The two places that best represent your town

Both are in the Historical District of Gilbert, AZ:
http://www.farmhouseofgilbert.com/Home.html
http://joesrealbbq.com/

In Knoxville it's pronbably McDonalds and Pizza Hut

carlton pierre


In Knoxville it's pronbably McDonalds and Pizza Hut

That's a shame. I'm glad I live in an area that takes pride in it's local cuisine even if it's "high end" Italian,  and out of date Martini Bars and Cigar Bars.
Right now I would have to say it's these two places
 
http://www.lamasseriari.com/
 
http://besoskitchenandcocktails.com/

You're right WJ.  I should have mentioned Five Guys instead of McDonalds 

Here in Batesville, I'd say Ison's Pizza ( very good thin-crust with superior quality pepperoni ) and Randy's Roadhouse ( good burgers ). There's lots of great fried chicken to be had in the area, but it's mostly found in the smaller towns and communities that surround Batesville, such as Oldenburg, Enochsburg and Penntown.
 
               Ison's Family Pizza:  www.9330333.com
 
               Randy's Roadhouse:  www.randysroadhouse.com

I can't think of two places that "represent" Los Angeles.
 
I'd like to say Phillipe's but probably 90% of the Los Angeles population never heard of it.
 
I think Mall food courts represent Los Angeles.  A little of this and that.  the fact that nothing is good there has nothing to do with it.
 
 

I'm not sure that Washington, D.C., is "my" town, but I live close to it. 
Your lists are good ones.  I'd find some place on there for Ben's Chili Bowl. 

I am also a native St. Louisian.  It is hard to narrow to two.
I like all of the ones you listed.  It's hard to pick one place for toasted ravioli.
I'd add Crown Candy Kitchen.

What I most miss about the Los Angeles/Southern California area is In N Out!

Growing up in Ypsilanti MI the best place for breakfast was and still is The Bomber.  www.thebomberrestarant.net It's located on Michigan ave. Be hungry! Kluck's drive inn is the place for a burger. Bill's Hot Dog stand still makes there own Root Beer, car service only folks

In Covington Ga.
 
1. Stalvey's which is featured on Roadfood, and is still quite good.
2. Henderson's Fine Food's which is known for catfish and hushpuppies that are very good as well as other fine Fried Southern food. It is famous for it chitterling suppers. It is about 5 miles south of Covington on Ga. Hwy 36 and still really popular with the locals as well as those visiting Jackson Lake.

I grew up in Auburn, NY, and the top two for me are probably Angelo's Pizza and Lasca's Italian restaurant. I've eaten at Angelo's since I was too short to see over the counter, and stop frequently for a slice when I'm in town. Lasca's has just been there forever, and the food is rather good. It's kind of the go-to place for special family occasions. They make a killer breaded broccoli appetizer.
 
I couldn't even venture a guess for Syracuse... most people would say Dinosaur BBQ is one, but I'm not a fan.

Without looking back I may have answered this one already. When you live in a small town with just two places the answer is easy.

I've mentioned Sugar & Spice before but the iconic restaurant around Stoughton is probably The Koffee Kup.  It's located in a building built in 1895 and it's housed some kind of restaurant since 1905.

 
I'm not sure how long the current space has been used as a restaurant but it does have a tin ceiling that was restored when the owners decided to go smoke-free back in 2008.

 
We stopped in for an early dinner a couple of Tuesdays ago.  I was surprised to learn that chicken fried steak is only offered as an occasional special so I chose the roast pork loin with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy.

 
Mrs. SC opted for the tuna melt.

 
I doubt anyone will ever comment about the menu being daring, innovative, or groundbreaking but the food here is traditional, simple, and good, and every town needs at least one place that like that.  I've heard the pie's good, too.

OK, Here are my two as there are only two in my town of 1,400 people - Tonka Bay, MN on Lake Minnetonka.
 
Joey Nova's Pizzeria
 
Hazellewood Grill and Tap Room

If I had to pick just two at this particular time in Dallas, then I guess, Lucia and, Smoke. 
http://luciadallas.com/     (4-6 week wait for a table)
http://www.smokerestaurant.com  (Always busy. Especially for brunch)

lucassal


What I most miss about the Los Angeles/Southern California area is In N Out!

