Chowdown Countdown
Written byJeff Rotter, Mike Trainor
StarringMason Pettit (narrator)
Theme music composerBen Zebelman (Octave Music)
ComposerPump Audio
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersMatt Sharp, Dan Adler
EditorsSherman Lau, Dan Lerner, Jennifer Padham, Barney J. Schmidt, Dave Soloman
Running time60 minutes
Production companySharp Entertainment
Original release
NetworkTravel Channel
ReleaseJanuary 3 (2010-01-03) 
January 31, 2010 (2010-01-31)[1]

Chowdown Countdown is an American television special series that features 101 places to find the tastiest and most amazing food at various locations across America. Each episode counts down to the number one spot and features all different types of establishments such as restaurants, diners, drive-ins, bars, burger joints, bakeries, drivethrus, delicatessens, ice cream parlors, pubs, sandwich shops, food markets and even food trucks that make the countdown list with their original food specialty or signature dish.[2]

The series premiered as a special in Spring 2010 entitled 101 America's Tastiest Places to Chowdown on the Travel Channel. The second special aired in on March 16, 2014 as 101 More Amazing Places to Chowdown (or Chowdown Countdown 2).[3]

America's 101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown (2010)

Episode 1: #101-81

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
101Abe's Bar-B-QClarksdale, MississippiPulled pork sandwich (grilled and pulled Boston pork butt smothered in secret barbecue sauce topped with coleslaw)
100Denny's Beer PubClearfield, PennsylvaniaHome of the 50-pound cheeseburger (and burger challenges)
99Buckhorn ExchangeDenver, ColoradoState-game steaks (buffalo, ostrich, rattlesnake and alligator); "Rocky Mountain oysters" (deep-fried bull testicles)
98Bassett's Ice Cream at Reading TerminalPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania148 years making high butterfat (16 1/2%) ice cream. Signature flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip.
97Five Islands Lobster Co.Georgetown, MaineFreshest steamed Maine lobsters (half-pound to 4+12-pound "Big Boy")
96Philippe's The OriginalLos Angeles County, CaliforniaFrench dip sandwiches (sliced beef, lamb, pork or turkey on French bread dipped in au jus topped with Creole mustard)
95Time-Out ChickenChapel Hill, North Carolina"Chicken Cheddar Biscuit" (fried chicken breast topped with melted cheddar cheese between two buttermilk biscuits)
94Gaucho's VillageGlendale, CaliforniaBrazilian Steakhouse (Rodízio) all-you-can-eat different kinds of meat on skewers.
93Jimmy Buff'sEast Hanover, New JerseyItalian-style hotdogs (fried hotdogs with onions, peppers and fried potatoes stuffed in a hard roll)
92Smitty's MarketLockhart, TexasTraditional Texas-style barbecue. Signature dishes: beef brisket and hot sausage links wrapped and served in market paper.
91Black's BarbecueLockhart, TexasTexas barbecue featuring secret spiced beef brisket and pork sausage links.
90The Vortex Bar & GrillAtlanta, GeorgiaCheeseburger with three fried eggs and bacon between two grilled cheese sandwiches.
89Doughnut PlantNew York City, New YorkGourmet doughnuts featuring glazed with rose petals or fruit glazed doughnuts.
88Giordano'sChicago, IllinoisHome of the "Stuffed Pizza". Various stuffed crust pizza pies.
87Hominy GrillCharleston, South Carolina"Low Country Cuisine". Shrimp and grits, "Big Nasty Sandwich" (fried chicken breast topped with cheese and sausage gravy on a buttermilk biscuit)
86Cattleman's SteakhouseFabens, TexasHome of the four-pound T-Bone steak.
85Daichan Kaiten SushiLos Angeles County, CaliforniaConveyor belt sushi specializing in "White Candy Rolls".
84Cafe Fleuri @ The Langham Hotel BostonBoston, MassachusettsHome of the Chocolate Bar Buffet (September through June).
83Schmidt's Sausage HausColumbus, OhioBratwurst buffet called "The Autobahn" featuring "Bahama Mama" pork sausage. Signature dessert: giant cream puffs.
82Willie Mae's Scotch HouseNew Orleans, LouisianaHome to the world-famous fried chicken.
81Nick Tahou HotsRochester, New YorkHome to the "Garbage Plate" (1+12-pound plate: Two cheeseburger patties, macaroni salad and home fries topped with mustard, onions, beans and hot sauce)

