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Top 5 Restaurants

  (145 restaurants)    
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
Restaurant What to Get Show / Episode /
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Rating
Yelp! rating descending order
Restaurant Notes
12 BonesSee 12 Bones Video ($$)
(1144 ratings)

5 Foundy St Map It!
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 253-4499
www.12bones.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Ribs"
  • Blueberry Chipotle Ribs
    pork ribs smoked in oak for 3 hrs & then grilled & glazed w/ homemade blueberry Chipotle sauce; sauce available online; looks good
4.5 out of 5
1144 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Ribs); serves lunch only
Ample Hills CreamerySee Ample Hills Creamery Video ($$)
(1635 ratings)

623 Vanderbilt Ave Map It!
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(347) 240-3926
www.amplehills.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Ice Cream"
  • "It Came From Gowanus" Ice Cream
    chocolate ice cream w/ salted chocolate w/ chunks of hazelnut crack cookies & brownies; looks good
4.5 out of 5
1635 ratings
#1 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Ice Cream); opened in 2011; flavors vary daily (need to call to see what is available); multiple locations
Au ChevalSee Au Cheval Video ($$)
(8774 ratings)

800 W Randolph St Map It!
Chicago, IL 60607
auchevalchicago.com
  • Double Cheeseburger
    3-patties (yes, that's three) seared on 500-degree flat top layered w/ American cheese topped w/ house-made Dijonnaise, red onions & homemade pickles; options include bacon & fried egg (Zakarian recommends both); looks good!
4.5 out of 5
8774 ratings
#1 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Burgers); est. 2012; "sexy, loud, crazy-music pumping & overall-fun atmosphere" (co-owner); potential long lines (up to 3 hrs); location also in NYC
Beecher's Handmade Cheese ($)
(3677 ratings)

1600 Pike Pl Map It!
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 956-1964
www.beechershandmadechees...
  • "World's Best" Mac & Cheese
    Oprah endorsed; looks good
4.5 out of 5
3677 ratings
#5 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Cheesy Dishes); opened in 2003; multiple locations in NY & WI
Big Bad Breakfast ($$)
(505 ratings)

719 N Lamar Blvd Map It!
Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 236-2666
citygroceryonline.com/big...
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Breakfast"
  • Pylon
    split, griddle fried hot dog w/ chili, slaw, cheddar, mustard, chopped pickles, onion, jalapenos & crackers on a waffle; looks good
4.5 out of 5
505 ratings
opened for breakfast & lunch only
Bully's Restaurant ($)
(188 ratings)

3118 Livingston Rd Map It!
Jackson, MS 39213
(601) 362-0484
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Soul Food"
  • Beef & Pork Rib Combo
    ribs marinated up to 3 days; smoked in hickory & cherry wood for 6-8 hrs; fall-off-the-bone; side of collard greens; looks good
4.5 out of 5
188 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Soul Food)
Carnitas Uruapan RestaurantSee Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant Video ($)
(539 ratings)

1725 W 18th St Map It!
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-2654
www.carnitasuruapanchi.co...
  • Carnitas Tacos
    "the ultimate bite" -Bricia Lopez; pork carnitas ordered by the pound & taco w/ soft corn tortilla assembled at the table; come w/ sides of jalapeno peppers, smoky chipotle salsa & traditional tomato-jalapeno salsa; looks good
4.5 out of 5
539 ratings
#2 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Tacos); est. 1975; family owned & operated serving traditional Mexican food from the region of Michoacan
Cascina SpinasseSee Cascina Spinasse Video ($$$)
(1364 ratings)

1531 14th Ave Map It!
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 251-7673
www.spinasse.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Italian"
  • Tajarin al Ragu
    fine hand cut egg pasta w/ beef/pork-based ragu & topped w/ Parmesan; looks good!
4.5 out of 5
1364 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Italian); since 2008; simple, refined handmade pastas dishes grounded in authentic techniques from Piedmont region of Italy
Charlie Gitto's ($$$)
(935 ratings)

5226 Shaw Ave Map It!
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 772-8898
www.charliegittos.com
  • Toasted Ravioli
    handmade meat-filled ravioli, breaded, deep-fried & served w/ house made Pomodoro sauce; looks good
4.5 out of 5
935 ratings
#2 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Fried Food); opened in 1981; landmark for fine Italian dining
ConfectionalSee Confectional Video ($$)
(489 ratings)

