Ian Bronson
The US is full of great places to eat, and we’ve picked the top spots to try in each state. Some are old favorites, and others are new and exciting. Be it seafood, comfort food, classic burgers and sandwiches, or a sweet treat; each place hits the palate just right. This list shows off the variety of food the states offer.
Alabama: Dreamland Bar-B-Que, Tuscaloosa
The smoky aroma is all around you here. Since 1958, locals and tourists have flocked here for their fall-off-the-bone ribs. The sauce recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but the warm hospitality is anything but hidden. Even President Bush couldn’t resist stopping by.
Alaska: Snow City Cafe, Anchorage
This local favorite takes breakfast seriously. Their cinnamon rolls put them on the map when Obama’s team couldn’t get enough of them. But it’s their creative takes on classics, like reindeer sausage scrambles and sourdough pancakes, that keep people coming back.
Arizona: Durant’s Steakhouse, Phoenix
Walking through the kitchen entrance is a tradition at this old-school steakhouse. Here, red leather booths and dim lighting set the mood, while perfectly aged steaks steal the show. The place hasn’t changed much since opening in 1950, and that’s exactly why people love it.
Arkansas: The Preacher’s Son, Bentonville
Set in a beautifully restored church, this spot puts a modern spin on local ingredients. The original stained glass windows cast colorful shadows on your plate, while the seasonal menu changes based on what’s fresh from nearby farms. Overall, it offers comfort food with a creative twist.
California: The Marine Room, La Jolla
There’s something magical about watching waves crash against the windows while you eat. This oceanfront gem serves fresh seafood with a side of Pacific views. Time your visit during high tide, and you’ll feel like you’re dining underwater.
Colorado: Flagstaff House Restaurant, Boulder
On a mountainside, this family-run spot offers more than just great views. Their vino collection is impressive, but it’s the seasonal Colorado-inspired dishes that really shine. Pro tip: Book a table around sunset for an unforgettable dining experience.
Connecticut: White Horse Country Pub and Restaurant, New Preston
This cozy pub feels like it was plucked straight from the English countryside. Warm up by the fireplace with a pint and their famous pot pie. The riverside setting is gorgeous year-round, but fall visits are extra special when the leaves change.
Delaware: Le Cavalier, Wilmington
This chic brasserie brings Paris to the heart of Wilmington. Housed in the historic HOTEL DU PONT, Le Cavalier mingles classic French techniques with Mid-Atlantic ingredients, which creates a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and soulful.
Florida: Columbia Restaurant, Tampa
As Florida’s oldest eatery, Columbia has been spicing up Tampa since 1905. Spanish tiles and flamenco music set the scene here daily. They’re famous for their ‘1905’ Salad, prepared tableside with flair. The Cuban-Spanish menu tells the story of Tampa’s rich heritage.
Georgia: Canoe, Atlanta
Located along the Chattahoochee River, Canoe offers a serene escape from Atlanta’s urban hustle. The riverside gardens are perfect for pre-dinner drinks, and the Southern-inspired menu changes with the seasons. Also, their Sunday brunch is worth getting up early for.
Hawaii: Mama’s Fish House, Paia
Skip the tourist spots and head to this beachfront gem on Maui’s north shore. The menu reveals who caught your fish and where — sometimes just hours before it reaches your plate. Locals swear by the coconut curry fish soup and fresh poke, both brimming with flavor.
Idaho: Barbacoa, Boise
Who knew Boise had such great Mexican food? This lively spot serves up perfectly grilled meats and creative margaritas. The decor is wild: think fire-breathing sculptures and color-changing walls but somehow it all works perfectly together.
Illinois: Beatnik on the River, Chicago
Right on the Chicago River, this place feels like a tropical escape. The globally inspired menu and bohemian vibe make it perfect for anything from weekend brunch to after-work drinks. Grab a riverside table if you can because the views are worth the wait.
Indiana: St. Elmo Steak House, Indianapolis
Warning: their famous shrimp cocktail might make you cry (in a good way). This Indy institution has been grilling perfect steaks since 1902. The wood-paneled dining room hasn’t changed much, but that’s part of the charm.
Iowa: Victoria Station, Harlan
Housed in an old train depot, this small-town spot serves Iowa’s best pork tenderloin sandwich. It’s huge, hanging-off-the-edges-of-the-plate-HUGE. Save room for pie, though—they’re all made from scratch daily.
Kansas: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City
Yes, it’s in a gas station and no, that shouldn’t stop you. The lines wrap around the building for their Z-Man sandwich—a towering combo of brisket, provolone, and crispy onion rings. Get extra napkins; you’ll need them.
Kentucky: Merrick Inn, Lexington
In a historic Southern mansion, this place feels like dinner at grandma’s—if your grandma was an amazing chef. Their fried chicken is crazy good, and the bourbon list is exactly what you’d expect from a Kentucky restaurant.
