the road trip restaurant

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American Road Trip Bar & Grill

Ratings and reviews

Location and contact.

It was an early dinner, out doors (tent available) during COVID. We visited the American Road Trip Bar & Grill in Yucaipa, CA on a recent visit to Oak Glen - Apple Orchards. Their food is delicious and menu is varied (something for everyone) especially... their home made potato chips served with a smokey bbq sauce. The staff is friendly, knowledgable, efficient and honest! The atmosphere during covid is fresh and friendly. My son had the jumbalaya and I must admit the flavor was authentic and yummy. I'm embarrased to admit that I left my purse there on a recent visit. They kindly sent it back to me with everything intact. We live almost 100 miles away so it would have been a trek to return. They also have a great vew of local hillsides and mountains - above Oak Glen, CA (pick your own apples). Kudo's to Kevin B. and his crew at the American Road Trip Bar & Grill in Yucaipa, CA More

My friends and I ordered off the senior menu and were happy with the quality and price of the food. I had the chicken cordon which was delicious, and came with rice and sauteed veggies. My ftiend had the fish n chips which she loved.... On a separate visit, I had the prime rib dinner which was "ok"... It came with soup, which was clam chowder... delicious.. baked potato was good, prime rib was very large, but kinda tough. Enough food to have leftovers. More

My husband and I had the Steak n all you can eat shrimp, which is their Thursday Night Special for $15.99. It comes with a large baked potato. The fried shrimp was delicious, and the steak average. They gave u as much shrimp as u... like. Service was very good. We'll definitely be back! I also ordered a cadillac margarita which was tasty, but probably won't order again, because it was over $11.00, and that was with the $2.00 happy hour discount. More

Service was ok took a long time to get our burgers and it was such a disappointment!!!! The Big Mac is bigger then that Jack Daniel’s burger we had. The Pattie’s were greasy the bun small cold not toasted one piece of leaf lettuce few... chopped grilled onions and the Jack Daniel sauce was HORRIBLE light in color and looked to be thicken with a slurry (water and corn starch) bacon wasn’t cooked properly looked like the heat and serve precooked bacon. Waste of my $15 dollars!!! Our whole table had stomach issues after we got home. Manager is very defensive about our complaints granted (claiming we were food critics) we never had an issue paying which we did but worse food and horrible manger skills we will NOT be back!!!! Would NOT recommend this place at ALL More

It took a few years before we finally decided to give them a try. On a positive note they have an extensive menu on the flip side the food is mediocre. I ordered the fish tacos. How can you mess up fish tacos, right? The... fish and tortillas were fine but I had to scrape everything else off because the combo of ingredients simply didn’t work. The beauty of fish tacos is simplicity. You don’t need to throw a bunch of stuff (beyond a little cabbage and cilantro) on there or you overpower the fish. My husbands steak wasn’t much better. Some people are huge fans. Our experience didn’t leave us with a wow feeling. More

I don’t usually trash a restaurant because there are employees counting on their paychecks. However, tonight is the night. Maui Maui was terrible (dry) and dirty rice served with it had pork; haven’t eaten pork in 30 years. No where on the menu does it... say dirty rice has pork. It’s been ten years since I’ve been back and it’s as disgusting as it was the only other time I’ve been there. The worst part is the server didn’t care one bit. Shame on her. Spend your money elsewhere. More

Nice, relaxed restaurant for dinner. Service was great. My husband had the All You Can Eat Shrimp special and I had the Senior Chicken Cordon Blue. He loved his meal. My chicken was dry and the rice had no flavor. The veggies were fresh and... good. I wouldn't order the chicken cordon blue again.. dry and tasteless. More

My friend and I had the fish and chips with cole slaw. Fries and cole slaw were fine. Deep fried fish wasn't edible. The outside was hard and crusty. The inside was mushy like it hadn't been cooked enough. We took it home. My husband... tried it and said it wasn't cooked right so we threw it away. I won't order that again.. More

I've been to American Roadtrip a few times. The service is amazing, the food is delicious, the beer is cold. I would love to continue to go there but unfortunately I won't be going back. My friend and I have gone twice to catch a... game at the bar area and eat some good food. Twice a man has been there and is a complete instigator. If you're not cheering for a California team he will immediately take offense and make rude remarks. I know the employees hear this and I understand they might not want to get involved but he makes the environment very hostile. Worst is that he is completely drunk and the bartenders continue to serve him as he continues to get more and more belligerent. I would expect this from a bar but not from a family restaurant. More

Nice restaurant - great food and service! Especially loved the Texas Egg Rolls with apricot sweet & sour sauce - very, very good :)

We met up with my family here! What a wonderful delicious restaurant. They also had a magician on site that the grand kids enjoyed. All the food was delicious and hard to make a decision on what to order. We got a variety of items... and shared. A must visit! More

wizabef22, Thank you for choosing to dine with us and for revealing your positive view of our business with others. We strive to deserve accolades like yours every single day and we will never tire of hearing that we please our treasured customers and clientele.... More

Take my review as only one persons findings. I will be as neutral as possible and only describe what I saw on that day on that particular trip. Your experience could vary from mine. I was asked not to write this review but I am... a firm believer that if someone does something good you praise them and if they do something wrong, you correct them. We have eaten here many times and will continue to eat here. We recently thought that we would just stay at home and order take out from American Road Trip. Why not? After all, every other meal has been good so let's try the take out option. On this occasion it did not fare well. We tried the smoked chicken with sweet corn and mashed potatoes as well as the country fried steak with gravy and mashed potatoes. We also picked a bread pudding for dessert. The chicken was very good, moist and flavorful and the corn was corn. Not much to say about that. I was shocked when I opened the container that contained the country fried steak. The menu roughly reads that it is meat that has been ponded flat and breaded then fried. Let's just say that whatever the menu read was much better than what I saw when I opened the box. Obviously a SYSCO type brand of meat that I could have bought some version of at the local grocery store in the frozen food isle. There were two frozen patties that had been heated up and looked very un-appealing with a scoop of mashed potatoes. The gravy was in its own container. The potatoes appear to have been made not from a box as they were a little lumpy which didn't bother us. The gravy lacked flavor. The highlight was the bread pudding. Some of the best I've ever had! Wasn't enough to save the experience though. The staff was very friendly at the pick up as well. We will eat here again? Absolutely. Just maybe a little more selective if we choose the take out option. More

Ate lunch here for the first time today and it won't be our last by a long shot. We had the pulled chicken barbecue sandwich and it was one of the best I have ever had. The fries were nice and soft but not soaked... in grease. Their home produced barbecue sauce is outstanding. We took home two bottles. The restaurant, restrooms and kitchen (I peeked) are all very clean. Mike, the owner, came by the table and introduced himself. We left feeling like a member of the family. We will certainly be back many, many times. This is a place that is well worth the stop. The prices are reasonable, too, which is nice. More

Went prior to the ownership change and vowed to never return. However, after seeing several very good reviews and word of mouth from some friends we decided to give it another try. We were greeted almost immediately upon walking thru the front door. (Last time... we stood there for almost 10 minutes being ignored). We were seated promptly and had our drink order within two minutes. All the staff were smiling and actually acknowledged us as they walked by. We had the hot wings for the appetizer and they were at the table very quickly and were steaming hot. (Last time it took almost 20 minutes to get them and they were cold). My son ordered the country fried steak and it was almost fork tender and piping hot. I had the bayou blue cheese burger and onion rings. That burger was probably one of the best blue cheese hamburgers I have ever had. The onion rights were hot and tasty. Our drinks were refilled several times through out the meal and we were asked several times if we needed anything. When our waiter brought our check I asked to speak to the manager. The manager turned out to be Mike, one of the co-owners. I thanked him for a great meal and congratulated him on a major turn around from our last visit. They have a very extensive menu and we will be back to try other things. I saw the Rueben being delivered to another table. Definitely coming back to try that. More

Went in last night had the ribs and my wife had the 50/50 burger, outstanding outstanding and outstanding. Ran into a lot of old friends who love the place in the bar area. Mr. Woody is obviously a well tenured bartender who makes outstanding drinks.... The new owners and management team are obviously having a very positive impact on the business. More

AMERICAN ROAD TRIP BAR & GRILL, Yucaipa - Photos & Restaurant Reviews - Order Online Food Delivery - Tripadvisor

• Atmosphere: 4.5

The best road-trip food stop in every state, according to Yelp

• Summer road trips are on the horizon, but  fast food and bagged sandwiches might get old.
• Yelp identified the best road-trip food stop in every state based on customer reviews.
• It found restaurants with a large concentration of reviews mentioning "road trip" then ranked them on factors including ratings.

Road-trip season is in full swing, and Yelp tracked down the best road-trip food stops to satisfy your travel cravings.

Yelp identified the best road-trip food stop in every state based on customer reviews and volume of ratings. All restaurants were open and had a passing health score as of May 3, 2023. 

From mouthwatering barbecue to tasty Thai food, here are the best places to grab a bite during a long day of travel.

ALABAMA: Mary's Southern Cooking in Mobile

"We were on a road trip and happened to come across this place since it has some good reviews. It's a small place serving food in a buffet style. The chicken was tasty and very tender... The pork chop was very flavorous and tender as well. The only drawback would be that the restaurant is so generous that we couldn't finish the whole box of food. Glad that we stopped by at this place for some southern dishes," wrote Yelp user Kyle C .

Learn more about Mary's Southern Cooking here.

ALASKA: Moose's Tooth in Anchorage

"Very popular and busy location. Good pizza and they offer a ton of interesting options. We ordered a couple of large pizzas and used them for road trip snacks as we toured the peninsula. When you visit Anchorage, do yourself a favor and stop in to get a pizza or three," wrote Yelp user Jeremy N .

Learn more about Moose's Tooth here.

ARIZONA: RelicRoad Brewing in Winslow

"Absolutely amazing place if you are up for some good food and beer on your road trip!! The service is amazing as well," wrote Yelp user Mike L .

Learn more about RelicRoad Brewing here.

ARKANSAS: The Root Cafe in Little Rock

"I got lucky enough to make a pit stop here on my road trip to Arizona and will be telling the world about this place! They have super friendly and helpful staff, the space is beautiful and inviting, and it seemed like every item on the menu was unique and tasty. Everything I ate was SO good if I had more time I'd go back in and order it again. I really enjoyed that you pour coffee into mugs that they've collected over time as well. Five stars, will recommend it to all others. Eat here," wrote Yelp user James E.

Learn more about The Root Cafe here.

CALIFORNIA: Yaks on the 5 in Dunsmuir

"The garlic burger was incredible and the wings were top-notch. The tater tots were a dream... this is roadside diner food at its best," wrote Yelp user ZumaJay Z.

