Roadfood.com Leads You to Local Favorites

By Don Nadeau, on July 6, 2009, in Travel

Finding the meals locals love has become more and more difficult as you drive across the U.S. Standardized chain food has seemingly replaced all those wonderful mom and pop places that used to line our highways and town squares and serve up regional favorites.

Nevertheless, you can still find amazing places to eat out there–the independent “diners, drive ins, and dives” beloved by locals–using Roadfood.com.

Roadfood.com, founded by Michael and Jane Stern of Gourmet Magazine, includes three valuable resources in its free membership.

First, use the restaurant tab to access reviews.

These cover the U.S., plus a few in Canada.

I trust Michael Stern’s reviews. His are not dated, but are removed if readers report negative changes. Several of the other reviewers I love are Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle (a couple), ayersian, and billyboy. You’ll form your favorites.

Second, check the trip reports with photos in the forum.

When you’re on the road through the eyes of people like ellen4641, MiamiDon, buffetbuster (a name to put fear into any all you care to eat restaurant), EliseT, and wanderingjew, you are, to quote the cliché, in for a ride. Great help in planning pit stops.

Finally, you’ll find a “Where should I eat?” forum. Your question may bring many replies depending on the destination.

Do a search of the forum before asking anything, and be sure to give periodic feedback to show appreciation and that you are still interested. A very specific subject title helps bring in more relevant answers, e.g., “Denver to San Diego via I-70/15” instead of “Denver to San Diego.”

As you no doubt already realize, Roadfood is not an appropriate resource for someone on a diet. Sorry!