We have only included places we have tried since 2000. Normally we mark the last time we ate at the end of the listing so you can see how current our info is. Most meals are for lunch.
$ - under $10 each for food
$$ - under $20 each
$$$ - Between $20 and $40 each
$$$$ - over $40 each
* - not worth repeating (these are not on this list)
** - OK so we go if we have friends going or the other choices are not as good (these are not on this list)
*** - Good, we will go back
**** - Very Good, we will look forward to going back
***** - Excellent, how many times can we go in one week if we can afford it?
Have we ever found a five star (*****) place? Yes! The last one was the Normandy Restaurant on the cruise ship Celebrity Summit in April 2003. We had a five star meal at La Grignotiere in Villefranche su Mer, France in October 1999. Our original visit to Huggos in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii was five star, it was four star the second time. There was an Indian restaurant in Capitola, CA that was five star, it moved to Santa Cruz and went down to three star.
Bojangles' - Southeastern US. Our favorite fast food chicken. Try it Cajun. (Sep07),***
Burgerville - along the I-5 corridor between Albany, OR and Centralia, WA. Good burgers, good turkey burgers. (May08),****
Braums - Kansas, Dallas/Fort Worth and Oklahoma. Good burgers, good ice cream, small food store with restaurant. (Apr08),***
Del Taco - CA and NV. American Mexican. (May04),*** (mostly, but we have been disappointed)
Fat Burger - WA, AZ, CA, FL. Burgers including turkey burgers. (Jul05),***
Fazoli's - most states. Cheap and good Italian with great garlic bread sticks. (Sep07),****
In-N-Out burgers - California and Nevada. Really good hamburgers. (Dec06),**** (Bill)
Panda Express - most states. American Chinese. (Apr08),***
Qdoba - "Mission style" burritos and quesadillas. (Apr08),***-****
Steak and Shake - east. Burger place you sit down and have a wait person. (Mar08),***
Taco Time - West coast. American Mexican. (Aug04),*** (mostly, but we have been disappointed)
Zips - Eastern WA and Idaho panhandle. Burgers and such. (Jul07),***
Seattle area Teriyaki places. Cheap and good. Names like Toshi's (many locations, the original), Nasai (Kirkland), Minami (Woodinville), Chungs (Poulsbo), but most are good or they won't survive. (Jun08),***-****
Azteca/Casa Romas - WA. Mexican. (May08),$,***
Black Bear Diner - CA, OR, NV, WA. American. (May08),$,***
Cracker Barrel - most states. Southern cooking, Diane has Mommas Pancake Breakfast. (Feb08),$,***
Chili's - Texmex style food, good burgers and such. (Apr08),$, ***
First Watch - breakfast and lunch only. (Dec07),$,***-****
4B's - Montana and Gallup, NM. American. (Apr04),$-$$,***
Friendly's - East. Burgers, sundaes, fish and chips. (Mar08),$,***
Fuddruckers - fancy burgers, shakes, and other food, some have ostrich burgers which are Diane's favorite. (Jun08),$, *** to ****
Islands - Southern CA, AZ, NV. Fancy burgers. (Mar07),$-$$,****
Macayo's - Arizona and Nevada. Fancy Mexican. (Mar07),$-$$,***
On the Border - Texmex chain owned by Chili's. (Jan07),$-$$,***
Red Robin - fancy burgers and other food. (Jun08),$-$$,***
USA Steak Buffet - one of the better buffet chains. (Aug07),$,***
