ton of dough. I also like their BLT. For the special, you’ll also get a salad or soup and a small wedge of dense chocolate pie with candied orange and whipped cream. The bread and olive oil is superb too. Ask for a small plate of parmesan to go with it. Afterward, go across the street to explore the boutiques that are surprisingly affordable and where you can browse without being pestered.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reba for tapas. Go to the one on Halsted just north of Armitage in Lincoln Park. They are usually hopping, have a decent happy hour and tasty tapas and sangria. DePaul is nearby. North Avenue, south, has Crate&Barrel, CB2, Apple, etc. and theaters.

Lula Cafe on Kedzie and Logan Blvd. in Logan Square for brunch although they also serve dinner which is probably just as good. Everything is amazing. Waits can be long on weekends.

For brunch, m. henry in the Andersonville neighborhood on North Clark, north of Wrigley. The m stands for Michael, one of the owners, who is often there. Known for their homemade granola, bliss cakes (pancakes, mascarpone, berries and granola) and brunch dishes. I like the dandelion, shallots and fontina cheese omelet. Afterward, check out the cool plants at Gethsemane Garden Center, one block north, and then head south on Clark for about a mile to see the curated vintage stores and other small shops. Then get in your car or walk to Gene’s Sausage Shop about a mile away in Lincoln Square. Gene’s is loaded with all kinds of German and other European foods. The second floor has a good selection of drinks and non-perishable food and then above that, a rooftop floor where you can sit out and have a crispy brat and beer or whatever else they’re selling which are especially good as cool weather sets in. Lincoln Square, about a mile or so long, is also fun to explore. Old Town Folk Music, a fantastic and unique music venue, is also there.

Dove’s Luncheonette in Wicker Park, west of River North on Damen just south of North Avenue. Drive or take an Uber. Everything they make is outstanding. My favorite is the Chicken Fried Chicken. Dove’s is a diner with limited seating so get there early or while you’re waiting, walk around the neighborhood which is very young and hip. Afterward, explore the neighborhood shops and sights and maybe go for a walk on the 606 elevated and landscaped bike/pedestrian path. If you need a hotel, the Robey would be a fun place right in all the action. At night you could go to the Violet Hour for cocktails. They are considered one of the best cocktail lounges in the US.

eta: Revival Food Hall in the Loop around Clark and Adams. This is where I go after visiting the Art Institute. There are numerous food vendors, all unique and excellent, and it’s a lively place to sit and enjoy a meal. My favorites are the Fat Shallot, Danke, Smoque, Art of Dosa, LaShuk and Minahasa. Hours are mostly daytime—lunchtime to early dinner. The area is kind of quiet at night.

Edited May 9, 2023 by BeachGal

[Halftime Hope]

2 hours ago, Terabith said:

My Denver friend says:  TAG Burger Bar.  D’Corazan if you like Mexican.  Osteria Marco for Italian. Mizuna is French and a bit fancy but delicious, she says.  Wild Ginger for Thai.  

Thank you for asking! 🙂

[Halftime Hope]

1 hour ago, prairiewindmomma said:

@Halftime HopeWhen we go through Ft. Collins, we eat at Torchy’s Tacos—simply because we miss it. It’s on S. College Ave. 

That should be a fun take-out idea for our time with littles. 🙂 And it'll be nostalgic for my young adults who used to love Torchy's at home. Win, win!

[prairiewindmomma]

15 minutes ago, Halftime Hope said:

That should be a fun take-out idea for our time with littles. 🙂 And it'll be nostalgic for my young adults who used to love Torchy's at home. Win, win!

They will deliver to your vehicle if you call ahead. 🙂 

[MEmama]

Eons ago there was a bar in Fort Collins with a 2 margarita limit...they weren't kidding. Many a next morning was spent searching for hangover-friendly  huevos rancheros remedies... 🤦‍♀️🤣

[DinCO]

Places we love to go to in Fort Collins:

Bakery - Little Bird Bakery

French Bakery/sandwiches/salads -Philippe French bistro

Tex /Mex- Torchy’s or Rio Grande ( the rio grande margaritas are super good but very strong)

Fried chicken - Music city hot chicken

Hamburgers/ hot dogs - Big Al’s burgers and dogs

restaurant/pies - ginger and baker

American grill ( steaks, rotisserie chicken, pan corn bread)- Austin’samerican grill 

pizza - New York style - Pulcinella’s.   If you are looking for ok pizza but really fun atmosphere you should check out 80’s pizza

Enjoy your time here and definitely walk through old town…super cute!   Lastly, if you are here in the summer you should check out all of the CSU annual trial gardens…it is one of my favorite places to walk around.

[Calizzy]

On 5/6/2023 at 11:44 AM, Sneezyone said:

Any suggestions for KC, MO? I have a conference to attend and would enjoy both GOOD BBQ and fine dining options. If I have to travel for work, I intend to enjoy it.

