Every state has its legendary restaurants. These are the places with fiercely loyal followings – be that due to awards and accolades or word of mouth – that you simply shouldn’t miss out on visiting. From historic spots and high-end haunts to diners that have made their way onto the small screen and pizzerias that have inspired movies, we've found the best cult-favorite restaurant in every state and DC.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the most iconic restaurant in your state.
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.
With a staggeringly long list of awards to brag about, this beloved barbecue business has been winning hearts and filling bellies since 1925 and, for many, still dishes up the best barbecue food around. The two bustling Alabama locations each maintain a charmingly nostalgic feel, serving tender, hickory-smoked meats, stuffed potatoes, and trademark tangy white barbecue sauce (now sold nationwide). Our tip? Make sure to save room for a slice of chocolate pie.
Based on a tiny island, it’s fair to say The Saltry is pretty off the beaten track. And yet, to those in the know, this restaurant is well worth the distance of a dozen miles by water from Homer. It's had shoutouts from The New York Times, broadcasting company CBS, Bon Appetit magazine, and more, and that’s no surprise given the quality of the food. Freshly caught seafood is prepared in a way that’s artful, light, and totally modern. Add in a view of mountains, glaciers, and forests, and a short boat trip seems like a small price to pay.
America's oldest operating Mexican restaurant run by the same family, El Charro in downtown Tucson has been drawing in crowds since 1922. Opened by French immigrant Tia Monica Flin, who acted as hostess, waitress, and chef, the highly acclaimed restaurant is the birthplace of the chimichanga and is now run by Flin's great grandniece Carlotta Flores. There are three locations: two in Tucson and one in Oro Valley.
If you’re heading through the Ozarks, chances are someone’s going to recommend you stop at The Oark General Store. The oldest continually operated store in the state, it also happens to be a full-service restaurant selling some of the finest house-made burgers and fries you’ll ever eat (people drive from all over just for a taste). Also rightly raved about are the stunning pies with flavors such as fudgy pecan, tangy buttermilk, oozy fruit, and towering meringue.
Having changed the game of modern American fine dining back in the 1990s, people still talk about The French Laundry in hushed, admiring tones. It offers two tasting menus a night, based on the fresh ingredients available, and has twice been named the best restaurant in the world. Reservations are hard to come by for this totally unique experience, and the price point is hefty, but those lucky enough to dine here agree that it’s worth it.
Opened by chef Alice Waters in 1971, Chez Panisse is famous for using seasonal produce with a fixed price four-course menu that changes daily. It has its own organic farm growing 75% of produce used, with the remainder coming from within 50 miles of the restaurant. Past dishes include pan-seared Monterey Bay squid with chili-garlic butter, summer beans, and purple basil, and spit-roasted Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed beef rib-eye with eggplant fritters and glazed onions.
Despite its widespread popularity and two locations, Bingo Burger began in a decidedly humble fashion back in 2007. Owner Richard Warner set up a grill in front of his wife’s bakery and just started selling his burgers, made with the local Pueblo chile mixed into the patties. Thanks to this addictive signature taste, demand went through the roof and Bingo Burgers still has a dedicated following and a mouthwatering menu to pick from.
You might assume this beloved pizza parlor is named in tribute to the 1980s movie starring Julia Roberts, but it actually inspired it. Screenwriter Amy Jones ate here, loved both the pizza and the name, and wrote the whole script around it; the restaurant likes to joke about its 'pizza that made the movie famous.' It is, indeed, really great pizza: a crust with a little bite and just the right amount of toppings. No wonder folks still flock here for a piece of the pie.
A beloved institution to those in the know, this fast food joint with counter seating on Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has been serving up burgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks for decades. The food is unpretentious, cheap, and delicious: the stuff of beach days and carefree vacations. There’s always a line, and it’s always worth waiting in it (and someone will nearly always tell you how they’ve been coming here since before they could walk). That’s Gus & Gus Place for you.
Since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving the good people of Washington DC (and countless others) steaming bowls of house-made chili, chili dogs, half-smokes, and more. Its down-to-earth feel, hospitality, and knockout food quickly cemented it as a local institution and, decades on, it’s so central to DC’s identity that no local politician would dream of running for office without dropping in. Famous past customers include Barack Obama and Bono.
