Neighborhoods Rock.

Localicious has the inside scoop on what to do and where to go in thousands of neighborhoods across the country. This blog is here to prove it.

Index » Archive » Author

Best Places to Eat Out for Thanksgiving

Let’s face it, Thanksgiving Dinner, in all its glory and deliciousness, can also be quite stressful, messy and daunting to cook. Which is why many forgo turkey basting and potato mashing all together and opt instead to eat this glorious meal out. We tapped into Localicious to find five of the most popular eateries across the US that may make you rethink your decision to host Thanksgiving Dinner at home this year. Gobble, Gobble.

Longman & Eagle – Chicago (Michelin star)

This Michelin-starred hot spot will offer a ‘family style’ menu created by executive chef Jared Wentworth that will include items like Chestnut Foie Gras Stuffing, Roasted Spaghetti Squash, Chanterelle Mushrooms, and Tarragon

Bourbon and Orange Cranberry Sauce and sweet potato pie. There will be three seatings at 3 PM, 6 PM and 9 PM.

Bertrand at Mr. A’s – San Diego

The three-course menu will feature some of Mister A’s favorites like lobster bisque and pan seared white sea bass in addition to seasonal classics like oven roasted butternut squash and organic Diestel turkey. A children’s menu will also be available that includes a traditional turkey plate and pumpkin pie,

Boudros on the Riverwalk – San Antonio

Boudro’s, is offering a special menu for thanksgiving that will be served from 11 AM to 11 PM, adding a southwestern take on the traditional menu with specialties like achiote butter-basted turkey breast and sweet potato pumpkin pie.

One Market – San Francisco

This Michelin-starred San Francisco classic will offer a three-course menu with delectable specialties like Liberty Farms duck agnolotti, spit-roasted Berkshire pork loin and baked Sonoma Apple pie. Eat an early dinner here and walk it off with a stroll along the water afterwards.

The Liberty – Charlotte

Charlotte’s first “gastropub” will offer a three course menu from 11 AM to 6 PM that will include inventive items like Pumpkin Gnocchi with Braised Beef Cheeks, Salt Crusted Slow Roasted SC Prime Rib of Beef, and an all you can eat dessert buffet with a diverse offering that includes everything from Salted Caramel Budino to Lemon Curd & Strawberries.

Pamper Yourself: The 10 Most Popular Spas in America

Life can be rough—so when you get the chance to regroup and recharge, make the most of your time at one of these spas. Fellow members of the rat race swear these places are worth jumping off the exercise wheel for, so clear a couple of hours (or more) in your busy schedule and start booking–or at least dropping some serious hints for gift certificates, since the holidays are just around the corner!

10. Isle PediSpa – Houston, TX

By the time you’re 50, you will have walked 75,000 miles, so you gotta take care of your feet! If you’re in H-town, this is the place – with serene surroundings and your own private alcove, flat screen TV and your choice of hot or cold teas.  Oh, and they have a ‘no chip’ guarantee.  Bonus: party room for groups!

9. Pho Siam Thai Spa – Los Angeles

When CNN calls this “a hidden treasure in Los Angeles”, even the most skeptical of spa-goers take notice. For a waxing experience to be called “pretty pleasant/awesome”—well, that should get your attention. Well priced massages mean you can still leave a nice tip.

8. Hyde Edwards Salon & Spa – San Diego

Great vibe, conversations and cool art – plus reliable experts for waxing, eyelash extensions, hair & color and facialists who do the “gentlest of extractions.”  Men feel as comfortable coming here for cuts and manis as women do.

7. Lemon Spalon – St. Louis, MO

Clients rave about everything from the Brazilian blowout to a “total hair overhaul” to “great color” and waxing magic that’s “worth every penny” in this “super cute” space.

6. Matthew Michael’s Salon and Spa – Orlando, FL

An Aveda salon where “awesome” scalp massages with haircuts and “very nice” hand massages come with your color or highlights. Some have had their tresses saved with “expert” color corrective services, and others swear it’s here you’ll find “the best massages in town.”  Complimentary soda, wine, tea and coffee is a plus.

