Name: Glenn's Diner

Category: Restaurant- Seafood
State: IL   
City: Chicago

Comment: 25 types of cereal, but go for the seafood. Way Good.

Way Good

Name: Margie’s

Category: Dessert
State: IL   
City: Chicago

Comment: After a meal at Glenn's head across the street for a way too big sundae. Way Good.

Way Good

Name: Giordano's Pizza

Category: Restaurant- Pizza
State: IL   
City: Chicago

Comment: Deep dish: broccoli, onion, cheese, sausage and cheese. Did I mention the cheese? Way Good.

Way Good

Name: Gino’s Pizza

Category: Restaurant- Pizza
State: IL   
City: Chicago

Comment: Said to be in the top three (Uno, Due and Gino's) we thought Giordano's Pizza was much better.

Good

Name: Samba Sushi Rio

Category: Restaurant- Sushi
State: IL   
City: Chicago

Comment: Henry's Birthday lunch. Pretty good food, out of this world decor.

Good

Name: Portillo's Hot Dogs

Category: Restaurant- Lunch
State: IL   
City: Chicago

Comment: The Fudrucker's of hot dogs? Chicagoans love it. Good.

Good

Name: Gibson's

Category: Restaurant- Steak
State: IL   
City: Chicago

Comment: Go for the steak, look at all the famous people on the wall, and talk to Alan in the men's bathroom. Good.

Good

Name: Jerry's Other Place

Category: Restaurant- SPAM
State: MN  
City: Austin

Comment: Best Spam burger near the Spam museum.

Good

Name: Jo’s Cafe

Category: Cafe (seats 20)
State: WI
City: Milwaukee

Comment: Big Old Breakfast but get the Hoffle-Poffle. MMMM. Good.

Good

Name: Il Retrovo

Category: Restaurant- Italian
State: WI  
City: Sheboygen

Comment: Fresh Wood-fired Pizza. The receptionist at the Kohler Museum steered us here (yes, there is a museum of toilet fixtures).

Good

Name: Lagomarcino's

Category: Dessert
State: IL  
City: Moline

Comment: Ice Cream and home made candy. OK

OK

Name: Hell's Kitchen

Category: Breakfast
State: MN  
City: Minneapolis

Comment: Amazing breakfast. Don't forget the Bloody Mary. Way Good

Way Good

Name: Cheese Factory

Category: Restaurant- Vegitarian
State: WI  
City: Wisconsin Dells

Comment: Vegetarian. Good (if that's what you're looking for.)

Good

Everywhere we go, we’re on the lookout for the best local places to eat. We ask people we meet, check out reviews in town papers, and rely on Jane and Michael Stern’s awesome book, Roadfood. We don’t always agree with the recommendations, but are always game to try new places. Here’s Dan’s ultimate report. NOTE: We only rate places worthy of mention. The really bad places are not listed. There is no real order here... just scroll down.

Name: Eddie's Supper Club

Category: Restaurant- Steak House
State: MT 
City: Great Falls

Comment: Mmmm cowboy steak and great atmosphere.  Way Good.

Name: Black Bear Diner

Category: Restaurant- Family Food
State: CA 
City: Redding

Comment: Filled with guys fighting the forest fires and eating home cooking.  Good

Good

Name: The Standing Stone Brewery

Category: Restaurant- Pub Food
State: OR 
City: Ashland

Comment: After a little Shakespeare, go here.  Good

Good

Name: Cole Drug

Category: Drugstore Soda Shop
State: MT 
City: Big Timber

Comment: Home of the Big Timber Sunday and hot pockets. OK

Name: Rex’s

Category: Restaurant- Family Food
State: MT 
City: Billings

Comment: Meat and Vietnamese salads.  Good

Good

OK

Name: Anchor Inn

Category: Restaurant- Bar
State: WI 
City: Edgerton

Comment: Where we ended up when there was no power at Mike's Hideaway. Fish Fry was Ok, but it just couldn't compete with Norm’s atmosphere. OK

Name: Norm's Hideaway Bar and Grill

Category: Restaurant- Bar
State: WI 
City: , Edgerton

Comment: We're told the Friday Fish Fry is the best. Unfortunately when we went there they didn't have any power, so we sat around for two hours (drinking root beer and beer like every one else that was waiting). If a bar full of people is waiting in the dark for a fish fry, it's got to be good. We also passed the time looking at all the dead animals up on the wall. Too bad the power never came back.  Way Good even though we didn't taste the food.

Name: Culver's

Category: Fast Food
State: WI 
City: Milton (world’s largest Culver’s)

Comment: They say this is the home of the butter burger and frozen custard. We only had room for the custard. Mighty tasty

Good

Name: Tillamook Cheese Factory

Category: Dessert
State: OR 
City: Tillamook

Comment: For the love of God, don't order the child's size scoop of ice cream. Great ice cream, way stingy scooping. Free cheese samples.

Good

Name: Pete's Place

Category: Diner- Greek and Burgers
State: CA     
City: Oakhurst

Comment: If you’re heading into Yosemite, might want to stop by here.

OK

Way Good

Way Good

OK

Name: South Pine Cafe

Category: Restaurant - Family Food
State: CA 
City: Grass Valley

Comment: Heaping Helping of Homemade Grub. Way good.

Way Good

Name: Doolittle’s

Category: Restaurant- Family Food
State: ND 
City: Fargo

Comment: Walleye Fingers and rotisserie chicken. Good.

Good

Name: Game Lodge

Category: Restaurant- Fancy Family Food
State: SD 
City: Custer State Park

Comment: MMM. Buffalo probably would have been cheaper to hunt them ourselves. Don't order the "fancy spaghetti.” Stick with the bison. Good (but pricy, but two US presidents have stayed here so what do you expect.)

Good

Name: State Street Brats

Category: Restaurant / Pub
State: WI   
City: Madison

Comment: Reason enough to got University of Wisconsin

Way Good

Name: Student Union

Category: Outdoor cafe
State: WI   
City: Madison

Comment: Bring a game like Jenga, Life, or Connect Four and drink some beer on the lake. (Thanks Roger for the tip.) Way Good

Way Good

Name: Backroom at the Nite Owl

Category: Restaurant- BBQ
State: MT   
City: Columbia Falls

Comment: Ribs and Frybread. Need we say more. Way Good.

Way Good

Name: Custer Battlefield Trading Post and Cafe

Category: Restaurant- Lunch Stop
State: MT
City: Crow Little Bighorn National Battlefield

Comment: Indian taco (taco fillings on fry bread). Way Good.

