This operation started as a roving school bus slinging new-school spins on classic burgers, with housemade condiments to boot. Bernie’s has grown into two brick-and-mortar locales serving innovative between-the-bun creations that include the Detention Burger. Two cheese-smothered patties are topped with crisp strips of bacon, then placed between a pair of grilled cheese sandwiches to create this winning burger that’s worthy of an A-plus.

Russell Roegels has over 20 years of managing barbeque restaurants. He took his experience and decided to create a family owned and operated barbeque restaurant alongside his wife, Misty, who makes the sides.

A favorite hangout for locals in Houston's historic Sixth Ward, Beaver's serves up Southern classics like fried okra, chicken-fried steak and crawfish and crab cakes. Rahm Fama recommends the menu's most daring item, the North Carolina-style Pulled Pork Sandwich with coleslaw and house-made chips.

This cheeky pub has an outdoor beer garden and a selection of hot dogs made from not-so-typical meats; their wild game wieners include duck, elk, boar and buffalo. If hot dogs aren't your thing, they also have burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and of course, beer.

Duff's plate of barbecue could have been served in a galvanized bucket. As he says, The Salt Lick BBQ has it all, including pork ribs and sausage. The giant pit in the middle of the restaurant is what makes them special — it's also what makes the best beef ribs Bobby has ever had. As for Michael, he couldn’t get enough of the tender brisket and its “crispy, caramelized bark.”

Patrons can unwind at The Duck & Bunny, which classifies itself as a snuggery- a place dedicated to being a cozy and comfortable spot. They offer comfort foods like savory crêpes, tea and coffee, as well as an in-house bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth.

There are classic burgers, and then there are Luxe burgers. In the center of downtown Providence, at Luxe Burger Bar, you can build the burger of your dreams with everything from Wagyu beef to bison to vegan veggie patties, a dedicated list of buns, assorted cheeses and toppings, all of which adds up to more than 400,000 different burger combinations.

This family-friendly spot is sure to tease a smile out of even the tiniest food critic, as the menu is filled with comforting dishes that make dining out with the kids a cinch. Along with Kansas City-style barbecue — including ribs and burnt ends — there are plenty of satisfying sides, such as jalapeno cheese grits and collard greens that can be ordered in family-size portions.

Owners Kyle Noonan and Josh Sepkowitz created a simple restaurant complete with good food, good music and good times. Their food and products are locally sourced and they feature a constant stream of live perfomances and events that encourage patrons to enjoy themselves and each other.

Liberty Burger's principles rest on three pillars: high-quality food, social contribution, and environmental responsibility. They select ingredients that are locally sourced, support local organizations and use resuable or compostable material in their restaurant.

A&R Bar-B-Que opened in 1983 as a small take-out only location and has since expanded to two restaurants and a catering service, offering an extensive menu with beef, turkey, pork, tamales and more.

Hattie B’s serves the fiery local favorite known as hot chicken in five heat levels, from Southern (no spice) to Shut the Cluck Up (not for the faint of heart). Round out your meal with draft beer, a comforting Southern side like pimento mac and cheese, and blackberry cobbler for a sweet finish.

Bite into a one-of-a-kind burger at this joint that lets you make your own creation. Michael Symon invented the 50/50, which stars a cheese-covered meat patty stacked on a spicy veggie one (with crispy bacon and hot peppers to boot). This combo makes for a tasty blend of beef and barbecue flavors.

Michael Symon stops by to visit his friend Chef Jonathan Waxman and learn the secret behind his showstopping burgers. A wood-fired cooking technique locks in the juices and adds smokiness, while a layer of onion marmalade hidden beneath a blanket of melty cheese gives a hint of sweet flavor.

The crowds flock here for comforting Southern eats with an international flair. Michael Symon enjoys the Beer Belly Taco, which stars hickory-smoked pork piled onto a corn tortilla and finished with Asian-inspired toppings like pickled carrots. Classic dishes like chicken-fried steak are also a hit.