Readers share their strategies.
You're in a small Arizona town and you want a hearty meal. The first key to anything out of the McGreasy zone is to get off the monstrosities known as interstates. Be sure to specify that you want a place where the locals like to eat. In nearly every small town I've visited, there is a delineation between local joints and transient or tourist spots. In a pinch, look for the heartiest, healthiest, roundest fellow you can scout on the street, compliment his belt buckle and work the conversation around until you find out where he likes to pack it in.