Best Local Restaurants for Diners, Not Chains

We asked you which establishments are better to go to in your city, and not to chain restaurants, and you answered . We’ve followed up on suggestions for major metro areas to get tourists to stop walking on terrible networks and instead give their money to local places you like.

It’s not just about good local restaurants, but which ones are worth going to as an alternative to the big chains, and so we’ve tried to keep on this list those that offer dishes similar to those from large boxes. Thanks to all the commenters who shared their suggestions! You can check out the full discussion here . Categories:

• American : There are menu items you can find at Applebee’s, Arby’s, Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Hard Rock Cafe, Black Angus, BJ’s, and Outback Steakhouse.
• Bakery : Offers similar to chains like Dunkin ‘Donuts, Krispie Kreme, Mrs. Field’s, Cinnabon and Noah’s.
• Chinese : The options you’ll find at Panda Express, PF Chang’s, and Pick Up Stix.
• Snack Bar : Offers similar to chains such as Denny’s, Mel’s Drive-In, Boston Market, Country Buffet, and iHop.
• Italian : Menu items are similar to Olive Garden, Buca di Beppo, Little Italy Maggiano, Old Spaghetti Factory, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
• Mexican : Foods close to what Chevy’s, Baja Fresh, Chipotle, Chili’s, and Qdoba have to offer.
• Pizza : Similar to California Pizza Kitchen, Cici’s Pizza, Round Table Pizza, and Peter Piper Pizza.
• Sandwiches : Options comparable to chains like Subway, Panera Bread, Blimpie, Jimmy John’s, and Quizno’s.
• Seafood : Menu offerings such as those at Red Lobster, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Long John Silver’s.

New York

• Snack: Georgia Diner
• Italian : Toni di Napoli , Parm
• Pizza : Wheat

Boston

• Bakery: Bova’s , Maria’s , Modern
• Chinese: Q
• Italian: La Famiglia Giorgio’s , Maurizio’s
• Mexican: Tenoch
• Pizza : Gallery Umberto
• Seafood : Neptune’s oysters

Washington DC

• American: Ray’s The Steaks
• Chinese: A&J , Mark’s Duck House , Mandalay
• Pizza: & Pizza , Pacci Neapolitan Pizzeria
• Sandwiches: Taylor Gourmet
• Seafood: Chrisfield

Chicago

• American : Hash House a Go Go , Twin Anchors , Hot “G” Dog
• Chinese : MingHin
• Mexican : Frontera Grill , Big Star , La Palapa
• Pizza : Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder , Pizza Serio , Pequod’s
• Seafood : Half shell

Minneapolis

• American : Manny’s Steakhouse , Revival , Matt’s Bar , Murrays , The Sample Room , Birchwood.
• Mexican : Brasa , Betty Dangers , Tacocat , Taco Taxi
• Pizza : Black Sheep
• Seafood : Smack Shack , The Anchor

Houston District

• Americans : Killens , Glatin’s , Jackson Street , Burger Nation , Miller’s Cafe , Tookie’s , The Dot
• Mexican: Jimmy Changa’s , Ninfa’s , El Tiempo Cantina
• Seafood : Gaido’s , Shrimp n ‘Stuff

Austin

• Americans : Kerbey Lane , Blacks BBQ
• Pizza : Pizza Pinhouse

San Francisco

• Americans : Marlowe , Causewells , St. Francis Fountain , Brenda’s Soul Food , Bullshead , Super Duper
• Bakery : Frena , Arizmendi bakery, bakery next door
• Chinese : Yank Sing 2 Guo , City View , Old Mandarin Islamic , Hong Kong Lounge II
• Italian : Trattoria da’Vittorio , Care Tiramisu
• Mexican : Taco Store in Underdog’s , El Farolito , Taqueria San Jose , El Toreador
• Pizza : Goat Hill Pizza , Paxti’s , Little Star
• Sandwiches : Lucca Deli , Wise Sons Jewish Deli

Los Angeles

• American : Plan Check , Slater’s 50/50
• Chinese : Chengdu Flavor , Newport Seafood , Ding Tai Feng
• Italian : Bestia
• Mexican : Tire Shop Taqueria , King Taco , Ricky’s Fish Tacos , El Flamin Taco.
• Sandwiches : Wax Paper , Bay Cities Deli , Langer’s Deli

Portland

• American: Burgerville , Foster Burger , Imperial , Screen Door , Country Cat , Laurelhurst Market.
• Bakery: Blue Star , Pips
• Italian: Bar Mingo
• Mexican: Portland Mercado
• Sandwiches: bunk sandwiches

We couldn’t fit all the suggestions on this list, but if you haven’t submitted recommendations before, please add them to the discussion below.

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