Name: Gold Street Pizza

Category: Restaurant - Pizza
State: MN   
City: Wyckoff

Comment: Choices are limited in Wykoff. But if you don't go to Ed's Museum (must see Charlie the cat) and stay in the Jail House here in Wykoff, why on earth are you eating here? OK

Name: Gateway Inn

Category: Restaurant- Cafe
State: MN
City: Wykoff

Comment: If you're eating here I'm sure just stayed a night in the Wykoff Jail Haus. Order the works cause it's all in included and you'll be ready to go work the back forty Sign above the coffee is accurate, "Don't complain about the coffee, you may be old and weak yourself someday."

Way Good

Good

OK

Name: Slow’s Bar-B-Q

Category: Restaurant - BBQ
State: MI
City: Detroit

Comment: In the shadow of old Tiger Stadium (currently being torn down). Lots of BBQ and beer. Make sure you get a side of mac-n-cheese. One patron, who was leaving, accosted the boys saying “You’re very lucky to have such good parents. They’ve taken you to the best restaurant in Detroit.”

Good

Name: A Taste of History Heritage

Category: Cafeteria
State: MI
City: Dearborn

Comment: Located inside the Henry Ford Village, this place was touted for having “favorite recipes of famous Americans.”  Although they didn’t have Lincoln's Nachos, they had the biggest chili dog I had ever seen. Good for “amusement park food”.

Good

Name: Pete’s Garage

Category: Restaurant - Burger and Ribs
State: MI
City: Milton

Comment: Milton, home of Lazyboy chairs. Tuesday is 35 cent wing night! Sit in a hollowed out car, eat some incredible wings, be amazed at the size (portions and patrons.) Way Good.

Way Good

Way Good

Name: Arthur & Lloyds

Category: Drug Store Soda Fountain
State: OH
City: Geneva

Comment: If you’re looking for a huge sunday or rootbeer float this is your place. The peanutbutter milkshake was very rich but delicious. Way Good.

Way Good

Name: Comerica Park Peanut Vendor

Category: “Peanut guy” sitting across the street from park
State: MI
City: Detroit

Comment: We got a tip to “Go see the black guy across the street with the hot nuts.” Two bags of Cajun Peanuts for $3. Why don’t they sell these at every baseball park I’ll never know. Way Good.

Way Good

Name: Santos

Category: Restaurant- Italian
State: OH
City: Middleburg Heights

Comment: A woman at the Henry Ford museum said “They have great Walleye at Santos”. The people at the Saturn dealership 30 miles away began to drool when we said we went to Santos. An exceptional Italian joint, filled to the brim with locals stuffing down homemade pasta... and the walleye was fantastic. My inlaws should strongly consider moving to Cleveland just so they can be close to this place. Way Good.

Name: A Cut Above

Category: Restaurant - Steal
State: Ontario (that’s Canada)   
City: Niagara

Comment: On the drive to our next campground Beth worked the internet and found this place that had a view of the falls and pretty good reviews about their certified angus beef. View, not so good. Better meat at an Outback. Beth did like her salad.

OK

Name: Montezuma’s

Category: Restaurant- Mexican
State: PA
City: Gettysburg

Comment: Home of the Famous Abe Lincoln Nachos (not really.) After three months away from our SoCal mexican food, this was mighty  tasty.

Good

Name: Youngstown Village Dinner

Category: Restaurant- Family Food
State: NY
City: Youngstown

Comment: Henry’s huge hunk of haddock. Roast beef sandwich on a salted caraway seed topped kaiser roll and rich creamy New England Clam Chowder was top notch.

Way Good

Name: Friendly’s

Category: Chain Restaurant
State: PA   
City: Gettysburg

Comment: Beth kept bringing up Friendly’s. “They have good ice cream.” “I use to get a grilled cheese and ice cream.” “Hey look there’s a Friendly’s.” So on our bike ride through the battlefields of Gettysburg we stopped for a “Forbidden Fudge Brownie” and “Recces Peanut-butter cup” sundays. Beth had a mocha cone with chocolate jimmies and I just had a spoon.

OK

Name: Yama

Category: Restaurant- Sushi
State: NH
City: West Lebanon

Comment: Nothing makes you hunger for sushi like the woods of New Hampshire. The walls are covered with pictures of kids who eat here.Try the Lebanon roll

Way Good

Name: Fox’s

Category: Restaurant- Family Food
State: PA
City: Muncy

Comment: Fairly plain entrees, but go for the sides! You get to pick three. Corn fritters, potato dumplings, onion rings, mac-n-cheese, veggies, etc. We actually had to get a to-go box for all the sides we couldn’t finish.

Good

Name: Boloco

Category: Restaurant- Burrito
State: NH
City: Hanover

Comment: Dartmouth’s burrito place. Lots of different meats and fresh things to put into your foil wrapped burrito.  Two sizes, normal or supersized.

Good

Name: Jordan Pond House

Category: Restaurant - Tea House
State: MN
City: Acadia  National Park

Comment: We went here to see the fall leaves (picture is from menu cover.) Go for noon tea and the amazing popovers and blueberry jam.

Good

Name: Cafe Zelda

Category: Restaurant - Seafood and Pasta
State: RI
City: Newport

Comment: Lunch with our Aussie friends. Very good fried oysters.

Good

Name: Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough

Category: Restaurant - Lobster in a paper tray
State: CT
City: Groton

Comment: Great view and a nice place to rip through a few lobsters.

Good

Name: Ama Ama

Category: Restaurant - West Seattle Scene
State: WA
City: West Seattle

Comment: Besides the great eggs benedict you must have (at least one) Bacon Bloody Mary. Happy Birthday Keith-o.

Way Good

Name: Winchester Country Club

Category: Private Club
State: MA
City: Winchester

Comment: My inlaws are members and this is where Beth and I had our wedding reception. The food is always good and the price is even better (Grampie Jo always pays.) Pictured here some “old rotten potatoes”, at least that’s what Henry though the waiter said when she told me she would be right back with my au-gratin potatoes.

Way Good

Name: Ned Devine’s

Category: Restaurant - Irish
State: MA   
City: Boston

Comment: After hiking the Freedom Trail we ended up at Faneuil Hall. Ned’s is the only place to really sit down. Pretty good food for such a touristy place. The boy’s fried fish was as big as a foot.

OK

Name: Colombos

Category: Restaurant- Italian
State: MA
City: Hyannis

Comment: We hear about this place during our tour of the Cape Cod Chip Factory (definitely go there too). Our table was right in front of the desert display. Everything was exceptionally fresh and delicious.

Way Good

Name: Jackson Hole

Category: Restaurant- Burgers & Breakfast
State: NY
City: NYC

Comment: Nothing like rootbeer floats for breakfast. Too bad we had already eaten and only had coffee, but the food look good.

