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0 Subject: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Posted by: Great One
- [1122611] Thu, Mar 13, 2008, 10:36

In the spirit of Guy Fieri's tv show, I wanted to start a thread to discuss some of the great hidden food treasures in this country. I want to get insider info from people across the country about the local fare. I feel like we have a nice cross-section of people here to contribute.

And I'm not talking high end stuff... I want to know where to get a pizza in New York and Chicago... where to get a hot dog in Jersey... where to get some great BBQ... I want the same kind of insider info that tells me when I drive through Pittsburgh this summer, I need to pull in and try some Primantio Bro's or to stop at the Grease Trucks for a Fat Cat at Rutgers (voted best sandwich in USA by Maxim).

So this thread is not for those watching their cholesterol (although I am 6 days a week)... I want pictures and first hand accounts and stories of extra cheese and three hour drives for some ribs and the secret menu at In-N-Out Burger
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32The Beezer
      Dude
      ID: 191202817
      Mon, Mar 17, 2008, 21:40
legge, we don't disagree often, I'm an east coast guy (now), and I love Five Guys, but In-N-Out takes first place in that contest, and it's been my favorite burger since I first ate there while in Sacramento some years ago. Just ate their two weeks ago while in Vegas and my coworkers got sick of hearing me talk about it until I bought them all lunch (6 lunches for $31.50 in Vegas is just insane). Now I have converts.

In Charlotte, I highly recommend Price's Chicken Coop. There's a similar place near my house south of Salisbury, NC, called Reid's Chicken that's just a small cinder-block house that has fantastic chicken. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. In fact, I'll be back later - keep 'em coming guys.
33Guru
      ID: 330592710
      Mon, Mar 17, 2008, 23:11
Tree tried to post this, but it got snagged as suspected spam.


various places i've eaten over the years that fit the bill...

Providence, RI - Haven Brothers




spent a good portion of the early and mid 90s there, after seeing then unknown bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and Pearl Jam...

Sunnyside, Queens, NYC - Alpha Donuts




Just a few blocks from me in Queens, NYC, arguably the best donut in the City.

Woodside, Queens, NYC - Donovan's Pub



can't really find any good pictures, but if it's good enough for the Mayor...

another joint in my 'hood, it's been voted the best burger in NYC several years running now.

and finally, for this post at least,
Rochester, NY - Nick Tahou Hots






road tripped here specifically for this dish - The Garbage Plate. above are many of the different varieties...words won't even do it justice...but the photos do! :o)

34Tree
      ID: 56271717
      Mon, Mar 17, 2008, 23:30
thanks Guru - i was wondering what was going on...

was it maybe because there were too many images?
35Astade
      ID: 5935164
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 00:30
Having lived in Philadelphia a few recommendations:

Best cheesesteak- Jim's Steaks on South Street
Best pizza (late night, too!)- Lorenzo & Son Pizza: Signage

If you find yourself in west philly: Abner's Cheesesteaks

Or in South Philly (after a Eagles or Phillies game): Tony Luke's

Great One, I'm glad you mentioned Pork Roll. I never had it before living in the area, but it is amazing. A pork roll, egg and cheese on a short roll at Joe's Place (near Villanova) is a great breakfast.
36Astade
      ID: 5935164
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 00:45
For Atlanta:

Dusty's bbq is a good bet. Always good when they have their own sauce
For classic burgers and shakes: The Varsity
Chick-Fil-A is a fast food chain that started in GA (I recommend the chick-fil-a sandwich,waffle fries and sweet tea): Pictured here
37Tree
      ID: 27235184
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 06:38
Astade - good call on Tony Luke's. i was going to add it, but the girlfriend demanded it was bed time. i've been going there on jaunts to philly for over a decade now.
38Great One
      ID: 1122611
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 09:11
I believe they just opened a Tony Luke's here outside of Trenton in Jersey... I can reasonably get there at lunch (I work in Princeton) so one of these days they will find me in a food coma at my desk around 3 PM! lol... Do you guys think this new one will be on par with the original?
39Tree
      ID: 3533298
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 09:15
meh, we'll see. it's the beginning of Tony Luke's actually Franchising, so we'll see.

it's close enough that if they truck the rolls in daily from Philly, it has a shot. but when they opened a branch in manhattan a few years ago, it basically flopped.
40Great One
      ID: 1122611
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 09:15
They recently opened a restaurant in the Trenton, NJ suburb, Hamilton, on Rt. 33 (across the street from one of several Stewart's Root Beer stands in the area). Tony Lukes opens in Hamilton - Wit or Witout Wiz?!

