Top 5 American Restaurants
Whether it’s because of enormous portions, Pop Tarts or McDonald’s, American food still has a bad reputation. But here at The Handbook, we know that when American food is done right, it’s absolutely irresistible. Who hasn’t craved the savoury hit of a salt beef sandwich or a smokiness of a real barbeque? Here are London’s best American restaurants.
Big Easy, Covent Garden
Ranch-sized home of authentic American barbecue
You won’t be disappointed by this king-size celebration of the States. A rustic, Deep South blues-bar vibe, genuinely smokey barbecued meats in huge portions, and basement of live-music. Choose from four different types of barbecue, from Texas style to Kansas.
Where: 12 Maiden Lane Covent Garden, WC2E 7NA
Website: http://bigeasy.co.uk
Earlham St Clubhouse, Covent Garden
Kitschy bar-and-kitchen with eye-popping decor
With pizza toppings named after the characters in Friends (the Ross & Rachel anyone?) and cocktails honouring some of the most famous characters in Hollywood history (try Stifler’s Mom), Earlham St Clubhouse wins hands-down when it comes to referencing American college culture. And it’s got an awesome dancefloor.
Where: 35 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LD
Website: http://www.esclubhouse.com
The Diner, Soho
Traditional '50s-style American eatery
Comfort food saves the day at The Diner, where you can kick back and indulge your fantasy of living 1950s American suburbia. Big malt milkshakes, stacks of syrup-drizzled pancakes, and hot dogs groaning with toppings make this a real feast of all things USA.
Where: 18 Ganton St, Soho, W1F 7BU
Website: http://www.goodlifediner.com
The Blues Kitchen, Camden
Big-on-music barbecue and grillhouse
With the meat smoked in-house for up to 16 hours, there’s no doubt this is a no-nonsense barbecue joint for true aficionados. Great for less well-known dishes like New Orleans gumbo, catfish jambalaya and brisket chili, there’s also a music venue for that full American experience.
Where: 111-113 Camden High St, NW1 1JN
Website: http://theblueskitchen.com
Shake Shack
Shake-centred burger joint
This burger chain has a cult following in NYC and is a truly all-American experience. The diner style setting includes buzzers to tell you when your food’s ready, drive-by style hatches from which to pick up your full tray, and friendly staff kitted out in baseball caps. Be sure to try one of their yummy milkshakes!
Where: Covent Garden, 24 Market Building, The Piazza, London,WC2E 8RD
Website: https://www.shakeshack.com/