Good

Name: McDonalds

Category: Chain Restaurant
State: NY   
City: NYC

Comment: We don’t really ever eat at places like this BUT... the boys found out that this Mickey Ds was “upscale” with a doorman and a piano player... same food though. Worth a visit if you’re down near Wall St. (160 Broadway)

OK

Name: Chola

Category: Restaurant- Indian
State: NY
City: NYC

Comment: We tried to go to as many ethnic restaurants our stomachs could take. We ordered way too much but were glad we got to try it all (and we only scratched the items on the menu.) I’m going back here next time in NYC.

Way Good

Name: John’s of Bleecker Street

Category: Restaurant- Pizza
State: NY
City: NYC

Comment: Beth’s ad partner, Peter, took us to “the Best Pizza in the City”. Jack Black eats here so you know it’s got to be good.

Way Good

Name: Williams Club

Category: Private Club
State: NY
City: NYC

Comment: We spent the week here while visiting NYC. The food was always good, but we didn’t approve of the smoking policy.

Good

Name: Golden Unicorn

Category: Restaurant- Dim Sum
State: NY
City: NYC

Comment: We were told that the 2nd floor was for only Chinese speaking clientele, but that’s where they sat us. Really good Dim Sum. We ate till we were about to burst.. total cost $64. Gotta love Dim Sum.

Way Good

Name: Max Brenner

Category: Restaurant- CHOCOLATE
State: NY
City: NYC

Comment: After we ate all that Dim Sum and were about to burst, we walked around a bit and discovered this place. All I can say is if you like chocolate go here. To die for hot chocolate. The boys split a marshmallow toasting, milk & dark chocolate & carmel dipping desert thing. Waitresses were delivering other chocolate covered creations and the non-chocolate food look darn good too. I wish I hadn’t eaten all that Dim Sum.

Way Good

Name: White Castle

Category: Chain Restaurant
State: NJ   
City: Eatontown

Comment: As part of the kid’s “education” we felt it would be appropriate to expose them to the various regional cuisines. Overall, I’m sure these are delicious at two in the morning, two in the afternoon however is a different story.

OK

Name: El Familiar

Category: Restaurant - Columbian
State: NJ   
City: Toms River

Comment: What happens when you try too hard to find something good? Columbian food in New Jersey. It was Ok, but we’d probably have been happier with a big grinder somewhere a lot closer to the RV.

OK

Name: Joss

Category: Restaurant- Sushi
State: MD
City: Annapolis

Comment: Stumbling around the streets of my old Almamatter (I didn’t do too good at spelling a Canoe-U.) we got a tip about Joss. It was like going back to Japan for us. Beth got the “Tako Balls” (octopus), I gorged on Sushi and the boys had ramen, all of it was spectacular and the menu went on and on.

Way Good

Name: Campos

Category: Restaurant- Cheese Steak
State: PA
City: Philadelphia

Comment: We didn’t listen to the mailwoman when we asked where to get a good cheese steak (she said to go to Sunny’s which was 50 yards down the street), but this still hit the spot. Make sure you get it with “Wiz” not provolone though.

Good

Name: Meding & Son Seafood

Category: Restaurant- Seafood
State: DE
City: Milford

Comment: On our way back from a walk on the beaches of Delaware we stopped here for a little Chesapeake Bay feast. A family run joint with good seafood. When you walk in the gal behind the fish counter said, “Grab a menu from that barrel and go sit down.”, just like mom use to do.

Good

Name: Rasika

Category: Restaurant- Indian
State: DC
City: Washington

Comment: We met our sister-in-law, Michele, in DC. She was on a business trip away from my (picky eater) brother and kids, so we asked what kind of wild ethnic food she wanted. She picked Indian and her hotel’s concierge recommended Rasika. Fresh food, knowledgeable service, but Chola in NYC spoiled us in the Indian food category. (Photo is Michele with home cooked treats, not Rasika.)

Good

Name: Chutzpah!

Category: Restaurant- “Real” New York Deli
State: VA
City: Fairfax

Comment: Poor adventurous Art. He decided to try the Cel Ray Soda, turns out that would be “Celery Soda”, who would of thought someone would make that. Anyway, the menu had lots of things and everything we had was pretty darn good, but it’s “real” hard to have a “real” New York Deli in Virginia.

Good

Name: Bowling Alley on Fort Monroe

Category: Bowling Alley Food
State: VA
City: Fort Monroe Army Base, Hampton

Comment: With nothing to do on a Friday we stumbled in here for a little “comsic bowling”, instead we found a winter wonderland, darn good food, and cheap beer. This place is open to the general public, but no one knows about it. Hurry though, Fort Monroe is scheduled to be closed in a couple of years.

Good

Name: Skylight Inn

Category: Restaurant- BBQ
State: NC
City: Ayden

Comment: Billed as “the best BBQ in North Carolina” we had to stop.  There was a long line in front of the counter which is funny since you really can order only two things. 1) BBQ sandwich 2) Tray of BBQ. Just behind the two guys taking your order was a third, hacking to bits the port, pushing it into a large tray in which the first two guys would make sandwiches or trays with. Super cheap and super great.

Way Good

Name: Gulfstream

Category: Restaurant - American
State: NC
City: Carolina Beach

Comment: If you’re ever on Cape Fear, you could swing by the Gulfstream. All made by a nice Greek lady, the food was good value and very tasty. Make sure you bring cash, cause they don’t take credit cards or out of state checks.

Good

Name: Dixie Bones

Category: Restaurant- BBQ
State: VA
City: Woodbridge

Comment: That’s Henry’s BBQ baked potato. I think he ate it for three or four meals. This place is incredible. The BBQ is great. The sauces are amazing. The sides are out of this world.

Way Good

Name: Oyamel

Category: Restaurant - Mexican
State: DC   
City: DC

Comment: The fresh guacamole was great and the food was “different”... Try to imagine a high price mexican tapas bar. Very shi-shi and very small dishes. Great place to go if you’re a high priced lobbyist.

OK

Name: Southern Station Diner

Category: Restaurant - Diner
State: Virgina   
City: Luray

Comment: (Actually I borrowed that french fry from Arthur.) Luray is known for the cavern (and it’s a must) but not the food.

OK

Name: Buffalo Chips

Category: Restaurant - Wings
State: FL
City: Bonita Springs

Comment: Monday is ten cent wing night so make sure you check this crazy place out on Mondays. Live music, walls covered with sports and movie star paraphernalia, and the wings were great too.

Name: T Rays

Category: Restaurant- Gas Station
State: FL
City: Amelia Island

Comment: Our friends Don and Kristen Packard (pictured) let us stay in their condo on Amelia Island so we decided to take them to a place we read about. It’s a Exxon gas station that has a burger joint inside. There were lots of cars outside but we didn’t see anyone get any gas. The burgers were great and Beth’s blackened mahi mahi sandwich was delicious.

