Lunchbox Laboratory is but the tip of the hamburg. Photo: foole

Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill (Kula, Hawaii)

Headed south on Kula highway from Pukalani, you might start to salivate as you see cows and elk feeding on the nutritious grasses of Maui. You’re in luck! This ranch has a lunch grill making burgers out of this grass-fed beef that are said to be “OH. MY. GOD.”

Fergburger (Queenstown, New Zealand)

Fergburger is rated the number one restaurant in Queenstown on Trip Advisor. That’s over 60 reviews and not a single negative remark. The patty is made of fresh beef, then shaped into an enormous creation almost too big to stuff into any mouth.

Fergberger. Photo: dal_lur

Igloo Roadhouse (Buxton, Australia)

If you have done any research on great burgers, you probably have heard of the Aussie creation “burger with the lot“. This topping lover’s dream consists of cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried egg, pineapple, beet root, and bbq sauce. The patty and bun at Igloo are Godzilla-sized, making it the perfect bed for the lot of it.

Andrew’s Hamburgers (Melbourne, Australia)

Andrew’s sits at the top of the Australian burger pyramid, regularly reviewed as the best Aussie hamburgers. Eating one of their creations sure beats eating at Subway.

Egg, tomato, bacon & cheese. Andrew’s. mspixieears

Kermond’s Hamburgers (Warrnambool, Australia)

If there is any joint trying to take down Andrew’s hamburgers for best burger in Australia, it’s Kermond’s. Making the most talked about burger in Warrnambool since 1949, Kermond’s has put in their time. They may have been around the block once or twice, but there is nothing old fashioned about their burgers. They’ll pack it full with all the toppings you want and carefully construct it, so you’ll get a perfect bite every time.

Burger Got Soul (Launceston, Tasmania)

Tasmania doesn’t usually blip on the burger radar but Burger Got Soul beckons. The burgers look fresh and all accounts are that they taste flipping delicious.

Arctic Roadrunner (Anchorage, AK)

A historic Anchorage burger joint, popular with food-loving travelers. A burger with bologna, ham, salami, mozzarella, and an onion ring? Hit it or quit it.

Urban Burger (Vancouver, BC)

Don’t confuse this place with the Australian franchise. This place is locally owned, and dishing out solid burgers. Think of the Canadian equivalent to In-N-Out.

Arctic Roadrunner. Photo: semarr

Lunchbox Laboratory (Seattle, WA)

Lunchbox is a hole in the wall, create-your-own burger joint. All these burgers are over the top and messy. Choose from the vast selection of meats, cheeses, sauces, and toppings. They’ll construct the burger of your dreams, held together by an organic Kaiser roll.

Father’s Office (Los Angeles, CA)

Father’s is a ritzy, bustling bar in Culver City with an enormous selection of craft beer. Focus! You’re there for the burger! The Office Burger is a thick patty of dry, aged beef, topped with caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere and blue cheeses, and fresh arugula. It’s a wolf in gourmet burger clothing.

Apple Pan (Los Angeles, CA)

Located in West Hollywood, Apple Pan is a small, shed-like building that has allegedly perfected the classic burger. Their famed hickory number is a grilled patty served on a large bed of iceberg, with pickles, mayo, and topped with their own homemade hickory BBQ sauce. It’s nostalgia on a bun.

Rocky’s in Calgary. Photo: Soul of Beer

Rocky’s Burger Bus (Calgary, AB)

Apparently, when Mrs. Partridge blew a tire on one of the Partridge family tours in Canada she just started selling great burgers. These are take-out burgers made from AAA Alberta beef. They’re fresh, they’re fast, and they’re reportedly delicious. Just tell Danny Bonaduce to get his own!

Bobcat Bite (Santa Fe, NM)

Bobcat is out of an old movie; a place that’s miles from town, where a cowboy could tie up his horse and enjoy one of the most raved-about burgers in the USA – a huge freshly ground patty, topped with not-too-hot green chilis and a slice of melted white cheese.

Cherry Cricket (Denver, CO)

This Yelp review can’t be topped: “I make this review special by revealing that I am a vegetarian, unless I’m at the Cherry Cricket. Oh yes, I’m acutely aware that the cow that I’m eating likely had a horrible life, I understand that my gastrointestinal tract will object the following day in an unpleasant manner. But… best. burger. in. town.” Not exactly the strictest vegetarian.

Chris Madrid’s (San Antonio, TX)

Have you ever had dreams about drowning in cheese – and completely loving it? Chris Madrid’s will make your dreams come true. The large and charred patty is swamped in fresh cheddar. This burger is even cheesier than a hot dog in France.

