Dine in Anthony Bourdain’s Footsteps at These 24 Should-Go to US Eating places

For some, going out to eat is just fun or a function, a way to literally satiate one’s appetite. Then, there’s Anthony Bourdain.

For him, dining was an art. He spent his career teaching viewers of No Reservation, Parts Unknown, and other TV shows how much joy can come from the simplest dish from the most unlikely place. While he traveled all over the world, bringing world-class dishes to our living rooms, you don’t have to break out your passport to eat like Bourdain.

Side Street Inn (Hawaii)

Side Street Inn serves no-fuss foods like fried chicken, ribs, fried rice, and poké. During his visit, Bourdain discovered he had many preconceptions about Hawaiian comfort foods. If you want to be pleasantly surprised like he was, head out to Side Street Inn if you’re ever in Honolulu or Waikiki.

Katz’s Delicatessen (New York)

Katz’s is an institution in New York, the city Bourdain grew up in. The over-a-century-old restaurant can delight you with incredible sandwiches like pastrami and brisket, along with its unique takes on pickles and latkes. Katz’s never disappoints if you want to eat like Anthony Bourdain.

Joe’s Kansas City (Kansas)

Anthony Bourdain loved Kansas City barbecue and named this restaurant one of the best in the state to enjoy pulled pork, burnt ends, and ribs. If you’re a Texas barbecue aficionado, the best way to find out if Bourdain’s love of Kansas City barbecue was legitimate is to try it out when you’re in the area.

The French Laundry (California)

Anthony Bourdain picked this exclusive restaurant in Napa Valley for its tasting menu, fresh, delicious ingredients, and high standards. You may need to wait a while to follow in his footsteps because getting a table at The French Laundry can take weeks.

Puka Dog (Hawaii)

Anthony Bourdain enjoyed down-to-earth food, including hot dogs. As such, the celebrity chef loved Puka Dog’s take on hot dogs. To enjoy a Polish or veggie sausage in Hawaiian sweet bread shaped like a tube, head over to Puka Dog if ever in Koloa.

In-N-Out Burger (Multiple Locations)

In-N-Out Burger may seem like an odd choice for a celebrity chef, but if you love burgers and fries, it’s worth a visit. Bourdain thought the eatery was “the only American chain worth visiting,” especially because it treats employees like human beings.

Tacos Villa Corona (California)

Anthony Bourdain was a huge fan of Mexican food, so he naturally gravitated toward the taco-loving city of LA. Visiting Tacos Villa Corona will produce a delicious feast of authentic Mexican tacos.

Ricobene’s (Illinois)

Bourdain never hid his love of comfort food. He enjoyed the chicken-fried steak sandwich Ricobene’s serves enough that you should also give it a try. And if you’re a pizza lover, you’ll be spoilt for choice because the restaurant aims to “show you the sheer pizza power in America.” Wow!

Duly’s Place (Detroit)

Anthony Bourdain didn’t just go for fancy hot dogs. He was equally partial to Coney dogs, which are the fare of Duly’s Place. Enjoy a chill dog at this authentic Detroit eatery and wrap up your meal with a delicious slice of cream pie.

Frank’s Deli & Restaurant (New Jersey)

Frank’s Deli makes a mean Italian sub that caught Anthony Bourdain’s eye. The chef devoured the classic Jersey sandwich, and you will, too. If you’re not into subs, try an overstuffed club or deli sandwich, and don’t forget to ask for some turkey gravy for your fries or onion rings. Yum!

Keens Steakhouse (New York)

Keens Steakhouse is over a hundred years old and has been serving Manhattan with top-quality steak, prime beef, and meats. In addition to being a purveyor of incredible food, the restaurant also owns the largest selection of churchwarden pipes in the world.

Swan Oyster Depot (California)

Swan Oyster Depot is a San Francisco eatery tucked within a fish market. It offers the freshest seafood and cold beers. Bourdain fell in love with it at first bite, and so will you if you decide to visit.

Barney Greengrass (New York)

Bourdain had to eventually return to his New York roots wherever he went, so it makes sense that he visited eateries there every chance he got. Barney Greengrass serves a sturgeon platter, delicious smoked fish, and typical New York deli fare, like corned beef and pastrami.

Pastrami Queen (New York)

Speaking of pastrami, Bourdain enjoyed the salty meat so much that it was the first thing he got when he was back in New York. If you want a delicious pastrami sandwich to rival Bourdain’s favorite snack, Pastrami Queen can deliver whenever you’re on the Upper East Side.

Hot Doug’s (Illinois)

During an episode of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain committed the worst act of treason against New York City when he recognized Chicago’s hot dogs as the best in the nation. Hot Doug’s no longer operates a restaurant but still sells its amazing sausages.

Salumi (Washington)

Salumi is a tiny sandwich shop in Seattle that made Anthony Bourdain see “hope for the future” when he visited it in 2007. The owners cure meats in-house, using traditional Italian methods. If your idea of heaven is digging into aged meats, homemade pasta, and delicious Italian cured salami, Salumi is the place to go.

Himalaya Restaurant (Texas)

When Anthony Bourdain visited Houston, he took advantage of an opportunity to try the “Texas-Desi style” at Himalaya Restaurant. He ate typical delicacies from the Himalayan subcontinent, like green curry chicken and steak tikka. However, Hunter’s Beef, an Indian pastrami unique to this restaurant, blew Bourdain away.

Hiram’s Roadstand (New Jersey)

Hiram’s Roadstand brought Bourdain back to a childhood favorite: “rippers,” or deep-fried hot dogs that burst open while sizzling in oil. Hiram’s Roadstand can give you a taste of these Bourdain favorites, whether slathered in chili or not.

Burger Joint (New York)

As the name suggests, this is a tiny eatery in New York that became one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite burger spots. Should you find yourself in the Parker New Hotel in the city, hit Burger Joint for some no-frills burgers and a brownie à la mode. It’s what the man himself would do.

Lucille’s Country Cooking (New Jersey)

Lucille’s Country Cooking is a greasy spoon in New Jersey that bewitched Anthony Bourdain with its simple yet delicious chili, rye toast, over-easy eggs, and homemade blueberry pie. It’s a great spot for comfort food you’ll not regret trying.

House of Prime Rib (California)

San Francisco is a foodie Mecca, and there was no way Anthony Bourdain wasn’t going to fall in love with the West Coast gourmet heaven. House of Prime Rib is an excellent spot for a hand-cut slab of prime rib served with Yorkshire pudding and one (or a few) delicious martinis.

Minetta Tavern (New York)

Minetta Tavern’s claim to fame is its Black Label Burger, a special blend of meat selling for an eye-watering $38. The expensive restaurant also offers such seafood delicacies as lobster salad, Portuguese sardines, and grilled oysters.

Ethel’s Grill (Hawaii)

Ethel’s Grill fascinated Anthony Bourdain with its Asian-inspired dishes, like the delicious tataki sashimi made with fresh tuna and garlic shoyu sauce. However, if you’re in the neighborhood, you can also try Hawaiian favorites like Loco Moco.

Ali’s Kabab Cafe (New York)

Ali’s wooed Anthony Bourdain with its Egyptian fare. Located in Queens, the restaurant offers the discerning eater cuts of meat that other restaurants discard but taste delicious when cooked right. If you’re adventurous, order lamb brain or cheeks and finish this feast with an authentic baklava.