America has some incredible restaurants. From coast to coast, there are fine-dining spots, tasty burger and barbecue joints, and cafés, shacks and delis that are genius in their simplicity. Here we take a look at the most famous restaurant in every US state. (As the current situation is changeable, be sure to check state travel advisories and the opening status of individual outlets before you head out.)
Legend has it that John 'Big Daddy' Bishop opened the first Dreamland Café in Tuscaloosa after praying for guidance: that night God appeared in a dream and told him that he should build a café next to his home – and so John did. Some sixty years on and Dreamland has ten locations in Alabama, Georgia and Florida (not to mention numerous concessions). But it remains famous for its good old-fashioned hospitality and lip-smacking ribs. It's now possible to order food online for take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery too.
This restaurant wasn't established until the 1950s, but its building dates back to the 1920s, having served time as both a funeral home and a furniture store. Today, though, the steaks are the main draw. Cut and aged on site, they have been voted Anchorage's best for more than a decade – if your wallet allows, splash out on the famous 4-inch filet mignon. The iconic neon sign is an instantly recognizable feature of this legendary steakhouse too.
A legendary steakhouse in Phoenix, Durant's – dark and draped in red inside – is the type of place that never changes. Part of the appeal is the man behind the restaurant: the late Jack Durant, who is rumored to have had connections with mobster Bugsy Siegel. Whatever the truth may be, the storied spot has been feeding diners exceptional steaks for more than half a century. COVID-19 protocols including masks and temperature checks are currently in place and you'll need to call to make a booking.
Arkansas has plenty of popular lunch and dinner spots. However, few match the hype of The Pantry in Little Rock, which now has two locations. The restaurant serves an inspired menu filled with German and Czech delights that are combined with American favorites. For dinner, you can try the wiener schnitzel with iron-skillet potatoes, or roasted pork shoulder with Czech potato dumplings and braised red cabbage. For dessert, you won't want to miss out on the incredible Jewish-style cheesecake or classic apple strudel.
The French Laundry is often described by food critics as the gourmet experience of a lifetime. Thomas Keller has been one of the most celebrated chefs in America for almost 30 years, and Anthony Bourdain called this landmark restaurant "the best restaurant in the world, period" in his show No Reservations. There are countless signature dishes here – the two nine-course tasting menus change every day, and no ingredient appears more than once. If you spot the truffle-infused custard on the menu, you're in luck. The restaurant is due to reopen in February.
Featured on Anthony Bourdain's hit show No Reservations, Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and the Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate, it's safe to say that Denver's Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs has received plenty of attention. The restaurant started as a food truck, and today serves incredible hot dogs made of beef, pork, elk and buffalo at its bricks-and-mortar locations.
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Made famous by the Julia Roberts movie of the same name, Mystic Pizza is located in Mystic, Connecticut. ‘A slice of heaven’ is the tagline for this popular pizzeria and it doesn’t disappoint. As well as pizza, diners can order salads, soups and chicken wings, and the deep-fried pickles are a hit with regulars. Only the outside of Mystic Pizza features in the movie and the interior shots were filmed elsewhere – the real-life pizzeria was later redecorated to replicate the set following the movie’s cult success.
It's no surprise that Delaware's most famous restaurant can be found in one of the state's most famous buildings: the landmark Hotel Du Pont. The Green Room, known for its lavish design and oak detailing throughout, first opened decades ago, and it's now fresh from renovations, having been reimagined as Le Cavalier at The Green Room. The menu has stayed classic and diners can still embrace the history, feasting on much-loved dishes like the Hotel Du Pont shrimp cocktail, oysters and French onion soup.
A Miami Beach institution, Joe's Stone Crab has opened several other outlets, but the original location remains as popular as ever. With a history going back to 1913, the restaurant is most famous for its stone crabs, just as the name suggests. Often visited by celebrities, it's also reportedly referenced in Ian Fleming's Goldfinger as Bill's on the Beach – the best meal James Bond ever had in his life. Check the latest opening hours via their Twitter page.