1530 Pike Pl Map It!
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 282-4422
www.theconfectional.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Chocolate"
  • Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake
    dark chocolate blended right into batter w/ chunks of milk, white & an extra-dark chocolate added to the center for an extra chocolaty surprise; finished w/ a thick chocolate crust
4.5 out of 5
489 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Chocolate); "boutique bakery, offering exquisite, sinfully dense, baked cheesecakes and cheesecake truffles, made with Guittard chocolate and a hint of passion" (from its website); located in Pikes Place
Graeters Ice CreamSee Graeters Ice Cream Video ($)
(146 ratings)

2704 Erie Ave Map It!
Cincinnati, OH 45208
(513) 321-6221
www.graeters.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Ice Cream"
  • Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
    all-time best-selling flavor; an absolute "must-try" for anyone new to Graeter's; looks good
4.5 out of 5
146 ratings
#5 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Ice Cream); since 1868; made w/ 18% butter-fat cream in old-fashioned French pot freezers (where air is not whipped in); multiple locations
Grits and Groceries ($$)
(63 ratings)

2440 Due W Hwy Map It!
Belton, SC 29627
(864) 296-3316
www.gritsandgroceries.com
  • Apple Fried Pie
    pastry w/ apple pie filling, deep-fried, rolled in cinnamon-sugar mix; served w/ housemade cinnamon-flavored French egg custard
4.5 out of 5
63 ratings
#3 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Fried Food); old country store in a cozy historic building; husband-and-wife team who used to work at at Emeril Lagasse's preeminent French Quarter restaurant, Nola
Hansen's Sno-Bliz Sweet ShopSee Hansen's Sno-Bliz Sweet Shop Video ($)
(594 ratings)

4801 Tchoupitoulas St Map It!
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 891-9788
www.snobliz.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Desserts"
  • Bananas Foster Snoball
    offered only on Wednesdays (at airing); limited supply
4.5 out of 5
594 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Desserts); started by Ernest & Mary Hansen in 1939 where Ernest invented the first ice shaving machine & Mary created her own flavored syrups; named a 2014 American Classic by the James Beard Foundation
Harry's Coffee ShopSee Harry's Coffee Shop Video ($$)
(1085 ratings)

7545 Girard Ave Map It!
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-7381
www.harryscoffeeshop.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Diners"
  • B.W. Benny
    bacon-infused waffle topped w/ ham, bacon strips, poached eggs & hollandaise sauce
4.5 out of 5
1085 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Diners); since 1960; local institution; started by former bat boy for Brooklyn Dodgers who followed the team to L.A. only to eventually open this Brooklyn-style diner
Helen's Bar B QSee Helen's Bar B Q Video ($)
(81 ratings)

1016 N Washington Ave Map It!
Brownsville, TN 38012
(731) 779-3255
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Ribs"
  • Rib Sandwich
    four 6-hr smoked pork ribs, sauced & topped w/ coleslaw; looks good
4.5 out of 5
81 ratings
#5 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Ribs); little shack-restaurant w/ female pit master
Home Grown ($)
(1628 ratings)

968 Memorial Dr SE Map It!
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 222-0455
www.homegrownga.com
  • Lynne Stack
    fried salmon patty, fried green tomato, pimento cheese (cheddar, mayo, hot sauce & pimento peppers); served on sauteed tomatoes & spinach; looks good
  • Grant's Stack Sandwich
    homemade pimento w/ fried green tomatoes & bacon on grilled Texas Toast; looks good
4.5 out of 5
1628 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Fried Food); neighborhood favorite offering creative & delicious breakfast options & a hearty brunch menu on the weekend; serve only breakfast & lunch
Joe's Kansas City BBQSee Joe's Kansas City BBQ Video ($$)
(4725 ratings)

3002 W 47th Ave Map It!
Kansas City, KS 66103
(913) 722-3366
www.joeskc.com
  • BBQ
  • Z-Man Sandwich
    slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone cheese topped w/ 2 onion rings on a toasted Kaiser bun; "my favorite BBQ sandwich anywhere in the world"-Danielle Dimovski; looks good
  • Carolina Pork Sandwich
    house specialty; pulled pork served on a toasted bun, w/ spicy cole slaw & Bubba's sauce; looks good
  • Beef Brisket
    top-seller; looks good
  • Burnt Ends
    "one of the best BBQs I've come across"; looks good; only served 3 days/week (check website menu)
  • Ribs
4.5 out of 5
4725 ratings
#5 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best BBQ); opened in 1996 after multiple competition awards & catering jobs; in gas station w/ liquor store next door; voted best BBQ by readers of USA TODAY & 10Best (from its website); long lines; also known as Oklahoma Joe's BBQ
Liuzza's By The TrackSee Liuzza's By The Track Video ($$)
(346 ratings)

