The guides, which include restaurant and nightlife info plus the requisite transit maps to seek out serious eats, are stored completely on the iPhone. And that's handy for traveling internationally, what with those insanely pricey data charges. They're $9.99 each, available through the iTunes App Store. [via MacRumors]
Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 18, 2008 at 12:45 PM

Like the iPhone's lightsaber application, iSaber, the Urbanspoon service only works after a good shake. Instead of making whooshing noises to recreate the Jedi knight experience, this feature supplies restaurant suggestions by price, cuisine, and neighborhood.
Urbanspoon accesses the phone's internal navigation system to find nearby options, but as New York Times critic Frank Bruni warns, you could be "shaking your way to carpal tunnel syndrome before it pops up." He concludes that Urbanspoon is a restaurant hunt's beginning, not end, since the service doesn't properly account for proximity, already sold-out bookings, or a restaurant's deliciousness seniority. Again, the Magic 8-Ball shake makes up for most inconvenience. After the jump, watch an informational video on Urbanspoon, free to new and old iPhone owners.
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Posted by The Serious Eats Team, July 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Apple's iPhone 3G comes out tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. We imagine there will be some iPhone camping expeditions at Apple Stores across the country, with people lining up to get their grubby little hands on one as soon as possible.
We're more concerned with grub in hand, so we've asked our nationwide network of Serious Eats contributors to give us their picks for serious eats near the Apple Stores most likely to draw crowds.
We asked for tasty places a short walk or drive away—places where you or your queue compatriots could dash off to and pick up some fanboy (or fangirl) fuel. We also asked for healthy fare, where possible, so you could maintain your line-waiting stamina.
Where to Eat in ...
New York
Philadelphia
D.C. Metro Area
Chicago
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Serious Eats Mobile
Now's a good time to mention that you can view this guide on Serious Eats Mobile: m.seriouseats.com. And because Serious Eats Mobile supports commenting, you can supply live eats intel from the field, from whatever device you're about to upgrade out of. It's as easy as thumb-thumb-thumb-Post a comment!
Posted by Joy Manning, July 10, 2008 at 8:29 AM
In anticipation of Philly-area geeks showing some brotherly love by camping out for the new iPhone 3G, we asked our Philadelphia correspondent Joy Manning for some restaurant recommendations near the King of Prussia Apple Store.
Most Philadelphians stock up on Apple tech toys at the enormous King of Prussia mall since there's no store downtown. Healthy food is scarce here, like at any food court, but Legal Sea Foods offers a take-out stand with clam chowder available in a still-flavorful “lite” version. Not concerned about staying fit for your wait? Get the lobster roll—the tastiest sandwich at the mall. 690 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia PA 19406 (map)
Sweet freaks know Rita’s Water Ice is the source for quick blood sugar rushes and a fat-free boost. Flavors range from chocolate to mango, and a small ice has only 177 calories. (Healthy enough.) 303 Mall Boulevard,
King of Prussia PA 19406 (map)
If you’ve got a buddy to send out while you wait, get him to Desi Village, a secret Indian fave. Inexpensive, authentic curries and tandoori will keep you satisfied no matter how long the wait time. 145 South Gulph Road, King of Prussia PA 19406 (map)

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Serious Eats Mobile
Now's a good time to mention that you can view this guide on Serious Eats Mobile: m.seriouseats.com. And because Serious Eats Mobile supports commenting, you can supply live eats intel from the field, from whatever device you're about to upgrade out of. It's as easy as thumb-thumb-thumb-Post a comment!
Posted by Erin Zimmer, July 10, 2008 at 8:28 AM
In anticipation of D.C.-area geeks going gaga over the new iPhone 3G by camping out before it comes out tomorrow at 8 a.m., our own Erin Zimmer gives her picks near the Arlington, Virginia, Apple Store.
Last year, there was talk of an Apple store opening in Georgetown but since that never happened and Washington, D.C. proper still doesn't have a store, a close alternative is in Arlington, Virginia.
El Pollo Rico: For juicy rotisserie chicken head to El Pollo Rico. The half chicken is a worthy investment—easy to nibble in line and worth a couple meals. The fries aren't anything special here but get a face-lift when dunked in the spicy green sauce. Disclaimer: El Pollo Rico only takes cash, and since chicken skin is so greasy, wipe those fingers before embracing your new toy. 932 North Kenmore Street, Arlington VA 22201 (map); 703-522-3220
Five Guys: To stock up on protein, go with the burger and shelled peanuts, always stocked in silver pails here. Not too far a walk, the place is cheap and open until 10 p.m. for the last supper before Friday's early rise. Toppings are as diverse as iPhone ring tones: barbecue sauce, pickles, fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeño peppers, and A-1 sauce. 2300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201 (map); 703-812-8440
Kabob Bazaar: Don't mind being the guy in line that smells like kabob? Lamb, fish or chicken on a stick is available (and tasty) here. If you're too lazy or scared of spot-stealing in line, they'll even deliver. Portions are huge, especially the pita, and the salad shirazi (cucumber, tomatoes, herbs) is important since the only produce you've probably eaten are apples. 3133 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA 22201 (map)