The Southern outpost of sleek New York steakhouse STK is not only the top place in all of Georgia for sublime steaks, it's also a celebrity hot spot. STK has counted Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denzel Washington, Kim Kardashian and Chris Pratt among its many A-list guests – and, aside from steaks and stars, locals know it for the signature parmesan truffle fries and sweetcorn pudding. See here for the restaurant's COVID-19 protocols.
Many Hawaiians will tell you there's nothing like the original Roy's in Hawaii Kai, run by the James Beard Award-winning Roy Yamaguchi. Famous for its explosive Hawaiian-Japanese fusion cuisine, Roy's was also one of the first restaurants to bring the now super-famous poke into the mainstream. Signatures include the blackened ahi, plus exciting creations such as butterfish with sweet ginger and wasabi beurre blanc. The spot is currently open for both takeout and on-site dining, and the restaurant is operating at 50% capacity.
Unsuspecting Idaho visitors might be prepared for a flurry of restaurants and dishes celebrating the state's famous vegetable: the potato. However, Boise, its capital city, is a hub for Basque culture, with the only Basque museum in America. Epi's Basque Restaurant, open for more than 20 years, is a wonderful celebration of the best and most homely dishes from this region in northern Spain. Still packed every night, Epi's serves crispy ham croquetas, mushrooms sautéed in butter, garlic and sherry, and an incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank as a regular special.
Led by groundbreaking head chef Grant Achatz, Alinea has been one of the most influential restaurants in the world for more than a decade. Known for bending rules and shaking up the laws of cooking, Alinea is all about immersive dining, focusing on smells, colors and textures, as well as incredible tastes. One of Alinea's typical signature dishes is its dessert course, served in the form of splashes, dots and streaks straight on the table.
It's quite a feat to be more than 100 years old and still appearing on lists for the country's best steakhouses, but St. Elmo Steak House manages it rather easily. In addition to the extensive steak menu, people still come for St. Elmo's famous (and spicy) shrimp cocktail. The spot's other claim to fame is that it's one of Ron Swanson's (a fictional character from the sitcom Parks and Recreation) favorite steak houses. In the episode Two Parties, he celebrates the bachelor party he never had there, attracting many of the show's fans to the restaurant. Current safety measures include staff temperature checks and single-use menus.
Named the most iconic restaurant in Iowa by Thrillist, this 100-year-old steak house continues to delight its guests with steaks sizzling in extra virgin olive oil, butter and a special Greek seasoning blend. Opened by Greek immigrants Pete Maduras and Tony Papouchis, the Mason City restaurant is now owned by Tony's son Bill and his wife Ann, who are keen to preserve the Greek legacy. Although the menu has changed throughout the decades, the dishes largely remain faithful to Tony's original recipes. Curbside pick-up is also currently available.
Revered for its burnt-end sandwiches, this restaurant (previously known as Oklahoma Joe's) has a humble origin story. It began life in a petrol station, yet today it's the recipient of countless accolades, including being named as one of the 13 places you must eat before you die by Anthony Bourdain. It also gained a lot of national attention in 2014 when president Barack Obama ordered $1,400 worth of food that was later picked up by the staff of Air Force One.
A timeless Southern restaurant, the Greyhound Tavern charms with its historic setting that takes diners back to the 1920s, when it was first opened as Dixie Tea Room. Today, the restaurant offers comforting and familiar fuss-free dishes: the fried chicken is the star of the show, however, you shouldn't miss out on the thick-sliced breaded sweet onions either. Saved room for dessert? Good, because their homemade bread pudding is a Greyhound Tavern staple. Reservations are currently recommended.
In a city bursting at the seams with culinary delights, Commander's Palace remains one of New Orleans' most notable landmarks and not just for its striking turquoise Victorian façade. Established in the beautiful Garden District in 1893, this elegant restaurant has been the training ground for a number of notable chefs including Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. It remains one of (if not the) place to try the seafood gumbo. You'll need to undergo a no-contact temperature check and wear a mask to enter – the restaurant runs a weekly wine and cheese night via Zoom too.
Sitting atop the shores of Cape Elizabeth, The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is a Maine staple and its order of the day – the famous lobster roll – has appeared on many a 'best of' list. Having celebrated its 50th season last year, The Lobster Shack at Two Lights will be closed until March 2021.