Episode 2: #80-61

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
80The Brick PitMobile, Alabama"Serious Bar-B-Que" (pecan and hickory wood smoked), slow-smoked pulled pork barbecue, pulled pork sandwich, pork ribs and pork butts.
79The Cherry CricketDenver, ColoradoCustom-built burgers, 21 toppings. "Cricket Burger" (topped with cream cheese and jalapeños)
78Kopp's CustardMilwaukee, WisconsinFrozen custard, 300 flavors and "flavor of the day".
77Lynn's ParadiseLouisville, KentuckyGourmet Breakfast: "Papaw French Toast" (pawpaw pure over breeduis bread topped with coconut ice cream and drizzled with caramel bourbon glaze)
76The Olde San Francisco Creamery Co.Walnut Creek, California"The Kitchen Sink" (8 scoops of your choice of ice cream, 8 toppings, whipped cream, bananas, and cherries in a kitchen sink-shaped bowl)
75The Buffet @ The BellagioLas Vegas, Nevada200 stations of international food selections. Signature dishes: Kobe beef and crab legs.
74Original New York SystemProvidence, Rhode IslandHome of "hot weiners" (topped with chili sauce, mustard and onions)
73Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana vs. Sally's ApizzaNew Haven, ConnecticutBoth home to coal-fired brick-oven Neapolitan pizza.
72GCS BallparkSauget, IllinoisHome of the Gateway Grizzly's minor league baseball team and the "Krispy Kreme Burger" (hamburger patty topped with 2 strips of bacon, cheese between two glazed Krispy Kreme donuts)
71The Grill HouseAllegan, Michigan"Grill-Your-Own-Steaks" (prime rib, porter house, and bacon-wrapped filet minon)
70El Guero CaneloTucson, ArizonaHome to "Sonoran Hot Dogs" (bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeño sauce, mustard and mayo)
69The Cozy Inn HamburgersSalina, KansasOld-fashioned sliders cooked with onions, topped with pickles, mustard and ketchup.
68Iguana's TaqueriaSan Jose, California"Burrito Zilla" (5-pound, 18-inch monstrous super burrito filled with ground beef, rice, beans, cheese and sour cream)
67Talkeetna's RoadhouseTalkeetna, Alaska"Rudy in a Parka" (reindeer sausage link stuffed with two cheeses in potato dough)
66Yoder's RestaurantSarasota, FloridaAmish family-style home cooking. 23 different kinds of homemade pies (pecan, apple, cherry and shoefly pie)
65Camp Washington ChiliCincinnati, OhioHome of the "Five-Way Chili" (signature chili served over spaghetti topped with kidney beans, onions, and a mound of shredded cheese)
64Round Rock DonutsRound Rock, TexasHome of the "Texas Donut" (2-pound, 14-inch glazed dough donut)
63Chap's Charcoal RestaurantBaltimore, MarylandHome of "Pit Beef". Famous pit beef sandwich with "Tiger Sauce" (horseradish and mayo sauce).
62Goodson's CafeTomball, TexasSignature dish: Chicken Fried Steak with peppered cream gravy.
61Dinosaur Bar-B-QueSyracuse, New YorkBarbecue smoked pork, beef, chicken, ribs, brisket and wings.

