Across the Nation (Best of List) - Eating The Road

Hey guys,

I've been reading RoadFood.com for a while but I haven't posted anything to the forums yet. I just got back from a rather long roadtrip and put together a compilation of the places my stomach enjoyed the most. I figured you might enjoy it too. I started a blog at www.eatingtheroad.wordpress for your reading pleasure (I hope). I really like the community here and would love to hear what ya'll think. Keep in mind also (before I truly offend anyone) that this is only composed of the places that I have had the pleasure to dine at so far. I plan on taking another trip using all the info I gather about where I've gone horribly wrong and which places out there will put these to shame...so speak up and let me know!

Now in no particular order:

Best Burger

1. Standard Diner - 320 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102-3516
2. Port of Call - 838 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
3. Coyote Bluff Cafe - 2417 S Grand St, Amarillo, TX 79103-5205
4. Louis' Lunch - 263 Crown Street, New Haven, CT 06511-6611
5. World Famous Ted's - 1046 Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450-3446
6. G&A Restaurant - 3802 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224-4221

Best in Show

Mom's Tamales (Tamales) - 3328 Pasadena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031-1936
Geno's Steaks (Cheeseteak) - 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA‎ 19147-5005
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant (Boysenberry Pie) - 8039 Beach Blvd – Buena Park, CA 90620
Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House (Clam Chowder) - 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, RI 02889-9616
Lulu's Bakery & Cafe (Chicken Fried Steak) - 918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212-4729

Best Breakfast

1. Blue Moon Cafe - 1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231-2925
2. Harry's Roadhouse - 96B Old Las Vegas Highway, Santa Fe, NM 87505-9367
3. Matt's Big Breakfast - 801 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2013

Best Donuts

1. Randy's Donuts - 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
2. Round Rock Donuts - 106 W Liberty St, Round Rock, TX 78664-5122
3. Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House - 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, RI 02889-9616

Best Chili

1. The Varsity - 61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308-2166
2. Johnnie's Grill - 301 S Rock Island Ave, El Reno, OK 73036
3. The Big Texan Steak House - 7701 E I-40, Amarillo, TX 79121

Best Buffet

1. Shady Maple Smorgasbord - 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl, PA 17519
2. The Lady & Sons - 102 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401
3. North Main BBQ - 7701 E I-40, Amarillo, TX 79121

Best Dessert

1. Mary Mac's Tea Room - 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308-1938
2. The Silver Skillet - 200 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318-5304
3. The Joint - 801 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Best Ice Cream

1. Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream - 471 Shetucket Tpke, Voluntown, CT 06384
2. The Ice Cream Man - 417 State Route 29, Greenwich, NY 12834-4233
3. The Creole Creamery - 4924 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115-4018

Best French Fries

1. Standard Diner - 320 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102-3516
2. Hoover's Cooking & Catering - 2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
3. Hodad's - 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

Best Fish & Chips

1. Hoover's Cooking & Catering - 2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
2. Fuddruckers - 221 North San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, C 91502
3. Red Lion Pub - 2316 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019-7014

Best Chicken & Waffles

1. Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles - 10 W Yuma St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
2. MaMa E's Wings & Waffles - 3838 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
3. The Lady & Sons - 102 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401

Best Hot Dog

1. The Varsity - 61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308-2166
2. Fab Hot Dogs - 6747 Tampa Ave., Reseda, CA 91355
3. Pink's Hot Dogs - 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Best Taco

1. Juan in a Million - 2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
2. Fidel's Little Mexico - 749 Genevieve St, Solana Beach, CA 92075
3. El Tepeyac Cafe - 812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063

Best Side Dish

1. Lulu's Bakery & Cafe (Mashed Potatoes) - 918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212-4729
2. Joey K's Restaurant & Bar (Macaroni & Cheese) - 3001 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115-2232
3. Beacon Drive-In (Onion Rings) - 255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306

Best Pizza

1. The Original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - 157 Wooster Street, New Haven, CT 06511-5709
2. Brick Oven Pizza - 800 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231
3. Arcaro & Genell's Restaurant - 443 S Main Street, Old Forge, PA 18518-1608

Best Snack

1. Penguin Drive-In (Hushpuppies) - 1921 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205-5019
2. Shield's Date Garden (Date Shake) - 80225 US Highway 111, Indio, CA 92201
3. Al's Place (Peanut Butter & Marmalade on Toast) - 13943 Main St, Walnut Grove, CA 95690

Best Pancakes

1. Polly's Pancake Parlor - 672 Sugar HIll Rd (Route 117), Sugar Hill, NH 03586
2. Harry's Roadhouse - 96B Old Las Vegas Highway, Santa Fe, N 87505
3. Kel's Kitchen - 800 N Coit Rd, Richardson, TX 75080-5408

Best BBQ

1. The Joint - 801 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
2. Country's BarBeQue - 1329 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901-2102
3. North Main BBQ - 406 N Main St, Euless, TX 76039-3639

Best Bread

1. Mary Mac's Tea Room - 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308-1938
2. Hoover's Cooking & Catering - 2002 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
3. Lulu's Bakery & Cafe - 918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212-4729

Best Biscuit

1. Kel's Kitchen - 800 N Coit Rd, Richardson, TX 75080-5408
2. Ye Olde Pancake Station - 2800 Virginia Cir # A, Amarillo, TX 79109-1604
3. Cracker Barrel - 5390 Walden Rd, Beaumont, TX 77705-4209

Biggest Let Downs

1. Backroad Pizza - 1807 2nd St # 1, Santa Fe, NM 87505-3800
2. Virgina Diner - 408 County Drive N, Wakefield, VA 23888
3. La Piazza al Forno - 5803 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301


