In this episode of Chug & Chow, award-winning host and author Todd Newton takes us to the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood to raise a glass at one of the city’s most legendary haunts—Vesuvio Café.

Tucked beside the iconic City Lights Bookstore, Vesuvio Café isn’t just a bar—it’s a bohemian time capsule. Since 1948, this dimly lit, art-filled watering hole has been a sanctuary for poets, painters, misfits, and dreamers. It’s where Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg drank and debated, where the Beat Generation found its pulse, and where literary and artistic rebellion was always on tap.

The Tattooed Traveler dives into the café’s storied past and paints a vivid picture of how Vesuvio became more than just a bar—it became a movement. Whether you're a Beatnik at heart or just love a good dive with soul, this episode will make you want to sip a house Bloody Mary beneath stained glass and soak in the ghosts of genius.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and check out the Chug & Chow book for more legendary stops just like this.

Ready to discover the burger that put Minneapolis on the culinary map? Join award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton as CHUG & CHOW heads to Matt’s Bar, home of the legendary Original Jucy Lucy.

In this sizzling episode, The Tattooed Traveler dives into the history, flavor, and local lore behind the molten cheese-filled masterpiece that’s been drawing crowds for decades. Whether you’re a burger fanatic or a curious traveler, you’ll get an insider’s look at what makes Matt’s Bar a must-visit stop in the Twin Cities.

Don’t miss this delicious journey into Minneapolis’s most iconic bite—tune in, subscribe, and get ready to crave the Jucy Lucy.

Award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton takes the CHUG & CHOW crew to Florida's Gulf Coast paradise for an unforgettable culinary adventure! This week, Todd explores the world-famous Siesta Beach on Siesta Key – home to the #1 ranked beach in America with its impossibly soft, 99% pure quartz sand that never gets hot under the Florida sun.

But the real treasure isn't just the powdery white beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters – it's tucked away in the heart of Siesta Key Village at The Cottage, where Todd discovers the legendary Billionaire Burger that's got locals and tourists talking. This isn't your average beach burger! We're talking about a masterfully crafted blend of chuck, short rib, and brisket, crowned with melted Tillamook aged cheddar, bacon and onion jam, truffle aioli, fresh lettuce and tomato, all nestled in a buttery double brioche bun.

Join Todd as he experiences the laid-back island atmosphere at this cozy, unpretentious spot where foodies serve foodies with passion. From the restaurant's eclectic Asian-American fusion menu featuring everything from tuna tacoshimi to Peruvian ceviche, to their famous watermelon-jalapeño margaritas, The Cottage proves that sometimes the best culinary experiences come wrapped in casual beach charm.

Plus, discover why Siesta Key has become Florida's premier vacation destination – consistently ranking as one of the world's best beaches, offering everything from dolphin sightings and world-class snorkeling at Point of Rocks to the vibrant dining and shopping scene in Siesta Key Village. With its barrier island location just off the coast of Sarasota, 8 miles of pristine beaches, and that signature "old Florida" vibe, this Gulf Coast gem delivers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable food adventure.

Whether you're a burger fanatic, beach lover, or just someone who appreciates authentic local flavors in stunning settings, this episode serves up everything you need to plan your own Florida food pilgrimage. Get ready to add Siesta Key and The Cottage's Billionaire Burger to your culinary bucket list!

Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he takes you on a delicious journey to Rutland, Vermont, in this episode of Chug & Chow. Todd speaks with Christine Zullo, co-owner of the iconic Sandwich Shoppe, to uncover the rich history and heartwarming stories behind this local favorite. Discover how this family-run eatery has become a staple in the Rutland community, serving up classic sandwiches and unforgettable hospitality for generations.

From secret recipes to tales of loyal regulars, Christine shares what makes the Sandwich Shoppe a must-visit for food lovers and travelers alike. Whether you’re a Vermont native or planning your next road trip, this episode will leave you craving a taste of small-town America.