Episode 3 #60-41

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
60Sylvia's RestaurantHarlem, New YorkThe Queen of Soul Food. Signature dishes: spicy barbecue ribs and fried chicken.
59Munchie's 420 CafeSarasota, FloridaHome of the "Fat Sammies" (fan favorites: "Fat Dickie", "Fat Morning"). Signature sammy: "Fat Daddy" - sammy with melt cheese, 6 burger patties, 3 cheese steaks with mushrooms, onions and peppers, 22 slices of cheese, 6 chicken fingers, 6 mozzarella sticks, 6 onion rings and fries stuffed in a 2-foot long roll
58Taqueria La CumbreSan Francisco, CaliforniaHome of the "Mission-style Burritos" (burrito stuffed with 2-pounds of fillings)
57Chick and Ruth's DellyAnnapolis, MarylandHome of 6-pound milkshakes.
56Big Mama's KitchenOmaha, NebraskaOven-fried chicken served with cornbread salad and sweet potato bread.
55Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-QueMemphis, TennesseeSauced barbecue pork ribs and barbecue spaghetti.
54Steak & MainNorth East, MarylandHome of the "Great Steak Challenge" ($140 worth of food - 5 cuts of beef: two 13-ounce Delmonico club steak, one 5-ounce strip steak, one 8-ounce filet minon, one 16-ounce flat iron steak and one 13-ounce prime rib)
53Juan In A MillionAustin, Texas"Don Juan Breakfast Taco" (taco stuffed with chorizo sausage, eggs, bacon, potato, and secret spices)
52Big Lou's PizzaSan Antonio, TexasHome of the "Big Lou 42" (3 1/2-foot wide 20-25-pound pizza) and the "Lone Star Special" (pizza topped with beef brisket and barbecue sauce)
51Max & Mina's Ice CreamQueens, New York"Funky Flavors" of ice cream (corn on the cob ice cream, beer nuts ice cream and donut ice cream)
50Dinic's Roast Pork @ Reading Terminal MarketPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaRoast pork and beef sandwiches topped with broccoli rabe.
49Country Pancake HouseRidgewood, New JerseyColossal pancakes topped with fruit, nine egg omelette.
48Pappy's SmokehouseSt. Louis, MissouriApple and cherry wood smoked barbecue (beef brisket, full slab of pork ribs) Signature: "The Big Ben" (BBQ beef sandwich, BBQ pork, 1/4-pound BBQ chicken with 4 sides)
47Superdawg Drive-InChicago, IllinoisFamous Chicago-style hot dogs
46Matt's BarMinneapolis, MinnesotaHome of the "Jucy Lucy" (two hamburger patties stuffed with cheddar cheese)
45Cecilia's CafeAlbuquerque, New MexicoHome of the "Fireman's Burrito" (2 1/2 to 3-pound burrito stuffed with sausage, bacon, eggs and hashbrowns topped with red chili, beans, avocado and carne asada, smothered with red and green chili sauces)
44Doe's Eat PlaceGreenville, MississippiHome of the 4-pound porterhouse steak.
43Big Jud's Country PlaceBoise, IdahoHome of "Legend Burgers". Signature burger: "Double Big Jud Special" (two 1-pound patties topped with Swiss cheese, bacon and sauteed mushrooms)
42Soddlak's Original Country InnSnook, TexasBattered and deep fried bacon strips served with cream gravy.
41Chino BandidoPhoenix, ArizonaChinese & Mexican Cuisine. Combo plate favorite: "Jade Red Chicken".