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Serious Eats Mobile
Now's a good time to mention that you can view this guide on Serious Eats Mobile: m.seriouseats.com. And because Serious Eats Mobile supports commenting, you can supply live eats intel from the field, from whatever device you're about to upgrade out of. It's as easy as thumb-thumb-thumb-Post a comment!
Posted by Michael Nagrant, July 10, 2008 at 8:27 AM
We figure there will be some hardcore Apple faithful in Chicago ready to line up outside the Apple Store on Friday morning to get their hands on a new iPhone 3G as soon as it's out. We asked Michael Nagant, our Windy City contributor and the editor of Hungry Magazine, for some of his top choices near the Apple Store here.
Wow Bao: Like a shiny new iPod, steamed Asian-style yeast buns here offer the ultimate functionality. Portable and stuffed with goodies like spicy kung pao chicken and barbecue pork, they'll fuel you for hours of intense line-waiting. The whole-wheat version filled with edamame will probably keep you most spry. Fight the heat and wash down the buns with Wow Bao's spicy-sweet homemade ginger ale. 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)
You wouldn't expect to find healthy and quick sustenance at a mall food court, but this Water Tower Place market is the grand exception. The Foodlife Market , which features one of the most diverse salad bars around, is your best bet. (Don't miss the herb-filled Green Goddess dressing). If you don't DYI, head to the Eat Greens kiosk to score a protein-filled Cobb or a sweet and tangy Asian Chicken salad. 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611; 312-335-3663; foodlifechicago.com
Sayat Nova: It's almost a shame you won't have time to slink into the white grotto booths here, but at least these Middle Eastern flavors are portable. Try the lulla kebab pita filled with sweet, spiced smoky beef and lamb shawarma, onion, and tomato. The beefy perfume is so good it may lull linemates to grab their own sammie, thus moving you ahead in the queue. 157 East Ohio, Chicago IL 60611 (map)

More iPhone Eats in ...
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Philadelphia
D.C. Metro Area
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Serious Eats Mobile
Now's a good time to mention that you can view this guide on Serious Eats Mobile: m.seriouseats.com. And because Serious Eats Mobile supports commenting, you can supply live eats intel from the field, from whatever device you're about to upgrade out of. It's as easy as thumb-thumb-thumb-Post a comment!
Posted by Jen Maiser, July 10, 2008 at 8:26 AM
With Apple HQ in nearby Cupertino, there's got to be a lot of iPhone freaks in San Francisco willing to stand in line to grab a 3G handset the minute it's released on Friday morning. In anticipation, we asked our SF correspondents Jennifer Maiser and Harold Check for their picks.
Apple Store, Stockton Street
'wichcraft: Tom Colicchio's great sandwich options, like the fried egg one available all day, can be found at the Mission Street entrance of the Westfield Mall. 868 Mission Street, San Francisco CA 94103 (map) [JM]
Medicine Eatstation: About a five-minute walk from the Apple store with satisfying bento boxes to keep you energized. 161 Sutter Street, San Francisco CA 94104 (map) [JM]
Bristol Farms: This gourmet market inside the Westfield Mall is full of steam tables, salad bars, pizza, and sushi. 865 Market Street Suite 10, San Francisco CA 94103 (map) [JM]
Sears Fine Food and Dottie's True Blue Cafe: Comfort yourself with breakfast at either of these favorite spots. C'mon, you deserve it. (Even if you can't really afford it.) Sears: 439 Powell Street, San Francisco CA 94102 (map). Dottie's: 522 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map) [HC]
Apple Store, Chestnut Street
Pluto's Fresh Food For a Hungry Universe: Quick, filling and mobile, the build-your-own salads are satisfying and the carving stations offer warm turkey, roast beef, steak, and chicken for sandwiches. 3258 Scott Street, San Francisco CA 94123 (map) [JM]
Barney's Hamburger: Lots of vegetarian and non-beef options, but also your spot for an old-fashioned burger. 3344 Steiner Street, San Francisco CA 94123 (map) [JM]
Lucca Delicatessen: A true Italian deli with solid sandwiches and a noteworthy pepper spread. 2120 Chestnut Street, San Francisco CA 94123 (map) [JM]
Apple Store, Stonestown
Sitting in a mall with a lackluster food court, this store requires pick-up options on the way.
Sunrise Deli: The Middle Eastern deli knows how to do shawarma, kabob, falafel, and heaps of hummus. 2115 Irving Street, San Francisco CA, 94122 (map) [JM]
Tower Market: Stock up up on tasty sandwiches, good now or as a snack in the wee hours. 635 Portola Drive, San Francisco CA 94127 (map) [JM]
Yum Yum: This sushi counter offers fresh, inexpensive and easily box-uppable fish. Try the salmon belly roll with house smoked salmon. 2181 Irving Street, San Francisco CA 94122 (map) [JM]