Chris Madrid’s. Photo: laurafries

Kincaid’s Hamburgers (Ft. Worth, TX)

An old grocery store transformed into a retro diner. The burger you’ll find here is not much different than your uncle’s famous char-grilled backyard burgers. Except better. Word is that it rivals some of the world’s best flame grilling.

Sobrino’s (Mexico City, Mexico)

I have to thank Jim Johnston for this recommendation. The burger here is said to be of quality beef, served on nice, crusty bread. So, if you’re in Mexico, please… take some time and send us a review of your experience. Given the lack of Mexican burger articles, it seems that a “Greatest Burger in Mexico” piece might do some good.

Buster’s on 28th (Minneapolis, MN)

Buster’s burgers are always said to be perfectly cooked and always tasty. Apparently it’s all about the bison burger.

Buster’s bison burger. Photo: benreichelt

Kuma’s Corner (Chicago, IL)

Embrace your naughty side and order up a Goblin Cock (Hey pervert, that’s a burger with a Chicago dog served on top). Or maybe try one of the other 21 heavy metal branded burgers, all served on a fresh pretzel roll.

Port of Call (New Orleans, LA)

Port of Call is the type of place you’d expect to have been one of Blackbeard’s favorite bars. Wood paneling, sailor décor, and men with beards. The burgers are as simple as a huge great tasting patty with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Ann’s Snack Bar (Atlanta, GA)

Atlanta has become the burger lovers Mecca and Miss Ann is the Muhammad of the burger world. Miss Ann carefully constructs her massive patties with her own hands, building her “ghetto burger” from fresh ingredients. I’m surprised that it didn’t make Matador’s picks for where to eat like a local in Atlanta.

Vortex Bar & Grill (Atlanta, GA)

The Double Bypass Burger from The Vortex: Half a pound of sirloin patty topped with 2 fried eggs, 6 slices of American cheese, and eight slices of bacon. Oh, I almost forgot, instead of a bun, it’s held together with 2 grilled cheese sandwiches. My Heart!

Ann’s in Atlanta. Photo: marynificent

Globe Bistro (Toronto, ON)

Although $15 dollars for lunch may be a bit steep, a burger made of 100% rib-eye is well worth it. Topped with Northern Woods mushrooms, Quebec cheese curd, Niagara pancetta, and house-made pickles, this is definitely a gourmet burger.

Ray’s Hell Burger (Washington, DC)

500 Yelp reviews and no one is talking about this restaurant. Everyone is talking about the burger! With Foie Gras and cognac sautéed mushrooms as some of the toppers on the menu (and prices starting around $7) this is a gourmet burger at a working man’s price.

Good Dog Bar (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

3 words: Good Dog Burger. ½ lb. sirloin patty (ground in house) stuffed with Roquefort cheese that oozes out of the center, finished off with caramelized onions and centered between a brioche bun. Not the best place for travelers to begin a new diet.

Vortex’s very famous burger. Photo: curt

Corner Bistro (New York, NY)

Corner Bistro is a dive with speedy service and a great atmosphere. Their Bistro Burger is a classic that all other bacon cheeseburgers should be judged against. A thick patty served with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and bacon. (Editor’s Note: Eff this place. Go across the street to Jane Street Tavern and have a real burger).

Shake Shack (New York, NY)

You may have to wait over an hour, but one bite into this critically acclaimed burger will make you forget all that. Dreamy beef and melted cheese topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. Simplicity done right. And since this is a “world” article, look out for the new Shake Shack location in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Kansas (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Kansas always seems to turn up as the best American cuisine in Buenos Aires, with reviews giving it prime picking for those expats looking for a whopper that isn’t a Whopper.

Lanchonete da Cidade (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

In an act of authenticity, this 60’s style diner puts their juicy beef to rest on homemade buns. It is said that the burger actually tastes like a 60’s burger. I hope they mean in the style of the 60’s. This place is just one of many places in Brazil to eat goopy, oozy food.

Shake Shack. Photo: Stuart Spivack

Hamborgara Búllan (Reykjavik, Iceland)

Want the full burger experience? Hamborgara gives it to you; not just with their seedy-New York bar atmosphere, but also with their amazing and classic cheeseburgers.

Jo Burger (Dublin, Ireland)

Two words: Burger joint. There’s not much to see at Jo Burger, which is good, as it brings one of the best burgers in Dublin into prime focus.

The Meat Wagon (London, UK)

A burger joint on wheels that can be tracked with Twitter? Yep. If you’re lucky enough to track this wagon down then you are in for a great treat. A freshly pressed burger patty, topped with a freshly pressed bacon patty and special chili. The owner says the secret is in the cheese. Isn’t the secret always in the cheese?

