London's Best American restaurants

CHICAGO RIB SHACK
Right in the middle of Knightsbridge is the new Chicago Rib Shack. Signature dishes include the St Louis cut ribs (£8.95 for a half rack) which are taken from the front of the pig for extra sweetness, or whole baby pig (order 48 hours in advance). The Shack will be offering Budweiser, bourbon and cocktails at dollar prices so we reckon this is an excellent time to sample one of the largest bourbon collections in London. If you're feeling really brave, try the George T Stag which is so potent it is not allowed to be transported on a normal aircraft. At 140.6 proof it counts as an explosive. On Friday it will only cost $12.50 a shot as opposed to £12.50!
145 Knightsbridge, SW1 (020 7591 4664)

THE BIG EASY CRAB SHACK
This restaurant has been a Chelsea institution for years and there's even a band downstairs that play Rolling Stones and Eagles covers. Try ordering the grand appetizer platter (£49.50) which includes calamari, skins, corn chips, prawn crackers and loads of dips and will feed six. The Big Easy is serving special red, white and blue margaritas on Friday (£7.45) and is also hosting its famous rib-eating contest - all you can eat in 30 minutes. It's free to enter. Past winners have been known to put away 10 racks and the champion a few years back was Rick Yune - the diamondstudded villain from Die Another Day.
332-334 Kings Road, SW3 (020 7352 4071)

THE DINER
Recently opened in Camden, The Diner is aimed at ultra-trendy north Londoners who want something a little more unusual from their Americana eating experience. The interior looks like a mountain lodge, but the food is instantly recognisable as homespun American with ranch salad (£8) and philly cheese steak sandwich (£7) in pride of place. The selection of imported American beers is also impressive - Banana Bread Beer (£3.50) deserves a special mention.
2 Jamestown Road, NW1 (020 7485 5223)

FATBOY'S DINER
Fatboy is the model name for this pre-fabricated diner - not that of the owner. This sleek silver cabin is an authentic piece of Americana, made in New Jersey in 1941 and shipped to England in the Nineties. It featured in the movie Sliding Doors and has also appeared in TV drama Spooks, but its off-the-beaten-track location near Canary Wharf means it's a welcome haven for locals who love the inexpensive but delicious food and excellent service. At £6.95, the most expensive burger is the vast hill billy - a double cheese, bacon and chilli burger.
64 Orchard Place, E14 (020 7987 4334)

ED'S EASY DINER
Old favourite Ed's Diner could be straight out of Happy Days. It may be part of a small chain but it's a world away from Maccy D's. The Fifties vibe is religiously adhered to and each restaurant has jukebox selectors on the counter, so make sure you've got some spare change. The menu is focused on burgers and hot dogs but there are enough options to satisfy the fussiest eater. The standard cheese burger (£5.35) is most excellent and you must order one of their creamy milkshakes or malts (£3.10/£3.50).
12 Moor Street, W1 (020 7434 4439); 19 Rupert St, W1 (020 7287 1951)

TEXAN EMBASSY
Set in an imposing stone building just off Trafalgar Square, the Embassy is for those who like their American nosh with a dash of Southern flair. It serves hearty Tex-Mex tucker and is decorated like a Texan saloon bar. On Friday The Embassy has live Texan-style music and a three-course menu of Texan favourites (£19.50). The frozen margaritas (£5.74) are worth ordering, especially during happy hour from 5-7pm when they're a steal at £4.
1 Cockspur Place, SW1 (020 7925 0077)