Learn more about Yaks on the 5 here.

COLORADO: Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction

"We were directed here for some last-minute lunch munchies before flying back home to the sunshine state after a road trip where we started in Denver, followed by Yellowstone then Grand Junction as our last destination. Wanting to end the trip with a 'foodie bang,' selecting this restaurant was a perfect choice," wrote Yelp user Christi S.

Learn more about Bin 707 Foodbar here.

CONNECTICUT: The Traveler Restaurant in Union

"What a wonderful respite from our I-95 road trip. Well-made and fresh food, very friendly service, and clean facilities. A surprisingly peaceful environment for being right off the highway. And my wife and I loved looking through the stacks of books and puzzles as we waited for our to-go order. See you again on our next trip," wrote Yelp user Paul S .

Learn more about The Traveler Restaurant here.

DELAWARE: Jessop's Tavern in New Castle

"I am so thankful that we discovered this place! I am on a road trip with my husband and brother and we were just passing through the area and were looking for a bite to eat. Everything we ate was amazing. Among us, we ordered the lobster crab cake, the meatloaf sandwich, the chicken entree (it had a weird name), and the blackberry cider. All of the meals were absolutely phenomenal... every last bite was eaten," wrote Yelp user Kaela M .

Learn more about Jessop's Tavern here.

FLORIDA: Tom's Cuban On The Go! in Ocala

"A gem of a find! Very convenient stop for a long drive. The food was authentic & staff was friendly. I just marked it on my map for the next road trip," wrote Yelp user Brittney F .

Learn more about Tom's Cuban On The Go! here.

GEORGIA: Espresso 41 in Tifton

"Quite possibly the very best coffee I've had!! The girl at the counter was so nice and recommended iced bourbon caramel espresso. So good that I wish I had bought a few more for my 8+ hours remaining on Florida road trip," wrote Yelp user Kirsten S .

Learn more about Espresso 41 here.

HAWAII: Tex Drive In in Honokaa

"The place is amazing with breathtaking views of the ocean when sitting outside. Inside you are still able to see behind the glass window into the kitchen where they are proud to show you how [their doughnuts are] made. The bonus is that they appear to be constantly making them as they are always busy," wrote Yelp user Eric R .

Learn more about Tex Drive In here.

IDAHO: Scooter's Chillin'-N-Grillin' in Twin Falls

"This is our favorite stop in Twin Falls. Just traveling through on our road trip, but love the vibe in this place! They're known for their smoked brisket, it didn't disappoint. The brisket tacos were the best! Hubby had the brisket sandwich and garlic fries and were delicious. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and easy to talk to," wrote Yelp user Jolene W .

Learn more about Scooter's Chillin'-N-Grillin' here.

ILLINOIS: Firefly Grill in Effingham

"We have never been through Effingham before, but we will be making this a regular stop on our road trips. This place did not disappoint. We sat outside and had the pleasure of chatting with Samuel, our server. The ambiance, food, drinks, setting, and service were a delightful and most welcome surprise! Our puppy was also warmly greeted which was sweet since he loves all people. Although they did not have the sticky toffee pudding (apparently it's a seasonal item), their strawberry rhubarb trifle was AMAZING! We both had their grilled salmon for dinner (yum!). We love farm-to-table restaurants and look forward to eating here on our next road trip," wrote Yelp user Catherine C .

Learn more about Firefly Grill here.

INDIANA: Payne's Restaurant in Gas City

"We took a road trip with friends specifically to have lunch based on the Visit Indiana article. We all were not disappointed. The fish & chips were great - just like what we ate in York, England! The sticky toffee pudding is to die for - Wow!! We highly recommend a visit to Payne's," wrote Yelp user David C .

Learn more about Payne's Restaurant here.

IOWA: Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines

"Their burgers are awesome, and an order of fries is huge! As we are originally from Utah, seeing they had 'fry sauce' was an extra bonus. Their cereal shakes are also fun. We would definitely stop here again on our yearly road trips, just for fun," wrote Yelp user Joni C.

Learn more about Zombie Burger + Drink Lab here.

KANSAS: Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City

"Oh my god. Saying this was the best barbecue I've ever had would be an understatement. I am the [pickiest] eater on the planet and one of my friends brought me here during a road trip because she wanted to eat it. I was hesitant. I have never liked barbecue sauce, in fact, I avoid all sauces and condiments like the PLAGUE. But this place had me slathering my sandwich with barbecue sauce and licking my fingers when I was done. I've been craving it ever since and I'm saddened that I don't live closer," wrote Yelp user Janie S.

Learn more about Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que here.

KENTUCKY: Royals Hot Chicken in Louisville

"We loved their hot chicken sandwich. It was crunchy and spicy, not too greasy, well priced and if we weren't on a road trip we would have gotten one of the many beers they had on tap. It's counter service which I like for lunch on a road trip," wrote Yelp user Dna B .

Learn more about Royals Hot Chicken here.

LOUISIANA: Pamela's Bayou In A Bowl in Alexandria

"Holy moly! How did we get lucky enough to stumble into this place?!  The food here is so good, we started planning future road trips through Louisiana. The food was all delicious, flavorful, and completely satisfying! I got the beans and sausage, greens, and mac and cheese. Once we started eating, we realized we must be at somebody's granny's house," wrote Yelp user Mary Beth C.

Learn more about Pamela's Bayou In A Bowl here.

MAINE: Red's Eats in Wiscasset

"The absolute best lobster roll we have ever tried! We stopped here while doing a road trip through Maine and someone had recommended this place along the way. We didn't think it looked that special or any different from the other 1,000 places that advertise their lobster rolls, but boy were we mistaken," wrote Yelp user Jessica K.

Learn more about Red's Eats here.

MARYLAND: Rik's Cafe in Hagerstown

"Would never have found this place without Yelp. So thank you Yelp. They will do take out so I was able to order it as we are traveling on our way home from a long road trip. Excellent food without any wait time was a wonderful way to have our supper. Crab cakes were incredible as was the very interesting mozzarella salad. I was impressed with the friendly waiter service in a restaurant that was full to capacity. We will be back," wrote Yelp user Julianna M .

Learn more about Rik's Cafe here.

MASSACHUSETTS: B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge

"We just stopped here on our road trip and had to write a review right away. The brisket burrito was smoky and delicious. The [Buffalo] fried chicken sandwich was delicately breaded, juicy, and moist. Pick-up was very organized and timely," wrote Yelp user Tess L.

Learn more about B.T.'s Smokehouse here.

MICHIGAN: The Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor

"Hard to believe such a place exists in small-town Michigan after struggling to find healthy, fresh, and quality food choices on a road trip through rural Michigan. Friendly service, great coffee, diverse menu, fresh, healthy, and vegetarian friendly. Thumbs up, five stars, highly recommended," wrote Yelp user Camille M.

Learn more about The Mason Jar Cafe here.

MINNESOTA: The Taco King in Albert Lea

"We stopped while road tripping to Wisconsin Dells and were greatly surprised! Expecting fast-food type Mexican due to the location and were so happy to discover otherwise! The burritos were hot fresh and delicious, the al pastor was excellent and the service great! Will definitely be stopping again," wrote Yelp user Carrie F.

Learn more about The Taco King here.

MISSISSIPPI: The Pig & Pint in Jackson

"We were so happy to stumble upon this place on our road trip to NOLA thanks to my trusty Yelp! We stopped here on a Thursday for lunch with our toddler. The girl at the register welcomed us for our first time and told us what their most popular dishes were... Our food came fairly quickly and the portions were huge! I didn't expect 'chicken fries' to be a glorious sloppy mess of BBQ chicken, beans, sauce, sour cream, and jalapeños. It was AMAZING! It was the best road trip stop we made all day! Definitely going to stop here on our way to NOLA every year," wrote Yelp user Haley S.

Learn more about The Pig & Pint here.

MISSOURI: Pappy's Smokehouse in St. Louis

"The best BBQ I've had. Our road trips following the Florida Gators have taken us all over the south and beyond. Had the 'que in Memphis, Birmingham, Lexington, Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta and beyond. Pappys is the best," wrote Yelp user Craig J.

Learn more about Pappy's Smokehouse here.

MONTANA: Hummingbird Cafe in Butte

"Super delicious great little spot to stop. I was on a road trip and needed to grab a bite and let my baby out of the car seat. We sat on the patio and had a lovely coffee and lunch. Will definitely stop in again next time I drive through Butte," wrote Yelp user Sara H.

Learn more about Hummingbird Cafe here.

NEBRASKA: Open Range Grill in Ogallala

"We stopped at the Open Range Grill on our drive from Denver, CO to Wisconsin, and were so happy that we did! This is a great, family-friendly spot with delicious, fresh food," wrote Yelp user Clare C.

Learn more about Open Range Grill here.

NEVADA: Odeh's Mediterranean Restaurant in Elko

"My friends and I were on a road trip to Wisconsin so we randomly stumbled upon this cute little place. It was by far some of the best Mediterranean food I have ever had. Come and try it out, you won't be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Emilee K.

Learn more about Odeh's Mediterranean Restaurant here.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Four Aces Diner in West Lebanon

"Came here for brunch on our road trip! Really good diner food! The place is a little small though. We didn't have to wait long. We sat at the counter. The French onion soup was good. It was on the sweeter side, but that works for me. The scallop omelet was good! Definitely would recommend this place," wrote Yelp user Tina L .

Learn more about Four Aces Diner here.

NEW JERSEY: Tops Diner in East Newark

"We were on a road trip and stopped by this place and it was a great spot. The place was packed but they got us seated pretty fast. There's a lot to cover on the menu from burgers and steaks to seafood [...] give this place a try you won't be disappointed," wrote Yelp user Trisha M .

Learn more about Tops Diner here.

NEW MEXICO: Chico's Tortas y Piñas Lokas in Santa Rosa

"We found this while on a road trip and were blown away by the quality of the food. Their take on a Cubano is worth the stop. Excellent shrimp taco and quesadillas too! The atmosphere is also great with excellent decor and many items for sale," wrote Yelp user Amanda T .

Learn more about Chico's Tortas y Piñas Lokas here.

NEW YORK: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse

"Was looking for a spot to eat on our East Coast road trip. Stumble on this excellent BBQ place after hours of driving. Their BBQ was spot on, especially the pull pork and ribs. The biggest surprise was their fried catfish. It was one of the best fried catfish we've had in a long long time. Would have never thought we would find such a great dish in a BBQ restaurant," wrote Yelp user Raymond W .

Learn more about Dinosaur Bar-B-Que here.

NORTH CAROLINA: The Prime Smokehouse in Rocky Mount

"Stopped toward the end of a long road trip. Absolutely fabulous smokehouse. Had the brisket, ribs, and chicken, which came with a side of cornbread. Everything we had was fabulous and full of flavor," wrote Yelp user Kevin S.

