Christopher Osburn

While California is renowned for its breakfast burritos, sourdough bread, fish tacos and the aptly named California roll, it’s also known for its burger prowess, and one fast-food chain is renowned beyond the "Golden State" borders. Of course, we're talking about arguably the most popular burger chain in the state, In-N-Out Burger. But, while patty-loving patrons clamor for the brand's juicy double cheeseburgers and "animal style" fries, according to USA Today readers, In-N-Out isn't even the best burger joint in the state.  RECOMMENDED: The best burgers in Los Angeles, for whenever you’re flat-out craving some flat-top comfort There's another lesser-known Cali-based burger chain that's not only making a superior burger but also apparently making the best burger in the country. (Yes, you read that right.) As part of USA Today's Readers' Choice 2025 Awards, Habit Burger & Grill's Double Char was named the best burger in the entire United States, although In-N-Out did make the list at number four overall.  The Double Char is as classic as burgers get. There's no random barbecue sauce, onion rings, or overly hot jalapeno slices—instead, it's made up of two chargrilled beef patties, a smattering of caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. What doesn't it include? Cheese. It's so flavorful, it doesn't even need it. (You can add it, though, if you want to.) Other burgers that made the top ten include the Double Meat Whataburger, the Burger King W

When it comes to food and drink-related terms, there are few worlds better than "unlimited". We love unlimited beer, cheeseburgers, French fries, hot dogs, almost anything, and it's especially true when it comes to sushi. If afforded the opportunity, we could eat our weight in spicy tuna rolls. Sushi fans will be excited to learn that this dream is about to become a reality: Sushi-Con is returning to New York City again this fall, and it's bigger and better than in years past. RECOMMENDED: The 13 best sushi restaurants in NYC, including old-school tasting menus and affordable newcomers Last year, with more than 1,700 attendees, the event was so popular that it only makes sense that organizers have extended it to two full days for the 2025 installment. Sushi-Con will take place on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 at Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 West 18th St. Hosted by True World Group and Noble Fresh Cart, the event will feature global food exhibitors, sushi and other raw-fish fare from renowned chefs, and more than forty exhibitors and high-end restaurants. The best part? Just like at previous Sushi-Cons, guests are treated to unlimited (yes, you read that right) sushi tastings of primo salmon, yellowtail, sea bream, sea urchin, bluefin tuna and more. But if "surf and turf" is your thing, you won't be left out—the event also features other Japanese foods, including Wagyu beef, as well as matcha teas, exotic fruits (crown melon, yuzu citrus) and more. While all-yo

If you think that you have to hop on a flight to Los Angeles to get some classic West Coast tacos in your belly, think again. A popular L.A.-based taqueria is opening in New York City this week: It’s called Tacos 1986, and it’s set to open on Thursday, July 24 in the West Village. Originally started as a taqueria stand in Hollywood in 2018, Tacos 1986 was named as one of Eater’s best new restaurants in 2019. It continued to gain in popularity, and now there are eight locations in the Los Angeles area. The new taco restaurant will be one section of a three-part complex, which also features two bars (the agave bar Mixteca and the soon-to-open Kees) and is located at 1 Cornelia Street. Run by Please Don’t Tell owner Jeff Bell and co-owned by Tijuana-born Victor Delgado and Jorge “Joy” Alvarez-Tostado, the restaurant will feature tacos from that Baja city.  RECOMMENDED: This wildly creative Michelin-recognized taquería from Mexico City just landed in NYC The menu is built on the seemingly simple (but incredibly flavorful) combination of grilled meat layered in handmade corn and flour tortillas; guests can choose between carne asada (steak), adobada (thin-cut adobo-marinated pork), chicken or a meat-free mushroom option. Along with traditional tacos, there are also mulitas (a hybrid of the taco and quesadilla), vampiros (a mix between a tostada and a quesadilla), and classic quesadillas.  The collaborations between Bell and Delgado and Alvarez-Tostado began when the trio worked to

