Get ready to take your taste buds on a delicious journey across the United States!
From coast to coast, each region of the country is known for its own mouthwatering specialties that you just can’t miss.
Whether it’s a dish packed with spice, smothered in sauce, or made with fresh, local ingredients, every bite tells a story about the place it comes from.
Curious to find out which iconic foods you absolutely have to try and where to find them?
Read on to discover the tastiest stops you’ll want to add to your foodie bucket list!
1. Philly Cheesesteak – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This mouthwatering sandwich is packed with thinly sliced, juicy beef, melted cheese (usually Cheez Whiz, provolone or American), and sautéed onions, all tucked inside a soft hoagie roll.
It’s a savory, cheesy explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more with every bite.
The best place to try this classic is in Philadelphia at legendary spots like Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks—both famous for their long rivalry and delicious cheesesteaks!
2. Texas BBQ – Austin, Texas
Texas BBQ is a smoky, slow-cooked masterpiece, featuring tender cuts of beef brisket, juicy ribs and spicy sausage, all seasoned with a simple yet flavorful dry rub.
The meat is cooked low and slow over wood, giving it that rich, smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Austin is one of the best places to experience this iconic BBQ, with top spots like Franklin Barbecue, where people line up for hours to get a taste of the perfectly smoked brisket that’s worth every second of the wait!
Other cities in Texas also have mouthwatering BBQ including Lockhart (often referred to as the BBQ capital of Texas), Luling and Dallas.
3. Gumbo – New Orleans, Louisiana
Gumbo is a rich and hearty stew from Louisiana, made with a flavorful mix of seafood, chicken or sausage, slow-cooked in a dark roux with okra, onions and bell peppers.
It’s a spicy, savory dish often served over rice, with bold Cajun and Creole spices that bring out its signature taste.
The best place to try authentic gumbo is New Orleans, where legendary spots like Commander’s Palace and Gumbo Shop serve up this soul-warming dish.
4. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago deep-dish pizza is a thick, cheesy creation with a buttery, flaky crust that’s piled high with layers of gooey mozzarella, chunky tomato sauce and toppings like sausage or pepperoni.
Each slice is a filling, fork-and-knife experience that’s more like a pizza pie than your typical flat slice.
Iconic pizzerias like Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s serve up their famous versions of this must-try pizza.
5. Key Lime Pie – Key West, Florida
Key lime pie is a creamy dessert made from tangy key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk and a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a light, fluffy layer of whipped cream.
Its perfect balance of sweet and sour makes each bite refreshing and irresistible.
The best place to savor this tropical treat is Key West, where spots like Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe serve up authentic pies made with real local key limes.
6. Clam Chowder – Boston, Massachusetts
This rich and creamy soup is loaded with tender clams, hearty potatoes and flavorful onions, all simmered together in a velvety broth of cream and butter.
The best place to enjoy this classic dish is Boston, Massachusetts but it’s widely available across New England.
Legendary spots like Union Oyster House and Legal Sea Foods serve up steaming bowls of New England-style clam chowder that’s been perfected over centuries!
7. Rocky Mountain Oysters – Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain Oysters are a bold and unique dish made from deep-fried bull calf testicles, served crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Often breaded and seasoned, this adventurous dish has a surprisingly mild flavor and is typically served with dipping sauces like cocktail or ranch.
Denver is the best place to try this iconic cowboy snack, with local spots like The Buckhorn Exchange serving up the authentic experience in a true Old West atmosphere!
8. Lobster Roll – Maine
This delicious sandwich is filled with tender, juicy chunks of fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with butter or mayo, and served in a soft, toasted bun.
It’s the perfect blend of sweet, buttery seafood and warm, crispy bread, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
The best place to indulge in this iconic treat is Maine, where coastal spots like Red’s Eats and The Lobster Shack at Two Lights offer the freshest lobster rolls with unbeatable ocean views!
9. Buffalo Wings – Buffalo, New York
Buffalo wings are crispy, fried chicken wings coated in a tangy, spicy hot sauce, served with cool celery sticks and creamy blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Each wing is the perfect balance of heat and crunch, making them absolutely irresistible.
The best place to taste the original is Buffalo, New York, where Anchor Bar, the birthplace of Buffalo wings, still serves up the legendary dish that started it all!
10. New York-Style Pizza – New York City, New York
New York-style pizza is a large, thin-crust pizza with a crispy edge and soft, foldable slices topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
Known for its simplicity and perfect balance of flavors, each slice is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on the go.
