One Beloved Restaurant Worth Traveling For In Each State
Every state has that one restaurant locals swear by and food lovers plan entire road trips around.
These aren’t just places to eat – they’re experiences that capture the soul of their region through unforgettable flavors and stories.
1. Dreamland BBQ (Alabama)
Ribs slathered in tangy sauce have made Dreamland a pilgrimage site since 1958. Founder Big Daddy Bishop built his legend one rack at a time in Tuscaloosa.
The menu stays simple – ribs, white bread, and sauce – because perfection doesn’t need options. Locals and tourists alike line up for meat so tender it falls off the bone.
2. The Saltry (Alaska)
Accessible only by boat, The Saltry sits on stilts above pristine Halibut Cove waters. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure before you even taste the food.
Fresh-caught halibut and salmon arrive daily, prepared with Alaskan simplicity that honors the catch. Windows frame stunning mountain and ocean views while you dine.
3. Pizzeria Bianco (Arizona)
Chris Bianco turns flour, water, and fire into edible art that earned him a James Beard Award. His Phoenix pizzeria attracts devotees willing to wait hours for a table.
Each pie emerges from the wood-fired oven with perfectly charred crust and thoughtfully sourced toppings. The Rosa with red onion and rosemary has achieved legendary status.
4. McClard’s Bar-B-Q (Arkansas)
Since 1928, McClard’s has perfected the art of slow-smoked meats in Hot Springs. A secret recipe supposedly paid off a boarding house debt started this legendary joint.
Their tangy, spicy sauce complements fall-apart tender ribs and brisket that locals crave weekly. Even President Clinton made special trips back for their barbecue during his White House years.
5. French Laundry (California)
Thomas Keller’s Yountville masterpiece redefines fine dining with seasonal tasting menus that read like poetry. Reservations open exactly two months ahead and disappear within minutes.
Each course showcases California’s finest ingredients transformed through classical French technique and modern creativity. The garden outside supplies herbs and vegetables picked moments before plating.
6. The Buckhorn Exchange (Colorado)
Colorado’s oldest restaurant opened in 1893 and still serves exotic game in a Wild West atmosphere. Taxidermy covers every wall, creating a museum-meets-steakhouse vibe.
Order elk, buffalo, or rattlesnake alongside traditional steaks in this time capsule of frontier dining. The building itself holds Denver’s first liquor license, proudly displayed.
7. Louis’ Lunch (Connecticut)
Claiming to have invented the hamburger in 1900, Louis’ still cooks patties in original vertical cast-iron grills. No ketchup allowed – house rules enforce burger purity.
Your burger arrives on toast, not a bun, with only cheese, tomato, and onion as permitted toppings. The tiny New Haven spot operates just like it did over a century ago.
8. Jessop’s Tavern (Delaware)
Step into 1724 at this colonial tavern where servers wear period costumes and recipes echo early American cooking. Exposed beams and candlelight complete the time-travel experience.
Swedish pot roast and peanut soup honor Delaware’s diverse colonial heritage with authentic flavors. Tankards of ale and mead add to the historical immersion.
9. Joe’s Stone Crab (Florida)
Miami Beach’s most famous seafood institution has served stone crab claws since 1913. No reservations means lines stretch down the block, but devotees insist it’s worth the wait.
Crabs arrive chilled with signature mustard sauce and drawn butter for dipping perfection. Only open during stone crab season, October through May, making each visit feel special.
10. The Varsity (Georgia)
What’ll ya have? That famous greeting welcomes customers to the world’s largest drive-in restaurant since 1928. The Varsity feeds thousands daily with quick-service Southern comfort food.
Chili dogs, frosted oranges, and onion rings fuel Georgia Tech students and Atlanta visitors alike. The neon-lit Atlanta landmark occupies an entire city block.
11. Mama’s Fish House (Hawaii)
Polynesian paradise meets impeccable seafood on Maui’s north shore at this oceanfront treasure. Each fish on the menu lists the fisherman who caught it and exactly where.
Macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi and coconut-crusted prawns showcase island flavors with sophisticated preparation. Sunset views through swaying palms make every meal feel like a celebration.
12. Epi’s A Basque Restaurant (Idaho)
Idaho’s Basque heritage lives on through family-style feasts at Epi’s in Meridian. Strangers become friends at communal tables loaded with course after course of hearty food.
Chorizo, lamb stew, and beans arrive in endless waves alongside crusty bread and red wine. The Basque tradition of generous hospitality shines through every shared platter.
