The Smashing Pumpkin from Grant Grill is a seasonal drink, so as soon as it’s available, Troy Johnson gives thanks. Located inside the historic US GRANT Hotel, Grant Grill has become a San Diego institution not only for its pumpkin-rum cocktail, but also for the signature Mock Turtle Soup.

Hodads' burgers don't simply have bacon strips on top. Instead, this funky joint adds an entire bacon patty to the mix. They really "put the shama lama in ding dong," Guy says of his favorite burger, which includes two sizzling beef patties and cheese — a "run-down-your-arm burger," for sure.

Fentons has been making ice cream by hand and generously scooping it out for sundaes, floats — you name it — for more than 100 years. Duff says the "crazy-good" winner is the Banana Special, which features 3 pounds of dense ice cream finished with pineapple, strawberry and chocolate sauce.

Coffee lovers agree: Blue Bottle Coffee Company serves a serious cup of Joe. On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Chris Cosentino gushes over the Kyoto Iced Coffee made with an intricate siphon method. Twelve hours later, it's pure coffee heaven. Order some Belgian waffles and you have breakfast bliss.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, self-proclaimed deli aficionado Marc Summers reveals the best corned beef sandwich is actually in Northridge, California. Since 1969, Brent's has wowed diners with towering corned beef sandwiches and the signature black pastrami Reubens. For soup, try the Matzo Ball.

Only at Guy's restaurant can you get a little Italian, Mexican, Cajun and Asian. The grilled-onion-and-garlic tortilla stack, inspired by Guy's mom, has "dynamite" texture and flavor. Guy's Sashimi Won Tacos dressed with eel sauce were double gold winners at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Mo Rocca dives into The Gibson Girl sundae at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour. Since 1963, Farrell's has been scooping out this "Old Time Cutie" that comes with rainbow sherbet topped with whipped cream, butterscotch and "cherry nectar from the gods."

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Duff obsesses over Church & State's Charcuterie de la Maison, a smorgasbord of salty meats and meat spreads, including French liver sausage with pork and pistachio and even gamey, wild boar. Serve with a side of bone marrow and you'll obsess too.

For Marc Summers, Carney's in Los Angeles serves the best classic American comfort food thanks to its renowned hot dogs with tomato slices on top. On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Marc even asks viewers for their take, because along with their giant hamburgers, Carney's will leave you speechless.

Thankfully, all the art at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is not relegated to the walls. On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Chris Cosentino eats works of art at the rooftop coffee bar, home to the delectable chocolate Mondrian Cake, Frida Kahlo Mexican Wedding Cookies and even Rothko Toast.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Tyler Florence says Chef Chris Cosentino is leading the salumi revolution on the West Coast. All of Cosentino's meats are expertly cured, bringing out a perfect salty flavor. Join the revolution with a Mess Piggy panini with pulled pork or a custom salumi cone.

On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Troy Johnson patiently waits till 4 p.m. for his favorite dish at Donovan's Steak & Chop House. Although Donovan's is known for luscious steak and a creme brulee that's to die for, come 4 p.m., diners flock to Donovan's for the free Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

Located in downtown San Diego, Dobson's Bar has been crafting the California food scene since 1984. As a child, Marcela Valladolid would cross from Tijuana to San Diego for the "grownup" Mussel Bisque en Croute made with lobster, shrimp, puff pastry and the perfect drizzling of cream sherry on top.

The lamb meatballs at Evvia, called soutzoukakia, totally caught Aaron McCargo off-guard. Still, he ordered four more plates. Evvia may "rock the meatball the right way," says Aaron, but don't forget the traditional Greek moussaka. Its creamy yogurt bechamel makes this dish an absolute standout.

No need to play chicken with Mr. Pollo. On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Chris Cosentino calls the $15, 4-course tasting menu a perfect example of "bang before the buck." Every tasting menu is consistently delicious, especially the stuffed arepa tortilla packed to the seams with pork and cheese.