That stretch of 33, in next door Robbinsville, also recently saw the opening of a branch of the famous "Trenton tomato pie" makers, De Lorenzo's- De Lorenzo's Tomato Pie's

Anyone familiar with De Lorenzo's Pizza? I've seen a lot of survey's and polls on these food and roadtrip sites... and the general consensus is the best pizza is in the NY/NJ area. And that the best pizza in that area is De Lorenzo's... so does that make it the best of the best?
41Great One
      ID: 1122611
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 09:20
That could work then, cause its only about 40 minutes into Philly. There is hope!
De Lorenzo Tomato Pie's w/ Pictures and Reviews
42biliruben
      ID: 33258140
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 15:10
That was a lot to take in... think I need to vacation in Buffalo!

I need to find an excuse to go back myself. I don't even know anybody there to visit for a funeral anymore. Those who stayed are all already dead.

You notice that I didn't put one selection out for Seattle. Seattle simply doesn't have any good, cheap, tasty food. I'm not sure why that is. Dick's, the local "treasure", is so disgusting I can't bring myself to even eat the meat (and I'm a carnivore's carnivore). Stick to the shakes and fries if you planning on eating the next day. Seattle is a diner's wasteland. They do have some decent "breakfast places"; woop-de-do.
43Razor
      ID: 420241513
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 15:13
You know, ChicagoTRS, you are a real piece of work. You don't post a picture of an Italian beef in a thread full of people who are unable to get to one. I have had an Al's #1 and Mr. Beef's, and they were both amazing.
44angryChair
      ID: 100501014
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 18:01
Any places in AZ? I will be there in a few days.
45biliruben
      ID: 33258140
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 18:03
There's a Ted's in Tempe.
46The Beezer
      Dude
      ID: 191202817
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 18:17
When I've been to Seattle, I've bounced back and forth between World Class Chili (this chili expert gives it a hearty thumbs up!) and Shorty's over on 2nd avenue for a chili dog and fries, along with some pinball. It's been awhile so hopefully they are still open (and decent).
47Seattle Zen
      ID: 49112418
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 18:18
You notice that I didn't put one selection out for Seattle. Seattle simply doesn't have any good, cheap, tasty food.

Well, for the "rest the paper plate on your beer gut so you can have a frosty mug of beer in one and and a shot in the other" crowd, yes, Seattle does not have any famous artery-clogging favorites. Vegetarians have tons of places to brag about. I miss Pho since I've left Seattle, but I don't think it has a crazed following like the places mentioned above.

Actually, it's only open for lunch and it could be accused of being snooty, but Salumi has amazing meat.
48Great One
      ID: 2241519
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 18:21
We got anyone in Texas? How's the food down there? know someone heading down soon. I'd imagine the steaks are top notch.
49Tree
      ID: 72171817
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 19:25
Kruez sausages in texas are outstanding...
50biliruben
      ID: 33258140
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 19:42
Yeah - I like Shorty's, even though they got rid of Defender. I was one of their first customers - they were going across the street and buying 12-packs of PBR and reselling them. The dogs are okay, but nothing like Ted's. Though I'm a purist (at most mustard and pickle) and I'm not partial to chili-dogs in general.

Never been to World Class Chili. I'll check it out. I'm not sure how I've missed it, to tell you the truth.
51biliruben
      ID: 33258140
      Tue, Mar 18, 2008, 19:48
Zen - I'm not saying Seattle has no good food, just no good food of this type.

Sure, Salumi rocks, but it's also like 10 bucks for a sliver of Finocchiona. I have a feeling it's not what the Great One had in mind.

There are two excellent Deli's, but they are only excellent because the aspire to being East Coast deli's. The Buffalo Deli and The Other Coast Cafe.

Many locals here hate sandwiches because they have never had one. Let them eat pho.
52Wilmer McLean
      ID: 412442023
      Fri, Mar 21, 2008, 01:55
Was drooling when I saw this on the Food Netowrk.

Silk City

For those around Philadelphia:

Silk City DIner Review

53Sludge
      ID: 32211191
      Fri, Mar 21, 2008, 02:18
Off of I-210 by Ryan Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana.



12" roast beef with swiss, cheddar, and provolone, special sauce (which is mayo with jalapenos) and mustard.



54Great One
      ID: 1122611
      Thu, Mar 27, 2008, 10:21
Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop - NYC, NY looks like a nice to place to pop in and grab lunch.

and I think the following sign applies to this entire thread!

55Tree
      ID: 3533298
      Thu, Mar 27, 2008, 11:44
the Barnes and Noble i used to work at is around the corner from Eisenberg's. i ate there many a time.