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Posted by Leah Greenstein, July 10, 2008 at 8:25 AM
We figured there'd be some Angelenos eager enough to get their hands on an iPhone 3G when it comes out tomorrow morning that they'd be waiting in line in front of the Apple Store to do so. We asked L.A. contributor Leah Greenstein for a rundown on serious eats near three Apple Stores here.
Apple Store, The Grove
The Original Farmers' Market: If waiting for your iPhone 3G at the Grove's Apple Store is starting to feel a bit like waiting for Godot, head on over here to refuel. Besides farm stands, where you can grab a piece of fruit, you can also grab tasty tacos from ¡Loteria! or a savory crepe from The French Crepe Company or even a po'boy with spicy Cajun-style shrimp that pop in your mouth from The Gumbo Pot. 6333 West Third Street, Los Angeles CA 90036 (map); The Original Farmers' Market
Apple Store, Third Street Promenade
Real Food Daily: The cool ocean breezes at Santa Monica's "Third Street" will distract your line cohorts as you dash over to RFD, where the food is organic, vegan, and amazingly good. Get the fresh juice, lentil walnut paté and any of the delicious wraps. (I love the Caesar with blackened tempeh and avocado). 514 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica CA 90401 (map); 310-451-7544; Real Food Daily
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery: Use the cell phone you're about to replace to call and order the Godmother from Bay Cities for pickup. This amazing sandwich has Genoa salami, mortadella, coppacola, ham, prosciutto and provolone. It's not exactly healthy, but your garlicky breath may help you get to the front of the line faster. 1517 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica CA 90401 (map); 310-396-8279; Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Jack n' Jill's: Somewhere between the super-healthiness of Real Food Daily and the carnivorous indulgence of Bay Cities are the tasty soups and salads at Jack n' Jill's. Take the Mandarin basil salad with grilled chicken with you if the weather is warm. If it's overcast, try the old-fashioned mac and cheese made from scratch with real cheddar. 510 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica CA 90401 (map); 310-656-1601; eatatjacknjills.com
Apple Store, Century City
Breadbar: The tastiest of options in Century City has to be Breadbar. Unfortunately, chef Noriyuki Sugie's Japanese-Spanish creations aren't for take-out, but regular menu items are. Try the fleur de sel baguette with emmenthal cheese, or grab a loaf of fresh bread and artisanal June Taylor jam and make a few friends in line. 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067 (map); 310-277-3770; breadbar.net
Ummba Grill:Take turns tossing back caipirinhas while grabbing organic Brazilian churrascaria to go at Ummba Grill. Their express lunch includes hormone-free beef tenderloin or bacon-wrapped free-range chicken for only $8.95. The price might even leave a few extra bucks in your pocket to buy that sleek iPhone cover you were eying. 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90067 (map); 310-552-2014; ummbagrill.com
More iPhone Eats in ...
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D.C. Metro Area
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Serious Eats Mobile
Now's a good time to mention that you can view this guide on Serious Eats Mobile: m.seriouseats.com. And because Serious Eats Mobile supports commenting, you can supply live eats intel from the field, from whatever device you're about to upgrade out of. It's as easy as thumb-thumb-thumb-Post a comment!
Posted by Sarah Wolf, June 12, 2008 at 10:30 AM

No, someone did not sneak an iPhone into the pile of strawberries next to the fondue pot. That's because no one wants his iPhone to be eaten—which makes Homade's chocolate bar-inspired Chococase iPhone protector seem like a somewhat dangerous idea. If it were my $400 gadget extraordinaire, I would rather decrease the chances that someone might try to take a bite out of it. Besides, brown rubber kind of ruins the high-tech appeal. Still, I guess it is sort of cool looking. Just keep it away from anyone who looks hungry and nearsighted. [via Boing Boing Gadgets]
Posted by Raphael, January 18, 2008 at 2:30 PM

If you're the lucky owner of an iPhone or an iPod touch, and using the latest 1.1.3 firmware update, you can save webpage icons to your home screen. We've made some perty icons for the SE family of sites: Serious Eats, Serious Eats Mobile, Slice, A Hamburger Today, and Ed Levine Eats. Your favorite sites can now only be a touch away. (To make an icon for your own site, here's a how-to.)
Posted by Raphael, January 4, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Serious Eats Mobile, the miniaturized, portable version of the food blog you love, now supports commenting on the go. Simply point your mobile device (iPhone, iPod Touch, or Opera Mini highly recommended) to mobile.seriouseats.com and log in using your Serious Eats account. Comment away!
Note: The mobile site is still in beta, so please alert us to any bugs you might find at feedback@seriouseats.com. We now continue your regularly scheduled programming.
Posted by Lia Bulaong, February 5, 2007 at 9:21 AM

Can't wait till June for an iPhone? Unwilling to spend $599 on one? Munch down on a cake version instead, like this one an Apple enthusiast was surprised with on his birthday. So nerdy!
[via Engadget]