Depending on the type of food you like- 

Lulu's thai noodle shop 

Sohaila's kitchen (Pakistani food stall- the best butter chicken of your life)

Joe's is good bbq. Jack Stack is bbq on white table cloths if you are looking for something fancy. 

FYI- Capital Grille is a fancy steak house that I have NOT been impressed with. 

[Calizzy]

On 5/6/2023 at 4:36 PM, prairiewindmomma said:

San Antonio:

bakeries:

Bakery Lorraine: Ann Ng owns a fantastic french bakery cafe located in the Pearl district; best quiche Lorraine I have ever had

Bird Bakery: also woman owned

street food:

Jerk Shack: James Beard nominated Nicola Blaque has a fantastic Caribbean street food restaurant

La Gloria: mexican street food on the riverwalk (Bourdo's Texas bistro and Biga on the Banks are higher end choices that are also quite good if you are on the riverwalk and looking for something)

Henry's Puffy Tacos (puffy tacos are a San Antonio thing)

for kids who just won't sit still:

Big'z Burgers: bring a soccer ball for them to kick around, there is a little fenced field for them to kick around it; warn older kids that balls do go over the fence, though, and it's difficult to retrieve them; don't skip the fry dipping sauce

 

-------

Austin:

good, not cheap, not super expensive, perfect for couples: Odd Duck, Justine's Brasserie, Fonda San Miguel

iconic: Chuy's, Franklin BBQ

cheap eats: Torchy's Tacos (quality can be hit or miss in individual restaurants along the chain), Juan in a Million

 

 

 

Fantastic bakery in San Antonio is La Panderia! They have 2 locations and it was so good!

[Sneezyone]

2 hours ago, Calizzy said:

Depending on the type of food you like- 

Lulu's thai noodle shop 

Sohaila's kitchen (Pakistani food stall- the best butter chicken of your life)

Joe's is good bbq. Jack Stack is bbq on white table cloths if you are looking for something fancy. 

FYI- Capital Grille is a fancy steak house that I have NOT been impressed with. 

I like all of the foods!

[gardenmom5]

Seattle area

   Seafood - Salty's at Alki, or Ray's Boathouse (at Shilshole) 

        Ivar's seafood bar on the waterfront.  (it's outside, there is enclosed heated seating, and lots of outdoor seating. family friendly, fish and chips, the fried oysters are really good.  have fun throwing french fries at the seagulls.  They'll remind you if you forget.   (if you go there, take the kids to Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe.  I adored it as a child.)
   Greek - Yanni's (family friendly), probably contributed recipies to "Greek Cooking for an American Kitchen" (which I bought at the local greek festival)
   French, special date or just good French food - Maximilien at The Market

 

Acropolis (Kirkland) - very family friendly.  great grinders (they close for two weeks every year in August to go visit family in Greece.)

Tropea (Redmond) - Italian.  I am eagerly anticipating its reopening.  It was destroyed in a fire (someone was arrested for arson) a year or so ago.

 

kitschy burger joints (can be pricey)

XXX (refers to rootbeer) burgers (cash only.  they have a cash machine on site) Issaquah - sometimes, they even have 1950s cars for events.  VERY kitschy.  Lots of nostalgia.  Across the street from Boehm's Candies (chocolate, tours), we'll go get ice cream bars dipped in chocolate and nuts.

Burgermaster (we go to the one off 520 in bellevue/kirkland) - dine in your car.  Huge variety of milk shakes. (sometimes, that's all we get) There is one in the U-district I visited a few times when dudeling's dr was still nearby. They have more offerings, but are eat-in only.

 

 

San Juan Island - walking distance from the ferry dock: "The Bait Shop" (very little indoor seating).  Fabulous fish and chips.  We have done that as a date.  Park (LOTS of parking!) at the dock in Anacortes, and walk on the boat.  Nice boat ride, and good fish and chips.  

 

eta: Bakeries in Seattle

 Larson bros in Ballard.  marzipan cake.  big selection of pastries and other stuff.
John Nielson's. (my preferred, much smaller selection).  Kringele, potatoes, sarah burnhardt (dh's favorite)  call ahead as they sell out.

 

Edited May 10, 2023 by gardenmom5

[gardenmom5]

Anyone have highly recommended places in San Diego or La Jolla?

[QueenCat]

On 5/6/2023 at 5:41 PM, momto3innc said:

I used to live five minutes from Fadi’s!!! It was our absolute favorite and we miss it so much. 
We also love Chuy’s, Fajita Pete’s, and Torchy’s (to name just a few) in Houston. So many other good ones, but those were the ones we’d go to over and over again.

We had Chuy's about 45 minutes away from us in both Tennessee and Virginia. When dh discovered it was only 7 minutes away in Ohio, he was ecstatic. We LOVE their tres leches cake. It's the best!!!

