Strings - (Near Merced, CA)

Pinhwa Su Had such a great time at Prime BBQ in San Mateo! We ordered the veggie fried rice, cucumber salad, mentaiko stir-fried udon with shrimp, vermicelli scallop with garlic, grilled oyster with garlic, and a bunch of skewers - shishito pepper, wagyu steak with uni, beef tongue, and chicken meatball. We also tried the Thai tea (with the cutest bear on top ) and a bottle of Kubota “Senjyu.” Everything was tasty, but my absolute favorite was the mentaiko udon, the beef tongue skewers, and the chicken meatball. Also, don’t miss their $2 lunch specials (Fri–Sun) for oysters, abalone, and scallops. Super cute space with Labubu decor and a big sake selection.

BurnMan recently had the chance to stop by Charcoal Kitchen in Glendale, and I have to say, it was a fantastic experience! I’ve heard great things about the place, but the chicken here really blew me away. I went with the charbroiled chicken, and it was incredible—perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor. The skin had a nice crisp to it, while the inside was tender and moist. You can tell they use quality ingredients, and the seasoning was just the right balance of savory with a touch of smokiness. I couldn’t stop going back for another bite. It also comes with a generous portion of sides—fresh, perfectly seasoned rice, crispy fries, and a really tasty salad. Everything complemented the chicken beautifully. The atmosphere at Charcoal Kitchen is relaxed and casual, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. The service was fast, and I felt like I was getting great value for the quality of the food. If you’re craving grilled chicken, this place is an absolute must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back for more next time I’m in Glendale! Highly recommend it.

Sarah Highlights: Incredible vegan dishes packed with bold, balanced seasoning. The rice stands out as some of the most flavorful around. The carne asada tacos were bursting with taste. The spot has a charming vibe with plenty of seating and a laid-back, open setup. Theyve consistently earned top local recognition for excellence over the years. Drawbacks: Parking isn’t the most convenient, especially with its location right next to the transit line. Despite being the only customer at the time, my order of the taco trio with rice took quite a while to come out. The pollo tacos didn’t quite deliver on flavor. The building felt warm and stuffy as if the air conditioning either wasn’t working or was barely noticeable.

Steve West This is our "go to" pizza place when in Auburn. I prefer to make reservations online when I plan ahead because its just nice to walk in and be seated. Parking can be sparse but slowly drive around the building and Ive always been able to get close to the restaurant. Now, the ambience is large and comfy at the same time. Keep in mind, for non rainy days, sitting upstairs in one of there many cozy resting / celebration areas. The views are really fun. The choices of food are plenty and delicious. They also have many adult drinks and a full service bar separate but open to the restaurant. I especially like that they decorate for seasonal celebrations keeping it a unique experience from time. We had a family of 7 enjoy two large pizzas, drinks, and a salad for about 110.00. Its not cheap but also isnt too expensive considering the excellent service, food, and atmosphere.

Juan Franco Menudo is Very delicious. I believe the best in town. So were the tacos de Cabeza. Homemade corn tortillas.

Out of Our Nest Very busy place but once you try the pizza, you understand while everybody comes there. Not so hidden gem in the town, located back off the main street, but definitely a place verybody seems to know about. It was packed in the evening with visitors and locals alike. Seating inside can be very tight, but there is seating outside in the front and back. Pizzas may take a while to make depending on the crowd, but they’re all definitely worth it, loaded with all sorts of good toppings, and their menu consist of all different varieties of pizzas.