Favorite Off the Beaten Path Places to Eat

[dragonfly411]

I debated on starting this thread, but in lieu of recent discussions, and in hopes of creating a place we can refer back to for recommendations I thought I'd start this thread. I'd like to hear about your favorite non chain places to eat. I'd love to hear not only about places local to you, but places that you thought were amazing when traveling. I'd like to hear about places around the world. Please post the name of the place, what you like from there (more than one item is fine!), atmosphere, price range and if you have photos I'd love to see photos. I was kindof inspired by the recent threads asking for recommendations for restaurants. So hopefully this kicks off.

 

[Autumnovember]

Otaya- Newtown, Pennsylvania. Japanese restaurant. The sushi here is absolutely amazing. They are known for having incredible spicy tuna sushi and their spicy tuna pizza, both are absolutely to die for. About 15-25$.

Buddakan- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Asian fusion. This restaurant isn't one that is "off the beaten path" but it is a MUST if you are visiting the Philly area. Their edamamme ravioli is amazing. tuna pizza is mouth watering. Filet mignon melts in your mouth. Kobe beef is fantastic. The drinks are delicious. You can't go wrong with ANYTHING on the menu. I have had almost everything off the menu and I have never been disappointed with any dish. You decide how much you spend....you can make it a 35$ dinner per person or 100$ per person. There is a Buddakan in NYC and also Atlantic City, NJ but they are NOT as good and I have to stress that because the turnover rates for the chefs in those locations are high as opposed to the one in Philadelphia.


Morimoto- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Very similar restaurant to the one above (same owner). Soba noodles are to die for...they are a MUST have. The sushi there is phenomenal. Price ranges are similar to Buddakan.

The Jones- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Labeled as "comfort soul food"...great place for breakfast. Their bagel and lox is GREAT, as well as their delicious mac n cheese. Also the same owner as two restaurants above. Prices are anywhere between 10-20$.


I'll think of more and add in a bit..

 

[dragonfly411]

I'll add some off the top of my head.

Cafe Tu Tu Tango - Orlando. This is a really awesome tapas place off International Drive. They have a wide array of tapas. I especially love their stuffed raviolis, their pizzas, and they serve large hard flatbreads covered in seeds with hummus sometimes that is so so yummy. The really cool thing about this place is the atmosphere. The entire interior is wall to wall paintings done by local art students. All of the staff are art students. They have an artist constantly working in the front entry. They have a back lounge area with a coffee bar and couches where there are poetry readings. On certain nights they have flamenco dancers who dance around the restaurant while you eat. Seriously the coolest place. Prices vary depending on how many tapas you get. Normally for a party of two we split four or five tapas and after drinks it comes out around 25-30 dollars.

The Oasis - St. Augustine Beach FL. This is a serious local dive, a sort of two story bar and grill. They have awesome seafood, for really great prices, and they have some delicious burgers too! Their crab legs are the best I've found over there and they are I think 12.00 a lb? They have live music most nights, and the upstairs is open so that the ocean air can come in. Seriously cool place. They serve great omelets for breakfast too.

 

[soocool]

You would think living near New Hope, Pa and Lambertville, NJ I would have a favorite restaurant in one of those towns. But it is very touristy and while all the restaurants there are good, there is a place about 5 miles up the road in Pineville, PA that I love. It is called the Pineville Tavern and the food is always plentiful and out of this world (everything including the pasta is made from scratch). There is always a lne out the door and they are expanding to accomodate the growth. The tavern is over 250 years old, built in the mid 1700s.

For those who plan on visiting Bucks County Pa, check it out http://www.pinevilletavern.com/index.htm

 

[soocool]

Otaya- Newtown, Pennsylvania. Japanese restaurant. The sushi here is absolutely amazing. They are known for having incredible spicy tuna sushi and their spicy tuna pizza, both are absolutely to die for. About 15-25$.



I didn't know they had a place in Newtown, PA. Where? I do know they are located also in Lambertville, NJ on Ferry Street. I would rather go to Newtown (less traffic).

 

[panda08]

Great idea, Dragonfly!

