The late Anthony Bourdain wasn’t just a celebrity chef; he was a storyteller since he understood the magic of food. Throughout his travels, he dined across different spots in the United States. Along the way, he discovered dishes that truly spoke to his soul. If you want to dine like the legend himself, here are 10 must-try restaurants in the USA that Anthony Bourdain absolutely loved.
10. In-N-Out
Who knew that one of Bourdain’s favorite restaurants is something that we have easy access to? In a brief interview with Eater, the late chef mentioned that his favorite restaurant in Los Angeles would have to be In-N-Out over dozens of five-star restaurants. For him, the perfect cheeseburger is “a decent bun, quality meat, fresh greens, crisp garnishes, and good cheese” which the burger joint probably has.
9. El Taco Veloz
In Bourdain’s show “The Layover,” he took a trip to Buford Highway and found El Taco Veloz, which is one of the oldest restaurants standing in the area. He ordered the Lengua En Salsa Tacos or the Roasted Beef Tongue Tacos, which he said was delicious and tasted like “the old country.” You can hit several El Taco Veloz locations around Denver.
8. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Hot Dogs
If you’ve seen an episode of “No Reservations” where Bourdain goes to try gourmet hot dogs, you’d know that Biker Jim himself served the chef Alaskan reindeer to rattlesnake hot dogs as he kept asking for more. Bourdain’s personal favorite is “the reindeer, the boar, and the elk blow me away.” Biker Jim’s Gourmet Hot Dogs has multiple locations around Denver.
7. The French Laundry
If you’ve read Bourdain’s iconic Men’s Health piece on 13 Places to Eat Before You Die, The French Laundry takes a special place on the list. The chef claimed that the restaurant is “the best sit-down, multicourse, white tablecloth meal of my life.” If you want a taste of some good French Californian cuisine, head over to 6640 Washington Street in Youthville, California.
6. Jacques-imo’s Cafe
If you’re around New Orleans, swing by Jacques-imo’s Cafe which Bourdain described as the “most swinging places of New Orleans.” In “A Cook’s Tour,” Bourdain expressed that the Jfried chicken that was created by Chef Austin Leslie should be illegal, saying that it’s that good. You can visit Jacques-imo’s Cafe at 8324 Oak St. New Orleans.
5. Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
In Bourdain’s TV hosting debut back in 2005 for his travel show “A Cook’s Tour,” he mentioned that Joe’s Kansas City BBQ has the best barbecue in Kansas City. He notes while biting off a pulled pork rib that each bite has a quality that meets the standards of Kansas City natives. Currently, the restaurant has multiple locations around Kansas.
4. Barney Greengrass
If you’re around New York looking for “the best breakfast in the universe” that’s according to Bourdain, you can head over to Barney Greengrass, which holds a special place in his heart. In “A Cook’s Tour” episode, Bourdain orders some nova eggs and onions, which has smoked salmon and bagel. He also got “The Sturgeon King” plus a chopped liver to go. The restaurant is located at 541 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York.
3. Pastrami Queen
Another of Bourdain’s New York gems is Pastrami Queen, which serves deli meats. In an interview with Variety back in 2017, he shared that the deli place has a nice mix of fat and lean, especially since they’re served in warm and fresh rye bread with just the right amount of mustard. It’s “a quintessential New York meal” according to the late chef. Visit their locations at the Upper West Side or Upper East Side.
2. Swan Oyster Depot
In a season 6 episode of “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain headed over to his favorite San Francisco spot called Swan Oyster Depot, which serves shellfish and cold b*ers. He would always order an off-menu item called Crab Back which is filled with liver and fat that Bourdain would call “unicorn juice.” If you’re around the Bay Area, you can visit the spot at 1517 Polk St. San Francisco, California.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen
In an episode of “No Reservations,” the late chef said that the place has the best sense of the world, and if you think of New York, pastrami comes to mind, and you think of Katz’s. He likes his pastrami sandwich with housemade mustard and sour pickle to balance the fatty meat paired with a cream soda drink. Try Katz’s Delicatessen at 205 East Houston Street (corner of Ludlow St) New York City.