Nah Nah Bah (Lagos, Portugal)

This place is a weary traveler’s oasis, applying gauze to the wound that many travelers crave: tender beef and melted cheese. Mix it with Bob Marley and you have Nah Nah Bah.

London’s meat wagon. Photo: simondee

Home Burger Bar (Madrid, Spain)

Built to feel like a 60’s diner, Home Burger Bar brings in their meat from the mountains of Avila. Their patty is certified organic and there are options galore as to how you want your burger topped. This place is a local favorite.

Pim Pam Burger (Barcelona, Spain)

Great beef, fresh toppings, and a short menu. When people are crying out “Best burger in Barcelona!” and all you are served is a classic burger, you know you’re in for great tasting beef.

Ferdi (Paris, France)

Penelope Cruz has put Ferdi on the map by proclaiming that it has “the best cheeseburger in Paris!”. From looking at the reviews, she might not be wrong.

The Bird (Berlin, Germany)

It’s amusing to think that a place called The Bird would be known for its beef. Anyone that has visited this joint will tell you that they serve a high quality cow. They also serve guacamole – in Germany! Definitely one to put on the list if you’re binge eating in Berlin.

Hong Kong’s Monster Burger. Photo: gohanhk

1516 Brewing Company (Vienna, Austria)

1516’s burgers are made with beef from the Austrian Alps. The burger consists of a patty, melted cheddar, and a bun. Take that, condiment queens.

JB’s Corner (Johannesburg, South Africa)

The ambiance is very street café, and the mood is hungry. JB’s pure homemade beef patties have drawn much attention in Johannesburg.

Lucille’s Diner (Cairo, Egypt)

Lucille’s was just touted by Scott Mcleod of Time Magazine as “Best Burger in the World”. The burger is made of prime beef and fresh toppings grown in the Nile river basin.

Kizilkayalar (Istanbul, Turkey)

Kizilkayar serves up one of greasiest and tastiest sliders in the world. The patty is drenched in a ketchupy-garlic sauce and then placed between a bun that is allowed time to soak up its juice.

Bite Club in Phillippines. Photo: angelosu

City Bar (St. Petersburg, Russia)

You would think they were hosting KGB meetings at this dimly lit hangout. There is an advantage to the darkness – a greater sense of smell and taste. Whispered word is that this place serves up some of the best burgers in all of Russia.

Monster Burger (Hong Kong)

I’m sure there has been more than one occasion that you have thought to yourself, “That burger looks nothing like the picture on the menu!”. Well, you won’t have that problem at this Hong Kong fast food chain. The burgers look exactly like the menu pictures. From the rave reviews, I’d say they taste as good as they look.

Bravo Burger in Taiwan. Photo: araiyul

Kangaroo Café (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Not only has owner Max Hartt taken the art of the Aussie burger to Vietnam, but he also puts together tours of surrounding areas. After scarfing down the product of Max‘s great skill, how about hopping on a motorbike to explore the country? Just steer clear of dog meat and rooster balls.

Smok’inn frogz (Singapore)

Tucked behind Bar Bar Blacksheep in a food stall is Smok’inn frogz. This place may be tight and stuffy, but the burgers are said to be full of flavor and juices. A good spot if you’re hitting Singapore on a tight budget.

Bite Club (Boracay, Philippines)

The white sands aren’t the only reason to visit this beautiful island. Bite Club serves up a humongous burger that could probably feed your whole family. You might want to let the belt go a little, too.

Bravo Burger (Taipei City, Taiwan)

Bravo Burger is on the “the quest for the best burger”, as clearly stated on their menu. They are definitely on the right track, serving up thick, tasty patties and toppings that look like they were harvested fresh from your mother’s garden. You’ll need to install a mechanical jaw to bite their Jumbo Burger. It’s Huge!

Smokey Saloon (Seoul, South Korea)

Smokey Saloon in Seoul. Photo: kaba

Considered a fast food chain, that doesn’t stop Smoeky from producing towering burgers. What other fast food restaurant can you get a fried egg, thick sliced bacon, and a homemade onion ring on your cheeseburger? OK. Maybe some, but which ones in South Korea?

Goro’s Diner (Tokyo, Japan)

These burgers are put together very beautifully. Almost like a burger statue. Sometimes you just feel like destroying something beautiful.

Speakeasy Diner (Kyoto, Japan)

Calling themselves the “hamburger shop in Kyoto”, this quaint diner is a home to expats and locals alike. The burgers range from the cute Kyoto burger to the enormous “special” burger.

Community Connection

Matador is crazy about food. And drinking. Want a beer to wash it all down? Consider the 20 best beer towns in America. Even better, catch a perfectly legal ride on Berlin’s curious beer bike. We’ll warn you though, you’re taking life into your own hands if you try Budweiser’s unfathomable chelada.

