A popular hangout for students, musicians and artists, Bongo Java became world famous with its 1996 discovery of "The Nun Bun," a cinnamon bun that looks like Mother Teresa. Locals and tourists alike have been coming back ever since for the all-day breakfast and java, which Rachael calls delicious.
All aboard! Rachael Ray hops on Dinner in the Diner, in Chattanooga, TN, a renovated train car and ideal spot for a romantic dinner, on Food Network's $40 a Day.
Giacomo's Ristorante has a line seven days a week but Rachael promises it is worth the wait at this tiny restaurant where they do not take reservations or credit cards. Their traditional Italian food is fresh and flavorful; Rachael praises the pumpkin ravioli, calling it ''heaven on a plate.''
Rachael Ray headed to this oceanfront spot to watch a stunning sunset over the water while savoring a cocktail. She enjoyed the Rum Runner, light and dark rum mixed with fruit liqueurs. Curtis Stone stopped in to try the creative beach eats on the menu while taking in the harbor views.
Known best for their signature "flying" biscuits, this casual Southern spot serves comforting breakfast dishes made from scratch all day long. According to Rachael, the fried green tomatoes with cashew-jalapeno relish "rock" and the fluffy biscuits are "almost too good to eat in public."
For award-winning Pacific Rim cuisine, look no farther than Sansei. According to Rachael, "locals consider it the best sushi on the island," whether you like raw or cooked seafood. With killer sushi, karaoke, happy-hour deals and three locations, it's a safe bet your sushi dreams will come true.
Located inside the downtown library in Nashville, Tenn., Provence Breads & Cafe is rumored to have the best bread around, according to Rachael. With over 20 different varieties baked fresh daily, choose your favorite for the roast chicken salad sandwichm which Rachael says is "simple and flavorful."
Visitors can't leave Philadelphia without trying a world-famous cheese steak, and Jim's is among the contenders for serving the best in south Philly. Using their original recipe for fresh baked bread and quality beef sliced on the premises, Rachael called her very first cheese steak "delicious."
Rachael Ray pops into Joseph's Restaurant, in Charleston, SC, for some sweet potato pancakes with toasted pecan butter on Food Network's $40 a Day.
Need a break from the high energy of The Strip? Venture over to the Hookah Lounge to unplug and chill out in a Moroccan-inspired oasis. Order a hookah blend for the Turkish flavored tobacco pipes or savor a custom cocktail like their ginger, mango, coconut and rum-based Babylon Spice.
Sojourner Restaurant & Cafe is also an art gallery and keeps food prices low to encourage diners to purchase original art. Rachael said she was tantalized by an "amazing selection of whole foods and homemade desserts," declaring the huge piece of cake she ate to be "three layers of chocolate bliss."
The bold wines of Napa are a perfect match to the rustic fare of Northern Italy; at Della Santina's Trattoria, you can enjoy both, by bringing your own wine or selecting from an extensive menu. The Gnocchi Della Nonna changes sauce daily but never loses its home-cooked Tuscan appeal.
A family-owned bakery, Freed's has been satisfying Las Vegas sweet tooths for more than 50 years. Located three miles east of the strip, the award-winning spot excels in irresistible treats, including cupcakes, cookies, pastries and Rachael's favorite: cakes that can be ordered by the slice.
Rachael Ray explores Sharon Springs, NY, at The American Hotel, built in 1847 and serving up traditional dishes with fresh, local and regional ingredients, on Food Network's $40 a Day.
Stop into this sweet Southern bakery for freshly baked breads, cakes, pies and pastries. Owner Sonya Jones serves the shop's signature sweet potato cheesecake by the slice, which Rachael said was "unbelievable" and "surprisingly light."
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.