Episode 4 #40-21

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
40Slow's Bar-B-QueDetroit, MichiganLow & Slow Barbecue, signature dish: "BBQ Brisket Enchilada".
39Grimaldi's PizzeriaBrooklyn, New YorkCoal-fire brick oven New York-style pizza (thin crust, tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella cheese)
38Obrychi's Seafood MarketFells Point, Baltimore, MarylandSecret black pepper seasoned blue claw crabs. Signature dish: "Deviled Crab Balls".
37Ted Drewes Frozen CustardSt. Louis, MissouriFamous Frozen Custard. "The Concrete" (frozen custard thick milk shakes)
36Markey's Lobster Pool vs. Brown's Lobster PoundSeabrook, New HampshireHome of the best Lobster Rolls. Markey's uses mayo in lobster salad and a buttered hotdog roll. Brown's has the same but adds paprika on top.
35The Thurman CafeColumbus, OhioHome of the "Thurman Burger" (3+14-pound hamburger patty topped with onions, mushrooms, American cheese and ham)
34Junior's CheesecakeBrooklyn, New York15 different New York-style cheesecakes (with buttery cake crust)
33PaseoSeattle, WashingtonCuban sandwiches (roasted pork topped with cilantro, jalapeños, caramelized onions, romaine lettuce, and garlic aioli on a baguette)
32R U Hungry (food truck) @ Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick, New JerseyHome of the original "Fat Sandwiches" ("Fat Darrell" - stuffed with chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks and fries with marinara sauce)
31Helena's Hawaiian FoodHonolulu, Hawaii"Pipikaula" (roasted short ribs and kalua pork soaked in soy sauce), "Laulau" (pork and black cod steamed in a banana leaf)
30ChipshopBrooklyn, New YorkDeep fried anything! Fish n' chips, deep fried pizza, deep fried candy bars and deep fried Twinkies.
29Tony's I-75 RestaurantBirch Run, MichiganHome of the biggest BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich) with a pile of bacon that equals 1-pound
28Ben's Chili BowlWashington D.C.Famous beef chili on anything! "Chili Half Smoke" (1/2 beef 1/2 pork sausage topped with chili, onion and mustard)
27Heartattack GrillChandler, ArizonaHome of the "Quadruple Bypass Burger" (2-pound burger with four 1/2-pound patties with cheese served with "unlimited fry bar")
26Beth's CafeSeattle, WashingtonHome of the "Southwestern Exposure" (5-pound omelette - 12 eggs with cheese, sour cream, salsa and chili)
25Acme Oyster HouseNew Orleans, LouisianaOysters any-style (Rockefeller-style, raw, fried, and grilled)
24Charles Vergos' RendezvousMemphis, TennesseeCharcoal grilled pork ribs, pulled pork and chopped chicken.
23El Tepeyac CafeLos Angeles County, CaliforniaHome of the "Manuel's Special" (5-pound burrito topped with chili verde and pork chunks)
22Lafayette Coney Island vs.
American Coney Island
Detroit, MichiganBoth home of the "Coney Dogs" (hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, and onion)
21Eagle's DeliBoston, MassachusettsHome of the stacked cheeseburgers. "Eagle's Challenge" (5-pound burger with 10 patties and 20 slices of bacon)