Way Good

Name: San Joe’s

Category: Restaurant - Mexican
State: GA
City: Albany

Comment: We followed our Garmin to a BBQ place but it wasn’t there. Instead there was this mexican restaurant. Our waiter had worked at El Torito in San Diego for four years prior to coming here and for that, treated us like family. I only wonder why they didn’t call the place San Jose.

Good

Way Good

Name: Quigleys Pint & Plate

Category: Restaurant- Brewery
State: SC
City: Pawleys Island

Comment: Our friends Laura and Sean Lee took us to their “favorite” place. It’s a brewery in a strip mall with out of this world food.  I had grits with sausages and shrimp, but the grits were more like creamy, potatoey, cheese-o-rific. I would have eaten this until I exploded. The meatloaf was great and Beth said her boneless fried chicken was the best fried chicken she had ever had.  If you go here make sure you check out the Brookgreen Garden sculpture park (even better during the winter season when they light it up with thousands of candles.)

Way Good

Name: Jestine’s Kitchen

Category: Restaurant - Southern
State: SC
City: Charleston

Comment: A great little place with all the things to satisfy your craving for some Southern food. The collard-greens were fabulous.

Good

Name: Thai Star

Category: Restaurant - Thai
State: FL
City: Bonita Springs

Comment: Beth and I got to sneak out for a dinner for two. After not finding the Chinese place we ending up here in a strip mall. Good thing we didn’t find the Chinese. Everything was exceedingly fresh, spiced perfectly.

Good

Name: Noodle Saigon

Category: Restaurant - Vietnamese
State: FL
City: Bonita Springs

Comment: During our Christmas shopping, a guy at the Apple store said that this was the place to go. Huge bowls of noodles, the food was good , but not great. Although when Henry and I were leaving that guy from the Apple store was coming in for his lunch, maybe he owns the place.

Good

Name: Fitzgeralds

Category: Restaurant - Irish Pub
State: FL
City: Bonita Springs

Comment: Good beer, good/loud Irish music, but it’s a bar first. In a place like this ask the bartender (after you’ve had a beer and given him a generous tip) what’s good...then order that. Amazing corn beef (cooked right there), the meatloaf special looked pretty good. Unfortunately Joe’s roast chicken was more roast than chicken.

Good

Name: Tokyo Dining

Category: Restaurant - Japanese
State: FL
City: Orlando - EPCOT at Disney World

Comment: Henry was hungry for tempura and sushi after a long day of hitting amusement parks (we did THREE this day). The food was very good for where we were. The Green Tea Martini certainly was a good way to begin unwinding from a long day, but most amazingly was we got a table with a view of the nightly fireworks show. If you have to wait to get a table (like us) just run over to Germany and get a beer.

Way Good

Name: Doc’s

Category: Restaurant - Beach Bar
State: FL
City: Bonita Springs

Comment: A bit hard to beat a beer and fish sandwich on the beach in January thinking about how cold it is in all those places that we were this summer.

Good

Name: Rice

Category: Restaurant - Thai
State: GA
City: Roswell

Comment: A quaint little house turned into a Thai restaurant. It was OK, but unless you’re getting your oil changed on your Saturn like we were, I’d look elsewhere.

OK

Name: The Varsity

Category: Restaurant - Fast Food
State: GA
City: Atlanta

Comment: “What’ll Ya Have”. An icon but not for everyone. The onion rings alone are reason to go. Everything else could be considered by some as “slop on a burger or dog” but to others “a taste of heaven”. In my humble opinion, this is right up there with the MLK Jr National Historic site and Coke World when you visit Atlanta.

Way Good

Name: The Hoop-De-Doo Review at Pioneer Hall

Category: Restaurant - Dinner Show
State: FL
City: Orlando - Fort Wilderness at Disney World

Comment: Buckets o’ food (and I do mean buckets), all the soda, beer or wine you can drink, super silly show, what more do you need? The chicken, ribs, beans and ‘taters do come out in buckets and once you’re done, they bring you another and another, and it’s pretty darn good to boot. It’s a great time if you’re ready to have a great time. We heard from our waitress, Heather, that there is a guy referred to as “the Tattoo guy” since he has all the various Hoop-De-Doo characters tattooed on his body (he even has a tattoo of one of the waiters.) We had an amazing time, but we’re not quite ready for tattoos.

Way Good

Name: The Sci-Fi Drive In Theater

Category: Restaurant - “Drive In”
State: FL
City: Orlando - Disney Studios in Disney World

Comment: Your table is a little car under the simulated night sky and while you eat, you get to watch old sci-fi movie trailers. The burgers were massive and the shakes were so thick it took me the whole meal to finish it. Probably not wise to eat here right before the Rock ‘n Roll roller coaster or the Tower of Terror.

Way Good

Name: B. O.’s

Category: Restaurant - Road Side Shanty
State: FL
City: Key West

Comment: This is the place to go if you want to quickly understand what Key West is about. It appears to be a street vender just kept on adding more salvaged wood, covering it with some tin roof or a tarp and “Wa-La”. Order a conch sandwich and a beer. Find a seat and listen to the band or if you feel like it go dance in the street for a bit. Great food and amazing atmosphere that you can only find in the Southern most place in the continental United States.

Way Good

Name: Blue Heaven

Category: Restaurant - American
State: FL
City: Key West

Comment: Amazing Breakfast. Their slogan is “Serving heaven on a fork and sin in a glass.” Beth’s lobster Benedict was out of this world. Sit in the back yard and watch (and listen) to the roosters. The boys found a sign that said “Showers $1.00. To Watch $2.00”.

Way Good

Name: Croissants de France

Category: Restaurant - French Bakery
State: FL
City: Key West

Comment: Lloyd from our bike tour turned us on to this place the day before. When we showed up for breakfast before leaving Key West, there was Lloyd and his bike having a quick breakfast before leading another group on a tour of the Key. Very good croissants and huge helping of eggs. With all the chickens running around the island it’s no wonder.

Good

Name: Key West Ice Cream Factory

Category: Ice Cream Parlor
State: FL
City: Key West

Comment: Grammie Mo’s rule is ice cream is an acceptable substitute for one meal a day. So today, after an amazing sunset sailboat cruise, we stumbled down the wharf and had “dinner”. Very good homemade ice cream and homemade waffle cones.

Good

Name: Country’s

Category: Restaurant - BBQ
State: GA
City: Columbus

Comment: This is a converted bus station and we, of course, asked to be seated in the bus that is still attached. The deep fried pickles were to die for (and if you’ve never tried them, come here to do so.) The other food was darn good also. If you travel all the way to Columbus GA, you must stop by the lunchbox museum.