This iconic restaurant opened in 1956 and is still considered an absolute must-visit by locals and tourists alike. Famed for prime steaks cut to order and an upstairs dessert room serving an impressive 45 different sweet options, 15 ice cream flavors, and artisan cheeses, dining at Bern's is quite the experience. The popular restaurant is now run by the son of the original founders, Bern and Gert Laxer.
Have you even been to Miami if you haven't been to Joe’s? Having opened in 1913 as a lunch stand by the beach, fame came about a decade later when a biologist brought in a sack of stone crabs. Though most people didn’t know they were edible, Joe threw them in boiling water to cook and a classic dish was born. Part of the reason this place still has such a loyal following is that it doesn’t coast on its reputation; the food here is better than ever.
Fresh and fiercely trendy, Gunshow serves up an innovative, varying menu of seasonal, Southern-inspired small plates to a packed house, night after night. The restaurant has been designed to have zero separation between guests and kitchen; diners are seated at communal tables in view of the stoves, and food and drinks are delivered by the chefs and bartenders, tableside. The hype for this place is real and people go crazy for the inventive flavors, chaotic vibe, and stylish plating.
A veritable Hawaii legend, wait times for a table at Mama’s Fish House can often stretch to six whole months. And for good reason, too: serving fish caught the day you'll eat it, with the name of the fisherman and where it was caught displayed on the menu, you’ve probably not eaten fish this fresh before. It’s saying something that the beautiful Polynesian decor and sunset views play second fiddle to the culinary skill at work here – no wonder this family-run staple has such a devoted following.
This foodie hotspot in downtown Boise is all about genuine farm-to-table cooking and locally sourced ingredients. Run by a passionate married couple who were sick of seeing menu buzzwords like ‘sustainable’ thrown falsely around, Fork serves legitimately local yet unpretentious modern American food. With a creative take on the chopped salad, plates piled with asparagus fries, and a darn near addictive butter cake, it’s no surprise that this place is already considered a contemporary classic.
Pretty much synonymous with Chicago, Lou Malnati’s is renowned as one of the best places to get proper deep-dish pizza. Having started from scratch back in 1971, it’s now a full-on local chain – and yet still family-owned and widely lauded. Folks love the flaky butter crust (a closely guarded recipe, naturally), signature cheese pulls, and exclusive sausage seasoning. In the ever-raging ‘best deep-dish pizza’ wars, Lou Malnati’s has the majority in its corner.
A landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902, St. Elmo Steak House has earned its mass of loyal fans through more than a century of classy vibes, great steak, and world-famous shrimp cocktails. Oh, and some inexplicable but charming quirks: every entrée comes with either a tomato juice or a bowl of navy bean soup, and there’s no point asking why. It’s so central to Indiana’s identity, it has appeared on a ton of TV shows, including NBC’s Parks and Recreation.
Iowa City's oldest family-owned restaurant, this classic all-American diner has been serving customers since 1935. On paper it’s a place that’s easy to overlook, but over the years Hamburg Inn No. 2 has amassed a dedicated fanbase thanks to the quaint feel, classic breakfasts, and knockout pie milkshakes. Now it’s beloved enough to have featured on The West Wing, and to have been visited by Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and Obama.
Folks absolutely love the family-style Midwestern food served at Carriage Crossing, a favorite in its Amish hub. Thanks to the fresh bread and honey butter served with every meal, cinnamon rolls as big as your face, and menu of lovingly prepared homey classics, people drive from all over to eat here.
Kicking around for generations, a visit to The Big Dipper was a childhood staple for many in the Owensboro area, and the place is still going strong today. Always packed but reliably fast, it serves no-frills sloppy burgers, spicy chili, and thick milkshakes guaranteed to satiate a craving. Pretty much everyone around Owensboro has a story to tell about The Big Dipper, and it feels as delightfully retro today as it did back in 1954.
This restaurant chiefly does two things, and two things only: coffee and beignets. Sure, you can also get an OJ or chocolate milk, but these aren’t the items that put Café Du Monde on the map. The coffee here is unique because it’s blended with chicory, which helps soften the bitter taste of a dark roast and it goes perfectly with a plate of sugar-dusted beignets. Did we mention it’s been going strong since the Civil War?