Tune in for mouthwatering stories, local flavor, and a true celebration of a Rutland favorite—the Sandwich Shoppe!

In this episode of CHUG & CHOW, award-winning host and author Todd Newton takes you straight into the heart of New York City's East Village for a pint—or two—at McSorley's Old Ale House, the oldest continuously operated bar in the Big Apple. Established in 1854, McSorley's has welcomed everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon, serving up cold ale, liverwurst sandwiches, and a thick slice of American history.

With sawdust on the floors and memorabilia dating back over a century (they still haven’t dusted since WWII), this legendary dive is more than a watering hole—it’s a living museum where the beer flows and the stories never stop. Todd shares what makes McSorley’s an essential stop on any road trip or NYC night out, offering insider tips and a firsthand taste of its timeless charm.

Subscribe now to CHUG & CHOW and follow Todd as he uncovers more classic spots across America. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with your fellow foodies, bar crawlers, and curious travelers—you never know where we’re headed next, but you know it’ll be worth the stop.

Award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton ventures to Lynchburg, Virginia, where a legendary breakfast institution has been flipping eggs and winning hearts since the 1950s. At the Texas Inn, it's not just about the food – though their famous Cheesy Western sandwich has achieved near-mythical status among locals and long-haul truckers alike.

In this episode, Todd speaks with owner Dave Saunders and uncovers the secret behind this breakfast empire built on perfectly scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and that special Texas Inn hospitality that keeps customers coming back decade after decade. From pre-dawn prep rituals to the stories behind the counter, discover why this unassuming Virginia diner has earned its place in the pantheon of American breakfast legends.

Whether you're a breakfast sandwich purist or just love a good story about family recipes and small-town success, this episode serves up everything you're craving – with a side of Southern charm that'll leave you planning your own pilgrimage to Lynchburg.

Award-winning host and author Todd Newton takes listeners on a delicious journey to Billings, Montana in this mouth-watering episode of Chug & Chow. Discover why The Burger Dive has become one of America's most celebrated hidden gem restaurants and award-winning burger joints.

The Tattooed Traveler speaks with chef and owner Brad Halsten to uncover the secrets behind this world champion burger restaurant that's been serving up gourmet burgers and Montana comfort food since 2010. Learn how Brad earned the prestigious "Burger Champion" title at The World Food Championships, beating over 1,500 chefs from around the globe with his legendary "I'm Your Huckleberry" burger.

Award-winning host and author Todd Newton heads to downtown Dubuque, Iowa, for a classic American road trip episode you won’t want to miss. Join The Tattooed Traveler as he steps inside Paul’s Tavern—a legendary Dubuque dive bar that’s been serving up cold beer, great conversation, and one of the best cheeseburgers in Iowa since 1948.

Paul’s Tavern isn’t just a bar; it’s a living piece of Dubuque history. Founded by Paul Schollmeyer, a big game hunter whose trophies from the 1950s and ‘60s still line the walls, this spot is often called “Paul’s Big Game Tavern” by locals. The bar’s unique personality shines through its glass-encased taxidermy collection, vintage neon, and the original Norge Broilerator—a rare, antique broiler from the 1940s that’s still used to grill up their famous burgers today. With just five booths and sixteen stools, Paul’s offers an intimate, old-school atmosphere where regulars gather to watch the ballgame, sip on classic beers, and enjoy the same no-nonsense hospitality that’s defined the place for generations.

In this episode, Todd bites into a legendary cheeseburger cooked on the historic Broilerator, chats with locals about the bar’s storied past, and soaks up the authentic Dubuque vibe that makes Paul’s a must-visit for anyone seeking unique things to do in Dubuque, the best burgers in Iowa, or a true American dive bar experience.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a foodie road trip, or just love discovering America’s most memorable bars and eateries, tune in as Chug and Chow uncovers what makes Paul’s Tavern a standout stop on any travel itinerary.