Every state has a legendary restaurant that everyone wants to visit, whether it's a much-lauded dining institution, a diner that's made its way onto the small screen, or a historic, family-run joint where the recipes haven’t changed in years. Here we reveal the best cult-favorite restaurants across the country.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover our ranking of America's best cult-favorite restaurants, counting down to the most iconic of them all.

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.

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.

This iconic Coney Island joint started out as a humble hot dog stand in 1916 – and now there are outposts worldwide (and Nathan's products are stocked in grocery stores, too). But it's the original location that has a cult following, and it's 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.

Charming customers with its picturesque setting and quintessential 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 love the enduring appeal of the place. A cool interior, a great story, classic bar-stool tables, perfect cherry pie – what more do you need?

Generally considered the inventor of the Philly cheesesteak, this Philadelphia icon has been serving great sandwiches since 1930. There's much debate around what makes the perfect cheesesteak, and a lot of people are more than willing to die on the hill that Pat’s serves the best of the best. On the other hand, there are those who say the best cheesesteaks can be found at Geno’s Steaks, which was founded in 1966 and sits just across the street. We call that the perfect excuse to try both…

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 among locals and tourists alike. Demand for the joint's chili is constant enough that the place is open 24 hours a day, except for Sundays. That’s a lot of chili.

Not just any barbecue restaurant, Arthur Bryant's 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 this spot as a Kansas City must-visit. 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 atmosphere.

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 – the crust has a little bite, and each one comes with just the right amount of toppings. No wonder folks still flock here.

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 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.

Since 1976, this iconic Michigan spot has been selling great hot dogs to the people of Grand Rapids. Its retro-style interior (think vintage posters, a hand-crank cash register, and an 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.

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 its 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.

Since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving the good people of Washington DC steaming bowls of house-made chili, chili dogs, half-smokes, and more. Its down-to-earth feel, hospitality, and incredible 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 customers have included Barack Obama and Bono. 

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 traveling the distance of a dozen miles by water from Homer. It's had shoutouts from The New York Times, broadcasting company CBS, Bon Appétit 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.

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.

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 stop for politicians on the state primary campaign trail. Customers love the friendly, old-school vibe and perfect diner classics. There's not a lot of room, but it's full of character and serves deliciously affordable food.

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 nights, treat nights, or just to sate a craving. It first opened its doors in 1980 and has charmed locals and tourists alike ever since, earning its reputation as one of Burlington’s best restaurants.

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 – so you’re going to want to reserve a table before you go. A cozy atmosphere and a menu of elevated homey classics… what’s not to like?

Oklahoma City’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is still a favorite today – mainly thanks to the enduring quality of its steak, which is 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.

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.

Folks absolutely love the family-style Midwestern food served at Carriage Crossing, a favorite restaurant in the Amish hub of Yoder. Thanks to the fresh bread and honey butter served with every meal, cinnamon rolls as big as your face, and a menu of lovingly prepared homey classics, people drive from all over to eat here.

Have you even been to Miami if you haven't been to Joe’s? This spot opened in 1913 as a lunch stand by the beach – and 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 why this place still has such a loyal following is that it doesn’t coast on its reputation; the food here is better than ever.

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.

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.

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; it’s incredibly popular and well regarded, and it's consistently recommended as the best restaurant in Virginia Beach. 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.

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 service, the ambiance, and the quality of the meat.

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, first cementing itself as a focal point in a working-class immigrant neighborhood, then as a center for actors and comedians coming out of the many theaters on 2nd Avenue, and finally as a full-on cultural icon. It was the setting for that scene from When Harry Met Sally, and it's now a must-visit for tourists from all over the world.

People go crazy for the steaks on offer at The Drover. Though it's a little expensive, it offers the ultimate Omaha steak experience: each one is huge, tender, and marinated in whiskey for that signature taste. In fact, the restaurant's steaks are so renowned that it even featured on the Travel Channel's Man v. Food Nation. The inside vibe is no afterthought, either; it's warm and cozy, with cowboy charm in spades.

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.

People rave about this intimate farm-to-table tavern in Baltimore. The James Beard Award–winning restaurant may be small, but the food is exceptional – and the tavern is also entirely supportive of regenerative local agriculture, working with Chesapeake growers to celebrate the abundance of the region while helping to ensure its future. Sure, it’s a little expensive, but that doesn’t stop customers from coming back again and again.

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 started selling 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, not to mention a mouthwatering menu to pick from.

Opened by chef Alice Waters in 1971, Chez Panisse is famous for its use of seasonal produce, and it has a fixed price four-course menu that changes daily. It has its own organic farm that grows 75% of the produce used in the kitchen, with the remainder coming from within 50 miles of the restaurant. Past dishes have included pan-seared Monterey Bay squid with chili-garlic butter, summer beans, and purple basil, and spit-roasted, grass-fed beef rib-eye with eggplant fritters and glazed onions. 