[Kassia]

2 minutes ago, QueenCat said:

We had Chuy's about 45 minutes away from us in both Tennessee and Virginia. When dh discovered it was only 7 minutes away in Ohio, he was ecstatic. We LOVE their tres leches cake. It's the best!!!

I just checked our location in OH and there are none near us.  Ds3 lives in Columbus and there are a few there,though.  I've never been there but looks good.

[katilac]

On 5/9/2023 at 10:49 AM, pitterpatter said:

All I can tell you is that we were just there in February. The Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter is now kind of a local joke...like a tourist trap. We took several tours and all of the guides told us the same thing. One of the first things we did in NOLA was buy those beignets. Lol. We were underwhelmed, confused, and disappointed. Then, we discovered why. I can't remember the specifics to why they changed the recipe at the one in the French Quarter. Something to do with profits. Maybe it had to do with Covid. I wish we would have bought some at the City Park location when we went there for comparison, but we didn't. Maybe you can. Lol.

I live in metro NOLA, and I'm going to have to disagree and defend the beignets. 

Tourist trap? Sure, in the sense of attracting many, many tourists. Still very popular with locals and still very delicious. Locals rarely drink Hurricanes, but they eat the heck out of CDM beignets. 

Your tour guides were wrong. All locations use the same recipe, that recipe hasn't changed, and ownership hasn't changed since 1942, when the Fernandez family bought it. I mean, people have died since 1942, of course, but it remains in the family. 

It's embarrassing but true that I can compare beignets from multiple Cafe du Monde locations. They're the same. 

You can absolutely get disappointing beignets, but it's not due to the recipe. If they were heavy, then someone failed to keep the oil hot enough. It happens, but rarely enough that I'm always willing to gamble seven bucks on an order of beignets and a cafe au lait. If you're at the French Quarter location, the atmosphere alone is worth $7. 

Thus sayeth Katilac, Eater and Defender of Cafe du Monde Beignets! 

I will also defend Community Coffee, Red Turtles, and the fact that the best sloppy roast beef po'boys are to be had on the west bank, not in the city. 

There is no defending the state of our roads, and I apologize to any visitors who have to drive on them. 

[QueenCat]

4 hours ago, Kassia said:

I just checked our location in OH and there are none near us.  Ds3 lives in Columbus and there are a few there,though.  I've never been there but looks good.

There are a few in the Cincy-Dayton region. So good. Go if you get a chance!

[thatfirstsip]

On 5/6/2023 at 11:44 AM, Sneezyone said:

Any suggestions for KC, MO? I have a conference to attend and would enjoy both GOOD BBQ and fine dining options. If I have to travel for work, I intend to enjoy it.

Fine dining: the antler room

[Navymom]

20 hours ago, gardenmom5 said:

Seattle area

   Seafood - Salty's at Alki, or Ray's Boathouse (at Shilshole) 

        Ivar's seafood bar on the waterfront.  (it's outside, there is enclosed heated seating, and lots of outdoor seating. family friendly, fish and chips, the fried oysters are really good.  have fun throwing french fries at the seagulls.  They'll remind you if you forget.   (if you go there, take the kids to Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe.  I adored it as a child.)
   Greek - Yanni's (family friendly), probably contributed recipies to "Greek Cooking for an American Kitchen" (which I bought at the local greek festival)
   French, special date or just good French food - Maximilien at The Market

 

Acropolis (Kirkland) - very family friendly.  great grinders (they close for two weeks every year in August to go visit family in Greece.)

Tropea (Redmond) - Italian.  I am eagerly anticipating its reopening.  It was destroyed in a fire (someone was arrested for arson) a year or so ago.

 

kitschy burger joints (can be pricey)

XXX (refers to rootbeer) burgers (cash only.  they have a cash machine on site) Issaquah - sometimes, they even have 1950s cars for events.  VERY kitschy.  Lots of nostalgia.  Across the street from Boehm's Candies (chocolate, tours), we'll go get ice cream bars dipped in chocolate and nuts.

Burgermaster (we go to the one off 520 in bellevue/kirkland) - dine in your car.  Huge variety of milk shakes. (sometimes, that's all we get) There is one in the U-district I visited a few times when dudeling's dr was still nearby. They have more offerings, but are eat-in only.

 

 

San Juan Island - walking distance from the ferry dock: "The Bait Shop" (very little indoor seating).  Fabulous fish and chips.  We have done that as a date.  Park (LOTS of parking!) at the dock in Anacortes, and walk on the boat.  Nice boat ride, and good fish and chips.  

 

eta: Bakeries in Seattle

 Larson bros in Ballard.  marzipan cake.  big selection of pastries and other stuff.
John Nielson's. (my preferred, much smaller selection).  Kringele, potatoes, sarah burnhardt (dh's favorite)  call ahead as they sell out.

 

Salty's at Alki had a wonderful brunch, not sure if they still do as it's been years since I've been there. You would get little bags of warm donuts while waiting for a table. We loved that place and would go any chance we could! Great memories!