Learn more about The Prime Smokehouse here.

NORTH DAKOTA: Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar in Bismarck

"Stopped for a road trip lunch on our way through North Dakota. The staff was awesome, restaurant/bathroom was clean. The pizzaiola was skilled at her craft. The pizzas were thin, perfectly browned, with a beautiful crust. Topping to pizza ratio was perfection," wrote Yelp user Kiki C.

Learn more about Fireflour Pizza + Coffee Bar here.

OHIO: Lucky's Cafe in Cleveland

"I visited Lucky's while on a road trip to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with my dad and my brother. I scoped out the place because I saw it on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and it looked like my cup of tea... I love how local the food is, and the quality shows! I had the Canoewreck. Curried tofu, hashbrowns, lots of veggies, toast, and fruit. It was so delicious! The dudes were happy with what they ordered as well. I'm sad I don't live near Cleveland because I'd eat here every day," wrote Yelp user Amanda A.

Learn more about Lucky's Cafe here.

OKLAHOMA: The Loaded Bowl in Oklahoma City

"Stopped here on a road trip to Phoenix, and the food was so good, we made a point of stopping again on the way back through. Our favorite was the ultimate in comfort food, the Mashed Potato Bowl. We also enjoyed the Mac + Greens bowl, and the CBD soda was refreshing. On our second visit, I went to pick up our order and noticed a fully stocked display case of sweet goodies, so ended up spending nearly as much again on those as for the original order. Worth it," wrote Yelp user Madeleine W .

Learn more about The Loaded Bowl here.

OREGON: Jack Sprats in Cottage Grove

"My husband and I enjoy visiting Cottage Grove on our yearly road trip to Oregon.  We stopped at Jack Sprats two years ago and had a great experience, so decided to stop in again.  My husband ordered the fish and chips and I ordered the Cuban sandwich.  It did take a while for our food to come out this time, but we figured they had to wait for the oil to heat up as we came early for lunch, just as they were converting the kitchen over from breakfast.  The potato salad was a good choice.  My iced tea was really delicious.  The portions were, once again, extremely generous.  We ended up splitting the fish and chips and took the Cuban home for another meal.  The menu is varied, and there are some gluten-free options, including some yummy homemade cookies.  This place is definitely worth a stop," wrote Yelp user Shelly S .

Learn more about Jack Sprats here.

PENNSYLVANIA: J Zapata in Drums

"A great pit stop for delicious lunch on a long road trip from Philadelphia! We ordered the chicken tacos Mexicanos and the chorizo plate. The chicken tacos were amazing with the perfect amount of spice and fresh flavors. The chorizo was pretty good as well and a great [complement] to the tacos. The horchata was also very tasty, with a little more vanilla flavor than we are used to, but nonetheless worth the money! Also, the refreshing milky drink helped cut some of the spice. Overall would recommend it for hungry travelers traveling up route 80," wrote Yelp user Mike N .

Learn more about J Zapata here.

RHODE ISLAND: Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant in Newport

"Came into town and we were in a bind to get a good meal on a very long road trip. We were not at all disappointed with the meal. The staff was excellent and the food was also great! And so clean! Absolutely a great meal," wrote Yelp user Caroline D .

Learn more about Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant here.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Fletcher's Cafe & Catering in Yemassee

"What a fun find! Friendly place with a great pimento cheese sandwich. Squash fritters were delish! Only a little off of the highway and a nice diversion on a long 95 road trip," wrote Yelp user Julie T .

Learn more about Fletcher's Cafe & Catering here.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Circle E Drive In in Murdo

"Just found this place on Yelp during our drive through SD to NE. Given the excellent ratings, we had to give it a try! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the friendly staff. They recommended a few items to us but said that given how fresh the beef was, we should go for the bacon cheeseburger. That is exactly what I did and could not have been happier with my choice! The beef tasted so fresh and juicy, the bun was toasted and crispy, and the veggies (lettuce, tomato, pickles) added a bit of freshness to it. Food is affordable. 100% recommend checking this place out if you're in the area/near the Badlands," wrote Yelp user Kaitlynn M .

Learn more about Circle E Drive In here.

TENNESSEE: Biscuit Love: Gulch in Nashville

"Best food in Nashville! We ordered ahead via Yelp app as we were driving into Nashville on our road trip, we got to go right in and bypass the huge line outside to pick up our order! The East Nasty and Princess Buscuit Sandwiches were to die for!! Recommend 100%!! Along with the Bonuts," wrote Yelp user Molly E .

Learn more about Biscuit Love: Gulch here.

TEXAS: Tyler's Barbeque in Amarillo

"My husband and I stopped in here on a whim on our cross country road trip to California. We were tired and hungry, and as soon as we walked in we were immediately salivating at the mouth. This place smells seriously amazing, so we had high expectations for the food. We were absolutely not disappointed... Upon recommendation from the owner, I got the brisket sandwich with a side of the jalapeño cream corn. I could honestly eat a bucket of that stuff, it's that good. My husband got the pulled pork sandwich with the potato salad and it was gone before I could blink, so needless to say his was great too! The food, service, and hospitality are all top-notch," wrote Yelp user Kaelee J.

Learn more about Tyler's Barbeque here.

UTAH: Centro Woodfired Pizzeria in Cedar City

"We were driving through town on a road trip and sick of diner and fast food. We found this place on yelp and I thought, If it's half as good as the reviews I will be shocked. Started with the meatballs and garlic bread, followed by the Brooklyn pepperoni pizza, and finished with the Nutella-baked pizza with whip cream! The food quality was excellent inline with what you would expect at a high-quality metropolitan Italian restaurant," wrote Yelp user Judi M.

Learn more about Centro Woodfired Pizzeria here.

VERMONT: Prohibition Pig in Waterbury

"Was looking for some good BBQ while on a road trip through VT. Pro Pig did not disappoint. The Smoked Wings were some of the best I have ever had, even the pickled carrots served with them were great. The Chopped Whole Hog Sandwich was excellent. Others in my party were very pleased with the Brisket Sandwich and Sweet Tea Half Chicken. Next trip to Stowe, we will definitely be back," wrote Yelp user John D .

Learn more about Prohibition Pig here.

VIRGINIA: Angelle's Diner in Troutville

"This diner was delightful. Such a pleasant surprise for me, my husband, and our kids ages 8 and 10 while traveling from DC. I am not usually a diner fan but Angelle's is not your average diner. It was nice and clean and lives up to its many good reviews," wrote Yelp user Amy B.

Learn more about Angelle's Diner here.

WASHINGTON: Frank's Diner in Spokane

"My friend and I are on a road trip from MN to OR and picked Frank's on the name alone.  We had no idea that there was so much history behind the restaurant!  The staff, so thoughtful, the atmosphere kept us wanting to know more and the food was more than amazing," wrote Yelp user Kim E .

Learn more about Frank's Diner here.

WEST VIRGINIA: Dem 2 Brothers And A Grill in Charleston

"It wasn't the fastest road trip stop, but it was worth it. The barbecue and sides were great," wrote Yelp user David L .

Learn more about Dem 2 Brothers And A Grill here.

WISCONSIN: Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern in Monroe

"This restaurant was the highlight of our Wisconsin road trip. I loved the place. It has such nostalgia to it. The food was freshly prepared. You could tell because it melted in our mouths! The desserts were amazing. Cheese as a topping was unique. I loved it," wrote Yelp user Krishna C .

Learn more about Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern here.

WYOMING: Anong's Thai Cuisine in Rawlins

"Some friends and I were road-tripping through Wyoming to Colorado and needed a place to stop for dinner. This place was one of the top-rated places and we all like Thai food so we thought 'what the heck.' We all wish we had this place back in Provo cause we would definitely stop again. The service was quick and helpful but also very personable. It was a great experience, and we didn't have to wait long for our food either! 10 out of 10 would recommend," wrote Yelp user Logan B.

Learn more about Anong's Thai Cuisine here.

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The Best Road Trip Food Stops

Half of the fun of a road trip is in the food. Here are the best places to pull over and feast from coast to coast.

Storm's Drive-in (Lampasas, Texas)

You know if Elvis approved of a hamburger, it had to be good. Storm's in Lampasas hosted the iconic rock-n-roller several times in the '60s while he was stationed at Fort Hood. And the burger legend lives on. George Strait will still swing through from time to time, along with an all-star cast of other Texas country legends, drawn by the Storm's Special, a massive three-patty half-pound burger ground fresh in-house. Add an old-fashioned hand-mixed malt and you're ready to be on the road again.

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The Best Restaurants to Stop at During a Road Trip

A list of the Best Restaurants to Stop at During a Road Trip. Are you planning a road trip in the near future? After listening to your perfect road trip playlist , one of the most important things on a trip is finding just the right restaurant to stop at for your meals. During a road trip, it is exciting to try different types of eating places. This list of restaurants is ranked in order of most popular restaurants to stop at during a road trip, to least popular. You can save and copy the list for a reference of best restaurants on your upcoming road trip, or you can make your own list to look at on the computer.

You can also vote for a favorite restaurant that you tried on your last road trip. See your favorite restaurant get ranked higher on the list so that others can try a good restaurant on their next road trip as well. You might even find a new favorite restaurant to eat at during your road trip.

Sometimes, people will try different restaurants on a road trip that they never have tried in their own hometown, simply because the restaurant is in a convenient place to stop at on a road trip. Often, the restaurants located right off the interstate are tempting to road trippers, and the ones located close to the hotels are also excellent restaurants to try on a road trip. So browse through the list before going on your next trip to find a new favorite vacation restaurant!

Cracker Barrel

In-N-Out Burger

Chick-fil-A

Steak 'n Shake

Waffle House

Sonic Drive-In

Krispy Kreme

A&W Restaurants

Whataburger

Dairy Queen

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Big Boy Restaurants

Panera Bread

Dunkin' Donuts

Burger King

White Castle

Jack in the Box

Panda Express

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Where should we eat?

Road trip restaurants

Plan your trip around food and eat your way across the country.

Love food ? HungryTrip is not a GPS, it's a food finder . It's for the person that plans their whole trip around food. If you're a foodie that loves interesting restaurants and new food adventures, HungryTrip is for you . It's about taking a tour of the best food along the best route, not just the fastest way there. These aren't just foodie destinations, they're short detours for awesome bites. Eat your way across the country , and plan a food road trip to discover the best places to eat that only locals know.

We'll help you build an entire food itinerary, even if it takes days to cover everything. You can plan every meal on your road trip so no food opportunity is wasted. You can even customize the theme. Go ahead, plan a donut road trip , or hit every tasting menu in the state and do your own restaurant ranking. Take your dream road trip to food happiness . Because it's not about the destination... It's about the journey!