DH and I were in San Diego last weekend to celebrate our 1st anniversary. We wandered into a little bar/restaurant in downtown called Neighborhood on a Friday night for a late dinner. Inside, the place was buzzing with 20 and 30-somethings but we found a nice quiet spot in their outdoor patio. The menu is what I'd call bar food plus, bar food kicked up several notches. We shared: jalapeno mac-n-cheese, mini brats (like mini hot dogs) with homemade chips and an antipasto salad that came with squares of grilled cheese sandwiches. OMG... everything was SO tasty! The portions were large and the prices were right. The food tab was $25. DH also had a beer sampler. It has a cool vibe but its not too cool for school. Our server was super friendly and attentive and knew a heck of a lot about beer. Neighborhood was the best place we ate at on our trip!

 

[April20]

Oh my.... one of my favorite things is non-chain restaurants.

I travel too much and don't always get to experience the off the beaten path places, but here are my haunts at home in Atlanta.

Agave. It's at Boulevard and Memorial just east of downtown. They call themselves "eclectic" southwestern and they are- it's not what you would expect and they very much shine in the seafood dishes. They do a cayenne peanut butter pie that's pretty intense as well. Average entree is $20 but if you live in town and get the Savvy Shopper, there' s a B1G1 coupon good Sun-Thurs.

Brick Store- it's actually in downtown Decatur, not Atlanta, but it's still so close. It's a really great cozy beer pub with a ridiculous selection of beer and a small food menu that's done really well. Beers are very reasonably priced and food is cheap. I don't think any meal is over $10.

Iberian Pig- also in downtown Decatur. It's a Spanish restaurant where you can order tapas style, order tapas and entrees, whatever. It's so so good. I am dying to go back. The do a boar sausage meatball that is amazing... also a fried goat cheese fritter. You can eat a great meal here for under $100 for two people and do every course. If you sign up for their mailing list and provide your bday and anniversary date, they'll send you B1G1 coupons for entrees for each event. We did it for our anniversary this year and it was amazing.

Fox Brothers BBQ- this is off Dekalb avenue just east of downtown and just before the turn off for the Little Five Points neighborhood. It's really, really good and I'm extremely picky about my bbq. They do a smoked chicken wing that is unlike any other I've had and I'm not that into chicken wings. I order theirs every time. Meals are under $25- more around $15 average. "Baskets" are even less.

 

[onedrop]

Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC used to be one of my favorite "off the beaten path" although many DCites and those in the close in burbs knew the place well. If you have a taste for diet-busting burgers and chili dogs (and also a great diner like breakfast) this is the place for you! Loved the fact that at one time I could walk in w/o standing in much of a line and see familiar faces on both sides of the counter. Now however due to gentrification in the area and President Obama's recent visits it's become way too popular a place to go on a Saturday afternoon. The food is still great, but the lines are beyond ridiculous now!!! Despite Ben's now being a stop on city tourist map and the loss of that "homey" feel, I am happy for the family that has been running the place for the last 50 some odd years.

Another place I love (and I am not sure if it's considered off the beaten path) is Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia. Great food with an intimate, romantic atmosphere.

 

[princesss]

Allman's BBQ in Fredericksburg, VA. Great, old family-owned place. Employs a lot of college kids (at one point they had bicycle delivery guys) and but is still very much a local place. They've got two locations, but the one on Rt. 3 is only good if you're in a rush - otherwise you're much better off going to the one on Rt. 1 and dining in. Very friendly people and the BBQ is delicious!

Mac's in Charlotte, NC. Burgers, beer, and bikes. Their sides are AMAZING (especially the cheese grits - holy moly). Good mix of people and good service - there was a point where our waitress took almost half an hour to bring water and our bill, and she came out with desserts we'd talked about maybe ordering on the house for taking so long. I'll definitely be less upset at that kind of wait if it comes with free banana pudding!

Big Daddy's in Charlotte, NC - amazing selection of burgers, good beer, and the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. Crowded on mug night, but otherwise not too bad. Parking is a pain, though!

Not sure if it's still around, but Moorenko's in NoVA - homemade ice cream. YUM.

Carl's in Fredericksburg, VA - best frozen custard ever. Just don't get caught loitering after you done because their security guard will ask you to leave. Carl's opening for the season might as well have been a holiday on campus - everybody skipped class and went!

ETA: Sweet and Savory in Wilmington, NC. I haven't eaten there yet, but it was suggested to me by a friend that goes there all the time. I guess it started out as a bakery and now serves drinks and dinner. Mmmmm....