Louisiana: Brennan’s, New Orleans
For nearly 80 years, Brennan’s has been the crown jewel of New Orleans’ culinary scene. Breakfast here is a full-on event. They invented Bananas Foster right at your table, complete with flames. The eggs Hussarde might be fancy French words for eggs and bacon, but trust me, it’s way better than your usual breakfast.
Maine: The Lost Kitchen, Freedom
Hidden in rural Maine, getting a table at this 40-seat restaurant is like winning the lottery, literally. They take reservations by postcard lottery once a year. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, Chef Erin French’s creative use of local ingredients in the restored mill setting makes the effort worthwhile.
Maryland: Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore
Woodberry Kitchen is a farm-to-table gem located in Baltimore’s Clipper Mill area. This place takes “local” seriously—even the salt comes from nearby waters. Set in an old mill, the brick walls and wood beams add charm. Their seafood dishes show off the best of the Chesapeake, especially the crab cakes.
Massachusetts: Tree House Brewing Company, Charlton
More than just a brewery, Tree House Company’s kitchen serves up incredible wood-fired pizzas and comfort food. Great beer is a given, but grab a pie and a fresh IPA, find a spot on the lawn overlooking the hills, and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon. The mac and cheese is pretty killer, too.
Michigan: Wright & Company, Detroit
This is Detroit’s comeback story in restaurant form. Inside a historic building, this place does shared plates right. The menu changes often, but the bacon-wrapped dates are always there for a reason. Great craft cocktails, too: try anything with Michigan cherries.
Minnesota: Lurcat, Minneapolis
This place nails the sweet spot between fancy and comfortable. The apple, cheese, and chive salad sounds weird, but trust me, it works. Big windows overlook Loring Park, making winter dinners feel cozy and summer ones extra bright.
Mississippi: Giardina’s, Greenwood
Since 1936, this Delta joint has been doing steaks and catfish right. The private booths with curtains are a fun throwback to bootlegging days. Get the pompano, a local fish that they prepare better than anyone else. One bite, and you’ll understand why locals have been coming back for generations.
Missouri: Osage Restaurant & Lounge, Ridgedale
Situated high above Table Rock Lake, Osage provides a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Their locally sourced menu celebrates the flavors of the Ozarks while floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking vistas. It’s the ideal backdrop for toasting life’s special moments.
Montana: The Grill at Sage Lodge, Pray
Here, you’ll be eating a perfectly cooked bison steak while watching the sunset behind the Absaroka Mountains. The lodge itself is gorgeous, but those mountain views steal the show. Don’t skip the huckleberry desserts, they’re Montana at its finest.
Nebraska: Boiler Room, Omaha
Boiler Room epitomizes Omaha’s culinary evolution. This industrial-chic hotspot transforms Midwestern ingredients into edible masterpieces. With an unchanged menu and expertly crafted cocktails, it’s breathing new life into the Cornhusker State’s dining scene.
Nevada: Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca, Henderson
Who says you need to hit the Strip for world-class dining? Bottiglia brings a taste of Tuscany to Henderson with its rustic Italian fare and lovely drinks. From handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, every dish transports you to the lovely sun-drenched hills of Italy.
New Hampshire: The Orchard Grille, Hampton Falls
Surrounded by picturesque apple orchards, this hidden gem serves up farm-fresh New England cuisine with a twist. The Orchard Grille’s seasonal menu highlights the Granite State’s bounty, from crisp salads to hearty entrees. It’s a celebration of local flavors in an idyllic setting.
New Jersey: Chart House, Weehawken
On the Hudson River, Chart House presents a front-row seat to Manhattan’s glittering skyline. But the views aren’t the only draw—their seafood-centric menu dazzles with fresh catches and inspired preparations. It’s Jersey dining with a generous side of Big Apple glamor.
New Mexico: Sazón, Santa Fe
At the heart of Santa Fe’s culinary scene, Sazón spices things up with a contemporary take on traditional New Mexican cuisine. Chef Fernando Olea’s legendary mole sauces are a revelation for the taste buds. Each dish is a vibrant celebration of the Land of Enchantment’s unique flavors.
New York: One if by Land, Two if by Sea, New York City
Housed in Aaron Burr’s former carriage house, this West Village spot oozes old-world romance. Well, the name itself is so “chef’s kiss”! With flickering candlelight and live piano music, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most proposal-friendly spots in NYC.
North Carolina: JOLO Winery & Vineyards, Pilot Mountain
JOLO delivers a taste of Napa with Southern charm. Their farm-to-table restaurant perfectly complements house-made wines while sweeping vineyard views provide a feast for the eyes. It’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of NC.
North Dakota: Mezzaluna, Fargo
In the heart of downtown Fargo, Mezzaluna brings big-city sophistication to the prairie. This trendy spot elevates comfort food classics with creative twists and locally sourced ingredients. From handmade pasta to craft cocktails, it’s redefining North Dakota’s dining scene.
