When I travel, a few places I can think of:
Boston, Mass: The Union Oyster House.
Union Oyster House, Boston, MA?Seafood and History at America's Oldest Restaurant
One of my all-time favorites. History and fine dining all rolled into one...its the oldest continuously running restuarant in the US...
Bentonville, Arkansas:
Shogun Japanese Steak and Sushi.
Many folks wind up in this town at some point in their careers if they travel. That That restuarant is a gem for the business traveler. Also, if you'd like to avoid some of the 'restaurant row' franchises in that area, you can find some good BBQ and fried catfish on the outskirts of town. You may need to ask a friendly local for some tips on that one...
House of Seafood, Poipu, HI (Kauai)
I swear, whatever they pull out of the ocean that morning is whats on your plate that night! Wow that was good...went there twice while I was there.
Maders in Milwaukee, WI
Mader's Authentic German Restaurant, Beer Steins, and Hummels
I believe this may be the oldest traditional German restaurant in the country at 106 years, but i could be wrong. Its like a museum in there with antique beer stiens, suits of armor, etc. The good is great. I highly recommend the sundsy brunch in that you can sample almost everything on the menu and its not to expensive. (dinner can get pricy)
Aureole in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV
Aureole Restaurant - Las Vegas - Home
Thats the place with the 5 story wine tower and the women who go up and down on the cables to get the wine. Its very good, and VERY expensive. But its worth it just for the experience and the food in incredible...
Carnegie Deli, NYC
Welcome to Carnegie Deli
I think I had a pastrami sandwich there that was as big as my head! Its cool, quick, and good...whenever I'm in NYC I try to stop there for breakfast or an early lunch before leaving midtown manhattan and heading to the airport.
Kenosha, WI is home to the world famous Brat Stop...
Welcome to the BratStop
Romeoville, IL has White Fence Farm...
White Fence Farm
Chicken is to die for and great place to bring kids...
Chicago, IL...the Goose Island Brew Pub...one of my favorites locally. But they are closing the doors to the original location at the end of this year. The one in Wrigleyville isn't to bad, but not the same.
I've got a few others...off the top of my head, these would have to be my favorites...