Episode 5 #20-1

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
20Voodoo DoughnutPortland, Oregon"Voodoo Doll Doughnut" (voodoo doll-shaped raspberry-jelly filled chocolate-covered donut with a pretzel stick stake), "Memphis Mafia" (fried donut with banana chunks, cinnamon glaze, chocolate and peanut butter frosting), "Triple Chocolate Penetration" (chocolate frosted chocolate cake donut topped with coco-puffs), "Maple Bacon Bar" (with maple frosting topped with bacon)
19Lambert's CafeSikeston, MissouriSuper-sized comfort food: ribs, ham, steak. Home of the "throwed dinner rolls" (waiters toss rolls to the patrons)
18Cotham's MercantileLittle Rock, ArkansasHome of the "Hubcap Burger" (one-pound cheeseburger with 4 patties)
17Anchor BarBuffalo, New YorkHome to the original "Buffalo Wings".
16The Big Texan Steak RanchAmarillo, Texas"The Texas King Steak Challenge": 72-ounce (4+12-pound) steak, bread roll with butter, baked potato, ranch beans, shrimp cocktail, and side salad ($72.00).
15Hillbilly Hot DogsLesage, West VirginiaHome of "The Homewrecker" (15-inch one-pound hot dog topped with jalapeñoes, onions, peppers, chili, cole slaw, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, ketchup and mustard). Other favorites: "Hound Dog" and "Egg Dog".
14Arthur Bryant's BarbecueKansas City, MissouriHalf oak/half hickory wood smoked and sauced barbecue with vinegar-based sauce.
13Jack-n'-GrillDenver, ColoradoMassive breakfast burritos (12 eggs, potatoes, one-pound of ham and onions)
12Gus's Fried ChickenMemphis, TennesseeWorld Famous Fried Chicken (batter spiced chicken)
11Al's BeefChicago, IllinoisItalian Beef Sandwich (topped with giardiniera and dipped in au jus)
10Durgin ParkBoston, Massachusetts"Yankee Cooking" (32-ounce steak chop and prime rib)
9Lulu's Bakery and CafeSan Antonio, TexasChicken fried steak and giant cinnamon buns (3-pounds).
8Albano's PizzeriaCicero, IllinoisHome of the "Pizza Puff" (calzone-type turn-over deep fried and stuffed with anything!)
7The Salt LickDriftwood, TexasOpen-pit charcoal barbecue: beef brisket and sausage.
6Pat's King of Steaks vs. Geno's SteaksPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaPhilly-style cheesesteaks with Cheese Wiz. Pat's chops up their ribeye meat and Geno's leaves the ribeye sliced.
5Katz's DelicatessenNew York City, New YorkHand-sliced piled height pastrami and corn beef on rye sandwiches.
4Fenton's CreameryOakland, CaliforniaEstablished in 1894. Homemade ice cream, 400 flavors: "Banana Special" (3-pounds banana split), cheesecake ice cream, toasted almond ice cream, "Black and Tan Sundae".
3Primanti BrothersPittsburgh, Pennsylvania20 different Italian stuffed sandiches (deli meats stuffed with vinegar-based cole salw and handcut fries between thick white bread)
2Roscoe's House of Chicken and WafflesLos Angeles County, CaliforniaWorld Famous Chicken and Waffles.
1Louis' LunchNew Haven, ConnecticutHome of the Original Hamburger Sandwich (with tomato, cheese on toast)

101 More Amazing Places to Chowdown (2014)

Note: This special was also nicknamed, "Chowdown Countdown 2".