The Egg Salad Sandwich with Bacon is to die for.
56C1-NRB
      ID: 263219
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 11:47
Re Great One post 48:
Texas is a big state. Where, exactly, in Texas would someone be going?
57Great One
      ID: 4231419
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 11:54
My boss was heading down near Dallas for some business. I believe he went to college down there so I'm sure he's familiar anyhow...
I got a feeling I might be going to Houston for Wrestlemania next year. I know Tree sure will be for sure.
58C1-NRB
      ID: 263219
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 12:31
I'm not intimately familiar with Houston, but when in Texas find a DoubleDave's Pizzaworks , preferably on a Sunday, Monday, or Wednesday night (buffet nights). Be sure to get some World Famous Peproni Rolls. Check around for a Freebirds World Burrito , too. Freebirds is Chipolte before Chipolte existed. It is my unconfirmed suspicion that Chiplote "borrowed" the concept and took it to the national franchise level.

There are barbeque places outside of Austin- Louis Mueller's in Taylor (north-northeast of Austin) [Fieri did a piece on it] and Cooper's Pit BBQ in Llano (northwest of Austin) are always tied for top 2 in the state for barbeque.
59Great One
      ID: 4231419
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 13:25
Moe Burrito is also the same concept at Chipolte (assembly line style) and is a fairly large chain. I wonder who started first.

Thanks for the tips!
60Great One
      ID: 4231419
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 13:27
Moe's Southwest Grill started in 2000 in Atlanta.

Unsure about Chipolte. Doesn't McDonalds have a stake in Chipolte as well? Thats an odd combination.
61Great One
      ID: 4231419
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 13:31
from Wiki

The first Freebirds store was founded in 1987 in Santa Barbara, California, by Mark Orfalea. [1] After researching locations nationwide, and opening his first Texas store in 1990, Orfalea sold the concept and rights to Pierre Dube, a college friend. The first Freebirds location in Texas was set up by Orfalea across the street from the campus of Texas A&M University in 1990. As of 2006, The Texas or Dube-style Freebirds has expanded to fifteen locations in Texas. The original Freebirds (of significantly different style and quality than its newer counterparts) is still located in Isla Vista, California, a block from the UCSB campus.

Freebirds is often credited[citation needed] with popularizing the trend of "big burrito" restaurants, that feature burritos made from 11 inch or greater tortillas, with an assortment of meats, cheeses, vegetables and sauces. Similar franchises that were founded after Freebirds include Chipotle Mexican Grill (started in 1993 and owned by McDonalds) and Qdoba Mexican Grill (in 1995). Both Chipotle and Qdoba have grown more quickly than Freebirds (originally limited only to the College Station area).
62C1-NRB
      ID: 263219
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 13:39
I knew the history of Freebirds (UCSB to A&M) but not the details of the College Station/Texas expansion (I graduated in 1991). Freebirds under Dube will/could likely follow the same trajectory of DoubleDave's, another College Station-founded, college-clientle based operation.
63Great One
      ID: 4231419
      Tue, Apr 01, 2008, 13:46
Looks like the original in Santa Barbara delivers too... thats always a bonus!
Reminds me of Swingers and the delivery guy and NHL94 for Sega and Gretzky and Roenick.
64Great One
      ID: 56438112
      Mon, Jun 23, 2008, 15:59
Fire & Ice
Anyone ever been to Fire and Ice? 2 in Boston, 1 in Providence and one in Lake Tahoe. Its a Mongolian BBQ style restuarant -- where you pick raw meats and veggies, add a sauce to cook it in and then bring it to the big grill. Except that its very Americanized version. Its all you can eat and the food options are endless... also a great bar scene with endless drink ideas, martini bar etc.
65 Ben Guthrie
      ID: 81135231
      Tue, Dec 23, 2008, 02:35
As far as sandwiches in Seattle, hands down the best can be found at Paseo in fremont. I've been to the other coast cafe and, althought the ragin cajun is pretty damn good, it's not even close to the cuban sandwiches as Paseo. If you've never been there, go get the midnight cuban(i think now it's called the roast pork sandwich).
66biliruben
      Leader
      ID: 589301110
      Tue, Dec 23, 2008, 03:18
Yeah, Paseo's pretty darn good. Too good, actually. I rarely have the time or patience for the lines.

I don't really consider it a sandwich place, however.
67Seattle Zen
      ID: 4211502312
      Tue, Dec 23, 2008, 14:00
As far as sandwiches in Seattle, hands down the best can be found at Paseo in fremont.

No, see post 47. Real Italian cured meats beats fake Cuban sandwiches all day. I'm not fond of anyplace that puts beets in all of their salads.
68Great One
      ID: 31112109
      Fri, Feb 20, 2009, 15:22
3 weeks I've an event in Shepherdstown, West Virginia - about an hour east of Baltimore. So if anyone has some tips for that one, feel free to share.

And then for my honeymoon in May -- got 2 nights in Vancouver and 2 nights in Seattle before my cruise. So any "you've got to go there while in town" reccomendations would be great!

69Great One
      ID: 31112109
      Fri, Feb 20, 2009, 15:24
and hell yeah, this was my Valentines Day!

70RecycledSpinalFluid
      Dude
      ID: 204401122
      Fri, Feb 20, 2009, 19:40
Just saw a Man vs Food (in Seattle) on The Travel Channel.