 

[Autumnovember]

Otaya- Newtown, Pennsylvania. Japanese restaurant. The sushi here is absolutely amazing. They are known for having incredible spicy tuna sushi and their spicy tuna pizza, both are absolutely to die for. About 15-25$.



I didn't know they had a place in Newtown, PA. Where? I do know they are located also in Lambertville, NJ on Ferry Street. I would rather go to Newtown (less traffic).

Ok so, do you know the church that is on the main street?? Its literally right before the 711 in a little shopping center next to bucks county beads. I go every single thursday....AMAZZZZZING. I wonder if it is the same on in lambertville?? I know they have an NYC location. Ill double check

 

[RhubarbPie]

There are so many restaurants I could list but off the top of my head:

Vetri in Philadelphia. I do the grand tasting menu, which is what they are known for (they create the menu for you on the spot). I think its 135.00 per person (the whole table has to do the tasting). If its not the weekend, you don't have to do a tasting menu. Marc Vetri also just opened a new restaurant in Philly called Amis which also great and a little less expensive.

Jong ka jib (soft tofu restaurant) has the best soon dubu in Philadelphia. Its a little out of the way (6600 N. 5th St.), but its really the best Korean in Philly. Its really inexpensive to eat here. I think the soon dubu is like 9.00 or so.

Someone had mentioned Buddakan and Morimoto (have the tofu that they make at the table...cool and delicious) which are both good. They are owned by Steven Starr who own a bunch of great restaurants in Philly. My three favorites are Continental (eclectic mix of different foods and some tapas style dishes), Pod (similar to Morimoto) near Penn, and Parc (French) on Rittenhouse.

 

[RhubarbPie]

Oh and I don't think this counts as a chain restaurant (there are 3 of them), but if you're in Vegas try Thomas Keller's Bouchon in the Venetian. Absolutely amazing. FI and I went to dinner and we had a 4 course meal and it was 230ish for the two of us I think? If you go, don't skip dessert! Try the signature bouchons with homemade ice cream. So good, omg.

And also at the Wynn in Vegas, try Wing Lei. Its a Michelin star restaurant (exec. chef Ming Yu) and really the best Chinese I've ever had. I recommend the three-cup sea bass. I am still dreaming about it...drool. I think its expensive, but I'm not exactly sure how much. I didn't see the check for this particular meal.

 

[stone-cold11]

Around central PA, I know of 4 location between State College and Pittsburgh, there is a small chain of restaurant serving wood-fire BBQ call Clams. Nice baby ribs and pull-pork.

 

[yssie]

Carma's cafe near JHU in Baltimore (downtown).

Cute little place with THE BEST oatmeal I have ever had, anywhere, anytime.

 

[RhubarbPie]

Carma's cafe near JHU in Baltimore (downtown).

Cute little place with THE BEST oatmeal I have ever had, anywhere, anytime.

OMG I haven't thought about Carma's in so long! I don't know if they still have it, but I used to live off of the cold peanut noodles there. So yummy!

Now I'm thinking about Bmore In Hampden (sort of near to JHU Homewood) there is Golden West Cafe. I recommend the baked apple-brie-pesto sandwich. And the garlic fries are great too.

Papermoon Diner in Charles Village is a great 24 hour establishment (its def not a typical diner). The toe-fooy Tofu is delish!

One world cafe (also near JHU) has great vegetarian food!

Sushi Hana is my favorite Bmore sushi. There is one in Towson and one in Baltimore. The Agedashi Tofu is delicious there as well.

 

[yssie]

Carma's cafe near JHU in Baltimore (downtown).

Cute little place with THE BEST oatmeal I have ever had, anywhere, anytime.

OMG I haven't thought about Carma's in so long! I don't know if they still have it, but I used to live off of the cold peanut noodles there. So yummy!

Haha it was there two years ago when I graduated

 

[soocool]

Otaya- Newtown, Pennsylvania. Japanese restaurant. The sushi here is absolutely amazing. They are known for having incredible spicy tuna sushi and their spicy tuna pizza, both are absolutely to die for. About 15-25$.



I didn't know they had a place in Newtown, PA. Where? I do know they are located also in Lambertville, NJ on Ferry Street. I would rather go to Newtown (less traffic).

