Grub Nation
Where the Grub is always Good....
View The Good Grub in a larger map
If you could only GRUB one ...
Father's Office - Culver City, Santa Monica
I can see it now ... It's career day at school. You've got your fireman, your film director, your accountant, your ninja ... but by far you've got to give top prize to the kid whose dad is the one-part-beer-master, one-part-burger-god who does his dirty work down at a place called Father's Office. Because at my Father's Office they've got a ridiculously huge selection of local and craftsman brews on tap, sweet potato fries fit for a king, and the real reason why I'd club a baby penguin for one more meal at this place ... the burger to end all burgers ... the Father's Office burger ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
I can see it now ... It's career day at school. You've got your fireman, your film director, your accountant, your ninja ... but by far you've got to give top prize to the kid whose dad is the one-part-beer-master, one-part-burger-god who does his dirty work down at a place called Father's Office. Because at my Father's Office they've got a ridiculously huge selection of local and craftsman brews on tap, sweet potato fries fit for a king, and the real reason why I'd club a baby penguin for one more meal at this place ... the burger to end all burgers ... the Father's Office burger ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Other more‐than‐worthy GRUB spots ...
Angelino Pizzeria - North Hollywood, CA
Mi amore, mi pisano … mi Angelino! After our first slice of your authentic thin-crust pizza, we were ready to confidently and excitedly welcome you to the Good Grub family. This spot came to us as a suggestion from our GRUB-mate ToneZone … yeah, we asked him twice and that’s what he’s going with … and like Steve Buschemi’s character in Billy Madison, “man are we glad we called that guy.” Because as we continue on our insatiable quest for GRUB, it is places like Angelino’s that makes the journey all worthwhile ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
Mi amore, mi pisano … mi Angelino! After our first slice of your authentic thin-crust pizza, we were ready to confidently and excitedly welcome you to the Good Grub family. This spot came to us as a suggestion from our GRUB-mate ToneZone … yeah, we asked him twice and that’s what he’s going with … and like Steve Buschemi’s character in Billy Madison, “man are we glad we called that guy.” Because as we continue on our insatiable quest for GRUB, it is places like Angelino’s that makes the journey all worthwhile ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
Apple Pan - West Los Angeles, CA
If I was eve... I would have done it too. The apple lives supreme... and at the Pan de Apple, they've been flipping up perfectly-seasoned, masterfully-grilled, perfectly-topped burgers for over sixty years... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
If I was eve... I would have done it too. The apple lives supreme... and at the Pan de Apple, they've been flipping up perfectly-seasoned, masterfully-grilled, perfectly-topped burgers for over sixty years... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
Bay Cities - Santa Monica, CA
Oh sweet, sweet Bay Cities Deli, will you be my Valentine? I know the teacher told me to bring enough Scooby-Doo, or Spider Man, or my personal favorite... Legends of the Hidden Temple... valentines cards for everyone in class... but my love is only for you... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Oh sweet, sweet Bay Cities Deli, will you be my Valentine? I know the teacher told me to bring enough Scooby-Doo, or Spider Man, or my personal favorite... Legends of the Hidden Temple... valentines cards for everyone in class... but my love is only for you... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Bella Pita - Los Angeles, CA (Westwood)
It starts off with just a warm pita pocket and a healthy base of thick, grilled steak. We're talking high-quality, beef put to flame ... And this is where the journey takes off. Because to the right of the counter is a do-it-yourself smörgåsbord (yeah ... we're cultured) of pita fillings ... from tahini to humus, cucumber salad to neon-purple-pickled-radish. This place is like the color-me-mine of the pita sandwich ... but in a good way. Rapir D. gave us the heads up and we added the "really hot sauce" to our pita, where we're pretty sure the "really" stands for "really freakin' amazing!" ... Continue the GRUB here!
It starts off with just a warm pita pocket and a healthy base of thick, grilled steak. We're talking high-quality, beef put to flame ... And this is where the journey takes off. Because to the right of the counter is a do-it-yourself smörgåsbord (yeah ... we're cultured) of pita fillings ... from tahini to humus, cucumber salad to neon-purple-pickled-radish. This place is like the color-me-mine of the pita sandwich ... but in a good way. Rapir D. gave us the heads up and we added the "really hot sauce" to our pita, where we're pretty sure the "really" stands for "really freakin' amazing!" ... Continue the GRUB here!
Apache's - Huntington Park, CA
There are some places you can just tell are going to be amazing ... you walk in the front door, a couple of smiling faces greet you from behind the register, a bowl of jalapeños and secret fiery-goodness salsa are on the counter, and there's a hot grill loaded with marinated carne al pastor kicking up an intoxicating aroma. It's the place you go for some hole-in-the-wall Mexican food, some tickle your taste buds magic, some "damn does-my-mouth-taste-good-two-hours-later" GRUB ... and it's all at a mystical place called Apache's. Click here to continue the GRUB.
There are some places you can just tell are going to be amazing ... you walk in the front door, a couple of smiling faces greet you from behind the register, a bowl of jalapeños and secret fiery-goodness salsa are on the counter, and there's a hot grill loaded with marinated carne al pastor kicking up an intoxicating aroma. It's the place you go for some hole-in-the-wall Mexican food, some tickle your taste buds magic, some "damn does-my-mouth-taste-good-two-hours-later" GRUB ... and it's all at a mystical place called Apache's. Click here to continue the GRUB.
Buchanan Arms - Burbank, CA
We couldn't go to Buchanan's without chowing down on a staple of the UK... fish and chips. I don't usual like ordering "chips." It's just something about the word itself... I feel like I'm Tiny Tim, the lovable chimney sweep... pip pip, cheerio. But when I'm biting into the super crunchy, break-off-in-your-mouth, giant-chunks-o-fish and that side of thick-n-salty chips, I wouldn't be ashamed of ordering "chips" at any of my favorite burger joints... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
We couldn't go to Buchanan's without chowing down on a staple of the UK... fish and chips. I don't usual like ordering "chips." It's just something about the word itself... I feel like I'm Tiny Tim, the lovable chimney sweep... pip pip, cheerio. But when I'm biting into the super crunchy, break-off-in-your-mouth, giant-chunks-o-fish and that side of thick-n-salty chips, I wouldn't be ashamed of ordering "chips" at any of my favorite burger joints... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
The Barking Crab - Boston, MA
"Take a simple hot-dog-like bun and pile it up with so much fresh lobster that you start to wonder if grub-fusion is a real thing... and whether or not it's won a Nobel prize. No messing around with cracking claws or tearing apart the tail... straight lobster on a bun baby. I'm telling you, it's going to change playground vernacular. 'Oh man... did you see that!? Six shots in row. Man, that dude's like lobster, 'cause he's on a roll'..." (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub)
"Take a simple hot-dog-like bun and pile it up with so much fresh lobster that you start to wonder if grub-fusion is a real thing... and whether or not it's won a Nobel prize. No messing around with cracking claws or tearing apart the tail... straight lobster on a bun baby. I'm telling you, it's going to change playground vernacular. 'Oh man... did you see that!? Six shots in row. Man, that dude's like lobster, 'cause he's on a roll'..." (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub)
Cafe Intermezzo - Berkeley, CA
Okay, so the title maybe should read "The deliciousness formerly known as Café Intermezzo." Now called Café Mattina, one naturally must ask why a place worthy of the Good Grub change it's name anyways? Isn't it obvious? To try to keep the line down to 20 people at a time... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Okay, so the title maybe should read "The deliciousness formerly known as Café Intermezzo." Now called Café Mattina, one naturally must ask why a place worthy of the Good Grub change it's name anyways? Isn't it obvious? To try to keep the line down to 20 people at a time... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Boise Fry Co. - Boise, ID
You say "Po-tay-to" … I say "Pot-Awe-to." You say "Boise Fry. Co." … I say, "Sweet sassy molassy … I'm there!" We took our journey to the land of the Smurf-Turf in the hunt of some of Idaho's finest … the beloved, the sacred, the soon-to-be-deep-friend wonder that is the potato. So when I heard about a place called Boise Fry Co. … how could I not dip in for a bite? I started off like the little kid testing the waters with his pinky toe … but after about 12 second of gazing up at their amazing board-o-fries, you had to hold me back from going straight for the belly flop ... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
You say "Po-tay-to" … I say "Pot-Awe-to." You say "Boise Fry. Co." … I say, "Sweet sassy molassy … I'm there!" We took our journey to the land of the Smurf-Turf in the hunt of some of Idaho's finest … the beloved, the sacred, the soon-to-be-deep-friend wonder that is the potato. So when I heard about a place called Boise Fry Co. … how could I not dip in for a bite? I started off like the little kid testing the waters with his pinky toe … but after about 12 second of gazing up at their amazing board-o-fries, you had to hold me back from going straight for the belly flop ... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
The Boiling Crab vs. The Boat House - Alhambra, CA
1st word ... Shrimp. 2nd word ... Bag. 3rd word ... Holy-freaking-flavor-explosion. Seriously ... how have I survived this long without throwing a pound of boiled shrimp in a bag, adding to it a couple of ears of corn and a few hot-links, and dousing it all with an amazing spicy-cajun-sauce? So when my Grub buddy T told us about The Boiling Crab, it wasn't a matter of when I'd go there ... but more a question of how many people I'd knock down as I barreled through anyone in my path ... Continue the GRUB here!
