When Alton Brown names his favorite places to eat, you don’t get a list full of gimmicks. You get kitchens that understand flavor, timing, and precision. These restaurants are serving unforgettable meal experiences you don’t want to miss. Read on to find ten spots he can trust.
The Flycatcher Club: Oklahoma City
Alton Brown once tweeted that Oklahoma has the best double cheeseburger in America. Originally served at nearby Bar Arbolada, the burger is now featured here. It has a minimalist structure with thin patties and an American cheese that recalls mid-century diner fare. Shared ownership preserves the recipe.
Hank’s Franks: Lodi
He reportedly told USA Today that it is one of America’s premier hot dog joints. Located just off Route 17, Hank’s Franks serves cart-style dogs, which exemplify the classic American hot dog tradition. Chili-smothered or sauerkraut-piled, each bite reflects decades of craft and consistency.
The Franklin Fountain: Philadelphia
Franklin Fountain offers a unique peek into the past. A dedicated USA Today feature notes that Alton Brown praises its fizzy phosphates and house‑made sundaes. Here, they churn house-made ice cream like it’s still 1905—all house-made. From decor to technique, the establishment revives the sensory and cultural experience of American sweets’ golden age.
Westside Drive-In: Boise
This retro drive-in opened in 1957 and still serves Finger Steaks—deep-fried beef strips praised by Brown as the most addictive fried beef in TasteAtlas. It’s one of the few places keeping this Idaho staple alive. Originating in the American West, this preparation reimagines steak into a fast-food form.
The Manna House Cafe: Marietta
Labeling it a “super funky soul food shop,” Brown spotlighted their commitment to Southern culinary traditions in an interview with Eater Atlanta. The menu preserves multi-generational recipes rooted in African-American heritage. Dishes like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, and collard greens are local favorites.
In-N-Out: Multiple Locations
Alton Brown endorsed In-N-Out beyond mere drive-thru fare in an Esquire interview. He praises its “oddly clean-tasting” Animal-Style burger and signature sauce and cites a nostalgic shake that recalls his youth. This West Coast staple, revered for precision and consistency, continues to blur the line between fast food and craft.
Eventide Oyster Co.: Portland
In a 2023 USA Today interview, Brown hails Eventide as America’s premier oyster bar. Their exceptional Brown Butter Lobster Roll and Fried Oyster Bun also got a commendation. The kitchen reimagines New England classics with technical finesse and flavors that respect coastal heritage.
Ross’ Restaurant: Bettendorf
Ross’ Restaurant has been serving Bettendorf since 1938, but its fame reached new heights when Alton Brown raved about the Magic Mountain in an Iowa food feature. He highlighted the dish’s bold construction—Texas toast beneath seasoned beef, smothered in cheese and fries—as a throwback to postwar diner culture and Midwestern indulgence.
Block 16: Omaha
Brown praised Block 16’s Croque Garcon burger for its precise meat-to-bun ratio and curated ingredient truffle mayo with ham, egg, and cheese on ciabatta. In a cross-country food trip review, he described it as “high art.” This burger fuses French technique with American flavors, reflecting evolving American gourmet street food sensibilities.
Le Pichet: Seattle
If you’re craving French comfort food in Seattle, head to Le Pichet. Alton Brown raved about their Raclette Savoyarde on The Best Thing I Ever Ate and called it his favorite French dish. With melted cheese over potatoes and charcuterie, Raclette Savoyarde is a savory blend.
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