The best place to experience this iconic pizza is in New York City, where legendary pizzerias like Lombardi’s and Joe’s Pizza serve up classic slices that capture the true spirit of the Big Apple!
11. Beignets – New Orleans, Louisiana
Beignets are fluffy, deep-fried pastries dusted generously with powdered sugar, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making each bite a sweet, pillowy treat.
These doughy delights are best enjoyed hot and fresh with a cup of coffee or café au lait.
The best place to experience beignets is New Orleans at the famous Café du Monde, where these French-inspired pastries have been a beloved staple for over a century!
12. Cioppino – San Francisco, California
Cioppino is a hearty Italian-American seafood stew filled with fresh fish, clams, mussels, shrimp and crab, all simmered in a savory tomato and wine broth with garlic and herbs.
This flavorful dish is often served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, seafood-infused sauce.
The best place to enjoy this iconic dish is San Francisco, where local restaurants like Scoma’s offer authentic cioppino made from the freshest catch right off the Bay!
13. Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie – Indianapolis, Indiana
This rich and creamy dessert features a smooth, custard-like filling made from sugar, cream and a hint of vanilla, all baked into a flaky pie crust.
This sweet, velvety pie usually has a caramelized top and a simple yet indulgent flavor that melts in your mouth.
The best place to try this beloved treat is Indianapolis, where local bakeries like Wick’s Pies continue the tradition of serving up this classic comfort food that’s been an Indiana favorite for generations!
14. Maryland Crab Cakes – Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland crab cakes are a savory, golden-brown delicacy made from lump crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise and seasonings, then lightly fried or baked to perfection.
Each bite is packed with sweet, tender crab and often served with a side of tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
The best place to try authentic crab cakes is Baltimore, where iconic spots like Faidley’s Seafood serve up these treats using the freshest local blue crabs straight from the Chesapeake Bay!
15. Cuban Sandwich – Miami, Florida
A Cuban sandwich is a deliciously pressed sandwich filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, all layered inside a crispy Cuban bread.
Miami is the best place to try this iconic sandwich, with local favorites like Versailles and La Carreta serving up authentic Cuban sandwiches .
However, Tampa also has a claim to the origins of the Cuban sandwich and is considered by some to be the birthplace of the dish.
Tampa’s version traditionally includes salami, a nod to its Italian immigrant population.
16. Hot Chicken – Nashville, Tennessee
Hot Chicken is a fiery, crispy fried chicken dish coated in a spicy cayenne pepper paste, delivering a mouth-numbing heat balanced by juicy, tender meat.
Typically served with pickles and white bread, each bite packs a punch that’s perfect for heat lovers.
The best place to try this spicy Southern specialty is in Nashville, where legendary spots like Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack and Hattie B’s bring the heat with their famous hot chicken recipes!
17. New York Bagels – New York City, New York
New York bagels are dense, chewy and perfectly golden rings of dough, boiled before baking to give them their signature texture and shine.
Traditionally topped with cream cheese, lox or just enjoyed plain, each bite features a soft interior with a slight crispness on the outside.
The best place to experience these iconic bagels is New York City, where famous spots like Ess-a-Bagel and Russ & Daughters have perfected the art of bagel-making.
18. Kansas City BBQ – Kansas City, Missouri
This BBQ is known for its slow-smoked meats, like ribs, brisket and burnt ends, coated in a thick, sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce.
The smoky flavors and tender, juicy meat make each bite irresistible, especially when paired with the famous Kansas City barbecue sauce.
The best place to try it is in Kansas City, where legendary joints like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Arthur Bryant’s serve up world-class BBQ.
19. Cheese Curds – Madison, Wisconsin
Cheese curds are bite-sized chunks of fresh, squeaky cheese that are either enjoyed straight out of the bag or deep-fried to crispy, golden perfection.
These salty, tangy morsels are known for their signature squeak when you bite into them, making them a fun and tasty snack.
The best place to experience authentic cheese curds is in Madison, where local spots like The Old Fashioned serve up these Wisconsin dairy delights, both fresh and fried!
20. Detroit-Style Pizza – Detroit, Michigan
Detroit-style pizza is a thick, square pizza with a crispy, caramelized cheese crust, a soft, airy dough and toppings layered in reverse—cheese first, then sauce spread on top.
The edges are golden and crunchy, thanks to the cheese that bakes right up against the pan.
The best place in Detroit to try this unique style is Buddy’s Pizza who have been serving up their signature deep-dish slices since the 1940s, making it a must-try for any pizza lover!