Photo and Feature Photo: Mypouss

They sing. They tap their feet. The guitarist – clearly a fan of Led Zep – moodily plucks the strings of his guitar then starts beating the crap out of it with a stick. The singers show off and hardly anyone pays attention to the drummer at the back, tapping away at the cymbals.

But this isn’t any old band playing at a Camden dive venue These are birds: Zebra finches to be precise. Playing guitars. In an art gallery. It’s gloriously, wonderfully weird.

This, French artist/composer Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s first solo art show in the UK, became an overnight sensation when it opened at the end of February and a Youtube clip is racking up the hits.

Essentially the most rock and roll aviary in the history of the world, plugged-in Gibson Les Pauls are installed around the Barbican’s Curve gallery. Upturned cymbals are used as birdbaths, feeders and water bowls while mic stands make perfect preening perches. Nesting boxes line the high walls and the floor is covered with sand and twigs. As the birds ruffle their feathers, shuffle, build nests and land on the guitars, every sound their tiny feet make is amplified through the speakers.

Whereas most bands struggle with that difficult third album, here all it takes to make an opus is a bit of hopping on a fret board, the arrival of an unwanted love rival and a ‘get off my land’ twangy skirmish on the strings.

Photo: Mypouss

The birds themselves are trained professionals that came through an agency that provides animals to the film and entertainment industries. According to gallery staff, the birds were a bit British and standoffish at first, but now they’re hanging out like friends and there’s even been some romance. Last week when an egg was laid, the gallery had to be shut down and bird experts were called in. The egg is now being looked after by a friendly finch elsewhere.

The exhibition is a joy to walk around. There’s no sense at all of being trapped, just a lovely liberating feeling of freedom as twittering birds fly past your head.

What these tiny finches couldn’t teach you about rock and roll isn’t worth knowing. Cleaning bird shit off the instruments is a regular job for gallery staff and not even The Who’s bad boy Pete Townshend was that rock and roll with a Gibson.

Céleste Boursier-Mougenot
The Curve, Barbican Art Gallery, London (tube: Barbican)
Until the 23rd May, 2010
Free Entry
Open daily 11am-8pm
Open late every Thu until 10pm

Community Connection

If you’re thinking of taking the show on the road, have a look at 5 Things You Should Know When Traveling with Musical Instruments.

More bird inspired music for you? Bird Song: Can You Hear the Melody of Nature? has birds making notes in a different way.

Photo and Feature Photo: Mulling it Over

The three-day music and arts festival, held April 16-18 (this time around) in the desert town of Indio, California, draws more than 150,000 visitors each year. The 2010 lineup features superstars like Jay-Z, Muse, Pavement, and Vampire Weekend.

One of the thrills of Coachella is discovering new bands you hadn’t heard of before. Many of them will be playing early in the afternoon, so don’t let your hangover keep you from catching these great lesser-known acts.

One of the highlights of Coachella’s first day will undoubtedly be this four-man band led by siblings Seth and Scott Avett. Though the Avett Brothers prominently feature acoustic guitar, banjo, and upright bass, it would be a crime to refer to their music simply as folk or bluegrass, because it’s so much more than that.

They deliver each song with a punk rock ferocity. Acclaimed producer Rick Rubin recognized the band’s artistry and signed them to his American Recordings label, where he produced their most recent album, I and Love and You.

(Music starts at about 3:00)

Jay-Z might own the headlining slot on Friday night, but earlier in the day another worthy hip hop artist takes the stage. Minneapolis rapper P.O.S. has already earned respect within the industry, having recorded with Craig Finn of The Hold Steady and Slug from Atmosphere, and he’s starting to make a name for himself among the wider music community.

P.O.S. actually began his career as a punk artist and many of his raps feature drums and guitars accentuating frenetic choruses. His newest release is Never Better.

If you find yourself groggy after partying on Saturday night, Sunday performers Matt Johnson & Kim Schifino are the perfect antidote. The duo’s spunky melodies and silly pop songs will have you jumping around in no time.

Matt & Kim’s video for “Lessons Learned” ( from their latest record Grand) made them one of the few indie bands to win an MTV Video Music Award in 2009 for Breakthrough Video in which Matt & Kim strip naked while walking through Times Square.
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You may not recognize her name, but if you spend a lot of time online you’ve probably seen Kate Miller-Hiedke’s viral video hit, “Are You F*cking Kidding Me?” ( aka ‘The Facebook Song’, featured on Live at the Hi-Fi), a hilarious tale of getting a Facebook friend request from your heartbreaking ex years later.

