Lauren Rothman

We love a good theme restaurant. America, fortunately, knows how to deliver. From the bright lights of Vegas to the sunny coasts of Florida, you’ll find plenty of kitschy dinner experiences that’re worthy of a road trip or three. After all, there’s nothing like having a model train deliver your double-stack cheeseburger (we’re looking at you, Fritz’s) or eating in a converted KC-97 U.S. Air Force tanker (fittingly called, The Airplane Restaurant) to help you tap into your inner child.   We’re not alone, though. Just ask the Matt Parker and Trey Stone, the creators of South Park. They bought Colorado’s beloved Casa Bonita and restored it to all of its whimsical glory—mariachis, magicians, cliff divers, and all. But it’s not the only themed restaurant you’ll find on this list. All you need is a car and a hearty appetite to experience the best themed restaurants in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The best fast food restaurants in the U.S.

Zoos provide an amazing chance to connect with wildlife and develop empathy. Who can’t be moved to protect wildlife after watching newborn lemurs energetically play with each other? Or after seeing the placid stare of a tiger or pop-up nature of the prairie dogs? Zoos let us see animals that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to see without traveling across the world, and most zoos do their best to provide habitats that give animals humane treatment and a safe place to roam with as much space as possible. Often, the funds raised by zoos can pay for captive breeding programs that protect endangered species. There are even some species that are extinct in the wild but still living within zoos, such as the Przewalski's horse (can be found in the San Francisco Zoo, among others), Père David's deer (can be found in the Bronx Zoo and others) and the Guam kingfisher (can be found in the St. Louis Zoo and others). Here are the best zoos in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The best outdoor adventures in the U.S.🌍 The best camping in the U.S.

True to its never-sleep tagline, NYC nightlife offerings dazzle in their diversity: Lucky denizens can prowl from bespoke cocktail bars in NYC to bass-throbbing clubs. There’s also theater, movies, ballet and opera, but if you’re looking to spice up your after-hours routine, why not go for something a little different—something, dare we say, a little naughtier? Scope out a burlesque show from our list of favorites, all of which combine wit and invention with good old-fashioned T ’n’ A .

Most trips to the Pacific Northwest stop or end in Seattle, and for good reason. The home of grunge is an indie darling packed with incredible restaurants, so many things to do and a list of attractions that call for more than a quick weekend getaway. The next question on your mind must be: Where do I stay? Let’s talk options: From luxury chains to hip boutique properties to historical accommodations, there’s a Seattle hotel that’s right for you. Your search for somewhere to lay your head down (preferably on a soft, fluffy pillow) starts here with our list of the best hotels in Seattle from Downtown to Belltown and beyond.RECOMMENDED: Rent one of the best Airbnbs in SeattleHead to the best bars in SeattleVisit the best parks in SeattleCheck out the best cheap hotels in Seattle Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Seattle, the alternative darling of the Pacific Northwest, has plenty to offer visitors: great eats at the best restaurants in Seattle, killer attractions and activities (check our guide to the best things to do in Seattle) and much, much more. A visit to this fun-packed city merits at least a few-day stay, but sometimes the best hotels in Seattle are just a little too pricy for budget-conscious tourists. Wallet feeling a little slim? No worries: Check out our recommendations for the best cheap hotels in the city, from Downtown to Belltown and beyond. RECOMMENDED: 🚤The best houseboat and waterfront Airbnbs in Seattle🌲The best treehouse Airbnbs in Seattle🏨See the best hotels in Seattle Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

We enjoy a Michelin-starred restaurant as much as the next foodie. But for a dish to be fantastic, it doesn’t have to be pricy. In fact, we love the treasure hunt of finding something really special, crafted with care and a love of fresh ingredients, for a surprisingly low cost. Every item on this list of the best cheap eats in the U.S. falls under $15: hard to find, but not impossible—and none comes from a fast-food spot. They come from all over the country, so hopefully, you aren’t far from one of these restaurants serving something tasty and affordable. And if you are, mark down these cheap food favorites as part of your travel plans. Enjoy!