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15 Road Trip-Worthy Restaurant Destinations Outside of Miami

These restaurants are worth the drive

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While the Magic City is fantastic, there might be times when you crave a change of scenery or simply want to escape the city without much fuss or planning. Choosing a restaurant as a destination is an ideal reason for a day trip. Whether you’re headed south to the Upper Keys, north to West Palm Beach, or across Alligator Alley because you fancy a drive, we’ve selected some dining options for your journey.

Kasa Sushi Japanese Restaurant

This family-owned restaurant serves creative and flavorful maki minutes away from Sarasota’s famed Ringling Museum of Art. Whether it’s the Hudson roll (salmon, avocado, cream cheese, crunch inside topped with mango, yellow tobiko, mango sauce, and spicy shrimp), Ruby (spicy tuna, asparagus, cucumber, and crunch inside topped with black pepper tuna, avocado, and red tobiko, with unique sauces), or vegan Jungle (sweet potato and broccoli tempura and mango topped with avocado and special sauce), sushi lovers will find surprising new flavor combinations that will create a yearning to cross Alligator Alley again and again.

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Indigenous Restaurant

This modern American restaurant captured the attention of food lovers with its flavorful dedication to carefully sourced cuisine. Housed in an elegant, restored home, diners are treated to a rotating, seasonal menu showcasing dishes such as parmesan beignets with local honey, thyme, and pears; red snapper sourced from Madeira Beach served with local corn puree, herbed mushroom bread pudding, grilled broccolini and shallots, arugula pesto, and parmesan; baked scallops with Everglades spice, white wine, butter, lemon, braised potatoes, and tarragon breadcrumbs, and Iberico pork chop with dijon hollandaise, caramelized brown sugar, and bacon and broccoli potato hash. Be sure to make a reservation.

Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village

Even the Amish and Mennonite communities found allure in Florida, making the tiny town of Pinecraft (in Sarasota) their winter home. At Yoder's, diners enjoy Amish-style cooking, including biscuits, potato cakes, fried chicken, and a hearty assortment of homemade pies. Head to the marketplace next door and purchase fruits and vegetables and jams and jellies to take home.

“Top Chef” winner Stephen Asprinio leads this American coastal restaurant in Juno Beach. From the creative bread service featuring bone marrow PB&J and Brazilian cheesy bread with Aleppo pepper and honey butter to creative spins on favorites like oysters on the half shell with guanabana mignonette and caviar fish and chips, this spot promises to leave diners happy. There are also steaks, local catch offerings, and a healthy list of local brews to guzzle it all down with.

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18 Dining Spots Worth the Trip to Palm Beach County

Stage Kitchen & Bar

Formerly from Niven Patan’s Ghee Indian Kitchen, chef Pushkar Marathe has created a loyal following in Palm Beach Gardens with his exceptional globally inspired cuisine with Indian flair. Try the spicy tuna bomb (semolina puri, spicy soy, green goddess, and avocado), chicken liver pate with grilled bread, or duck confit rolls for game-changing starters before diving into main courses like wood-grilled Spanish octopus (with marble potatoes, kaffir lime, and green apple nuoc cham, a Vietnamese dipping sauce) or prime short rib with bone marrow korma and rice grits. There is a long list of vegetable dishes to enhance the meals. Lover’s of the Old Fashioned cocktail, take note, the cocktail here is worth the drive alone.

The Butcher’s Club

Well-known in Miami for inventive, exceptional cuisine, chef Jeremy Ford helms this elegant restaurant within the Palm Beach Garden’s PGA National Resort. The restaurant offers a robust selection of meats and sauces, with many customers preferring Ford’s Favorite Four: Beef Fat Hollandaise, Creamy Peppercorn, Chimichurri, and TBC Steak. Complementing these are crunchy ‘Brava’ potatoes and creamy, herb-filled spinach with dill, tarragon, basil, and garlic crumbs. For diners not inclined towards meat, the restaurant also presents an extensive raw bar and dishes such as truffle chicken and halibut with wilted greens, crispy sunchokes, and a caviar beurre blanc.

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Queen of Sheeba

Open since 2006; this West Palm Beach family-owned restaurant serves an ample selection of flavorful Ethiopian fare. Start with Qategna, roasted sesame and flax seeds mixed with berbere (seasoned chili powder) and kebe (herbal clarified butter) spread on toasted injera, the traditional Ethiopian spongey bread. For the main course, Doro Wot, the national dish of Ethiopia, is a crowd-pleaser that features a slow-cooked chicken stewed in berbere sauce and assorted spices and served with a hard-boiled egg. Vegetarians will love this place for its many tasty options.

Pistache French Bistro

On trendy Clematis Street, this cozy French bistro takes diners straight to Paris, with the bonus of waterfront views. Head to the outdoor terrace and enjoy dishes like chicken paillard, moules frites, and the ever-popular Pistache burger. Brunch is a popular option and the perfect opportunity to mingle with the chic West Palm Beach crowd.

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Tropical Smokehouse

Head to West Palm Beach to sample James Beard Nominated Best Chef South 2023 chef Rick Mace’s barbecue inspired by South Florida’s diversity. Paying homage to Haitian, Dominican, Cuban and Jamaican cuisine, dishes include smoked brisket, mojo pulled pork, spicy wahoo dip, and cajun gator sausage. Hot and sweet hushpuppies, fried cobia sandwiches, and barbecue jackfruit are options for those not eating meat. Burger fans will be glad to have made the drive.

The Boys Farmers Market

People flock to this bustling, cramped Delray Beach food market for its incredible selection of produce, fruits, meats, fish, cheeses, and more—all at reasonable prices. There’s a bakery and a prepared food section that will cover your meals any day of the week. Come early and possibly (but possibly not) avoid the crowd.

Le Colonial Delray Beach

This French-Vietnamese is the first outpost in Florida (others include Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Lake Forest). Dark mahogany wood and foliage create a sultry that provides an intimate and alluring ambiance. Sip on a pomegranate martini or pineapple margarita and enjoy crispy South Florida yellowtail snapper, carved tableside, or Canh Chua Crudo—red grouper seasoned with Vietnamese tamarind sour. Meat lovers will enjoy the Bo Luc Lac, caramelized filet mignon, or Bahn Uot, grilled sesame beef rolled in flat rice noodles, cucumber, lettuce, basil, and lime garlic sauce.

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Robert Is Here Fruit Stand

The perfect day trip for anyone craving exotic smoothies and shakes (think soursop, passionfruit, and guava, visitors can also peruse the market and sample the extensive collection of Florida honey (avocado tree and sawgrass are favorites) and shop for fruits, veggies, and other goods.

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Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

For those willing to drive for dessert, this celebrated sweet spot in the Keys is the place to go. Choices are simple: opt for a slice of Key lime pie topped with meringue or whipped cream. There’s also pie dipped in dark chocolate and key lime lemonade.

The iconic restaurant located in Plantation Key, in the Village of Islamorada, recently reopened its doors after a lengthy expansion and renovation that includes an expanded beachfront bar and dining areas. Diners can enjoy Caribbean-inspired curries (made from scratch), Marker 88’s signature Floridian-style jerk chicken, and plenty of seafood. Wrap things up, of course, with Key lime pie.

Where to Eat in the Florida Keys

Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge

This completely revamped landmark, formerly known by locals as “the dead animal bar” because of numerous taxidermy mounts, now boasts a brand new kitchen and beautifully-landscaped private beachside lounge. With spectacular oceanside views, the menu reflects favorite Florida Key fare like smoked fish dip, conch fritters, fish tacos, and homemade Key Lime Pie. A visit to the keys wouldn’t be complete without cocktails. The pina colada, painkiller, or guava margarita are worthy options.

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Road Trip Bar and Grill

Adventures. Friendships. Memories. For owners Jerry and Paula Tackett, these are the key ingredients to a happy, fulfilling life and the driving force behind all they do. Many of Jerry and Paula’s best adventures have come while crisscrossing the country together on their Harleys – an achievement they have done on several occasions – racking up countless miles on their bikes along the way as well as great friends in each state and memories to last a lifetime. Their journeys also served as the inspiration behind the name of their newest and most exciting venture, Road Trip Bar & Grill.

This family-friendly, cutting-edge, lively establishment located in the heart of Capay boasts an excellent selection of food and drinks. It’s a great place to eat, meet or make friends, catch a game, or just hang out. Whether you’re a local or just passing through on a road trip of your own, Road Trip Bar & Grill is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and leave you wanting to come back for more. Short on time but looking to satisfy your hunger or quench your thirst? Make a pit-stop at the Road Trip Mini-Mart (located next to the Bar & Grill) and choose from a variety of hot and cold entrees, snacks, fountain drinks and premium coffees. From deli sandwiches, salads and pizza to chips, candy and an endless assortment of refreshing sodas and hot, fresh coffees, you’ll find what you want – guaranteed. Now serving Seattle’s Best Coffee, and all your favorite coffee drinks, at our new coffee bar. The Mini-Mart and Bar & Grill are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7am – 7pm. 

Road Trip Bar & Grill is closed Monday – Wednesday 

$1.00 from Every Spartan Burger II Sold, will go to the Cheerleaders and Football Teams of Esparto Middle School

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Six Roadside Restaurants Worth Stopping For

March 22, 2022

Suzanne Emily O'Connor

There are good restaurants. And there are restaurants so good they’re worth the drive. But how good does a restaurant have to be, to be worth stopping for? 

This particular genre of food, which we’ll dub “Road Eats,” comes in many forms: Mom and Pop dives, grease-stained gas stations, fine dining establishments. There are few actual qualifications for a proper Road Trip Eat, only that it be integrated into some larger adventure, and that it rise to the occasion as part of the memory you’ll take home.  

We reached out to some of our most reliable foodie correspondents to share some worthy roadside institutions. Take notes—some of these are worth planning a trip around. 

The Bright Star

Bessemer, Alabama

Some folks can drive fourteen hours in one day. Not me. I can go about six hundred miles, but I’ll go the extra hour if there’s a restaurant like The Bright Star at the end of the haul. Longevity is the underlying theme of The Bright Star. The restaurant began its life in 1907 as a twenty-five-seat café owned and operated by Tom Bonduris, a Greek immigrant from Peleta. Business was good and Bonduris had to relocate three times before The Bright Star found its permanent home in Bessemer’s downtown on 19 th Street, where it has remained since 1914. Bonduris partnered with Bill and Pete Koikos (also of Peleta) in 1923 and Koikos descendants have owned and managed it since 1966. The 330-seat dining area is adorned with Crimson Tide memorabilia, but don’t hold that against it because the space is something out of Boardwalk Empire … 1930s-era murals, banquettes, tiled floors, ceiling fans, and marbled and mirrored walls. But it’s the food at The Bright Star that has earned its landmark status. The specialty is Greek-style snapper and steaks … try the snapper throats, but be sure to get a cup of their seafood gumbo … it’s good, honest!  thebrightstar.com .