5. Burke Williams Spa – San Francisco, CA

This oasis is “everything a spa should be,” with a full range of services and unmatched amenities, from saunas to cold mist rooms and showers to hair care centers. Guys can schedule a haircut and shave in the men’s locker room. You can relax as long as you want in the quiet room, with low lights, calm atmosphere, and reclining chairs with curtains between each for privacy.

4. Spa Vital at Pure Vida Fitness Spa – Denver , CO

Housed inside Pure Vida Fitness, the spa gets “5 stars” – “if there is a better spa in Denver, please let me know. I can’t imagine anything better.” Clients rave about the facials, massages, body wraps and nail services, the knowledgeable staff  and serene decor and ambiance whether you want to re-energize your body or nourish your skin.

3.Exhale Spa – Boston , MA

Here, you can exhale, with superb spa offerings like facials, waxing, massages and mani-pedis being perhaps the most popular. You can travel light–they’ve got all the amenities you need:  Fluffy robes, tea-scented towels, slippers, hair products (dryers and straighteners too!), and the most amazing smelling green tea body products. “The showers are the rainfall type.  So awesome.”  You can also get acupuncture and ti-nua (a Chinese hands-on body treatment that brings the body into balance).

2.Gene Juarez Salon & Spa – Seattle, WA

Choose from numerous locations, but the downtown spot is “really something special.”  The staff is always friendly, there’s free coffee, and “the location is absolutely beautiful.”  You’ll “feel like you’re royalty,” with hair masters that are extremely talented and plenty of go-to peeps for facials and waxing.

1.Bliss Soho – New York, NY

This is the mothership, the place that launched a thousand spas, or so it seems, and voted Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Urban Day Spa. In addition to their infamous brownie bite buffet, they offer “he-waxes” and “some of the best facials and massages in town”.

A Halloween Bucket List: America’s Most Popular Haunted Hotels

Every city has its share of haunted venues – restaurants, libraries, cemeteries and of course, houses. But nothing is spookier than spending the night in a haunted hotel. With Halloween right around the corner, we have pulled together the most popular hotels across the country where guests can literally get their freak on.

Chelsea Hotel – New York, NY

This hotel has had many a song written about it having housed some of the greatest authors, actors and rock stars of all time over the years including Jack Kerouac, Dennis Hopper, and Janis Joplin. As it turns out, some of these icons never left the establishment, remaining on in sprit. It has been said that Thomas Wolfe’s presence has been felt on the 8th floor, perhaps hanging out with the ghost of Dylan Thomas, who drank away his final days at the Chelsea. Sex Pistol Sid Vicious’ spirit is also said to live throughout the hotel, having been suspected of stabbing his girlfriend, Nancy, to death in room 100.

Hotel Del Coronado – San Diego, CA

This hotel has always been famous with actors and politicians who among them, have yet to be scared off by the ghost of Kate Morgan, perhaps the hotel’s most famous guest. Kate checked into room 304 (then 3318, now 3327), to meet with her husband who was a doctor. He never arrived. She was found dead on the steps going down to the beach three days later, her death declared a suicide. Since that time, guests who have stayed in the room have reported flickering lights, floating objects and moving curtains.

Heathman Hotel – Portland, OR

The Heathman is an old and elegant hotel located in downtown Portland. Guests staying in one of the rooms that end in “03″ have reported many an odd event that includes moving objects, strange noises and cold spots. One guest reported being wrapped up so tightly in his sheet that he almost suffocated, heavy breathing in his face all the while. Room 703 is particularly haunted. Guests who leave a clean room come back to find their towels used, a desk chair pulled out as if someone has been using it and a half drunken glass of water.