Way Good

Name: Ruth Anne’s

Category: Restaurant - Southern
State: GA
City: Columbus

Comment: Behold the “Scrambled Dog”. Said to have been created here in Columbus it includes, hot dog bun, two chopped up franks, covered in chili, cheese, oyster crackers, and pickles (Henry opted out of the pickles).

Good

Name: Taliaferro’s Buffet

Category: Restaurant - Southern
State: AL
City: Tuskegee

Comment: When you go to Tuskegee to visit the institute and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, make sure you save some room in your belly for this place. Beth had “the best vegetable soup she had ever tasted.” The fried chicken was great and so were all the sides. But whatever you do, save room for the banana pudding.

Good

Name: Ole Biloxi Schooner

Category: Restaurant - Southern
State: MS
City: Biloxi

Comment: Prior to arriving at this restaurant a stream of 40 elderly people came pouring out (so you know it had to be OK). Once inside, I noticed that everyone, and I do mean everyone, was eating the same thing. It looked like spaghetti with red sauce. But what it really was, was spaghetti with red sauce and shrimp. It was OK but I was more impressed with the other things that arrived at our table. The boy’s shrimp Po-boy’s (which we were told is a sandwich with fried food inside) were really good. The bread pudding was amazing too.

Good

Name: Mary Mahoney’s

Category: Restaurant - Southern
State: MS
City: Biloxi

Comment: After you win big at the Hard Rock Casino across the street, stumble over here for an exceptional meal. Beth’s crawfish etouffee was great (and since she thought it was shrimp I got eat most of it.) I like to order things I know I would never or could make. What I got was an escargot plate (the ones with the shallow dimples). In each dimple was a sauteed garlic clove, and some spinach That was cover by five huge shrimp, then a sort of rich southern rue sauce, and finally it was all covered by a heap of crab meat. This was one of  dishes you don’t want to share and you don’t want to take anything home, you just want to eat it all right now.

Way Good

Name: Hard Rock Casino - Buffet

Category: Restaurant - Buffet
State: MS
City: Biloxi

Comment: Ok. You didn’t hit it big in the casino and don’t have enough money to go across the street to Mary Mahoney’s, then I guess you eat here at the buffet. Henry’s favorite type of food is buffet, just ask him. Anyway, this wasn’t too bad as far as casino buffets go. We all agreed that the best section was the Asian food, the best desert was the small cubes of fudge (but you could take as many as you wanted.)

OK

Name: Bon Ton Cafe

Category: Restaurant - Cajun/Creole
State: LA
City: New Orleans

Comment: We did a lot of quality eating in the Big Easy and this was the first place we hit when we rolled into town. Beth had Oysters Alvin, Art Fried Crawfish, Henry Shrimp Louisiana, and I had Crawfish Etouffee (because Beth couldn’t decide). Everything was fabulous, including the two martinis and the side of onion rings.

Way Good

Name: Cochon

Category: Restaurant - “Fancy” BBQ
State: LA
City: New Orleans

Comment: Some might question if BBQ can be fancy, maybe that’s the wrong word. Henry had chicken n’ dumplings but the chicken was replaced by duck, Art had a delicious catfish dish. My BBQ pork was a little too “artful”, it was made into a patty then fried. They also had a huge pile of “cracklin” (that’s deep fried pig skin) that was fun to watch grow and grow as they got ready for the dinner crowd I guess. If I had to do it again I would come here after a night out on Bourbon St, order a few appetizers, and have a couple of their Bloody Mary’s (which are reason alone to come to this place.)

Good

Name: The Shed

Category: Restaurant - BBQ (and I do mean BBQ)
State: MS
City: Ocean Springs

Comment: WOW I can’t believe I forgot to write this place up. I apologize because this is a place that is not to be missed. First, I was a bit wary when this place had large billboard advertising along the highway, but when we rolled up it appeared that much of the debris from Katrina had deposited here. You place your order at the bar then the waitress comes out shouting “HENRY”, “HENRY” and brings your food in a bunch of to-go containers. Don’t think any Henry would be able to claim your food ‘cause she asks what your last name is for extra security. And it’s a good thing too, because I’d be willing to get into a scuffle if someone got hold of my ribs before me. The ribs had a dry rub, smoked and then an excellent sauce slathered on. The boys had some pulled pork sandwiches--but get the ribs. This place also has a music venue, but unfortunately it wasn’t playing any blues when we went. Beth and I agreed that the ribs were so far the best we’ve had.

Way Good

Name: Salvo’s Seafood & Deli

Category: Restaurant - Cajun Seafood
State: LA
City: Belle Chasse

Comment: Ok, the boy’s didn’t really care for the crawfish and it gave Beth a stomach ache (but we think this may be due to her shrimp allergy), but I thought this place was great. If you’re looking for a place where the locals go to get some spicy little shellfish, cold beer, and just about any other Cajun seafood delight then come here. But be warned,  these little guys are addictive and spicy, soon you’ll need a couple more beers, and then soon after that you’ll find that you’re sucking the heads just like a pro.

Way Good

Name: Yo Mamma’s

Category: Restaurant - Bar (with food)
State: LA
City: New Orleans

Comment: Beth and I walked down Bourbon St and ended up at Pat O’brian’s for a ubiquitous Hurricane (make sure you get one of these). Our bartender recommended we go just across the street to Yo Mamma’s for a quick bite (he recommend a burger and potato or the gumbo. We both opted for the burger option, although Beth got a salad vice a potato. Beth said it was the best burger on the trip so far (and she only had two beers so here judgement wasn’t impaired.) Neither was mine, and I’ll have to agree with her. The potato was amazing also. It really appeared that this was a local hangout and I can see why. Beside our super fun bartender Renee, the great food, they had a list of 100 different Tequilas. If you ever find yourself on Bourbon St., make your way here.

Way Good

Name: Cafe Du Monde

Category: Restaurant - Coffee House
State: LA
City: New Orleans

Comment: It’s an icon and something you must do, especially if you like beignets (square doughnuts with no hole) covered with two cups of powdered sugar and dark coffee and chicory (very tasty). A bit of advice, don’t wear black (like Henry, Beth and I) cause you’re going to get powdered sugar everywhere and you’ll end up looking like one of those street performers that paints themselves with white paint and pretends they’re a robot. Maybe that’s what happened to the guy across the street?