Danny’s Fried Chicken 

Franklin, Louisiana

When I was a child, to get to my grandma’s house, we would drive Highway 182 through downtown Franklin, where we’d often stop at Danny’s Fried Chicken to pick up a box of crispy goodness to share—it would always make her smile. My grandma is long gone but Danny’s is still there, with its iconic sign of a boy with a bowl haircut chomping on a piece of chicken.

My cousin and I recently stopped in for lunch. Entering the dining room, with its vintage colonial-themed wallpaper and 70’s-era stained-glass chicken light fixtures, we were transported back in time. Behind the counter, husband and wife Dean and Janet Broussard were busy frying hand-battered chicken while a young woman took our order.  

The menu features all things fried with typical side offerings like coleslaw, red beans, and fried okra.  You will find rice dressing also humbly offered as a “side,” but it deserves main dish attention, boasting a perfect rice-to-meat ratio so as to be a meal unto itself.   

Dean, whose family has owned and operated this franchise for forty-nine years, explained that the dressing is made with a never-to-be-shared recipe from an old lady in Ville Platte. I asked him if he could tell me a little about the secret to its goodness. He kindly responded, “Gizzards,” then turned back to his fry basket. My cousin frowned, and I finished her serving with a smile. Danny's Fried Chicken on Facebook. 

—Catherine Schoeffler Comeaux

Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins 

Krotz Springs, Louisiana

Once a year, I drive from Colorado to Louisiana. Road trips are a distinct pleasure of mine ( read more in this story: "Just Get in the Car" ) but by the time hour eighteen rolls around, my body is enraged with Red Bull and I’m dodging junk falling off peoples’ trailers on I-49, wondering why I keep doing this to myself. My weary eyes squint, scanning the horizon for the blessed Opelousas exit. Opelousas will take me to U.S. 190, and eventually to Krotz Springs, where I find my salvation. 

Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins is the jewel of my drive. I buy more boudin than I need—you can earn a mountain of goodwill from your friends by giving away ten bucks of Billy’s boudin. It’s hard not to overdo it back in the car, though, gorging on a whole link at a time. When my dad last rode down from Colorado with me, he cut each link in half with his pocket knife, which we shared with saltines, like reasonable people who pace themselves.

Boudin is not, however, a perfect road trip food. It comes in its own distinctly unreliable wrapper, for one. It leaves your hands greased with enough pork fat to problematically lubricate the steering wheel, and with enough spice to burn your travel-worn eyes each time you rub them. There’s a certain quality to eating boudin while driving that makes you feel like a cheetah tearing at a fresh kill while running away from the scene. But never mind that; road boudin serves other purposes. 

Last summer, my friend Annie drove cross-country to move back to Louisiana from Oregon. I led the caravan from her pit-stop in Colorado. Her move home was twice as long as my drive; a long-awaited homecoming following a period of stress. We pulled into Billy’s right as the sun was setting in Krotz Springs. When you’ve been away for awhile, as Annie had—and you really start to miss Louisiana—the taste of boudin at sunset on U.S. 190 is an almost overwhelming welcome home.  billysboudin.com . 

—Christie Matherne

Lea’s Lunchroom 

Lecompte, Louisiana

“I don’t want to have lunch in Natchitoches.”

“Well, fine, stay in the car,” I almost said, but it turns out that there’s an even better option if you’re crossing Louisiana on the bias. Just a bit south of Alexandria in the little town of Lecompte, barely far enough off I-49 to count as a detour, the almost-century-old Lea’s Lunchroom served me one of the best sandwiches of my lunch-eating career. 

Ham is the queen of meats, as we all know, and the real genius of Lea’s is presenting two varieties of ham on a single sandwich (ground and sliced). You can also get a meat-and-three: each day there are two choices of meat, and one of them is always ham. In addition to the multiplicity of ham formats, Lea’s offers a glorious chorus line of nine pies daily: choose among coconut meringue, lemon meringue, chocolate meringue, banana meringue, apple, peach, cherry, bumbleberry, and pecan. The pies, based on family recipes which founder Lea Johnson’s wife Georgia brought into the business as a sweet and flaky dowry, have come close to overshadowing their meaty menu-mate: in 2001, Lecompte was named the Pie Capital of Louisiana.

I haven’t made it back to Lea’s since that first trip in the fall of 2019, but every time a drive Shreveport-ward is mentioned, I remember that perfect roadside bite. In 2008, a grandson opened a satellite location in Monroe—sweeting any itinerary including Vicksburg, Poverty Point, or the general northeast corner of the state.  leaslunchroom.com .

—Chris Turner-Neal 

Glenda’s Creole Kitchen

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

I live in New Orleans, but when I head west for anything at all I always sketch in time for a detour to Glenda’s Creole Kitchen in Breaux Bridge as much for the gracious hospitality as for the amazing grub.

The magic Glenda Broussard and the women in her family pull from Glenda’s towering collection of Magnalite pots has kept her Breaux Bridge parking lot jammed for breakfast and lunch for twenty-two years. A line of cars snakes around the building, waiting to get up to the bustling takeout window.

Inside the small space, five or so communal tables are covered in brightly-patterned oilcloth. First place trophies from the Gumbo Cook-off and the Sweet Dough Pie Festival are displayed behind the counter. Guests are obliged to stand in line for the daily specials that are set up in steam trays. Broussard is big on stuffing and smothering, so the day might bring stuffed turkey wings, smothered pork chops, smothered okra with shrimp and crabmeat, stuffed fried chicken, stuffed brisket, turkey roll, smothered ribs, or something like that. At the end of the short, cafeteria-style line you will be offered a slice of either white or honey wheat bread and your choice will be plucked straight from a plastic sleeve. You will be given a plastic cup and you serve your own beverage.  If you splurge on a slice of cake or a small sweet, your meal might set you back $12 and will easily feed three people. If you go for a half portion and skip the dessert, you’ll get one piece of meat with two sides. This will cost you $7. This will be money well spent. This is blue-collar food, prepared with love and skill. Find Glenda's Creole Kitchen on Facebook.

—Jyl Benson

The White House

Warrior, Alabama

I had a presidential factbook in the 1990s—before the phrase was so fraught—and it won me over with the trivia that George Bush was the first president to publicly refuse broccoli. 

It’s a fact I’ve witnessed myself, at a lunch spot in Warrior, Alabama. Here H.W. merely sniffs at a steam tray of cheddar-smothered broccoli, abstains from the chicken fried steak, and remains unmoved by the silky mashed potatoes that became my toddler’s second skin. He’s not alone: across the political aisle and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, forty-five presidents say “No thanks,” to the down-home cuisine populating the buffet line each day at The White House Restaurant. Confined to their portraits, they watch the crowds come and go. 

We found The White House (red brick, actually) on the way home from a week in Nashville. I wanted somewhere hip in downtown Birmingham, my husband Andy wanted something healthy and quick. Like most compromises, our carb-laden cafeteria trays in the northern nowhere of Alabama checked none of these boxes. But they posed a strong case for re-election. Find The White House on Facebook. 

—Lucie Monk Carter

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The Best Places To Eat On A Road Trip, According To The Masses

The Great American Road Trip is a right of passage. Families , van lifers , wanderlusters, vagabonds, tourists, and explorers all share the same road. The black asphalt veins pump people around the entire country, every minute of every day. Each bend hides a new wonder waiting to be discovered. There are trees to drive through, canyons to get lost in, amber waves of grain that stretch to the horizon, and seemingly endless chains of mountains. Oh, and there’s thousands and thousands of miles of coast too. America is vast and full of wonder.

One of the great moments of a road trip is stopping for some grub . We’ve all been there — when those hunger pangs set in after the fourth or fifth hour on the open road. We see a billboard, standing alone in the vastness of the world, enticing us that only 30 miles away deliverance awaits. Then it’s 20 miles away. 10 miles away. 5 more miles. 2 miles. Finally, we see the words: “Next Exit!” We take the off-ramp. Anticipation starts to boil over. We park, stretch the legs, and get ready to quell the rumbling in our stomachs.

Somehow, food always tastes better on the road. Even if we’ve eaten at the place a thousand times at home, there’s just something more satisfying about the outpost you find yourself, along a lonely highway. Maybe it’s the miles of road behind you. Maybe it’s the miles ahead of you. Either way, a pit stop on a road trip is almost always a delight.

What is the best place to quell your hunger? Not all meals are equal after all. Some are a pure fuel that’ll have you singing along at full volume to all of Tom Petty & The Heartbreaker’s Greatest Hits . Others may induce a carb coma that’ll have your eyes drooping no matter what you listen to. Over at Ranker , they wanted some answers, so they asked their users to vote on their favorite restaurants to stop at on a road trip. The results are a menagerie of sugary booster fuel, classic burgers, and coma-inducing diner experiences.

10. Dunkin’ Donuts

View this post on Instagram Stacks on stacks on stacks 📸: @frostingandfettuccine A post shared by Dunkin’ (@dunkin) on Mar 24, 2018 at 4:00am PDT

Hells yeah! Dunkin’ Donuts ‘ combination of sugary fried dough and high-octane coffee means the next hundred miles or so will be pushing the higher end of the speed limits as you rap to every word to Nas’s Illmatic .

Just make sure you have something for the inevitable sugar and caffeine crash. Maybe more sugar and caffeine? You do you.

Chances of going into a food coma: Close to nil. Dunk’s coffee is rocket fuel.

View this post on Instagram Cheers to easy online ordering with IHOP 'N GO® A post shared by IHOP (@ihop) on Jan 7, 2018 at 12:39pm PST

IHOP , huh? While the bottomless cups of filtered coffee are a draw here, the piles of carb-heavy pancakes can get you pretty drowsy. Though, it really depends on how much syrup you’re soaking those cakes with. So maybe it all balances out in the end. Or, you can just order some eggs and bacon and avoid carbo-loading entirely.

Chance of going into a food coma: 50/50. Pancakes are basically “nap disks.”

8. Sonic Drive-In

View this post on Instagram This burger is full of flavor, and better for the environment! The Signature Slinger burger patty is made with three ingredients— pure beef, savory mushrooms and bold seasonings. The best part is that it starts at under 350 calories! 🍔 See menu for details. 📷: @manhattantwist A post shared by SONIC Drive-In (@sonicdrivein) on Mar 9, 2018 at 9:58am PST

You either love or loathe Sonic . It is just a burger place at the end of the day. Is it the best? That all depends on what your best is. It’s cheap, fast, and filling. Add in the bottomless Mountain Dew, and you’ve got some decent fuel for the open road.