There are several notable restaurants in Maryland, so it's hard to single out just one – but Baltimore's Woodberry Kitchen has definitely surpassed its trendy status to become an enduring foodie destination. With many celebrity customers, including Michelle Obama, who dined here with daughter Malia in 2016, the restaurant is known for its American farm-to-table cuisine and is often praised for its commitment to sourcing locally. The supper and Sunday brunch menu is currently offered to-go, too.
The Union Oyster House is one of the oldest operating restaurants in all of the United States and it's said that the humble toothpick gained popularity here. Closely tied to American history, The Union Oyster House once counted American statesman Daniel Webster and even Louis Philippe, King of France among its regulars (the king lived above the restaurant during his exile in the late 18th century). The restaurant serves traditional New England dishes and their New England clam chowder is rightly famous. There's currently a take-out option too.
One of Michigan's most unique and well-loved restaurants is the incredible Bavarian Inn. Opened in 1888, in the Bavarian-themed town Frankenmuth, the restaurant claims that more than 20 million guests have come to feast on their world-famous all-you-can-eat German family-style dinners. And while Bronner's, tipped as the world's largest Christmas store, is the town's main draw, it's rare that visitors don't stop by for a meal at the Bavarian Inn too.
Yes, there are James Beard Award-winning restaurants and plenty of incredible steakhouses in the North Star State – however, the fiercely fought rivalry between Matt's Bar and The 5-8 Club over the origin of the revered Jucy Lucy/Juicy Lucy goes back decades. The iconic burger, featuring a thick meat patty surrounding oozing melted cheese, is Minnesota's most famous food, and burger joints up and down the country have created their own versions.
Opened in 1935 by Greek immigrants, the Mayflower Cafe is a firm local favorite for steak and seafood mains. However, it's their famous comeback sauce that's earned them a place on this list. The distinctive dipping sauce and salad dressing specific to this area of Mississippi is made of mayo, chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice and other spices and condiments – it's mixed in salads, slathered on fried green tomatoes and generally eaten with pretty much everything. More recently, the café earned nationwide fame after it was featured in the film version of The Help.
Arthur Bryant's started life as an alley stand serving food for Garment District workers in Kansas City. Despite being a relatively bare-bones joint – think unpretentious decor and fluorescent lighting – the barbecue restaurant has seen an incredible number of notable diners over the years, from Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford to John McCain and Barack Obama. Beef-brisket burnt ends and burnt-end sandwiches are among the top dishes served at the restaurant.
Often cited as the state's best restaurant, Lucca's is something of a Montana legend, promising punters that "when you come to Lucca's you're not eating out – you're dining out". There are impeccably executed Italian classics on the menu – think calamari fritti and veal scallopini. But it's their humble baked ziti dish with crispy pancetta, tomato and three cheeses that's a must-try.
In a town – and state – known for its beef, The Drover in Omaha stands out for its original whiskey-marinated steaks, which have been served here for over 40 years. The marinade ingredients – aside from the whiskey, of course – are top secret, but the steaks are soaked for just 15 minutes, allowing you to really savor the flavor of the Nebraskan beef.
Yes, there might be countless celebrity-chef-owned, Michelin-starred, James Beard Award-winning restaurants in Las Vegas, but sometimes it's the places that never change that matter the most. The list of famous – and infamous – people who have graced the Golden Steer is impressive: Elvis Presley, Joe DiMaggio, Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali to name just a few. These days it remains a slice of Old Vegas in the glitzy, modern city, serving up its famous steaks in delightfully old-school surrounds. The dining room is currently open from Tuesday to Saturday and booking is recommended.
Moxy is a small-plates spot taking inspiration from the ingredients grown by local farmers and has been named one of Eater's essential New England restaurants. A James Beard Best Chef semi-finalist, the restaurant delivers dishes that tell a story of the locality, from fried clams to local whitefish. It's not all seafood though. You'll find beef short rib marmalade on grilled bread with pickled onions and blue cheese, and whoopie pie sliders with chocolate dipping sauce too.
