Whether it’s a friendly place to grab a quick bite or your favorite fancy restaurant for special celebrations, one thing’s for sure – you can’t beat the food and service at a great family-owned restaurant.

These are just a few of our favorites:

Keys Cafe & Bakery Breakfast

Keys Café & Bakery (Twin Cities, MN)

Since 1973, Keys has been serving up comfort food that will remind you of delicious home-cooked meals from your childhood. Now expanded with 10 locations in the Twin Cities area, this family-owned restaurant is a must-try in Minneapolis or St. Paul. We suggest: Key’s Favorite Chili omelet, the Meatloaf Sandwich and the House Chocolate cake.

Vinny's of Carrol Gardens in Brooklyn

Vinny’s of Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn, NY)

When Vincenzo and Angela Cataldo opened their traditional Italian restaurant in Brooklyn 17 years ago, they became an integral part of the neighborhood. This casual restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes with the freshest possible ingredients, making it one of the favorite places to eat in town. We suggest: Penne a la Vodka, Manicotti Bolognese, Sicilian Eggplant and the Homemade Cannoli.

Bookbinder's Restaurant Sign in Richmond

Bookbinder’s Restaurant (Richmond, VA)

This converted warehouse in historic Richmond offers the perfect setting for seafood and steak lovers to unite. Bookbinder’s is a family-owned restaurant serving mouthwatering entrees at lunch and dinner daily. This is the ideal spot to celebrate a special occasion in Richmond. We suggest: Bookbinder’s Stuffed Mushrooms, Bookbinder’s Steak and Crab, and Lobster Macaroni and Cheese.

Serranos Logo

Serranos Tex-Mex & Mesquite (Austin, TX)

Started by two brothers in 1987, Serranos now boasts 6 locations in Austin. Not only can you find your favorite Tex-Mex dishes, but you’ll also enjoy some surprises that are totally local to Austin. We suggest: the Breakfast Tacos, Tacos Tulum, Chipotle Brisket and Serranos’ Pollo Bandera.

Super Pass Key Special Sandwich

Pass Key (Pueblo, CO)

The Pagano Family created a Pueblo tradition when they began serving their incredible sausage sandwiches more than 50 years ago. This hometown restaurant is a must-visit when you’re traveling Interstate 25 through Colorado. We suggest: the Super Pass Key Special (with more cheese than the original), the Crispy Fried Green Beans and the Red Chile Burger.

Scoma's Seafood in San Francisco

Scoma’s (San Francisco, CA)

Scoma’s is a Pier 47 restaurant that’s been a local favorite for almost 50 years. Two brothers, Al and Jo Scoma, started the restaurant in 1965, and now serve some of the freshest seafood in the nation. Why not try this seafood restaurant in San Francisco for your next special occasion? We suggest: Soma’s Louis Salad with shrimp, Petrale Dore, and the Dungeness Crab Risotto.

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Image Credits: Keys Cafe, Vinny’sBookbinder’sSerranosPass KeyScoma’s