See...Seattle isn't just snobbery food. They have slob food too.
71biliruben
      Leader
      ID: 589301110
      Fri, Feb 20, 2009, 21:16
My favorite diner is the Salmon Bay Cafe down in Ballard. As long as you don't look it up on the County Health Inspector website, it's delicious, cheap, and more than enough to split with my boy!
72 Tree
      ID: 61411921
      Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 16:28
for anyone interested, i've been hired on as the NY Takeout food reporter for Examiner.com.

you can check out my first column here.

in the next day or two, there will even be a photo of my ugly mug there, so any hits i am getting are bound to plummet to zero. :o)

i do plan to update two to three times weekly, so visit often. i've started an email list of folks who want to be emailed when a new column is up, so you could email me if interested, and i'll add you to that list.
73katietx
      ID: 60512812
      Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 17:30
Hey....congrats on the new job!!!! Add me will 'ya?
74biliruben
      ID: 461142511
      Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 18:14
Congrats! I was wondering what that twitter was about.
75Tree
      ID: 61411921
      Thu, Feb 26, 2009, 21:09
well, to be honest, it's not a full time thing. but it does pay tiny amounts depending on how many people actually read the danged thing, and ultimately, it helps get my name back out there.

more than a dozen years after getting OUT of the writing game, i'm feeling really drawn to it lately, so i need some current writing samples, and if i can make beer money off it, so be it. :o)
76 GoatLocker
      Leader
      ID: 060151121
      Fri, Feb 27, 2009, 13:59
Tree,
Nice column.
Add me to the email list please.

Cliff
77 Paula
      ID: 43252515
      Thu, Mar 05, 2009, 16:52
We are in Baton Rouge, LA up from Houston Tx.. and in Triple D style.. we found this get little dive.. great food and people.. not so pretty to look at.. The Jambayla Shoppe,4808 Government St
Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Good stuff...
78Tree
      ID: 61411921
      Fri, Mar 13, 2009, 13:22
for anyone interested, the link above for my Takeout Food column is now the main page where you can link to all my columns...

additionally, i've created a Facebook page called Takeout NY, if anyone is interested...
79Tree
      ID: 61411921
      Thu, Mar 19, 2009, 17:59
and this time, a rant on hot dog vendors...
80Great One
      ID: 510371919
      Sat, Dec 12, 2009, 13:35
Man vs. Food -- hits Harolds Deli and Rutgers grease trucks, Fat Cat challenge
81C1-NRB
      ID: 401412422
      Sun, Feb 13, 2011, 02:03
In response to posts Posts 336 & 338 in the Movie Review thread,I present a review of the Big Sky Drive In concession stand, almost two years after I said I would.

The Big Sky is home of the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua is a "Mexican sandwich" (their words). It is taco meat, nickel-sized chopped onions, thinly shredded cabbage, and pimento cheese served between two tostadas (think flat taco shells.) They coat one tostada with the taco meat then drop a handful of onions and a handful of cabbage on it. They put a layer of pimento cheese on the other tostada and gently press them together. The warm taco meat is insulated by the cabbage, but not too much because the pimento cheese melts just slightly. I have an issue with onions, so I got mine without them.

It was GLORIOUS. The blend of zesty taco meat, creamy pimento cheese, and crisp cabbage is a perfectly balanced combination of flavors and textures. I also comes with a whole jalapeno, but I dropped mine (I ate in the dark) and didn't find it until intermission. It was a rather messy affair, but well worth it. I strongly recommend trying a Chihuahua if you ever get the chance.

In addition to the Chihuahua, I had a corn fritter that was pretty good, too. It was a billiard ball-size cornbread hushpuppie that was surprising light, compared to hushpuppies from Long John Silver's that are more dense. Some family members complained that it didn't, "have enough corn in it," but after further questioning, they were expecting something along the lines of "corn nuggets" (creamed corn that is batter coated and fried.) The steak finger basket and jalapeno poppers received high marks from them, however. I can't comment directly on those items because they didn't share.

One more point- as I stated in post 336 (see link), the Big Sky Drive In is the best movie value in town. Additionally, the concession stand is a bargain, too. We ordered the steak finger basket (split between two people; I don't know how many steak fingers there were, but it also came with a corn fritter and french fries), a hot dog, an order of corn fritters (three in an order), an order of jalapeno poppers (I think they said there were three of them, too), an order of fries and my Chihuahua. It was our dinner and we got all of that for less than $20. But beyond that, they don't care if you bring your own food in. After dinner, we dug into the cooler full of drinks, bag of candy, and two bags of microwave popcorn we brought from home. The family next to us had a couple pizzas, a cooler, and popcorn.

And the movies were OK. We saw Gnomeo & Juliet paired with Tron: Legacy.
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