Reviews for non-ramen restaurants are listed by type here, with mention of their notable dish(es) or tasting notes.  

In cases where a restaurant falls into a number of categories (e.g. a South Asian food truck), it’ll appear in its dominant category on this page, but will also appear under “food truck” in the category sidebar.

Barbecue

  • Pecan Lodge: A fuller menu exploration needed, but The Pitmaster sandwich (brisket, pulled pork, sausage) and brisket are both terrific. (Highly Recommended, Dallas)
  • Terry Black’s BBQ (Dallas): Dallas location of the Austin original. Jalapeno sausage is tops, brisket and green beans are worth it as well. Be sure to do a pit tour/chat up one of the pitmen. (Highly Recommended, Dallas)

Breakfast/Brunch

  • Hen Mother Cookhouse: Unique additions to the standard brunch menu, but the shakshouka is just straight-up different. (Recommended, Atlanta)
  • The Pig and Pastry: Amusing, creative, and delicious renditions of breakfast plates built around eggs, portobello mushrooms, and crusty bread. Don’t forget the pastries. (Highly Recommended, York UK)

Chinese

  • Noodle Topia: Freshly-made hand-pulled noodles and dough by chefs from Shandong.  Get anything with noodles and flour in it. (Recommended, Columbus)
  • Xi Xia Western Chinese Cuisine: Simple but distinct Western Chinese flavors paired with Lanzhou-style noodles. Get anything with noodles in there. (Highly Recommended, Columbus)

Japanese

  • Teshigotoya Sakura: Cafeteria to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.  Open to public, similar to most cafeterias.  Serves whale.  (Neutral, Tokyo)

Indian

  • Curry Up Indian Grill: Indian fast casual with rotating curry options; also ask which Indian street food is being tried out that week. (Highly Recommended, Columbus)
  • Karachi Broast & Grill (Marietta): Get the chicken broast and the karahi chicken, even if the latter isn’t “authentic.” (Recommended, Atlanta)

Taqueria

  • 440 Broadway: Original truck outside of National Azabu market. Slightly Chipotle-esque, but the best option for taqueria in Tokyo. Get the fish taco. (Recommended, Tokyo, Minato)
  • Chilangos Tacos: Get the Costra, preferably with either campechano or al pastor (Recommended, Dallas)

Tonkatsu

  • Enraku: A no-drama tonkatsu shop with minimal lines thanks to its location.  The hire (filet) tonkatsu is excllent. Also includes katsudon and curry katsu. (Highly Recommended, Tokyo, Ota)