Also, here's an ongoing list of all the stops on my trip:

Al’s Place - Review
Address: 13943 Main St, Walnut Grove, CA 95690
Phone: (916) 776-1800‎
Website: N/A

The Squeeze Inn - Review
Address: 7918 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA‎ 95820
Phone: (916) 386-8599‎
Website: www.thesqueezeinn.com

Original Mel’s - Review
Address: 565 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 641-7500
Website: N/A

Fab Hot Dogs - Review
Address: 6747 Tampa Avenue, Reseda, CA‎ 91335
Phone: (818) 344-4336‎
Website: www.fabhotdogs.com

El Tepeyac Cafe - Review
Address: 812 N Evergreen Ave, Los Angeles, CA‎ 90063
Phone: (213) 268-1960‎
Website: www.littleburro.com/taquerias/taqueria-02.html

Fuddruckers - Review
Address: 221 North San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: (818) 848-4856‎
Website: www.fuddruckers.com

Randy’s Donuts - Review
Address: 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA‎ 90301
Phone: (310) 645-4707‎
Website: www.randys-donuts.com

Pink’s Hot Dogs - Review
Address: 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA‎ 90038
Phone: (323) 931-4223‎
Website: www.pinkshollywood.com

Mom’s Tamales - Review
Address: 3328 Pasadena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Phone: (323) 226-9383
Website: www.momstamales1.com

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant - Review
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (714) 220-5055
Website: www.knotts.com

Domino’s Pizza - Review
Address: 548 S State College Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone: (714) 774-4494
Website: www.dominos.com

The Cottage - Review
Address: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 454-8409‎
Website: www.cottagelajolla.com

Hodad’s - Review
Address: 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA‎ 92107
Phone: (619) 224-4623‎
Website: www.hodadies.com

Fidel’s Little Mexico - Review
Address: 749 Genevieve St, Solana Beach, CA‎ 92075
Phone: (858) 755-5292‎
Website: www.fidelslittlemexico.com

Breakfast Club of Menifee - Review
Address: 30076 Haun Rd. Suite 200, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: (951) 301-9800
Website: www.breakfastclubofmenifee.com

Shield’s Date Garden - Review
Address: 80225 US Highway 111, Indio, CA‎ 92201
Phone: (760) 347-0996‎
Website: www.shieldsdategarden.com

Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles - Review
Address: 10 W Yuma St, Phoenix, AZ‎ 85003
Phone: (602) 340-1304
Website: www.loloschickenandwaffles.com

La Piazza Al Forno - Review
Address: 5803 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ‎ 85301
Phone: (623) 847-3301‎
Website: www.lapiazzaalforno.com

Matt’s Big Breakfast - Review
Address: 801 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ‎ 85004
Phone: (602) 254-1074‎
Website: www.mattsbigbreakfast.com

Bill Johnson's Big Apple Restaurant - Review
Address: 3101 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ‎ 85017
Phone: (602) 277-6291‎
Website: www.billjohnsons.com

Heart Attack Grill Diet Center - Review
Address: 6185 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
Phone: (480) 705-9870
Website: www.heartattackgrill.com

Chino Bandido - Review
Address: 15414 N 19th Ave # K, Phoenix, AZ 85023
Phone: (602) 375-3639
Website: www.chinobandido.com

Brandy's Restaurant - Review
Address: 1500 E Cedar Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: (928) 779-2187
Website: www.brandysrestaurant.com

Sophia’s Place - Review
Address: 6313 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM‎ 87107
Phone: (505) 345-3935‎
Website: N/A

Standard Diner - Review
Address: 320 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 243-1440
Website: www.standarddiner.com

Tecolote Cafe - Review
Address: 1203 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 988-1362
Website: www.tecolotecafe.com

Bobcat Bite - Review
Address: 420 Old Las Vegas Hwy, Santa Fe, NM‎ 87505
Phone: (505) 983-5319‎
Website: www.bobcatbite.com

Five & Dime General Store - Review
Address: 58 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM‎ 87501
Phone: (505) 992-1800‎
Website: www.fiveanddimegs.com

Cafe Castro - Review
Address: 2811 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: (505) 473-5800
Website: N/A

Harry’s Roadhouse - Review
Address: 96B Old Las Vegas Highway, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-989-4629
Website: N/A

Bert’s Burger Bowl - Review
Address: 235 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM‎ 87501
Phone: (505) 982-0215‎
Website: N/A

Backroad Pizza - Review
Address: 1807 2nd St # 1, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 955-9055
Website: www.backroadpizza.com

Pantry Restaurant - Review
Address: 1820 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 986-0022
Website: www.pantrysantafe.com

Coyote Bluff Cafe - Review
Address: 2417 S Grand St, Amarillo, TX 79103
Phone: (806) 373-4640
Website: www.coyotebluffcafe.com

Big Texan Steak Ranch - Review
Address: 7701 E I-40, Amarillo, TX‎ 79118
Phone: (806) 372-6000‎
Website: www.bigtexan.com

Ye Old Pancake Station - Review
Address: 2800 Virginia Cir # A, Amarillo, TX 79109
Phone: (806) 355-0211
Website: N/A

Johnnie’s Grill - Review
Address: 301 S Rock Island Ave, El Reno, OK 73036
Phone: (405) 262-4721
Website: N/A

Mama E’s Wings & Waffles - Review
Address: 3838 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, OK‎ 73111
Phone: (405) 424-0800‎
Website: N/A

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse - Review
Address: 1309 S Agnew Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Phone: (405) 236-0416
Website: www.cattlemensrestaurant.com

Keller’s Drive-In - Review
Address: 6537 E Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: (214) 368-1209
Website: N/A

