Juicy burgers, stacks of pancakes, plates piled high with chicken and waffles... America does comfort food like nowhere else. To prove it, we've found the best places to dine on all-American classics in every US state – from restaurants serving heaving bowls of shrimp and grits and oozy mac 'n' cheese to diners and fast-casual spots that make a mean meatloaf.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best place to go for a hearty, soul-nourishing plate of comfort food near you.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
This casual joint has a small but perfectly formed menu of all-American classics. The fried shrimp platter, bone-in pork chop with mac 'n' cheese, and rib-eye steak with fries are just some of the reasons why diners love this spot. The brunch offering is also unmissable – think fluffy beignets, breakfast cheeseburgers, and chicken and waffles with maple syrup. If you can't make it to Tuscaloosa, there's another location in Athens, Georgia.
Known for its 'bacon of the month' small plates and extensive bourbon menu, this bright and breezy neighborhood restaurant and bar serves creative comfort food in a colorful, eclectic setting. Expect dishes such as blackened shrimp and Cheddar grits served with reindeer sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and blistered tomatoes; elevated mac 'n' cheese; and a fried chicken sandwich with honey bacon. There's also a great menu of vegetarian options, and a mean list of craft cocktails.
A glance at Rusconi's American Kitchen's menu promises good things – and you won't be left disappointed. A classy American-style restaurant, Rusconi's focuses on refined classics like roast chicken, and beef tenderloin medallions. Opt for the indulgent, award-winning white truffle mac 'n' cheese, made with white truffle cream, and you'll be positively blown away. Love pancakes? Check out the brunch menu for extra-fluffy buttermilk versions, served smothered in pure maple syrup.
A chic all-day café, Louise gets its name from Iris 'Louise' McPhetridge Thaden, an American aviator (and proud Bentonville native). The popular menu boasts a large choice of down-to-earth Southern dishes with modern twists, plus house-made chili, and chicken and waffles. There's also a good choice of classic sandwiches and special brunch dishes, including the Hangar Hash: mixed vegetables, mushrooms, feta, potatoes, and eggs your way.
Opened in 1958, this famed Inglewood diner is known for its preserved Googie architecture, with an irregular-shaped roof, distinctive neon sign, and old-school interior. On the menu you'll find chicken wings, pancakes, French toast, hash browns, and eggs, but it’s the house specialty of fried chicken and waffles that has diners coming back for more.
At Steuben's, you can take your pick from the best comfort food America has to offer. There are appetizers like deviled eggs, gravy cheese fries, and fried pickles, and entrées like pot roast and meatloaf – and there's a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, too. Customers are big fans of the fried chicken, served with mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and biscuits.
This aptly named Connecticut restaurant serves plenty of homey, ultra-comforting dishes, from tomato soup and smoky chicken wings to homemade meatballs in marinara sauce. But it's the mac 'n' cheese here that's the real star of the show. With four different variations on the menu, you're sure to find something to whet your appetite, whether it's the shrimp bisque mac, the biscuit and gravy mac, or the customer favorite: Buffalo chicken mac topped with blue cheese.
Dining at Walter's, a stop on Delaware's epic Culinary Trail, is an unmissable experience. It's a favorite among locals thanks to its massive cuts of prime rib and old-fashioned steakhouse atmosphere – plus the servers are friendly and attentive, which adds to the charm. There's a prime rib night every Friday, complete with a special menu that includes all the customer favorites; think French onion soup, chocolate mousse cake, and, of course, unbelievably juicy beef.
Boca, which has two locations, focuses on a farm-to-table concept, with lunch, brunch, and dinner menus bursting with local and seasonal ingredients. Here, you can get your hands on sharers like cheese and charcuterie platters, and entrées like burgers and Milanese chicken – and there's a large selection of loaded flatbreads and seafood dishes, too. Customers also praise the consistently friendly and attentive service.
Come lunchtime, lines typically wind out the door of this Savannah soul food spot, run by the same family since 1943. The food comes in belly-busting helpings, piled high on platters at each 10-seater table – shared by strangers, neighbors, and friends. The menu changes regularly, but you can always expect to find warming Southern classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, candied yams, black eyed peas, and mac 'n' cheese on offer.