1st word ... Shrimp. 2nd word ... Bag. 3rd word ... Holy-freaking-flavor-explosion. Seriously ... how have I survived this long without throwing a pound of boiled shrimp in a bag, adding to it a couple of ears of corn and a few hot-links, and dousing it all with an amazing spicy-cajun-sauce? So when my Grub buddy T told us about The Boiling Crab, it wasn't a matter of when I'd go there ... but more a question of how many people I'd knock down as I barreled through anyone in my path ... Continue the GRUB here!
Cafe Rio - Manhattan Beach, CA
At a high level Cafe Rio looks like your standard, assembly line Mexican food joint. But as you're placing your order and there's a woman on the other side of the counter hand pressing and cooking fresh tortillas ... you realize it's go time. On our GRUB-journey, our crew brought some diversity ... Tacos barely able to contain the flavor-bomb about to explode. Check. A couple quesadillas loaded with melted cheese and marinated shredded beef. Double check. A monster-sized salad topped with tortilla strips and piled onto a flour tortilla the size of a large pizza ... Check mate. Click here to continue the GRUB
At a high level Cafe Rio looks like your standard, assembly line Mexican food joint. But as you're placing your order and there's a woman on the other side of the counter hand pressing and cooking fresh tortillas ... you realize it's go time. On our GRUB-journey, our crew brought some diversity ... Tacos barely able to contain the flavor-bomb about to explode. Check. A couple quesadillas loaded with melted cheese and marinated shredded beef. Double check. A monster-sized salad topped with tortilla strips and piled onto a flour tortilla the size of a large pizza ... Check mate. Click here to continue the GRUB
Caracas Arepa Bar - New York, NY
The pride of the East Village in NYC … Caracas Arepa Bar. What's an "arepa" you ask? Sure it takes your mind in one direction, a-la Arrested Development's Tobias Fuke … the proud analyst and therapist. But when you get your head out of the gutter, think one part taco, one part pita sandwich … and one part Venezuelan sunshine ... Continue the GRUB here!
The pride of the East Village in NYC … Caracas Arepa Bar. What's an "arepa" you ask? Sure it takes your mind in one direction, a-la Arrested Development's Tobias Fuke … the proud analyst and therapist. But when you get your head out of the gutter, think one part taco, one part pita sandwich … and one part Venezuelan sunshine ... Continue the GRUB here!
La Cevicheria - Los Angeles, CA
If you are new to the ceviche-trade, let me try to break it down for you … they start with some super fresh, ultra flavorful fillets of fish, succulent shrimp, chunks of crab, morsels of … octopus? … And then they patiently wait as it all marinates in a citrus bath, soaking up the juices, cooking in the acidity, planning its attack on your taste buds. Pair it up with some avocado, a little cilantro, an extra squeeze of lime, and a dash of hot-sauce … well it's only time before you fall in love with the super-light yet incredibly-flavorful ambrosia that you find at La Cevicheria ... Click here to continue the GRUB
If you are new to the ceviche-trade, let me try to break it down for you … they start with some super fresh, ultra flavorful fillets of fish, succulent shrimp, chunks of crab, morsels of … octopus? … And then they patiently wait as it all marinates in a citrus bath, soaking up the juices, cooking in the acidity, planning its attack on your taste buds. Pair it up with some avocado, a little cilantro, an extra squeeze of lime, and a dash of hot-sauce … well it's only time before you fall in love with the super-light yet incredibly-flavorful ambrosia that you find at La Cevicheria ... Click here to continue the GRUB
Cha Cha Chicken - Santa Monica, CA
Hey man … do you know where I can get some of that dirty rice? That stick-iky Jamaican jerk sauce? Queue up Dave Chappelle's voice inside our head … "Right near da the beach! OYEEEE!!!!" Because just a cool, salty breeze away from the ocean in Santa Monica sits the pseudo-shack, nay … pseudo-sanctuary, dishing up bright, flavorful, Caribbean GRUB! ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Hey man … do you know where I can get some of that dirty rice? That stick-iky Jamaican jerk sauce? Queue up Dave Chappelle's voice inside our head … "Right near da the beach! OYEEEE!!!!" Because just a cool, salty breeze away from the ocean in Santa Monica sits the pseudo-shack, nay … pseudo-sanctuary, dishing up bright, flavorful, Caribbean GRUB! ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Cole's - Downtown Los Angeles, CA
The debate might just be one of the all time greats. On par with Crystal Pepsi or New Coke... Rocky II or Rocky III... Joanie or Chachi... and now ... Cole's or Philippe's? When it comes to these two icons, we're not just talking about who has a better french dip sandwich... we're talking about who invented the french dip sandwich... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
The debate might just be one of the all time greats. On par with Crystal Pepsi or New Coke... Rocky II or Rocky III... Joanie or Chachi... and now ... Cole's or Philippe's? When it comes to these two icons, we're not just talking about who has a better french dip sandwich... we're talking about who invented the french dip sandwich... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Claro's Italian Market - San Gabriel, CA
Who doesn't love an Italian market? Fresh baked breads, yummy sweets, unique sodas, fresh pastas, and The Good Grub's personal favorite … a deli case packed with primo cold cuts, warm home-made Italian meats, and crazy delicious deli salads. The Italian market really is the Disneyland of GRUB … and without a doubt, Claro's is the Matterhorn ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Who doesn't love an Italian market? Fresh baked breads, yummy sweets, unique sodas, fresh pastas, and The Good Grub's personal favorite … a deli case packed with primo cold cuts, warm home-made Italian meats, and crazy delicious deli salads. The Italian market really is the Disneyland of GRUB … and without a doubt, Claro's is the Matterhorn ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
The Counter - Pasadena, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey
The Counter takes the phrase "Have it your way" and unloads on it with a furry of flavor. Take your miniature golf pencil and start checking off the toppings to pile onto your custom built burger.... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
The Counter takes the phrase "Have it your way" and unloads on it with a furry of flavor. Take your miniature golf pencil and start checking off the toppings to pile onto your custom built burger.... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
Dino's Pizza - Burbank, CA
Dino's Pizza … the greatest thing to come into my life since … well … anything. Seriously, what's better than pizza? More importantly what's better than Dino's Pizza? For our second GRUB-fest with Dino, what was the common denominator you ask? … Mouth-watering, tastebud-titillating, soul-satisfying Pizza. Looking over Dino's menu is a test of strength and resolve. Take a peak and do your best not to order everything. From the "Cordova" with spinach, fresh italian sausage, tomatoes and Maytag blue cheese to the "Pizza Pastrami" with pastrami, pickles, and deli mustard on a thin, sauceless crust ... Continue the GRUB!
Dino's Pizza … the greatest thing to come into my life since … well … anything. Seriously, what's better than pizza? More importantly what's better than Dino's Pizza? For our second GRUB-fest with Dino, what was the common denominator you ask? … Mouth-watering, tastebud-titillating, soul-satisfying Pizza. Looking over Dino's menu is a test of strength and resolve. Take a peak and do your best not to order everything. From the "Cordova" with spinach, fresh italian sausage, tomatoes and Maytag blue cheese to the "Pizza Pastrami" with pastrami, pickles, and deli mustard on a thin, sauceless crust ... Continue the GRUB!
Din Tai Fung - Arcadia, CA
House of pancakes ... House of waffles ... House of dumplings? ... Queue up the little kids' song, "Which of these three is not like the other"... but much more importantly, which of these three would be worth giving up your left kidney? Judging from the twenty-person-long-line waiting outside the door at 9:30AM ... thirty minutes before this place even opens ... we're going to go with the dumpling, And my friend, there's nobody doing it better than Din Tai Fung Dumpling House ... Continue the GRUB here!
House of pancakes ... House of waffles ... House of dumplings? ... Queue up the little kids' song, "Which of these three is not like the other"... but much more importantly, which of these three would be worth giving up your left kidney? Judging from the twenty-person-long-line waiting outside the door at 9:30AM ... thirty minutes before this place even opens ... we're going to go with the dumpling, And my friend, there's nobody doing it better than Din Tai Fung Dumpling House ... Continue the GRUB here!
Dog Haus - Pasadena, CA
Was I the only one who always thought "being in the dog house" was a bad thing? Seriously … I would have engaged in a lot more mischievous hijinks as a kid if I had known that my only potential punishment was a mouth-watering, juicy sausage, smothered in grilled onions and jalapeno peppers, layered up with dijon mustard and curry ketchup, and placed gently on a crispy, sweet french roll. So for this week's grubbing session we knocked over a few mailboxes and spray-painted the cat blue … and landed ourselves in Pasadena's Dog Haus ... Continue the GRUB here!
Was I the only one who always thought "being in the dog house" was a bad thing? Seriously … I would have engaged in a lot more mischievous hijinks as a kid if I had known that my only potential punishment was a mouth-watering, juicy sausage, smothered in grilled onions and jalapeno peppers, layered up with dijon mustard and curry ketchup, and placed gently on a crispy, sweet french roll. So for this week's grubbing session we knocked over a few mailboxes and spray-painted the cat blue … and landed ourselves in Pasadena's Dog Haus ... Continue the GRUB here!