Good

Name: Little G’s Kajun Kitchen

Category: Restaurant - Coffee House
State: LA
City: Belle Chasse

Comment: You have to love a restaurant that has a sign in the entry way warning you not to touch the animals on the wall. The Po-boys (which we were told is “fried food on bread”) are outstanding. I had the Oyster “with clothes” (mayo, lettuce, and tomato). The crawfish etouffee was equally good. Besides the good food, our waitress was  great. I loved the way she called the boys “Baby” (bay-bee with an emphasis on “bay”) throughout the meal.

Good

Name: Goode’s BBQ

Category: Restaurant - BBQ
State: TX
City: Houston

Comment: Don’t be confuse about Goode’s seafood or Goode’s Armadillo Palace go straight to the BBQ joint (the one on Kirby Dr) . Don’t be surprised that this isn’t way out in the boonies. The Brisket was to die for (actually don’t die because you’ll want to go back for a second round). The atmosphere was great, gotta love having three large coolers of iced beer when you first walk into the place. Grab your beer, (quickly) figure out what you want as you walk through the food line, pay (quickly so you can start eating), and go find a seat under a buffalo.

Way Good

Name: Taco Taco

Category: Restaurant - Mexican
State: TX
City: San Antonio

Comment: Taco Taco is a little college taco shop that has hit the big time. It’s been written up by every magazine and even been on the Food Channel (Bobby Flay Challenge). Beth wasn’t feeling well after our 14 mile run, so I took the boys out for a little “Mexican brunch”. This place is so small you have to wait outside and once they have a table they let you come in. The tacos were HUGE and deliciouso. Too bad Beth wasn’t feeling well.

Way Good

Name: Los Barrios

Category: Restaurant - Mexican
State: TX
City: San Antonio

Comment: After the boys did a reading of their book at a local school, the principal (with her Texas twang) recommended Los Barrios for lunch. A family run restaurant with deep roots in San Antonio. My chile relleno was outstanding and the boys food was pretty good too.

Good

Name: Salt Lick

Category: Restaurant - BBQ
State: TX
City: Middle of no where (between Austin and San Antonio)

Comment: We had a couple of recommendations to mosey out way out to the Salt Lick. Beth decided to take a “Mom Day” and do some writing so the men heading out to find some meat. Ok maybe we’ve eaten too much BBQ, because this was some good BBQ: brisket, ribs, sausage and all the sides. In the end however both Henry and I said, “Yeah that was pretty darn good.” Then again we didn’t have, what looked like, amazing peach cobbler, because they just kept bringing us more and more of that “pretty darn good” food.

Way Good

Name: Food Shark

Category: Roach Coach - (but don’t let that stop you)
State: TX
City: Marfa

Comment: A friend of mine (in Germany) said that if we were in Texas then we had to go to Marfa to look at the art. We like art so we went and I now can say anyone who likes modern art, and is passing through Texas, must make it here and go though the Chinati tours. (You need a reservation for the tours). Ok, back to the food. In between tours you have enough time to stumble around this little town and you better find yourself at the Food Shark (open 11:30-3:00) since it was obviously “the” place to go for lunch. Imagine really good, organic, whole grain, hummus-dipped, eggplanty things, with sides of homemade pickled onions, scrumptious falafel, and other delicious things. Just what you need to go back and look at stainless steel boxes lined up neatly in a large warehouse.

Way Good

Name: Martin’s Capitol Cafe

Category: Restaurant - Mexican
State: NM
City: Roswell

Comment: Well we just had to go to Roswell if we were in the area and since it was lunch time we drove up and down the main street looking for a place to eat. All the street lights had little alien eyes, every other store was some sort of UFO gift shop, but we could not find a UFO themed place to eat (although there was a coffee shop with “out of this world coffee.”) So we headed to Martin’s.  The food was good enough for what we needed but the “people” in here were from another planet. There was a guy behind us who looked like he just landed: grey long hair, weeks worth of wiskers, not all his teeth, wearing a suit jacket and talking to himself the entire meal.

OK

Name: Carlsbad Cavern Snack Bar

Category: Snack Bar
State: NM
City: Carlsbad Cavern (750ft below the ground)

Comment: Most National Parks aren’t “tourist traps”, but Carlsbad Cavern had a little different start so it has some things not found in other National Park Caves. So far on this trip we’ve been in a total of 4 different caves and this is on the “must do” list. Back to the cave, it’s huge, it has a gift shop and a snack bar down inside the cave (none of the other caves had that). We went on a 1.5 hour guided tour, then took a break with a cup of coffee, a couple of waters, two muffins and some celery and carrots. The celery was a bit odd but the coffee was the best I’ve ever had inside a cave. After our little snack we then went on another self guide 1.5 hour tour. It was an amazing place, check it out if you’re in the area.

Way Good

Name: Nopalito

Category: Restaurant - Mexican
State: NM
City: Las Cruces

Comment: The food was good, Henry had Gorditas, little pockets of fried dough stuffed with meat, beans and cheese...he was in heaven. Although after this Henry was heard saying “I can’t eat any more Mexican food or brisket, can we go someplace that serves fish?”

Good

Name: Mariscos Chihuahua

Category: Restaurant - Mexican Seafood
State: AZ
City: Tucson

Comment: Henry picked this place out since it’s specialty was shrimp and fish (see above). This place is by no means fancy, but man was the food good. They had all sorts of ways to serve up shrimp, including shrimp stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon (I was sorely tempted), but went with what “everyone gets”; Camrones Culichi (shrimp in green chile, sour cream and cheese). Everything was very good. I wish we were staying longer so I could try out the whole fried fish or the “drunken shrimp” cocktail.

Way Good

Name: Jasmine

Category: Restaurant - Dim Sum
State: CA
City: San Diego

Comment: Now that we’ve returned to the “old country” mid-way through our journey I have a chance to review some of our old haunts. Jasmine has pretty darn good Dim Sum. We would go here after kickboxing in our sweat gear. Make sure you order some Chinese Broccoli.

Good

Name: Kamp Kileaua Buffet

Category: Buffet
State: HI
City: Volcano National Park- near the town of Volcano

Comment: Inside of the Volcano National Park the military has a campground complete with a military style buffet. The first night we were there it was packed. I think that was mainly due to the band and the hula show put on by nearby community and not the food. It does have all the spam you can eat for breakfast.

OK

Name: U-Top-It

Category: Restaurant - “Pancrepe”
State: HI
City: Kailua Kona

Comment: One day we drove around the Big Island and luckily got to this place just prior to closing. The serve something called a “pancrepe” (thicker than a crepe, not as thick as a pancake) made out of taro. As the name suggests, you get to choose what you want on it.  I had a Kanaka Attack, 2 fried eggs, rice, and Portuguese sausage. All the ingredients were very fresh and everyone enjoyed what they ordered.