Ok so, do you know the church that is on the main street?? Its literally right before the 711 in a little shopping center next to bucks county beads. I go every single thursday....AMAZZZZZING. I wonder if it is the same on in lambertville?? I know they have an NYC location. Ill double check

I know exactly where Bucks County Beads is. Our friends own that business. I'll have to visit them and Otaya soon! Thanks.

 

[dragonfly411]

I have to add some for my home town.
If you ever make it to Gator Nation you must visit:

Satchel's Pizza - It is a serious local hippie dive with the BEST pizza. This place has the coolest atmosphere. Out front there is an old hippie van. Yes you can eat in it. The plates and silverware are all different, and are bought at local garage sales and what not. So many different PLATES. In back there is a bar serving beer while you wait with a gift shop. Behind that is an out door eating area where bands play. Here's where it gets cool. They take all kinds of "junk" and turn it into displays. They have a fence with hubcaps hanging on it, a water fountain made entirely of junk including teapots and toys. There is a shuffle board area behind it all. One of the displays is a curtain of old cameras. Another is pinecones. They have bumper stickers all over the bathroom doors. And you can do a scavenger hunt to find all the "junk" displays!

Fuji Sushi - OMG some of the best sushi. This place is on the outside of town and is relatively newer. They have great sushi, really fresh, and are very reasonably priced. They also apparently have awesome fried Ice Cream I haven't tried.

Bento - Which now has Jacksonville and Orlando locations. This is another sushi joint but they have some of the best rice bowls around, and are priced really really reasonably. My favorite is their curry chicken rice bowl. I have never had something so spicy. They also serve boba and flavored green teas. Delicious!

 

[sillyberry]

For Chicago (not all off the beaten path, per se, but none are chains!):

Kuma's Corner for amazing burgers. Particularly good if you like heavy metal, bondage pictures on the wall, and whiskey on tap.
Hot Doug's for encased meat (aka fancy sausages). I highly recommend the Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel. ::
Hot Chocolate for seriously fantastic desserts. The rest of the food is really good, but the desserts...
Jimmie Jamm's way on the south side where everything on the menu involves sweet potatoes. Delicious delicious sweet potatoes.
Calumet Fisheries, also on the south side, where they serve smoked fish in a shack on a bridge. Incidentally the location of Jake and Edwood's bridge jump.
Cemita's, where they serve these amazing Mexican sandwiches. It was featured by Guy Fieri on DD&D, so maybe no longer off the beaten path, but the sandwiches are seriously yummy.

Elsewhere:

JoLe in Calistoga, CA. Maybe my favorite meal in a long, long time.
Sampan Cafe in Alexandria, VA. Just cheap Chinese food from a strip mall but still my favorite (and I love cheap Chinese food).
Fred's Philly Cheesesteak in Plano, TX. Better than any cheesesteak I've actually had in Philly, although the Eagles paraphernalia is a little hard for this Cowboy's fan to stomach!

My very favorite off the beaten path place no longer exists, so I'll just say a little prayer for Juan's Hacienda in Dallas. RIP.

 

[dragonfly411]

Wanted to add, if you are ever in Wellington FL go find Sal's Italian. It is right off of 441 in a shopping center. It's really small. They have to die for garlic rolls and pizza and their tiramisu serving is like a two person cake. SO good, and not expensive for what you get.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

For Chicago (not all off the beaten path, per se, but none are chains!):

Kuma's Corner for amazing burgers. Particularly good if you like heavy metal, bondage pictures on the wall, and whiskey on tap.
Hot Doug's for encased meat (aka fancy sausages). I highly recommend the Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel. ::
Hot Chocolate for seriously fantastic desserts. The rest of the food is really good, but the desserts...
Jimmie Jamm's way on the south side where everything on the menu involves sweet potatoes. Delicious delicious sweet potatoes.
Calumet Fisheries, also on the south side, where they serve smoked fish in a shack on a bridge. Incidentally the location of Jake and Edwood's bridge jump.
Cemita's, where they serve these amazing Mexican sandwiches. It was featured by Guy Fieri on DD&D, so maybe no longer off the beaten path, but the sandwiches are seriously yummy.

Elsewhere:

JoLe in Calistoga, CA. Maybe my favorite meal in a long, long time.
Sampan Cafe in Alexandria, VA. Just cheap Chinese food from a strip mall but still my favorite (and I love cheap Chinese food).
Fred's Philly Cheesesteak in Plano, TX. Better than any cheesesteak I've actually had in Philly, although the Eagles paraphernalia is a little hard for this Cowboy's fan to stomach!