13. Alinea (Illinois)
Grant Achatz’s Chicago temple of molecular gastronomy transforms dining into theater with edible balloons and tablecloth desserts. Three Michelin stars recognize his boundary-pushing creativity.
Each course surprises with unexpected textures, temperatures, and presentations that challenge what food can be. Reservations require planning and a substantial budget, but the experience transcends mere eating.
14. St. Elmo Steak House (Indiana)
Indianapolis has worshipped at St. Elmo’s altar since 1902, but the shrimp cocktail might be hotter than the steaks. Seriously – the horseradish-heavy sauce clears sinuses and builds legends.
Perfectly aged beef and classic steakhouse sides satisfy carnivores in wood-paneled, old-school elegance. Race car drivers celebrate Indy 500 victories here year after year.
15. Archie’s Waeside (Iowa)
Family-owned since 1949, Archie’s serves Midwest comfort food with Mississippi River views in Le Claire. Their salad bar alone draws devoted fans who plan visits around it.
Prime rib, fried chicken, and homemade pies represent Iowa hospitality at its finest. Generous portions and reasonable prices keep generations of families returning.
16. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas)
Starting in a gas station didn’t stop Joe’s from becoming Kansas City’s barbecue royalty. Burnt ends—those crusty, caramelized brisket pieces – reach perfection here.
Ribs, pulled pork, and Z-Man sandwiches compete for attention, but those burnt ends steal hearts. The original gas station location maintains its quirky charm despite fame.
17. The Brown Hotel (Kentucky)
The Hot Brown was born here in 1926 when Chef Fred Schmidt needed a late-night alternative to ham and eggs. This open-faced turkey sandwich with Mornay sauce became Kentucky’s signature dish.
Bacon, tomatoes, and broiled cheese crown the indulgent creation served in elegant surroundings. Louisville’s historic hotel maintains the original recipe with exacting standards.
18. Commander’s Palace (Louisiana)
New Orleans’ Garden District treasure has launched celebrity chefs and perfected Creole cuisine since 1893. The turquoise-and-white Victorian mansion demands jackets at dinner but rewards with unforgettable flavors.
Turtle soup, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and bread pudding soufflé represent Louisiana cooking at its most refined. Jazz brunch with live music makes weekends feel like celebrations.
19. Red’s Eats (Maine)
A tiny red shack in Wiscasset causes traffic jams with lobster rolls so stuffed they barely fit in your hands. A full pound of meat per roll explains the devotion.
No filler, no mayo mess – just pure lobster with drawn butter or light mayo on a toasted bun. Lines wrap around the building, but regulars swear it’s worth every waiting minute.
20. Woodberry Kitchen (Maryland)
Baltimore’s farm-to-table pioneer transforms a former foundry into a temple of Chesapeake cuisine. Reclaimed wood and industrial chic create warmth in the renovated space.
Local oysters, Maryland crab, and seasonal vegetables showcase the region’s bounty with creative preparation. Chef Spike Gjerde’s commitment to regional ingredients earned a James Beard Award.
21. Union Oyster House (Massachusetts)
America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant opened in 1826 and still shucks oysters at the original U-shaped bar. Daniel Webster reportedly drank brandy here while consuming dozens of oysters.
Clam chowder, lobster, and seafood classics arrive in surroundings steeped in Revolutionary War history. The creaky floors and weathered wood tell stories beyond the menu.
22. Zingerman’s Deli (Michigan)
Ann Arbor’s deli phenomenon started in 1982 and grew into a food empire without losing its soul. Sandwiches tower with premium meats and artisan breads that justify the hype.
The Reuben reaches legendary status, but every option showcases quality ingredients and generous portions. Mail-order brings Zingerman’s magic nationwide, though eating there feels special.
23. Matt’s Bar (Minnesota)
The Jucy Lucy – a cheese-stuffed burger that oozes molten goodness – was born at this no-frills Minneapolis tavern. Matt’s and 5-8 Club both claim invention, fueling friendly rivalry.
Bite carefully because that melted cheese center runs lava-hot and delicious. The dive bar atmosphere and spelling (they drop the ‘i’) add to the authentic charm.
24. Doe’s Eat Place (Mississippi)
What began as a grocery store in Greenville’s African American neighborhood became Mississippi’s most unlikely steakhouse legend. Massive steaks and Delta hot tamales share the menu improbably.
You’ll walk through the kitchen to reach your table in this cash-only, no-frills institution. Portions dwarf normal restaurant sizes, and the tamales honor the Delta’s unique culinary heritage.
25. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque (Missouri)
Kansas City’s oldest barbecue joint earned presidential praise when Harry Truman called it his favorite. The thick, tangy sauce and smoky burnt ends define Kansas City style.
Brisket gets sliced thick and piled high on white bread with pickles and sauce in true KC fashion. The no-nonsense approach focuses entirely on the meat and smoke.
26. Sir Scott’s Oasis (Montana)
This Manhattan, Montana steakhouse (not that Manhattan) serves hand-cut steaks in a log cabin atmosphere since 1960. The legendary salad bar rivals the beef for attention.
Locals and travelers alike pack the place for perfectly grilled meat and Montana hospitality. Big portions and reasonable prices reflect the state’s generous spirit.
27. The Drover (Nebraska)
Omaha’s unique contribution to steakhouse culture? Cabernet-marinated beef that’s been soaking up flavor since the 1970s. The Drover pioneered this technique that creates incredibly tender, flavorful steaks.
Choose your cut, and it arrives after marinating in wine for days before hitting the grill. The salad bar and Western atmosphere complete the Nebraska experience.
28. Lotus of Siam (Nevada)
Hidden in a Las Vegas strip mall, this Thai restaurant earned James Beard recognition and national acclaim. Northern Thai cuisine takes center stage instead of the usual pad thai.
The wine list rivals any steakhouse, pairing Rieslings perfectly with spicy curries and som tum. Chef Saipin Chutima’s family recipes transformed expectations of what Thai food could be.
29. The Common Man (New Hampshire)
New Hampshire’s homegrown restaurant family started in an old barn and expanded across the state. Rustic charm and hearty American fare define every location.
Prime rib, fresh seafood, and comfort classics arrive in generous portions with warm hospitality. The original Ashland location maintains that cozy, welcoming atmosphere that built the reputation.
30. Tops Diner (New Jersey)
This chrome-and-neon Jersey diner serves breakfast all day to devoted fans who debate which dish reigns supreme. The menu spans 20 pages with everything from Greek specialties to classic American comfort.
Portions arrive massive, and the dessert case tempts with towering cakes and pies. Open 24 hours means your craving gets satisfied whenever it strikes.
31. The Shed (New Mexico)
Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant occupies a centuries-old hacienda where red or green chile defines every order. The question – red or green? – matters deeply to locals.
Blue corn enchiladas smothered in family-recipe chile sauce represent New Mexican cuisine at its most authentic. Tourists and natives alike wait patiently for tables in the historic rooms.
32. Katz’s Delicatessen (New York)
When Harry Met Sally made Katz’s famous, but this Lower East Side institution has been slicing pastrami since 1888. Hand-carved meats pile impossibly high on fresh rye bread.
Save your ticket – you’ll need it to pay – and don’t skip the free pickle. The organized chaos and old-school counter service feel authentically New York in every way.
33. Skylight Inn BBQ (North Carolina)
The dome-topped temple of Eastern Carolina barbecue has smoked whole hogs over wood since 1947. No sauce, no sides – just perfectly chopped pork with vinegar and pepper.
Pete Jones and his family defined regional barbecue style with their minimalist approach. The cornbread and coleslaw are the only acceptable accompaniments to the meat.
34. The Toasted Frog (North Dakota)
Fargo’s most creative kitchen serves globally inspired dishes with playful presentations that surprise the Plains. The name hints at the whimsical approach to upscale casual dining.
Walleye tacos, Thai curry, and innovative small plates showcase culinary ambition beyond typical Midwest menus. The cocktail program matches the food’s creativity with craft drinks.
35. Slyman’s Restaurant (Ohio)
Cleveland’s corned beef king stacks sandwiches so tall they require structural engineering to eat. Since 1963, Slyman’s has defined excess in the best possible way.
The meat gets piled nearly six inches high, hand-sliced and impossibly tender. Locals debate the best technique for tackling these towers of deliciousness.
36. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (Oklahoma)
Operating in Oklahoma City’s Stockyards since 1910, Cattlemen’s feeds ranchers breakfast at dawn and visitors anytime. The location in working stockyards keeps it authentically Western.
Lamb fries (yes, those) share the menu with perfectly grilled steaks and hearty breakfasts. The Old West atmosphere feels genuine because it is.
37. Pok Pok (Oregon)
Chef Andy Ricker brought Northern Thai street food to Portland and earned a James Beard Award for his authentic approach. The fish sauce wings alone justify the pilgrimage.
Drinking vinegars, papaya salad, and regional Thai dishes rarely found elsewhere define the menu. Casual atmosphere belies the serious culinary scholarship behind every recipe.