Named the best diner in America by Time Out, this East Newark spot is undoubtedly something of a legend in New Jersey – and beyond. This isn't really your average diner, however. For a start, there's a full bar that boasts an impressive cocktail list and their food is excellent. In addition to the usual stalwarts of milkshakes, burgers and meatloaf, you can expect delights like English-style fish and chips and Cajun shrimp with chicken jambalaya. Takeout with delivery is currently available here.
It's hard to believe that New Mexico's largest Mexican restaurant (it can usually seat over 1,200 people at one time) started out as just one room with only a handful of tables. Open for over 50 years now, the Albuquerque restaurant still regularly turns up on lists of the best Mexican food in the state, if not the country.
In a city full of acclaimed restaurants, the legendary pastrami sandwiches at Katz's still hold their own. Founded in 1888, the deli has appeared in countless films and television programs – and undoubtedly, its most famous appearance was in When Harry Met Sally for Meg Ryan's infamous scene. Today, a sign in the restaurant commemorates the event, saying 'hope you have what she had', in reference to a famous line in the film. The deli offers nationwide shipping.
Fearrington House Restaurant has been feeding diners since 1980. Combining the culinary traditions of the American South and the techniques of European cooking with locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant was doing the farm-to-table thing before it was a buzzword. It's also the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star restaurant in the US to be Green Certified (meaning it has reached sustainable levels of food waste, energy use and other eco goals). Online ordering is also currently available.
North Dakota is well-known for its beef, and Peacock Alley makes the most of the state's bounty. It's held up as one of the best spots for steak in the entire state, and has even been given the prestigious National Beef Innovator of the Year award by the National Cattleman's Association. The Steakhouse Burger, with applewood smoked bleu cheese and bourbon sauce, is a winning dish.
Built in 1803, this old colonial building has welcomed an impressive 12 US presidents over the years. Today, The Golden Lamb – purportedly Ohio's longest continually operated business – remains a popular resting point for travelers, serving comfort food such as burgers, fried chicken, shrimp and ribs, alongside an impressive range of regional beers.
Tipped as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Oklahoma City, Cattlemen's was, unsurprisingly, set up to serve the ranchers, cowboys and cattle haulers working in the region. Over the years this steakhouse has seen its clientele extend to film stars such as John Wayne and politicians, including George Bush Senior. It's a proud purveyor of the Midwest's prized beef, and it's said that President Bush's favorite was the T-bone. A take-out option is currently available.
Restaurant Beck has been delivering award-winning food with a side of ocean views since 2009 and has firmly established itself as one of Oregon's must-visit restaurants. Chef Justin Wills is known to be inspired by his ocean surroundings, incorporating plenty of seafood into his upscale menu. Exquisite ingredients like hamachi (a fish) and Wagyu beef make frequent appearances, while the five- and seven-course tasting menus offer an insight into the restaurant's coastal cooking style.
Opened in 2008, this Israeli restaurant in the heart of Philadelphia slowly gained popularity – then three years ago it started winning big awards and demanding attention on a national level. Named outstanding restaurant at the 2019 James Beard Awards ceremony, it's consistently ranked among the best restaurants in America. The restaurant's signature dish – pomegranate lamb shoulder with chickpeas – is a whole lamb shoulder that's been dry-aged, smoked and glazed with pomegranate molasses for an incredibly intense yet sophisticated flavor.
Believed to be the USA’s oldest tavern building, Newport’s White Horse Tavern is a real slice of history. Established in 1673, it was run by a pirate in the 18th century and then served as accommodation for loyalists and British troops during the Occupation of Newport in the Revolution. Today the focus is fresh, local food: fish, clams and lobsters caught in Narragansett Bay and artisan cheese, honey and beef sourced from nearby farms. There are currently safety protocols for COVID-19 in place too.
Take a look at America's most adorable small-town restaurants
No barbecue for South Carolina? Surprising, sure, but not unexpected when the award-winning Husk in Charleston (now also in three other locations) is churning out new concepts and dishes every night. Expect dishes like slow-smoked pork ribs, crispy catfish and a fried cornbread panzanella on the Southern-focused menu. Masks are required and curbside takeout and delivery options are currently available too.