Scratch Kitchen prides itself on giving Southern-style comfort food a modern, gourmet slant. Customer favorites include Scratch’s take on loco moco (your choice of pork adobo, a beef patty, or chili served over garlic rice with eggs and tomatoes), the Creole shrimp and sausage grits, and pretty much everything on the all-day breakfast menu. The service is friendly, the playlist is fun, and the overall vibe is funky; in short, it's a must-visit Honolulu spot.
Tupelo Honey specializes in scratch-made Southern food, and its menu is packed full of comforting American classics. Fan-favorite dishes include the sweet and spicy fried chicken, and the shrimp and grits. There's also a menu of gourmet sandwiches, and a whole host of tasty sides – including salt and pepper Brussels sprouts, sausage and beer gumbo, and crispy Parmesan potatoes. Customers also rate the friendly service, and say the patio area is a great place to dine al fresco.
Mini-chain Lazy Dog serves a menu of all-American food and drink, made using seasonal ingredients – and it has three locations in Illinois, with two more in the pipeline. The menu features appetizers like crispy wings, deviled eggs, and sweet potato tots, and larger plates such as bison meatloaf (which comes topped with a pile of onion rings), BBQ ribs, and a fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and spinach.
All about fried chicken, The Eagle pairs the comfort food favorite with the ultimate selection of all-American sides. There are fries, of course, as well as skillet cornbread, succotash, horseradish mashed potatoes, and an irresistible mac 'n' cheese, made with five different cheeses. There's also a great selection of fried chicken sandwiches, and a few salads too. If that doesn't whet your appetite, the snacks might – choose from the likes of spicy pulled chicken dip, or hush puppies with Southern-style comeback sauce.
Often named among the best brunch spots in Iowa City, Pullman Bar & Diner is very chic, with exposed brick walls and a shiny white marble bar top contributing to the elegant atmosphere. However, that all changes when you get to the menu, which is filled with messy, lick-your-fingers classics like triple-patty burgers, pork pot stickers, and fried chicken with house-fermented hot sauce. A customer favorite is the Mo Burger, which combines two beef patties, Cheddar, bacon jam, avocado, and chipotle aioli into one irresistible bite.
For a relaxed vibe and tasty food, try The Anchor, a locally owned bar and grill in downtown Wichita. As well as offering a good range of craft beers, it also serves excellent burgers, mac 'n' cheese (with chicken, pulled pork, or mushrooms), and classic appetizers like fried pickles, hot wings, and truffle fries. Satisfied customers recommend the spicy Burn Baby Burn burger: a Black Angus patty, fries, chili, queso, and jalapeños served inside homemade jalapeño cornbread.
Step inside timeless Southern restaurant the Greyhound Tavern, and you'll be transported right back to the 1920s, when the eatery first opened as the Dixie Tea Room. Today, the restaurant offers comforting and familiar fuss-free dishes that keep diners coming back for more. The fried chicken is the star of the show, but you shouldn't miss out on the thick-sliced breaded sweet onions either. Saved room for dessert? Good, because the homemade bread pudding is a Greyhound Tavern staple.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Dickie’s has remained a New Orleans hotspot for more than two decades. A traditional American steakhouse at heart, it adds its own unique New Orleans touch to every dish that comes out of the kitchen. Favorites include the turtle soup and the prime strip, which is Creole-seasoned and seared in a cast-iron skillet. Potatoes come baked, mashed, as fries, or in a gratin, and there's a classic selection of sauces and steakhouse sides to choose from.
Bob’s Clam Hut was established back in 1956 in Kittery, a quaint coastal town in Maine, and it's been renowned for its fresh local seafood ever since. Menu highlights include Bob's New England clam chowder, lobster stew, and traditional fried clams. There's a variety of fish rolls and sandwiches available, plus baskets laden with the likes of fried shrimp, whole clams, and haddock (all of which come served with fries and coleslaw).