Given its diminutive population, 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 pie, filled with a combination of chocolate fudge and caramel sprinkled with sea salt, and the lemon blueberry pie. Whichever you choose, make sure you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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’ when describing it. And yet, it all began with a sack of flour and a food truck back in 2012, 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.

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). Thanks to a cozy atmosphere, a Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef, local ingredients, and the option of either classic or nouveau picks, this place has been a consistent favorite since it opened. Folks don’t just come once – they return time and time again.

Decked out with string lights and checkered tablecloths, Ajax Diner has been charming customers since 1997. It’s located on Oxford's historic Courthouse Square and boasts a menu of traditional Mississippi cooking that wins hearts all over the place. Customers go crazy for the cornbread, catfish, and red beans and rice, leading to a perpetually packed restaurant. It also just so happens to be a go-to haunt of former NFL quarterback Eli Manning...

This restaurant is known for two things: coffee and beignets. Sure, you can also get an OJ or a 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 to 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?

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 that it's appeared on a ton of TV shows, including NBC’s Parks and Recreation.

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 around with nothing to back them up, Fork serves legitimately local yet unpretentious modern American food. With a creative take on chopped salads, plates piled with asparagus fries, and a near-addictive butter cake, it’s no surprise that this place is already considered a contemporary classic.

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. The hype for this place is real, and people go crazy for the inventive flavors, chaotic vibe, and stylish plating.

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.

Since 1950, Kopp’s has cemented itself as the place to go in Milwaukee for knockout frozen custard (as well as really good hamburgers and fries). It’s what residents miss when they leave, and it's their first stop when they return. Despite going strong since 1950 and expanding to three locations, Kopp’s quality is still crazy good.

By no means should you call what's served 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 Providence icon that's adored by residents and celebs alike. Hungry for a late-night snack? It’s open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays (and it'll almost certainly still be busy). There's a second location in Cranston.

The Big Dipper has been kicking around for generations; it 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 sloppy burgers, spicy chili, and thick milkshakes that are guaranteed to satiate a craving. Pretty much everyone around Owensboro has a story to tell about the Big Dipper, and it feels as delightfully old-school today as it did back in 1954.

The French Laundry changed the game of modern American fine dining back in the 1990s, and people still talk about it in admiring tones today. 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.

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 that's been serving Mexican food in the Salt Lake Valley since 1965, the cantina is one of the most beloved restaurants in the state, and its menu is a celebration of balanced, fresh Mexican flavors. A second (much bigger) Red Iguana opened two blocks away from the original restaurant in 2009, to save on the hour-and-a-half wait time.

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.

If you’re in New Jersey, this is 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.

This quirky weenie stand, located along the riverbank of the Ohio River, has been slinging its famous hot dogs since 1999. Folks come from all over to enjoy the joint's collection of junk and signs – and, of course, to chow down on excellent food. Finish a mammoth Homewrecker dog in under 12 minutes, and you can claim a free T-shirt (plus bragging rights). It's no surprise that this place has featured several times on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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 creations, combining charred crusts with interesting flavors. The 70-pizza 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.

Credited with leading the new-traditionalist barbecue movement, this trend-setting joint started in 2009 from inside a trailer. The story goes that it’s sold out of tender, wildly flavorful real-deal brisket every day since. This decidedly no-frills restaurant (offering Wonder Bread straight out of the bag as a side) is so good that it's been visited by numerous celebrities, ranging from Jimmy Kimmel to Barack Obama. It also featured in the 2014 movie Chef.

Decidedly no-frills, this hole-in-the-wall taco joint has earned a devout following thanks to its amazingly cheap and delicious tacos, burritos, and gorditas, and its 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.

If you ask around for recommendations on where to eat in Montana, chances are someone’s going to 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.

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 – yet it's still family owned and widely lauded. Folks love the pizzas' flaky butter crusts (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.

Mama's Fish House is a veritable Hawaii legend, so it's no surprise that wait times for a table can often stretch to six whole months. You've probably never eaten fish this fresh before; it's served up on the same day it's caught, with the name of the fisherman and where it was sourced displayed on the menu. It’s saying something that the beautiful Polynesian décor and sunset views play second fiddle to the culinary skill at work here – no wonder this family-run staple has such a loyal following.

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 raved about are the stunning pies, which come in flavors such as fudgy pecan, tangy buttermilk, oozy fruit, and towering meringue.

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 it 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 dine here confirm that the multi-course experience is more than worth the money and effort.

Now discover the best restaurant to impress a date in every state