Good

Name: Cafe 100

Category: Restaurant - Hawaiian
State: HI
City: Hilo

Comment: Don’t go here if you’re looking for Hawaiian food like, pineapple, roasted pig, and any other “luau type fare”. This is the home of the Loco Moco, which is basically, two big scoops of rice, covered in brown gravy, topped with just about anything and finally covered by an egg cooked to ordered. I had the Super Loco: rice, gravy, hamburger patty, slice of spam, Portuguese sausage and two fried eggs. You get a ton of food, their was a ton of people here, and if I lived in Hilo I’d probably weigh a ton because of this place.

Way Good

Name: Itsu’s Fishing Supplies, Inc.

Category: Fishing Supply - (and they serve food and shave ice)
State: HI
City: Hilo

Comment: After hiking across old lava beds for six hours, I asked the park ranger where was the best place for shave ice. His reply “Itsu’s is da bomb” and it was. Of course when we plugged Itsu’z into our GPS we didn’t think it would show up as a fishing supply store. Shave Ice is not the same as a snow cone. The ice is much finer, think fresh powder snow. We each had a “deluxe”. Thats a large bowl with some shave ice, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some azuki beans, more shave ice, then covered with homemade flavor syrups. Henry had root beer, Arthur was blue vanilla, Beth had strawberry and coconut, and I had pineapple.  On a hot day or after hiking over the lava beds this is the place to go.

Way Good

Name: Sushihana

Category: Restaurant - sushi
State: CA
City: Rancho Penasquitos

Comment: (normally we take pictures before we eat, but this food didn’t last long.) Our friends took us to this place. Make sure you go on half price days. The sushi was good and they had a large selection. For the life of me I can’t remember what we had. The boys sat at their own table, ordered their own sushi, but unfortunately didn’t pick up their own check.

Good

Name: Apple Alley Bakery

Category: Restaurant - Lunch and Pies
State: CA
City: Julian

Comment: It turns out that the Bacon’s own a little piece of property near Julian up in the mountains and I had never seen it. So we drove up, took a look. It was about as big as a postage stamp, on a sheer cliff, but had a great view and then it was lunch time. Beth and I had OK sandwiches but the boys hit the jackpot when they ordered sausage calzones. They came fresh out of the oven, were hot (as you can see it melted Art’s fork) and were delicious.

Good

Name: Flavors Harrah’s Buffet

Category: Buffet
State: NV
City: Las Vegas

Comment: The boys hit the strip while Beth was up in Bainbridge Island. After much searching Arthur and Henry settled on “Flavors”. It was OK. I tried to steer them to the buffet at Paris, but the boys said it was too expensive. I only wish they served marshmallows like at the Blue Man group show we saw.

OK

Name: Ruby’s Inn Buffet

Category: Buffet
State: UT
City: Bryce Canyon

Comment: We got really early and I mean early, drove one and a half hours, and watched the sunrise over Bryce Canyon. Although it was freezing, it was still an amazing 30 minutes. Then it was off to the nearest place that served hot coffee. Unfortunately the National Park restaurant opened that day and was only starting to serve food at lunch, not breakfast, so down the road to Ruby’s Inn. The best part of the breakfast was all the different nationalities of the people eating the very plain food.

OK

Name: 4-corners

Category: Tourist Trap
State: AZ, CO, NM, UT
City: Middle of no where (and 2.5 miles from somewhere)

Comment: We’ll we heard that the “fry bread” was the best at 4-corners, and since no trip across country would be complete without stepping on “the spot” we headed there. When we arrived the wind chill seemed to be -10. So even if the fry bread and beans and cheese had been served hot (they weren’t) your meal turned into a race to eat it before it turned into an ice cube. P.S. turns out 4 corners is actually 2.5 miles away, someone made an error.

OK

Name: Main Street Brewery

Category: Restaurant
State: CO
City: Cortez

Comment: We went here for a little dinner. Just your average restaurant but it did boast a micro brewery.  The food was OK, Beth’s Colorado chili was pretty good, the beer was very good and the boy’s homemade vanilla root beer was outstanding.

OK

Name: La Rosa Mistica

Category: Coffee Shop
State: CO
City: Julian

Comment: Eastern weekend we took the boys to XXx to climb a small hill in a small town that had amazing bronze sculptures of the stations of the cross. After our trek we retraced our steps and ended up in this little coffee shop. The boys had rich hot vanilla and chocolate. Like being in your grandma’s kitchen

Good

Name: Backdoor

Category: Steak House
State: OK
City: Blair

Comment: After we finally got settled into our camping spot we took off to go to a Road Food recommendation. Our little GPS said it would be a little less than two hours, but we’ve done that before. About 15 minutes into our trip we drove through the town of xxxx and past the Backdoor. The smell of cooking steak hit us like a wave and two minutes later we had convinced ourselves that we should turn around and eat there. The food was good, you could eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor, and the staff was friendly. When we left with our bellies stuffed we realized we probably would have just been ordering our dinner if we had continued on to the place we started for.

Good

Name: Sonic

Category: Car Hop
State: OK
City: Paris

Comment: After petting long horn cows nothing hits the spot like a gallon of sweet slushe. Since it was “happy hour” you can have another half gallon for only a quarter. Don’t get me wrong, there were good, but a gallon and a half of anything is too much.

OK

Name: Rivertowne BBQ

Category: BBQ
State: AR
City: Ozark

Comment: It’s been about a month since we’ve hit a BBQ place, maybe we’re going into withdrawal. Beth found this place as we boomed along the interstate, Billed as “the best BBQ in Arkansas”. It was darn good but the friendlyness of the people is what will keep you coming back. Henry is about to dig into his bowl of Rivertowne Bean Slop: Chopped pork topped with beans, rice, cheese and hot sauce.

Good

Name: Lassis Inn

Category: Catfsh Restaurant
State: AR
City: Little Rock

Comment: After a lot of searching we decided to head to this place. It was a small little blue house with even smaller tables. The service was slow, but this place was about sitting around, talking with your friends, listening to the amazing blues coming out of the jukebox, and sipping you quart of beer. It only gets better when your food arrives. Nothing fancy, but the best dang catfish we’ve ever had.

Way Good

Name: Central BBQ

Category: BBQ
State: TN
City: Memphis

Comment: There are a lot of BBQ places in Memphis and it took us about an hour to figure out what we thought might be a good one. We then sheepishly proposed going to Central to our friend Beth who lives in the city. Her response “That’s my favorite BBQ place.” The food was great and the beer cold. They had tables inside and lots of painted picnic tables outside. The best way to describe it, “The Ben & Jerry’s of BBQ”.

