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Atlanta: “I drive more than 40 miles each way to Taqueria del Sol ($) for beef enchiladas with red chile sauce. The sauce begs to be scooped up with the perfectly fried chips that come warm to the table.” —Valerie Holt
Austin, Texas: “‘Vietnamese with a French accent’ is a good description of Elizabeth Street Café ($$). Start with an order of pork buns (our favorite) before digging in to a bowl of pho.” —Josh Neff
Barre, Vermont: “As part of a revitalization project in this blue-collar town, two high-school friends opened Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen ($$). The diver scallops with butternut-squash risotto are the best I’ve had.” —Patty Carbee
Belton, South Carolina: “Words can’t explain the religious experience that is eating at Grits & Groceries ($$). It begins with a drive through bucolic Anderson County and ends at an old country store with a tiny farmyard. Grass-fed burgers and pimento-cheese sandwiches top the list.” —Jennifer Norman
Hyder, Alaska: “Diana and Jim Simpson’s Seafood Express ($$) is a school bus that’s been converted into the best place we know of to get fish-and-chips. Jim’s a fisherman; he plies the cold Alaskan waters for the sweet shrimp, halibut, and salmon that make up the focus of Diana’s menu.” —Jack Donachy
Maui, Hawaii: “Go straight to Coconut’s Fish Café ($$) for amazingly fresh fish for under $12. The chef-owner personally delivers each dish and explains the preparation.” —Terrance Mullins
Moss Landing, California: “Everything about Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery ($$) is unpretentious and quaint. Large, steaming bowls of cioppino are one of the most popular dishes.” —Penelope Penn
San Francisco: “Swan Oyster Depot ($$) turned one hundred in 2012. The Sancimino brothers (six of them!) are always joking around behind the counter. Order cracked crab and a pint of Anchor Steam.” —Ron Nichols
Santa Fe: “I love to eat at Tecolote ($) for breakfast. Get the burrito with sausage or bacon smothered in green chiles, and plenty of the mini cinnamon rolls.” —Kelly Urig
St. Joseph, Michigan: “The best hamburgers and fries I’ve had are from a drive-through called the Neon Grill (269/982-1952; $). There’s a 1955 Chevrolet on the roof; its headlights and taillights work at night.” —Rick Huffman
Restaurant Pricing Key
$ Less than $25
$$ $25 to $75
$$$ $75 to $150
$$$$ More than $150