My very favorite off the beaten path place no longer exists, so I'll just say a little prayer for Juan's Hacienda in Dallas. RIP.

I have to add (for Chicago) Toro Sushi. Handsdown the best sushi I've had outside Japan. Including the dozen or so places I tried in NYC. If you go, you have to get their Spicy Tuna Crunch or their Super White. I miss it already! Plus, the owner Mitch works at the sushi bar all the time and he's awesome

 

[arjunajane]

Number 6 Restaurant, near Patong Beach, Phuket Thailand.
Best Thai Food Ever.

Fi and I stayed on the other side of the island whilst there, but would travel over to No 6 for a meal nearly every day


And here in Perth, Australia - I can't go past the Teriyaki Fish with rice and japanese salad at the sushi place near the supermarket in Leederville.

 

[Autumnovember]

For Chicago (not all off the beaten path, per se, but none are chains!):

Kuma's Corner for amazing burgers. Particularly good if you like heavy metal, bondage pictures on the wall, and whiskey on tap.
Hot Doug's for encased meat (aka fancy sausages). I highly recommend the Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel. ::
Hot Chocolate for seriously fantastic desserts. The rest of the food is really good, but the desserts...
Jimmie Jamm's way on the south side where everything on the menu involves sweet potatoes. Delicious delicious sweet potatoes.
Calumet Fisheries, also on the south side, where they serve smoked fish in a shack on a bridge. Incidentally the location of Jake and Edwood's bridge jump.
Cemita's, where they serve these amazing Mexican sandwiches. It was featured by Guy Fieri on DD&D, so maybe no longer off the beaten path, but the sandwiches are seriously yummy.

Elsewhere:

JoLe in Calistoga, CA. Maybe my favorite meal in a long, long time.
Sampan Cafe in Alexandria, VA. Just cheap Chinese food from a strip mall but still my favorite (and I love cheap Chinese food).
Fred's Philly Cheesesteak in Plano, TX. Better than any cheesesteak I've actually had in Philly, although the Eagles paraphernalia is a little hard for this Cowboy's fan to stomach!

My very favorite off the beaten path place no longer exists, so I'll just say a little prayer for Juan's Hacienda in Dallas. RIP.

Regarding the Philly cheesesteak...have you ever eaten at Steve's steaks, in Philly?

 

[Autumnovember]

Otaya- Newtown, Pennsylvania. Japanese restaurant. The sushi here is absolutely amazing. They are known for having incredible spicy tuna sushi and their spicy tuna pizza, both are absolutely to die for. About 15-25$.



I didn't know they had a place in Newtown, PA. Where? I do know they are located also in Lambertville, NJ on Ferry Street. I would rather go to Newtown (less traffic).

Ok so, do you know the church that is on the main street?? Its literally right before the 711 in a little shopping center next to bucks county beads. I go every single thursday....AMAZZZZZING. I wonder if it is the same on in lambertville?? I know they have an NYC location. Ill double check

I know exactly where Bucks County Beads is. Our friends own that business. I'll have to visit them and Otaya soon! Thanks.

Yummmmm! Tell me what you think of the tuna pizza if you haven't tried it yet

 

[ksinger]

Best high-end restaurant in Oklahoma, (and according to my uncle, the match and maybe better than any similar restaurant in NJ) is The Coach House. Pricey and worth every single penny.

Best bar noshes and vintage drinks in OKC - The Lobby Bar. The DrinkMeister there is the son of the owner of The Coach House.

For my take on Kansas City, MO - when we're there we always make time to eat at La Bodega Tapas Bar, a fun little place in a very odd location - near a highway overpass. Good tapas, good sangria. And go to Raglan Road for a great Irish breakfast.

 

[ksinger]

Oh!! And a shameless plug for my sweet cousin's new venture, if you're a bourbon fan languishing for good sippin' but stuck away from the bourbon mecca of the world, try The Pope House Bourbon Lounge in Portland, OR. Located in a charming old Victorian, and open for a year now and going strong, it has bourbons (and scotches) selected by a savvy bourbon-loving native Kentuckian.

http://www.popehouselounge.com/

 

[Nashville]

Allman's BBQ in Fredericksburg, VA. Great, old family-owned place. Employs a lot of college kids (at one point they had bicycle delivery guys) and but is still very much a local place. They've got two locations, but the one on Rt. 3 is only good if you're in a rush - otherwise you're much better off going to the one on Rt. 1 and dining in. Very friendly people and the BBQ is delicious!

