Cheeseburger at Burger & Barrel in SoHo, NYC

Burger & Barrel is a frequented spot for lunch or dinner. Or bloody marys at 12 a.m. on a Tuesday… Either way, the burgers at this SoHo winepub are consistently perfect. 

The pictured B&B classic is considerately stacked with the standard burger toppings and a special sauce that’s a real crowd pleaser. Most importantly, the meat is cooked just how you like it and each topping is fresh. Sub in a whole grain roll and a side salad if you’re trying to keep it clean. 

What will keep you coming back to B&B you ask? Well, as you exit, the wonderful hostess will gift to you a moist chocolate chip cookie for the walk home. Now every time you catch a whiff of a choco chip cookie recognition memory will bring you back for more B&B.

Steak and Mashed Potatoes at Tender Greens in San Diego, CA

Tender Greens needs to get to the East Coast right now; we’re just used to soda and nuggets out here. Mmph, look at those steak slices snuggling up to those tender greens. Such an unlikely harmonious couple.

To paint a picture, imagine an efficient ordering process with nothing but delicious and fresh options plus outdoor seating in perfect weather. Tender Greens’ considerate meal combos leave with you a palatable plate that won’t make you feel heavy as you scrape off the last of your mashed potatoes. Pair with a local brew or soda for hydration.

PS - Tender Greens keeps it real with a copious dessert selection to roundoff the wonderful experience. 

Red Snapper Sandwich at Pacific Beach Fish Shop in San Diego, CA

The seafood dishes at the Pacific Beach Fish Shop set the standard for fresh. The pictured Red Snapper sandwich is a key influencer for fresh seekers. Drake spent an entire day staring at the sandwich and then got the inspiration for this ensemble. 

Seriously though, the sandwiches at this San Diego gem are just about perfect. They’re filling in the cleanest way possible with fresh bread and minimal sauce application to let the seafood speak for itself. Cannot wait to go back. 

Sushi at Tomoe Sushi in the West Village, NYC

Tomoe is a pretty popular neighborhood sushi spot on Thompson Street and it’s easy to see why. An intimate setting with a pleasant wait staff (especially the waitress who can’t not smile), affordable pricing and fresh ingredients will keep you coming back. 

Pictured is a spicy tuna roll that’s not just a bunch of tuna scraps drenched in sauce and a soft shell crab roll that’s sure to please. Order up a few pints of sake to bring it home. 

Tomoe only accepts cash or Amex because it’s where hitters dine. 

Cheeseburger and Wedges from Hodad’s in San Diego, CA

Hodad’s is a renowned neighborhood burger spot in San Diego. The interior has a dive feel to it with a super friendly staff, beers served in mason jars and a jukebox blaring Talking Heads and The Cure. Perfection.

With an extensive burger selection, you really can’t go wrong. If you order a side, like onion rings or the pictured wedges, just know that they will arrive pre-burger so don’t fill up on them like we did. Live and learn.

Scrambled Eggs with Salmon at Barrio 47 in the West Village, NYC

It’s always nice to see scrambled eggs make it onto a brunch menu. Scrambled eggs are the eggs we all root for to make the cut. Scrambled eggs are the Muggsy Bogues of eggs. 

Barrio 47’s soft curled scrambled eggs are a work of art. Drenched in lemon creme fraiche and sauce choron, the eggs sit atop finely sliced smoked salmon and a thin piece of toast to bring the crunch.

Order up some BMs with the gherkin to bring it home. YMCBM. 

Mushroom Frittata at Cafe Lift in Philadelphia, PA

When it comes to brunch, Cafe Lift keeps it real. Anywhere that serves brunch all day seven days a week is okay in our book. 

The pictured mushroom frittata is perfectly portioned with just the right amount of gorgonzola melted throughout. To the side you have a few diced breakfast potatoes and finely toasted whole grain bread without the butter. Clean.

Cafe Lift’s wait staff is super friendly and eager to fill up your coffee. Even if you’re not going to finish it, go ahead, ask for a refill. Not finishing your food is the new power move. 

Cafe Lift is the sister to Prohibition Taproom. 

Vegetarian Sandwich at Amada in Old City, Philadelphia

One of life’s little unexpected pleasures is when sauce application is done for you and it’s done right. You don’t have a top layer of fries drenched in sauce that leads to bottom layer disappointment. I don’t know what seasoning or sauce Amada uses for its fries but I know they’re going to keep me coming back. 

Amada’s pictured veggie sandwich is perfect for when you’re not in the mood to take down a heartier meat based meal. Packed lightly between the toasted baguette slices you’ll find a smoked paprika hummus, fried zucchini and feta cheese. It’s a clean and simple sandwich. You’re not going to get your hands covered in grilled vegetable juice, saugy bread or broccoli breath with Amada’s veggie sandwich. You’re just not. 

There is plenty of seating during lunch. Grab a few cocktails to make your afternoon more interesting. Amada is the sister to the wonderful Garces Trading Company.

Oyster Slider at The Penrose on The Upper East Side, NYC

The Penrose is a new Irish gastropub on the Upper East Side. Other than Bro J’s, it’s probably the first cool bar that this neighborhood has ever seen. 

Come here during happy hour to enjoy $4.00 draughts and a few apps before moving onto cocktails, which are very fairly priced at around $11.00. Or just come during happy hour to watch middle aged Upper East Siders drink by themselves on a Monday afternoon. The pictured oyster slider is a nice treat and surprisingly filling. 

There’s plenty of seating and tons of space in the Penrose so don’t be afraid to roll up with a large crew. 

The Penrose is the newest project from the guys behind Wilfie & Nell and The Wren. 

Tostada de Ceviche & Tacos at Tacombi at Fonda Nolita in Nolita, NYC

After spending some time in Mexico and crushing the most delicious late night tacos, it became difficult to find similar Mexican fare when touching down in NYC. Luckily a friend suggested Tacombi and I haven’t looked back since. 

Located in what seems to be a warehouse space, Tacombi has a genuine Mexican feel to it from start to finish. The open and simple layout of tables and folding chairs create a sense of comfort as you crack open your first cerveza and salivate in anticipation for your entrees to arrive. 

The pictured ceviche tostadas are loaded with fresh seafood atop a finely toasted pita. You’ll need a fork to grab the bites that weren’t lucky enough to make it into your mouth during the initial attempts. Tacombi’s tacos are equally as delicious, especially the maiz y poblano. 

Tacombi’s communal dining and drinking experience will set you up for a solid night. Make sure to roll with a large group and order several cerveza buckets.