Miller-Heidke has much more to offer than this novelty song. The rest of the Australian singer’s music is characterized by clever lyrics and theatrical vocals.

A unique combination of piano, vocal harmonies and multiple drummers makes this Brooklyn six-piece one of the more entertaining acts anywhere. The group has two full-time drummers, and during some live performances as many as four band members bang away on the drums at the same time.

White Rabbits embrace their anonymity – they claim to be the least-known band ever to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman – but their 2009 release It’s Frightening seems about to rip a big chunk out of their obscurity.

If you’re in the mood for fist-pumping, ear-shattering hard rock, Owen Pallett is not your guy. But his intricate violin arrangements may well be one of the artistic peaks of the Coachella weekend.

Pallett, who recorded under the name Final Fantasy until the makers of the video game got on his case, creates textured songs by recording violin and keyboard solos and looping them together.

Pallett performs on Sunday, making his set a good opportunity to relax and enjoy some calm and serenity before raucous headliners Pavement and Gorillaz take the stage that night. His latest album is Heartland.

This British group led by Florence Welch won’t be under the radar much longer. Their debut release Lungs won Best Album at the 2010 Brit Awards, the first of what may prove many awards for this talented group.

Florence has been compared to the likes of Kate Bush and Nick Cave for her moody and dramatic style. Many of her songs deal with dark topics like death and violence, but others like “You’ve Got the Love” express a more joyful outlook.

The Ontario band Tokyo Police Club writes peppy two-minute rock songs loaded with hand claps and group chanting. The band became darlings of the indie rock world with a 2006 16-minute EP and followed that up with the successful full-length Elephant Shell.

They’re music festival veterans, having played Lollapalooza, All Points West, and Bumbershoot. If you missed TPC’s first Coachella appearance in 2007, here’s a chance to redeem yourself.

Many Americans first became aware of the Temper Trap thanks to the high-profile placement of their song “Sweet Disposition” in the film (500) Days of Summer.

The four-man Australian act teamed up with producer Jim Abbiss, who’s worked with Adele and Arctic Monkeys, to crank out atmospheric rock songs like “Science of Fear,” one of several epic tracks on their debut release Conditions.

Syracuse-based Ra Ra Riot hit on a successful formula by adding cello and violin to the typical indie rock blueprint. The combination of sounds makes for an entertaining live show.

Rolling Stone named Ra Ra Riot’s last full-length The Rhumb Line one of the top 50 albums of 2008, praising the record for its beautiful, sorrowful songs, many of which were written by drummer John Pike, who died before the album was recorded.

One of the highlights of Saturday’s lineup is Baltimore duo Beach House. Alex Scally provides slow, mesmerizing instrumentation while Victoria Legrand supplies dreamy vocals which recall Nico of the Velvet Underground.

Beach House just released Teen Dream in January 2010, their third album overall and first for Sub Pop, which surprised many by cracking the top ten on Billboard’s Rock Albums chart.

Miike Snow is not a dude but a three-man Swedish electropop group. Critics call Miike Snow one of the few electronic acts that sounds decidedly better live than on record. That’s a big compliment considering great songs like “Animal” from their self titled album, the synth-y pop confection that served as the band’s introduction to the world.

Coachella is the first of three major festivals Miike Snow will be hitting up this summer. Jump on board the bandwagon before your friends do!

Community Connection

If you’re headed to Coachella, you won’t be too far from Joshua Tree National Park. If you’re thinking of detoxing from all the noise and booze in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S. who could blame you? Hop on over to MatadorTrips‘ California’s Most Spectacular Deserts for a preview.

MatadorNetwork’s California Focus Page gives you ideas for trips and things to do and not to do in California.

Flying biscuits. Photo: jonathanmcintosh

Flying Biscuit Cafe (Brunch)

Flying Biscuit’s eclectic charm (complete with vinyl flower-covered table cloths and cherubs painted on the ceiling) resonates strongly with locals. The food is pretty astounding, too.

The popular restaurant is best known for its Southern-style biscuits (naturally). In fact, the bakery has been known to regularly pump out thousands a day on the weekend. Flying Biscuit’s healthy, organic breakfasts feature farm fresh eggs, turkey bacon and rosemary-dusted potatoes.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s also organic oatmeal pancakes smothered with warm peach compote and maple syrup or orange-scented whole wheat French toast topped with raspberry sauce and honey crème anglaise.

Don’t miss the cranberry apple spread that comes with the biscuits. It tastes like a country store smells – spicy, sweet and absolutely amazing.