Episode 1 #101-81

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
101Grinder's PizzaKansas City, MissouriSpeciality pizzas: "Le Hog" (pizza topped with Canadian bacon, sausage and hamburger), "Philly Cheesesteak Pizza" (topped with banana peppers and Cheese Wiz), "Chili Bomb" (pizza topped with pepperoni, chili, Cheese Wiz, tater tots and scallions)
100Mr. Bartley's Burger CottageCambridge, Massachusetts30 different gourmet burgers: "Tom Brady Burger" (cheeseburger topped with guacamole), "The Celtics Burger" (bacon cheesier topped with lettuce, tomato and onions)
99Watershed RestaurantAtlanta, Georgia"Tuesday Special Fried Chicken" (buttermilk pan-fried chicken served with mashed potatoes, green beans and biscuits; only served on Tuesdays)
98Idle Spurs SteakhouseBarstow, CaliforniaRibeye, filet mignon and their speciality, prime rib with au jus and horseradish.
97Bunk SandwichesPortland, Oregon"Cubano" (Cuban-style sandwich with bourbon molasses pork belly (instead of traditional roast pork), ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard)
96Gilley's Hot DogsPortsmouth, New HampshireSteamed spiced hot dogs: "Chili Dog" (hot dog topped with chili con carne, sauerkraut, raw onions, mustard and ketchup)
95Jimmy Cantler's Riverside InnAnnapolis, MarylandSteamed and spiced blue claw crabs dumped in a pile on your table.
94My Brother's BarDenver, ColoradoHome of the "J.C.B." (cheeseburger topped with special cream cheese spread with jalapeño and pimento peppers), "The Johnny Burger" (topped with special cream cheese spread, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese and grilled onions)
93Amy Ruth'sNew York City, New York"Homestyle Southern Cuisine": "The Rev. Al Sharpton" (chicken and waffles), "The Al Roker" (barbecue short ribs), "The President Barack Obama" (choice of fried, smothered or barbecue chicken served with mac and cheese)
92Al Johnson's Swedish RestaurantSister Bay, WisconsinSwedish meatballs (gravy-soaked meatballs made with 100% beef, limpa bread, eggs, salt and pepper)
91Domilise's Po Boy and BarNew Orleans, LouisianaDomilise's Restaurant's famous po' boys: roast beef po' boy, fried oyster po' boy and fan favorite: fried shrimp po' boy (Gulf fried shrimp topped with mayo, lettuce, pickles and hot sauce)
90Skylight Inn BBQAyden, North CarolinaWhole hog barbecue (oak-fired pig), pulled pork, with hot sauce and vinegar.
89Johnny's Comet IISanta Rosa, New Mexico"Part Mexican, Native American and Cowboy Chuck Wagon Cuisine": Steak Ranchero (chicken fried steak topped with a choice of five types of chili, cheese, served with a side of fried potatoes and rice and beans)
88Chimneyville SmokehouseJackson, MississippiLow & Slow BBQ (16-hour smoked barbecue with hickory wood): Smoked spiced-rubbed beef brisket injected with beef broth.
87Gail Ambrosius ChocolatierMadison, WisconsinHand-dipped dark chocolate truffles, fan favorites: "Lucille's Vanilla Truffle", "Caramel and Sea Salt Truffle", "Cinnamon Cheyenne Truffle", and "Espresso Truffle".
86Sammy's L.A. PastramiLas Vegas, NevadaDrive-thru massive sandwiches (42 sandwiches and 17 burger varieties): "Pastrami Burger" (topped with pastrami, provolone and mustard), "Zombie Burger" (three burger patties topped with cheese, 1/4-pound hot links, bacon, and two onion rings)
85Datz DelicatessenTampa, FloridaBacon, mac & cheese-stuffed meatloaf topped with ketchup and served with mashed potatoes and peas.
84White Knight DinerSt. Louis, MissouriHome of the "Super Slinger" (hamburger patty topped with an omelette, American cheese and vegetables topped with chili and hash browns)
83Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room @ The Wilkes HouseSavannah, GeorgiaFamily-style home cooking: Crispy fried chicken served with collard greens, mac and cheese and cornbread.
82White Rabbit Fusion CafeLos Angeles, CaliforniaFood Truck that serves Filipino cuisine: "White Rabbit Burrito Challenge" (Chicken, beef, pork adobo burrito in a garlic sauce)
81Paddy Long'sChicago, Illinois"Bacon Bonanza" (tasting plate of different kinds of bacon: Danish bacon, Irish bacon, jowl bacon and peppered bacon) and the "Bacon Bomb" (five-pound meatloaf made with beef, pork sausage, beer and barbecue sauce wrapped in a "bacon weave")