If your only reference to babka is from an episode of Seinfeld or as a sweet treat from your local bakery, that's about to change. Famed local bakery Breads Bakery is opening a new kiosk in Brooklyn Bridge Park,and their celebratory new babka has nothing to do with chocolate, cinnamon, or Jerry and Elaine going to a dinner party. It does feature the iconic pastry, though, just in a much different form than you're probably used to: It's called Babka Pizza, and it's all about babka dough, melted mozzarella cheese, and flavorful, zesty tomato sauce. Breads Bakery's first location in Brooklyn will be found at the entrance to the park, at the intersection of Fulton and Furman Streets. This new kiosk will also offer sandwiches, pastries, salads, and coffee, but it will emphasize the unique pizza. What could be better than taking a leisurely walk through the park or across the Brooklyn Bridge with a mouth-watering slice of 'za in your hand? We can't think of anything. RECOMMENDED: Brooklyn Bridge Park announces its 15th anniversary summer programming calendar Photograph: Courtesy Breads BakeryBabka pizza from Breads Bakery Opening Thursday, July 24, the folks at Breads Bakery didn't want to simply open another bakery. Instead, they wanted to pay tribute to the rich history of Brooklyn pizza. The borough is world-famous for its popular, award-winning pizza parlors, so it only made sense to add to that legacy with a spot of their own offering a unique twist. Fans of Breads Bakery's

Fans of mouth-watering grilled meats, pastas, and fresh seafood will have a new destination to visit in Coral Gables beginning today, July 23. The Gioia Hospitality Group are officially opening the doors to Daniel’s Miami, a modern steakhouse from the team behind Michelin Guide-recommended Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse, one of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Located at 1500 San Ignacio Avenue, in the former Fiola Miami space (featuring the same team behind that restaurant), Daniel’s Miami will offer a menu that includes a sourced steak program, local seafood, and house-made pastas in an elegant, comfortable European-style setting. Photograph: Courtesy Daniel's MiamiDaniel's Miami Photograph: Courtesy Daniel's MiamiDaniel's Miami RECOMMENDED: The best steakhouses in Miami to totally splurge—or keep it low key “We’ve been fortunate to build a loyal following in Fort Lauderdale, including many Miami guests who have asked for a Daniel’s experience closer to home,” Fiola Miami founder Thomas Angelo said in a press release. “Daniel’s Miami will answer that call in a fresh, yet familiar space, with an exceptional menu, and the same incredible team our guests have come to know.” Unsurprisingly, Daniel’s Miami’s menu is heavy on steak. This includes premium cuts like Australian-sourced Stone Axe Wagyu and a tableside Wagyu prime rib from Strube Ranch in Texas. In addition to the beef-based options, the menu also features fresh seafood, including whole Dover sole, branzin

There are few foods more synonymous with summer than a classic, meaty hot dog. Rivaling the iconic s’mores, corn on the cob, and lobster rolls on the Mount Rushmore of summer foods, the hot dog is a staple from backyard barbecues to a day at the ballpark. And whether you prefer it deep fried, grilled, or boiled, today is its day in the proverbial sun. That’s because it’s National Hot Dog Day! Regardless of if you prefer your frank on its own in a toasted New England-style bun or slathered with everything from spicy mustard to zippy relish to chili and cheese, there are “snappy” deals aplenty today to celebrate this unrivaled salty, savory summer food and you don’t have to be Joey Chestnut to take advantage of them. Keep scrolling to see some of the best glizzy deals (including some freebies). Free Hot dogs for National Hot dog Day: Best Deals in the U.S. 7-Eleven If you’re stopping into your neighborhood 7-Eleven for a Slurpee today, members of its 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty programs can grab Big Bite hot dogs for only $2 through July 22nd. Circle K To celebrate National Hot Dog Day, Circle K is offering two roller grill hot dogs for only $1 using the Circle K app. Dog Haus Dog Haus is celebrating both National Hot Dog Day and its 15th anniversary. Members of its Haus Rewards loyalty program can get one free hot dog today. Love's Travel Stops To celebrate the holiday, Love’s Travel Stops is giving away free hot dogs through Friday. Simply use the Love's Connect App t