Hollywood Roosevelt – Los Angeles, CA

Once the most glamorous hotel in Hollywood, the Roosevelt was home to many movie stars while they were filming. Now part of the chic Thompson Hotel group, the place still attracts the “it” crowd but not without a ghost or two. Hollywood legend Montgomery Clift stayed at the hotel in room 928 during the making of From Here to Eternity. Some evenings guests have reported hearing him playing his bugle and reciting his lines from the movie in the hallway or in room 928 where he stayed. The spirit of Marilyn Monroe is also said to haunt her favorite room, suite 1200. Her image has been seen in the mirror that once hung in her room (now in storage) and she has been seen dancing in the old ballroom.

Driskill Hotel – Austin, Texas

Cattle Baron Jesse Driskill built this hotel back in 1886 for $400,000, which was a hefty sum at that time. Shortly after it was finished, he lost the hotel in a poker match and has since been seen smoking his cigars in guests’ rooms and playing with their bathroom lights. A four year old daughter of a U.S. Senator, who was playing with a ball near the grand staircase and tripped and fell to her death, has also been seen and heard, her giggles and the bouncing ball on the stairs. Another ghostly resident is Peter J. Lawless who lived in the Driskill from 1886 to 1916 as a ticket agent for the railroad. He is usually spotted on the 5th floor near the elevators – when the elevator doors open, he checks his pocket watch. Singer Annie Lennox, while staying at the Driskill on tour, laid out two dresses on her bed, jumped in the shower and when she got out, found that one had been put away.

10 Sweetest American Cities

OK, we’ve got a soft spot for sweets, we won’t deny it. So we’ve searched Foursquare far and wide to find the best fixes for what you crave. (Your dentist can thank us later…)!

10. Molly’s Cupcakes – Chicago


Some say cupcakes are a dessert fad, but they’ve been going strong since your Kindergarten days. Taste why Molly’s won Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” last year: Feel like a kid again with a raw cookie dough centered Cookee Monster and take a seat on a swing at the counter, or a bit more grown up (but a bit whimsical) with a peanut butter filled Ron Bennington or cake batter flavor, washed down with Intelligentsia coffee (they’re our pick for a Chi-town caffeine fix).

Bonus: Vegan cupcakes, too!

9. Capogiro – Philadelphia

You’ll never look at ice cream the same way after you’ve sampled their inspired flavors like Thai coconut milk, Nutella banana or sea salt gelato on brioche. Try their warm pastries or go dairy free and Romanesque with their sorbettos like Mojito or fresh lemon spiked with Italian Limoncello.

8. Lola – Seattle

This “Greek spirited” vision by Iron Chef winner Tom Douglas offers something to satisfy any craving. Made to order donuts please any time of day. Other favorites are apple streussel with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce, a “decadent and delish” chocolate cream pot with toffee, and the “best coconut cream pie we’ve ever had…flaky crust, coconutty texture, just creamy deliciousness! Ridiculously good.”

7. Highland Bakery – Atlanta

Some say the perfect afternoon pick-me-up is an “iced espresso with a chocolate éclair”, but others go for the pink mimosa cupcake, and the red velvet cupcakes stand up to the most discerning sweet tooth. No matter: you’re at “the best place to ‘carb out’ in Atlanta”.

6. Alcove Café & Bakery – Los Angeles

Alcove Café has one of the nicest outdoor patios in LA, and a magical ambiance to match their bakery alchemy. People like the peanut butter mousse chocolate tart, huge slices of red velvet cheesecake, princess cake and the pop tart (“flakey, buttery goodness!”) If you experience the rare sighting of banana toffee pie, grab a piece!

Top secret: “Go in the back, sit at the checkers table against the wall. Three little drawers on each side of the table will uncover little secret moments of people’s lives… Amazing!”

5. Mike’s Pastry – Boston


This pastry shop is a must if you’re in the North End. Don’t let the long line deter you – the giant chocolate chip cannoli is “well worth the wait” and the tiramisu is “to die for”. Although it’s “never not crowded”, you’ll find your wait time investment paying off quickly with a bite of a pistachio macaroon or Boston Cream Pie. Patrons also like it as a date spot.

First timer tip: “There are no lines here, just head for an open space at the counter.”

4. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill – Austin

You can well imagine that the portions are “massive” (we’ll spare you the Texas clichés), but you’ll want to save room for “scrumptiously addictive” white chocolate bread pudding with raisins and bourbon sauce, or red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.

3. Ghiradelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop – San Francisco


We wouldn’t be surprised if a bar of Ghiradelli chocolate would be next to the word “chocolate” in the dictionary – so not surprisingly, people rave about the chocolate, the sea salt caramel hot cocoa and the bottom-up cookie sundae, a heavenly mix of a classic chocolate chip cookie crushed and topped with a few generous scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream and super rich chocolate.

Chocoholics can get their fix every day with free samples in the upper café and in the store leading into the café.

2. Founding Farmers – Washington, DC

Yes indeed, organic and sustainable cuisine can be so sweet! Top picks are beignets that “make you feel like you’re in New Orleans”, with chocolate, caramel, and strawberry dipping sauces, and chocolate mousse. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the strawberry basil sorbet.

1.Momofuku Milk Bar – New York, NY


Key sweets here: Cereal Milk-flavored soft serve ice cream and the Compost Cookie (a standard chocolate chip with potato chips and other unexpected crunchy ingredients. People magazine says it’s a “salty-sweet revelation!”. Their Crack Pie is truly addictive with chunks of pretzels and brownies.

America’s Top 10 Breweries

Since Prohibition’s end in 1933, the brewery has made a strong comeback. These days there are thousands of breweries large and small, some serving food and some not. According to Foursquare check-ins, the following are the top breweries in the nation to hoist a frosty mug.

10. Capitol City Brewing Co. – Washington, DC

As the first post-Prohibition brew pub in the DC area, Capitol City Brewing Co. had some considerable thirsts to satisfy, and boy did they deliver. Their seasonal and carefully crafted microbrews are heavily decorated and beloved by patrons.

9. Tustin Brewing Co. – Tustin, CA

Tustin Brewing Co. whips up dozens of delicious ales, including the 2009 Great American Beer Festival gold medal winner, Golden Spike Light Ale. If you happen to stick around for food, be sure to try one of their delectable pizzas.

8. Elysian Brewing Co. – Seattle, WA

Since their humble beginnings in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Elysian Brewery has become a leader in the local microbrew scene. With three historic brew pubs and a 4th mega brewery on the way, Elysian is a legitimate Seattle institution.

7. Deschutes Brewing Co. – Bend, OR

Beer is to Oregon what Champagne is to Champagne, France. For Oregon residents, Deschutes is one of their crown jewels and gifts to the world. Deschutes beer is not only delicious, it embodies Oregon culture to a T.

6. SweetWater Brewing Co. – Atlanta, GA

SweetWater began with two University of Colorado roommates who decided to bring the splendor of West Coast style brews to Atlanta. What may have begun as a charitable endeavor has led to a slew of wildly popular, award-winning beers.

5. 21st Amendment Brewing – San Francisco, CA

During the early 1900s there was literally a brew pub at the heart of each San Francisco neighborhood, with a unique personality distinctive to that neighborhood. Unfortunately, Prohibition really muddled up that situation, which is why 21st Amendment Brewing is on a mission to bring brew pub culture back to San Fran.

4. Samuel Adams – Jamaica Plain, MA

The best part about the Samuel Adams brewery? Free tours, of course! After an entertaining expedition through the brewery, participates get to try 3 different beers and keep the glass. It’s a complete no-brainer if you happen to be in the area.

3. Tied House – Mountain View, CA

Using only four ingredients – water, malt, hops & wheat – the Tied House Brewmaster, Ron Manabe, concocts masterful ales. His brews have won award after award, and are the beer of choice for VIP locals including NASA astronauts.

2. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – San Bruno, CA

Unlike these other breweries, BJ’s began as a pizzeria, serving up amazing deep dish pies in Santa Ana. With their new location in Brea, California, the two owners added handcrafted beer. To say they are nuts for quality is an understatement, which is why they are so wildly popular.