Episode 2 #80-61

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
80Sonny Bryan's SmokehouseDallas, TexasBrisket sandwich (9-hours smoked beef brisket with homemade barbecue sauce on a hamburger bun)
79Hot Doug'sChicago, Illinois21 kings of exotic sausage: Antelope, buffalo, kangaroo, rattlesnake. Most popular: Chicago-style hot dog.
78Johnson's Corner (truck stop)Johnstown, ColoradoTop 10 breakfast in the world (breakfast burritos, omelettes), world-famous cinnamon rolls (massive-size and seasonal flavors)
77The Daily Catch RestaurantBoston, MassachusettsHomemade Italian and Sicilian specialities (only 10 tables), Lobster Fra Diavolo (fresh lobster, little necks, muscles, squid, and shrimp in a secret tomato sauce)
76Tom + CheeCincinnati, OhioGrilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Restaurant: "The Armagoetta" (pepper jack cheese, fried onions, cherry peppers and goetta sausage with hot mustard between sourdough rye bread), Grilled Cheese Donut (cheddar cheese between a glazed donut)
75The Blind Mule Bar & RestaurantMobile, Alabama"Chili Cheeseburger" (half-pound patty topped with black bean chili topped with jalapeño queso and fried onion straws)
74Gumbo ShopNew Orleans, LouisianaCreole Cuisine: Chicken and Andouille Gumbo (with chicken, andouille sausage and rice)
73The RexBillings, MontanaBacon-Wrapped Grilled Bison (topped with crumbled blue cheese, rosemary demi-glace and onion crisps)
72La Fonda BoricuaSpanish Harlem, New York City, New YorkPuerto Rican Food: "El Mofongaso" (10-pound massive mofongo: Mashed plantains and pork with rice in "escabeche," a garlic sauce)
71Kegel's InnMilwaukee, WisconsinGerman Cuisine: Weiner Schnitzel (breaded veal), Hasenpfeffer (rabbit stew in a sweet and sour gravy over noodles)
70Martha's Lou's KitchenCharleston, South CarolinaFried chicken served with red rice (super crispy skin, double-dipped deep-fried chicken)
69Jethro's BBQDes Moines, Iowa"Sizzling Wings" (dry-rubbed chicken wings), "Adam Emmenecker Sandwich" (challenge sandwich: breaded pork tenderloin, chicken fingers, bacon cheeseburger, brisket fried cheese all topped with cheese sauce)
68Moonlite Bar-B-QueOwensboro, KentuckyBarbecue Buffet (includes barbecue mutton)
67The Church Brew WorksPittsburgh, Pennsylvania"Pagan Pierogi" (pierogi dough filled with rattlesnake meat, southwest cactus and poblano peppers topped with a chipotle corn sauce)
66Adam's Grub TruckSan Francisco, CaliforniaAsian Fusion food truck: "The Kraken" (2 jumbo deep-fried soft shell crabs with Asian slaw, bacon topped with avocado wasabi and roasted seaweed), "Ultimate Adam Bomb Challenge" (sandwich filled with fried chicken, pulled pork, jalapeño, eggs, Asian slaw, Spam, bacon on two grilled cheese buns)
65Double DogsBowling Green, Kentucky"Dog Bowl Nachos" (tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, refried beans, black Angus chili, sausage, queso sauce, jalapeños and lime sour cream served in a huge dog bowl)
64Tomasita'sSanta Fe, New Mexico"Burrito Grande" (large burrito filled with hatch peppers chili and topped with "Christmas"—half red and half green chili sauces)
63Tally's CafeTulsa, OklahomaFamous Chicken Fried Steak (topped white gravy, served with eggs and hash browns)
62Morrison Hotel BarPortland, Oregon"Cheesy Pig Fries" (cheese fries topped with barbecue pulled pork and scallions)
61PYTPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania"Crazy Burgers": "Chocolate Bacon Donut Burger", "Deep-Fried Twinkie Burger" with bacon.

Episode 3 #60-41

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
60Sweatman's BBQHolly Hill, South CarolinaWhole-hog BBQ pork cooked over hand-split hardwood coals.
59La TaqueriaSan Francisco, California
58Melt Bar & GrillCleveland, Ohio
57Cafe CoyoteSan Diego, California
56Goldberg's DeliBellevue, Washington
55This Is ItHouston, Texas
54Squeeze InnSacramento, California
53Marabella's Meatball CompanyPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
52Frontier RestaurantAlbuquerque, New Mexico
51Wagner's PharmacyLouisville, Kentucky
50The Pancake PantryNashville, Tennessee
49Casa OrindaOrinda, California
48The SpudderTulsa, Oklahoma
47Rack ShackSt. Paul, Minnesota
46Truck YardDallas, Texas
45Poe's TavernSullivan's Island, South Carolina
44Kloby's SmokehouseLaurel, Maryland
43Phil's Last StandChicago, Illinois
42Mama Carolla'sIndianapolis, Indiana
41Arthur's TavernMorris Plains, New Jersey