All the meditations, yoga classes, reiki healing and spa appointments in the world couldn’t feed your soul the way a weekend getaway with your best girlfriends can. And while a coffee meetup or night out in your hometowns can briefly scratch the itch, the fantasy of ditching your day-to-day responsibilities and experiencing a new place with your favorite ladies is an ailment that can only be cured once seated on a plane—together. Whether you’re all into witchy new age things, winery hopping, exploring quaint Southern towns, or you want to hit a big city in your finest fits, the United States has no shortage of ideas for the perfect girls' weekend getaway. Don’t wait until someone gets you a ring to plan something; we’re here to help you take that idea out of the group chat and into the core memory book. Someone launch the Splitwise, start the shared album, and coordinate the Canvas mood board for outfits. Here are the best places in America for your ultimate girls' weekend getaway. RECOMMENDED: Awesome bachelorette party destinations in America

The bachelor party is an American male rite of passage, a time-honored tradition that’s about as subtle as a guy in rented tuxedo shoes doing the worm at the reception. Without proper planning, the final send-off might feel more like a typical Tuesday night at that corner bar with worn carpet and lukewarm Hot Pockets (I speak from experience, Frazier’s). Luckily, the options for an epic destination bachelor party in the U.S. are endless: classic debauchery in Vegas, outdoor escapades in Lake Tahoe, or perhaps bourbon-soaked nights in New Orleans. Whether your crew is looking for wild nights out, low-key bonding or activities that justify getting approval from work and home, we’ve got the best cities for a bachelor party in America. From the usual suspects to unexpected gems, this guide ensures the groom’s last hurrah is one to remember—or not, depending on how the night goes. RECOMMENDED: The bachelorette party destinations in the U.S. 

Waffles have long been the ultimate shape-shifters of the culinary world. Slather them with butter and syrup and call them breakfast. Add fried chicken, and suddenly, they’re brunch. Put a smashburger between them and, let’s be honest, you’re probably quite high. Here’s the thing about waffles: they’re dependable and versatile, and, gummies or not, they just might be the star of any table from sun-up to well past closing time. This is perhaps why Americans now prefer waffles over pancakes, according to a survey by First Watch (which is awesomely named The Brunch Report). Whether you’re hunting for a classic Belgian or some new waffle creation, these are America’s top restaurants where the waffle magic happens. RECOMMENDED: The best fast food breakfasts in AmericaThe best items on the IHOP menu

While summer vacations get the spotlight, winter getaways deserve some serious love. We can learn a thing or two from snowbirds who flock to warmer weather when winter rolls in—when we so desperately need an escape from the daily grind. Perhaps you'd prefer to ditch the cold weather altogether and flock to the beaches of California, Florida, or Hawaii—or maybe you want to embrace the charm of the season with a cozy cabin retreat or a ski-filled weekend. Either way, if you're looking for some inspiration on where to spend your PTO this winter, we've got you covered with some of the best destinations around the country.

I was once on a barbecue team that competed in the Kansas State Championship, and I am proud to report that the judges awarded me the 41st best pulled pork out of about 300 entries. I realize that reliving my past near-glories puts me in Uncle Rico territory. But I say this more to make a point of my barbecue obsession, right down to smoke rings and regional dry rubs and the age-old sauce debate (Memphis molasses sauce, please). This explains why I’ve been able to compile this list below of America’s best barbecue. I'm an expert, obviously. From the long-smoked brisket of central Texas to the whole hog majesty of the Carolinas, this is where to find the best barbecue restaurants in America. RECOMMENDED: The toughest reservations in America—and how to get them

