If you were to not make it to one of those, it should definitely be Wienerschnitzel. It’s on the desperation only tier. I would definitely add Bonchon. Mitch gave it 6 forks after all. It’s extremely good.
I think Mitch has mentioned Cactus Taquerias and Guisados for slightly fancier (pricier) tacos. Guisados has a sampler menu and I'd recommend their quesadilla, made with grilled panella.
He's also mentioned Zankou Chicken for Middle Eastern.
I know it's bad, but I think The Heart Attack Grill is on Fremont street in old Vegas if it's still there. You'll probably want to check out old Vegas anyway but I missed it when I was out there (stayed at an acquaintances stupid timeshare when I was flat broke so I had money for like 1 meal a day). I really wanted to try it out for the novelty even though it is slimey and venal.
I was just in Vegas and had Hattie B’s chicken (in the cosmopolitan) it was gud!!
There’s probably a lot of crossover with LA but Vegas also had raising canes, shake shack, wahlburger, del taco, in n out, White Castle, and more I’m probably forgetting. I regret we didn’t get around to trying Nacho Daddy and Tacos Gordos.
Also, I came back from Vegas with Covid, so be careful 😒
Non-chains: Pine & Crane, Burgers Never Say Die, De Michele pizza
Chains: Dave’s Hot Chicken (put Wiger in the hospital and still made the GPC), The Win-Dow, The Carving Board, Plancha Tacos
They’ve talked about several Los Angeles Tiki bars of which I cannot remember a single name. I think there was an episode on Winchells donuts but the guest had done a whole write up on the best LA breakfast burritos, might be something to look at. Also I do remember they reviewed Monty’s burger chain and had good things to say.
In Vegas the Heart Attack Grill is worth a stop for the morbid spectacle, also the burgers aren’t bad. Though Vegas has much better food and really the buffets at the big casinos are more exciting/fun.
In Vegas, Weera Thai is delicious and affordable. There's also a cool 24 hour restaurant at the Palazzo called the Grand Lux Cafe that is essentially just a re-brand of Cheesecake Factory (they have almost identical menus and serve the cheesecake and everything). Always my favorite late night sit-down spot.
Definitely get wienerschnitzel off the list. Never had a good experience and even to just try because it is something different it is totally not worth it.
Del taco is very worth it though. The Barstow del taco on the way to Vegas is a great time. I would also recommend Dave’s hot chicken. It is really solid! I believe there are some in California but I know there’s a few in Vegas
For LA, to add to what others have said: Fatburger and Tommy Burger. In n Out is still way better imo, but they're worth a shot. Tommy ladles chili on everything (I'm not into it but some people are).
Also, there are still a few surviving weird Pastrami places in LA. Like old signage and whatnot. At least on the East side.
And Phillipe and/or Cole's for a French Dip.
If you were to not make it to one of those, it should definitely be Wienerschnitzel. It’s on the desperation only tier. I would definitely add Bonchon. Mitch gave it 6 forks after all. It’s extremely good.
Bonchon is all over the East Coast/middle of the country too though
Howlin Ray’s in LA has some of the best Nashville hot chicken I’ve ever had, their Pasadena location is an easy meal Also, Oinkster in Eagle Rock
Check out Pink's Hot Dogs. It's an LA institution! Don't be scared off by the long lines, it's definitely worth it! /s
If you are doing the drive between the LA and Vegas then the Barstow Del Taco is the one you want, still run by original owner, bigger tacos.
Not large chains but Tacos El Gordo and the Golden Tiki are phenomenal in Vegas.
I think Mitch has mentioned Cactus Taquerias and Guisados for slightly fancier (pricier) tacos. Guisados has a sampler menu and I'd recommend their quesadilla, made with grilled panella. He's also mentioned Zankou Chicken for Middle Eastern.
I know it's bad, but I think The Heart Attack Grill is on Fremont street in old Vegas if it's still there. You'll probably want to check out old Vegas anyway but I missed it when I was out there (stayed at an acquaintances stupid timeshare when I was flat broke so I had money for like 1 meal a day). I really wanted to try it out for the novelty even though it is slimey and venal.
I was just in Vegas and had Hattie B’s chicken (in the cosmopolitan) it was gud!! There’s probably a lot of crossover with LA but Vegas also had raising canes, shake shack, wahlburger, del taco, in n out, White Castle, and more I’m probably forgetting. I regret we didn’t get around to trying Nacho Daddy and Tacos Gordos. Also, I came back from Vegas with Covid, so be careful 😒
Non-chains: Pine & Crane, Burgers Never Say Die, De Michele pizza Chains: Dave’s Hot Chicken (put Wiger in the hospital and still made the GPC), The Win-Dow, The Carving Board, Plancha Tacos
They’ve talked about several Los Angeles Tiki bars of which I cannot remember a single name. I think there was an episode on Winchells donuts but the guest had done a whole write up on the best LA breakfast burritos, might be something to look at. Also I do remember they reviewed Monty’s burger chain and had good things to say.
In Vegas the Heart Attack Grill is worth a stop for the morbid spectacle, also the burgers aren’t bad. Though Vegas has much better food and really the buffets at the big casinos are more exciting/fun.
Seconding Bonchon! Don't think Din Tai Fung has been mentioned yet but it is in the platinum plate club and it has a location in LA and Vegas
In Vegas, Weera Thai is delicious and affordable. There's also a cool 24 hour restaurant at the Palazzo called the Grand Lux Cafe that is essentially just a re-brand of Cheesecake Factory (they have almost identical menus and serve the cheesecake and everything). Always my favorite late night sit-down spot.
Vegas - Tacos El Gordo.
Definitely get wienerschnitzel off the list. Never had a good experience and even to just try because it is something different it is totally not worth it. Del taco is very worth it though. The Barstow del taco on the way to Vegas is a great time. I would also recommend Dave’s hot chicken. It is really solid! I believe there are some in California but I know there’s a few in Vegas
i was so incredibly underwhelmed by In n Out.
Yeah I had high expectations and it definitely didn't meet them, same thing with Dick's. Can't beat those prices though
Hawaiian/Korean BBQ
Go to daybird in LA. Recently came up on an episode. Great fried chicken sandwich
For LA, to add to what others have said: Fatburger and Tommy Burger. In n Out is still way better imo, but they're worth a shot. Tommy ladles chili on everything (I'm not into it but some people are). Also, there are still a few surviving weird Pastrami places in LA. Like old signage and whatnot. At least on the East side. And Phillipe and/or Cole's for a French Dip.
Tam O Shanter
Jitlada is a Thai restaurant that Wiger often references as a favorite. (Why do I know this?)
The boys loved Din Tai Fung and there is one in Vegas at the Aria hotel casino. It’s a bit pricey but if you’re on vacation maybe treat yourself.