In true Maryland fashion, the menu at The Chasseur is seafood-centric, with a range of specials like Louisiana-style steamed mussels with Andouille sausage, fresh onions, and special spices (pictured). Other tasty twists on American classics include tater tots paired with Maryland crab dip, and a selection of mac 'n' cheese dishes served with the likes of flat iron steak, jerk chicken, and crab. The brunch offering is equally exciting; try the Chesapeake Benedict, consisting of mini crab cakes served on an English muffin with potato hash, roasted tomato, and Old Bay hollandaise.
Pete's Dockside is a hidden gem serving up hearty breakfasts and lunches for dock workers (and anyone else in the know). Breakfast burritos are a big hit at this counter-style restaurant, but you can get your hands on omelets, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches too. For lunch, there's a specials menu that changes daily, featuring the likes of broiled haddock, seafood cakes, and chicken lasagna, as well as a choice of pizzas, burgers, wraps, and salads. The place is difficult to find, but it's definitely worth it!
This casual joint in Detroit serves up classic American barbecue food at its finest. The menu is packed with meaty must-tries like burnt ends, wings, smoked brisket, pulled pork, and chicken thighs, which all come with a variety of sides. There's also an enticing specials menu featuring the likes of chicken and sausage gumbo, as well as a good selection of burgers – customers love the signature Reason burger with smoked pulled pork, coleslaw, and dill pickles.
Hell's Kitchen is kind of a big deal in Minneapolis. Though it's famous for its breakfast sausage bread (made with toasted walnuts, blackcurrants, black coffee, a ton of spices, and, of course, sausage), there's plenty to love on the all-day menu, too. You'll want to come hungry to try the likes of mac 'n' cheese, St. Louis–style BBQ ribs, and the fan-favorite peanut butter bacon burger. If you've got a sweet tooth, don't miss the award-winning lemon ricotta hotcakes.
Jackson's The Pig & Pint serves some of the best barbecue meals around, plus an impressive selection of craft beers. From mouth-watering tacos and sandwiches to barbecue plates piled high with pulled pork, brisket, or smoked chicken, there's lots of tasty food to love here. The smoked chicken Caesar salad is great if you feel like something lighter, while those desperate for dessert will love the bananas Foster pudding.
This homey restaurant chain – which has two Missouri locations (in Ozark and Sikeston), and a third spot in Foley, Alabama – opened in 1942. Today, Lambert’s Cafe still serves comforting plates of roasted meats with generous sides of vegetables and potatoes. Customers are particularly fond of the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy. The 'home of throwed rolls,' Lambert's is also known for its bread rolls, which are literally thrown on the tables by the waiters.
A casual eatery committed to serving the best produce from local ranchers and purveyors, Black Iron Grill & Rotisserie has several historic features – like beams reclaimed from the old Milwaukee Roundhouse. Besides the architecture, the menu is all about home comforts; think burgers and sandwiches, steaks, mac 'n' cheese, and chicken fried steak. The rotisserie chicken in particular gets rave reviews from customers.
If you're looking for a casual spot that's big on tasty, unfussy food, head straight for Little Ted's Pub & Grill in Nebraska City. The menu features a good selection of burgers and sandwiches, as well as classic mains like grilled chicken dinners and New York strip steaks. We say get wings or loaded nachos to start, pickle chips to snack on, and add some tasty sides like fries and onion rings.
Guests love the food at Big B’s Texas BBQ, a traditional Texas-style barbecue restaurant. It serves insanely good brisket, meaty beef ribs, hot links, very saucy pulled pork, and tri-tips (from the bottom of the sirloin) with a beautiful smoky pink ring. In terms of sides, you can't go wrong with the creamed corn, barbecue beans, or potato salad.
24-hour diner the Red Arrow opened in Manchester in 1922, and it's spawned three more New Hampshire locations since then. The Manchester spot has managed to hold onto its vintage looks, with red brick walls, red paint, and a tall red neon sign – and the inside is much the same, with booths and red bar stools. Meanwhile, the menu has all the comfort food you could ever wish for. Customers love the chicken fried steak, the meatloaf, and the pork pie with gravy (it's a specialty here).
