With so many restaurants to choose from, planners can become perplexed when organizing an offsite dining experience. Yelp can help. Millions of people post reviews on the popular website.
Analyzing customer rankings from 2004 to the present, Yelp has released a list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States. From casual options such as No. 1-rated Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, a Cuban bakery in Burbank, California, and No. 2-ranked Cheese Board Pizza in Berkeley, California, to New York City’s upscale Eleven Madison Park, which came in at No. 72, planners can get a little Yelp from their friends.
Oui, Oui
Who knew one could find classic French cuisine in Sacramento, California? Quaint Cafe Rolle serves up flavorful French bistro specialties such as traditional foie gras over spring mix, and a unique croque monsieur prepared with herbes de Provence chicken breast, melted gruyere cheese and pesto mayo. For dessert, indulge in the toffee creme brulee. Magnifique!
Vote for the Goat
Girl & the Goat is a lively Chicago hotspot with a bold, eclectic menu. At the helm is Top Chef award-winner Stephanie Izard. Sample escargot dumplings with bacon, tamarind sauce, escarole, celery and crispy onions, or the sweet potato bleu cheese pierogis with maitake mushroom ragout and fresh apple. Don’t miss the goat empanadas with miso-blue cheese aioli and squash-apple slaw.
Fish Delish
Although Boston boasts many fine fish houses, head to Neptune Oyster if you are seeking sophisticated seafood. The downtown restaurant is known for its ocean-fresh urchins, perfectly shucked oysters and delicate crudo. Try the black bass with pea tendrils, roasted asparagus, wild mushrooms and buttered hazelnuts, or the johnnycake with honey butter, smoked trout and sturgeon caviar.
Best BBQ
While many BBQ joints made Yelp’s list, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas took the highest honors. From humble beginnings in a gas station, it has grown to three locations and offers catering. Zagat named its Z-Man Sandwich, which contains smoked brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings and barbecue sauce on a Kaiser roll, the best sandwich in the state.
Steak Out
Halls Chophouse is a AAA Four Diamond steakhouse in Charleston, South Carolina, that has garnered dozens of awards. The family-owned business is run by dedicated F&B veterans. The traditional menu features USDA prime-aged steaks, veal, pork and roasted chicken, among other items. Guests are serenaded with live music nightly and gospel during Sunday brunch. Three private rooms can accommodate large groups.
