Now that football-tember is in full swing, fans are heading to the stadiums by the bus full. These stadiums are hallmarks of American society, and are home to some of the greatest moments of all time. So, in honor of these Goliath establishments, we’ve rounded up the 10 most popular football stadiums based on Foursquare check-ins in comparison to surrounding population. Enjoy!

10. Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis Colts

The Lucas Oil Stadium is relatively new compared to the other stadiums on this list, and is a state of the art facility featuring a retractable roof and kinetic architecture. This newbie just scored a major win as the stadium of choice for the 2012 Super Bowl.

9. Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Known as Ray Jay, this stadium boasts a 103ft concrete replica pirate ship. And not just any pirate ship, but a pirate ship that shoots out goodies every time the team scores. One word: awesome.

8. Heinz Field – Pittsburgh Steelers

Designed with the city’s steel production history in mind, this mega-structure is made with an incredible 12,000 tons of steel. Hopefully that’s enough to support the droves of Steelers fans who have kept the stadium sold out since 1972.

7. Lambeau Field – Green Bay Packers

As the home of the Packers for the longest tenure of any NFL team, Lambeau Field has almost mythical status. It was originally named after Curly Lambeau, the team founder, and in honor of him no other name rights have been approved. However, the stadium does occasionally go by “The Frozen Tundra” after a -15° F game against the Dallas Cowboys. Needless to say, there was a significant home field advantage.

6. Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City Chiefs

Arrowhead Stadium is a actually part of a the larger Truman Sports Complex, which is a one-of-a-kind twin MLB/NFL facility. In 2010 the complex went under the knife for a $375 million renovation. We suspect it’s looking pretty good.

5. Sun Life Stadium – Miami Dolphins

Games at Sun Life Stadium are incredibly hot and humid, which is why owner Stephen Ross petitioned to have late kickoffs even at the expense of losing home field advantage. Despite these intolerable conditions, Sun Life Stadium has held 5 Super Bowls.

4. FedEx Field – Washington Redskins

FedEx Field is home to one of the greatest football finishes of all time when Nick Novak scored a 47 yard field goal with :00 on the clock, defeating the Dallas Cowboys.

3. Georgia Dome – Atlanta Falcons

The Georgia Dome is one of the largest domed structures in the world, and the largest indoor sporting facility in the US. This juggernaut was also a host during the ’96 Olympics in Atlanta.

2. O.Co Coliseum – Oakland Raiders

O.co Coliseum (named after Overstock.com) is perhaps best know for its “Black Hole”, a group of recognizable fans who occupy the end zone. It also holds a sweet spot in the hearts of Disney fans after making a star appearance in Angels in the Outfield.

1. CenturyLink Field – Seattle Seahawks

By an almost unbelievable margin, the top stadium on this list belongs to the Seattle Seahawks. This could be due in part to the fact that the Seahawks share CenturyLink Field with the Seattle Sounders FC, who have been having an epic love affair with Seattleites since 2009. Though, those Seahawks fans should not be underestimated. CenturyLink Field (formerly Qwest Field), has had a reputation as the rowdiest stadium in the NFL. Loud fans have often contributed to a significant home field advantage, earning them the honor of being the 12th man.

Forget about gawking at animals in metal cages, these days zoos are more like a home away from home for thousands of animal species.  Zoos around the county are going above and beyond to create natural habitats for their animals and often times train their animals to survive in the wild after being released.  Sadly, an overwhelming number of animal species are on the verge of extinction, and without the conservation efforts of these zoos many of them would be.

Using Localicious searches and Foursquare check-ins in comparison to population size, we’ve calculated the 10 most popular zoos in America – and they are all models of excellence.  Please click on the zoo name to donate.

10. Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

This two in one zoo and aquarium is home to more than 4,000 animals from 475 different species, including 20 on the endangered species list.  Since its founding in 1898, the zoo has become more and more focused on conversation and creating naturalistic habitats for its animals.  They even founded the International Conservation Center to better address the needs of breeding African Elephants.  Elephants in this conservation center aren’t just kept in naturalistic habitats, they are allowed to maintain the natural bonds of elephant herds.

9. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo was founded in 1888 when an overwhelmed animal collector named Richard Knight donated two bears to city of Portland after he decided it was too much trouble to house them in the back of his drugstore.  Since then the zoo has grown to 64 acres, is home to 2,200 animals and 3 full-sized trains to help visitors explore the grounds.  The zoo is also heavily focused on conservation of endangered species including the California condor which was all but wiped out in the 1980s, but due to conservation efforts is now making a strong comeback.

8. Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo and White Rivers Gardens host over a million visitors a year, and is the home to sharks, dolphins, warthogs, cheetahs and 320 other species.  Unlike other zoos on this list, the Indianapolis Zoo is triple accredited as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden, which means there is literally something for everyone.  The zoo is also focused on creating biomes, which cluster animals according to climate and vegetation.  For example, the 80 foot desert biome sports a transparent dome to keep animals basking in 80+ degree weather year round.

7. Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo is a 202-acre mega zoo located in Kansas City, Missouri.  This mesmerizing zoo includes an African Safari that allows visitors to dangle above the animals on a chair lift ride and an $11-million polar bear passage complete with a recreated glacier.

6. Smithsonian National Zoological Park

As part of the Smithsonian Institute, this zoo does not charge admission, which is amazing considering it is home to 2,000 animals from 400 different species.  While the public zoo is amazing in its own right, this zoological park has a second 3,200 acre conservation institute called the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute focuses on teaching conservation sciences.

5. Milwaukee County Zoo

This zoo is noted for its extensive breeding program, which included the first births of polar bears and siamangs in captivity. The zoo is also home to the largest group of captive bonobos in their indoor apes exhibit.  Besides their own conservation efforts, the zoo also funds conservation efforts around the world and participates in the Species Survival Plan for all the species in their collection.

4.  Henry Doorly Zoo

The Henry Doorly Zoo, if you can even call it a zoo, is an astonishing complex of indoor habitats including a nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, an indoor rainforest and the worlds largest indoor desert. Like the other zoos, Henry Doorly is also heavily invested in animal conservation, especially on the island of Madagascar where an overwhelming majority of animals have ended up on the endangered species list due to agriculture, illegal logging, poaching and mining.

3.  Zoo Atlanta

From its humble beginnings in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta has grown into one of the most prominent zoos in America.  It is one of only a handful to house giant pandas, and has the nation’s largest collection of gorillas and orangutangs.  Beyond creating natural habitats for its animals, Zoo Atlanta participates in 16 different conservation projects from Sun Bear conservation in Sumatra to bog restoration in Georgia.

2.  Columbus Zoo

The Columbus Zoo holds 5,000 animals from 700 species and over 2.3 million visitors annually.  It is often hailed as one of the greatest zoos in America, but it wasn’t always so.  In the 1970s the zoo was in dire need of restoration, so in came Jack Hanna to the rescue.  He cleaned up the zoo and replaced cages with naturalistic habitats.  Due to these efforts and his television fame, the zoo has become a model facility.

1. Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in America and sets the standard for conservation education and preservation.  They house over 500 species of animals and conduct breeding programs for several species.  What’s more impressive is their extensive green initiative, including solar power arrays, water conservation, waste management and sustainable design and construction.

Today we’d like to take a moment to wish Kobe Bryant a very happy birthday. Here at Localicious, we’re big fans of his talent, but even bigger fans of his name. It’s not every day that you come across someone named after the most delectable & prized cut of beef on the planet.

While Kobe beef is hard to come by in the US, we thought we’d use Localicious to help you find some darn good alternatives.

So here you have it. The 10 most popular steakhouses in America*:

10. Peter Luger Steakhouse – Brooklyn, NYC

Perhaps the best word to use when describing the folks at Peter Luger Steakhouse is “finicky”.. They use only dry-aged short loin cuts with exactly the right color, consistency and marbling. Yes, finicky is good. Very good.

9. Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak – Las Vegas, NV

Think of this place as a steakhouse for the rich and famous. It’s the only restaurant on the list to serve Kobe style beef which, while delectable, will cost you $260 per 8 ounces.

8. Manny’s Steakhouse – Minneapolis, MN

There are quality steakhouses and there are quantity steakhouses, and then there are steakhouses that serve quality meat in copious amounts – Manny’s is one of them. This is the type of place meat-lovers outside of the Twin Cities believe only exists in myth and lore. Dear friends, this place is real and they take reservations.

7. Harry & Izzy’s – Indianapolis, IN

Harry & Izzy’s boils down to 3 things: atmosphere, food and service. Or in other words, the trifecta of winning ingredients for one-heck-of-a steakhouse.

6. Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse – Washington, DC

Annie’s gives surf and turf a whole new meaning with their half-pound cold water Lobster Tail and dry-aged char-broiled Top Sirloin for just $39.95.

