Here's What A Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant Really Is – And How To Spot One

Whether it's the upscale furnishings of a top-tier steakhouse or the grab-and-go delights of a food truck, dining out encompasses distinct categories. However, the trickiest style to pin down is the modest yet heart-warming appeal of a hole-in-the-wall. Consult a dictionary definition like Merriam Webster, and the central characteristics entail a compact size, usually accompanied by plain decor and a not-so-central location.

Sure, such descriptors certainly encompass the category, but there's an added je ne sais quoi to eating out in such a style. Unlike other restaurant types, there's no typical atmosphere, pricing, or frequently served cuisine. Instead, hole-in-the-wall denotes a sense of being easy to miss, with restaurant doors tucked away from central shopping trips — making them a hard business to spot.

The restaurants don't draw much critical attention and seldom appear in city guides. Oftentimes, hole-in-the-wall restaurants have been open for decades, usually with ownership kept in the family. The best operations draw devoted regulars, who'll be the first to uphold the eatery's charms. For first-time visitors, the term invokes a gem-like quality, with an element of surprise once the food hits the table. It's a tough experience to dependably track down, but step into the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant in your state, and you'll experience the magic.

From stew and noodle shops hidden in South Korea's alleyways to taquerias sprinkled throughout Mexico City, the term hole-in-the-wall applies to varied restaurants worldwide. Especially as a foreigner, finding such a locals-only restaurant can be difficult. You'll need to wander off of the main pedestrian areas and look for outdated — yet not empty — no-frills dining environments. Handwritten menus only available in the local language are a positive indicator. When dining in Europe, follow Rick Steves' simple rules of attending a restaurant serving renditions of local cuisine away from tourist areas — you'll eventually stumble upon a remarkable hole-in-the-wall.

By way of the car-centric culture in the U.S., locating an American hole-in-the-wall entails a different approach. In sprawling cities like Los Angeles, the humble strip mall is the perfect home for a remarkable rendition. Search for restaurants you wouldn't normally step into – delicious eateries of varying cuisines that serve primarily for their community. Such hole-in-the-wall places don't need spiffy decor and media attention — their regulars upkeep the business. When the entrance blends in with the surroundings, and the inside is bustling, success is likely. Then inquire what's a house specialty, dig in, and enjoy. Whether it's an old-timey diner, phở restaurant, or torta spot, hole-in-the-wall eateries impress in their own unique style.