If you're anything like us, the summer temperatures have started to get to you. Luckily, Smorgasburg L.A. has a great way to beat the heat. Usually, the popular open-air food market is home to favorites like Cena Vegan, Daddy's Chicken Shack, Black Sugar Ribs Co and Baohaus. Now, it's ice cream's time to shine. Savory, umami and salty food aside, Smorgasburg at ROW DTLA just became ice cream central. This popular food venue is in the midst of a yearly event for Angelenos who enjoy creamy frozen treats. Running now through August 31, Smorgasburg L.A. is home to Ice Cream Alley. "Every year since we opened in 2016, Smorgasburg has celebrated summer by creating a special area of our market dedicated to sweet frozen treats," Zach Brooks, general manager of Smorgasburg L.A., said in a press release. Initially, the event was a National Ice Cream Day event, but it was so popular that it was turned into a two-month-long summertime pop-up that runs through Labor Day Weekend. The lineup includes the food venues' full-time frozen treat vendors as well as special guests. RECOMMENDED: The best ice cream in Los Angeles You'll have to visit Ice Cream Alley in the next few weeks if you want to try some of the guest vendors, including 626 Hospitality Group, with its chef-driven soft serve; Lefty Gelateria, with its small-batch gelato from Michelin-awarded chef Suyoung Park; Pampas Heladas Argentinos, with its artisanal Argentinian Helados; and the wildly popular Mateo's Ice Cream & Fruit Bars

In the words of LL Cool J: “Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years.” Even though KFC has been here for as long as any of us can remember—75 years to be exact—the iconic fast-food chain has decided that now is the perfect time for a “comeback”. In an effort to get new customers and bring back old fans of Colonel Sanders’s fried chicken featuring his “legendary blend of 11 herbs and spices”, the timeless chain is offering guests a free bucket of its crispy, savory fried chicken. That’s right, not just one wing or breast—an entire free bucket. RECOMMENDED: Satisfy your craving for crispy wings and spicy drumsticks at the best fried chicken restaurants in America The Kentucky Fried Chicken folks are referring to it as a “Free Bucket on Us,” a deal that gets you a free eight-piece bucket of Original Recipe fried chicken or tenders with a $15 or more purchase made through the KFC app or on KFC.com. (The offer must be redeemed prior to checkout.) After you get your bucket, all they ask is that you try the chicken, tell them what you think about it, and do your part to help with the brand’s comeback. "We're well aware of the latest fried chicken rankings and I'm fired up to launch a bold Kentucky Fried Comeback and remind America exactly who we are. If people can give their ex a million second chances, I hope our fans can give us one," Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President, KFC U.S. said in a press release.  "By listening to our customers and addressing feedback, we'll recla

If you missed the news, Sunday, July 20 is National Ice Cream Day—it's the day we celebrate all things related to that creamy, dreamy dessert. It's also the perfect day to eat your weight in ice cream cones, cups, and fudge-covered, cherry-crowned sundaes.  But not everyone can handle all that dairy. We definitely don't want to leave our lactose intolerant friends out and, luckily, KIND Snacks has them covered, too. They've decided that in addition to traditional ice cream, the day is an excellent time for plant-based frozen bars, too. In an effort to raise awareness of its KIND Frozen bar line, the brand is launching a one-day pop-up on July 20th to celebrate the summeriest of dessert-themed holidays. RECOMMENDED: 11 best ice cream shops in NYC, including modern parlors and long-time frozen favorites Fans of frozen treats can find the pop-up this Sunday at 181 Mulberry Street in Soho from 12 to 5 p.m. Not only will KIND be offering guests a chance to try its new KIND Frozen bars for free, but it will also have onsite brand engagement and summer swag giveaways aplenty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KIND Snacks (@kindsnacks) The party isn't solely onsite in Soho, though. KIND is also offering social media giveaways on its Instagram account from now through July 21st, featuring a year's supply of KIND Frozen bars and a branded cooler to store all of your free treats in. As a bit of background, KIND frozen Bars are a welcome respite from