Consistently named among the most loved diners in the country, Tops Diner is a New Jersey icon. It serves huge portions of all-American classics from the early hours to very late at night, and the food is simply faultless. Top menu picks include lobster mac 'n' cheese, French toast, buttermilk pancakes, and chicken and waffles (for those brave enough to take on the huge plate).
Unfussy and cool, Nexus Brewery dishes up fantastic, unpretentious food at its two Albuquerque locations. It consistently receives rave reviews for the tasty food on its menu, which has a certain New Mexican flair. Expect the likes of nachos covered in red or green chile sauce, Cajun chicken chicharrones, and a soul food menu featuring chicken and waffles, hot chicken, and fried catfish.
This exclusive steakhouse is a joy to visit; the food here is classic and faultlessly executed (though a little on the expensive side). The restaurant serves first-rate porterhouse, rib-eye, sirloin, bone-in filet mignon, and tomahawk steaks, all perfectly cooked and with tremendous flavor. Customers also praise the crab cakes on the appetizer menu (you'll find a lobster cocktail and sizzling Canadian bacon on here, too), while creamed spinach, mac 'n' cheese, and jumbo baked potatoes are among the best sides to order.
Haberdish is a quirky brunch and dinner spot dedicated to Southern classics, and choosing a dish here isn't easy. Apart from the juicy and perfectly crispy chicken, customers particularly love the sweet potato dumplings, which are served with brown butter, sage, mascarpone, and Parmesan – and there are other crowd-pleasers like hush puppies, fried chicken, and tater tots on the menu. If you're here for a weekend brunch, don't miss out on the chicken with biscuits.
Kroll’s has 1950s-style venues in Minot, Bismarck, Fargo, and Mandan, all of which are well-known throughout North Dakota. This diner's unique appeal is that it serves German specialties alongside American diner food, so it’s possible to order knoephla soup (creamy dumpling soup) and cabbage rolls (cooked cabbage leaf parcels with a meat filling) to go with your country fried steak and sausage gravy. There's also a good selection of burgers, sandwiches, and all-day breakfasts.
Built in 1803, the Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel is Ohio's longest continuously operating business. It remains a popular dinner destination, serving comfort food classics such as burgers, fried chicken, shrimp, and ribs alongside an impressive range of regional beers. The 1803 chicken salad sandwich (pictured) – a croissant filled with chicken breast, red grapes, pecans, celery, onion, and creamy dressing – is a particularly delicious lunch choice.
A small chain with three outposts, this homey restaurant consistently receives rave reviews for its incredibly tasty, down-to-earth food. The rotisserie chicken with mashed red potatoes and sweet glazed carrots is a top choice, but there are also classics like iron skillet cornbread, bone-in pork chops, and a selection of steaks. There's a children's menu too, as well as a weekend brunch menu that features the likes of a breakfast quesadilla and French toast.
Screen Door focuses on Southern soul food and has received countless accolades since it opened in 2006. It's famous for its incredibly tender fried chicken and praline bacon, but other menu highlights include crispy fried oysters, breakfast shrimp and grits, and buttermilk biscuits and gravy. For those with a sweet tooth, there's also French toast and waffles. There are two Portland locations where you can get your comfort food fix.
A wonderfully retro spot in Philadelphia's Midtown Village, Bud & Marilyn's is a celebration of American classics, and its menu focuses on simple and delicious food, cooked perfectly. Customers are big fans of the Nashville Hot Bun, a potato roll stuffed with fried chicken, Cheddar, pickle brine slaw, and charred scallion ranch. Lovers of sweet treats will also adore the funfetti cake: a vanilla cake with white buttercream frosting, strawberries, and a milk crumble.
The state's largest family-run chain, Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille was founded in 1955 – and these days, it has a handful of locations throughout Rhode Island. The much-loved restaurants are all about a homely atmosphere and traditional, well-prepared comfort food, like juicy prime rib, tender steak tips, and mac ’n’ cheese with fried Buffalo chicken. As this is New England, you can also expect to find lobster rolls, seafood chowder, and fish and chips on the menu.