38. Primanti Bros. (Pennsylvania)
Pittsburgh’s signature sandwich piles coleslaw and french fries directly between the bread with your meat of choice. What started as trucker fuel in 1933 became a regional obsession.
The logic? Truckers needed one-handed meals, so everything goes in the sandwich. Capicola and cheese, kielbasa, or pastrami all get the same treatment.
39. White Horse Tavern (Rhode Island)
America’s oldest operating tavern opened in 1673 and still serves dinner in colonial elegance. Three centuries of history soak into the dark wood beams and wide-plank floors.
Modern New England cuisine respects tradition while showcasing Rhode Island ingredients with contemporary technique. Dining here feels like stepping into living history.
40. Husk (South Carolina)
Chef Sean Brock’s Charleston temple to Southern ingredients changes its menu daily based on what’s available locally. The philosophy? If it doesn’t come from the South, it doesn’t come through the door.
Heritage grains, heirloom vegetables, and pasture-raised meats get transformed into elevated comfort food. The historic home setting adds atmosphere to the culinary mission.
41. Wall Drug Café (South Dakota)
What started as a pharmacy offering free ice water in 1931 grew into South Dakota’s most famous roadside attraction. The café feeds thousands daily with homemade donuts and Western hospitality.
Five-cent coffee and buffalo burgers keep travelers stopping in this sprawling tourist wonderland. The phenomenon proves that good marketing and decent food create legends.
42. Loveless Café (Tennessee)
Nashville’s biscuit shrine has been serving scratch-made Southern breakfast since 1951. Those fluffy buttermilk biscuits with house-made preserves inspire devotion and long waits.
Fried chicken, country ham, and red-eye gravy complete the classic Tennessee breakfast experience. The motel-turned-restaurant maintains its vintage charm despite expansion.
43. Franklin Barbecue (Texas)
Aaron Franklin’s Austin trailer-turned-restaurant requires hours of waiting in line for barbecue that sells out daily. The brisket achieves perfection with a dark bark and pink smoke ring.
Ribs, sausage, and pulled pork complement the star attraction, but that brisket justifies the pilgrimage. Arrive early or face disappointment – they close when the meat runs out.
44. Log Haven (Utah)
A 1920s log mansion tucked in Millcreek Canyon provides the stunning setting for Utah’s most romantic restaurant. The drive up the canyon builds anticipation for the experience.
Contemporary American cuisine showcases seasonal ingredients with artistic presentations. Waterfalls, gardens, and mountain views make every meal feel like a special occasion.
45. Hen of the Wood (Vermont)
Named for a wild mushroom, this Waterbury restaurant celebrates Vermont’s farms and forests with seasonal menus. The converted mill and grist house add historic character.
Local cheese, maple, foraged ingredients, and pasture-raised meats showcase the best of Vermont terroir. Casual sophistication defines both the food and atmosphere.
46. The Inn at Little Washington (Virginia)
Patrick O’Connell transformed a tiny Virginia town into a culinary destination worthy of three Michelin stars. The Inn represents American fine dining at its most refined.
Tasting menus change with seasons, showcasing Virginia ingredients with French technique and theatrical presentation. The experience costs dearly but delivers memories worth every penny.
47. Canlis (Washington)
Seattle’s most elegant restaurant has maintained excellence since 1950 with Mid-Century architecture and impeccable service. The view spans Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
Pacific Northwest ingredients get refined treatment in multi-course tasting menus. Three generations of the Canlis family have upheld standards that define special-occasion dining.
48. Hillbilly Hot Dogs (West Virginia)
A converted school bus serves outrageous hot dogs with names like the Homewrecker in rural West Virginia. The roadside stand embraces hillbilly stereotypes with pride and humor.
Fifteen-inch dogs get piled with everything from chili and slaw to jalapenos and nacho cheese. The eccentric atmosphere and generous portions make it worth the detour.
49. Supper Club at Ishnala (Wisconsin)
Wisconsin supper club culture thrives at this Wisconsin Dells institution perched above Mirror Lake. The ritual begins with old-fashioneds and relish trays before the main event.
Friday fish fry and prime rib dinners honor traditions dating to the 1950s. Log cabin atmosphere and water views complete the classic Wisconsin experience.
50. Snake River Grill (Wyoming)
Jackson Hole’s sophisticated dining scene centers on this downtown grill serving Western game with contemporary flair. The rustic-chic space balances mountain town charm with urban polish.
Elk, bison, and trout get creative preparations alongside seasonal vegetables and an impressive wine list. After-ski crowds and summer visitors alike appreciate the elevated approach.