Is this restaurant the hardest to book in America? Based in the tiny town of Freedom, The Lost Kitchen is only open May through October, and offers a menu that's kept entirely secret. Reservations are granted via lottery, and the details are posted every year on the first day of spring. While exclusivity is certainly part of the appeal, those lucky enough to go confirm that this amazing, multi-course experience is more than worth the money and effort.
People absolutely rave about this intimate, farm-to-table Baltimore tavern. The James Beard Award–winning restaurant may be small, but the food is exceptional. Not only delicious and cutting-edge, but also entirely supportive of regenerative local agriculture through every stage of the process. Sure, it’s a little pricey, but that doesn’t stop customers from coming back again and again.
What’s more impressive than inventing one of America’s most iconic baked goods? Why, inventing two of them, of course! Based in the historic Omni Parker House hotel, Parker’s Restaurant created both the Parker House roll and the custard-based Boston cream pie, also known as Massachusetts’ official state dessert. How’s that for a claim to fame? Still dazzling diners today, it’s widely regarded as a high point of upscale Boston dining, perfect for those occasions when nothing but fancy will do.
Since 1976, this iconic Michigan staple has been selling great hot dogs to the people of Grand Rapids. Its retro-style interior (think vintage posters, hand-crank cash register, and antique jukebox) inspired the fictional hot dog joint in 1999’s American Pie (dubbed 'Dog Years'), but that’s not the only reason people love this place. Pure and simple, Yesterdog serves delicious hot dogs that are not only piled high with toppings and delightfully messy to eat, but are cheap, too.
Home of the Jucy Lucy (a burger patty stuffed with cheese), Matt’s Bar has been the talk of the town since 1954. It’s no overstatement to say this place is legendary; folks line up outside the door to get their fix of cheese-filled burgers and fries, served with a smile out of a tiny kitchen. It’s got a retro, dive bar kind of feel and a short menu, which might just be why everything’s so delicious.
Decked out with string lights and checked tablecloths, Ajax Diner has been charming customers since 1997. It’s located on Oxford's historic Courthouse Square and boasts a menu of properly traditional Mississippi cooking: home-style food that’ll win hearts all over the place. Customers go mad for the cornbread, catfish, and red beans and rice, leading to a perpetually packed restaurant. It also just so happens to be one of former NFL quarterback Eli Manning’s go-to haunts…
Not just any barbecue restaurant, this is widely considered to be one of the best (and most famous) in the US. And for good reason, too; a long history and a knock-your-socks-off special barbecue sauce has cemented Arthur Bryant’s as the go-to for crowds of people. Various presidents, from Harry S. Truman onwards, have eaten here, and Playboy magazine even dubbed it 'possibly the single best restaurant in the world.' Today, diners continue to rave about the flavor of the food and the down-to-earth mood.
If you ask around for recommendations on where to eat in Montana, chances are someone’s gonna bring up The Burger Dive. Thanks to a dizzying list of inventive burger combos (and a ton of awards), this retro-style burger joint has amassed a large and seriously loyal following. If you want to see something mega, order the Behemoth Burger (pictured), which comes surrounded by a skirt of crispy melted cheese.
People go simply mad for the steaks on offer at The Drover. Though a little pricey, it offers the ultimate Omaha steak experience: huge, tender, and marinated in whiskey for that signature taste. The steaks are so renowned, this place even featured on Man v. Food Nation. The inside vibe is no afterthought, either; it's warm and cozy, with cowboy charm in spades.
With several locations in Las Vegas, the hype is real for this no-frills, family-operated taco company on the Strip. With its handmade corn tortillas, top grade meats, and from-scratch salsas and guac, it attracts a huge crowd of hungry customers and is consistently highly ranked and recommended, despite the many far flashier restaurants nearby. When the food is this good, it doesn’t matter about the design; the people will come, and they will keep coming.
Since 1922, the Red Arrow Diner has slowly amassed a serious reputation. It’s open 24 hours a day and has four different locations, though the original Manchester branch is the one that’s a well-known politician stop on the state primary campaign trail. Customers love the friendly, old-school vibe and perfect diner classics. It’s a little bit squashed but totally full of character and serves deliciously affordable food.