Chance of going into a food coma: Low. Unless you treat yourself to their latest insane-sounding dessert — in which was the coma might be caused by chemicals instead of carbs.

7. Five Guys

View this post on Instagram No Monday blues here! 😁 (📸: @diaryofsteph) A post shared by Five Guys (@fiveguys) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:02pm PST

Five Guys is another burger place that people ride hard for or just don’t really care about. Their burgers are some of the better ones in the fast-casual biz, the fries rock, and you can get bottomless cups of soda. All good things for a trip on the road.

Chance of going into a coma: How many patties are your ordering, fam?

View this post on Instagram Make it saucy. Make it spicy. Make it tasty. Make It What You Want. A post shared by Official Subway (@subway) on Feb 16, 2018 at 10:00am PST

Subway is a great place to get some calories in your body to keep you grinding. You can go super light here or you can go heavy (or go home). There’s a vast difference between getting a stacked meatball sub than getting a chicken sandwich with plenty of lettuce and tomato. That meatball sub is going to stick with you a while on the road. The chicken sandwich may have you looking for billboards as soon as you get back on the interstate.

Chance of going into a food coma: Very low. Like your standards in food.

5. Chick-fil-A

View this post on Instagram Savoring the moment. Regram: @strandelly A post shared by Chick-fil-A, Inc. (@chickfila) on Mar 7, 2018 at 10:15am PST

It’s interesting to see Chick-fil-A so low in these rankings as it usually dominates these sort of lists. Our theory, it’s too little or too light to really make an impact on the road. Sure, their chicken biscuit is dope, but is it enough to sate that road hunger?

Chance of going into a food coma: Only if you double up on the biscuits.

4. Wendy’s

View this post on Instagram Let your fresh flag fly. Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada. A post shared by Wendy's 🍔 (@wendys) on Sep 22, 2017 at 7:45am PDT

Wendy’s is always a good option for a fresh burger, some fries, and an ice-cold Frosty. The home of the square burger patty does a mean burger that hits on nostalgia and delectability pretty evenly. You can’t go too wrong pulling into a Wendy’s.

Chance of going into a coma: You’re going to need to walk off a double cheeseburger, fries, and a Frosty. Where’s the next rest stop?

3. Cracker Barrel

View this post on Instagram #Repost @sosa_buckets93 with @repostapp ・・・ Breakfast 🥞🍳🍮🍞😍👌🏽✨#breakfast #chubby #crackerbarrel #pancakes #americabreakfast A post shared by Cracker Barrel (@crackerbarrel) on Jan 5, 2017 at 11:51am PST

Ah-ha! There it is. The good ol’ Cracker Barrel pops right into the top three. There’s nothing like a bowl of grits, side of biscuits and gravy, and a plate of eggs, bacon, and hash browns to cure a deep road trip hunger. End the whole thing with a nice slice of pie, a la mode, and you’re set.

You’re ready for anything after a meal that American. Then you stand up and wonder how Cracker Barrel doesn’t have hammocks out back for long naps.

Chance of going into a coma: Freaking guaranteed.

2. Dairy Queen

View this post on Instagram What’s your favorite DQ dip? #LOVEmyDQ A post shared by Dairy Queen (@dairyqueen) on Jan 11, 2017 at 9:25am PST

Hitting the drive-thru at a DQ for a Blizzard (Oreo obvs) is a road trip tradition. The ice cream satisfies the soul and the sugar bomb from the soft serve and the literal candy in it give you a much need boost to focus up on that next stretch of road. If you need more, you can always grab some chicken strips to keep you going as well.

Chance of going into a coma: If you can sleep after a Butterfinger Blizzard, good on you.

1. In-N-Out Burger

View this post on Instagram When you order extra lettuce and tomato because you feel guilty about the number of Double Doubles you’ve consumed this week A post shared by Crystal Coser (@crystalcoser) on Mar 26, 2018 at 12:28pm PDT

In-N-Out wins this round. Which… come on Ranker, they aren’t even in half the country. Maybe it’s the lure of the open road in the west that gives the burger chain the edge here. The burgers are great and fast. It’s the perfect meal while blazing down a dusty ol’ Cali highway. We’ll give it that.

Chance of going into a coma: 50/50. If you order a Triple Triple with Animal fries and a Neapolitan shake, you’re going to need a nap. If you order a burger, fries, and a coke, you’ll be ready to keep driving. So there it is. What this list is clearly missing are the mom & pops and tiny diners. Those are the real gems and trump most anything you’ll find here. Know a few good ones? Hit us in the comments!

Who's serving some of the best and most unique breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the state? Find out on Restaurant Road Trip, featuring fun eateries in Connecticut that offer great food from interesting and amazing people. Episodes showcase locations in Fairfield County, an area often overlooked but full of culinary talent. Of course, you can expect some laughs too, as Chef Plum, co-host of Connecticut Public Radio's Seasoned, uncovers the secrets to some of the finest meals you'll experience in the state.

You'll appreciate exploring Connecticut's food scene as you join Chef Plum for his next dining adventure.

Restaurant Road Trip showcases outstanding and unique restaurants throughout Connecticut. Host Chef Plum shines a light on the food, the people and the stories — did we mention the food? — as he travels across the state. Chef Plum translates the restaurant vernacular to the viewer like no one can, leaning on his 25 years of hospitality experience and his drive to make everything approachable.

Each episode is fun, educational, inspiring and delicious — with a few laughs along the way.

Chef Plum - Host & Executive Producer

Chef Plum has over 25 years of culinary experience. He has been featured on the Food Network, ABC’s The Taste, Ehow.com, Jamie Oliver’s Food Tube, The New York Times, national commercials and many media outlets. He’s won multiple awards on the Food Network, making over 10 appearances with wins on Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games and America’s Best Cook regional championship. Chef Plum is co-host of Seasoned on Connecticut Public Radio, and his podcast, Plumluvfoods Live , is in the top 200 in the food category on iTunes.

Dan Fish - Executive Producer & Director

Dan Fish is the executive producer and director of Restaurant Road Trip on PBS. He also owns Full Send Productions , a multimedia production company based in central Connecticut that boasts an incredible team of creatives. Over the past decade, his work has taken him around the globe.

Jeffrey Purrazzi - Producer

Chef Jeff Purrazzi is a self-taught, award-winning 25-year culinary veteran. He is an avid supporter of local food throughout the New York and Connecticut area, championing farms and local food any chance he gets. Jeff is a renowned private chef as well as co-host and producer of Plumluvfoods Live , the popular culinary industry podcast. In interviewing many big names in the culinary field, Jeff delights and informs with his witty commentary and deep culinary knowledge.

Jeff is also a producer of the popular TV series Restaurant Road Trip and serves on the judging table for the series Elite Chef. He also has been featured in national commercials. Jeff’s laid-back nature and can-do attitude always make him a favorite at festivals, including the Sun Wine and Food Fest and Cuisines of the Sun.

Jeff lives by this mantra: So long as it’s fun and delicious, I’m in!

Culinary Producer - Daniel Monroe

Camera Operator - Dan Fish

Camera Operator - Alex Cannatta

Camera Operator - John Spinnato

Audio Engineer - Glen Goettler

Editors - Dan Fish & Alex Cannatta

Visual Effects - Justin Mashuta

Production Assistant - Catherine Furman

Production Company - Full Send Productions

Related Content

This Epic 3-Day Restaurant Road Trip In Pennsylvania Is A Delicious Adventure

Christi is from Allentown and currently lives and goes to school in Pittsburgh.

More by this Author

Everyone knows that Pennsylvania is home to a variety of delicious cuisine. You’re probably familiar with all the best restaurants in your area, but have you ever gone on a dedicated mission to experience more of the food our state has to offer? Check out this three-day Pennsylvania restaurant road trip. Of course, these are just guidelines; feel free to adjust as you wish, or suggest your changes in the comment section. Here’s the Google Maps link for you to follow or adjust as you please.

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The Ultimate Pie Shop Road Trip In Pennsylvania Is As Charming As It Is Sweet

What restaurants would you add to this Pennsylvania restaurant road trip? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Still hungry? Here’s where you’ll find the best burgers in Pennsylvania .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Pennsylvania restaurant road trip.

What kind of food is Pennsylvania known for?

Food in Pennsylvania is rich, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic Philly cheesesteak, but that’s not all our state has to offer! You’ll also find scrapple, shoofly pie, chocolate gobs, and chipped ham! Want to learn more about the delicious food Pennsylvania is known for? Check out our previous article: If You Haven’t Eaten These 12 Foods, You Haven’t Lived In Pennsylvania Long Enough .

What are the best road trips to take in Pennsylvania?

There are so many exciting places to explore! If you’re a fan of all things paranormal, embark on this haunted road trip through Pennsylvania . Eager to get out into nature? This Pennsylvania waterfall road trip will drop your jaw. If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, check out these 10 amazing places you can go in Pennsylvania with only one tank of gas . As you can see, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit in PA.

What are the best restaurants in Pennsylvania?

With so many delicious restaurants in Pennsylvania, it can be difficult to know where to go first. Luckily for you, we have written numerous articles covering this very topic! For starters, check out our list of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania . If you’re yearning for an upscale dining experience, check out these highly rated restaurants in Pennsylvania . When the weather is warm and breezy, you’ll definitely want to relax on these gorgeous restaurant patios .

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WELCOME TO ROAD TRIP FOOD & SPIRITS

Road Trip Food & Spirits, in Kaukauna, WI, is the area’s leading bar and restaurant serving Outagamie county and surrounding areas since 2017.  We offer homemade pizza and soups, wings, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, Friday fish fry, Sunday crispy fried chicken and ribs, a full bar and much more.  For your next meal, visit Road Trip Food & Spirits.

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19 Historic Route 66 Restaurants Worth a Pit Stop

Posted: February 1, 2024 | Last updated: February 1, 2024

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The famous American highway Route 66, which ran all the way from Chicago to Santa Monica, was established in 1926 as car culture was taking over the nation. As more people started using the route for travel, restaurants and attractions along the way became destinations in themselves. Many restaurants and taverns that were opened in the heyday of Route 66 — or even before the route came to be — are still operating today. Here are some of the most interesting and long-lived restaurants worth a stop on the mother road.

1. Roy's Motel and Cafe

Amboy, California

Roy's started as a gas and service station in 1938, an oasis on Route 66 in the Mojave Desert. It soon grew to include a cafe and cabins for overnight rentals, and supported a small community of 700 people in the town. At its peak in the 1950s, it was operating 24 hours a day, but eventually fell into disrepair after Interstate 40 was built in 1972. The entire town — all 950 acres — was sold for $425,000 in 2005, and many buildings have been restored, including the iconic 1959 arrowhead neon sign that's the main attraction. Potable water is a problem here, so the cafe isn't operating, but you can still see the diner's counter, stools, and plenty of history inside.  

