Ella Buchan
18 November 2024
Fabulous no-frills spots
Sometimes the simplest of restaurants dish up the best food around. These hole-in-the-wall places might not look like much from the outside, but they’re loved for their delicious dishes. We’ve rounded up the best hole-in-the-wall spots across the US, from historic spots that started as literal holes in the wall to basic diners that always offer warm welcomes and wonderful plates of food.
Click or scroll through our gallery to find the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants near you.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They’re also regularly checked and updated.
Texas: Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy, San Antonio
GinosDeliSA/Facebook
A no-frills mini mart in the heart of San Antonio probably isn’t the first place you’d expect to find a world-class Philly cheesesteak, but Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy has a cult following for its exceptional sammies. Each one contains a quarter pound of sliced rib-eye and a melt-in-the-mouth tangle of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and smoked provolone cheese. Diners also praise the wonderfully juicy rotisserie chicken sandwiches and perfectly made BLTs. The spot used to be a gas station and convenience store and has grown to become one of the region’s favorite hidden gems.