Evita's Mexican Cafe - Vetnura, CA
First born son … definitely going to be named GRUB. First born daughter … okay, also going to be named GRUB. But after this last grubbing session, I'm really going to have to consider the name Evita. She's beautiful. She smells good. She comes with your choice of re-fried or whole beans … Pretty much everything you'd want in a woman. Like every spot we love to hit up, this place has got that hole-in-the-wall vibe written all over it. As we sifted through the options up on the menu board, sent a text or two back to Emily for some guidance ... Continue the GRUB.
First born son … definitely going to be named GRUB. First born daughter … okay, also going to be named GRUB. But after this last grubbing session, I'm really going to have to consider the name Evita. She's beautiful. She smells good. She comes with your choice of re-fried or whole beans … Pretty much everything you'd want in a woman. Like every spot we love to hit up, this place has got that hole-in-the-wall vibe written all over it. As we sifted through the options up on the menu board, sent a text or two back to Emily for some guidance ... Continue the GRUB.
Eastside Market - Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Behold, Eastside Market and Italian Deli ... The home of some mighty fine Italian sandwiches and the reason why the truth is "there ain't no party like an east coast party, cause an east coast party don't stop." The place is the definition of old-school GRUB. It sits on an unassuming block, next to Chinatown and Dodger Stadium, with a mural declaring it's glory painted literally right over the window of one of the apartments above the market. Inside there's a never-ending line of hungry and excited Grub-patrons getting their fix from a crew of old-school Italian sandwich masters... (Continue the GRUB here!)
Behold, Eastside Market and Italian Deli ... The home of some mighty fine Italian sandwiches and the reason why the truth is "there ain't no party like an east coast party, cause an east coast party don't stop." The place is the definition of old-school GRUB. It sits on an unassuming block, next to Chinatown and Dodger Stadium, with a mural declaring it's glory painted literally right over the window of one of the apartments above the market. Inside there's a never-ending line of hungry and excited Grub-patrons getting their fix from a crew of old-school Italian sandwich masters... (Continue the GRUB here!)
Elena's Greek - Glendale, CA
What do you mean, you don't eat no meat!?… Oh, I love me some Greeks. Fun music, boisterous conversation, and some straight from the heavens … GRUB. And Elena's is no exception … from the moment you sit down, you're delighted with a tray packed with warm pita bread, a container or two of their secret-n'-sensational garlic spread, and a party of pink, pickled onions, jalapenos, garlic cloves, turnips, and cabbage ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
What do you mean, you don't eat no meat!?… Oh, I love me some Greeks. Fun music, boisterous conversation, and some straight from the heavens … GRUB. And Elena's is no exception … from the moment you sit down, you're delighted with a tray packed with warm pita bread, a container or two of their secret-n'-sensational garlic spread, and a party of pink, pickled onions, jalapenos, garlic cloves, turnips, and cabbage ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Falafel King - Los Angeles, CA (Westwood)
We're not talking about the Mayor... or the Governor... nay, not even the President. We're talking about the King. The Monarch-O-falafel. Master of the pita. Sultan of tahini. Sometimes nothing compares to a shawarma pita sandwich stuffed with the King's pièce de résistance... super-thick, goldeny-delicious, what-kind-of-deep-fryer-turns-veggie-into-happiness-quite-like-this potato chips.... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
We're not talking about the Mayor... or the Governor... nay, not even the President. We're talking about the King. The Monarch-O-falafel. Master of the pita. Sultan of tahini. Sometimes nothing compares to a shawarma pita sandwich stuffed with the King's pièce de résistance... super-thick, goldeny-delicious, what-kind-of-deep-fryer-turns-veggie-into-happiness-quite-like-this potato chips.... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Firestone Grill - San Luis Obispo, CA
Somewhere out there, right now, there's a little little kid named Johnny dreaming of becoming a fireman. Oh, poor little Johnny and your underdeveloped imagination. It's time to dream big. Because right here, right now, there's a big kid named … um … me … dreaming of becoming a Firestone man! Let's play the pros and cons game. Pro … Firestone's is a mecca of delicious BBQ. Dare I say, game over? Seriously, is there anything better in the world than great BBQ? And as such, by the transitive property of Galileo ... Click here to continue the GRUB.
Somewhere out there, right now, there's a little little kid named Johnny dreaming of becoming a fireman. Oh, poor little Johnny and your underdeveloped imagination. It's time to dream big. Because right here, right now, there's a big kid named … um … me … dreaming of becoming a Firestone man! Let's play the pros and cons game. Pro … Firestone's is a mecca of delicious BBQ. Dare I say, game over? Seriously, is there anything better in the world than great BBQ? And as such, by the transitive property of Galileo ... Click here to continue the GRUB.
Fisherman's Outlet - Downtown LA
Okay, so I know "jumbo" shrimp is an oxymoron. But what do you call a "holy-moley-that-shrimp-is-freaking-huge" … shrimp? Let's just settle with the "Fisherman's Outlet" shrimp … because on this week's journey through the enchanted forest of GRUB, we loaded up our fishing nets, met up with our GRUB-buddy Teresa C. and gone fishing at The Fisherman's Outlet in downtown LA. But before I lose you on the seafood potential of a shop located smack dab in the middle of an industrial part of downtown ... (Continue the GRUB here)
Okay, so I know "jumbo" shrimp is an oxymoron. But what do you call a "holy-moley-that-shrimp-is-freaking-huge" … shrimp? Let's just settle with the "Fisherman's Outlet" shrimp … because on this week's journey through the enchanted forest of GRUB, we loaded up our fishing nets, met up with our GRUB-buddy Teresa C. and gone fishing at The Fisherman's Outlet in downtown LA. But before I lose you on the seafood potential of a shop located smack dab in the middle of an industrial part of downtown ... (Continue the GRUB here)
El Criollo - Van Nuys, CA
Finally, I know what Carlo from the Godfather felt like … because sometimes it's pretty amazing to marry into an influential family. Sure he gets roughed up by Santino pretty bad … but isn't it worth it for the hook-ups? … The connections? … The insider information? And so for this GRUB adventure we headed out to El Criollo, a Cuban-spot in the valley, with our passport to embargoed GRUB … the Berg Family. As I entered into the sleek, brick-exposed dinning room, took a healthy glance through the menu, there was one dish calling my name …Continue the GRUB here.
Finally, I know what Carlo from the Godfather felt like … because sometimes it's pretty amazing to marry into an influential family. Sure he gets roughed up by Santino pretty bad … but isn't it worth it for the hook-ups? … The connections? … The insider information? And so for this GRUB adventure we headed out to El Criollo, a Cuban-spot in the valley, with our passport to embargoed GRUB … the Berg Family. As I entered into the sleek, brick-exposed dinning room, took a healthy glance through the menu, there was one dish calling my name …Continue the GRUB here.
Dino's Burgers - Los Angeles, CA (Lincoln Heights)
There's nothing more thrilling than turning theory into fact. Well chalk up another one to the scientific method because The Good Grub's on the precipice of discovery. So here it is ... if a place looks like a dump, and it boasts everything from burgers to tacos to pastrami sandwiches ... and here's the kicker ... a buddy tells you it's freaking amazing, well, 11 times out of 10 that buddy is a freaking genius. And so we bring to you the pride of Lincoln Heights ... courtesy of our one-part-scientist, one-part-visionary friend Jimmy X ... Dino's Burgers ... Continue the GRUB here.
There's nothing more thrilling than turning theory into fact. Well chalk up another one to the scientific method because The Good Grub's on the precipice of discovery. So here it is ... if a place looks like a dump, and it boasts everything from burgers to tacos to pastrami sandwiches ... and here's the kicker ... a buddy tells you it's freaking amazing, well, 11 times out of 10 that buddy is a freaking genius. And so we bring to you the pride of Lincoln Heights ... courtesy of our one-part-scientist, one-part-visionary friend Jimmy X ... Dino's Burgers ... Continue the GRUB here.
Freebirds - Santa Barbara, CA
Whether it's a high school don't-tell-the-parents-we're-going-to-UCSB run, a college heading-down-to-see-buddies run, or an I'm-driving-on-the-101-anywhere-near-Santa-Barbara run ... it's important to plan your adventure around Freebirds. In a nutshell, it's a 24 hour Mexican joint serving up giant burritos, piled high nachos, and our personal favorite, stuffed-with-more-junk-than-a-junior-high-training-bra quesadillas ... (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub!)
Whether it's a high school don't-tell-the-parents-we're-going-to-UCSB run, a college heading-down-to-see-buddies run, or an I'm-driving-on-the-101-anywhere-near-Santa-Barbara run ... it's important to plan your adventure around Freebirds. In a nutshell, it's a 24 hour Mexican joint serving up giant burritos, piled high nachos, and our personal favorite, stuffed-with-more-junk-than-a-junior-high-training-bra quesadillas ... (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub!)
