Located a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol, the Round Robin Bar has been serving DC socialites (and our Bobby) its refreshing mint julep since the days of Abraham Lincoln. Want another history lesson? Order from their extensive Scotch menu honoring the traditionally divided six regions of Scotland.

Giada De Laurentiis hits our nation's capital for Zola, serving exciting new American cuisine in Washington DC, on Food Network's Giada's Weekend Getaways.

The Apple Barn is filled with homemade goodies, Vermont products, cheeses and the largest selection of Maple syrup in the area. Be sure to try their Apple Pie a la Mode, a favorite of Rachael Ray.

Little Rooster Cafe takes the farm motif to another level: they've even got seats painted to look like birds' nests. Rachael loves this spot for their savory omelets and other breakfast foods.

The site of Rapid City's first fire department and the first brewery in South Dakota, the Firehouse Brewing Company specializes in craft beers. Watch the brewing in action, then try the Gorgonzola Ale Soup or Firehouse Favorite Gumbo, which Rachael calls "extra spicy and so good."

Calling all Chicken-Fried Steak fans: Your prayers are answered at Threadgill's in Texas. This home-cookin', music-pumpin' joint upgrades the Southern delicacy with quality steak and a beautiful batter that turns golden. Threadgill's also does burgers, meatloaf, fried catfish — you name it.

Since 1957, The Continental Club been one of Houston's best bars for live music, or as they say, they're "the granddaddy of all music venues." When Rachael visited, she got her money's worth with a stellar Mexican Martini, no cover and fantastic music. So as Rachael says, "Is that a deal, or what?"

To taste the funky and weird side of Austin, Rachael gets a local tip to visit Maria's Taco Xpress with its bright murals and good cheap eats. Rachael ordered the popular migas breakfast tacos, but for dinner, it's all about the pollo guisado chicken tacos made with a smoky chipotle sauce.

Known for its high-class ambiance, Dragonfly restaurant, located in Dallas's Hotel ZaZa, serves modern American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you just want to dip your toe in the luxe decor, Rachael recommends ordering something modest like an appetizer or dessert.

To locals, you can rely on Water Street Seafood Co. for fresh seafood, with the daily fish specials and waterside location to prove it. Many dishes draw on the rich, comforting flavors of nearby Mexico and Louisiana. After sifting through the huge menu, Rachael went for the Seafood Pasta Jambalaya.

For authentic low-country cooking like okra gumbo, visit Jestine's Kitchen. Owner Dana Berlin says "this is the place that local yokels come to eat" and drink sweet tea, or what she calls "Jestine's table wine." Rachael loved the low-country feast, exclaiming: "It's fantastic food. What a treat!"

Housed in a charming Charleston building from the 1800's that operated as a barbershop for many years before becoming a restaurant, Hominy Grill is known for its unique take on down-home Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits.

The recipe to Gus's hot and spicy fried chicken has been in the family since 1953 and has remained a secret since then. Not even owner Terry Bonner's wife knows. One thing, however, is certain. Claire Robinson adores this chicken, along with maybe the entire city of Memphis, Tennessee.

Rachael Ray visits the Back Inn Cafe, Chattanooga, TN, serving up global cuisine overlooking the Tennessee River, on Food Network's $40 a Day.

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.