Our Favorite Local Road Trip Stops
The Little Owl; New York, NY
"What's not to like about this adorable, 10-table date spot? Its wall of paned windows and pressed tin ceiling make great eye candy, and the food is delicious and unfussy. But honestly, the best part is the little elevated "perch" where you can sip a glass of wine and wait for a table to open up — I've never enjoyed not having a reservation so much!" - Katie Holdefehr, Test Kitchen's Editorial Assistant
Church Street Café; Albuquerque, NM
"At the hotelkeeper's suggestion, we went to Church Street Café, and it quickly became our go-to mid-day spot for the duration of our stay in Albuquerque. Situated in a ramshackle 18th-century adobe building with several quirky dining rooms, it also has a rambling courtyard where birds flit about in overhead arbors and local folk art is displayed. It's the kind of place where you sip margaritas and eat lots of chips, salsa, and huevos rancheros with red and green chile, served to you by sassy waitresses in T-shirts. Rather than analyze the food, you just enjoy the atmosphere and sense that you're far, far away from New York City." - Sharon Franke, Kitchen Appliances & Technology Director
The Salt Lick; Driftwood, TX
"This is Texas BBQ at its best: brisket, ribs, sausage, and more. This family-run restaurant really takes pride in its open pit and has a truly unique and delicious sauce that's been tweaked by owner Scott Robert's Hawaiian mom." - Susan Westmoreland, Food Director
Island Creek Oyster Bar; Boston, MA
"The amazing oysters and the buzzy atmosphere are just two reasons I love this place. It was started and is run by the guys behind Island Creek Oysters, which has some of the best oysters in the country. So you know you're in good hands when you dine at this hot spot." - Sherry Rujikarn, Test Kitchen Assistant
Ferry Building Marketplace; San Francisco, CA
"Whatever you're craving, you can get it there: the best drip coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee, addictive cheeses at Cowgirl Creamery, amazing peaches and other produce at the farmer's market, the freshest oysters at Hog Island Oysters, and a to-die-for porchetta sandwich from the Roli-Roti truck just outside — all with a breathtaking view of the Bay. For a more formal (but not sedate) lunch or dinner, the Slanted Door Vietnamese restaurant is also located in the Ferry Building. I'm obsessed with its clay pot chicken, and make my own version at home all the time." - Cathy Lo, Associate Food Editor
Ogunquit Lobster Pound; Ogunquit, ME
"I love this no-frills, family-friendly place. You get to pick your own lobster right out of the pool, which is then boiled in seawater, bringing out the natural saltiness and sweetness of the lobster. It's so delicious — you don't even need the butter. All you need is a pint of Allagash ale and a side of steamers." - Sherry Rujikarn, Test Kitchen Assistant
Edzo's Burger Shop; Evanston, IL
![<p>"Edzo's serves incredible burgers near Northwestern University's campus. All the meat is local, and the staff makes amazing milkshakes. This place is packed every time you go, and it is only open until 2pm each day. I don't know how [Eddie, the owner] does it."</p><p>-Emily Weinberger, Kitchen Appliances & Technology Product Analyst</p><p><a href="http://www.edzos.com" target="_blank"><i>edzos.com</i></a></p>](https://hips.hearstapps.com/del.h-cdn.co/assets/cm/15/10/160x160/54f650f010d8a_-_ghk-favorite-pit-stops-evanston-edzos-burgers-jcjuc9-xl.jpg?crop=1xw:1.0xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Edzo's Burger Shop; Evanston, Illinois")
"Edzo's serves incredible burgers near Northwestern University's campus. All the meat is local, and the staff makes amazing milkshakes. This place is packed every time you go, and it is only open until 2pm each day. I don't know how [Eddie, the owner] does it." - Emily Weinberger, Kitchen Appliances & Technology Product Analyst
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