As someone who spends a fair amount of time on the road, I deal with one of the most common issues any traveler faces: where to head to find a good meal and, hopefully, a great adult beverage or two. While Google or Apple maps can cut through the haze that envelops most cities’ dining scenes, they still leave many grey areas to navigate. The same goes for a whole host of other digital solutions designed to help separate the chaff from the wheat.
Too often, I found myself halfway through a meal wondering how in the world the establishment I was frequenting landed on a so-called expertly curated list. So, when I heard that Eater, the digital media brand owned by Vox Media solely dedicated to all things food and eating, was finally launching its first mobile app, I was excited.
Founded in 2005 in New York City, Eater has achieved a cult-like status among food lovers worldwide. Working with top-notch writers, on-the-ground editors in major cities, and others, the brand became one of the most awarded food-focused online publications ever. Their haul of hardware has been impressive. Twelve James Beard Awards, three American Society of Magazine Editor Awards, and a host of others are a testament to their deep dedication to uncovering the stories behind the world’s dining scenes.
I first discovered Eater by accident almost a decade ago when I was looking for recommendations about where to grab something to eat during a flight layover in Atlanta. Their airport guides have been a lifesaver by steering me towards a good meal in a place often known for mediocre fast food options.
From there, I branched out and started going to the Eater site to plan dining options while on the road. Its in-depth maps with detailed layouts in cities quickly became one of my go-to places for exploring a new spot. I often utilize their Eater 38 maps, which share 38 essential city restaurants, and their heatmaps that spotlight new restaurants. They have steered me towards Michelin-starred hotspots to local joints. Along the way I have experienced the best Old Fashioned of my life in Montreal, amazing pizza slices in NYC, and tapa’s heaven in Sevilla, Spain.
But accessing their database while on the go was never easy. There was just too much info crammed into an interface that didn’t quite work on my phone. Apparently, Eater heard that was a complaint from many.
The user friendly interface for the new Eater App.
Eater
“The Eater app is the number one request we’ve gotten from readers over the years, who have long been asking for an easier way to access our restaurant recommendations on the go,” says editor-in-chief Stephanie Wu. “Our new app helps diners find great meals around the world while showcasing the breadth of Eater’s expertise, and we’re thrilled to launch it with Capital One Dining and SevenRooms, two companies that care deeply about helping people discover and book new places to eat.”
Using an easy-to-navigate interface, the Eater app aims to simplify dining. With a database with over 10,000 curated maps in more than 100 cities across the globe, the Eater app allows users to tap into their considerable library of reviews and recommendations quickly. While using the app, users can access detailed information about every recommended restaurant and bar, including why Eater’s writers and editors like them. Launched solely on the IOS platform, for now, it will allow users to create profiles, save their favorite spots, and make reservations.
The app’s launch is part of a greater expansion of the Eater universe. They have branched into video, television, cooking competitions, cookbooks, and merchandise. Their digital footprint hits over 30 million views each month, and with the Eater app launch, that number will only go higher.
The map interface on the newly launched Eater App is designed to put all of the sites recommendations at your fingertips.
Eater
That is welcome news for anyone thinking about heading out for a bite or beverage. Having such an impressive array of well-researched options at your fingertips should only make things better. That’s exactly what Eater is hoping for its fans.
“As a longtime Eater fan before I stepped into this role, the Eater app is the travel tool I’ve dreamed of for many years,” says Wu. “The ability to see all the Eater-recommended locations in one city makes planning a trip so much easier because you can look for places to eat near your hotel, quick snacks near key attractions and standout bars for an after-dinner drink. Whether you’re exploring a new city or spending a day in a new neighborhood in your hometown, the app makes it possible to find excellent meals, no matter where you are.”
Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.