The Colonnade Restaurant
Atlanta
A 1927 landmark for no-fuss southern cooking. The eclectic crowd—from grandmas to hipsters—fills up on sweet tea, fresh-baked rolls, and more than two dozen sides. 1879 Cheshire Bridge Road NE; 404-874-5642
La Dolce Vita
Los Angeles
Some come for the celebrity sightings, others for the old-school waiters in black tie. We come to this circa-1966 Beverly Hills hangout for Steak Sinatra, Lasagna Verdi Bolognese, and the comfy dark-red leather booths. 9785 Santa Monica Boulevard; 310-278-1845; ladolcevitabeverlyhills.com
Tadich Grill
San Francisco
Opened in 1849, this is the city's oldest restaurant. Two of its most famous dishes are the cioppino (seafood stew) and Hangtown Fry (an oyster and bacon frittata). Don't miss the pan-fried sand dabs (a Pacific flatfish). 240 California Street; 415-391-1849 The Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America
Old Ebbitt Grill
Washington, D.C.
This venerable breakfast, lunch, and dinner saloon opened in 1856 and has been at its present location since 1983. Oysters, crab cakes, and ice-cold Martinis get raves, as does the trout Parmesan. 675 15th Street NW; 202-347-4800; ebbitt.com
The Berghoff
Chicago
The only words you need to remember here are beer and schnitzel. German immigrant Herman Joseph Berghoff opened this place in 1898 to showcase his Dortmunder-style beer. That tradition lives on, modernized, in hearty German foods and cold brews. 17 West Adams Street; 312-427-3170; berghoffgroup.com
Antoine's Restaurant
New Orleans
At this French-Creole classic, established in 1840, regulars don't just call for a reservation. They call and ask for their waiter, who keeps track of their table, their cocktail, and, this being New Orleans, their secrets. One of the best is Charles Carter—ask for him and tell him Bon Appétit sent you. 713 Rue Saint Louis; 504-581-4422; antoines.com
Locke-Ober
Boston
Thanks to chef Lydia Shire, who took over in 2001, we can still get JFK's favorite lobster stew and Indian pudding—served in what is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in America. The bar—with its painting of Madame Yvonne—is gorgeous as well. Established in 1875, this place lets you feel what it would be like to dine out in the late 19th century. 3 Winter Place; 617-542-1340; lockeober.com
How to Get the Restaurant Reservations You WantThe Shed
Santa Fe
The restaurant opened in 1953, but the hacienda that houses the
area's favorite lunch and dinner spot dates back to 1692. Many
dishes—enchiladas, tacos, burritos—come with green or red chile
sauce. Order both, a.k.a. Christmas-style. 113 1/2 East Palace
Avenue; 505-982-9030; sfshed.com
Keens Steakhouse (pictured)
New York
There may be better steaks in New York, but in terms of
atmosphere, service, food, and historical significance, no
steakhouse can equal this 1885 Herald Square stalwart. The bar
mixes up one of the city's best Manhattans. 72 West 36th
Street; 212-947-3636; keens.com
Golden Steer
Las Vegas
For a taste of vanishing Vegas, you can't beat this steakhouse
(circa 1958) where an order of Caesar salad, New York strip, and
multiple Martinis would make Sinatra proud. 308 West Sahara
Avenue; 702-387-4470; golden.snapsweb.com
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