Gene's Grinders - Monrovia, CA
Behold the cold cut sandwich ... Delicious. Light. Flavorful. Refreshing ... GRUB. There are few things that can be so tasty. Especially a few days after Turkey Day. So go get a turkey sandwich, just make sure you load it up with ham, salami, and capacola ... and so we bring to you, one of Monrovia's finest ... Gene's Grinders. It was our first trip down to Gene's but it definitely won't be the last. Stepping up to the counter, we gazed up a the menu board, taking in our options ... Continue the GRUB here!
Behold the cold cut sandwich ... Delicious. Light. Flavorful. Refreshing ... GRUB. There are few things that can be so tasty. Especially a few days after Turkey Day. So go get a turkey sandwich, just make sure you load it up with ham, salami, and capacola ... and so we bring to you, one of Monrovia's finest ... Gene's Grinders. It was our first trip down to Gene's but it definitely won't be the last. Stepping up to the counter, we gazed up a the menu board, taking in our options ... Continue the GRUB here!
Giamela's - Los Angeles, CA (Los Feliz)
Tender, juicy, titillating … pepper steak. After waiting way too long on the pending list, I've finally let myself succumb to the seduction. To dive past temptation and strait through to animalistic desire. Because really, I can't stop thinking about you Giamela. I can't sleep, I can't eat (well, we all know that's not true), but you don't answer my calls. At least I have the photographs … the memories. Why didn't Steven M. (aka Smurphey) warn me? ... Continue the GRUB here!
Tender, juicy, titillating … pepper steak. After waiting way too long on the pending list, I've finally let myself succumb to the seduction. To dive past temptation and strait through to animalistic desire. Because really, I can't stop thinking about you Giamela. I can't sleep, I can't eat (well, we all know that's not true), but you don't answer my calls. At least I have the photographs … the memories. Why didn't Steven M. (aka Smurphey) warn me? ... Continue the GRUB here!
Giordano Bros. - San Francisco, CA
Mario Bros. ... Lame, forget them. Warner Bros. ... Dude, Bug's Bunny is a creeper. Giordano Bros. ... now you're speaking my language. Because if you and your brothers could throw down something this Grub-tastic, well, all I've got to say to you is ... do you have a sister?... (Continue the GRUB here!)
Mario Bros. ... Lame, forget them. Warner Bros. ... Dude, Bug's Bunny is a creeper. Giordano Bros. ... now you're speaking my language. Because if you and your brothers could throw down something this Grub-tastic, well, all I've got to say to you is ... do you have a sister?... (Continue the GRUB here!)
The Golden Apple - Chicago, IL
The Good Grub came in for a little three AM snack of blueberry pancakes and a side of crinkle-cut fries... what else? Because remember my friend... friends most definitely do let friends Grub drunk. Regardless of how many libations we might have consumed, I can tell you one thing... this place is legit day or night. We started off with some fluffy pancakes, covered with blueberries, doused in grade-a, drink-it-straight-from-the-bottle blueberry syrup, and topped off with a healthy heaping of powdered sugar... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
The Good Grub came in for a little three AM snack of blueberry pancakes and a side of crinkle-cut fries... what else? Because remember my friend... friends most definitely do let friends Grub drunk. Regardless of how many libations we might have consumed, I can tell you one thing... this place is legit day or night. We started off with some fluffy pancakes, covered with blueberries, doused in grade-a, drink-it-straight-from-the-bottle blueberry syrup, and topped off with a healthy heaping of powdered sugar... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
The Hat - Pasadena, CA
At the Hat it’s not just about Pastrami sandwiches… it’s about Pastrami Dip sandwiches. Think French Dip crossed with your classic Pastrami… and now try not to hyperventilate. It’s one of those life changing moments, where the wheels in your head start spinning… yes, I can see it now Bean and Cheese Burrito Dip… Pepperoni Pizza Dip… the possibilities are endless!... and they should be. Because we’re telling you… when you bite into that perfectly juicy French roll, with über-savory-fist-sized-pile-o-Pastrami, and a sneaky layer of pickles and mustard… please prepare for takeoff... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
At the Hat it’s not just about Pastrami sandwiches… it’s about Pastrami Dip sandwiches. Think French Dip crossed with your classic Pastrami… and now try not to hyperventilate. It’s one of those life changing moments, where the wheels in your head start spinning… yes, I can see it now Bean and Cheese Burrito Dip… Pepperoni Pizza Dip… the possibilities are endless!... and they should be. Because we’re telling you… when you bite into that perfectly juicy French roll, with über-savory-fist-sized-pile-o-Pastrami, and a sneaky layer of pickles and mustard… please prepare for takeoff... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Holy Guacamole - Santa Monica, CA
"Right next to the cash register sits a giant jar of spicy, jalapeño-infused carrots. Don't ask me why... because I never liked carrots much as a lil' grub... but when you soak them in jalapeño juice until they turn into carrots-gone-wild, I'd trade the shoes on my feet for the opportunity to stuff them in my taco"... (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub!)
"Right next to the cash register sits a giant jar of spicy, jalapeño-infused carrots. Don't ask me why... because I never liked carrots much as a lil' grub... but when you soak them in jalapeño juice until they turn into carrots-gone-wild, I'd trade the shoes on my feet for the opportunity to stuff them in my taco"... (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub!)
Hodad's - San Diego, CA
It's pretty simple, really. A place with a sign "Under 99 billion Served" has to be pretty badass. We'll if you're lucky enough to see the sign (ace of base reference intended), you're at a magical place called Hodad's.... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
It's pretty simple, really. A place with a sign "Under 99 billion Served" has to be pretty badass. We'll if you're lucky enough to see the sign (ace of base reference intended), you're at a magical place called Hodad's.... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
Hot Doug's - Chicago, IL
The crispy, savory, the-gods-don’t-have-it-this-good, fries are just one of the many reasons to hit up Hot Doug’s. The others? Well I think someone else said it best… “There are no two finer words in the English language than, ‘encased meats,’ my friend.” And at Hot Doug’s they’re proving it to be an art form... (Click here to bring on the GRUB!)
The crispy, savory, the-gods-don’t-have-it-this-good, fries are just one of the many reasons to hit up Hot Doug’s. The others? Well I think someone else said it best… “There are no two finer words in the English language than, ‘encased meats,’ my friend.” And at Hot Doug’s they’re proving it to be an art form... (Click here to bring on the GRUB!)
Hot's Cantina - Northridge, CA
Normally I don't like to eat things bigger than a big rig tire, but in the case of Hot's Cantina's glorious nachos ... I'll happily make an exception. Pile them on oh lord-of-the-nachos, because I brought two of my buddies and we shall not be intimidated. Seriously, for like $15 you can't get a better deal-per-square-inch... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Normally I don't like to eat things bigger than a big rig tire, but in the case of Hot's Cantina's glorious nachos ... I'll happily make an exception. Pile them on oh lord-of-the-nachos, because I brought two of my buddies and we shall not be intimidated. Seriously, for like $15 you can't get a better deal-per-square-inch... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Italia Deli - Agoura Hills, CA
What makes Italia Deli the kind of place that... when it crosses your mind there's no turning back until you get that one-of-a-kind, willing-to-leave-your-own-family-for-it, steal-a-little-girl's-bicycle-if-your-not-close-enough-to-run-to-it?... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
What makes Italia Deli the kind of place that... when it crosses your mind there's no turning back until you get that one-of-a-kind, willing-to-leave-your-own-family-for-it, steal-a-little-girl's-bicycle-if-your-not-close-enough-to-run-to-it?... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Jake's Roadhouse - Monrovia, CA
Americans love themselves some summer BBQ. And why shouldn't they? You've got the sun baking down on you from a rich blue sky ... little cousins hitting the slip-n-slide like it was the secret to happiness ... But most of all, you've got your pops sipping on a brew and grilling up a slab of ribs and a couple of hot links ... But man, if only your dad was Jake. Because the grill masters at Jake's Roadhouse are taking the steady BBQ tradition and bringing to the party a bunch of top-cut meats bathed in a healthy layer of savory-n-spicy BBQ sauce ... Continue the GRUB here!
Americans love themselves some summer BBQ. And why shouldn't they? You've got the sun baking down on you from a rich blue sky ... little cousins hitting the slip-n-slide like it was the secret to happiness ... But most of all, you've got your pops sipping on a brew and grilling up a slab of ribs and a couple of hot links ... But man, if only your dad was Jake. Because the grill masters at Jake's Roadhouse are taking the steady BBQ tradition and bringing to the party a bunch of top-cut meats bathed in a healthy layer of savory-n-spicy BBQ sauce ... Continue the GRUB here!