White Spot - British Columbia. Like Denny's, only better. (Jul08),$-$$,*** to ****
Bahama Breeze - national. American Caribbean. (Jan08),$$, ***
Carrabba's - national. Italian from owner of Outback Steakhouse. (Mar08),$$,***-****
Chevy's - California Mexican. (Apr07),$$,***
Claim Jumper - West coast. Big portions, decent food. (Jul02),$$,***
Houlihans - Midwest, Florida. American Grill. (Oct06),$$, ***
Kelsey's - Canada. Like Applebee's, only better. (Aug05),$$,****
Carinos (was Johnny Carinos) - National. Spicey Italian, a real favorite. (Jul08),$$,****
Longhorn Steakhouse - Kansas to Florida. More than steaks. (Mar08),$$,*** - ****
Macaroni Grill - national. Italian. (Apr08),$$,***
Maggiano's Little Italy - national. Italian. (Dec07),$$-$$$,***
Mimi's Cafe - national. American/Louisiana. (Jan08),$-$$,***
Sagebrush Steakhouse - Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee. Steakhouse. (Apr08),$-$$,***
Steak and Ale - national. More than steak. (Oct07),$$, ***
Strings - Manteca, Lodi, Vacaville, CA and Las Vegas, NV. Italian. (Apr07), $$,***
TGI Fridays - national. Their menu has been evolving and we like them. (Mar08),$-$$,***
Texas Roadhouse - national. Steaks, Chicken, and peanuts on the floor. (Apr07),$$,****
Lamberts - Foley. Southern cooking. (Feb06),$$,****
Apollo - Seward. Italian/Greek. (Jul06),$$-$$$,****
Bakery;The - Fairbanks. Diner/Breakfast food. (Aug06),$,***
Bamboo Room - Haines. Diner food/seafood. (Aug06),$-$$,***
Bridge;The - Anchorage. Seafood/Gourmet. (Jul06),$$-$$$,***
Chilkat Restaurant and Bakery - Haines. Breakfast/Lunch. (Aug06),$,***
Fast Eddy's - Tok. American. (Jun06),$-$$,***
Flo's Pancake House - Anchorage. Diner/Pancakes. (Jul06),$,***
Gateway Salmon Bake - Tok. Salmon Bake with salad and soup bar. (Aug06),$$,****
Lands End - Seward. Seafood. (Jul06),$$-$$$,***
Louie's Restaurant - Kenai. American. (Jul06),$-$$,***
Paradisos - Kenai. Italian/Greek. (Jul06),$$-$$$,***
Pump House;The - Fairbanks. Burgers/Seafood/Buffet Lunch. (Aug06),$-$$,****
Ray's Waterfront - Seward. Seafood. (Jul06),$-$$,***
Sabrosa - Skagway. Mexican, Sweets, and Coffee. (Jun06),$,****
West Rib Cafe and Pub - Talkeetna. Pub and Cafe. (Jul06),$-$$,***
Earl's - Banff. Eclectic. (Jun06),$$,***
Moraine Lake Lodge - Banff National Park. Gourmet. (Aug05), $$$$,****
Rose and Crown - Banff. Pub (Jun06),$$,***
Bisbee Grill - Bisbee. Grill. (Nov04),$$,***
China Buffet - Lake Havasu City/Bullhead City. Chinese buffet with sushi. (Jan07),$,***
Copper Kettle - Mesa. Indo-Pakistani (Indian). (Feb07),$ (lunch buffet)****
Cowboy Club - Sedona. Steakhouse. (Oct02),$$$,***
El Ranchero - Wickenburg. Mexican. (Nov06),$,****
Good Egg;The - AZ chain. Breakfast and Lunch. (Mar07),$,***
Happy China Buffet - Apache Junction. Cheap Chinese buffet. (Mar07),$,***
Little Italy - Gila Bend. Pizza and sandwiches. (Feb07),$,***
Los Gringos Locos - Apache Junction. Mexican. (Feb07),$,***
Mi Amigos - Phoenix area chain. Mexican. (Mar07),$,**-***
Mr Lu's Super China Buffet - Yuma. Reasonable and lots of choices. (Feb07),$,***
Mudshark Brewing Co. - Lake Havasu City. Brewpub. (Nov06),$-$$,***
My Big Fat Greek Restaurant - Phoenix area. Greek. (Mar07),$$,****
Rancho de Tia Rosa - Mesa. Mazatlán Mexican. (Mar07),$$,****