The Washington Monument, the Empire State Building, the Willis Tower—these buildings aren't just famous in America but recognized and beloved worldwide. Whether you’re into history and architecture or not so much, it's hard to deny how cool some of America’s most famous monuments and buildings are.  From the monuments of D.C. to Texas football stadiums, we have rounded up our absolute favorite American buildings that host hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. No matter which part of the country, you won't be far from one of these iconic landmarks.  RECOMMENDED:🏰 Must-see castles in America⛰️ Most beautiful cities in the U.S.🚉 Most beautiful train stations in the U.S.🧳 The best US weekend getaways for 2023🛝 The best water parks in the USA

What you lose in time driving from this Red Roof Inn to the beachfront—about a 20-minute journey—you’ll gain in savings on extremely reasonable room rates. Featuring an outdoor pool, free parking and free coffee in the lobby all day long, the hotel should be particularly attractive to pet owners: four-legged friends stay free. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary in design, with flatscreen TVs, microwaves and mini-fridges. Arriving to and departing from the property is a breeze: Norfolk International Airport is just a two-mile drive away.

Located just a couple of blocks from the boardwalk and beachfront, this La Quinta property is an excellent choice for an affordable Virginia Beach stay. For a budget option, the hotel offers a surprising number of amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and one free parking space per room. Spacious rooms and suites feature colorful contemporary decor, flatscreen TVs with 30 HD channels, and microwaves, mini-fridges and coffeemakers. At the free daily breakfast, look for the popular make-your-own-waffle station.

Situated just a few blocks from the beachfront and from Neptune’s Park and other downtown attractions, this reasonably priced hotel offers great value for Virginia Beach vacationers. Spacious guestrooms feature linoleum tiled floors, dark wood furniture and plush white bedding, with in-room coffeemakers, refrigerators and microwaves, plus a flatscreen television. The Wi-Fi is fast, the parking is free, and there’s a spacious outdoor pool.

Located a 20-minute drive from the beach, this bright, modern Best Western property passes on the savings of a slight inconvenience. Rooms are neat, with cheery brick-toned walls and colorful bedding, and offer fast, free Wi-Fi, cable television and a refrigerator. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and offers a complimentary full breakfast each morning, and is just a 10-minute drive from Norfolk International Airport.

Located right on the beach, this Econo Lodge property boasts clean, comfortable guestrooms with ocean views best taken in from the private balconies. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a free continental breakfast, free garage parking and an indoor heated pool for when the ocean’s just a bit too chilly. Inside your room, find comfy plush bedding, a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and 32-inch flatscreen television.

Located smack dab on the north side of the beach and just a few blocks from Neptune’s Park, this affordable hotel is a favorite among budget-conscious beachgoers. Amenities include a refreshing outdoor pool, fast, free Wi-Fi hotel-wide, and one free parking space per room reservation. Clean, brightly appointed guestrooms feature 39-inch flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers, and each has a private balcony. Save a few extra dollars by opting for a street-facing room.

Located a 20-minute drive from the beach, this clean and accommodating hotel is a great option for visitors who don’t require an oceanfront room. Offering fast, free Wi-Fi, a 24/7 guest laundry facility and excellent customer service, the hotel is made up exclusively of suites that sleep one to four guests. Fully equipped in-room kitchens, with full-sized refrigerators, cooktops and microwaves help guests save some extra bucks by cooking in the room instead of dining out. For the most economical vacation, take advantage of WoodSpring’s excellent extended-stay rates.

Though it’s nice to be right on the ocean, a great way to save some extra dough while vacationing in Virginia Beach is to book a hotel located a little bit further out from the action. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the beach from this hospitable Red Roof location, which is well worth it when you factor in the savings. Just a five-mile drive from Norfolk International Airport, the hotel features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a free parking spot per room reservation. Comfortable modern rooms include 37-inch flatscreen TVs, and there’s free, fresh-brewed coffee available in the lobby around the clock.

At this dim sum house from Ed Schoenfeld and Joe Ng, dumpling devotees can find signature plates and Asian-inflected fare that, while wildly inventive, relies on classical Chinese technique. The soup dumplings are an absolute must-order, packed with pork and crab in a rich, flavorful broth.