5. Bern’s Steakhouse – Tampa, FL

Bern’s puts ‘Old School’ back in ‘Steakhouse’. This restaurant delivers classic steakhouse decadence with the type of serious attention to detail we thought only existed in the days of Frank Sinatra.

4. Sullivan’s Steakhouse – Austin, TX

Sullivan’s is much, much more than a steakhouse. With incredible seafood offerings and world-class martini’s, this spot is the perfect place to unwind. If you don’t live in Austin, Sullivan’s has 20 locations nationwide.

3. LongHorn Steakhouse – Atlanta, GA

Even though LongHorn’s is a chain, they still share the same fiery passion for meat as the other steakhouses on this list. Just look at the picture above and tell us that doesn’t look amazing.

2. El Gaucho – Seattle, WA

It seems strange that El Gaucho is only at #2 on this list considering they serve mind-blowing-28-day dry-aged prime steak with scantily-clad ladies dancing cabaret on stage. Life doesn’t get much better than that.

1. Nakama Japanese Steakhouse – Pittsburgh, PA

With all the knock-off Japanese restaurants out there, it’s refreshing to hear about a place that takes pride in the kind of quality food that is a cornerstone to Japanese cuisine.

*According to Localicious searches and check-ins on Foursquare.

Have New Yorkers ever had a problem telling someone where to go? This mix of new arrivals and modern classic hotel bars guarantee a memorable experience worth writing home about. Using Localicious and Foursquare intel, we’ll help you avoid the meet market on 3rd Avenue for some more choice surroundings…

6. The Libertine at Gild Hall

The Libertine Bar was conceived as a tip o’ the hat to swinging ‘70s London, with modern British pub food. Imaginative house cocktails, an impressive wine list, artisan beer selections and what some say is the best burger Downtown makes for a bonafide FiDi hangout.

5. Toro Lounge at Smyth Tribeca

Locals and visitors alike head for the Toro Lounge on the Lower Level, a welcome respite from the crowds at Plein Sud’s bar. Some recommend Smyth as a “perfect date night for Brooklynites”, while others head there for a girls’ night out and order the Cherry Mojitos.

4. The James Hotel

Take in sweeping views of downtown from Jimmy’s cozy, rooftop-bar-meets-speakeasy. Nevermind the pool-with-no-swimmers; dive into the seasonal cocktail menu. Tip: Try the Mexican Honey Bee and Chanel No. 9.

3. Ink48 Hotel

Housed in a former printing plant, with this relative newcomer on the Far West Side of Hell’s Kitchen, you’ve got choices to fit your mood. Sample craft cocktails and locavore small plates at Print Restaurant’s bar or the intimate, custom-designed Dens just across from the bar. Or head to Press, the rooftop bar that has “breathtaking, 360 degree views” of the NYC skyline. With a complimentary wine reception every day from 5-6 PM, what’s not to like?

2.Church Lounge at the Tribeca Grand

In the hotel’s atrium, the Lounge is inviting enough to make you want to forget the busyness of the city and linger at their long, glossy bar or in plush armchairs. It’s the perfect spot for a date, to hang with friends or to just sink into a cocktail after work or a day of retail therapy. Tip: Try the Blood and Sand.

1.The Yard at the Soho Grand

While limited to guests during the day, after 4PM this urban oasis becomes a chill hangout with great music, DJs and special film screenings. Cocktailers say the Strawberry Mojito and the Grand Margaritas are “musts”. There’s no better place to spend a summer evening, after dinner on West Broadway. Tip: Bring your pooch – dogs are welcome!

As you must already know, tomorrow (July 23rd) is National Hot Dog Day! Over here at Localicious we sincerely hope you celebrate this fine day by paying homage to the most beloved of American foods. Whether you enjoy them in the backyard, at the ballpark or at the hot dog stand down the street, you must admit that sometimes a hot dog isn’t just a hot dog. All across the country, purveyors of delicious wieners go above and beyond to deliver something truly transcendental.

Using Localicious and Foursquare we’ve calculated the 10 most popular hot dog spots in the country. If you happen to live around them, walk on in and give them a high-five for making this list of national treasures.

#10 – Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, Denver, CO

In Denver, two hot dog spots go head to head – Billy’s and Biker Jim’s. Although each has a very distinct and delicious style, only one can reign supreme.

#9 – Snoopy’s Hot Dogs, Raleigh, NC

Simple, cheap, beautiful – Snoopy’s Hot Dogs have it all. And when stumbling around at 2 am in the city of Raleigh, there’s only one place to get your late night foodie fix.