King Edward Hotel - Stewart. Hotel food, breakfast all day. (Aug06),$-$$,***
Anthony's Italian - Lakeport. Italian leisurely dining. (Apr06),$$,****
Ashoka Palace - Victorville. Indian. (Mar07),$,***
Asian Pacific - Martinez. Thai. (Apr07),$,***
Augustine Casino - Coachella. Buffet and menu. (Mar07),$-$$,****
Barefoot Cafe - Fairfax. California. (Apr07),$-$$,****
Casa Guadalajara - San Diego (old town). Mexican. (Feb05),$$,****
Chanos - Grass Valley. Mexican. (Apr06),$,***
Cliff House - Fort Bragg. Seafood with a view. (Mar03),$$$,***
Cocodine Thai - Chico. Thai. (Apr06),$$,****
De Garcias - Hesperia - closed as of Apr07. Mexican. (Mar07),$,****
Don Diego's - Indian Wells. Upscale Mexican. (Mar07),$$,****
Garabaldi's Mexican - Stockton. Mexican. (Apr07),$,****
George's on Fifth - San Diego. Gourmet. (Mar05), $$$$,***
Harvest Time - Gilroy. Continental/California/Gourmet. (Apr07),$$-$$$,****
Hunter Steakhouse - San Diego, Oceanside. More than steaks. (Jan07) $$, ****
La Fonda - Victorville. Mexican. (Apr06),$,***
La Paloma - Blythe. Mexican, cheap and good. (Jan07),$,****
Lilly's Place (formerly "Shelly's Place")- Victorville. American and known for breakfast anytime. (Apr07),$,****
Main Street Bar and Grill - Clear Lake. American, known for fish and chips. (Apr07),$-$$,***
Mangia Bene Trattoria - Martinez. Italian. (Sept04),$$,***
Mediterraneo - Alpine. Italian/California. (Jan07), $$,***
Mission Inn - Riverside. Multiple restaurants, steak to Mexican. (Jan05), $$-$$$,***-****
Pak Inn - Indio. American Chinese. (Jan07), $,***
Pak Inn Buffet - Rancho Mirage. Chinese buffet.
(Mar07),$,*** - changed owners and now uses MSG
Robinson Rancheria Casino Restaurant - Nice. Dinner buffets and menu. (Apr07),$-$$,***
Ros Amarillos - Indio. Slightly upscale Mexican. (Mar06),$,****
Spring House Restaurant - Hesperia. American with great breakfast anytime. (Apr06),$,****
Swagat - Walnut Creek. Indian. (Oct04),$,****
World Curry - San Diego. Curries from the world. (Mar05),$,***
Winona's Restaurant - Steamboat Springs. Breakfast and Lunch. (Apr08),$,****
Nicola's Pizza - Rehoboth Beach. Famous for Nic-A-Boli's. (Sep07),$,***
Bamboo Wok - Naples on CR951. Chinese. (Feb08),$,****
Bravo - Fort Lauderdale. Italian - lunches under $10, dinners under $20. (Nov07),$$,****
Cafe Attuare - Mt Dora. Italian. (Dec05) $$, ****
Capt Bob's Grill (closed) - Key West. Seafood. (Dec03),$$,***
Caroline's - Apalachicola. Seafood (Nov05), $$, ***
Caroline's Cafe - Key West. Burgers and more. (Nov07),$-$$,****
China One Super Buffet - Spring Hill. Chinese, both a menu and buffet. (Feb06),$,***
Chuck's Steak House - Fort Lauderdale. Steakhouse, good salad bar. (Nov07), $$, ***
Clermont Pier House - Clermont. Seafood/Steak. (Jan03),$$,***
Conch Republic Seafood Company - Key West. Seafood. (Nov07),$$,***
El Ranchito - Brooksville. Mexican. (Jan06),$,***
El Siboney - Key West. Cuban, good prices ($10.95 steak), cash only. (Nov07),$-$$,***
Floyd's Fish Market - Fort Walton Beach. Seafood. (Oct05), $$, ***
Green Flash - Captiva. Seafood and more. (Feb08),$-$$,****
Hut;The - Fort Myers. Huge menu. (Feb08),$-$$,****
Iguana Mia - Fort Myers/Cape Coral. Mexican. (Feb08), $-$$, ****
Lake Susan Lodge - Clermont. Hot sandwiches. (Jan06),$,***
Lazy Days - Islamorado. Seafood and more. (Oct07), $$, ****
