Hot wings may not have been served when the first tavern opened here in the 1700s, but these days, J. Timothy’s sells 300 tons of them per year. The wings are fried, coated in a robust Buffalo sauce and then fried again to create a caramelized crust. A final bath in the sauce ensures maximum flavor.
This cozy bistro offers French cuisine served in a chalet-inspired setting, and the beef fondue for two is perfect for sharing with a date. A tender cut of top sirloin steak is thinly sliced, then served with three dipping sauces: green peppercorn glaze, saffron aioli and romesco.
This boutique bowling alley offers eats and entertainment that are delightfully old-school — with a decidedly upscale twist. A highlight is the brisket-and-chuck-based Mission Burger topped with caper aioli, caramelized onions and melty cheese. Prefer a meatless option? Try the vegan burger comprised of a panisse (garbanzo-flour patty) that’s finished with guacamole and a sambal chile sauce.
Head here for classic Mexican sandwiches known as las tortas. A standout is the Pierna Enchilada Torta, which is made from high-quality pork that’s marinated in freshly squeezed orange juice and a simple spice blend. A bold adobo salsa adds some kick before the tender pulled pork is piled on a bun.
This spot draws the crowds with its tasty Mexican eats. The Carne Asada Super Burrito is a favorite of 49ers fans, featuring succulent meat and flavorful beans. Another standout is the Carne Asada Super Taco Dorado, which stars tender grilled sirloin wrapped in a combo of crispy and soft tortillas.
A tasty mix of traditional and contemporary dim sum abounds at Yank Sing. Chef Chris Cosentino is a fan of the Baked BBQ Pork Buns, describing them as "sticky, golden brown, just enough bun, lots of yum." Also try the Shanghai Dumpling filled with minced Kurobuta pork, scallions, ginger and broth.
Brothers Miguel and Victor Escobedo, who own this Mexican spot, are known for the best burritos around. Their Triple Threat Burrito, which features achiote-marinated chicken, smoky prawns, tangy carne asada and an ultraspicy salsa, is so good that it led Bobby Flay to challenge them to a throwdown.
Giada De Laurentiis is crazy for Churros Con Cajeta, a doughnut-like confection filled with sweet caramel, at La Casita Mexicana. Another standout is the Flautas Tres Moles, chicken-stuffed tortillas that are deep-fried and smothered in three distinct chile-based sauces, including La Casita’s 43-ingredient mole poblano.
Stop by this classic spot to fuel up on a creative, comforting breakfast dish: The B.W. Benny. This bacon-studded buttermilk waffle comes topped with a thick slice of ham, crispy strips of bacon and poached eggs. Housemade hollandaise sauce punched up with cayenne pepper makes for a decadent finish.
Step back in time with a trip to this eatery that exudes old-style charm. Try the classic burger, which is made from a recipe that dates back more than 50 years. This freshly ground burger is topped with American cheese and a housemade Thousand Island dressing, then served on a butter-brushed bun.
Beef and bacon are the stars of Slater’s 50-50 patties. But for those who can handle the heat, the 50 Alarm Burger swaps bacon for spicy chorizo. Ghost pepper-studded cheese, habanero poppers and jalapenos complete this fiery creation. Prefer sweet to spicy? Try the candied bacon-covered brownie.
This longtime fixture just off the Venice boardwalk serves up creative takes on classic beach eats. Curtis Stone tried the Spicy Street Dog, a meaty delight that’s wrapped in bacon and deep-fried. It comes nestled in a brioche bun and loaded with chili, coleslaw and jalapenos for a spicy kick. For a decadent East Coast-inspired combo, opt for a buttery Connecticut-style lobster roll and a bowl of creamy clam chowder studded with bits of slab bacon, freshly shucked corn and clams, of course.
This spot offers 120 different kinds of doughnuts 24 hours a day. It is also home to the mythical Wow-Nut, LA's first half-waffle/half-donut hybrid. The Red Velvet Lust Wow-Nut has fresh strawberries and fluffy tufts of whipped cream. Jeff and Audrey Dunham try a Wow-Nut ice cream sandwich filled with white chocolate ganache, chocolate cookies and cookie butter ice cream. “The little kid in me is doing backflips,” Jeff said between spoonfuls.
With praiseworthy pizza and the lines to prove it, this spot serves a devoted customer base that will do anything for New York-style pies. A standout is the Pizza Margherita, which features ingredients imported from Italy. Buffalo mozzarella, sea salt and fresh basil make for a tasty creation.
This ice cream shop continues to surprise customers with its ever-changing array of flavors (prosciutto, anyone?). For a treat that will appeal to the kid — and the adult — in you, try the Secret Breakfast. Cornflakes are baked into a crispy cookie, then folded into a bourbon-infused ice cream base.
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.