#8 – Pink’s Hot Dogs, Los Angeles, CA

Whether you love ‘em or hate em, Pink’s Hot Dogs are a force to be reckoned with. The La Brea, Los Angeles location is the first of Pink’s empire and has been feeding LA’s hot dog obsession since 1939.

#7 – Pink’s Hot Dogs, Las Vegas, NV

Like we said, Pink’s Hot Dogs are a force to be reckoned with and now they’ve captured the hearts of showgirls, penny slot-ers and bachelor party go-ers in the city of sinfully good hot dogs.

#6 – Portillo’s Hot Dogs, Chicago, IL

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Chicago, eat at Portillo’s. They are masters of the Chicago Dog, which could arguably be the best hot dog in the world.

#5 – Po Dog, Seattle, WA

Have you ever had mac & cheese on your hot dog? How about peanut putter & bananas? No? Then you clearly need to pay a little visit to Po Dog in Seattle, where the classic Seattle Dog is just the beginning.

#4 – Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace, Columbus, OH

For avid hot dog lovers, this is what you’d hope heaven would look like. Quality dogs on quality buns made in every style under the sun, including a delicious Korean Kimchi Dog. They even have an extensive list of Vegan and Vegetarian options!

#3 – Portillo’s Hot Dogs, Buena Park, CA

What can we say? Buena Park residents go nuts for those Chicago Dogs.

#2 – D’s 6-Pax & Hot Dogz, Pittsburgh, PA

With a name like D’s 6-Pax & Hot Dogz, you know exactly what to expect: booze and hot dogs. And in this crazy world, what more do you really need?

#1 – Frank Restaurant, Austin, TX

Frank is serious about hot dogs, and we say serious we mean SERIOUS. None of that funny business, just darn good artisan sausages dressed up with the classics.

Rumor has it Philadelphia is one of the funnest cities in the country. It may not be as shiny as New York or as star-studded as LA, but darn it, Philly is fun. Now, upon visiting Philadelphia for the first time you may be tempted to wait in line to see the Liberty Bell even if you’re not really sure why. That’s all good and fine, as long as you save time for local watering holes and foodie havens. Using Localicious and Foursquare we’ve complied a list of the most popular haunts in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of central Philly.

Parc

Paris in the middle of Philly? Yeah, why not. This French bistro is a pillar in Steven Starr’s culinary empire in Philadelphia and boasts both fresh Parisian cuisine and chic outdoor seating along the edges of Rittenhouse Square Park. From the omelettes to the mussels to the French onion soup, it’s impossible to go wrong at this place.

Monk’s Cafe

Little known fact – French fries actually originated in Belgium. It’s true. And Monk’s Cafe pays homage to them in the most delectable way possible. They also pay homage to the beers of the old country, and you know what they say about Belgium beers – once you go Belgium you never go Budweiser.

Village Whiskey

The ultimate foodie burgers have a home at Village Whiskey where locals can’t get enough of Jose Garces’ famous Whiskey Burgers. While $26 might seem a bit outrageous for a burger, it’s well worth it. Especially if you, like the rest of Philadelphia, love food.

Good Dog Bar and Restaurant

Good Dog Bar and Restaurant can be summed up simply as – amazing food, comfortable vibe and lots and lots of doggie pictures. It is the quintessential “fun” Philadelphia bar that absolutely will not disappoint.

BONUS

Though not located in near Rittenhouse Square, the most popular Philly cheesesteak spot is Pat’s King of Steaks. Passing this up is borderline sacrilegious.

And yes, it is always sunny in Philadelphia.

Today we’re proud and excited to launch a brand new mobile app: Localicious!

Available now as a free application for Android phones & devices, Localicious represents the first truly ‘neighborhood-aware’ mobile app, with laser-focused neighborhood search to help you find great local businesses fast.

Localicious immediately detects not just your location and city, but also the real-world neighborhood you’re in. We’ve got 80,000 neighborhoods covered, so you’re likely to be in one of them.

Then, you can enjoy all kinds of Localicious features:

· See the most popular businesses in your ‘hood: the most searched ones as well as hot spots at this very moment. Real time updates make it easy to get the pulse of what’s happening now in your locale!
· Heading out? Pick any other neighborhood – across town or across the country — and get in touch with what’s happening there. Tap to map all your nearby neighborhoods and zoom in to the business you’re looking for.
· Ever forget to check in when you go someplace new? Foursquare check-in is easier than ever now with ‘pre check-in’. Find a place in Localicious, tap the pre check-in button and….that’s it! You’ll be automatically checked in when you arrive. Skip awkward moments of fumbling for a phone or annoying your friends. Just set it and forget it!