Mr Manatee's - Vero Beach. Seafood and more. (Dec05), $$, ***
New China - Homosassa Springs. Chinese. (Mar08),$,****
Noodles - Naples. Italian and Sushi (we had Italian). (Feb08),$$,****
Old World Restaurant - Floral City. German. (Dec07),$-$$,****
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill - Fort Myers Beach. Seafood/Caribbean. (Jan08),$-$$,***
Rosita's - Florida City. Real Mexican, 2/3rds Mexican customers. (Oct07),$,****
Rusty Anchor - Key West (Stock Island). Seafood/comfort food. (Oct07),$-$$,***
Rusty Fox - Clermont. Steak/seafood/chicken. (Jan06),$$,***
Sarabeth's - Key West. Upscale food and casual atmosphere with most entrees under $20. (Nov07),$$,***** (5-star)
Sunflower Cafe - Fort Myers. American and Greek. (Feb08), $-$$, ****
The Fish House - Key Largo. Seafood, Zagat 2005 Winner. (Jan06),$$-$$$,****
Turtle Kraals - Key West. Seafood and more. (Oct07),$$, ****
Urban Flats - The Villages (and more). Eclectic casual. (Mar08),$,****
Wolfgang Puck Cafe (closed) - in Sawgrass Mills Mall close to Fort
Lauderdale. Interesting and good gourmet like food for lunch. (Apr03), $$, ****
Shrimp Factory - Savannah. Seafood. (Sep07),$$,****
Cafe Pesto - Hilo. Italian. (Nov01), $$, ****
Huggos - Kailua-Kona. Excellent seafood with a view. (Nov01), $$$, ****
Beverly's - Coeur d'Alene. Gourmet. (Sept06),$$$-$$$$,****
Chuck-A-Rama - Boise. Buffet, better than most. (Apr08),$-$$,***
Moon Time - Coeur d'Alene. Pub. (Jul08),$-$$,***
Sangria Grille - Moscow. Large and varied menu. (Jul07),$-$$,****-*****
Super China Buffet - Moscow. (Jul07),$,**-*** (varies)
Das Dutchman Essenhaus - Middlebury. Amish., (Oct06),$$, ****
Carriage Crossing - Yoder. Amish. (Oct02),$,***
Dutch Kitchen - Hutchinson. Amish (Apr04),$,***
Gabriel's - Wells. Italian. (Oct04),$$,****
Jameson Tavern - Freeport. Gourmet. (Oct04),$$$,****
Ivory - Winnipeg. Indian (Aug05),$$,****
Food Factory II - College Park. Afghani with take out kabobs. (Sep07),$,***
Carmella's - Plymouth. Italian. (Oct04),$$,****
Pink Store - Palomas. Mexican. (Nov04),$,***
Boone's Prime Time - Suttons Bay. American. (Sept05),$$,***
Eaton Place - Charlotte. Good American food, good prices, pies from Sharon's Cafe. (Sept05), $, ***
Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern - Suttons Bay. American. (Sept05),$$,***
45th Parallel Cafe - Suttons Bay. Deli and American. (Sept05),$,***
Sharon's Cafe - Charlotte. Good American food, good prices, excellent pies. (Sept05), $, ***
Swagat - Kansas City. Indian. (Sep07),$-$$,****
Beartooth Barbeque - West Yellowstone. BBQ. (Jun08),$-$$,****
Running Bear Pancake House - West Yellowstone. Breakfast and Lunch Only. (Jun08),$,***
Shack;The - Missoula. American. (Jun08),$$,****
Whistle Stop:The - East Glacier. BBQ/American (Jul08),$-$$,***
Mongolian Grill - Grand Island. Best one we have found outside of Woodinville, WA. (Sep07),$,***
Feast Buffet at Red Rock Casino - Las Vegas. Buffet. (Dec06),$$,****
Fresh Market Buffet at Harrah's Casino - Laughlin. Buffet. (Dec06),$$,****
Blue Window Bistro - Los Alamos. Bistro. (Oct04),$-$$,***
Cervantes - Albuquerque. New Mexican. (Apr08),$-$$,****
Doc Martin's - Taos. American/New Mexican and recommended by Big Rigs Best Bets book and we really liked it. (Oct02),$$,***