North Main BBQ - Review
Address: 406 N Main Street, Euless, TX 76039
Phone: (817) 283-0884‎
Website: www.northmainbbq.com

Kel’s Kitchen - Review
Address: 800 N Coit Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: (972) 238-5357
Website: www.kelshomecooking.com

Juan In A Million - Review
Address: 2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX‎, 78702
Phone: (512) 472-3872‎
Website: www.juaninamillion.com

Hoover’s Cooking & Catering - Review
Address: 2002 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722
Phone: (512) 479-0889
Website: www.hooverscooking.com

Round Rock Donut Famous Lone Star Bakery - Review
Address: 106 W Liberty Street, Round Rock, TX 78664
Phone: (512) 255-3629
Website: www.roundrockdonuts.com

The Cove - Review
Address: 606 W. Cypress, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 227-2683
Website: www.thecove.us

Lulu’s Bakery - Review
Address: 918 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 222-9422
Website: www.luluscafeinsa.com

Chacho’s & Chalucci’s - Review
Address: 8614 Perrin Beitel Road, San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: (210) 892-1400
Website: www.chachos.com

Red Lion Pub - Review
Address: 2316 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (713) 529-8390
Website: www.redlionhouston.com

Lankford Grocery & Market - Review
Address: 88 Dennis St, Houston, TX‎ 77006
Phone: (713) 522-9555‎
Website: www.lankfordgrocery.com

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store - Review
Address: 5390 Walden Road, Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 842-5420‎
Website: www.www.crackerbarrel.com

Domilise’s Sandwich Shop & Bar - Review
Address: 5240 Annunciation Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: (504) 899-9126
Website: N/A

The Creole Creamery - Review
Address: 4924 Prytania Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: (504) 894-8680‎
Website: www.creolecreamery.com

The Joint - Review
Address: 801 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA‎ 70117
Phone: (504) 949-3232‎
Website: www.alwayssmokin.com

As they say...everyone has an opinion. Yours are as valid as others we've read. Thanks for expressing them with illustrations. A nicely done post. Welcome to Roadfood.

Eatingtheroad,

You didn't say how long this trip was, but regardless, that was a very impressive start. I like your independence. Many of those restaurants are not among the usual repeated suspects.

that made me very hungry, excellent display and info

Indeed an impressive start. I am curious as to why those select few were the "biggest letdowns". Also, I'm with you 100% on the Beacon's onion rings. Not so much with your hotdog and chili choices. Too bad you couldn't have hit Bobcat Bite in Santa Fe for a burger....maybe next time. Good job and I'm sure you'll get more constructive feedback as well as deserved praise. Welcome to Roadfood!

As the honorable mayor said, opinions are personal and based on our experiences.  After all, the reason we are all here is to share new places and get advice from others.  But you did ask for my opinion and I will share some of those as requested.  I have not been to the majority of the places you mentioned but I will comment on those that I have been to.

1. Varsity Chili.  I think I have had better chili out of a can than that stuff at the varsity.  Too thin with a mealy tasting meat.

2.  Lady and sons.  I know I might get flamed for saying this but I thought the buffet there was bad.  My wife and I went there last year over Thanksgiving weekend.  We ordered some fried green tomatoes as an appetizer that completely lacked flavor and were a soggy mess the second they were brought to our table.  Not to mention that the ham and turkey at the buffet table was obviously processed meat because the grains in the slices went every which way and you could tell it was a mish mash that was all pressed together.  It was extremely busy when we were there but that's no excuse for the poor selection of meats.  The sides were decent though in my wife's opinion but she is from the south.  I personally don't care much for fat soaked greens.

3.  Ice Cream.  Decent selections but have you ever been to Americas Dairy land (Wisconsin) ?   Try Mullens Dairy in Watertown just to mention one.  There are a ton more but they are not your commercialized Ben and Jerry type places.

4. Fuddruckers for Fish and Chips?    Please! Come to Wisconsin for a real fish fry with either cod, haddock, lake perch, lake walleye with all the fixins.  Or better yet, take a peek at Train's review of an awesome looking fish fry in Indiana...
http://www.roadfood.com/F...h-Fry-Ever-m542945.asp

5.  Varsity No.1 for hotdogs?  You should be ashamed of yourself!!!  You are right there in New York!  Enough said!

As mentioned, these are just my humble opinions.  The rest of the places you have listed I have not tried.  But the old saying goes....opinions are like a**hol*s, everybody has one.  Thanks for the writeup.

I will agree with The Virginia Diner as one of the BIGGEST LET DOWNS.
 
I too thought it was a "let down", nothing great about the place or the food.
I had the fried chicken and it was no big deal.

 

Shady Maple is an orgy of food....it would take you many ,many days of meals to try what is put out for one serving...most of the food is average quality...but the giant hotel sized place is a site to behold...and worth a trip!!!!!

NC Cheesehead


As the honorable mayor said, opinions are personal and based on our experiences.  After all, the reason we are all here is to share new places and get advice from others.  But you did ask for my opinion and I will share some of those as requested.  I have not been to the majority of the places you mentioned but I will comment on those that I have been to.

1. Varsity Chili.  I think I have had better chili out of a can than that stuff at the varsity.  Too thin with a mealy tasting meat.

2.  Lady and sons.  I know I might get flamed for saying this but I thought the buffet there was bad.  My wife and I went there last year over Thanksgiving weekend.  We ordered some fried green tomatoes as an appetizer that completely lacked flavor and were a soggy mess the second they were brought to our table.  Not to mention that the ham and turkey at the buffet table was obviously processed meat because the grains in the slices went every which way and you could tell it was a mish mash that was all pressed together.  It was extremely busy when we were there but that's no excuse for the poor selection of meats.  The sides were decent though in my wife's opinion but she is from the south.  I personally don't care much for fat soaked greens.