2. Peggy Sue's 50's Diner

Yermo, California

The decor at Peggy Sue's 50's Diner is kitschy and over-the-top, like many other 50s-style diners. The difference is that Peggy Sue's really did open in 1954. Back then, it had nine counter seats and three booths and was constructed in part with railroad ties and mortar from the nearby railyard. At some point, it was closed, but reopened in the 1980s when it got most of its pop culture memorabilia. After a cheeseburger and shake, head outside to the Diner-saur park and its 10-foot tall metal dinosaur — and King Kong — sculptures.

3. Del Taco

Barstow, California

This is the oldest operating Del Taco location, a fast food chain that started when Ed Hackbarth rebranded his Taco Tia — a Glen Bell restaurant, of Taco Bell fame — and split from the company in 1964. That's not to say that it's the oldest, because the original one was demolished. But you'll find a wall mural of the history of the restaurant in the dining room here, and it's still one of the locations owned and operated by Hackbarth. 

4. Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

Willowbrook, Illinois

Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket has a quaint origin story. One day in the 1930s, two local farm women were at a gas station lunch counter and heard the owner talking about how he wanted to sell more food. The entrepreneurial women offered to teach him how to make fried chicken in exchange for buying his chickens from them, and the fried chicken was so popular that the restaurant expanded to a new building next door in 1946, the same one it's in today. Don't miss the corn fritters, fried chicken basket, or classic neon sign.

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5. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Ted Drewes has been a summertime institution in St. Louis since 1930. It sells frozen custard, a treat that's denser, creamier, and just plain better than ice cream. The Route 66 location opened in 1941, and it still serves sundaes and concretes — that's like an extra-thick blended sundae served upside down — from walk-up windows that have long lines, especially in the summer heat.

Related:   Route 66: Then and Now

6. Midpoint Cafe

Adrian, Texas

Midpoint Cafe got its name because it's the geographic midway point between Chicago and Los Angeles on historic Route 66 — both cities are 1,139 miles away from the cafe. It was built in 1928 and expanded in 1947, and though it has changed hands and names many times over the years, it's been continuously operating. Flo's V-8 Cafe in the animated movie "Cars" was inspired by Midpoint, and you can sign your name on an old Ford parked outside. Don't miss the "ugly crust" pies, named because they might not look beautiful, but they sure taste good. 

Related:   Charming Retro Diners in Every State

7. Ariston Cafe

Litchfield, Illinois

One of the longest operating restaurants on Route 66 is Ariston Cafe . The restaurant actually predates Route 66 since it was built on the road's predecessor, Route 4, in 1924. The business was moved to Route 66 in 1935, and it's been there ever since. Today you can order everything from Greek salad and nachos to halibut and patty melts on the menu in a casual setting with white tablecloths. 

8. The Berghoff

A legendary restaurant in Chicago, The Berghoff is one of the oldest restaurants on Route 66, and the oldest in Chicago. It first opened in 1898, and while there's been some temporary closures, it's still owned by the same family. During Prohibition, they started brewing root beer, and after Prohibition ended, the bar got Chicago's first ever liquor license which is still on display. You can still stop in and order the restaurant's German specialities, like sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and apple strudel. 

Related: Oldest Restaurant in Every State

9. Original McDonald's Museum

San Bernardino, California

McDonald's started out as McDonald's Bar-B-Q in 1940 before changing the menu to include burgers and fries and dropping the Bar-B-Q in the name in 1948. The original building is gone, but on the same Route 66 spot is the McDonald's Museum, a homage to the chain's early years before Ray Kroc. It's owned by Juan Pollo Restaurants, a small local chicken chain whose owner has an affinity for fast-food history. 

10. Cozy Dog Drive In

Springfield, Illinois

Known almost as much for its adorable hot dog couple logo as its corn dogs, the Cozy Dog Drive In has been in operation since 1949. Original owner Ed Waldmire developed the cozy dog while in the Air Force, and opened the restaurant after being discharged because the corn dogs, with batter that actually stuck to the hot dog, were so popular. They only cost 15 cents originally, and today they'll still only set you back $3.  

11. Mitla Cafe

Established in 1937 by Lucia Rodriguez, Mitla Cafe is historic in its own right, but it's more famous for who it inspired. Glen Bell had a hamburger stand across the street from the wildly popular taco-slinging spot, and got his way into the kitchen by befriending the staff. He copied the crispy tacos dorados that people lined up for in his new venture, Taco Bell, in an age-old story of appropriating minority cuisine. The original Milta Cafe is still going strong, run by Lucia's grandson and great grandson, and still serves the infinitely better version of the crisp ground beef taco. 

12. Western View Diner and Steakhouse

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Opened in 1937, you'll still feel like you're walking back in time when you step into the Western View . Its retro diner interior isn't original, but it's cozy and welcoming. The mosaic tile on the wall behind the register area is original, though, so keep an eye out for it. The cuisine served includes diner favorites, steaks, New Mexican, and Greek, thanks to a succession of Greek owners. Don't miss the homemade biscuits and gravy, breaded steak fingers, or the savory stuffed sopapilla smothered in red or green chile.  

13. Sycamore Inn

Rancho Cucamonga, California

The restaurant now known as the Sycamore Inn has an incredibly long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s when an inn and tavern was built by "Uncle" Billy Rubottom on the Santa Fe Trail, which eventually became Route 66. The building that currently stands, along with its name, dates to 1920, and it's been a popular stop for travelers as well as celebrities since. It's an upscale spot that serves steak, oysters, and a large wine list in its chalet-style two-story wooden building. 

14. Maid Rite Sandwich Shop

Not to be confused with the Maid-Rite chain, this Maid Rite Sandwich Shop opened in 1924. It claims to have the first drive-thru window in America, and while those claims are hard to verify, it makes sense that it would be located on Route 66. It serves Americana on a bun, but not in the form of a hamburger. Instead, it serves a popular item in this part of the Midwest: the loose meat sandwich. It's like a sloppy joe but without the sauce, so it's more like a sloppy hamburger with mustard, pickle relish, and onions. 

15. Rock Cafe

Stroud, Oklahoma

Rock Cafe has survived some serious setbacks since it opened in 1939. In 1999, an F3 tornado ripped through the town and damaged the iconic neon sign. Then in 2008, a fire destroyed everything but the four outer rock walls and Betsy, the 200-pound griddle that had been in the kitchen for 75 years. Betsy was restored — as were the walls — and she's still used to cook up Buffalo burgers and chicken fried steaks. The "Cars" character Sally Carrera was modeled after Rock Cafe's owner, Dawn Welch , a tireless advocate for Route 66.

16. Luna Cafe

Granite City, Illinois

Luna Cafe , a small restaurant that opened in 1924, has an interesting history for one main reason. Al Capone used to meet with local mobsters at the restaurant after driving down Route 66 from Chicago, and it was reportedly one of his favorite hangouts. He may have enjoyed the supposed illegal gambling operation in the basement, or the illicit entertainment that allegedly took place upstairs (legend has it that the red cherry on the sign would light up during those times). Now it's a local dive bar.

17. Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe

Victorville, California

Built in 1947, Emma Jean's is named for one owner's wife, who worked at the cafe as a waitress. It’s their son, Brian, who now runs the busy daytime-only diner. He was the one that the menu's "Briancakes" and Brian burger are named after, and that burger, with its thick hamburger patty, roasted green chiles, melted Swiss, and grilled sourdough crusted with Parmesan, is the main draw here. Though it's just made out of cinderblocks, the aqua building is photo-worthy.

18. Jamil's Steakhouse

Oklahoma City

In the early 1900s, Lebanese immigrants came to Oklahoma to work in the oil fields. They brought their cuisine with them, of course, and a number of Lebanese supper clubs popped up, including Jamil's Steakhouse , which opened in 1964. The menu is an interesting mix of expensive steakhouse eats — we're not far from the Oklahoma capitol — Southern, and Lebanese fare. Every entree comes with an assortment of appetizers, including tabouli, hummus, stuffed cabbage, fried bologna, and a baked potato for an incredible mix of cultures.

19. Sultana Bar

Williams, Arizona

Open since 1912, there's a lot of history packed into Sultana Bar . There are tunnels under the building which were rumored to have been for running drugs, but most definitely were for hiding booze during Prohibition. There's a passageway to the former theater next door that used to screen silent films, and a police chief was murdered by a drunk patron in the bar in 1947. That, along with animal mounts like the cougar behind the bar, gave the tavern an air of intrigue and edginess that has never really gone away.

Related: 30 Historic Dive Bars Across the Country

This article was originally published on Cheapism

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Full injury report for joel embiid, sixers vs. raptors to end road trip, share this article.

The Philadelphia 76ers will finish this quick 2-game road trip on Easter Sunday with a visit to the Toronto Raptors. The Sixers need a win in the worst way and the Raptors offer up a great chance as they have lost 12 games in a row.

Once again, the Sixers will be short-handed. Joel Embiid, who made the trip with the team, is ruled out for this one due to the left knee meniscus procedure. The big fella is not quite ready to return, but the fact that he traveled on this trip is a good sign for them.

Along with Embiid, the Sixers will also be missing De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine bone stress) and Robert Covington (left knee bone bruise). Melton hasn’t played since Feb. 27 and Covington hasn’t played since Dec. 30.

Injury report for tomorrow in Toronto: OUT: Joel Embiid (left knee meniscus procedure), De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine bone stress), Robert Covington (left knee bone bruise) #Sixers — Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) March 30, 2024

The Sixers will look to sweep the 4-game season series from the Raptors when they tip off at 6 p.m. EDT from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Potential Sixers draft prospect Stephon Castle helps UConn to Final Four

Nba east playoff standings after sixers fall to cavaliers on the road, sixers' kyle lowry expresses desire to retire as a member of the raptors.

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Thunder Game Day: OKC Begins Tough East Coast Road Trip in New York

The Thunder match up with the Knicks to start a five-game slate against Eastern Conference teams.

• Author: Ivan White

In this story:

The Thunder head to the northeast for one of their toughest road trips this season.

Oklahoma City will start its five-game slate away from home with a matchup against the New York Knicks. One of the league’s grittiest teams, the Knicks will present the Thunder with a number of challenges.

New York, led by first-time All-Star Jalen Brunson, will look to win the star matchup, which could be easier if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains out. Still, coming off vastly different performances, the teams will both be looking for an important win.