We hope you’ll like Localicious. If you’ve ever scrolled through a list of hundreds of Starbucks or lost time trying to find the ‘right’ restaurant on 1st Avenue, you know that more is not always better. By knowing what neighborhood you’re in or about to go to, Localicious makes searching a breeze instead of a workout.

Give it a try now and download the app for free in the Android Market!

Find out more at www.local-icious.com.

Every year, Americans consume over a billion hamburgers, but only a lucky few get to experience a truly amazing burger. You know what we’re talking about. The kind of hamburger that makes you glad cows walk the earth. A burger so good you are willing to deny yourself calories all week just to splurge on one. A sandwich so scrumptious you will drive, and drive…and drive in order to get one. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, then fear not, we’ve used Localicious in relation to population size to compile a list of the 10 most downright undeniably delicious burger joints in America. Enjoy.

10. MoJoe’s Burger Joint – Raleigh, NC

$2 dollar burgers after 10pm…need we say more? Okay, how about tall boys, wings, and veggie burgers, all wrapped in a dog-friendly restaurant; yeah, that should do it.

9. Stack’d Burger -Milwaukee, WI

With beef, poultry, vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free options, we love Stack’d Burger because they cater to all of us (Isn’t that what true love is? Getting everything we want, when we demand it, without giving anything back!).

8. Burgers & Brew -Sacramento, CA

What’s better than a burger cooked to order? Banana bread beer to go with it of course, and no, we are not kidding. For those who dislike bananas, bread, or both, Burgers & Brew serves more than 75 kinds of hoppy goodness. We know because we counted!

7. Burger Bar -San Francisco, CA

Located in Macy’s, Burger Bar combines two of our favorite activities: eating and shopping. For a unique experience, ask to be seated at “the table in the window”. It’s quiet, overlooks Union Square, and is a HUGE secret, so you didn’t hear about it from us!

6. In-N-Out Burger -Santa Ana, CA

Anyone who’s familiar with the southwestern US is also probably familiar with this burger chain, their fresh, delicious food and great customer service. What they might not be familiar with is In-N-Out’s secret menu. Google it before you go. Two words: Flying Dutchman.

5. Burger Jones -Minneapolis, MN

Umm…okay, we know that it’s supposed to be about the burger, but honestly, any place that serves mojito slurpees deserves to be on every Top 10 list ever invented! Back to the burgers; try substituting your bun for grilled cheese sandwiches. You’ll thank us; your thighs?…probably not.

4. Blanc Burgers + Bottles -Kansas City, MO

Consider this the go-to place for gourmet burgers; if you’re looking for something unique, try the surf and turf burger or the inside-out burger. We know they sound different, that’s why we called them “unique”.

3. Sonic Drive-In – Anaheim, CA

Sonic is one of the last places where eating in your car is not considered sad and lonely. Drive up to a menu, order your food, and wait for the carhop to skate up with your order. You’ll be in, out, and on your way to that sock hop in no time.

2. In-N-Out Burger – Las Vegas, NV

Let’s review: Fresh, delicious, great customer service, secret menu, Flying Dutchman. But this time add VEGAS BABY! Enough said.

1. YEAH! Burger – Atlanta, GA

Customize your burger and order a brew to go with it. At YEAH! Burger, the only thing that is more tasty than their burgers and sides are the deals you’ll get by checking out the secret menu before you go.

Well there you have it, the top ten most popular burger restaurants in America. We’ve shared all of their secrets and dished (no pun intended) about their food. The only thing left for you to do is bite into the beefy, bun-wrapped goodness!

Even though Hawaii is the only state that actually grows coffee, Americans can’t seem to get enough of it. So it seemed only right that we share with you the ten most popular coffee shops in America, just in case you haven’t had your caffeine fix for the day.

10. Coffee Cartel – St. Louis, MO

Any place where we can get java 24 hours a day is okay in our book. Plus, Coffee Cartel is located in the CWE (Central West End for those of you who are not in the loop), which we’ve heard is prime people-watching real estate.

9. Beehive Coffeehouse – Pittsburgh, PA

With pinball machines, board games, vegetarian treats, and a liquor license for those of you who prefer your brews to be of a different kind, Beehive Coffeehouse is a fun and friendly place to partake of some excellent joe.

8. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – Las Vegas, NV

You’ve heard of coffee and you’ve probably also heard of tea, but we’ll bet, unless you’ve been to The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, you’ve never heard of a hot vanilla. Yep, that’s right, just like a hot chocolate, but vanilla flavored. It’s a definite game changer.

7. Bauhaus Books & Coffee – Seattle, WA

We know, when you saw Seattle, you assumed we were going to mention that coffee chain that shall remain nameless. The truth is Bauhaus beat out the competition hands down. Check it out, and bring Fifi with you, because they’re dog friendly!

6. Morning Times – Raleigh, NC

Homemade mocha syrup…Did we just blow your mind? Well, the only thing that will repair the damage is to get to Morning Times and try it for yourself.

5. Echo Coffee – Scottsdale, AZ

Don’t make us repeat ourselves (unfortunately that horrible pun was intended); Echo Coffee actually roasts their coffee beans on site, and you can watch. We doubt you’ll find coffee fresher than that.

4. Alterra Coffee – Milwaukee, WI

Let’s do some word association. When we say, “Coffee and…”, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? If you said breakfast burritos, then you are 100% correct. Yeah, we know the combination doesn’t match, but try the burritos anyway. You won’t be sorry.

3. Coffee Emporium – Cincinnati, OH

We love Coffee Emporium because they offer books to read if you want to stay; but if you really must run, they’ll give you a discount on your order if you bring your own travel mug. It pays to be green.

2. Blue Bottle Café – San Francisco, CA

In addition to getting a caffeine fix, we also got an education at the Blue Bottle Café. Gather ten of your friends and you can arrange a tour and coffee tasting. Learn about the brew methods and coffee beans from around the world. It’s perfect for anyone who aspires to be a coffee snob, but doesn’t know where to start.

1. Octane Coffee – Atlanta, GA

Latte art, espresso martinis, and book cubbies under your seats; Octane coffee has thought of EVERYTHING and it has made them number one.

We coffee-lovers take our drink of choice very seriously, and the ten coffee shops on this list understand. So the next time you feel yourself shuffling around in a decaffeinated haze, just pick a spot on this list and go. It’ll be worth the travel time, trust us!

We all know the feeling – you’re hungry in a new city or neighborhood, and wander into a big flashy restaurant that is quite obviously a tourist trap.  It doesn’t feel good.  Especially when you know there’s better food around… but where?

Good thing Localicious is launching next week so you’ll never have that problem again.  We make it super easy to quickly find great places to eat, drink and play in thousands of neighborhoods across the county.  And to prove it, we’ve used our Localicious superpowers to devise a handy guide of must-hit haunts in dozens of major neighborhoods.

Our first installment starts in the neighborhoods of Downtown and Belltown in the city of Seattle.  These two neighborhoods have literally hundreds and hundreds of restaurants, but there are just a few standouts that the locals go gaga over.

For Breakfast: Lola

Lola is the first of two Tom Douglas restaurants on this list because he’s just that good.  This Mediterranean inspired treasure serves up mind-boggling breakfasts that you won’t come close to anywhere else.  Tip: Try Tom’s Big Breakfast with braised octopus.

For Lunch: Piroshky Piroshky

As a tourist you’ll no doubt be spending most of your day at Pike Place Market, but don’t be lured in by uber touristy spots with overpriced food.  Instead, head for the Bourdain favorite, Piroshky Piroshky, where locals and tourists alike line up, rain or more rain, for those flaky, buttery pockets of pleasure.  Tip: Beef and Cheese. Period.

For Dinner: Serious Pie

Serious Pie is seriously popular because Tom Douglas is a serious genius.  These Seattle-style pizzas are a bit pricey but those blistered crusts and farm fresh toppings are beyond worth it.  Tip: Get there early because this place has serious lines.

For Happy Hour:  Umi Sake House

Umi’s is a Belltown institution for sake, Sapporo and sushi loving locals.  Although there are probably better Japanese restaurants in Seattle, none come close to the consistent, lively atmosphere that keeps patrons pouring hour after hour, year after year.  Tip: Plan your day around their Happy Hour hours.

For Drinks: Shorty’s

Shorty’s, the mecca for local bike messengers and pinball wizards, is a classic Belltown bar. Embrace the hyper-local vibe of 2^nd Ave with an Oly (Olympia Beer), a Shorty Dog and be prepared to drop some serious quarters into dozens of pinball machines spanning decades. Tip: Check out the Trophy Room in the back (open from Wed to Sun).