As we celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, it’s the perfect time to recognize America’s culinary heritage. From New England clam chowder to Cajun gumbo to Texas beef brisket, the United States enjoys a gastronomic diversity few countries, if any, can rival. Here are five East Valley restaurants that embody the spirit, and appetite, of America:

Ted’s Hot Dogs
Nothing’s more American, according to tradition, than hot dogs and apple pie. If you’re looking for the former, Ted’s Hot Dogs offers delicious charcoal-broiled jumbo dogs, footlongs and cheese dogs that trace their pedigree back to Buffalo, N.Y., in 1927. Today, the chain has seven locations in western New York and one in Tempe — maybe because Ted’s president Spiro Liaros lives here and oversees it. 1755 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, (480) 968-6678 or tedsonline.com.

Iowa Café
For apple pie, you won’t find any better in the East Valley than those at this east Mesa café, which has been owned by a string of Iowans, including current operator Pam Ohsman, during its 23 years. Pies ($14.99, or $2.59 a slice) also come in 17 other flavors, not including seasonal varieties. Make a meal by starting with one of the café’s breaded pork tenderloins or Maid-Rite loose-meat sandwiches. 5606 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, (480) 985-2022, iowacafe.com.

Pinnacle Peak Patio
The self-proclaimed “original Western steakhouse” has been serving its streamlined menu of mesquite-broiled steaks, ribs and chicken since 1957. Eight separate dining areas can accommodate nearly 2,000 people, and there always seems to be a few who show up in neckties, which end up cut off and displayed on the wall. 10426 E. Jomax Road, Scottsdale, (480) 615-1113 during day, (480) 585-1599 at night, pppatio.com.

Red White & Brew
Dishes ranging from chicken and cheese empanadas to Cajun chicken to coppa stracciatella pay homage to America’s ethnic diversity. The Chandler location celebrates its one-year anniversary Friday by extending its patio an extra 40,000 square feet for live music, family-friendly games and prize giveaways starting at 11 a.m. 6740 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, (480) 807-9393; 4850 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler, (480) 305-6993; rwbaz.com.

Heart Attack Grill
This burger joint has garnered national and international attention for its zealous embrace of America’s unhealthiest eating habits. “Quadruple Bypass” cheeseburgers (made with four half-pound beef patties and 12 strips of bacon), french fries “deep-fried in pure lard” and caffeine-laden Jolt Cola hare hawked by young female servers dressed as sexy nurses. U-S-A! U-S-A! 6185 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, (480) 205-7777, heartattackgrill.com.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm and is filed under Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.