Our 50 State Travels: Top 10 Eats and Top 5 Drinks

Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

-Fran Lebowitz

Stop. Yes, take a breath. A looooong breath. Before reading this post you must know… I get it. No two people will ever agree on the "best" food and "best" drink. The below lists are a complication of places that we loved for the flavors, atmosphere and because they were just flat out memorable experiences for us. 

Trying new flavors, atmospheres and experiencing rich culinary history was a blast. A fantastic restaurant and fun bar can unite just about anyone. We also love to take recommendations from servers and bartenders - they can really shed some light on the local favorites. Next time you are traveling, ask the locals. They always know best.

Cheers!

Top 10 Eats 
-no specific order-

1. III Forks - Dallas, TX If you can make it through a 3 hour dinner experience, you will not be disappointed. They really cook their steaks to perfection. 
2. Elliott's Oyster House  - Seattle, WA We have dined at this waterfront oyster spot twice now. The oysters are fresh, filled with variety and flavorful. The view is breathtaking and the bloody marys are the perfect compliment! 
3. The Mansion - Dallas, TX If you live in Dallas, you know The Mansion. It's gorgeous. We stayed here on our wedding night and had the best bagel and lox for brunch…and then returned the following year for a delicious champagne lunch! 
4. Perbacco - San Francisco, CA Three things - honeymoon, cheese and meat platter and wine! Thanks to a family recommendation, we experienced this yummy dinner spot!
5. The Hollywood Brown Derby (Disney World) - Orlando, FL I know what you are thinking…. "Whaaaaat is wrong this girl?!" The Cobb Salad is magical… truly magical. Whenever anyone talks about visiting Disney, I talk about this Cobb Salad. In fact, it's on my travel list to go back to Disney for this very reason. You think I'm kidding. 
6. 112 Eatery - Minneapolis, MN Such a fun, quirky little spot! We actually got food poisoning the day before we ate here (from eating at Mall of America)…so you know this place must be good if it made our list! Unique menu and very, very flavorful. We also had fabulous company from two other dear couple-friends! 
7. Carnivale - Chicago, IL You have to trek across town to get to this gem. The food is fantastic and the margaritas are fun. But what I really love about this place is the unique decor and festive atmosphere! 
8. Bambara (Kimpton Hotel) - Salt Lake City, UT Who raves about a hotel restaurant? We do!  Order the steak. You will not be disappointed. 
9. Riptide - Portland, ME Hands down best lobster rolls. The bread on these lobster rolls melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. Just order another. And another. And another. No one is judging. 
10. The Toucan and the Lion - New York, NY This is one of the tiniest restaurants I've ever been to… you are basically in your neighbors lap. And then we had the burger….Oh! We were also introduced to scotch eggs (and had to google them). Everyone needs to try these in their life.  

*I could write an entire book on NYC food. But that is for another day… 

Top 5 Drinks 
-no specific order-

1. Bolsa  - Dallas, TX Unique bar in Oak Cliff with creative, fresh and fun drinks! 
2. Watershed - Chicago, IL Underground chill bar with a laid-back personality. Local whiskeys and brews. 
3. The Kennedy School McMenamins: The Courtyard Restaurant and Detention Bar (Concordia Brewery) - Portland, OR You can have a drink in the Principal's Office…need I say more? Also brewed onsite. 
4. Zig Zag Cafe  - Seattle, WA The bartender looked like a 1920's version of Leonardo DiCaprio and he created his own cocktails based a few quick questions regarding your tastes…. so cool. 
5. Aria  - NY, NY We celebrated my 26th birthday in this communal-style wine bar in West Village, with the most amazing gimlets and a bathroom covered in chalkboards. 

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard

Other eats and drinks we love…

Portland Lobster Company – Portland, ME

One Eyed Mike's - Baltimore, MD

Salt – Baltimore, MD

B and O – Baltimore, MD

Abacus – Dallas, TX

Thai Passion – Austin, TX

Whataburger – Dallas, TX

Tropics Bar and Grill – Waikiki, HI

Skyline Chili – Cincinnati, OH

Ox Roast – Warren, OH

Zink - Charlotte, NC

Basil Thai - Charlotte, NC

In and Out – Los Angeles, CA

La Mirabelle – NY, NY

Psycho Suzis – Minneapolis, MN

Lou Malnati's - Chicago, IL

Wildfire - Chicago, IL

Yolk and I – Chicago, IL

The Pink Door – Seattle, Washington

Silver Spoon - Rapid City, SD

Diego's - Newport, RI

Crop Bistro - Stowe, VT

Turning Point Café – Hoboken, NJ

Shake Shack – NY, NY

Dos Toros – NY, NY

Freeman's – NY, NY

Beauty and Essex – NY, NY

Artichoke Pizza – NY, NY

The Smith – NY, NY

Buoun Gusto – NY, NY

The Campbell Apartment – NY, NY

Keen’s – NY, NY

The Meatball Shop – NY, NY

Ah Chihuaha – NY, NY

Dominique Ansel Bakery (Cronut) – NY, NY
Muse - Sag Harbor, NY

Maison Kaiser - NY, NY