Food in the United States is as diverse as the country itself. You’ve got big cities offering fancy dining, small towns with cozy kitchens, and everything in-between. The key to enjoying it all is knowing what to eat and where to go. Let’s dig into some must-try dishes and the best local spots to experience them.
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1. Barbecue – A Must-Try Classic
If you’re in the U.S., barbecue needs to be on your food list. It can vary massively depending on where you are. Texas is all about brisket, North Carolina prefers pulled pork, while Kansas City makes it all with sweet tomato-based sauces.
Top Places to Eat Barbecue
- Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX): Famous for slow-cooked brisket, perfectly smoked and seared.
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City, MO): Try the burnt ends—a local favorite.
- 12 Bones Smokehouse (Asheville, NC): The ribs here are insane, especially with their blueberry bbq sauce.
2. New York Pizza – A Slice of Heaven
New York pizza is something you need to try. Thin crust, simple toppings, and usually served in giant slices folded in half. Grab a slice and walk around, that’s the New York way.
Where to Grab a Slice
- Joe’s Pizza (New York City, NY): Simple yet perfect. Classic flavors done right.
- Di Fara Pizza (Brooklyn, NY): A legendary old-school shop known for its thin and crispy pies.
- Prince Street Pizza (New York City, NY): If you’re down for something a little different, try their square slices with thick pepperoni cups.
3. Philly Cheesesteak – A Cheese Lover’s Dream
A Philly cheesesteak is a hot, gooey pile of thinly-sliced steak and melted cheese. It’s best on a toasted hoagie roll and can be topped with onions, mushrooms, or peppers.
Best Spots for a Philly Cheesesteak
- Pat’s King of Steaks (Philadelphia, PA): The original place that started it all. Get it with Cheez Whiz for authenticity.
- Geno’s Steaks (Philadelphia, PA): Right across the street from Pat’s. There’s a bit of a rivalry between these two!
- Jim’s Steaks (Philadelphia, PA): Another great option, loved by locals, especially for its generous portions.
4. Southern Fried Chicken – Crispy and Delicious
The South knows how to fry chicken. It’s tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor. Paired with cornbread, mac’n’cheese, and collard greens, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Where to Find the Best Fried Chicken
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House (New Orleans, LA): Possibly the best fried chicken in the U.S. Crisp, juicy, and full of flavor.
- Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack (Nashville, TN): Known for spicy fried chicken, Nashville-style, it’s not for the faint of heart!
- Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Memphis, TN): It’s fried to perfection with a slight kick of spices.
5. Lobster Rolls – East Coast Staple
Lobster rolls are the cream of the crop in New England. Fresh lobsters, diced and tossed with butter or mayo, stuffed into a soft, toasted roll. If you’re in the region, you can’t leave without trying one.
Best Places for Lobster Rolls
- Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland, ME): Famous for its brown butter lobster roll that melts in your mouth.
- The Clam Shack (Kennebunkport, ME): Fresh, local lobster. A quintessential roadside stand in Maine.
- Luke’s Lobster (Various Locations): An easy-to-find chain with consistently great lobster rolls.
6. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza – A Slice of Pie
Chicago takes its pizza seriously, but it’s nothing like New York’s. Their deep-dish is thick, overloaded with cheese, and topped with chunky tomato sauce. One slice, and you’ll be full.
Where to Eat Deep-Dish Pizza
- Lou Malnati’s (Chicago, IL): A Chicago classic with buttery, crispy crusts.
- Giordano’s (Chicago, IL): Known for their “stuffed” deep-dish pizzas that come full of cheese and toppings.
- Pequod’s Pizza (Chicago, IL): Famous for its caramelized crust—it’s a local favorite.
7. Tex-Mex – The Best Fusion You’ll Ever Eat
Tex-Mex takes Mexican flavors and puts an American twist on them. From tamales to tacos, and fajitas to enchiladas, the Texas-Mexico border is a treasure trove for food lovers.
Top Tex-Mex Spots
- Ninfa’s (Houston, TX): A birthplace of fajitas, this iconic spot is a must.
- Matt’s El Rancho (Austin, TX): Esteemed for their enchiladas and queso, you can’t go wrong here.
- El Tiempo Cantina (Houston, TX): Great margaritas, amazing tamales, and stellar tacos.
8. Clam Chowder – Creamy and Comforting
If you’re by the ocean, especially in the Northeast, a creamy bowl of clam chowder is unbeatable. Made from fresh clams, cream, potatoes, and herbs, it’s hard not to get obsessed.
Best Places for Clam Chowder
- Union Oyster House (Boston, MA): Old-school and historical, their clam chowder is thick, creamy, and comforting.
- Pike Place Chowder (Seattle, WA): Though far from the East Coast, they make an award-winning version of this classic.
- The Black Pearl (Newport, RI): A seaside gem known for a fantastic bowl of clam chowder.
9. Po’boys – A Louisiana Favorite
The po’boy is a simple yet delicious sandwich. Served on crunchy French bread overflowing with fried shrimp, oysters, roast beef, or catfish, the flavors explode in every bite.
Where to Get a Po’boy
- Domilise’s Po-Boys (New Orleans, LA): Serving up top-notch shrimp po’boys for over 100 years.
- Mother’s Restaurant (New Orleans, LA): Famous for their “Ferdi Special” po’boy with roast beef and ham.
- Parkway Bakery and Tavern (New Orleans, LA): Known for creating the roast beef po’boy; the juicy, gravy-drenched kind.
10. Burgers – The All-American Icon
No discussion about U.S. food would be complete without mentioning the burger. A simple beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato—you can find it everywhere, but not all burgers are equal!
Top Burger Spots in the U.S.
- In-N-Out Burger (Various Locations): A West Coast favorite. Simple ingredients, but a cult following.
- Shake Shack (Various Locations): Originally from NYC, they are known for their ShackBurgers, crinkle-cut fries, and thick shakes.
- Au Cheval (Chicago, IL): A lot of people call their burger the best in the world—double patty, perfectly seared, topped with a fried egg.
Whether you’re digging into barbecue in Texas, munching on lobster rolls in Maine, or savoring a Philly cheesesteak in Pennsylvania, the U.S. has incredible food experiences waiting for you. Every state has its own flavor, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
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