Gabriel's - Santa Fe. Mexican. (Oct04),$$,****
Indian Kitchen - Albuquerque. Indian. (Mar04),$$-$$$,***
La Posta de Mesilla - Mesilla (Las Cruces). New Mexican. (Nov06),$$,****
Lorenzo's de Mesilla - Mesilla (Las Cruces). Italian. (Nov06),$$,***
Los Cuates - Albuquerque. New Mexican. (Apr08),$,****
Grandmas Pancake and Steak - Cherokee. American. (Apr08),$,***
Space Aliens Grill and Bar - Bismarck. Funky American. (Sept03),$,****
Giovanni's - Sault Ste Marie. Italian. (Sept05),$$-$$$,****
Astoria Thai - Astoria. Thai. (Aug07),$,****
Billy Smoothbars - Bandon. Seafood. (Sept04),$,***
Bridgewater - Florence. Seafood. (Sept04),$$,****
Callahan's Siskiyou Lodge - Ashland. Italian. (Apr02),$$,****
Camp 18 - 18 miles east of Seaside on US26. American. (Aug07),$-$$,****
China Sun Buffet - Springfield. Chinese buffet with Mongolian Wok. (Apr07),$,***
Christi's - Portland. Northwest. (May07),$-$$,***
Doogers - Astoria (others in Seaside, Cannon Beach, OR and in Long Beach, WA). Seafood. (Jun07),$$,****
Logger's - Knappa (about 20 miles east of Astoria). Known for the "Logger Burger", which is four star, the rest of the menu is two to three star. (Aug07),$,**-****
Lok Yaun - Eugene. Chinese with very large portions. (May07),$,***
Madaline's Grill - Redmond. Mexican. (Aug04),$-$$,***
McMenamins - Portland. Urban American. (Apr05), $-$$,****
Newport Bay - OR and WA chain with most in OR. Seafood. (May06),$$,***
Novaks - Albany. Hungarian. (Aug04),$$,***-****
Original Roadhouse - Springfield. Steak house. (Jun07),$-$$,***
Pine Tavern - Bend. Actually a very nice non-smoking American restaurant. (Apr08),$$-$$$,****
Papa Hadyn - Portland. Rich desserts, gourmet food (Jul00),$$,***
Pig-n-Pancake - Northern Oregon coast. More than pancakes, but the pancakes are great. (Aug07),$,***
Plaza Jalisco - Astoria. Mexican. (Aug07),$,***
Si Casa Flores - Sutherlin. Mexican. (Sept04),$,***
Silver Salmon - Astoria. Seafood. (Aug07),$$,****
Torero's - Springfield. Mexican. (May07),$,***
Emmaus Diner - Emmaus. American. (Oct03),$$,****
Firehouse Brewing Co - Rapid City. Pub/brewery. (Oct06),$,***
Big Fisherman - Aransas Pass. Seafood with specials. (Feb06),$-$$,***
Blue Aquarium - McAllen. Upscale. (Mar06),$$-$$$,****
Catfish King - Livingston. Good catfish. (Nov06),$,***
El Burrito - Livingston. TexMex (Oct06),$,**-***
Lakeshore;The - Kerrville. Catfish, etc. (Nov06),$-$$,***
Mencius' Hunan - Kerrville. Chinese. (Nov06),$-$$,***
Taqueria la Mexicana - Harlingen. Fast food real Mexican (tacos with interesting fillings) (Mar06),$,***
Taste of Italy (defunct) - Livingston. American Italian. (Feb06),$-$$,***
Moab Brewery - Moab. Brew Pub. (Oct05),$$,***
Haadhi - Falls Church. Indian. (Oct03),$$,****
Ajax Cafe - Port Hadlock. Northwest Cuisine. (Jul05), $$, ***-****
Alborz - Redmond. Persian. (Jul07), $$,***
Ark - Oysterville. Seafood. (Jul07),$$-$$$,****
Baja Cantina - Sequim. Americanized Mexican. (Jul05), $-$$,***
Bangalore - Issaquah. Indian. (May08),$-$$,***
Bella Italia - Kennewick. Italian. (Jun08),$$,***
Bob's Burgers and Brew - Marysville north to the Canadian border. Like Red Robin. (Jul08),$,****
Budd Bay Cafe - Olympia. Seafood. (May08),$$,****
Cafe Veloce - Kirkland. Italian. (May07),$-$$,***
Casa Chapala (defunct since the parent company went bankrupt, we