Episode 4 #40-21

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
40Meat and PotatoesPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaSteakhouse. Specialty dishes: Leg of Beast, Meat and Potatoes for Two
39The VarsityAtlanta, GeorgiaCafeteria style food, largest hot dog stand in the world
38Jamie's Broadway CastleSacramento, CaliforniaSpecialty dish: Open-Faced Hot Turkey Sandwich
37Gate's BBQKansas City, MissouriSpecialty dish: Baby Back Ribs
36The Hungry OwlMobile, AlabamaSouthern comfort food, Specialty dish: The Stuffed Tony Burger
35Chi'lantroAustin, TexasKorean-Mexican fusion food truck, Specialty dish: Kimchee fries
34Benji's DeliMilwaukee, WisconsinJewish food, Specialty dish: Hero Israel Sandwich
33The Donut ManGlendora, CaliforniaDonuts, Specialty: The Strawberry Donut
32Vesta Dipping GrillDenver, ColoradoSteakhouse, Signature dish: 3-Pepper Grilled Flat-Iron Steak with Manilla Clams
31Leo's BBQOklahoma City, OklahomaSignature dish: Leo's Special (ribs, brisket, hot links, bologna, potato salad and coleslaw)
30Sadie'sAlbuquerque, New MexicoTex-Mex, Signature dish: Sopaipilla (6 1/2 lbs of pork, chicken, beef, potatoes, beans, green and red chili and cheese)
29D SpotMaplewood, Minnesota80 different types of chicken wings
28Cowgirl BBQSanta Fe, New MexicoSignature dishes: Diablo Nachos, Green Chili Cheeseburger
27Linger LodgeBradenton, FloridaBBQ, Signature dishes: Gator Bites, Alligator Ribs, Gator Chowder
26Homeroom Mac + CheeseOakland, CaliforniaSignature dish: Trailer Mac (macaroni with a hot dog, 2 cheeses, bechamel sauce and potato chips)
25Bacon ManiaOrange County, CaliforniaFood truck, Signature dish: The Jack Back Sammy (egg bread stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese and hickory smoked bacon)
24Gino's EastChicago, IllinoisPizzeria, Signature dish: The Meaty Legend (deep dish pizza with mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, bacon and sauce)
23PepperfireNashville, TennesseeCountry fried chicken with 6 different heat levels to choose from
22Ted's RestaurantMeriden, ConnecticutSteamed cheeseburgers
21Big-Ass SandwichesPortland, OregonFood truck, Signature dish: The Big-Ass Roast Beef (roast beef, bacon, onions, cheddar cheese sauce, hot sauce and french fries)

Episode 5 #20-1

Rank #RestaurantLocationSpecialty(s)
20Lexie's JointPortsmouth, New Hampshire
19Beau Jo'sIdaho Springs, Colorado
18LardoPortland, Oregon
17Vitek's BBQWaco, Texas
16KravingsLos Angeles, California
15Two Sister's KitchenJackson, Mississippi
14SuppenkucheSan Francisco, California
13Glorioso's Italian MarketMilwaukee, Wisconsin
12Pink's Hot DogsLos Angeles, California
11Mother'sNew Orleans, Louisiana
10Grizzly Manor CafeBig Bear Lake, California
9KnockBack Nat's Sports BarCincinnati, Ohio
8Carnegie DeliNew York, New York
7Faidley SeafoodBaltimore, Maryland
6Tony Luke'sPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
5The Fifty/50Chicago, Illinois
4Peter Luger Steak HouseNew York, New York
3Prince's Hot Chicken ShackNashville, Tennessee
2Franklin BarbecueAustin, Texas
15-8 ClubMinneapolis, Minnesota

References

  1. "Chowdown Countdown".
  2. "101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown : Chowdown Countdown : Travel Channel". travelchannel.com. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
  3. "101 More Amazing Places to Chowdown". travelchannel.com. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
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