You're in a new town, maybe it's a road trip, maybe visiting family or friends that just moved. Either way, you're in a new town and you decide to forgo the typical choice of Chili's, Applebee's, etc. and take in some of the local faire.

So, how do you know if that small, off the side of the road restaurant is really just a greasy spoon, or ...the best kept secret?

Here are some signs:

1. Traffic, plain and simple: If it's lunch time and their are a few old tired cars in the parking lot, but otherwise it looks dead, just drive on by.

2. Clientele: If you see one or more cop cars, fire department vehicles or other public servant vehicles parked outside, guess what? It's probably a good place to eat. These are your most informed locals, trust their opinion on local food.

3. That Certain Something: I don't know how to put it into words, but sometimes, there are just intangibles in the building the decor, the signs that say...I should eat there. These aren't always reliable. I've had a bad meal at a cute little place called Grandmother's and I have had a darned good meal at a grungy little dive called Al's Diner. In the end, go with your gut...no pun intended.

4. Does it just not fit?: Now, this one may not make any sense, but if it's a Czech restaurant in a town that doesn't look like it has a single Czech influence, and it seems to have been in business for awhile, guess what, it's probably pretty good.

5. Is it strongly attached to the local faire: A place that serves up fresh seafood on or near the coast...chances are it's good, if it wasn't, it would have been replaced by something that was.

6. When in doubt...order the Club Sandwich.