will miss it)- Kennewick. Mexican. (Jul04),$,****
Casa Romas - Centralia. Mexican. (May08),$,***
Chan's Place - Woodinville/Kirkland/Sammamish. American Chinese. (May07), $$, ***
Chimacum Cafe - Chimacum. American. (Jul05), $,***
Chinook Restaurant - Chinook. Breakfast/Lunch/Seafood. (Aug07),$,***
Cinco de Mayo - Kennewick. Mexican. (Jul07),$,****
Clay Oven - Monroe. Indian. (Jun05), $,***
Coho Cafe - Redmond. Northwest cuisine/seafood but try the pork chops. (May08),$$,***
Cousins - Pasco. Diner food. (Jun08),$,***
Duffy's - Aberdeen. Diner food, they have yak meat as a choice. (Jul05),$,***
El Compadre - Long Beach. Mexican. (Aug07),$,***
EZ-Rider Cafe - Mt Vernon. Lunch place inside motorcycle store. (Aug05), $, ***
42nd Street Cafe - Seaview. Northwest Cuisine. (Jun07), $$-$$$,****
Frida's Mexican - Bothell. Gourmet Mexican for dinner, ordinary for lunch. (Sept02),$$,****
Galway Bay - Ocean Shores. Irish Pub. (Jul05),$$,***
India Gate - Bellevue. Indian. (May07),$-$$,****
India Oven - Port Angelas. Indian. (Jun04),$,***
Ixtapa - Eastside of Seattle area. Good Mexican. (May07),$$,***
JJ's Fish House - Poulsbo. Seafood/burgers. (Jul07),$-$$,***
Kanishka - Redmond. Indian. (Aug04),$,***
Lightship - Long Beach. Seafood - best deal is lunch. (Jun07),$-$$,***
Long Beach Thai Cuisine - Long Beach. Thai. (Jul07),$,***
Lorenzos - Mount Vernon area. Mexican. (Jul08),$,***
Malay Satay Hut - Redmond. Malaysian. (May08), $-$$,****
Mayuri - Redmond. Indian. (Jul03),$,****
McNel's English Pub - Ilwaco. Pub food, the service is sometimes slow. (Jun07),$-$$,****
Meze - Kirkland. Turkish lunch. (Jul04),$,***
Mongolian Grill - Woodinville. Asian hot table food. (Jul03),$,***
New Kings Wok - Silverdale. Chinese Buffet. (Jul07), $,***-****
Nikkos (was Cascade Pizza) - Mount Vernon. Pizza, Italian and Greek. (May07),$-$$,***
Noodle Land - Redmond. Thai. (May08), $,****
Paso Del Norte - Blaine. Mexican. (Sept06),$-$$,****
Pasta Nova - Woodinville. Italian. (Jun05), $-$$,****
Pellegrino's - Tumwater. Italian/American. (May08),$$,***
Plenty - Olympia. Diner food. (Jun05),$-$$,***
Pogacha - Bellevue, Issaquah (the better of the two, though both are good). Croatian, similar to Greek or Italian. (May08), $$,****
Pomegranate Bistro - Redmond. Breakfast and lunch and espresso. Restaurant of a catering operation. (May07),$,****
Ray's Boathouse - Seattle. Seafood. (Feb03),$$$-$$$$,****
Rivers Edge - LaPush. Diner food with really good fish-n-chips. (Jul05), $, ***
Sidewalk Cafe - Lynden. Breakfast and Lunch. (Jul08),$,***
That's a Some Italian - Poulsbo. (June07),$$,***
Thai Kitchen - Kirkland, Bellevue. Thai. (May08),$,***
Trinacria - Olympia. Italian (no credit cards). (Aug07),$-$$,***
Udupi Palace - Bellevue (also Berkeley, CA). Vegetarian Indian. (May07),$,****
XXX Drive In - Issaquah. Old fashioned root beer and messy hamburgers. (May06),$,****
Oyemal - close to Mall. Gourmet Mexican. (Sept07),$$,****
Bootlegger's Roaring 20s - Gillette. Italian and Steaks. (Jul08),$$-$$$,****
Las Margaritas - Gillette. Mexican. (Jul08),$-$$,***
Dawson Peaks Resort - Teslin. Good food and wonderful pie. (Aug06),$-$$,***
Sourdough Joe's - Dawson City. Known for their fish-n-chips. (Jun06),$-$$,***
Taste of India - Whitehorse. Indian. (Jun06),$-$$,***