The Algonquin is great for hearty seafood classics like New England clam chowder and crab cakes. Plus the restaurant has a few brushes with fame: Andy Rooney called it his favorite lakefront dining spot, and Rachael Ray loves the fish sandwich.

When Rachael visited Durham, N.C., on $40 a Day, her first stop was Elmo's Diner, where she savored the spicy Southern-Style Grits filled with jalapeño peppers, cheddar and ham. The menu is packed with plenty of other comfort-food classics like meatloaf and home-style roast turkey.

Head to this New York dessert spot for indulgent treats like a frozen hot chocolate that Rachael says is worth the wait for a table. Want to really go all-out? Order the $1,000 Golden Opulence sundae (which requires 48-hour notice). It features Tahitian vanilla ice cream, Amedei Porcelana and Chuao chocolate, candied fruit from France, caviar injected with Armagnac, and as much edible gold as possible.

Mama Dip's Kitchen is a favorite of many locals in Chapel Hill, N.C., thanks to traditional Southern favorites like fried chicken and Brunswick stew. When Rachael visited on $40 a Day, she thought the combination of Catfish Gumbo with Homemade Cornbread was ''just perfect.''

unknown

This Parisian-style bistro in New York's Theater District serves classic French dishes that, according to Rachael, won't disappoint. Visit Pigalle for its weekend brunch, Tapas Tuesday menu or drinks in the cocktail lounge. Rachael called the special Champagne cocktail "dessert in a glass."

This brewery pairs craft beers with classic Cleveland dishes. Indulge in deliciously charred bratwursts steamed in Great Lakes’ own lager. They’re paired with pierogi, whose creamy insides and crunchy outsides make for little pillows of lusciousness. Sweet-and-sour red cabbage completes the dish.

Stop by Coyote Cafe for an upscale dinner or head outside to its sister restaurant, the Coyote Rooftop Cantina, for what Rachael calls "real Southwestern cuisine." Enjoy the warm Santa Fe, N.M., weather with tacos, enchiladas or a signature cocktail in the cantina's patio bar and dining area.

The Huevos Barbacoa dish at Cafe Pasqual does the impossible for Chris Santos -- it makes him love eggs. Not typically an egg fan, Santos found the spicy, smoky dish made with succulent beef cheeks and sunny-side egg as nothing short of remarkable for this beloved Santa Fe restaurant.

Dig into BBQ dishes with a kick at Cowgirl. Spike up the spice factor with the smoking-hot pulled pork sandwich, or indulge in the Five Pepper Nachos with Salsa Diablo (add brisket for extra decadence). The Frito Pie is also a standout, complete with Fritos, chili, sour cream, cheese and jalapenos.

Check out new American and classic Chinese dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner at this casual spot. Rachael loved the "tangy" goat cheese-topped breakfast bruschetta and called it "a work of art." Look for weekday dinner specials featuring regional dishes such as cioppino and Maine lobster rolls.

For a great go-to restaurant that's "one of the coolest places in the Theater District," according to Rachael, head to Thalia in New York City for brunch, lunch or a late-night dinner. Rachael recommends the brunch frittata, complete with a complimentary beverage and a basket of homemade bread.

For affordable food served 'round the clock and a huge variety of menu options, Rachael recommends the 24 Seven Cafe inside the Palms hotel in Las Vegas. From all-you-can eat pancakes to specialty pizzas, burgers and desserts, you'll find everything you're looking for in a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar offers a plethora of small, inexpensive appetizers perfect for lunch or a light dinner. On $40 a Day, Rachael calls their Gazpacho "delicious and refreshing," and the Artichoke Toasts "just perfect."

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.