21. California Burrito – San Diego, California
This hearty, flavor-packed burrito comes stuffed with carne asada, melted cheese, crispy golden French fries, sour cream and guacamole, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
It’s the ultimate fusion of Mexican flavors with a Southern California twist, making each bite absolutely delicious.
The best place to try this iconic creation is in San Diego, where taco shops like Lolita’s and Roberto’s have perfected the art of the California Burrito.
22. Fried Catfish – Mississippi Delta
Fried catfish is a Southern classic, featuring tender catfish filets coated in a flavorful cornmeal batter, then fried to golden perfection for a crispy, crunchy bite.
The fish is mild and flaky, making it the perfect canvas for the spices in the breading, often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
The best place to experience authentic fried catfish is in the Mississippi Delta, where local restaurants like Taylor Grocery serve up this beloved dish with true Southern hospitality.
23. Coney Dog – Detroit, Michigan
This juicy hot dog comes topped with a flavorful beef chili, yellow mustard and diced onions, all tucked into a soft steamed bun.
This messy, mouthwatering dish is a Detroit staple and combines savory chili with the perfect bite of hot dog and tangy mustard.
Detroit’s best locations to try an authentic Coney dog are the rivals American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island who have been serving up their famous versions for over a century!
24. Sonoran Hot Dog – Tucson, Arizona
This is a deliciously loaded hot dog wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeño salsa, mayo and mustard, all placed in a soft, fluffy bolillo roll.
This combination of savory, spicy and creamy ingredients creates a unique Southwestern twist on the classic hot dog.
The best place to try it is in Tucson, where street vendors and spots like El Güero Canelo serve up this mouthwatering creation, bringing the flavors of the Sonoran Desert to life!
25. Shrimp and Grits – Charleston, South Carolina
Shrimp and Grits is a Southern comfort dish featuring plump, juicy shrimp sautéed with bacon, garlic and spices, served over a creamy bed of buttery, stone-ground grits.
The savory shrimp and rich, cheesy grits create a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
The best place to try this iconic dish is Charleston, where restaurants like Husk and Poogan’s Porch serve this Lowcountry classic with fresh, local ingredients.
26. Pacific Northwest Salmon – Seattle, Washington
Pacific Northwest salmon is a fresh, flavorful fish often grilled or roasted, with a tender, flaky texture and rich, buttery taste that highlights its natural sweetness.
This prized catch is typically served with simple seasonings or paired with local ingredients like wild berries or herbs to enhance its fresh-off-the-coast flavor.
The best place to try it is in Seattle, where top restaurants like Canlis and Elliott’s Oyster House serve salmon caught straight from the cold waters of the Pacific.
27. Chislic – South Dakota
Chislic is a South Dakota favorite, consisting of bite-sized cubes of meat, typically lamb or beef, that are seasoned and deep-fried or grilled to perfection.
These savory, juicy morsels are often served on skewers or toothpicks, with a side of garlic salt or hot sauce for dipping.
The best places in South Dakota to try it are around Sioux Falls, where local bars and restaurants like The Barrel House celebrate this Midwestern comfort food with their own variations!
28. Potato Ice Cream – Boise, Idaho
Potato ice cream is a quirky Idaho treat that looks like a baked potato but is actually a deliciously sweet ice cream dessert!
Made with vanilla ice cream shaped like a potato, it’s rolled in cocoa powder to resemble the skin, and topped with whipped cream, nuts and sometimes caramel.
The best place to try this fun and unique dessert is in Boise, where local spots like Westside Drive-In serve up this playful nod to Idaho’s famous potatoes!
29. Shrimp Cocktail – Las Vegas, Nevada
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer featuring plump, chilled shrimp served in a glass with a tangy, spicy cocktail sauce made from ketchup, horseradish and lemon.
Each bite of shrimp is refreshing and perfectly complemented by the bold, zesty sauce.
The best place to experience this iconic dish is in Las Vegas, where historic spots like the Palace Station Oyster Bar serve up their famous shrimp cocktail.
30. Fry Sauce – Utah
Fry sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet dipping sauce made from a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, often with added seasonings like garlic or pickle juice.
It’s the perfect complement to crispy French fries, giving them a creamy, flavorful kick.
The best place to experience this Utah favorite is at any local burger joint across the state, such as Arctic Circle, where the iconic fry sauce was first popularized!
31. Marionberry Pie – Portland, Oregon
Marionberry pie is a sweet and tart dessert made with juicy, locally-grown marionberries, a type of blackberry, baked into a golden, flaky crust.
The rich, deep flavor of the berries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
The best place to try this iconic pie is at the Willamette Valley Pie Company in Salem who serve up this regional favorite using fresh, local marionberries!
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