If you’re in New Jersey, this is simply the diner to visit. Established in 1942 and operated by its current owners since 1972, Tops Diner receives rave reviews and constant declarations of loyalty. You can expect to wait during peak times but given the general opinion that the place is unmatched for food, service, atmosphere, and attention to detail, we’d say that doing so is well worth it.
Decidedly no-frills, this hole-in-the-wall taco joint has earned a devout following thanks to its amazingly cheap and delicious tacos, burritos, gorditas, and weekend special of menudo (tripe soup). The casual service and busy, unpretentious atmosphere make it feel like some place you’ve just stumbled across – but don’t be fooled. It's wildly popular and folks consistently rate it as serving the best tacos in town.
Is it even a visit to New York City if you don’t chow down on a pastrami on rye from Katz’s? The quintessential Jewish deli has been going strong since 1888, cementing itself as a focal point in the immigrant neighborhood, then a center for actors and comedians coming out of the many theaters on 2nd Avenue, then a full-on cultural icon. It’s the setting for that scene from When Harry Met Sally, and a first stop for tourists from all over the world.
This iconic Coney Island joint started out life as a humble hot dog stand in 1916, and now there are outposts worldwide as well as products stocked in grocery stores. But it's the original location that has a cult-following and is a must-visit when in the area. The menu has expanded to include burgers, chicken, and shakes, but fans travel from all over for a famously juicy hot dog and a side of nostalgia.
Yes, this restaurant is a literal barn. On a farm in the middle of nowhere sits one of the nation’s consistently highest grossing independent restaurants. Inside, The Angus Barn is an elegant yet huge and rustic space (it can seat more than 700 people at a time), decked out with string lights and tablecloths, with diligent staff dishing out up to 22,000 steaks a month. People rave about the quality of the meat, the service, and the ambience.
Word of this brilliant Neapolitan-style pizzeria has been spreading like tomato sauce on a pie. It’s fair to say the American Midwest isn’t known for its wood-fired, charred crust pizzas, which is why customers can’t get enough of the unbeatable selection on offer here. Abuzz with praise, this popular joint consistently ranks among the best in the region. Oh, and it serves incredible gelato, too.
Let’s keep things simple: if you want Cincinnati chili, this is where you go. Widely acclaimed since it opened its doors back in 1940, Camp Washington Chili is a Cincinnati landmark, and a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. Demand for the chili is constant enough that the place is open 24 hours a day every day, except for Sundays. That’s a lot of chili.
Oklahoma City’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is still a favorite today – mainly thanks to the enduring quality of its steak, cooked perfectly every time. Customers love the attentive service, fair prices, and nostalgic atmosphere; calling this place ‘wildly popular’ is an understatement. When folks are driving halfway across the country just to taste the food, you know there must be something special going on.
The thing that really makes people obsessed with Gracie’s Apizza is the scarcity. It’s exciting. All handmade by pizzaiolo Craig Melillo, this tiny restaurant serves 70 pizzas a night and closes when sold out. The pizzas are perfect sourdough numbers, combining quality, charred crusts with interesting flavors. The 70 limit is no gimmick; after achieving widespread acclaim, Craig grew exhausted by skyrocketing demands and cut back to keep his love for cooking pizza alive.
Generally considered the inventor of the Philly cheesesteak, this Philadelphia icon has been serving great sandwiches since 1930. People have a lot to say about the perfect cheesesteak, and a lot of people are more than willing to die on the hill that Pat’s is the best of the best. Of course, lots of other people think that accolade belongs to rival Geno’s Steaks, which was founded in 1966 and sits just across the street. We call that the perfect excuse to try both…
By no means should you call what they serve here a 'hot dog.' Oh boy, no. These are hot wieners, and they're served with mustard, meat sauce, celery salt, and onions. Ketchup? Get outta town! Operated by the Stevens family for around 75 years, Olneyville New York System is a staple of the local culture and is adored by residents and celebs alike. Hungry for a late-night snack? It’s open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and will almost certainly still be busy. There's a second location in Cranston.
It’s fair to say people go a little crazy over Husk. Serving beautiful, highly considered farm-to-table Southern food, this downtown eatery has one heck of a hubbub around it. You’re going to want to reserve a table before you go, and you’re definitely going to want to go; folks are basically unanimous that the food here is incredible. Cozy atmosphere and elevated homey classics… what’s not to like?
