Houston – St. Dane’s - http://pynkmag.com/m9

This neighborhood bar was actually a gas station before it was converted in 2008 to the open-air space that it is now. Several flat screen TV’s, which are usually tuned into sporting games, hang off the exposed brick walls. Guests dine on picnic tables and the menu offers pub style food making it a great spot to kick back with friends, entertain a casual date or grab a bite and go. My personal favorite off the menu is the Shrimp Po’boy.

Philadelphia - R2L - www.r2lrestaurant.com

The captivating 360-degree views of the Philadelphia city line from this Art Deco styled restaurant are simply breathtaking. No matter where you are seated – along the bar, in the nook lounge area or at a table, you will have a phenomenal view of the city. This venue is for the upscale dining crowd. The menu offers American cuisine with a creative twist. The seared tuna, grilled truffle pizza and the warm pineapple crumble on the dessert menu make it worth a trip.

Chicago – Carnivale Steakhouse - www.carnivalechicago.com

If you have ever wanted to try a Latin steakhouse then Carnivale should be your choice. A feast for the senses, Carnivale offers up a range of Latin fusion dishes, live performances during the week and like the Latin American countries it pulls inspiration from, the energy in the restaurant is always vibrant and buzzing.

DC- Ben’s Chili Bowl – www.benschilibowl.com/

This landmark restaurant has been around since the late 1950’s and is known for its chili smoke, chili dogs and milkshakes. The President has eaten there and it also happens to be Bill Cosby’s favorite spot in DC.

Atlanta – Vortex - www.thevortexbarandgrill.com

If you are looking for a good burger, I suggest Vortex. Undeniably, the best burgers in Atlanta and quite possibly in the entire country. For the non-meat lovers, they offer Veggie Burgers as well. You’ll be in for an unforgettable dining experience and your taste buds will thank you later.

Detroit – Lockhart’s BBQ - www.lockhartsbbq.com./

The best authentic Southern BBQ outside of Texas is in Detroit. The owners of this venue take their BBQ very seriously. They traveled throughout small towns in the south and gathered recipe favorites – such as pulled pork from Memphis, ribs from Kansas City, and brisket from Texas – and brought them back to Detroit. Their meats are rubbed with homemade spices and cooked on low heat wood based fire to maintain tenderness, flavor and moisture. If you are ever out that way, I recommend you stop by!

NYC- The Brooklyn Cornerstone - www.thebrooklyncornerstone.com

Only a few years old, Brooklyn Cornerstone, is the go-to eatery in Brooklyn. Owned by New York radio personality and legendary DJ Dahved Levy, the restaurant – which is actually a converted brownstone – boasts American cuisine with a southern flare. The brunch menu’s options are mouth watering: braised short ribs, with garlic fried rice and eggs any style, home made buttermilk biscuits served with a non-traditional chorizo-like gravy, and thickly cut sourdough French toast draped with strawberries and drizzled in warm maple syrup. Are you hungry yet?