3.  Ice Cream.  Decent selections but have you ever been to Americas Dairy land (Wisconsin) ?   Try Mullens Dairy in Watertown just to mention one.  There are a ton more but they are not your commercialized Ben and Jerry type places.

4. Fuddruckers for Fish and Chips?    Please! Come to Wisconsin for a real fish fry with either cod, haddock, lake perch, lake walleye with all the fixins.  Or better yet, take a peek at Train's review of an awesome looking fish fry in Indiana...
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/The-Best-Lake-Perch-Fish-Fry-Ever-m542945.asp

5.  Varsity No.1 for hotdogs?  You should be ashamed of yourself!!!  You are right there in New York!  Enough said!

As mentioned, these are just my humble opinions.  The rest of the places you have listed I have not tried.  But the old saying goes....opinions are like a**hol*s, everybody has one.  Thanks for the writeup.

 
Yes, I'm one of those who thought that the buffet at Lady and Son's was superb. And I know what you're thinking- I'm from the north, what do I know? I've traveled enough to know that the buffet at Lady and Son's ran circles over the ordinary buffet at The Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle GA

I really like the way you did the layout of each, EatingTheRoad.  Very concise!

Nice job, but the Varisty is a nowhere near the top of my list for anything, other than a place to avoid. Their food stinks!

Hmmm. I had pizza from Arcaro & Genell's just Friday. I thought the red with sausage was pretty good, but the double crust white was a letdown, again, for about the 4th time in a row. You think it's good now; you should have tired it 10 years ago. Whatever small evolution took place from then until now was not for the better.

But even with the red as 'pretty good", I would think more than twice about incuding it in any list of "best pizza". Perhaps as a pizza worth noting, and distinctive.

Very impressive!

Come on guys, he didn't say these are the best places in the universe, he said they were the best of his trip.

Mosca


Hmmm. I had pizza from Arcaro & Genell's just Friday. I thought the red with sausage was pretty good, but the double crust white was a letdown, again, for about the 4th time in a row. You think it's good now; you should have tired it 10 years ago. Whatever small evolution took place from then until now was not for the better.

But even with the red as 'pretty good", I would think more than twice about incuding it in any list of "best pizza". Perhaps as a pizza worth noting, and distinctive.

4 times in a row? Now where is that icon showing a smiley face beating its head over and over with a mallet?

plb


Very impressive!

Come on guys, he didn't say these are the best places in the universe, he said they were the best of his trip.

He also asked for opinions and feedback and he is receiving same. I love the guy because he loves Beacon's onion rings, that's enough for me. Now he has to learn about hot dogs....

Davydd

Mosca


Hmmm. I had pizza from Arcaro & Genell's just Friday. I thought the red with sausage was pretty good, but the double crust white was a letdown, again, for about the 4th time in a row. You think it's good now; you should have tired it 10 years ago. Whatever small evolution took place from then until now was not for the better.

But even with the red as 'pretty good", I would think more than twice about incuding it in any list of "best pizza". Perhaps as a pizza worth noting, and distinctive.

4 times in a row? Now where is that icon showing a smiley face beating its head over and over with a mallet?

Oh, I know. It's Mrs Mosca who keeps ordering it. I even whispered to her, "Remember last time...." And just so you know, Revello's and Brutico's are directly across the street, and Ghigarelli's is directly next door. I was lobbying hard for Ghig's. But she was paying.

I visited the blog, and it's a decent start. I would imagine that you are going to fill in each segment, saying why you picked what you did, and where you ate that didn't make the grade? I think it's important to note that if you hit enough places, in many categories the 5th, 6th, and possibly even 115th place finishers (pie, anyone?) would probably be worth eating.

Davydd
You didn't say how long this trip was, but regardless, that was a very impressive start. I like your independence. Many of those restaurants are not among the usual repeated suspects.

It was about a month trip....I took my time. You know, I thought these places would be a little more known here as I'm pretty sure this is where I got most of my intel. I just loaded up my GPS with all the places in the US that I'd like to hit and if I was near one I'd try to stop.

Pancho
I am curious as to why those select few were the "biggest letdowns". Also, I'm with you 100% on the Beacon's onion rings. Not so much with your hotdog and chili choices. Too bad you couldn't have hit Bobcat Bite in Santa Fe for a burger....maybe next time.

The letdowns...I guess I was just expecting a whole heck of a lot more from them....well Backroad Pizza was a complete disgrace...I have NEVER come across a less edible item from a restaurant. This in no way resembled pizza, it was rock hard bread with a tomato wash and horrible melted crust cheese. Honestly any fast food pizza chain would be 100x better. The other two just had a lot of hype about them and I was totally underwhelmed.

NC Cheesehead
1. Varsity Chili.  I think I have had better chili out of a can than that stuff at the varsity.  Too thin with a mealy tasting meat.

2.  Lady and sons....

3.  Ice Cream.  Decent selections but have you ever been to Americas Dairy land (Wisconsin) ?   Try Mullens Dairy in Watertown just to mention one.  There are a ton more but they are not your commercialized Ben and Jerry type places.

4. Fuddruckers for Fish and Chips?

5.  Varsity No.1 for hotdogs?

I know I know, you're right. I know I have huge gaping holes...especially in the pizza and hot dog categories. There are SO many places to try and only so many hours in the day (and only so much space in my belly).

For whatever reason, and I'm not really a chili person, but I absolutely LOVED the chili at The Varsity.

I had the Sunday buffet and The Lady & Sons and I enjoyed everything mu tongue touched there. I was actually blown away that they could serve those quantities with that much care. I have heard that it's not always like that though so maybe I just got lucky.

