After five years I 'll be back in New York, Southern Maine (I-95) and Boston (Oct. 21-Nov. 2). This time I'll be with 4 young friends visiting the USA for the first time and I would like to have them try REAL American food. Any advice for good (and preferably reasonably priced)"all American" restaurants? We will be staying in the Upper West Side in NY, on Beacon Hill in Boston and Bath in ME.
Over the years I was lucky enough to be exposed to EXCELLENT homemade American cuisine so I know that IT DOES EXIST --contrary to what most Italians and French think...;-)
I used to like "Sarabeth" in New York and I remember a kind of funky large and noisy restaurant called "America" in lower Manhattan... Are they still around?...
Any recommendation for good ol' juicy burgers? Any TRUE diners?
Thank you / grazie,
Mauro, Florence, Italy

While you're in Boston, try Redbones BBQ in Davis Sq in Somerville (just off the Red Line).
http://www.redbonesbbq.com/

Well you might combine a trip on the Staten Island Ferry with a meal at Fraunces Tavern which is within walking distance from the ferry terminal. I think that place is about as American as you can get -- in fact George Washington must have thought so when he said his farewells to his officers there. I think the guests will be impressed.

And by all means hit Virgil's Real Barbecue on 44th just off Times Square. Talk about uniquely American.

Also go to EJ's Luncheonette. I've only been to the one on the Upper East side, but there's also one at Amsterdam between 81st and 82nd. Great for breakfast or any time.

Go to either Miss Maude's or Miss Mamie's for true American soul food, or just plain great fried chicken.

I think "America" is still there--between Broadway and 5th from what I have read. I am planning a trip to NYC soon too and am wondering about America also. Any insight from anyone else?

Not a huge fan of America, seems more for kids and birthday parties than a serious restaurant. Sarabeth's is still there on the Upper West Side, great for brunch. You might also want to try a classic steakhouse like Peter Lugers or the Palm for some real American food, though expensive.

Vince and Eddie in Upper West side is a good "american" restaurant, with touch
like "homemade" "grand'ma" from appetizers to dessert and not too expensive...
Erik.

Sarabeth's and America are still around. Sarabeth has 2 locations, upper east and upper west sides and is a popular place for weekend brunches. I agree America seems to be more of a family place to go with kids.

Best burgers
-the Burger Joint at the Parker Meridien Hotel (west 58th)
-island burgers (9th & 52 st)
UWS
-Jackson Hole Columbus & 85th
-Big Nick's (71 & Columbus dive for burgers and pizza)

NYC is not really the place for diners. While there are some, they tend toward theme restaurants like Ellen's Stardust. The Empire Diner at 10th ave & 22 st looks the part though, is open 24/7 and might be a fun late night destination. EJ's Luncheonette on Amsterdam & 81 st is your best neighborhood choice. Barney Greengrass on Amsterdam & 86th is a deli famous for it's smoked fish.

Oust on Broadway & 85th is considered by many to be the best rest. on the upper west side (new American with a touch of French). It's pricey but before 6:30 you can have a full meal for $26.

Menupages.com is a good website for finding restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood.

Just a heads up for your "young friends," in your 5 year absence, the hot areas are now downtown. The meatpacking district is the trendy area and the lower east side has filled with restaurants and bars. And Brooklyn, particularly Williamsburg and DUMBO are also good destinations for shopping and dining. The Chickenbone Cafe in Williamsburg is good. Here are some articles from New York Magazine on the 2 Brooklyn areas.

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/realesta...lliamsburg.htm

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/realesta...oods/dumbo.htm

Ditto Patrick and Virgil's. BBQ is like jazz, uniquely American.

How about the Stage Deli? Corned beef on Rye seems to be pretty "American", though I'm not an historian of cuisine...8^)

And then, please forgive me for forgetting the name, there's the seafood restaurant in Grand Central.

I really like The Brooklyn Diner on West 57th. It is owned by the same person that owns Shelly's New York.

It isn't cheap but it is excellent. Think $12 for a burger and fries.

"And then, please forgive me for forgetting the name, there's the seafood restaurant in Grand Central."

It's called simply "Oyster Bar" but better known as the Grand Central Oyster Bar.

There is a little place in the West Village called "The Pink Teacup". I forgot the address, but it's on menupages.com. Anyway, this is the most wonderful Southern soul food place I've found in a while, and I'm from the South! Go here for fried chicken, pork chops or catfish for breakfast, along with corn fritters and salmon croquettes. The menu has so many delicious selections that you'll have a very difficult time deciding. Don't pass up the Pink Teacup!

Yes, "America" is still open & going strong though I haven't eaten there in a couple of years. Their menu isn't as extensive as it used to be.

My friends and I consider "Old Town Bar" to have the best burgers in the city. Big & juicy. Plus it's a historic pub that has never updated its "Old NY" style. I like the crowd too. It's on 18th St east of Broadway.

Thanks Patrick.

I knew there was an Oyster in there, but I couldn't get past the Union Oyster House in Boston.

Great suggestion Suzanne. I forgot the Old Town Bar. A NY gem.

Well, folks, what can I say.... I am overwhelmed -literally- with all this advice you gave me. All these places sound very promising. THANKS to ALL, really. CIAO, Mauro
p.s.: special thanks to Patrick for his tip on Fraunces Tavern --the tavern where G. Washington bid farewell to his troops. I 've always been fascinated with the early days of the USA and therefore I am sure I 'll love that place --wheteher the food is good or not.

I second the recommendation for great burgers at Jackson Hole, and also recommend Duke's on 19th & Park right behind City Crab (also a good spot) for American home cooking. Great Jones, a tiny hole in the wall place on Great Jones Street is great as well.

Have a great trip!

Also check out Pete's Tavern, at least for drinks, I believe it is the oldest bar in NYC...on 17th and Irving Place. Lots of history there.