Hutch's BBQ - Pasadena, CA
I don't know exactly what I've got … but I'm pretty sure BBQ sauce is the cure. It's sweet, it's tangy, it's sultry, it's … my lover. And when you load it up onto a pulled-pork sandwich, throw in some beans, fries, and a cup-o'-cole-slaw to keep it company … well, be prepared to say "I do." For a while now The Good Grub has been craving some goodness of the BBQ-variety and luckily our GRUB buddy Quinn C. tipped us off to his childhood stomping grounds, Hutch's BBQ in Pasadena ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
I don't know exactly what I've got … but I'm pretty sure BBQ sauce is the cure. It's sweet, it's tangy, it's sultry, it's … my lover. And when you load it up onto a pulled-pork sandwich, throw in some beans, fries, and a cup-o'-cole-slaw to keep it company … well, be prepared to say "I do." For a while now The Good Grub has been craving some goodness of the BBQ-variety and luckily our GRUB buddy Quinn C. tipped us off to his childhood stomping grounds, Hutch's BBQ in Pasadena ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Jeff's Gourmet - West Los Angeles, CA
I can finally say, without reserve or apprehension, Jeff's is the greatest gourmet kosher sausage factory this side of the Mississippi. All joking aside, this place dishes out some seriously tasty grub...(Click here to continue grubbing!)
I can finally say, without reserve or apprehension, Jeff's is the greatest gourmet kosher sausage factory this side of the Mississippi. All joking aside, this place dishes out some seriously tasty grub...(Click here to continue grubbing!)
Lou Malnati's - Chicago, IL
Chicago. Sure D. Rose and Los Toros got bounced from the playoffs. And I know it looks like the Bears won't be playing anytime soon … and when they do they're stuck with glass-knee Cutler at the helm. And yeah the Cubbies and the Sox are both below five hundred, and one hasn't won it all since the Model T was cruising the streets. BUT YOU'VE GOT PIZZA! And not just pizza … but Chicago style pizza. And not just Chicago style pizza … but Lou Malnati's Chicago style pizza ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
Chicago. Sure D. Rose and Los Toros got bounced from the playoffs. And I know it looks like the Bears won't be playing anytime soon … and when they do they're stuck with glass-knee Cutler at the helm. And yeah the Cubbies and the Sox are both below five hundred, and one hasn't won it all since the Model T was cruising the streets. BUT YOU'VE GOT PIZZA! And not just pizza … but Chicago style pizza. And not just Chicago style pizza … but Lou Malnati's Chicago style pizza ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
Lucky Boy - Pasadena, CA
I have one simple theory when it comes to great food .... if the place looks like a shack, and it has a line out the door, it must have some seriously Good Grub. With Lucky Boy, the theory... well... she lives!... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
I have one simple theory when it comes to great food .... if the place looks like a shack, and it has a line out the door, it must have some seriously Good Grub. With Lucky Boy, the theory... well... she lives!... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
The Oaks Gourmet - Los Angeles, CA (Los Feliz)
Your momma made it for you ... your momma's momma made it for your momma ... you'll make it for your kids one day ... it's simple, it's pure, it's GRUB ... it is the grilled cheese. And thanks to John B., we've got grilled cheese night at The Oaks Gourmet to satisfy our fix for little-kid-all-grown-up goodness. Word on the street is that this place rotates its nightly GRUB offerings ... the aforementioned grilled cheese night gets to tango with taco nights and soup-in-a-bread-bowl nights ... (Click here to continue the Grubbing!)
Your momma made it for you ... your momma's momma made it for your momma ... you'll make it for your kids one day ... it's simple, it's pure, it's GRUB ... it is the grilled cheese. And thanks to John B., we've got grilled cheese night at The Oaks Gourmet to satisfy our fix for little-kid-all-grown-up goodness. Word on the street is that this place rotates its nightly GRUB offerings ... the aforementioned grilled cheese night gets to tango with taco nights and soup-in-a-bread-bowl nights ... (Click here to continue the Grubbing!)
Mike's Sandwich Shop - Los Angeles, CA
The wheel, modern democracy, movable type, the internet … The Hockey Burger. The evolution of invention is magnificent my friend and I dare you to tell me which of these is most important. Sure it's nice to be able to get from point A to point B, have everyday freedoms from oppression, read a book or two, and know exactly what someone you haven't seen since high school is doing at this very moment … but wouldn't you rather be devouring a juicy cheeseburger patty topped with a butterflied polish hot dog ... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
The wheel, modern democracy, movable type, the internet … The Hockey Burger. The evolution of invention is magnificent my friend and I dare you to tell me which of these is most important. Sure it's nice to be able to get from point A to point B, have everyday freedoms from oppression, read a book or two, and know exactly what someone you haven't seen since high school is doing at this very moment … but wouldn't you rather be devouring a juicy cheeseburger patty topped with a butterflied polish hot dog ... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
The Oinkster - Eagle Rock, CA
We were torn between the BBQ pulled pork (I mean, come on, the place is called the OINKster) and the Oinkster Pastrami. The original Grub-suggestion raved about the pastrami, so we went for it... plus the Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and red cabbage slaw didn't hurt its chances... Check out all the GRUB here!
We were torn between the BBQ pulled pork (I mean, come on, the place is called the OINKster) and the Oinkster Pastrami. The original Grub-suggestion raved about the pastrami, so we went for it... plus the Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and red cabbage slaw didn't hurt its chances... Check out all the GRUB here!
Manuel's El Tepeyac - Los Angeles, CA
Finally … Finally, after all these years … Finally, I know exactly what my future baby will look like when I dress him up as a burrito for Halloween. What am I talking about? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!!?? … Because I'm talking about the ginormous, mouth-watering burritos being served up at Manuel's El Tepeyac ... (Click here to continue the GRUB!)
Finally … Finally, after all these years … Finally, I know exactly what my future baby will look like when I dress him up as a burrito for Halloween. What am I talking about? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!!?? … Because I'm talking about the ginormous, mouth-watering burritos being served up at Manuel's El Tepeyac ... (Click here to continue the GRUB!)
Mulberry St. Pizzeria - Encino, CA
Am I really that weird? Was I really the only kid who desperately wanted a local pizzeria hangout? There's something just so awesome about a regular spot, a place where without planning it, you'd just know to go there to meet up with your buddies, hang out, and enjoy some Good ol' Grub … basically, I wanted to hit up The Max after study hall. Well listen to me, and listen close … thanks to my buddy Phil I., I've finally found my spot, and ten years in the making, The Good Grub brings to you, Mulberry Street Pizzeria ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
Am I really that weird? Was I really the only kid who desperately wanted a local pizzeria hangout? There's something just so awesome about a regular spot, a place where without planning it, you'd just know to go there to meet up with your buddies, hang out, and enjoy some Good ol' Grub … basically, I wanted to hit up The Max after study hall. Well listen to me, and listen close … thanks to my buddy Phil I., I've finally found my spot, and ten years in the making, The Good Grub brings to you, Mulberry Street Pizzeria ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
Ojeda's - Dallas, TX
Now I've never had a soft rolled taco before... but then again, there was a time in my life when I'd never had bacon wrapped scallops. When I told people I had just hit up an amazing Tex-Mex place, I got a couple of "Isn't that like Mexican food with a lot of cheese?"... To which I wondered... why are you not screaming this with wild excitement in your eyes?... And why have I not lived in Tex-Mex City my whole life?... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Now I've never had a soft rolled taco before... but then again, there was a time in my life when I'd never had bacon wrapped scallops. When I told people I had just hit up an amazing Tex-Mex place, I got a couple of "Isn't that like Mexican food with a lot of cheese?"... To which I wondered... why are you not screaming this with wild excitement in your eyes?... And why have I not lived in Tex-Mex City my whole life?... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Lucky Baldwins - Pasadena, CA
Today's your lucky day … no, you didn't hit the lotto. She's not calling you back. The Lakers didn't even win … but you've got GRUB. And more importantly, thanks to our buddies over at Fairfax by Night (FBN) … we've got Lucky Baldwins. An English Pub by day … which by night turns into a … uh … English Pub … and damn straight it should. Because who doesn't love an English Pub? You just feel like your going to a soccer match, or a rugby scrum, or a cricket … um … brouhaha? ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Today's your lucky day … no, you didn't hit the lotto. She's not calling you back. The Lakers didn't even win … but you've got GRUB. And more importantly, thanks to our buddies over at Fairfax by Night (FBN) … we've got Lucky Baldwins. An English Pub by day … which by night turns into a … uh … English Pub … and damn straight it should. Because who doesn't love an English Pub? You just feel like your going to a soccer match, or a rugby scrum, or a cricket … um … brouhaha? ... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Original Pancake House - Redondo Beach, CA
Forget the International House of … LAME. When I want myself a flapjack, a cake-made-in-a-pan, an American Crepe Suzette … I want the best, the leader … the original. So when my Great Uncle Moses GRUB (And yes … that's really his name … minus the GRUB part) kept telling me about The Original Pancake House … it was only a mater of time when we'd make the pilgrimage to the pancake holy land down in the South Bay ... (Click here to continue the Grubbing!)
Forget the International House of … LAME. When I want myself a flapjack, a cake-made-in-a-pan, an American Crepe Suzette … I want the best, the leader … the original. So when my Great Uncle Moses GRUB (And yes … that's really his name … minus the GRUB part) kept telling me about The Original Pancake House … it was only a mater of time when we'd make the pilgrimage to the pancake holy land down in the South Bay ... (Click here to continue the Grubbing!)