1. Triumph Brewing Co. – Princeton, NJ

Triumph has three gorgeous locations along the East Coast, and each of them is modern and high energy. It would seem as though Triumph has it all – great food, great atmosphere, and of course, great beer.

Top Spots to “Break-fast” this Yom Kippur

In the Jewish religion, Yom Kippur, also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most solemn day of the year, where fasting plays a major role. In celebration of this day of repentance, we pulled together a list of the nation’s most popular Jewish delis, the perfect venues to make up for those lost calories (and then some) come Saturday evening. The following “break-fast” hot-spots are based on Foursquare check-ins.

6. Canter’s – Los Angeles

This quintessential Jewish deli right in the heart of Los Angeles has certainly retained its Old World charm, the wait staff included. Don’t pass on the pickles to save room for what’s to come and be sure to save room for dessert (tip: order from the pastry counter – it’s cheaper and you will be too full to eat it at your table). Canter’s is open 24 hours so expect some late night partiers looking to fill their bellies before bed.

5. Katz’s – New York

Arguably the most famous deli in the world, Katz’s is not only home to many a movie scene (think “When Harry Met Sally…”), but is a meat eater’s paradise full of pastrami and corned beef. Everything is homemade in this institution including the most delectable brown mustard. But remember, this is NYC, so you should expect long lines and hefty prices – but leftovers to feed you for a week.

4. Manny’s – Chicago

This family-run, cafeteria style joint serves up steaming hot corned beef sandwiches and chicken soup to cure any ailment. They are known for their potato pancakes, best eaten with sour cream and applesauce. Complete your meal with a Dr. Brown’s soda and you will be pleasantly transported back in time.

3. Kenny & Ziggy’s – Houston

With portions the size of Texas and a menu chock-full of over 200 items to choose from, this Houston institution is known for more than just the staples. Breakfast is served all day long, with many “eggy” creations to choose from and their cheese blintzes are the perfect addition to any meal – breakfast, lunch or dinner. Kenny and Ziggy’s cheesecake is to die for, especially the strawberry kind.

2. Famous 4th Street Deli – Philadelphia

Known as a stickler for authenticity, owner Russ Cowan has received rave reviews for his food since he took over the joint in 2005. Traditional Jewish delicacies like brisket and chopped liver remain fan favorites and the complimentary fresh baked chocolate chip cookie makes for the perfect end to any Famous meal. Fans rave about the Challah French toast which is adoringly compared to funnel cake dripping in syrup.

1. Shapiro’s Deli – Indianapolis

Over 100 years old and still thriving, this establishment is known not just for its sandwiches but for comfort meals like Swiss steak, baked chicken, meatloaf, and macaroni and cheese. Save room for the sweet stuff at Shapiro’s, where pastries and desserts take top billing, especially their custard and Key lime pies. Now you can grab a Reuben on your way out of town from the new location near gate B14 at the Indianapolis Airport.

10 Most Loved Starbucks in America

Localicious users LOVE Starbucks, and can we blame them? Hot, cold, rain or shine, Starbucks will always have the drink you’re looking for and they will always serve it to you with a smile. While Starbucks takes pride in their impeccable consistency across the county, not all Starbucks are created equal.

We’ve crunched the numbers using Localicious and Foursquare information to find the 10 most loved Starbucks locations around the county:

10. Washington D.C. – 1501 Connecticut Ave NW at Dupont Cir NW

9. Charlotte, NC – 1401 East Blvd. & Scott Ave.

8. Honolulu, HI – 949 Auahi St

7. Austin, TX – 300 E 4th St. at Trinity St.

6. Raleigh, NC – 609 W Peace Street

5. Jacksonville, FL – 1650 Margaret st

4. Nashville, TN – 3005 West End Ave

3. Kansas City, KS – 302 Nichols Rd.

2. Tampa, FL – 502 E Hillsborough Ave

1. Atlanta, GA – 867 Peachtree St NE @ 7th St NE

Welcome to the Localicious blog