Locations in Candler Park (the original and features a bakery), Midtown, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Norcross and East Cobb.($5 – $15)

Breakfast BLT at Highland. Photo: brotherlove

Highland Bakery (Brunch)

The wait at this Old Fourth Ward neighborhood spot can eat up the morning, but the food more than compensates. Scents of fresh, from-scratch baked goods tickle the nose upon arrival, and it just gets better from there. Large portions are only one perk of this crowd-gathering establishment. There’s also the cookies … and cakes … and cupcakes.

Gems from the regular menu include sweet potato pancakes with warm and thick carmalized brown sugar syrup and toasted pecans, homemade granola, and bran flake crusted Challah bread Peanut Butter French Toast topped with carmelized bananas.

Highland Bakery is located at 655 Highland Ave. NE. ($8 – $10)

The Vortex. Photo: jesspics

The Vortex Bar & Grill (Lunch)

This unapologetic joint serves up some of the juiciest burgers in Atlanta. Start off any meal with one of its many appetizers – crowd favorites tend towards tater tots and fried zucchini. Then, indulge in a burger.

Vortex offers more than 20 different 1/2 –pound burger options broken into a few categories: The Usual Suspects (plain and cheeseburger); The Signature Series, which includes the spicy Hell Burger topped with habanero relish, jalapeno pepper and pepperjack cheeses, and the Pesto Burger served with basil pesto sauce and provolone cheese; The Original Vortex Heart Stoppers smothered with layers of cheese, fried eggs, bacon and other clog-inducing deliciousness, and the $26 Super-Stack Heart Attack Burger.

For those who don’t enjoy burgers, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options awaiting diners at both locations. According to Atlanta resident Karen Williams, Vortex also cooks up a wicked veggie burger.

Vortex Bar & Grill has two locations: 878 Peachtree St. NE in Midtown; 428 Moreland Ave. in Little Five Points. ($6 – $26)

Sake bombing Ru Sans. Photo: marynificent

Ru Sans (Dinner)

“When I say ‘sake’ you say ‘bomb’” and so goes the party anthem at this sushi spot in Midtown (with a few others spread through Atlanta). Just make just make sure you know what you’re getting into.

While the sushi isn’t the best in Atlanta, Ru Sans is one of the best dinner locales to start a night on the town. Dollar sushi, creative rolls and sake-a-plenty make this one of the best places in Atlanta to go to celebrate… anything.

Numerous locations in Atlanta. Original location: 1529 Piedmont Ave. NE. ($1 to $15)

Fatt Matt’s. Photo: brandonshigeta

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack (Dinner)

There’s a reason Fat Matt’s got a shout-out in George Clooney hit “Up in the Air.” This un-pretentious barbecue establishment entices diners with its low-cost, no-frills dishes and nightly blues musical entertainment. BBQ lovers Unite!

Naturally, the ribs are a sure bet (sandwich, ½ slab and full slab), but then there’s also the chopped pork sandwich served with a bag of chips at a bargain price of $3.95 and other offerings including a ½ roast chicken. For an extra kick of awesome, order the rum baked beans and wash them down with sweet tea or cheapie beer.

1811 Piedmont Ave. NE. ($3.75 – $20)

Intermezzo for dessert. Photo: 1.bp

Café Intermezzo (Dessert)

Fashioned after traditional European coffee houses, this coffee/sweets restaurant offers plates to make even a non-dessert lover salivate. Tour guides at Café Intermezzo navigate diners through the 100-plus choices for after-dinner food, including cheesecakes, tortes, pies, cakes and more. With two large cases to choose from, the selection hits every note of perfection.

Coffee-lovers are not overlooked – there are more than 100 tasty concoctions to please any java drinker. Favorites include Mexican Hot Chocolate and absolutely anything that can be combined with alcohol.

Café Intermezzo has a complete menu, in case the appetite calls for more than just desserts.

1845 Peachtree Rd. NE. ($4 and up)

The crowd mills at Paolo’s. Photo: jcburns

Paolo’s Italian Gelato & Desserts (Dessert)

On any given summer night, crowds wrap around the old building that houses Paolo’s. Just refurbished, this authentic Italian gelato haunt scoops up some of the best you’ll find this side of the Atlantic.

It offers the cream and fruit staples, and unique flavors not normally found in Atlanta – of the fruit and vegetable kind. It may sound daring, but the different, sweet tastes are refreshing and a nice venture from the norm. There’s even doggie gelato so the pups won’t drool over yours.

Be sure to carry cash – Paolo’s doesn’t accept cards.

1025 Virginia Ave. NE ($2 and up)

Community Connection

Check out our guide to finding righteous pizza in Atlanta, as well as our guide to the city’s green places, from farmers’ markets to folk music festivals. Oh, and everything to do with food and travel.