Mar 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots the ball

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS: 

The Thunder enter the day as 3.5-point underdogs to the Knicks, and the total over/under is 215.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME: 

After his 61-point game in San Antonio, slowing Brunson will be one of the Thunder’s top priorities. At 6-foot-2, Brunson will see various Thunder defenders, including defensive stars Lu Dort and Cason Wallace.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential absence could force some players into more minutes, but Oklahoma City’s depth could give Mark Daigneault’s team an advantage. Although New York’s loss in San Antonio came in overtime, Tom Thibodeau played four starters more than 40 minutes. In comparison, no Oklahoma City player played more than 37 minutes in Wednesday’s overtime loss against the Houston Rockets.

Sunday’s game will also be a clash of styles. The Knicks have the league’s slowest pace, while the Thunder rank in the top 10. 

Josh Giddey will have a chance to continue his hot streak in what is seemingly his favorite road arena. In his first two games in Madison Square Garden, Giddey posted triple-doubles. With only one this season, he could have a solid opportunity for his second if Gilgeous-Alexander can’t go.

RECORDS: 

Oklahoma City Thunder (51-22) vs. New York Knicks (44-29)

INJURIES: 

Check out our live injury tracker , along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN: 

Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 6 PM CT

LOCATION: 

Madison Square Garden - New York City, NY

TV/RADIO: 

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

Live Stream: fuboTV ( Start Your Free Trial )

FINAL WORD:   

A win in New York would be big for the Thunder’s chances at taking the top seed in the West. With only a couple of weeks left in the regular season, every game is crucial for the Thunder’s seeding and preparation.

Oklahoma City will continue its road trip on Tuesday in Philadelphia as it begins a back-to-back against the 76ers and Boston Celtics. 

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.

Latest Thunder News

Oklahoma City Thunder Passes Preseason Win Total

Ousmane Dieng Should See Minutes vs Memphis

Injury Report: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

Injury Report, Updated Odds (3/10): Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies

OKC Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Can Check A Lot of Boxes This Week

Lakers | Gabe Vincent joins Lakers on road trip

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Vincent, who has been sidelined for most of the season because of left knee ailments, increased his workload before rejoining the team and could be available for Sunday’s matchup against the Nets in Brooklyn

INDIANAPOLIS — Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, who has been sidelined for most of the season because of left knee ailments, joined the team in Indianapolis ahead of Friday’s road game against the Indiana Pacers as part of the team’s six-game trip.

Vincent didn’t play against the Pacers, but Coach Darvin Ham said Vincent increased his workload before rejoining the team.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Vincent, who has been sidelined since late December after having left knee surgery, is expected to be available for Sunday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets in New York.

“Right now we’re just taking things one day at a time,” Ham said pregame. “He’s increased his workload. So we’re in the process of trying to see how his body responds to that workload. And that’s as far as it goes for now.”

After playing in the season’s first four games, Vincent was sidelined for seven weeks because of a left knee effusion (swollen joint).

He returned in the Dec. 20 road loss to the Chicago Bulls, playing 14 minutes, and he hasn’t played since.

Vincent had left knee surgery on Dec. 27, with the team announcing at the time that he’d be reevaluated in approximately eight weeks.

He signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers as a free agent during the offseason, with the expectation that he’d be the primary backup guard – a role now occupied by Spencer Dinwiddie, who the Lakers signed on Feb. 12.

“I really don’t want to even get into it too much,” star forward LeBron James said when asked about Vincent. “Don’t put too much pressure on him. When he’s ready to go, it will be a bonus for our team but he’s been out for quite a while.

“So, whenever he’s ready, we’ll welcome him back with open arms as a brother of ours, as a teammate of ours and we’ve been waiting on him, but at the end of the day, we’re putting no pressure on him. He needs to take his time.”

ONE-AND-DONE

Ham had a brief tenure with the Pacers – playing just one game for the Indiana franchise in a 100-89 victory over the Toronto Raptors on April 12, 1997, after arriving from the Denver Nuggets via trade earlier in the year.

“It was short-lived, obviously,” Ham said. “But it was fun. I still have some long-term friendships from this team, albeit it was like the last third of the season or whatever it was. But I came in, injured myself, and had to have [knee] surgery. Had me out 4-6 weeks, something like that. Didn’t really get a chance to participate much on the court.

“Larry Brown, who I later on went on to play (for) in Detroit and win a championship him with in ’04. Reggie [Miller] and I still talk about those times. Mark Jackson. Jalen Rose and I still keep in touch. Dale Davis. Antonio Davis. It was some fun memories even though I didn’t participate actively. A fun group to be around.”

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‘We were a step behind’: Underwhelming Kings now must hope to salvage road trip

CALGARY — How much of a letdown and a disappointment was the Los Angeles Kings’ 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday night at Scotiabank Saddledome?

The best thing that happened was about 1,900 miles away. The Kings were the beneficiary of the San Jose Sharks rising up after nine straight losses, and 18 losses over a 19-game stretch, to beat the Blues on the road in St. Louis. It was a bad loss for a Blues team whose playoff hopes are faint and it allowed Los Angeles to keep a five-point cushion for the last playoff spot in the West.

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But in Calgary, Adrian Kempe wore a letter for the first time in his career and got a goal for the occasion. And that was about it.

The Kings might have had looks at the game, but they were never truly in it. Not the way they had been invested in Vancouver and Edmonton, even though they had mixed results. Those two opponents are foes they may run up against in the first round — operating under the assumption they do get in. And they should be in, considering a relatively breezy year-end schedule with only two of the final nine opponents bound for the postseason.

Calgary won’t be in the playoffs. And yet on Saturday, when Vegas collected another two points by beating Minnesota in overtime, the Kings had four shots on goal after 20 minutes and nine after 40 minutes, before bumping that up to 18 after 60. Jacob Markstrom , who somehow didn’t get traded even if he’s been open to moving, didn’t have to be outstanding.

Meanwhile, the Flames put 35 shots on Kings goalie David Rittich and basically had the edge everywhere. They never trailed, deservedly so, which left coach Jim Hiller more disappointed and upset with his usually hardworking club than any other time since replacing Todd McLellan.

“They were quicker, faster, stronger,” Hiller said. “And when you’re a step behind like we were, the question for me is, why were we a step behind? Then you’re going to look like it did. First period, they had probably seven, eight grade-A chances. We had one. It was on a power play.

“Just not good enough. Not good enough.”

What could have been a road trip that helped define the Kings as a postseason threat has become one to salvage as they wrap up Monday in Winnipeg against the playoff-bound Jets . The Kings must recalibrate themselves from an emotional standpoint, because while Kempe and Anze Kopitar felt their energy was there against the Flames, their coach saw a club that didn’t look as engaged as it was when facing the Canucks and Oilers .

Facing the Flames had to feel like a letdown, and the Kings fell right into that trap.

“We were a step behind,” Hiller said again. “So why were we? That could be part of it, for sure. We got to get to the bottom of it because at this time of the year — and we’ve talked about it — we’ve had a pretty good run, we’ve played hard night after night. Why weren’t we ready to play hard tonight? And that’s a question that we’ve got to find an answer to.”

Before the game, the Kings realized Phillip Danault couldn’t play as he was dealing with an upper-body injury. Danault has been a high-valued center since general manager Rob Blake signed him as a free agent. He plays in all situations, is a determined backchecker and defender and isn’t shy about going into the greasy areas offensively. And he has a central role in their penalty kill, which is vastly improved over last season.

His absence was felt in a number of ways Saturday.

“We miss him all over the ice,” Hiller said. “He’s one of those guys that pretty consistently shows up to play hard. We didn’t have enough guys to do that. Phil would have been one, there’s no question. It’s the penalty kill, it’s the faceoffs, it’s the checking. We didn’t have our checking legs or our checking mindset.”

Kempe served as an alternate captain in Danault’s place. He’d answer Nazem Kadri ’s power-play goal with one of his own just 57 seconds later to forge a 1-1 tie. And then the Kings got another with the man advantage as Kopitar finished a nice passing play fed by Kempe and started by Kevin Fiala .

But the Kings still lost the special teams battle as their top-ranked penalty kill was solved by Calgary three times. Blake Coleman and MacKenzie Weegar each gave the Flames two-goal leads. Mix in a very poor night in five-on-five play and a propensity to keep the seat warm in the penalty box and the score didn’t reflect how much they were outplayed.

“Obviously, our start wasn’t good enough,” Kempe said. “I think we came out and wanted to play too much rush game. At this time of the year, that’s not the way we play. Calgary, they’re a good team. I think they can play a little bit more risky than we can at this time of the year right now.

“We turned too many pucks over in the first period. We weren’t hard enough. Didn’t get to the net. I think it got better as the night went on but still I think overall we played too much on the outside. I think we didn’t get to Markstrom hard enough. Obviously didn’t have enough shots either. Didn’t give us a chance to win tonight.”

Added Kopitar: “We just weren’t connected as a unit on the ice really. I don’t think our passing was sharp today.”

To the six minor penalties they took — two for high-sticking, two for cross-checking and one each for roughing and tripping — Kopitar said, “It’s definitely too many penalties. We’d like to keep it at three and below. It’s just too much.

“I don’t think we have to hit the panic button for our penalty kill,” he added. “It’s been solid all year. We’ll get back to looking at the video for a bit and correct our mistakes.”

A blunt Hiller dug further into their penalty troubles, which resulted from their not driving play like they do on many other nights.

“What happens is when you’re a step behind — it happened all over the ice — you get frustrated,” he said. “You get frustrated at yourself, you get frustrated at your teammates. … And that’s what we did.

“It all comes down to not being ready. Not moving your feet. And then you get frustrated. Oftentimes, when you take penalties it’s because you’re frustrated.”

Sunday will be a practice day for the Kings after they canceled a Friday on-ice session in favor of an off-ice workout. They can use the time to sharpen up their game. Sure, their power play got things done Saturday but otherwise, they didn’t generate much offensively over the first three games of the trip. A nice redirect by Kopitar early in the third would have created a 3-3 tie but Markstrom foiled that with his best save among the 16 made.

Maybe that would have given them the boost they needed, which was missing most of the night. The Kings must get it going again soon. Back-to-back losses after a four-game winning streak wouldn’t usually sound an alarm, but there is a playoff berth to be had with Vegas edging away for the third-place spot, leaving them in wild-card land.

“We’re going to have to get ourselves back together and come out and play how we do,” Hiller said. “And that’s a heck of a lot harder than we played tonight.”

(Top photo: Sergei Belski / USA Today)

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Eric Stephens is a staff writer for The Athletic NHL based in Southern California. Eric has been writing and talking about sports for newspapers and media outlets for more than 30 years. He has previously covered the NHL for The Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times. He is also an occasional contributor on NHL Network. Follow Eric on Twitter @ icemancometh