Best places for awesome, cheap eats when you’re on the go:
Yo! Sushi—various London locations
Driving in London is a bitch, and by the time you make it to the Yo! Sushi SoHo location you will have wished you braved the tube to Oxford Circus instead. Better to leave the car running while you run in and grab some of the yummy, color-coded sushi treats from the conveyor belt “river.” You won’t find any boats here, just a robotic beverage cart that has a tendency to run into the walls.
El Chino—Wicker Park, Chicago
A great place to go for a slippery cheese quesadilla after a night of drinking “Leinies” down the street at Rainbo. Nothing coats your tummy like the grease from this puppy. One caution: Whatever you do, stay away from the meat. You have been warned.
Just about any Döner stand—Berlin, Germany
Talk about full meal deal—the Döner does it. Take a flat bread that has more fluff than a pita and fill it with lamb or chicken, salad stuff, feta cheese and top with garlic sauce—not only do you satisfy your four food group urge, you manage to ward off creepy vampires too!
Falafel Star—East Village, New York
Yet another healthful 24hr destination for the late night drinker—where you can revel in the stripped down décor and green florescent lights while you wait for your falafel to emerge from the ancient fryer and fill your belly. Mmmmm.
Dick’s Drive-In—various locations around Seattle
Growing up with Dick’s was a truly formative experience. From the perennial orange uniforms to the Dick’s Double burger and homemade milk shakes, this drive in is still a hot spot for nostalgic scooter rallies and classic car rumbles.
Anonymous Pastry Shop—Paris, Near Place des Voges 3rd
The best little pastry shop in town—with a constant line out the door and around the corner. Fortunately the outside decor with its ornate blue detailing is just as entertaining as the quiche tartlets are delicious. Better stock up or get used to queing, ’cuz you will be here for a while.
Sprüngli—Zurich HauptBahnhof and other locations around Switzerland
Can you imagine tiny sweet puff sandwiches filled with the most scrumptious nougat fillings that melt in your mouth? Well you can find them at Sprüngli—I believe they invented them. They are last for only about 12 hours before the puff says “enough,” so it is better to quickly eat them in the shop and then buy more for the road.
Los Jarritos—The Mission, San Francisco
Stuffed with more flocked animal figurines that you could possibly imagine, this family style Mexican spot promises great enchiladas, mole sauces and up to the minute Latin pop jukebox. A great off-the-beaten-path place for parties.
Brother-in-Laws Bar-B-Que—Western Addition, San Francisco
If you can get past the flypaper and slow as molasses service you will be rewarded with the best, most savory ribs and other BBQ treats this side of Louisiana. If the ramshackle “lean-to” they operate out of is not advertisement enough, then just wait for the wind to blow the tempting smoke down Divisadero Street. You will be hooked.
Mama’s Mexican Kitchen—Bell Town, Seattle
As a kid growing up, Friday night was much anticipated “Mama’s night.” With its funky, Latin/Elvis inspired décor and classic Mexicali menu, this place has long been the refuge for Seattle’s culinary underground. Not much has changed here over the years—and we like it that way!