Way Good

Name: Gus’s Fried Chicken

Category: Restaurant
State: TN
City: Memphis

Comment: A few people recommended this place, one of them being a Southern food critic. The place was packed when we got there.  There was a long line for takeout and every table was filled with people eating mounds of fried chicken. We ordered a family pack of 12 pieces and two sides and some fried pickles. Next time will skip the sides and pickles and just get more chicken. A “must eat here” place.

Way Good

Name: Autozone Baseball Park

Category: Ballpark Food
State: TN
City: Memphis

Comment: You know you’re in BBQ country when at the AAA ballpark they serve all the standard faire but it’s all covered in BBQ pork and sauce. Art’s digging into his BBQ nachos. I had already eaten my share of BBQ sausage nachos so couldn’t get the courage to try the chicken on a stick. I’m told it’s chicken, onion and peppers dipped in batter and deep fried like a corn dog. I saw one, it was about a foot long. Next time.

Way Good

Name: Shakee’s Frozen Custard

Category: Car Hop
State: AR
City: Little Rock

Comment: As Grammie Mo says, “You can always replace one meal a day with ice cream.” Not sure if she knows about custard. If she did she might change her mind to two meals a day.

Good

Name: Campbells

Category: BBQ
State: AR
City: Murfeesboro

Comment: After a long day of panning for diamonds (they have a park where you can look for diamonds...they find a couple every day.) we needed some lunch. The “miners” panning next to us said their cousin’s sister owns a place down the way and it was named after John Campbell, the singer, who was her 2nd cousin (or something like that). It’s a place filled with family and groups of men in hunting gear.

Good

Name: Ivan’s

Category: Restaurant
State: TN
City: Rockwood

Comment: The Bacon’s lived in Rockwood for four generations, so we came here to see what we could see. The only place in town open was Ivan’s. Beth had the chicken salad and I had the chicken casserole and three. After about three bites Beth and I made the same comment, “It’s like eating food from the 60’s. Just like you grandparents would make.” Well maybe not as good as what your grandparents would make.

OK

Name: Mrs Mary Bobo’s

Category: Ballpark Food
State: TN
City: Lynchburg

Comment: Really only two things to do in Lynchburg; tour the Jack Daniel’s distillery and eat at Mrs Mary Bobo’s (you need reservations for the latter.) Both are well worth the trouble. At least it’s not a dry county as far as great southern food is concern (it is however for the liquor.) The food was stupendous, served family style sitting around a table with some strangers when you arrived and people you knew by the time you tried to get out of your seat.

Way Good

Name: KFC

Category: Restaurant
State: KY
City: Elizabeth City

Comment: We’ve had some good fried chicken during our trip but the boys said we needed to sample KFC while in Kentucky...just to say we did. Needless to say, the boys haven’t been asking for KFC since.

OK

Name: Meramec State Park

Category: Restaurant/General Store
State: MO
City: Sullivan

Comment: Sometime you just don’t want to cook for yourself and you don’t really care where you eat. We had gone out into Sullivan looking for a cool sounding pizza place, but eventually figured out that “it had closed years ago.” After driving around looking for food we were resigned to go back to the RV and boil up some gruel and be done with it. Instead we went into the cafe (that had opened up the day before).  We didn’t care, throw whatever you have in the fridge (even if it was from last season) into the deep fat fryer and give it to us. They do have beer.

OK

Name: Sheridan’s

Category: Frozen Custard
State: MO
City: Kansas City

Comment: “Let’s give ice cream another try...then again maybe not.” - Henry. We don’t understand why frozen custard isn’t everywhere in the US. This is something too good not to share. Get a concrete, it’s to die for.

Way Good

Name: Waldo Pizza

Category: Pizza
State: MO
City: Kansas City

Comment: If you’re an indecicive type of person don’t come here. They have 4 types of crust, 9 different cheeses, 50 different toppings, and an incredible beer list (note picture of me). This is a great place and you would be crazy not to stop here.  P.S. They serve frozen custard too. 

Way Good

Name: Arthur Bryant’s

Category: BBQ
State: MO
City: Kansas City

Comment: We’ve eaten a bit of BBQ during this trip and this place (even though a local chain) is worth swinging by. When you first enter it becomes obvious that they pump the BBQ smell into the entrance hall (actually we figured that out when we left). I would highly recommend “Burnt Ends”. It may sound bad, but I’m here to tell you it’s a pile of some mighty good BBQ.

Way Good

Name: Upstream Brewing Co.

Category: Restaurant / micro brewery
State: NE
City: Omaha

Comment: This place was rockin’ on a Tuesday night. The food was pretty good, the company was much better, but the entertainment was great (and the beer is pretty good). Back to the entertainment. They have a wondering magician. Henry: “No wonder this place is so popular.” He sat down with us and entertained the kids and the adults. The piece de resistance was a trick where he has the kids sign a playing card then magically shoots it onto the ceiling, where it will be for all eternity.

Good

Name: Jam’s American Grill

Category: American fusion restaurant
State: NE
City: Omaha

Comment: We all had something different; omaha pepper steak, asian salad, carnitas enchiladas, shrimp fettuchini special and it was all  spectacular. This place is easily in the top five places we’ve eaten on this trip. The desserts were amazing also (the closest to beating me on my creme brulee--and that’s saying something.)

Way Good

Name: Shirley’s Cafe

Category: Cafe
State: NE
City: Omaha

Comment: A way good for breakfast comfort food. We had to wait while our RV engine’s oil was being changed, so we went out for breakfast. Drove past a million chains till we found Shirley’s an authentic 50’s style diner with more 50’s kitsch on the walls than the Smithsonian. Don’t leave without eating the chicken fried steak, or at least half the chicken fried steak (they’re huge). 100% geriatric patrons (not including us). Beth must comment on the ladies’ room: Pink feather boa around the mirror, a makeup table with an assortment of perfume sprays, kissy-lips stamped on the walls and pinups of James Dean, Elvis and Paul Newman.  A 1950’s teenage girl must be the decorator.

Name: Stampede Burger

Category: Burger Joint
State: ID
City: Gooding

Comment: After doing a reading the boys’ book at the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, we wanted a good lunch and were told we couldn’t go wrong with the burgers and shakes at the Stampede. They were right. Peanut butter, snickers and s’mores were the three shake flavors we chose. Clean, homespun, and ultra-friendly. You could tell it supported of the community--the day we went, the place was about to close down early so the whole staff could attend the high school graduation.

Good

Name: Brownstone Brew House

Category: Brew Pub
State: ID
City: Idaho Falls

Comment: A good place for a beer (or root beer) and burger with a nice view of the Falls in Idaho Falls.

Good

Name: Sportsmans Club

Category: American
State: WA
City: Yakima

Comment: Retro-cool bar/restaurant/pool hall on the main drag in Yakima. Surprisingly varied menu and fresh ingredients.

Good

Way Good