Dubbed a ‘fine diner,’ Tally’s Silver Spoon takes classic comfort food and makes it fancy. (For example, its Really French Toast has foie gras on it.) Far from just a gimmick, the combination of cozy atmosphere, Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef, local ingredients, and the option of either classic or nouveau picks, means this place has been a consistent favorite since it opened. Folks don’t just come once – they return time and time again.
The love for Biscuit Love is real. There's a line around the block at all hours of the day, it gets rave reviews, and people throw around the word ‘institution.’ And yet it all began back in 2012 with a sack of flour and a food truck, when the married couple behind this breakfast and lunch restaurant started selling their modern take on Southern biscuits and gravy. Still locally owned and family-operated today, there are four locations in Tennessee, one in Ohio, and one in Alabama.
Credited with leading the new-traditionalist barbecue movement, this trend-setting joint started in 2009 from inside of a trailer. As the story goes, it’s sold out of real deal, tender, wildly flavorful brisket every day since. This decidedly no-frills restaurant (offering Wonder Bread straight out of the bag as a side) is so good it has been visited by numerous celebrities, ranging from Jimmy Kimmel to Barack Obama, and featured in the 2014 movie Chef.
With a population of less than 100, you wouldn't expect Round Top in Fayette County to be a culinary hotspot, but people travel from miles around to visit this cult-favorite restaurant. Established in 1987, Royers Round Top Cafe has become an institution famous for its gourmet, Southern-style comfort food and delicious pies. Customer favorites include the Sweet 'N Salty, a combination of chocolate fudge and caramel sprinkled with sea salt, and lemon blueberry. Whichever pie you choose, make sure you add a scoop of the house-made Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.
Red Iguana isn't much to look at and is known for its long lines but, as the slogan goes, it’s 'worth the wait.' Run by a family which has been serving Mexican food in the Salt Lake Valley since 1965, the menu is a celebration of balanced, fresh Mexican flavors, making the cantina one of the most applauded restaurants in the state. Even better, a second (much bigger) Red Iguana opened two blocks away from the original in 2009, to save on the hour-and-a-half wait.
Enduringly popular, this bustling French bistro in downtown Burlington knocks it out of the park with its sleek atmosphere, hearty food, and early bird menu deals. It's no surprise, then, that it fills up fast. Leunig’s is perfect for date night, treat night, or just to sate a craving. It first opened its doors in 1980 and has charmed locals and tourists alike ever since, more than earning its reputation as one of Burlington’s best restaurants.
Though totally off the usual tourist path, Tautog’s is a gem of a seafood restaurant that’s well worth seeking out. People clearly do just that, as it’s incredibly popular and well-regarded, and consistently recommended as the best restaurant in Virginia Beach. A proper local hangout, customers love the seriously fresh fish, reasonable prices, and warm atmosphere. If you’re looking for great food and a buzzy vibe, this place is the real deal.
Charming customers with its picturesque setting and ultimate diner feel since the 1940s, Twede’s Cafe was chosen as the film set for the iconic Double R Diner in Twin Peaks. Naturally, this cemented it as a Pacific Northwest icon and fan pilgrimage spot, but even those who’ve never seen the show remark on the enduring appeal of the place. Cool interior, a great story, classic bar stool tables, perfect cherry pie – what more do you need?
This quirky weenie stand along the riverbank of the Ohio River has been slinging its famous hot dogs since 1999. Folks come from all over to enjoy the collection of junk and signs, and, of course, to chow down on excellent food. Finish a mammoth The Homewrecker dog in under 12 minutes and you can claim a free T-shirt and bragging rights. It's no surprise that this place has been featured several times on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Since 1950, Kopp’s Custard has cemented itself as the Milwaukee staple for knockout frozen custard (as well as really good hamburgers and fries, to boot). It’s what residents miss when they leave and is the first stop when they return. Despite going strong since 1950 and expanding into three locations, Kopp’s quality is still crazy good.
The only restaurant in a tiny, 300-person town, Su Casa Cafe serves sensational Mexican food night after night. Everything is house-made, even the thin and crispy tortilla chips, so it’s little wonder this family-run cantina has a slew of devoted fans, spanning from happy locals to folks traveling far out of their way for a hit of that famous chili.
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Last updated by Dominique Ayling.