I’m not sure if this is real. The newscaster says he’s in the mountains of Valencia for the army’s mass burning of marijuana plants. You don’t have to understand Spanish to understand what’s happening here.

Community Connection

Find out about Tripping Out on the Road (Spain included). If you’re into travel and ganja, why not see if you can be MatadorNights latest Marijuana Ambassador?

This Photo of Roast Chicken and Beef at The Owl
and the Pussycat and All Photos: Carloyn Evans,
all rights reserved

We’re not talking fancy gastros or soulless chain pubs here, but the last remaining free houses and old man’s pubs: the genuine, no nonsense, old school drinking holes.

So if you want a big slice of real London life added to a tasty roast, be a traveller, not a tourist and head to one of these pubs.

The Owl and the Pussycat

Roast:
At this genuine East End boozer, you almost have to fight to get a table. You’ll be left in a comatose state by the tasty roast dinner with ‘the lot’ piled high on a magical plate that seems to be able to create an endless amount of juicy, meaty gravy. The stomach-breaking portions are definitely not for pussycats.

Extra Trimmings:
With a decent boozer it’s all about authenticity, not ‘aute cuisine. So the extra trimmings relate to what makes each pub’s experience extra special. Here, it’s the quintessentially British irony that makes this pub cool in trendy Shoreditch with its dodgy décor, sarcastic old landlord and dark interior.

Price: £15.00
Serving times: 1 or 2pm – ’til sold out.
34 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 7DP
020 7613 3628

The Bear

Roast Chicken at The Bear

Roast:
Ok, so this free house’s roast has been in the Observer newspaper’s awards, but don’t let that put you off. It’s far away from the tourist trail, so you’re guaranteed to see more locals than tourists.

The duck fat roast potatoes are so unbelievably good, they’ll make you go momentarily blind. And be careful as you bite into the crackling of the pork belly, as you won’t be able to control the expression of ecstasy on your face.

Extra Trimmings:
The ‘bar props’ (these are the old people who almost live in the traditional boozer) sit at the bar all day and wait till you come up, so they can tell you their latest joke, anecdote or that you look like a girl they once knew. Quality entertainment.

Price: £11.00
Serving times: 12pm – 5pm (or sold out).
296a Camberwell New Road, Camberwell, London, SE5 ORP
020 7274 7037

The Montague Arms

The Montague Arms

Roast:
If you want to experience a roast how London’s Grans make it, come here. Every vegetable on the plate is definitely not there for health reasons.

Take the mashed swede that melts on your tongue and gives it the ability to butter bread. The homemade Yorkshire puddings appear to bloom on your plate as they soak up the gravy.

Extra trimmings:
The classic London pub landlord, Peter Hoyle has been the owner for 40 years and as soon as you walk in, you feel at home when he calls you ‘love’. Throw the guidebook away as you sit down and learn a bit of London history from him.

Price: £6.50 including pudding.
Serving times: 12pm – 5pm
New Cross, London, SE15 2PA

The Cat’s Back

Roast:
Here you get half a roast chicken, or lamb that’s just the right sort of pink. It’s melt in your mouth meat accompanied by a dark, rich gravy. And they’ve added a cheeky addition to the traditional roast – a smooth yet firm broccoli cheese.

Extra Trimmings:
This is the only true free house left in posh West London. It survived when the surrounding area was bought up by international corporations and turned into riverside flats.

Therefore, the landlord can change the ales and lagers to suit his customers, not the breweries, and it still has the most amazing collection of junk adorning its walls – from Red Indian chiefs to golden Greek Gods and Barbies dressed as Baywatch lifeguards.

Price: £12.50
Serving times: Varies between 12 and 1pm – late. Phone to check.
86-88 Point Pleasant, Putney, London, SW18 1PP
020 8877 0818

College Arms

College Arms

Roast:
Here you get comfort food in a setting that’s possibly out of your comfort zone. But isn’t that what travelling is all about? As you sit at the table with locals from the nearby housing estate, your heart’ll be in your mouth along with the deliciously crispy roast potatoes, home cooked veg and succulent meat, but after a couple of pints and Yorkshire puds, you’ll become part of the family.

Extra Trimmings:
Eavesdropping on the regulars. Nowhere else will you be able to hear native gossip so clearly and comfortably.

Price: Under £7.
Serving times: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Forest Rd, Walthamstow, London, E17 4JD
020 8531 8001

Community Connection

All about what to do in London? No worries. Matador’s got you covered. Find out how to take the bus, great places to eat, how to have a great trip on less than $100 a day, and where to volunteer.

Idiot Goes Diving At the Trevi Fountain – Watch more Funny Videos

Be sure to check out a boot full of Italy articles on Matador!