Since 1900, the Michelin Guides, have been the pinnacle of the restaurant critique world—its name carries a lot of weight, pun intended. Published by the French tire company Michelin, this elite company awards up to three Michelin stars for culinary excellence, making membership a big deal. And as of today, July 16, the Michelin Guide has welcomed a new crop of acclaimed eateries to its 2025 selection of restaurants, including a handful of new standouts from New York City. RECOMMENDED: The 34 best restaurants in NYC right now, including dazzling newcomers and familiar favorites It should be noted that, when reviewing restaurants, Michelin restaurant inspectors pay no heed to the décor, table settings, or even the quality of service. They do look at the quality of the ingredients used to make the dishes, the mastery of the flavor palate and cooking techniques, the amount of the chef's personality found in the fare, the harmony of the flavors, and the consistency of the product based on multiple visits. All in all, they take selection very seriously. And that selection includes some seriously good New York restaurants: joining 16 other local restos that joined the Michelin Guide earlier this year (including Cafe Commerce, Crane Club and Smithereens) are 14 fresh additions including Yemenat, a "cozy, family-style spot" serving Yemeni cuisine in Bay Ridge ("Dining here is more than just a meal; it's a soul-nourishing experience," reports the Guide); Hungry Thirsty, a southern Tha

When it comes to sweet, frozen treats, the most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us—and no, we’re not talking about Christmas in July. We’re talking about National Ice Cream Day, which this year falls on Sunday, July 20. And to celebrate, Salt & Straw—the famed Portland, Oregon creamery that has locations on the Upper West Side and the West Village—isn’t just doing one day of creamy desserts this year. Instead, it’s hosting a whole festive week with a slew of special promotions, new menu items and, yes, free ice cream. RECOMMENDED: 11 best ice cream shops in NYC, from modern parlors to long-time frozen favorites From Monday, July 14 to Sunday, July 20, Salt & Straw will announce specials throughout the week in-store and online, including perks such as complimentary scoops for kids and free waffle cones daily (for those who enter their email and sign up for the Salt & Straw app). The parlor's National Ice Cream Week programming kicks off on Monday, July 14 with its new topping lineup, featuring a chocolate sauce made from Heirloom Peruvian organic cacao and organic cacao butter, Colombian sugar dark with molasses, and Himalayan pink salt. Other new garnishes include marionberry coulis, candied cocoa nibs, chocolate granola, and wild Italian Amarena cherries slow cooked in copper pots, guaranteed to add a sweet and tart kick to your ice cream sundae. Friday, July 18 sees the launch of the brand's new Strawberry Shortcake Waffle Cone. Guests can order their favorite ic

Summer in New York is about to get a lot more exciting, especially along the water: On July 17th, the Grand Banks crew is opening The Yacht Club, a 20,000 square-foot, two-floor seafood and nightlife destination docked right along the Hudson in Chelsea. Where would you rather be on a humid summer day than having raw oysters and refreshing cocktails overlooking Manhattan's westside waters? RECOMMENDED: The 18 best waterfront restaurants in NYC for top-notch views Founded in 2014, the maritime-themed hospitality group Crew is the brainchild of brothers-slash-sailors Alex and Miles Pincus. The aptly named Yacht Club is far from the duo's first foray into the world of seafood restaurants—they already own and operate nautical numbers including Pilot, Drift In, High Tide, Island Oyster, Holywater and the aforementioned Grand Banks.  Photograph: Marcus LloydThe Yacht Club You don't have to own an over-the-top boat or even enjoy the music of smooth, mellow yacht rock greats like Hall & Oats and Toto to enjoy the seafaring vibes at The Yacht Club. You simply need to have an affinity for fresh, flavorful seafood and a fun drinks list. Chef Andres Grundy (formerly of L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Raoul's) curated and created the food menu, which includes maritime snacks like shrimp cocktail, ceviche and both raw and prepared oysters (caviar topped, Creole buttered and so on) as well as more substantial fare including seared Montauk tilefish with summer corn bisque, lumache with littl