1518 N Lopez St Map It!
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 218-7888
liuzzasnola.com
  • Spicy Gumbo
    combines cajun gumbo (darker roux w/ chicken/andouille) & crole gumbo (tomato-based w/ seafood), but spicy; looks good
4.5 out of 5
346 ratings
#2 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Hot and Spicy Foods)
Los Guachos TaqueriaSee Los Guachos Taqueria Video ($)
(963 ratings)

5221 Godown Rd Map It!
Columbus, OH 43235
(614) 538-0211
los-guachos.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Tacos"
  • Gringas (Al Pastor Taco)
    grilled flour tortilla, melted cheese, onions, cilantro, pineapple & signature marinated pork (pastor) cooked on a spit roast; looks good
4.5 out of 5
963 ratings
#3 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Tacos)
Michael's of BrooklynSee Michael's of Brooklyn Video ($$$)
(419 ratings)

2929 Ave R Map It!
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(718) 998-7851
michaelsofbrooklyn.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Italian"
  • Veal Smash Job
    veal chop smashed thin on the bone, lightly fried, topped w/ house made Filetto di Pomodoro sauce & fresh handmade mozzarella
4.5 out of 5
419 ratings
#5 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Italian); since 1964; three-generation family owned
Pappas Bros SteakhouseSee Pappas Bros Steakhouse Video ($$$$)
(1207 ratings)

5839 Westheimer Rd Map It!
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 780-7352
www.pappasbros.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Steak"
  • Bone-In New York Strip Steak
    32 oz - for two - carved table side, limited availability; dry-aged; looks good
4.5 out of 5
1207 ratings
#3 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Steak); opened in 1976
Pappy's SmokehouseSee Pappy's Smokehouse Video ($$)
(4453 ratings)

3106 Olive St Map It!
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 535-4340
pappyssmokehouse.com
  • Big Ben (BBQ)
    6-lbs total: full slab of ribs, beef brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, quarter chicken, fries and sides; looks good; 6-lbs total: full slab of Ribs, a Beef Brisket and a Pork sandwich, 1/4 Chicken and 4 sides; looks good
  • BBQ
    brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey
  • Frito Pie
    Fritos topped with your choice of meat, baked beans, cheddar cheese and onion
  • Sweet Potato Fries
    "off-the-chart amazing!"-Danielle Dimovski
  • Ribs
    house specialty; baby back ribs dry-rubbed & slow smoked over apple & cherry wood; looks good
4.5 out of 5
4453 ratings
#1 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Ribs); #48 (101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown); opened in 2008; "voted #1 in city"; close when they sell out; cooked in floor-to-ceiling smoker "Walter" ("you're really not a true redneck unless you name your smoker"); created new menu item "Adam" Bomb (for Adam Richman) - A Big Ben with a Hot Link Frito Pie
Ricky's Fish TacosSee Ricky's Fish Tacos Video ($)
(1262 ratings)

3201 Riverside Dr Map It!
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 395-6233
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Tacos"
  • Fish Tacos
    Ensenada-style: battered fish, cabbage, pico de gallo, salsa in a warm white corn tortilla; recommend adding tangy crema sauce offered on side of truck; looks good
4.5 out of 5
1262 ratings
#1 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Tacos)
Salt & StrawSee Salt & Straw Video ($$)
(4224 ratings)

838 NW 23rd Ave Map It!
Portland, OR 97210
(971) 271-8168
saltandstraw.com
As Seen On:
Top 5 Restaurants, Episode: "Best Ice Cream"
  • Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper Ice Cream
    Oregon strawberries from Oregon Hill Farms, honey balsamic from a third generation Oregon bee keeper at Honey Ridge Farms & black pepper from Pohnpei
4.5 out of 5
4224 ratings
#2 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Ice Cream); since 1996; multiple locations
Sid's DinerSee Sid's Diner Video ($)
(274 ratings)

300 S Choctaw Ave Map It!
El Reno, OK 73036
(405) 262-7757
  • Coney Island Dog
    all-beef hot dog w/ chili & slaw
  • Fried Onion Burger
    local specialty: carmelized onions cooked right into beef; 8-inch diameter
4.5 out of 5
274 ratings
#4 (Top 5 Restaurants-Best Burgers); cozy diner décor off of Route 66
Top 5 Restaurants   (145 restaurants)    
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