Photo and Feature Photo: aleksey.const

Rather than rise to the rafters, he fell to the floor, a confused audience looking on as (according to Rolling Stone) “nobody caught him”.

As reported by jam.canoe.ca, Pop said of the incident, “When I landed it hurt and I made a mental note that Carnegie Hall would be a good place for my last stage dive. The audience were just like, ‘What are you doing?’”

It’s feast or famine as far as violent rock shows go these days. Your author remembers a time when a 14 year old girl could go into a gnarly pit where she had no business being and get pulled to her feet by moshers who weren’t there to see anyone stomped. In recent years, I have seen people willfully crushed and battered by punkers who’d have had the snot beaten out of them for behaving that way at a certain time.

And now we’ve reached a day when Pop’s fame has far outstretched his audience’s ability to sense that they are to put out their arms and catch the man, uselessly watching him fall to the floor.

Community Connection

See Pop’s signature at Hanza Studios where The Idiot was recorded (it’s in Berlin) at Berlin 20/20: A Photo Tour of a Reunited City.

Patti Smith more your speed? Check out Tom Gates account of his Last Show as a New Yorker before his epic journey around the world.

Photo: richardwitt74

Uncle Tupelo “No Depression”

Most often seen as the pioneers of the movement, Uncle Tupelo’s run from 1987-1994 went largely unnoticed by the mainstream but stormed a trail for many bands, including the ones that would form out of this one’s ashes (that’d be Wilco and Son Volt).

The title track from their 1990 album No Depression also became the title for a magazine which covered the scene from the years 1995-2008.

No Depression

Whiskeytown “Houses on the Hill”

Lucinda Williams. Photo by jcbehm

Fronted by Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown made a name for themselves by playing gloriously loose and raucous shows. Always a bit of a soap opera, the band’s inner turmoil turned to electricity during gigs. “Houses on the Hill” features background vocals and violin by member Caitlin Cary, who greatly contributed to the band’s sound.

Houses On The Hill

Wilco “Passenger Side”

Hopefully by now you’re familiar with Wilco and their story. If not, grab a copy of the DVD I Am Trying To Break Your Heart and learn just how rough life can become for a rock band. “Passenger Side” is decidedly townie, a tale about mooching rides and calling shotgun.

“You’re gonna make me spill my beer, if you don’t learn how to steer.”

Passenger Side

Old 97’s “Melt Show”

Old 97’s blew down the doors when they entered the scene, bringing a more rockabilly and punk aesthetic to their shows, which often found singer Rhett Miller shaking and quaking more than Elvis. Now pushing 40, Miller still writes excellent songs and The 97’s still make music together. “Melt Show” is probably the best studio recording to ever capture their live energy.

Melt Show (LP Version)

Blue Mountain “Wink”

Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. Photo by charlie cravero

Blue Mountain’s Dog Days is one of the best records you’ve probably never heard. Founded by a husband and wife duo (she also John Stirratt from Wilco’s twin sister), the band was never able to crack the big time. This album, chocked full of Mississippi heartbreak, endures as a lost classic.

Wink (Album Version)

Son Volt “Drown”

The “other post-Tupelo band”, Son Volt continues to tour and make great music. “Drown” shows the band’s distorted side but don’t be fooled. The soft stuff is just as powerful. Mark Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard as a fan – he recently made an album and toured with SV’s main man, Jay Farrar.

Drown (LP Version)

The Jayhawks “Blue”

There was a moment where Alt Country nearly tipped into mainstream and The Jayhawks’ “Blue” was one of the songs that nearly took it around the corner.

Imagine that this song was once played on radio stations that now blare Linkin Park and System of a Down. It’s also possibly one of the sweetest songs of all time.

Blue

Lucinda Williams “Drunken Angel”

With a drawl all her own, Lucinda’s Car Wheels On A Gravel Road has sold nearly a million copies and earned her a Grammy. The whole album’s a corker.

Drunken Angel

Scud Mountain Boys “Grudge”

A band that formed sitting around a table, Scud Mountain Boys hit the nail on the head with their 1996 album Massachusetts. A song about a breakup and the stalking that follows, “Grudge” features the honest hook, “I would give anything to make it with you just one more time.”

Have you heard The Avett Brothers? Photo by elawgrrl

Grudge

The Avett Brothers “I And Love And You”

The Avett Brothers are one of many bands to take Alt Country’s torch and run with it. They’ll surely be one of 2010’s biggest breakouts, already pulling in big crowds and making them The Band To Watch at this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival.

I And Love And You (single)

Community Connection

For more “musts”, be sure to check out both our Motown and metal lists. Also not to be missed: Our picks for 50 music sites that matter.