With its road signs almost more famous than the restaurant itself (you can see them for miles before you're even near), Wall Drug is a wonderfully random pit stop for weary travelers. There's a historic display to remind visitors of the spot's humble beginnings back in the 1930s, a gift shop and an 80-foot (24m) brontosaurus sculpture. It's not solely a restaurant, but more of a curious tourist attraction – and when it comes to the food, it's their legendary hot beef sandwich and a donut that comes up trumps.
Hot chicken is Nashville's fiery signature dish and this is the place that invented it. So the story goes: the recipe was concocted by Thornton Prince's wife, who whipped up the super-spicy dish as a trick, as she suspected her husband had been unfaithful. However, Thornton Prince loved the punchy dish and, after he fine-tuned the recipe, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack was born. Now Prince's Hot Chicken is legendary in Music City and beyond, and spice-lovers can find the tongue-thwacking dish all about town.
In a state known for its barbecue, it takes a lot to stand out – but plenty of meat-lovers make the pilgrimage to this wide-open ranch, 30 minutes outside Austin. The famed pit here has been cooking up delectable meat since 1967, with brisket, pulled pork and bison ribs among the favourites.
Ruth's Diner originally opened in downtown Salt Lake City in 1930, but moved to its current, leafier location on Emigration Canyon in 1949, where it still sits in one of the city's old trolley cars. The eponymous Ruth was quite a character by all accounts – she started out as a cabaret singer before turning her hand to the diner – and the food still enjoys an excellent reputation. The breakfasts are especially popular and can be enjoyed on the patio in warmer months.
The Pig, as locals calls it, is garnering great reviews for blending locally sourced ingredients with Southern techniques and pairing craft beers (it has its own popular brewery) with pulled-pork sandwiches and duck-fat fries. The real star of the menu is the craft mac 'n' cheese that diners can top with chopped pork and some house-pickled jalapeños. It’s hip, but it has proved itself to have substance as well as style, making it one of the most sought-after dining spots in the state. The restaurant asks guests to read its current dining guidelines before visiting.
This beautiful village inn was established in 1728, back when Middleburg, Virginia was called Chinn's Crossroads. The historic property has seen an incredible number of notable people pass through its doors. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis frequently stayed here when she was foxhunting in the autumn months and her husband, President Kennedy, once used the inn to hold a press conference. Today, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern's history is apparent throughout, but there are modern menus showcasing local produce too.
When Peter Canlis wanted to build a restaurant back in the 1950s, central Seattle locations were all too expensive, so he settled for a venue way up on the edge of a cliff outside of the city. Years later the seemingly awkward location has paid off, because diners rave about the breathtaking views alongside the exceptional food. Now with numerous James Beard Awards and Wine Spectator Grand Awards, it's one of Seattle's most fascinating places to eat. Deservedly, Food & Wine named it one of the 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years in 2018.
Tipped as America's first resort, Greenbrier has also welcomed diners for over 100 years. The Main Dining Room hasn't changed much throughout the resort's existence and a sense of historic charm can be very much felt within the walls. The fine-dining restaurant serves impressive, albeit old-school, dishes such as roasted hen and glazed pork loin, and it remains one of the most famous dining rooms in the whole country.
Established more than 100 years ago, Mader's is a typically German restaurant, serving traditional dishes such as pork patties, wiener schnitzel and a Bavarian platter consisting of different types of German sausage, potato dumplings and sauerkraut. Over the course of its long history, Mader's has gained popularity with countless celebrities too. US presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford have all dined at the historic joint and it's also a top choice for musicians: everyone from Britney Spears and Katy Perry to Kanye West and Eric Clapton have been spotted here.
For dishes with the wow factor and a relaxed but cool atmosphere, Snake River Grill in Jackson Hole delivers. The dining-room decor is smart but rustic, with wood and brick details, roaring fireplaces and flickering candles, and the food is seriously creative. A particular highlight is the steak-tartare pizza topped with Black Angus New York steak, garlic aioli, capers, parsley and red onion. Unsurprisingly, its creativity has earned it TV appearances, such as on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate. The spot asks guests to review these guidelines before visiting.