You can’t beat the location of this budget-friendly hotel, right on the boardwalk with full view of the ocean. Guests can choose between poolside rooms and those with a view of the water, the latter equipped with private balconies. In addition to the outdoor pool, amenities include onsite parking, a free daily breakfast and fast, reliable Wi-Fi.

Located right on the ocean on the south side of Virginia Beach, this affordable hotel is a longtime favorite among vacationers. With a retro exterior hiding a recently redone interior, the 19 Atlantic offers an expansive rooftop deck, free guest parking and complimentary coffee in the library. The hotel’s 68 guestrooms are colorfully decorated and outfitted with 32-inch flatscreen TVs, microwaves and mini-fridges, and stock Bath and Body Works toiletries in the bathrooms.

Guests love this perfectly located budget hotel, situated right on the ocean towards the north end of Virginia Beach. Access to the water couldn’t be easier, but relaxing in the hotel also has its draws, including a spacious outdoor pool and sundeck plus private oceanfront balconies attached to each guestroom. All the hotel’s room are two-room suites with a separate bedroom and living room, plus a fully stocked kitchenette that makes it easy to prepare meals in the room. The whole hotel boasts fast, free Wi-Fi, and each room reservation also receives a free parking spot.

The much-looked-forward-to Vendy Awards are coming right up—this summer’s food truck festivities will be held on Governors Island on September 16. The full list of finalists is all in, including Bad Hombres, a new taco truck category, and, of course, the coveted Vendy Cup. Before the coming food festivities, indulge your salivary glands with this list of the finalists in those categories, plus the trucks facing off in the Best Market Vendor, Best Dessert Vendor and Rookie of the Year categories. Vendy Cup finalists:Big Brother’s Delicious FoodDF NigerianAnton’s DumplingsAdel’s No. 1 Bad Hombres (Y Mujeres) finalists:Born & RaisedEl Rey Del SaborEl Toro RojoLos Viajeros Best Market Vendor finalists:Jhal NYCJoonWhat’s the DillazThe Malaysian ProjectTramezzini NYC Best Dessert Vendor finalists:The Crepes TruckDulcinea ChurrosJean NYC cakesMoon ManSweet Zahra Rookie of the Year finalists:Momo BrosKelvinsHarajuku Sushi and CrepeWarung RoadsideStuf’d

All summer long, street food aficionados await the city’s annual celebration of the excellent fare slung by carts and trucks throughout the five boroughs: the Vendy Awards. Held each year on Governors Island, 2017’s 13th-annual event brings together mobile food artisans serving specialties all stripes, from Venetian stuffed sandwiches to fragrant Persian “love cake,” before crowning a winner in categories including Rookie of the Year and best taco truck. The action kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, September 16, so grab a ticket now and indulge in our picks for the most original dishes, detailed below. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the Vendy Awards Jhal NYC A post shared by Jhal NYC (@jhalnyc) on Jun 30, 2017 at 9:18am PDT Bengali pride is an essential ingredient in the cuisine of Jhal, which employs Bengali women—mostly stay-at-home mothers—to craft subtly spicy snacks like fuchka, fried flour shells stuffed with chickpeas and potatoes and topped with chilies, cilantro, sev (crunchy chickpea-flour noodles) and tangy tamarind sauce. Joon A post shared by Joon (@joon_rice) on Jul 14, 2017 at 7:24am PDT Popularizing the underrepresented fare of Iran is the mission of Joon, run by Jessica Spiegel and Amir Alerasoul. The vendor specializes in the craveable crispy rice known as tahdig topped with a variety of savory stews, from pomegranate-chicken to turmeric beef Momo Bros A post shared by Momo Bros (@momobrosnyc) on May 1, 2017 at 9:12am PDT Founded last y

