If there’s one foodie you can trust with restaurant recommendations, it’s Alton Brown. The culinary whiz, known for Good Eats, Iron Chef America, and Cutthroat Kitchen, has spent decades traveling and tasting the best that America has to offer. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just hungry for something new, here are Alton Brown’s 10 favorite restaurants in the U.S. that are totally worth the hype.
10. The Flycatcher Club
If you’re following Alton Brown, you may have known about his post on X (formerly Twitter) declaring that Oklahoma has “the best double cheeseburger in America.” That burger restaurant is The Flycatcher Club, serving burgers with thin patties along with a crisp exterior and juicy interior.
Location: 1137 NW 2nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
9. Hank’s Franks
Hank’s Franks is so good that Alton Brown told USA Today he could on anyone in the USA to have a hot dog. The chef emphasized the “friendly but not too friendly” demeanor of the brand with the Chili Cheese Dog as a recommendation to those who have yet to try.
Location: 210 US-46, Lodi, New Jersey 07644
8. The Franklin Fountain
If you’re searching for a restaurant recommendation by Alton Brown serving every palate, then The Franklin Fountain is the place to go. This restaurant serves classic food options like hot fudge sundaes with a cherry on top or Dr. Dovey’s Banana Split. It’s a place where they make milkshakes, sundaes, or phosphates exactly how they used to make them.
Location: 116 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
7. The Manna House Cafe
If you’re in Marietta, Georgia, looking for local casual cuisine, then Aton Brown recommends The Manna House Cafe. which he described as a “super funky soul food shop” which he loves to Eater Atlanta. Since the restaurant is in the south, you can get fried chicken, BBQ ribs, homemade pudding, and other casual soul food that they serve.
Location: 234 Windy Hill Rd, Marietta, GA 30060
6. Westside Drive-In
If you love the charm of old-school fast-casual restaurants, then you might just love Westside Drive-In. The restaurant opened back in 1957 with a 50s vibe visible in the exteriors and interiors. That said, Alton Brown loves the Finger Steaks, which are chicken fingers that are made of beef instead of chicken.
Location: Multiple locations in Boise, Idaho
5. In-N-Out
Who doesn’t love In-N-Out? According to Esquire, Brown considers the burger joint his favorite fast food in America. Brown said that the hamburgers may be greasy, but clean-tasting at the same time. He also described the sauce in the burger as “special,” while the shakes are reminiscent of his childhood.
Location: Multiple locations
4. Eventide Oyster Co.
When visiting Maine, of course, you have to visit a seafood restaurant. Eventide Oyster Co., who is nominated for a James Beard award, is actually Alton Brown’s top recommendation on where to get good seafood. In fact, he told USA Today that Eventide was the best oyster bar that he had together with fried oyster bun and brown butter lobster roll.
Location: Multiple locations in the Northeast
3. Blue Ridge Grill
Want to enjoy your steak a la Alton Brown style? Head over to the Blue Ridge Grill, as it is Brown’s favorite steak that he mentioned to Atlanta Eats. According to him, the restaurant has “comfy banquettes, quiet, good m*rt*ni, and parking.” This restaurant may be a little bit more upscale compared to others in this list, as they serve fancy dishes on white tablecloths with a dress code for diners!
Location: 1261 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
2. The Red Eye Mule
Another favorite of Alton Brown in Marietta (as a resident) is The Red Mule, where he dines when he’s in the mood for burgers. According to the Food Network, Brown’s favorite order is Jake’s Sloppy Slaw Burger because of the “juicy looseness” drippings from the meat juices, coleslaw, and the sloppy jimmy sauce.
Location: 430 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060
1. The Old Country Store
Alton Brown admitted that his fried chicken isn’t actually the best in the world. According to the Food Network, he believes that the honor should go to Mr. D., who cooks fried chicken at The Old Country Store located in Lorman, Mississippi. He said that when he eats fried chicken, it will only be his own or Mr. D’s. He stated that it’s actually the juiciness, the crunch, and the flavor that will keep him coming back for more.
Location: 18801 US-61, Lorman, MS 39096