Philippe's - Downtown Los Angeles, CA
First bite "Amazing." Second bite "Pure Joy." Third bite "Will You Marry me?" To eat Philippe's is to love Philippe's. The recipe is simple... Get some amazingly tender roast beef. Check. Slam it down onto a crispy french roll. Check. Dunk that french roll into some "Dip" - the greatest thing known to man. Check Mate.... And let the children sing... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
First bite "Amazing." Second bite "Pure Joy." Third bite "Will You Marry me?" To eat Philippe's is to love Philippe's. The recipe is simple... Get some amazingly tender roast beef. Check. Slam it down onto a crispy french roll. Check. Dunk that french roll into some "Dip" - the greatest thing known to man. Check Mate.... And let the children sing... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Parkside Cafe - Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa ... where the grass is always green ... the flower-power is always in full effect ... and where Parkside Cafe is serving up some hearty, healthy, home-cooked GRUB. Our Grub-brother-in-law Adam B. was our co-pilot in this journey to delicious-town, letting us know that if it's breakfast you're hankering for in Santa Rosa, then this is the only place you need to know. From the flower planter outside, to the canvases lining the walls, this place just has a good earthy vibe. I felt like I was ready to go hiking ... or grow an organic garden ... or chow down on some mouth-watering Grub ... Continue the GRUB here!
Santa Rosa ... where the grass is always green ... the flower-power is always in full effect ... and where Parkside Cafe is serving up some hearty, healthy, home-cooked GRUB. Our Grub-brother-in-law Adam B. was our co-pilot in this journey to delicious-town, letting us know that if it's breakfast you're hankering for in Santa Rosa, then this is the only place you need to know. From the flower planter outside, to the canvases lining the walls, this place just has a good earthy vibe. I felt like I was ready to go hiking ... or grow an organic garden ... or chow down on some mouth-watering Grub ... Continue the GRUB here!
Pie 'n Burger - Pasadena, CA
Sometimes we wish we were born in the 70's... Where you could ride your shiny new Schwinn down to the local Grub spot, grab a stool at the counter, and get a REAL burger. But then we'd have to grow a mustache... and long side-burns... and wear bell-bottoms... or skinny jeans.... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
Sometimes we wish we were born in the 70's... Where you could ride your shiny new Schwinn down to the local Grub spot, grab a stool at the counter, and get a REAL burger. But then we'd have to grow a mustache... and long side-burns... and wear bell-bottoms... or skinny jeans.... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
Pita Kitchen - Sherman Oaks, CA
We traditionally go for the ultra-tender, super-flavorful beef shish kabob lafa wrap. What is a lafa wrap you ask? It's sort of like a cross between a pita sandwich and a burrito... it's like a genetics experiment gone terribly... right. What is a kabob you ask? ... Yeah, you can go home now. Whatever your filling, from falafel to kafta, just make sure you get it with the works. This means asking for extra tahini sauce, spicy peppers, and the classic neon purple, I-don't-care-what-they've-done-to-them-so-that-they-taste-this-good, turnips... (click here to continue Grubbing!)
We traditionally go for the ultra-tender, super-flavorful beef shish kabob lafa wrap. What is a lafa wrap you ask? It's sort of like a cross between a pita sandwich and a burrito... it's like a genetics experiment gone terribly... right. What is a kabob you ask? ... Yeah, you can go home now. Whatever your filling, from falafel to kafta, just make sure you get it with the works. This means asking for extra tahini sauce, spicy peppers, and the classic neon purple, I-don't-care-what-they've-done-to-them-so-that-they-taste-this-good, turnips... (click here to continue Grubbing!)
Pizano's Pizza - Chicago, IL
At Pizano's, they definitely have the art of Chicago pizza down cold... with that classic, rich, chunky-yet-smooth tomato-top-layer... the wrap-around, crispy, flakey, I-think-I've-just-figured-out-what-true-love-is, hand-tossed crust... and the best part... the ooey, gooey, cheesy, stuffed-like-a-thanksgiving-turkey, deep-dish filling with the Good Grub's personal favorite... spinach and mushroom battling it out in a pizza royal rumble.... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
At Pizano's, they definitely have the art of Chicago pizza down cold... with that classic, rich, chunky-yet-smooth tomato-top-layer... the wrap-around, crispy, flakey, I-think-I've-just-figured-out-what-true-love-is, hand-tossed crust... and the best part... the ooey, gooey, cheesy, stuffed-like-a-thanksgiving-turkey, deep-dish filling with the Good Grub's personal favorite... spinach and mushroom battling it out in a pizza royal rumble.... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Phil's BBQ - San Diego, CA
I don't know quite how it happened, but a man has stolen my heart … with BBQ sauce no less. With moist, charred pulled pork to boot. And if it wasn't so frowned upon, I'd go ahead and tell you how I really feel … I love you … I love you, you inanimate caricature … mustached grill master … hoister of blue-ribbon ribs known to others as Phil … but to me as my GRUB-amore. Before this thing between me and Phil gets creepier (wait, really … too late?) take a journey with me down to SD … a magical blend of surfer brahs, Shamu fanatics, and BBQ warlords ... (Click here for the rest of the GRUB!)
I don't know quite how it happened, but a man has stolen my heart … with BBQ sauce no less. With moist, charred pulled pork to boot. And if it wasn't so frowned upon, I'd go ahead and tell you how I really feel … I love you … I love you, you inanimate caricature … mustached grill master … hoister of blue-ribbon ribs known to others as Phil … but to me as my GRUB-amore. Before this thing between me and Phil gets creepier (wait, really … too late?) take a journey with me down to SD … a magical blend of surfer brahs, Shamu fanatics, and BBQ warlords ... (Click here for the rest of the GRUB!)
La Posta - San Diego, CA
The Good Grub has had its fare share of California burritos, but La Posta takes the crown... hands down. Simply put (or with more detail then you've ever wanted) in La Posta's California burrito, they kick it up a notch with some ridiculously flavorful-n-tender marinated carne asada, a heaping helping of freshly-made guacamole, tons of half-melted cheese (which we like better, because we all know there's a potent flavor-punch that fully-melted cheese just can't comprehend), and some of the best, simple, hot & crunchy french fries you'll ever find... inside or outside of a burrito... (Check out all the Grub here!)
The Good Grub has had its fare share of California burritos, but La Posta takes the crown... hands down. Simply put (or with more detail then you've ever wanted) in La Posta's California burrito, they kick it up a notch with some ridiculously flavorful-n-tender marinated carne asada, a heaping helping of freshly-made guacamole, tons of half-melted cheese (which we like better, because we all know there's a potent flavor-punch that fully-melted cheese just can't comprehend), and some of the best, simple, hot & crunchy french fries you'll ever find... inside or outside of a burrito... (Check out all the Grub here!)
Porto's Bakery - Glendale, CA
Three words ... 1) Stuffed, 2) Potato, 3) Ball. That's it ... this post is done. Do we really need to tell you more about these little morsels of joy? Well let's just say, pound-for-pound the potato ball is packing more deliciousness per square inch than anything else that would dare to step into the GRUB-ring. Take some fluffy mashed potatoes, wrap it around a core of seasoned ground beef, and if that wasn't enough, deep fry that sucker ... then you'll understand why my pants don't fit anymore. But pretty soon, you'll realize that I don't want them to fit if it means a life without Porto's ... Continue the GRUB here!
Three words ... 1) Stuffed, 2) Potato, 3) Ball. That's it ... this post is done. Do we really need to tell you more about these little morsels of joy? Well let's just say, pound-for-pound the potato ball is packing more deliciousness per square inch than anything else that would dare to step into the GRUB-ring. Take some fluffy mashed potatoes, wrap it around a core of seasoned ground beef, and if that wasn't enough, deep fry that sucker ... then you'll understand why my pants don't fit anymore. But pretty soon, you'll realize that I don't want them to fit if it means a life without Porto's ... Continue the GRUB here!
Red Arrow Diner - Manchester, NH
"We couldn't resist going for their Arrows Country Chicken smothered in grilled onions, mushrooms, and peppers. How good does that sound? Throw in the fact that the chicken is described on the menu as "tenderized deep fried" and you really can't say no... or hold back the giant tears that are bound to come streaming down your cheeks after your first bite..." (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub)
"We couldn't resist going for their Arrows Country Chicken smothered in grilled onions, mushrooms, and peppers. How good does that sound? Throw in the fact that the chicken is described on the menu as "tenderized deep fried" and you really can't say no... or hold back the giant tears that are bound to come streaming down your cheeks after your first bite..." (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub)
Roma Market Italian Deli - Pasadena, CA
Ever been to Italy? … Want to go? Don't got the scratch for a plane ticket? No problem … simply put, it's time to GRUB at Roma Italian Deli in Pasadena. I definitely owe a debt of gratitude to my GRUB buddies Meg and Sam O. for turning me on to this quite‐possibly‐the‐greatest‐example‐of‐a‐whole‐in‐the‐wall / soon‐to‐be a favorite GRUB spot. Now don't get me wrong … I've been to some pretty amazing places along this journey through tasty‐town and I've had some particularly mind blowing Italian sandwiches … Continue the GRUB here!