When it comes to tasty, authentic Mexican food, NYC is no Los Angeles, but we’ve still got easy access to pretty delicious burritos, quesadillas and tacos. That’s why, as a rule, we Gothamites avoid international chain Taco Bell like the plague, or, more aptly put, like the stomach flu its mushy, cheesy menu items are likely to induce. But the Bell continues to do its best to lure in new customers, most recently with a strange, tortilla-free new dish they’re calling the Naked Egg Taco. Crafted, apparently, for haters of corn and flour (or perhaps for the gluten- and carb-free set), the weird-looking breakfast “taco” fills a folded fried egg with crispy potatoes, cheese and the diner’s choice of bacon or sausage, all for just $1.99. The bizarre offering will be available a la carte at Taco Bell locations beginning August 31, but New Yorkers who simply can’t wait a couple of weeks to try the snack can get their fix on Thursday by reserving a seat at Taco Bell’s “Bell & Breakfast” event. Running in a SoHo event space, the breakfast, available for reservation through OpenTable, will feature the weirdo taco as well as other, as-yet-unannounced oddities. Thrill-seekers, look no further.

When it comes to indulging one’s sweet tooth, it’s not always easy to decide on a treat. That’s why hybrid desserts are so great. Not sure whether you’re in the mood for a croissant or a donut? Go for a Cronut! Can’t choose between a donut and ice cream? Grab a combo ice cream sandwich. And, on Friday, LES soft serve favorite Soft Swerve will fulfill both ice cream and cupcake cravings in a single go with an enticing collaboration with Brooklyn Cupcake. The dessert will feature a moist Coquito cupcake from the Williamsburg bakery, laced with coconut and sweetened condensed milk. The fluffy cake gets crowned with a swirl of Soft Swerve’s addictive, electric-purple ube ice cream. Christened the Coquito Swerve Cake, the $4.99 collaboration comes with one topping—like almond cookies or Fruity Pebbles—gratis. It’s a treat you won’t want to miss.

It's always the perfect time to seek out a steamer basket of xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, those beloved Chinese treats typically packed with meat and a mouthful of piping broth within their puckered dumpling skins. From Chinatown all the way to Flushing, these are the best soup dumplings in NYC. Shanghai Cafe Deluxe: Quite possibly the best in the city, the soup dumplings on offer at this Chinatown cafe stand out for the deeply savory, porky broth inside. 100 Mott St. (212-966-3988) Shanghai Asian Manor: The deeply pleated beauties at this Chinatown spot feature exemplary dumpling skins: thin and handmade, they envelop a toasted-sesame–tinged broth and a nice meaty filling. 21 Mott St. (212-766-6311; shanghaiasianmanor.com) Shanghai Asian Cuisine: This narrow Chinatown dining room serves up delicious dumplings with delicately chewy skins and a pork broth infused with the sweetness of cabbage. 14 Elizabeth St. (212-964-5640; shanghaiasiancuisine.com) 456 Shanghai Cuisine: Originally opened in 1963, this dependable Shanghainese spot steams soup dumplings with perfect, chewy skins and a gingery pork broth. 69 Mott St. (212-964-0003) Joe’s Ginger: This perennially packed Chinatown eatery has must-order soup dumplings, with nicely tender skins and balanced broth. 25 Pell St. (212-285-0333; joeginger.com) Old Shanghai Deluxe: You might walk right by this unassuming corner spot in Chinatown, but think twice before you do: its soup dumplings feature respectable skins and a broth

Winter in NYC promises to be a doozy, with bitter temperatures and a fraught political climate making it tempting to just stay in our pajamas, in bed, all day, until spring comes. But next week, Williamsburg hotspot Midnights will be offering a tempting incentive to get out of the house: a festive holiday garden offering yummy seasonal bites and warming winter cocktails. On Thursday, December 1 from 6pm to 9pm, the bar and lounge will transform its spacious patio space into a wintry paradise, complete with charcoal-lit warming stations, festive holiday lights and decorations, and plenty of nibbles and drinks. Brewery Ommegang will be on hand pouring seasonal brews, and Plymouth Gin will stir warming cocktails such as boozy hot cider. Host Christine Cameron of fashion blog My Style Pill will be on hand to dispense sartorial wisdom, so wrap up in your flyest scarf and head to the 'burg. 