There are so many creameries out there to try...I'll certainly get out to more of them, hopefully soon.

Fuddruckers for fish and chips, I know, what am I thinking...but they were seriously good, I was surprised.

As for the hotdogs, you're right again...I don't normally eat hot dogs. I want to get out to Nathan's and Papaya King too.

leethebard
Shady Maple is an orgy of food....it would take you many ,many days of meals to try what is put out for one serving...most of the food is average quality...but the giant hotel sized place is a site to behold...and worth a trip!!!!!

Yeah, I was absolutely blown away by the food...it was definitely good, but the experience was what got me.

Mosca
Hmmm. I had pizza from Arcaro & Genell's just Friday. I thought the red with sausage was pretty good, but the double crust white was a letdown, again, for about the 4th time in a row. You think it's good now; you should have tired it 10 years ago. Whatever small evolution took place from then until now was not for the better.

But even with the red as 'pretty good", I would think more than twice about incuding it in any list of "best pizza". Perhaps as a pizza worth noting, and distinctive.

Man, I would've loved to have tried in in the past then...and you're right, it's not the "best pizza" necessarily but I have it on there because it was a new experience for me and I was so pleasantly surprised by it. There are a million pizza places I've yet to try and I know Arcaro & Genell's will quickly fade on my list but for now I've got them up there just because of their uniqueness.

The places in general that blew me away (because I didn't realize that they were culinary gold mines) were Austin, Rhode Island in general, New Haven and  Lancaster (for it's Amish treats).

I'm really curious as to what placed you all feel like I've missed...I want to make sure and get to them next go around.

Mosca

I visited the blog, and it's a decent start. I would imagine that you are going to fill in each segment, saying why you picked what you did, and where you ate that didn't make the grade? I think it's important to note that if you hit enough places, in many categories the 5th, 6th, and possibly even 115th place finishers (pie, anyone?) would probably be worth eating.

Well said...and yes, that is exactly what I plan on doing. I went to I think well over 100 stops on this trip so there are certainly a good deal that aren't represented here. It's funny that you say that about pie because as I was compiling the Best Desserts I noticed that they were all pie....guess I love pie. On top of that I had to add Mrs. Knott's Boysenberry pie to the Best in Show because there were too many pies. Got any tips on where I can find the best pie?

Best pie? Calling BUFFETBUSTER!

My favorite locally (Delaware Water Gap, about an hour's drive for me) is Village Farmer Bakery.

I have a queston for you?  Where in New York Ste is Aburn, NY?
 
Your list is interesting,  and was fun to read  But I would have to say that The Shady Lawn buffet , in my opinion, has to be  the largest  array of mediocre food that I have ever seen.

Eating the Road---WELCOME TO ROADFOOD!!!! This must have been a GREAT trip--i cant agree with all the picks--ie the hot dog choice was weak--BUT--i sure wish i was on the trip with you! You will fit in here just fine----and---you can handle the replies you will get from this bunch!!!---Next time your go--Bobcat bites!!!!for sure --and in have some fish and chips/seafood platters in New England that will knock your socks off---so before you leave on the trip--LET US ALL KNOW!!!!! Happy Roadfooding!

EatingTheRoad,

Welcome to Roadfood.  Very interesting report that I'll have to spend more time reading.  I am guessing that you are in Auburn, NY, between Syracuse and Rochester, to answer Greymo's question.  Of course I could be completely wrong, not an unusual occurrence.

EatingTheRoad


Well said...and yes, that is exactly what I plan on doing. I went to I think well over 100 stops on this trip so there are certainly a good deal that aren't represented here. It's funny that you say that about pie because as I was compiling the Best Desserts I noticed that they were all pie....guess I love pie. On top of that I had to add Mrs. Knott's Boysenberry pie to the Best in Show because there were too many pies. Got any tips on where I can find the best pie?

Wife & I spent a couple of nights in Lanesboro, Minnesota this summer. It's a couple of hours from the Twin Cities in Southeast MN. There are about 60 miles of bike paths along the Root River. The closest destination on the path east from Lanesboro is Whalen, where there is a restaurant called "World's Best Pies" right on the bike path. There must have been 40 bikes parked outside. We had lunch and a couple of killer pies: mine was (something like) a raspberry cream pie and my wife had the most incredible chocolate cream pie ever. Fabulous! And you can immediately start riding off the calories!!

ddbmus

EatingTheRoad


Well said...and yes, that is exactly what I plan on doing. I went to I think well over 100 stops on this trip so there are certainly a good deal that aren't represented here. It's funny that you say that about pie because as I was compiling the Best Desserts I noticed that they were all pie....guess I love pie. On top of that I had to add Mrs. Knott's Boysenberry pie to the Best in Show because there were too many pies. Got any tips on where I can find the best pie?

Wife & I spent a couple of nights in Lanesboro, Minnesota this summer. It's a couple of hours from the Twin Cities in Southeast MN. There are about 60 miles of bike paths along the Root River. The closest destination on the path east from Lanesboro is Whalen, where there is a restaurant called "World's Best Pies" right on the bike path. There must have been 40 bikes parked outside. We had lunch and a couple of killer pies: mine was (something like) a raspberry cream pie and my wife had the most incredible chocolate cream pie ever. Fabulous! And you can immediately start riding off the calories!!

You may be right but I haven't been there to corroborate other than to mention you were near the heart of Minnesota's Amish area so the odds were great the pies would be good.