Ohio: The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard, Canton
Transport yourself to Tuscany without leaving the Buckeye State. Set amidst rolling vineyards, this charming bistro serves up Italian-inspired cuisine paired with estate-grown vino. Whether you’re celebrating or simply escaping, Gervasi offers a slice of la dolce vita in Ohio.
Oklahoma: Southern Belle, Heavener
In the small town of Heavener, Southern Belle is serving up big flavors. This down-home eatery has gained legendary status for its crispy fried chicken and generous portions of comfort food classics. It’s a taste of Sooner State hospitality that keeps people returning for seconds.
Oregon: Stephanie Inn Dining Room, Cannon Beach
Stephanie Inn gives the visitors a front-row seat to Oregon’s rugged coastline. It’s fine dining with a side of crashing waves and salty sea air. Plus, the place’s developing menu showcases the bounty of the Northwest, from freshly caught seafood to foraged mushrooms.
Pennsylvania: Glass – wine.bar.kitchen, Hawley
Tucked away in the Poconos, Glass exalts the concept of lake house dining. This sleek spot pairs small plates bursting with local flavors alongside an impressive vino list. So you can cozy up by the fireplace or lounge on the deck, it’ll be the perfect retreat for all.
Rhode Island: Boat House, Tiverton
Overlooking where the Sakonnet River meets the Atlantic, Boat House captures the essence of coastal New England. Their menu celebrates the Ocean State’s seafood bounty, from briny oysters to buttery lobster rolls. Paired with stunning water views, it’s quintessential Rhode Island dining.
South Carolina: Circa 1886, Charleston
Step back in time at this romantic eatery housed in a historic carriage house. Circa 1886 honors Charleston’s culinary heritage while pushing boundaries with innovative Southern-inspired dishes. From the beautiful decor to the expertly crafted cocktails, every detail tells a story of Lowcountry charm.
South Dakota: Parker’s, Sioux Falls
In the heart of Sioux Falls, Parker’s is flipping the script on classic American fare. Their gourmet burgers, crafted from locally raised beef, have achieved cult status among South Dakota foodies. With a relaxed vibe and creative menu, it’s the perfect spot to refuel after a day of prairie adventures.
Tennessee: Butchertown Hall, Nashville
Where does Texas BBQ meet Nashville hot? Butchertown Hall, of course! This trendy spot in Germantown serves up smoky, spicy goodness with a side of Southern hospitality. It blends brisket tacos and craft cocktails into a flavor explosion that defines New South’s most exciting eatery.
Texas: Lutie’s, Austin
Hidden in a fancy garden, this place feels secret and special. The menu blends Texas ingredients with global techniques. Lutie’s Austin take on classic Southern dishes is creative without being weird. Also, not to mention the garden seating is magical at night.
Utah: La Caille, Sandy
Escape to the French countryside without having to leave the Wasatch Front. Like a French castle dropped in Utah, peacocks roam the gardens, and the mountain views are nothing short of stunning. Do try the rack of lamb; it’s a special occasion spot for sure, which makes it worth it.
Vermont: The Mill at Simon Pearce, Quechee
Your regular dinner becomes a theater as skilled glassblowers craft their art before your meal in this eatery. The restaurant overlooks a covered bridge and waterfall. At Vermont, everything’s served on handblown glass that’s made on-site. Don’t forget to try their cheese plate; it is a tour of Vermont’s best.
Virginia: Pink Cadillac Diner, Natural Bridge
A slice of American pie, literally and figuratively. This ’50s-style diner serves huge portions of comfort food. The pink Cadillac out front also makes for a great photo op. Oh, and their milkshakes are so worth the brain freeze.
Washington: The George, Seattle
Fresh seafood with a view of Elliott Bay—sounds like classic Seattle, doesn’t it? The chef at the George does incredibly creative things with local ingredients, but it never gets too weird: that’s the magic. The happy hour in this diner is one of the city’s best-kept secrets to date.
West Virginia: Laury’s, Charleston
For over 40 years, Laury’s has been the go-to spot for special occasions in Charleston. In an old train station, this place keeps things elegant but not stuffy. River views from every table, and the steaks are always perfect. Their chocolate bread pudding also has a local following.
Wisconsin: Bacchus, Milwaukee
Lake Michigan views and a killer wine list at Milwaukee? Yes, that’s correct. The seasonal menu shows off local ingredients loud and proud, and the service makes you feel like you’re on the A-list. As for the cheese plate at Bacchus, it’s every bit as exceptional as the rest of the experience.
Wyoming: Snake River Grill, Jackson
Wood-fired cooking in a mountain town sounds like something right out of a Hollywood film. But this isn’t fiction; it’s Snake River Grill. The elk tenderloin is their signature dish for good reason. Snag a table by the fireplace in winter or the patio in summer for Teton views: perfect after a day of hiking.