Serving trendy and elegant plates that are still homey, Millers All Day is a Charleston favorite – and there are two locations to try in the city. On the all-day menu you'll find a generous offering of unfussy dishes like sandwiches, salads, biscuits, and all-day brunch plates. Customers love the biscuits with fried chicken, and the Millers Plate: bacon, two eggs, grits or fries, and a biscuit. For a bit more indulgence, opt for the lobster fries with bacon, egg, and mornay sauce.
This charming family restaurant – which has two locations in Rapid City, and one in Spearfish – serves comforting and perfectly cooked classic meals. The small chain is family owned, and eating here really does feel like being at a beloved relative’s home (a relative who can whip up the best breakfasts in town, that is). Diners recommend the fluffy French toast, the generous steak and eggs, and the grilled walleye.
This modern cocktail, pizza, and burger bar has more than one dish on the menu that'll catch your eye. Both Nashville locations serve classics with a twist; expect to find creative takes like sriracha deviled eggs, and jalapeño peppers served inside-out and wrapped in crispy wontons. Customers also rate the MC Burger: an oversized English muffin stuffed with Cheddar, bacon, prosciutto, a fried egg, and roasted garlic aioli. The weekend brunch menu is equally mouth-watering, with pull-apart monkey bread, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles on offer.
West Texas Chophouse is the place to go for incredible steaks, sides, and service in El Paso. From the filet mignon to the tomahawk and rib-eye, the steaks are juicy and full of flavor – and the menu also features the likes of beef short rib, grilled chicken, and chipotle alfredo. There's a good selection of burgers, fajitas, soups, salads, and sandwiches, too.
For a relaxed atmosphere and delicious comfort food, look no further than Provo's Station 22 Cafe. This place has a sizable dinner menu and daily brunch offering – and people keep coming back for its chicken dishes in particular. Customer favorites include the 24-hour brined and fried chicken with warm buttermilk waffles and syrup, and the whiskey chicken: fried chicken with vegetables, gravy, and whiskey sauce.
The Pig, as regulars call it, is known for mixing locally sourced ingredients with Southern cooking techniques, and pairing craft beers – it has its own wildly popular brewery – with pulled pork sandwiches and duck fat fries. Customers also love the mac 'n' cheese (which comes topped with cornbread crumbs), and the brisket sandwich with barbecue sauce, pickles, and coleslaw.
Fans know this place simply as the Do’s – but whatever you call it, Macado’s is a reliable spot for staples like loaded potato skins, burgers, mac 'n' cheese, and sticky wings. The first restaurant opened in 1978 in Roanoke, and there are now several across the state, each one decorated in the same nostalgic, eclectic fashion. There's lots to love about the chain, from its huge portion sizes to its great service and reasonable prices.
Even before Seattle made its mark on the food map, the Met – as locals call it – was an old-school institution frequented by diners with big appetites. Located in the historic Marion Building, Metropolitan Grill's top menu choices include the New England–style clam chowder and the chateaubriand for two, which is carved tableside. You can't go wrong with the filet mignon or crab cakes, either.
Opened by Lori and Jeffrey Withrow in 2018, Wood Iron Eatery is an adorable café serving delicious waffles with myriad toppings – from honeycomb butter to bacon and aged Cheddar – as well as a crispy chicken sandwich with sriracha and pickles that some say puts Chick-fil-A in the shade. If waffles aren't your thing, there are plenty more delicious dishes to choose from on the breakfast menu, and the coffee here is exceptional, too.
The Little Diner Xpress in Appleton has become a local favorite over the years. Dedicated to the 'tasty little things in life,' the menu features juicy burgers, house-made chili, and sandwiches. There's also a variety of indulgent desserts, including the popular LDX Strawberry Shortcake: a biscuit piled high with vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream.
With retro decor, a soda fountain counter, and mid-century furniture, walking through the doors of Johnny J’s Diner is like stepping back into the 1950s. Located in Casper, Johnny’s serves all-American classics including waffles, cherry-topped milkshakes, and burgers. There's a dedicated dinner menu, too, featuring the likes of meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, and spaghetti and meatballs.
Now discover the best retro diner in every state
Last updated by Dominique Ayling.