Minnesota's North Shore along Lake Superior is another hotbed of good pies starting with Betty's Pies that get raves and pans. I think the pans are because they've past the praise curve to where it is now fashionable to slam them. I think the pans are a snobbish thing. They still have great pies. The Rustic Inn just up the road in Castle Danger is the underrated pie that gets fewer comments but is just as good. Then there is The Pie Place Grand Marais, MN. Absolutely the best in my samplings. I have my bead on yet another pie shop on the North Shore but will withhold until I try it.

A+ on presentation. We have got to get you to some good chili if you have ranked the Varsity.

I saw you were in New Orleans--did you try the muffaletta at the Central Grocery?

Welcome!  You've found the right place!

I like where you've been and what you did with it. 

What I can't believe is I've been to several of those places!

My difference is with your donut choice.  Randy's has ordinary donuts in a fabulous building.

Keep traveling, keep eating and keep reporting!

Great job!

Nice Job!
 
I don't think you're too far from Penn State University. The Creamery at the University is the Center of the Ice Cream Universe!
 
 Be sure to put it on your list for future trips.

wanderingjew

NC Cheesehead


As the honorable mayor said, opinions are personal and based on our experiences.  After all, the reason we are all here is to share new places and get advice from others.  But you did ask for my opinion and I will share some of those as requested.  I have not been to the majority of the places you mentioned but I will comment on those that I have been to.

1. Varsity Chili.  I think I have had better chili out of a can than that stuff at the varsity.  Too thin with a mealy tasting meat.

2.  Lady and sons.  I know I might get flamed for saying this but I thought the buffet there was bad.  My wife and I went there last year over Thanksgiving weekend.  We ordered some fried green tomatoes as an appetizer that completely lacked flavor and were a soggy mess the second they were brought to our table.  Not to mention that the ham and turkey at the buffet table was obviously processed meat because the grains in the slices went every which way and you could tell it was a mish mash that was all pressed together.  It was extremely busy when we were there but that's no excuse for the poor selection of meats.  The sides were decent though in my wife's opinion but she is from the south.  I personally don't care much for fat soaked greens.

3.  Ice Cream.  Decent selections but have you ever been to Americas Dairy land (Wisconsin) ?   Try Mullens Dairy in Watertown just to mention one.  There are a ton more but they are not your commercialized Ben and Jerry type places.

4. Fuddruckers for Fish and Chips?    Please! Come to Wisconsin for a real fish fry with either cod, haddock, lake perch, lake walleye with all the fixins.  Or better yet, take a peek at Train's review of an awesome looking fish fry in Indiana...
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/The-Best-Lake-Perch-Fish-Fry-Ever-m542945.asp

5.  Varsity No.1 for hotdogs?  You should be ashamed of yourself!!!  You are right there in New York!  Enough said!

As mentioned, these are just my humble opinions.  The rest of the places you have listed I have not tried.  But the old saying goes....opinions are like a**hol*s, everybody has one.  Thanks for the writeup.

 
Yes, I'm one of those who thought that the buffet at Lady and Son's was superb. And I know what you're thinking- I'm from the north, what do I know? I've traveled enough to know that the buffet at Lady and Son's ran circles over the ordinary buffet at The Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle GA

 
Wanderingjew,

I may have had a bad experience but I need to be honest with you....I am not a big fan of buffets.  (No offense to Buffetbuster, I love his taste of great pies!)  So maybe I walked in with a skewed thought process of what to expect.  This I will say...the food was fresh.  Many other buffets that I have been to were the type where the food sat around forever under a heat lamp and it was either became soggy or dried out (depending on the dish).  Lady and sons was busy so most things never had the chance to sit around.  But I just couldn't get beyond what appeared to be processed pressed meat.  Oh and by the way, I am a full blooded Yankee.  I was born and raised in Wisconsin and lived there all my life and just moved to NC two and a half months ago which might explain my posts where I am craving supper clubs, fish fries, frozen custard, good bratwurst just to name a few.  I enjoy your posts by the way....especially your trip reports.  Keep them coming.  I use many of those to make my decisions on where to eat while traveling.  99% of the time, I agree with you.  Lady and Sons may have been the 1%

Eatingtheroad,

Keep of the great work and just because I may not think some of the  things listed were not my favorite does not mean to me that they are really bad.  They just wouldn't be at the top of my list.  Your list was well laid out.  As someone pointed out, I would love a piece of pie rated at 115th in the nation.  Especially because probably a million places serve it.

Looks like I've got to head to Mullens Dairy for ice cream. Also I’ve got to head back to Old Forge to check out Revello's, Brutico's and Ghigiarelli's.

Village Farmer Bakery for pie. Are you kidding me, $1.49 for a hot dog and a slice of apple pie…and over 35 flavors of pie…plus a free pie with a $100 purchase :) Also, ddbmus, I think the pie place in Lanesboro is the Aroma Pie Shop, does that sound right? …and apparently Betty’s Pies, The  Rustic Inn and The Pie Place are all on my list.

tiki
Next time you go--Bobcat bites!!!!for sure --and in have some fish and chips/seafood platters in New England that will knock your socks off

I meant to say, I did stop at Bobcat Bite and I loved it…it just missed my top burger list by a smidge though. It was however one of my favorite stops, it’s got so much character. And speaking of these New England fish & chip spots….name em’ for me.

Nancypalooza
I saw you were in New Orleans--did you try the muffaletta at the Central Grocery?

You know, I did not…I really probably should have…the Muffaletta isn’t one of the foods that I’m thrilled to try…I’m not a huge olive fan, but next time I will try it for sure.

Foodbme
Nice Job! I don't think you're too far from Penn State University. The Creamery at the University is the Center of the Ice Cream Universe1 Be sure to put it on your list for future trips.

That place is certainly on my list. I saw something on the Travel Channel  (or some such channel) about it and it looks awesome.