  A photo posted by Doughnut Plant (@doughnutplant) on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:35pm PST   NYC foodies, beware: your Instagram account is soon to be dominated by a colorful, triple-layer mega-doughnut, courtesy of Mark Isreal, the fritter genius behind the city's beloved Doughnut Plant. Today, Isreal—who founded the four-location mini-chain in 1994—launched the bakery's newest, and zaniest, flavor to date. The Ripple boasts three levels of flash-fried goodness: a giant outer doughnut in a bright-pink cranberry flavor; a golden middle doughnut flavored with sweet potato; and a normal-sized interior doughnut that tastes of crystallized ginger. The $24 Thanksgiving-themed monstrosity serves six to eight eaters, who can cut a wedge to enjoy all three complementary doughnuts or go to town on their favorite ring. FYI: for those already experiencing Thanksgiving fatigue, the Ripple also comes in Berry Parfait and Mochaccino varieties. 

These events will give you all the thrills of SantaCon, with none of the douchiness. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to SantaCon in NYC  1. Juice Crawl: A defining feature of SantaCon is the journey from one drinking destination to the next, but who says those locales have to sling spirits? To cleanse your bod before the next round of holiday feasting, go on an überhealthy juice crawl in Soho. The morning kicks off with a 9:30am yoga class, followed by a hydrating “pregame” of maple water and stops at Vitamin Chick, LuliTonix and Pressed Juicery. Bottoms up! Athleta, 121 Wooster St. Sat 12 9:30am–12:30pm; $45–$65. 2. The 2016 NYC Good Whiskey Passport: Then, of course, there are those who think SantaCon’s only redeeming quality is the booze. If a sloppy-drunk night is calling your name, grab a Good Whiskey Passport. You can show the $37 booklet at more than 40 bars for your choice of a whiskey cocktail or one-ounce neat pour at each. It’s good for two months (we don’t suggest hitting all 40 in one night!), kicking off on Saturday. Proceeds support God’s Love We Deliver and the Billion Oyster Project. Sat 13–Feb 13; $3 3. Santa Shuffle 5K: If you fancy yourself a Saint Nick look-alike but your tastes run—literally—more toward cardio than carbo-loading, lace up your sneaks for the annual Santa Shuffle. The 5K run’s $50 fee benefits the Prospect Park youth track club and includes a Santa suit, to be distributed at Windsor Terrace pub Farrell’s. Feel free to grab a morning pint, and don’

While the city is still on the tail end of a weirdly warm, Indian summer-type heat wave, temperatures are soon predicted to fall to normal autumn temperatures. So while you’re piling on your cozy layers and arranging decorative gourds on your stoop this weekend, why not take a break with that most seasonally appropriate of all fall beverages, the mulled cider? From picturesque greenmarkets to crowded cupcakeries, these are the best places to get hot cider in NYC. Clinton Street Baking Company: This LES bakery-cafe is a favorite breakfast spot, beloved for its loaded pancakes and stuffed omelets. Wash those platters down with a spiced apple cider, or go extra-rich with a hot buttered cider whisked with a pat of maple butter. 4 Clinton St. (646-602-6263; clintonstreetbaking.com) Union Square Greenmarket: The city’s many greenmarkets are some of NYC’s most picturesque spots to pick up a hot cider, and the famous Union Square location is no exception. Various fruit purveyors normally mull: stop by Migliorelli Farms, Red Jacket Orchards and others to see what’s on offer. Union Square Park (212-788-7476; grownyc.org) Wilfie & Nell: The hot cider at this West Village gastropub is spiked with your choice of brandy, bourbon or rum, and is an apt accompaniment to the lunchtime selection of decadent grilled-cheese sandwiches. 228 W 4th St. (212-242-2990; wilfieandnell.com) Magnolia Bakery: While you might instinctively gravitate towards a hot cup of joe to sip alongside your cupcake at

