Originally Posted by
JBord
I find Eater to be the most helpful and accurate, and I appreciate how I can search for different types of lists. Best burgers, best brunch, etc. I won't use Yelp or Trip Advisor, they're not trustworthy sources IMO. I haven't had a bad experience at an Eater-recommended spot.
Outside of large US cities, it's more difficult and I read a lot of travel blogs and other forums to look for trending restaurants. Finally, I think this FT site can be a good source. There are a number of us here who are self-professed foodies, and I trust the recommendations here when they come with a personal review. The difference here is you have to post your specific question -- for example, "I'm looking for a good place for birthday celebration on the north side of Chicago or Evanston. We'll have 6 people and we'd really like a place that has great steaks and seafood. Entrees priced under $x." Not: "Where can I get a good birthday dinner in Chicago".
The problem with something like that is you need enough people seeing it. You can post a question in one of the regional forums here, but so few people look at them that you don't get a recommendation until 2 months after you have already been there.
I am staring to think there needs to be some kind of forum to ask those questions. But, how do you keep it from getting flooded by the businesses themselves self promoting?