One of my first stops was Al’s Place in Locke, CA. What a treat that was. Here’s my write-up on it:
http://eatingtheroad.wordpress.com/2009/10/13/als-place/
…you may have already read my write-up here but I added a little.

NC Cheesehead


Wanderingjew,

I may have had a bad experience but I need to be honest with you....I am not a big fan of buffets.  (No offense to Buffetbuster, I love his taste of great pies!)  So maybe I walked in with a skewed thought process of what to expect.  This I will say...the food was fresh.  Many other buffets that I have been to were the type where the food sat around forever under a heat lamp and it was either became soggy or dried out (depending on the dish).  Lady and sons was busy so most things never had the chance to sit around.  But I just couldn't get beyond what appeared to be processed pressed meat.  Oh and by the way, I am a full blooded Yankee.  I was born and raised in Wisconsin and lived there all my life and just moved to NC two and a half months ago which might explain my posts where I am craving supper clubs, fish fries, frozen custard, good bratwurst just to name a few.  I enjoy your posts by the way....especially your trip reports.  Keep them coming.  I use many of those to make my decisions on where to eat while traveling.  99% of the time, I agree with you.  Lady and Sons may have been the 1%

NC Cheesehead

I should have figured you had a midwestern connection, considering your screen name. One of my very best friends grew up in the Milwaukee Suburbs and is now a transplanted "southerner" like yourself living 45 minutes north west of Charlotte

Thanks for the compliment.

 I'll admit I didn't have Turkey or Ham, but the fried chicken at Lady and Sons was outstanding, I remember waiting at the buffet table for it to come out hot and crispy from the fryer. My only complaint was that the squash or eggplant casserole (I truly don't know which one it was) was lukewarm but still tasty and the iced tea was just way, way , way too sweet. Other than that I had a very memorable meal.

Next stop...The Squeeze Inn (with their wonderful cheese skirt):
http://www.eatingtheroad....009/10/14/squeeze-inn/

EatingTheRoad


Next stop...The Squeeze Inn (with their wonderful cheese skirt):
http://www.eatingtheroad....009/10/14/squeeze-inn/

Oh my god does that look good.  I may have to check my cholesterol level after eating that baby.  Wow!

I have been to the Virginia Diner twice now and I loved it both times.  But then again all I had were ham biscuits and peanut pie both time.  I thought both were outstanding.  And my wife loved the peanut salad dressing.  I did take a look at the buffet and it didn't tempt me at all.

hatteras04

I have been to the Virginia Diner twice now and I loved it both times.  But then again all I had were ham biscuits and peanut pie both time.  I thought both were outstanding.  And my wife loved the peanut salad dressing.  I did take a look at the buffet and it didn't tempt me at all.

Unfortunately that's exactly what I had too. I found the ham biscuits too be extremely salty and the "Waldorf Salad" to be lettuce smothered in a peanut buttery goop. The Peanut Pie (which I was looking forward to with great expectations) was hard and just not what I was expecting. I wish I would have seen buffetbusters picture of his pie, because I certainly would've tried that!



Next stop on the tour...
Original Mel's in Sacramento - http://eatingtheroad.word...els-original-drive-in/
...and The California State Fair - http://eatingtheroad.word...california-state-fair/

EatingTheRoad-
I have only been to the Virginia Diner the one occasion and we really liked the place.  Not everything was good, but the country ham and desserts were first rate.  Sorry to hear about the hard peanut pie.  Since that is what they are best known for, I would have been really disappointed, too, if that is what I was served.

Oh, and I enjoyed looking through your blog.  Welcome to Roadfood and I hope you continue to stick around!

buffetbuster

Welcome to Roadfood and I hope you continue to stick around!

Are you kidding me! If I can keep finding posts like these...
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ed-before&m=434990
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?m=472614

...from you how can I not stick around. How do you do it? Are you ALWAYS on the road? I only wish I could try every place you've tried. What do you do for a living? (aside from eating like a King )

Great job ETR, very professional looking. Breakfast tip, Nini's Cafe in San Mateo Cal. the place is always packed with an incredible cross section of humanity, always a good sign, $2500.00 suit's next to workboots. Great Italian omlette, great hash, etc. Keep up the great work!

ETR-
   I think everyone knows that BB was a teenage Powerball Winner some years ago and his roadfood travels are really only the secondary aftereffects of his dodging relatives seeking large 'interest-free' investment backing!

chewingthefat

Great job ETR, very professional looking. Breakfast tip, Nini's Cafe in San Mateo Cal. the place is always packed with an incredible cross section of humanity, always a good sign, $2500.00 suit's next to workboots. Great Italian omlette, great hash, etc. Keep up the great work!

Thanks! I'll have to try them out. I always love places were you see such dichotomies.

mayor al
ETR-
   I think everyone knows that BB was a teenage Powerball Winner some years ago and his roadfood travels are really only the secondary aftereffects of his dodging relatives seeking large 'interest-free' investment backing!

I'm starting to believe that as quite a feasible explanation!

Next stop of the schedule...Fab Hot Dogs:
http://eatingtheroad.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/fabs-hot-dogs/

Fab is my favorite choice for a hot dog when I feel like driving the 9 miles from work. 

Just give me a split and grilled dog with grllled onions and mustard.  Once in awhile I'll have a Ripper dressed the same way.

Great place although I do not like his homemade chili or Ripper sauce. That's just me though as there are spices in them that I don't like.

Fab is where when I trieed to walk through the door I found it locked because Guy Fieri was there filming an episode of DD&D.

Best dogs in the San Fernando Valley...  they're from New Jersey.