Ever been to Italy? … Want to go? Don't got the scratch for a plane ticket? No problem … simply put, it's time to GRUB at Roma Italian Deli in Pasadena. I definitely owe a debt of gratitude to my GRUB buddies Meg and Sam O. for turning me on to this quite‐possibly‐the‐greatest‐example‐of‐a‐whole‐in‐the‐wall / soon‐to‐be a favorite GRUB spot. Now don't get me wrong … I've been to some pretty amazing places along this journey through tasty‐town and I've had some particularly mind blowing Italian sandwiches … Continue the GRUB here!
Pizzeria Uno - Chicago, IL
It’s time to man up. Sure it’s in the 80’s back home, and it’s in the 30’s out here … and the wind makes it feel like your face is getting a rub down from a pineapple … but the streets are alive and the pizza is freaking unreal! I know it’s been pretty well documented, but I love myself some pizza … especially that of the Chicago persuasion. From Zachary’s to Pizano’s, we’ve dipped our GRUB-toe into some of the finest. But this time around, it was time to try one of the originals. So say hello to Pizzeria Uno … the mouth-watering and belly-rumbling Chicago pizzeria that started it all ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
It’s time to man up. Sure it’s in the 80’s back home, and it’s in the 30’s out here … and the wind makes it feel like your face is getting a rub down from a pineapple … but the streets are alive and the pizza is freaking unreal! I know it’s been pretty well documented, but I love myself some pizza … especially that of the Chicago persuasion. From Zachary’s to Pizano’s, we’ve dipped our GRUB-toe into some of the finest. But this time around, it was time to try one of the originals. So say hello to Pizzeria Uno … the mouth-watering and belly-rumbling Chicago pizzeria that started it all ... Click here to continue the GRUB!
Salsa and Beer - Van Nuys, CA
They've got all your standard salsa varieties... but then throw in a smokey-chipotle-habanera salsa and follow it up with a creamy-forget-all-your-troubles-jalapeno creation. If the salsas weren't enough, they have the audacity of serving each basket of warm, homemade chips with the elixir of El Diablo himself... warm, cheesy, bean dip... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
They've got all your standard salsa varieties... but then throw in a smokey-chipotle-habanera salsa and follow it up with a creamy-forget-all-your-troubles-jalapeno creation. If the salsas weren't enough, they have the audacity of serving each basket of warm, homemade chips with the elixir of El Diablo himself... warm, cheesy, bean dip... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Prizzi's Piazza - Los Angeles, CA (Los Feliz)
Softball catchers, a winter coat, a slice of pizza ... some things are just better thick. Now don't get me wrong, I really like myself some thing crust pizza ... but I'm in love with the thick stuff. So when we heard from our buddy John B. that there was a spot out in Los Feliz serving up some really rich, chock-full of goodness, one-part-thick-crust, one part-stuffed-Chicago-style pizza, it wasn't long before the GRUB-pains started and Prizzi's Piazza started calling my name ... Continue the GRUB here!
Softball catchers, a winter coat, a slice of pizza ... some things are just better thick. Now don't get me wrong, I really like myself some thing crust pizza ... but I'm in love with the thick stuff. So when we heard from our buddy John B. that there was a spot out in Los Feliz serving up some really rich, chock-full of goodness, one-part-thick-crust, one part-stuffed-Chicago-style pizza, it wasn't long before the GRUB-pains started and Prizzi's Piazza started calling my name ... Continue the GRUB here!
Santoro's - Burbank, CA
Dear Mr. Santoro ... don't be alarmed, but I think I'm a stalker. Every time I drive by your unassuming sub shop, I really can't resist the urge to intensely stare in your direction, longing for you ... needed one of your mouth-watering sandwiches. I'm just saying ... we should be together. Because when I'm munching on one of your crispy Italian rolls, filled with your freshly sliced deli meats, some yellow mustard, and the heaven that is your special blend of toppings ... there's only one way to describe it .... Grub obsession ... Continue the GRUB here!
Dear Mr. Santoro ... don't be alarmed, but I think I'm a stalker. Every time I drive by your unassuming sub shop, I really can't resist the urge to intensely stare in your direction, longing for you ... needed one of your mouth-watering sandwiches. I'm just saying ... we should be together. Because when I'm munching on one of your crispy Italian rolls, filled with your freshly sliced deli meats, some yellow mustard, and the heaven that is your special blend of toppings ... there's only one way to describe it .... Grub obsession ... Continue the GRUB here!
Shake Shack - New York, NY
Oh me, oh my ... Just shake it baby. Or don't ... Just keep bringing the GRUB. And so when we were traveling through NY, we made sure to make a pit stop at the Shack. We're told there's a few locations in NY, but for us there's nothing quite like the one in Madison Square Park. I'm just going to throw it out there, but this is the greatest park snack shack ... ever. We get there, and as is true with most of the great grubberies, the line wraps around the block, or in this case ... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
Oh me, oh my ... Just shake it baby. Or don't ... Just keep bringing the GRUB. And so when we were traveling through NY, we made sure to make a pit stop at the Shack. We're told there's a few locations in NY, but for us there's nothing quite like the one in Madison Square Park. I'm just going to throw it out there, but this is the greatest park snack shack ... ever. We get there, and as is true with most of the great grubberies, the line wraps around the block, or in this case ... (Click here to continue grubbing!)
Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles - Pasadena, CA
"Honey, you can't eat chicken with a fork and a knife! … You've got to eat it with your hands!" Now I don't know about you, but I don't think you can get wisdom like that from just any ol' place. Luckily … and for more reasons than you can even imagine … there's Roscoe's House of Chicken N' Waffles. This Southern California institution has been dishing out GRUB since the 70's, artfully weaving together two equally amazing, and smilingly different, soul-riffic delicacies … oh yes, we're talking about A) the chicken and B) the waffle. Roscoe's doesn't just have chicken and waffles … it's the house of chicken n' waffles. (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub)
"Honey, you can't eat chicken with a fork and a knife! … You've got to eat it with your hands!" Now I don't know about you, but I don't think you can get wisdom like that from just any ol' place. Luckily … and for more reasons than you can even imagine … there's Roscoe's House of Chicken N' Waffles. This Southern California institution has been dishing out GRUB since the 70's, artfully weaving together two equally amazing, and smilingly different, soul-riffic delicacies … oh yes, we're talking about A) the chicken and B) the waffle. Roscoe's doesn't just have chicken and waffles … it's the house of chicken n' waffles. (Click here to check out the rest of the Grub)
Suppenküche - San Francisco, CA
Germany ... seriously? Two world wars? ... And then just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, you go and pull a stunt like this ... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!! And thus The Good Grub presents to you ... Suppenküche, the über-sophisticated, dimly lit, German gastro-pub, dishing out steins of German lager and plates loaded with spätzle ... Continue the GRUB here!
Germany ... seriously? Two world wars? ... And then just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, you go and pull a stunt like this ... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!! And thus The Good Grub presents to you ... Suppenküche, the über-sophisticated, dimly lit, German gastro-pub, dishing out steins of German lager and plates loaded with spätzle ... Continue the GRUB here!
Taco Station - Pasadena, CA
We went for a taco trio... Carne Asada topped with fresh-n-rich-n-cool guacamole, a little Frijoles Puecos... also known as beans, Mexican sausage, and cheese, and love, and sunshine... and one with Cochinita Pibil con Cebollas Curitdas ... also known as... what do I look like, a Grub translator!?... okay, it's marinated pork and pickled onions. And man oh man, these sweet little tacos were a flavor packed bonanza. Each one was like a little mini piece of art, perfectly crafted on fresh made corn tortillas ... (Click here to continue the GRUB!)
We went for a taco trio... Carne Asada topped with fresh-n-rich-n-cool guacamole, a little Frijoles Puecos... also known as beans, Mexican sausage, and cheese, and love, and sunshine... and one with Cochinita Pibil con Cebollas Curitdas ... also known as... what do I look like, a Grub translator!?... okay, it's marinated pork and pickled onions. And man oh man, these sweet little tacos were a flavor packed bonanza. Each one was like a little mini piece of art, perfectly crafted on fresh made corn tortillas ... (Click here to continue the GRUB!)
Tito's Tacos - Culver City, CA
"I love Tito's Tacos. You love Tito's too..." Never before has a greater truth ever been spoken. Well except for Coach Bombay's "Ducks fly together!" But seriously, Titos' Tacos is the kind of place where you instantly start to understand what crackheads go through... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
"I love Tito's Tacos. You love Tito's too..." Never before has a greater truth ever been spoken. Well except for Coach Bombay's "Ducks fly together!" But seriously, Titos' Tacos is the kind of place where you instantly start to understand what crackheads go through... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
TK Burgers - Huntington Beach, CA
What makes the TK so great? Well as it comes to most things in life … My anaconda don’t want none, unless you’ve got buns, hun. The brahs (yeah, we’re hip to the surfer groove) down at TK Burgers take heed to this simple virtue; that’s why they bring to the party a fluffy-but-not-chewy, crispy-but-not-dry, delicious-but-not … um… un-delicious? … burger bun to act as the ring leader of this flavor circus ... Continue the GRUB here!
