Food & Drink
From the first pour of a morning espresso to the final sip of a midnight negroni, food and drink are the pulse of travel and local life. But in an era of viral "foodie" trends, over-styled interiors, and rapidly rising costs, finding a meal or a glass that truly delivers can be a challenge. But I believe "good" doesn't always have to be the best thing you've ever tried—it just needs to be right. From the artisan bakeries of Paris to the high-energy kitchens of New York, from the neighborhood wine bars in Charleston to the hidden speakeasies of DC, I’m here to find the gems that offer consistency and craft.
The Best Meal I’ve Ever Eaten
The Hot List
Inside Columbia’s first James Beard Award winner, Lula Drake Wine Parlour. From their eccentric wine list, to the Cacio e Pepe and Korean Fried Chicken, see what makes this the best restaurant in town.
Looking for the best breakfast in Chattanooga? From textbook almond croissants to the ultimate BEC on a baguette, see why Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery is a Tennessee masterpiece.
From DIY handrolls to elegant jewel boxes, Prime Fish Cellar is Charlotte’s best new sushi destination. Discover why it's the perfect balance of elite quality and date-night atmosphere.
The Bite Maps
Explore the soulful spirit of the Cincy Region. From OTR's artisanal coffee and Pendleton's world-class wine bars to the legendary Graeter’s ice cream, discover why Cincinnati is the next great food city.
From Michelin-starred French cuisine and cozy cocktail bars to chef-driven sandwiches and charming coffee shops, discover the best places to eat and drink in Greenville, SC.
From legendary fried chicken and French-inspired brasseries to creative coffee shops and intimate wine bars, discover the classic staples and hidden gems that define the capital city's unique flavor.
From laid-back restaurants that feel like a backyard BBQ, to the most quintessential seafood restaurant, to elegant fine dining tucked away in a neighborhood, discover the absolute best restaurants in Charleston, SC.
From whole hog to Texas-style brisket, discover the best barbecue restaurants across the Southeast that are worthy of a pilgrimage.
From a hidden taqueria to a world-class omakase, discover which restaurants are showcasing the best of Charlotte’s food scene right now.
Restaurants, Cafes, & Delis
It's easy to drive right past Mochi's Deli. That would be the biggest mistake you make in Charlotte this month.
No roof, no reservations, and a 23-foot wood grill throwing flames into the night — Lost Isle turned a backyard cookout on Johns Island into one of Charleston's best restaurants. Here's what a night there is actually like.
An inside look at Grey's Diner and Community Kitchen in Charlotte, NC. Chef Sam Diminich revives the historic 1940s Mattie's Diner car in Plaza Midwood with an upscale, farm-to-table spin on classic comfort food, creative vegan options, and nostalgic desserts.
Bernie's Chicken has been broasting — not frying — chicken out of the same retro Bluff Road building since 1979, and the 3-piece Special is still the most reliable order in Columbia, SC.
Inside Columbia’s first James Beard Award winner, Lula Drake Wine Parlour. From their eccentric wine list, to the Cacio e Pepe and Korean Fried Chicken, see what makes this the best restaurant in town.
Bull & Bread brings Wilmington's cult-favorite sandwich shop to Columbia's Gather food hall. Here's what to order, from the Christine to the kettle chips.
Discover Terra in West Columbia, SC—a white-tablecloth neighborhood bistro serving up chef-driven Southern entrees without the fine-dining pretension.
Little Secret went from a scrappy pop-up to one of the best restaurants in Greenville by focusing on Southern cooking with bold Asian flavor, and zero pretense.
Looking for the best breakfast in Chattanooga? From textbook almond croissants to the ultimate BEC on a baguette, see why Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery is a Tennessee masterpiece.
Hunting for the most tender biscuits in Asheville? Check out this review of ButterPunk in the River Arts District—it’s the city's loudest, butteriest, and one of my favorite breakfast spots.
Bakeries & Coffee Shops
What started as a pop-up bouncing between Upstate breweries has landed permanently on McBee Street, and Nine of Cups is turning out some of the most inventive pastry work in Greenville: a honey gochujang croissant one day, a five-spice latte the next.
Discover a cocktail-inspired espresso menu, midcentury desert vibes, hours, and weekend line tips for Godspeed Coffee in Columbia, SC.
Looking for the best breakfast in Chattanooga? From textbook almond croissants to the ultimate BEC on a baguette, see why Niedlov’s Cafe & Bakery is a Tennessee masterpiece.
Hunting for the most tender biscuits in Asheville? Check out this review of ButterPunk in the River Arts District—it’s the city's loudest, butteriest, and one of my favorite breakfast spots.
Discover Pie Slayer in downtown Wilmington, NC. From a lemon poppyseed slice with Ritz cracker crust to seasonal apple hand pies, enjoy handmade, late-night treats until 11 PM.
Experience the art of sourdough at Mother Bakery & Cafe in Asheville. From the classic Jambon-Beurre to a curated wine bar, discover why this is a local favorite.
A community driven cafe, with a focus on teaching life skills people in recovery. Food is excellent. Service is friendly. And they are out making a difference in people's lives. I highly recommend supporting their mission.
If you are craving something sweet, look no further than The Batchmaker. The sweet confections here will have singing in pure delight. This is hands down the best bakery in Charlotte, NC.
Wine & Cocktail Bars
No roof, no reservations, and a 23-foot wood grill throwing flames into the night — Lost Isle turned a backyard cookout on Johns Island into one of Charleston's best restaurants. Here's what a night there is actually like.
Inside Columbia’s first James Beard Award winner, Lula Drake Wine Parlour. From their eccentric wine list, to the Cacio e Pepe and Korean Fried Chicken, see what makes this the best restaurant in town.
Experience the art of sourdough at Mother Bakery & Cafe in Asheville. From the classic Jambon-Beurre to a curated wine bar, discover why this is a local favorite.
J.C. Holdway has the accolades and the service to match. But does the kitchen live up to its reputation?
Experience vinyl vibes and caviar hot dogs at Ikie Lu Record Club in West Columbia. Discover the best cocktails, pétanque, and shared plates at this soulful listening bar.