Brooklyn lushes, mark your calendars: October 20th through 26th is Drink Local Week in the borough, when you can score great deals on your favorite drinks at select bars, distilleries and breweries from Coney Island to Greenpoint.  Like Restaurant Week for watering holes, the promotion will aim to spotlight locally made craft brews and spirits by offering killer discounts on Brooklyn favorites such as Threes Brewing, New York Distilling Company and Red Hook Winery. Newly opened Crown Heights spot BKW will offer 20 percent off its Brooklyn Winery vino; Fort Greene's Greene Grape Annex will serve two New York State beverages for the price of one; and Cobble Hill wine shop Smith & Vine will mark local wine down 15 percent and local spirits down 10 percent.Check out details and map of all participating businesses here—and get ready to drink well, and often, in late October.

We New Yorkers can't seem to get enough of upscale junk food: think of our unabiding love for patties from Shake Shack, fried chicken sandwiches from Fuku and cones of creamy soft serve from Big Gay Ice Cream. So it only makes sense that trend-watching (and -setting) chef Andrew Carmellini—of the Dutch, Lafayette and Locanda Verde fame—is throwing himself into the ring with Mister Dips. Starting this afternoon at 4pm, the comfort food spot will serve fresh-griddled burgers, tricked-out waffle fries and soft serve, all out of a stylishly retrofitted 1974 Airstream RV.  Carmellini's Noho Hospitality Group helms the food program at Williamsburg's brand-new William Vale Hotel, which opened on Wythe Avenue and North 12th Street just a few weeks ago, and Mister Dips is stationed in the hotel's Vale Park. The stand's speciality is a Dip burger, with aged cheddar and special sauce; there's also a vegetarian "Green Label" burger, a mushroom-and-black bean patty topped with swiss. The fryer stays busy crisping waffle fries, available plain or "dirty," with spicy cheese and scallions.Dessert-lovers will likely head straight to the ice cream menu, where they'll find three creamy options, each with their own special dunk: the Jacker-Crax (buttered popcorn, salted peanuts); the Malter Cronkite (crunchy malt) and the tropical Hawaii Five-O (vanilla, pineapple preserve and toasted coconut). Check it out on weekdays between 4 and 10pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10pm. Photograph:

Get excited, taco lovers: the most hallowed of all days is upon us. Tomorrow, in a double dose of “holiday” goodness, it’s both National Taco Day and Taco Tuesday. All around town, restaurants are offering up great deals on everyone’s favorite topped-tortilla snack. From crispy shrimp to smoked chicken, these eateries are plating the best National Taco Day deals. Pampano: Richard Sandoval’s elegant, white-tablecloth spot fuses traditional Mexican ingredients with European technique. On taco day, diners who sit at the bar can nosh a taco trio platter ($7), featuring tinga de pollo (shredded chicken), chilorio (pulled pork) and chicharron de camaron (crispy shrimp). Pampano Taqueria: This taqueria connected to the Pampano kitchen will plate its own variety of tacos ($3.25 each), including grilled chicken, shrimp with black beans and a vegetarian option with strips of poblano peppers, zucchini and mushrooms. Playa Betty’s: This sunny, West Coast-inspired spot serves up casual, craveable California cuisine. On National Taco Day, it’ll offer a Build Your Own Taco Platter ($12.95), loaded with warm flour tortillas plus chicken, shrimp and beef fillings plus avocados, pico de gallo and other toppings. Otto’s Tacos: Starting tomorrow, all three locations of this Cali-inflected taqueria will serve its tacos on bright pink tortillas, in awareness of breast cancer. The kaleidoscopic tacos will be served all month, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Again