Mac's in Charlotte, NC. Burgers, beer, and bikes. Their sides are AMAZING (especially the cheese grits - holy moly). Good mix of people and good service - there was a point where our waitress took almost half an hour to bring water and our bill, and she came out with desserts we'd talked about maybe ordering on the house for taking so long. I'll definitely be less upset at that kind of wait if it comes with free banana pudding!

Big Daddy's in Charlotte, NC - amazing selection of burgers, good beer, and the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. Crowded on mug night, but otherwise not too bad. Parking is a pain, though!

Not sure if it's still around, but Moorenko's in NoVA - homemade ice cream. YUM.

Carl's in Fredericksburg, VA - best frozen custard ever. Just don't get caught loitering after you done because their security guard will ask you to leave. Carl's opening for the season might as well have been a holiday on campus - everybody skipped class and went!

ETA: Sweet and Savory in Wilmington, NC. I haven't eaten there yet, but it was suggested to me by a friend that goes there all the time. I guess it started out as a bakery and now serves drinks and dinner. Mmmmm....

If in Fredericksburg, don't forget La Petite Auberge! Sooooo yummy!!! Also Aladin restaurant, awesome Mediterranean very reasonably priced. Can you tell I have many friends that went to Mary Washington?

 

[Nashville]

My fave places in Boston:

Chez Henri which is an insanely delicious French Cuban fusion restaurant. If in Harvard Square, Grenel's Den and Cardullo's (best sandwich I've ever had). And if in Copley, O Sushi is a must-try. The lobster rolls are insanity on a plate. For dessert, head over to Burdick's for the most rich, delicious cup of hot cocoa you'll ever have.

I could go on forever about Boston restaurants.

Also, Lorelei's in Florida is really fun! Like something out of a quirky 80's movie.

 

[dragonfly411]

Posting to add a new one. If you should ever get to Florida, and want a little historical stop in, head to Orange lake, to Cross Creek. There you will find a restaurant called The Yearling. It is about three or four miles from Marjorie Keenan Rawlings' home. I would suggest going for lunch so you can drive down and tour her home afterward. it has been kept in its original state, and they do guided tours or you can walk the property yourself. It also borders Orange Lake, which offers some beautiful views of a natural wetlands area of Florida.

 

[stephbolt]

Allman's BBQ in Fredericksburg, VA. Great, old family-owned place. Employs a lot of college kids (at one point they had bicycle delivery guys) and but is still very much a local place. They've got two locations, but the one on Rt. 3 is only good if you're in a rush - otherwise you're much better off going to the one on Rt. 1 and dining in. Very friendly people and the BBQ is delicious!

Mac's in Charlotte, NC. Burgers, beer, and bikes. Their sides are AMAZING (especially the cheese grits - holy moly). Good mix of people and good service - there was a point where our waitress took almost half an hour to bring water and our bill, and she came out with desserts we'd talked about maybe ordering on the house for taking so long. I'll definitely be less upset at that kind of wait if it comes with free banana pudding!

Big Daddy's in Charlotte, NC - amazing selection of burgers, good beer, and the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. Crowded on mug night, but otherwise not too bad. Parking is a pain, though!

Not sure if it's still around, but Moorenko's in NoVA - homemade ice cream. YUM.

Carl's in Fredericksburg, VA - best frozen custard ever. Just don't get caught loitering after you done because their security guard will ask you to leave. Carl's opening for the season might as well have been a holiday on campus - everybody skipped class and went!

ETA: Sweet and Savory in Wilmington, NC. I haven't eaten there yet, but it was suggested to me by a friend that goes there all the time. I guess it started out as a bakery and now serves drinks and dinner. Mmmmm....

If in Fredericksburg, don't forget La Petite Auberge! Sooooo yummy!!! Also Aladin restaurant, awesome Mediterranean very reasonably priced. Can you tell I have many friends that went to Mary Washington?

I love finding so many people here who can vouch for Carls! Makes me think of the good old days at MW, it's been way too long since I was back down there (nearly 3 years). Nashville, when were your friends there?