Locals’ Favorite Restaurants in America

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Atlanta: “I drive more than 40 miles each way to Taqueria del Sol ($) for beef enchiladas with red chile sauce. The sauce begs to be scooped up with the perfectly fried chips that come warm to the table.” —Valerie Holt

Austin, Texas: “‘Vietnamese with a French accent’ is a good description of Elizabeth Street Café ($$). Start with an order of pork buns (our favorite) before digging in to a bowl of pho.” —Josh Neff

Barre, Vermont: “As part of a revitalization project in this blue-collar town, two high-school friends opened Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen ($$). The diver scallops with butternut-squash risotto are the best I’ve had.” —Patty Carbee

Belton, South Carolina: “Words can’t explain the religious experience that is eating at Grits & Groceries ($$). It begins with a drive through bucolic Anderson County and ends at an old country store with a tiny farmyard. Grass-fed burgers and pimento-cheese sandwiches top the list.” —Jennifer Norman

Hyder, Alaska: “Diana and Jim Simpson’s Seafood Express ($$) is a school bus that’s been converted into the best place we know of to get fish-and-chips. Jim’s a fisherman; he plies the cold Alaskan waters for the sweet shrimp, halibut, and salmon that make up the focus of Diana’s menu.” —Jack Donachy

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Maui, Hawaii: “Go straight to Coconut’s Fish Café ($$) for amazingly fresh fish for under $12. The chef-owner personally delivers each dish and explains the preparation.” —Terrance Mullins

Moss Landing, California: “Everything about Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery ($$) is unpretentious and quaint. Large, steaming bowls of cioppino are one of the most popular dishes.” —Penelope Penn

San Francisco: “Swan Oyster Depot ($$) turned one hundred in 2012. The Sancimino brothers (six of them!) are always joking around behind the counter. Order cracked crab and a pint of Anchor Steam.” —Ron Nichols

Santa Fe: “I love to eat at Tecolote ($) for breakfast. Get the burrito with sausage or bacon smothered in green chiles, and plenty of the mini cinnamon rolls.” —Kelly Urig

St. Joseph, Michigan: “The best hamburgers and fries I’ve had are from a drive-through called the Neon Grill (269/982-1952; $). There’s a 1955 Chevrolet on the roof; its headlights and taillights work at night.” —Rick Huffman

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Restaurant Pricing Key
$ Less than $25
$$ $25 to $75
$$$ $75 to $150
$$$$ More than $150

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In business since 1912, this Nob Hill neighborhood joint is essentially a seafood diner. Just over a dozen can squeeze onto the stools of its old school, marble, fish bar, so there's often a line out the door at lunch. Once seated, expect the freshest seafood, from crab, clam chowder, and seafood salad to the restaurant's signature oysters. Need help choosing between miyagi, kumamoto, and Olympias? Feel free to ask the knowledgeable and friendly staff for advice.