 

....next stop...Manuel's El Tepeyac in Los Angeles:
http://eatingtheroad.word...2009/10/17/el-tepeyac/

Wow.  Your travels are great, but I am fascinated at the quality of your picture-taking.  What camera are you using?

EatingTheRoad, Thanks for the video link to the Fab's segment on Triple D.  I was waiting for the rerun to copy that recipe down.
 
Also, check out some of the Old Forge trip reports here on RF.  Ghig's is the homerun.
 
I believe Brutico's(the building) is still owned by the Brutico Family, but they do not run it anymore.
 
Welcome aboard! 

WOW is all I have to say...what a great report. But I do have to say if you want a good fish and chips then come to Wisconsin.

The Travelin Man

Wow.  Your travels are great, but I am fascinated at the quality of your picture-taking.  What camera are you using?

Thanks, it's a just a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (and a few years old), the secret is taking a 100 photos and deleting 99 of them

joerogo
Also, check out some of the Old Forge trip reports here on RF.  Ghig's is the homerun.
I believe Brutico's(the building) is still owned by the Brutico Family, but they do not run it anymore.
Welcome aboard! 

Yeah, I read those...I know, I've got to get back out to Old Forge!

You mean the recipe for the Bald Eagle Relish, right?

-- Düsseldorf mustard, sweet relish, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, diced onions, garlic, Mexican oregano, chili powder, cider vinager, & celery seeds --

seatown76

WOW is all I have to say...what a great report. But I do have to say if you want a good fish and chips then come to Wisconsin.

Thanks. So exactly which places should I stop in WI for F&Cs?

Ok--fish and chips in Massachsetts---The Redwing--a KILLER seafood place on rte 1 just south of Foxboro and Gillettte Stadium--where the Pats play. Ypou wi;;l lovit---get the Fishermans Platter---and be hungry! Im 62 qand remember my dad taking me there for lunch when i worked with him as a kid in the summer---it was great then and great the last time i was there two yrs ago--and my brother had lunch there a bit age and says they are still great!---and you HAVE to eat good fried clams and chowda! too, while your in New England !

That steak taco has to be the  best looking I have ever seen.  Great photo!  Ill bet it tasted even better.

NC Cheesehead


That steak taco has to be the  best looking I have ever seen.  Great photo!  Ill bet it tasted even better.

Thanks...and yes it was heavenly.

Next stop was Fuddruckers and Randy's Donuts:
http://eatingtheroad.word...009/10/18/fuddruckers/
http://eatingtheroad.word...9/10/18/randys-donuts/

This was my first 10 out of 10. I have never tasted a better donut. I'm sure others are going to have a different opinion...but as for me...I'm a Randy's groupie now! I want one right now SO bad.

How interesting is your assessment of Randy's.  I don't live far from Randy's and pass it often when on the freeway.

Just because of your report I'm going to give Randy's another try.  I happen to love ordinary donuts as much as I love extraordinary donuts!

Next time that you're in the Los Angeles area, Westwood to be specific you need to try Stan's Donuts.

They aren't your traditional donuts but they are the best I've ever had.

I used to really tout Primo's in West Los Angeles but the last few times I stopped there the pretzel shaped donuts were like sponges full of grease.  I'd still recommend Primo's because the other varieties are outstanding.

I also love Manuel's El Tepeyac.  My suggestion is next time try their burrito.  YUM!

I'm loving your report.  Thanks for sharing it and your blog with us.

mar52

How interesting is your assessment of Randy's.  I don't live far from Randy's and pass it often when on the freeway.

Just because of your report I'm going to give Randy's another try.  I happen to love ordinary donuts as much as I love extraordinary donuts!

Next time that you're in the Los Angeles area, Westwood to be specific you need to try Stan's Donuts.

They aren't your traditional donuts but they are the best I've ever had.

I used to really tout Primo's in West Los Angeles but the last few times I stopped there the pretzel shaped donuts were like sponges full of grease.  I'd still recommend Primo's because the other varieties are outstanding.

I'm glad to inspire. I would love to hear what you think of it. I will certainly try Stan's & Primo's next time I'm in that area.

You got a deal.  

What time of day did you drive through?  I'm wondering if the after work donuts are as good as the morning donuts.

Maybe that's been my problem.

Randy's fan here. That little stand and I go back to the fifties, when my Dad would head over there from South Inglewood and bring home a big pink box full of doughy goodness from the place, then called The Big Donut.

mar52

What time of day did you drive through?  I'm wondering if the after work donuts are as good as the morning donuts.

I was there at 6:30 AM...but I'm pretty sure the make 'em hot and fresh constantly.

enginecapt
Randy's fan here. That little stand and I go back to the fifties, when my Dad would head over there from South Inglewood and bring home a big pink box full of doughy goodness from the place, then called The Big Donut.

Now that's a good dad!

Next stop on my tour is Pink's Hot Dogs: http://eatingtheroad.word.../10/19/pinks-hot-dogs/

Pink's... feh.

enginecapt


Pink's... feh.

Agreed

Give Oki Dog a try sometime.

Eatingtheroad

Going to Southern Cal and ignoring the Smoothie scene is a crime.
Not only are there more smoothie joints per capita than any other part of the country, but they're also the best- made from real fresh fruit, not powders and syrups or "old frozen fruit" like you find in the rest of the country.

Also not to be ignored are the wacky/crazy sushi rolls. This style of sushi rolls were invented in LA are as american as apple pie and consist of baked or tempura fried fish with various toppings. I've seen nothing quite like it in the rest of the country, even NYC and Boston haven't caught on yet!

What's interesting is that when you venture onto other websites that group together regional food- LA and Southern California always get the nod for smoothies and american style sushi rolls 

You forgot one, Dale.