 
Come visit Dallas. Were closer than California and, we've gottem all over the place now. At least six or seven at this writing.

It's difficult to narrow to two. That's a good problem to have.

For sure...Benanti's.

http://www.nj.com/enterta...ag.html?mobRedir=false

I have to consider a Diner...another fantastic Deli...and a pizza parlor.

Chicagoland here:
Harold's Chicken Shack and Al's Beef.
 
And you thought it was ging to be pizza? Pizzeria Uno would get honorable mention (or third place).

Sacramento - I will say 1. Tower Cafe adjacent to the historic Tower Theater and across the street from what used to be the original Tower Records, with it's beautiful outdoor dining garden, complete with palm trees and gurgling fountains.  Beautiful oasis on a sweltering Sacramento evening and with an eclectic, melting pot menu featuring wonderful Jerk Chicken and the famously addictive French Toast, and  2.  Chando's Tacos, a relative newcomer representative of our love of good Mexican street food.  The lines outside this little gem in the worst part of town, day and night, hot or cold is a clue to the magic ready to jump into your mouth.  Get the six buck, 3 taco and soda combo with the best textured ice ever and be prepared to come back as soon as your tummy is half empty.  If you are passing through, be prepared to extend your stay - it is that good. 

I have to give the final spot for Bayonne to...

Judicke's Bakery...since 1924.

http://www.nytimes.com/19...-you-back-in-time.html

That article was written 15 years ago..and still the same great bakery items being churned out 365 days a year...we are lucky.

Charlottesville has so many different layers.
 
On one hand, you have the hipster Eat Local movement and I think The Local does the best job with that.
 
On the other hand you have the small southern town end and I think Wayside Chicken is the answer.
 
But if I really want to splurge I drive toward the mountains and eat at Crozet Pizza.

After giving more thought to the OP's question, I'd say (now),
Babes Chicken Dinner House(s). Nine locations and counting.
http://www.babeschicken.com/
 
And, the proliferation of true ethnic "mom 'n pop" Mexico City style taco joints open and thriving all over the Dallas area. Some in strip malls, some free standing, and some, attached to gas stations.   
http://www.yelp.com/searc...=Dallas%2C+TX&ns=1

One of my favorites:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/t...:tacos%20el%20banqueta
Their suadero tacos (brisket) are incredibly good! 
 
Their main location: The name has recently changed from Taco El Guero to El Banqueta.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/t...o-dallas-3#query:tacos

 

I cant comment about Milwaukee...very diverse city when it comes to food.We have our favorites in every category.It would be a long list. When it comes to food in general, a Milwaukee Friday fish fry is tops. When it boils down to a state food, I would say brats.

For my 'hometown' 1978-2005, Arlington, VA
 
El Pollo Rico
Mario's Pizza & Subs
 
If I were allowed to pick more than two, I'd include Metro 29 Diner, Home of the Lost Dog Cafe, The Quarterdeck, Weenie-Beenie, and the late, lamented Whitey's.
 
(And, let's not forget that Five Guys' began in Arlington).

How about those hispanic guys with the pushcarts that sell popsicles? MAJOR YUM!

Living between two very small towns the two that best represent my area are 1. JB's Hot Links in Hughes Springs, Texas. They serve Pittsburg Hot Links which are a religion In this small area. They serve them on butcher paper with their hot sauce and crackers. 1a. The Wildflower Inn and Restaurant also in Hughes Springs. They have a daily lunch buffet with the best chicken fried steak in the area along with many other items. In the evenings their menu has a cheeseburger with cheese running off the sides and cooked crisp to peel and eat like potato chips. 2. Dairy Queen which is another local favorite.  2a. Five D Steak House right down road in Avinger, Tx. with great steaks. We also have a couple of great BBQ places close to us.

Big Ugly Mich


How about those hispanic guys with the pushcarts that sell popsicles? MAJOR YUM!

those are not hispanic guys, they are Mexicanos and popsicles aint the only thing they sell

sizz

Big Ugly Mich


How about those hispanic guys with the pushcarts that sell popsicles? MAJOR YUM!

those are not hispanic guys, they are Mexicanos and popsicles aint the only thing they sell

Right! I got a doobie for a buck!