What makes the TK so great? Well as it comes to most things in life … My anaconda don’t want none, unless you’ve got buns, hun. The brahs (yeah, we’re hip to the surfer groove) down at TK Burgers take heed to this simple virtue; that’s why they bring to the party a fluffy-but-not-chewy, crispy-but-not-dry, delicious-but-not … um… un-delicious? … burger bun to act as the ring leader of this flavor circus ... Continue the GRUB here!
La Super-Rica - Santa Barbara, CA
"Super?" ... Cha, "Super" doesn't even get close to describing how seriously "Rica" this place is. I propose "Holy-freaking-build-a-monument-for-it-Super" ... -Rica." Our Mamma and Papa GRUB used to hit up this spot back in the day, a random dude at Din Tai Fung in Arcadia told me to hit it up (side note ... Arcadia is like 100 miles from SB ... who is this guy? Or better question ... how ridiculously amazing is this place going to be?), and then when I caught my favorite radio show, The Petros and Money Show (PMS), talking them up ... it was like the holy-trifecta of Good Grub recommendation ... Continue the GRUB here.
"Super?" ... Cha, "Super" doesn't even get close to describing how seriously "Rica" this place is. I propose "Holy-freaking-build-a-monument-for-it-Super" ... -Rica." Our Mamma and Papa GRUB used to hit up this spot back in the day, a random dude at Din Tai Fung in Arcadia told me to hit it up (side note ... Arcadia is like 100 miles from SB ... who is this guy? Or better question ... how ridiculously amazing is this place going to be?), and then when I caught my favorite radio show, The Petros and Money Show (PMS), talking them up ... it was like the holy-trifecta of Good Grub recommendation ... Continue the GRUB here.
The Slaw Dogs - Pasadena, CA
I like all sorts of dogs ... pugs, golden retrievers, Australian cattle dogs ... but I LOVE me some hot dogs. That juicy-pop, that smokey-goodness on a crispy bun ... that tasty concoction that reminds you of blistering summer days and jumping head first into the deep end of the pool ... and now that you can get it loaded up with a plethora of custom dog toppers and sauces, well ... CANNONBALL! ... (Click here to continue the GRUB!)
I like all sorts of dogs ... pugs, golden retrievers, Australian cattle dogs ... but I LOVE me some hot dogs. That juicy-pop, that smokey-goodness on a crispy bun ... that tasty concoction that reminds you of blistering summer days and jumping head first into the deep end of the pool ... and now that you can get it loaded up with a plethora of custom dog toppers and sauces, well ... CANNONBALL! ... (Click here to continue the GRUB!)
S'Mac - New York, NY
It's pure … meets devilishly good. It's childhood … meets your classy adult self … it's your mom's mac n' cheese … meets a much better mom's mac n' cheese. It's S'Mac … and it's glorious. While on our GRUB travels we ran into Michelle B. … and on top of being lucky to just meet this pretty groovy gal … damn were we lucky she demanded we hit up S'Mac in NYC's east village ... Click here to check out the rest of the GRUB!
It's pure … meets devilishly good. It's childhood … meets your classy adult self … it's your mom's mac n' cheese … meets a much better mom's mac n' cheese. It's S'Mac … and it's glorious. While on our GRUB travels we ran into Michelle B. … and on top of being lucky to just meet this pretty groovy gal … damn were we lucky she demanded we hit up S'Mac in NYC's east village ... Click here to check out the rest of the GRUB!
The Veggie Grill - El Segundo, CA
The meat loving Good Grub went for the All-American Stack loaded with tender marinated "I-can't-believe-it's-not-steak" veggie-steak worthy of its own Fabio commercial, thick slices of pickles and tomatoes, thousand island, lettuce, and the cherry on top ... thick-n-crispy onion rings. With each bite-after-delicious-bite I heard the little voices inside my head... "The Snozberries taste like Snozberries!" And boy, let me tell you, the burger was light-yet-savory... rich-yet-enriching... mindblowing-yet-... mindblowing... Click here to check out the rest of the GRUB!
The meat loving Good Grub went for the All-American Stack loaded with tender marinated "I-can't-believe-it's-not-steak" veggie-steak worthy of its own Fabio commercial, thick slices of pickles and tomatoes, thousand island, lettuce, and the cherry on top ... thick-n-crispy onion rings. With each bite-after-delicious-bite I heard the little voices inside my head... "The Snozberries taste like Snozberries!" And boy, let me tell you, the burger was light-yet-savory... rich-yet-enriching... mindblowing-yet-... mindblowing... Click here to check out the rest of the GRUB!
Tony's Darts Away - Burbank, CA
Stop me if you've heard this one … So, this hipster-hippie walks into a bar… and completely loses his eco-loving, beer-drinking, sausage-craving mind. It's a pretty surreal experience your first time (as I must admit, it was for me) … tap-upon-tap of carefully selected California craft-brews line the bar, a mass of fellow lively GRUB-patrons are deep into conversation, having a laugh, and playing a game of battle ship (don't worry … I'll explain later) … and the real kicker that gets my mouth a-flooding … a seriously-sinful-list of gourmet sausages and ultra-indulgent toppings to choose from ... Continue the GRUB here!
Stop me if you've heard this one … So, this hipster-hippie walks into a bar… and completely loses his eco-loving, beer-drinking, sausage-craving mind. It's a pretty surreal experience your first time (as I must admit, it was for me) … tap-upon-tap of carefully selected California craft-brews line the bar, a mass of fellow lively GRUB-patrons are deep into conversation, having a laugh, and playing a game of battle ship (don't worry … I'll explain later) … and the real kicker that gets my mouth a-flooding … a seriously-sinful-list of gourmet sausages and ultra-indulgent toppings to choose from ... Continue the GRUB here!
Wurstküche - Downtown Los Angeles, CA
With Wurstküche, it's kind of like finding out that Santa does exist. The über modern, but somehow classic sausage / beer garden/ "our version of Happy Gilmore's happy place" Grub spot dishes out thick-cut Belgian fries, steins of German brew, and of course, mouth-watering sausage sandwiches. Be prepared my Good Grub compatriots, this is not your wimpy, "maybe-they-have-a-spicy-one" sausage place... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
With Wurstküche, it's kind of like finding out that Santa does exist. The über modern, but somehow classic sausage / beer garden/ "our version of Happy Gilmore's happy place" Grub spot dishes out thick-cut Belgian fries, steins of German brew, and of course, mouth-watering sausage sandwiches. Be prepared my Good Grub compatriots, this is not your wimpy, "maybe-they-have-a-spicy-one" sausage place... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
West Rib Pub & Hot Licks Ice Cream - Alaska
So I always knew Alaska was big. I mean, they couldn't even fit it properly on the map. It always had to be cropped and thrown down next to Hawaii. But I had no idea it was five times the size of Texas. And more importantly, I had no idea its hamburgers were five times the size of insanity. And so we bring to you our journey through Alaska, the last great frontier ... of GRUB! We're going to do a double dip on this post ... no big deal ... just a little five pound caribou burger from our friends at West Rib Pub and some fluff-n-nutter ice cream from Hot Licks ... Continue the GRUB here!
So I always knew Alaska was big. I mean, they couldn't even fit it properly on the map. It always had to be cropped and thrown down next to Hawaii. But I had no idea it was five times the size of Texas. And more importantly, I had no idea its hamburgers were five times the size of insanity. And so we bring to you our journey through Alaska, the last great frontier ... of GRUB! We're going to do a double dip on this post ... no big deal ... just a little five pound caribou burger from our friends at West Rib Pub and some fluff-n-nutter ice cream from Hot Licks ... Continue the GRUB here!
Zachary's Chicago Pizza - Oakland, San Ramon, Berkeley
Chicago can officially take a hike. You've been outdone. There's no shame in that. You're pizza is good, but Zachary's is amazing. How do they do it? Is it because they're 100% employee owned? Is it because they sprinkle magic deliciousness into the sauce? I don't know, and more importantly, I don't care... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Chicago can officially take a hike. You've been outdone. There's no shame in that. You're pizza is good, but Zachary's is amazing. How do they do it? Is it because they're 100% employee owned? Is it because they sprinkle magic deliciousness into the sauce? I don't know, and more importantly, I don't care... (Click here to continue Grubbing!)
Umami Burger - Los Angeles, CA (Hollywood)
Oh mama, Umami. I guess it's true … good things come in small packages … as long as it's cooked medium-rare, loaded up with gourmet fixins, and placed on a fluffy little bun. But rest assured, these dare-I-say-adorable little guys come out swinging and pack a load full of deliciousness-per-square-inch. Our buddy Michael S. was the first to tell us that Umami needed to make its way into our little journey through GRUB … but since then countless others have been singing its praise. And rightfully so. ... Continue the GRUB here!
Oh mama, Umami. I guess it's true … good things come in small packages … as long as it's cooked medium-rare, loaded up with gourmet fixins, and placed on a fluffy little bun. But rest assured, these dare-I-say-adorable little guys come out swinging and pack a load full of deliciousness-per-square-inch. Our buddy Michael S. was the first to tell us that Umami needed to make its way into our little journey through GRUB … but since then countless others have been singing its praise. And rightfully so. ... Continue the GRUB here!
