Everyone loves great food but some love it more than others. If you’re willing to travel to another city to awaken your taste buds, you’ve earned the title of “foodie.”
There are world-famous restaurants and hidden gems scattered throughout the United States. For all of the true foodies out there, here are 14 cities you must check out!
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1. Branson, MO
While it lacks the population to be considered a city, the small tourist town of Branson manages to be a top destination for foodies. Branson is home to not only a handful of top-rated dinner shows but also plenty of lakefront restaurants and dessert shops.
If you love barbeque, Getting’ Basted is an award-winning spot you don’t want to miss. For dessert, make sure you stop by Grandma Ruth’s and try a gooey cinnamon roll!
2. Nashville, TN
Nashville is known for being the Country Music Capital of the World but it’s also known for its delicious southern-style food. Hot chicken is a hometown favorite—get your fix at Hattie B’s or 400 Degrees.
Nashville is also home to a handful of top coffee roasters. When you need a great cup of Joe, be sure to stop by 8th & Roast, Frothy Monkey, or Caliber Coffee Co.
3. Boston, MA
If you love fresh seafood, few places can compete with what Boston has to offer. You can get authentic New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, or crab legs at a number of restaurants—whether it’s Neptune Oyster, Saltie Girl, or Holly Crab.
What’s more, the North End section of Boston has multiple top-notch Italian restaurants. Enjoy your favorite pasta at Giacomo’s or La Famiglia Giorgio’s!
4. Austin, TX
You can’t leave Texas without trying some genuine Texas-style BBQ, and what better place to sample the slow-cooked specialty than the great state’s capital!
Sit down to an award-winning beef brisket at Franklin Barbeque, or grab your favorite meats to-go at any one of Austin’s top food trucks—such as Texas Ranch BBQ or Whitfield’s.
5. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is surrounded by other great food cities such as New York City and Boston, but be careful not to miss out on this gem!
To kick off your Philly eating experience, grab a cheesesteak from Angelo’s or Chubby’s. When dinner rolls around, enjoy tasty Tibetan food at White Yak; or enjoy pizza and a glass of wine at Eeva. Save room for dessert, however, as water ice from Rita’s or John’s is a Philly favorite!
6. Asheville, NC
If you’re in Asheville, you’re going to find yourself surrounded by breweries and distilleries galore. In fact, Asheville has the second-most breweries per capita in the U.S. Get your local craft beer at Asheville Brewing Company, Burial Beer Co., or DSSOLVR!
You can also enjoy a delicious meal at any one of Asheville’s top restaurants. Jargon and Jettie Rae’s Oyster House are two local favorites. Finally, cap off your trip with a mouthwatering dessert from Old Europe Pastries.
7. Savannah, GA
Savannah is an old city that offers the best of southern-style fixin’s. Snap a photograph of Olde Pink House Restaurant before stepping inside to enjoy a southern classic.
Vic’s on the River is another popular choice—sit outside for a tasty meal and a beautiful view of Savannah’s historic architecture.
8. Miami, FL
Miami’s Cuban influence is unmistakable. While in South Beach, make sure you treat yourself to empanadas at Novecento, as well as a Cuban sandwich from Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop.
The coastal city also has some of the best seafood in the country. Visit Joe’s Stone Crab to satiate all of your seafood cravings. Then, wash it all down with a Café con Leche from Tinta Y Café!
9. New York City, NY
With well over 8,000,000 residents and more than 27,000 restaurants, it should come as no surprise that NYC is a hotspot for foodies. While dining options abound, be sure to enjoy a hot dog at Gray’s Papaya or a slice of pizza at Di Fara Pizza for an authentic New York experience.
NYC is also home to some of the best desserts in the nation. Grab an enormous chocolate chip cookie from Levain Bakery, banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, or a sliver of authentic New York-style cheesecake from Eileen’s Special Cheesecake!
10. Los Angeles, CA
LA’s food scene has benefited from the influence of many different cultures. Enjoy authentic Korean cuisine from Kobawoo or Soban; or treat yourself to yuzu-chitan ramen from Afuri. What’s more, Night + Market has some of the best Thai food on the West Coast.
Of course, you also can’t go wrong with tacos from one of LA’s many food trucks. There’s no better way to grab a bite when you’re on the go!
11. Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee’s distinct German influence is evident when it comes to dining. Visit Mader’s Restaurant for your fix of wiener schnitzel or sauerkraut-topped veal. After your meal, duck into Kopp’s for a serving of frozen custard.
Also, there’s a reason why the city’s hometown team is called the Brewers: Milwaukee is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Grab yourself a burger and local craft beer from Good City Brewing or Lakefront Brewery!
12. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans has its fair share of iconic dishes—gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and po’boys, to name only a few.
When visiting “The Big Easy”, make the most of your opportunity to experience authentic Creole cuisine and Cajun food. You can’t go wrong with lunch at Domilise’s or dinner at Arnaud’s!
13. Chicago, IL
Chicago has no overwhelming cultural influences but stands out in terms of culinary innovation.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago staple, and there’s no better place to grab a slice than at Lou Malnati’s. If what you crave most is a great sandwich, Al’s Italian Beef has you covered. When you need lunch to-go, grab a jumbo hot dog with all your favorite toppings from Superdawg Drive-In.
14. Seattle, WA
For many people, the northwest city of Seattle is a little out of reach; but for a true foodie, the experience is well worth the hike.
The “Emerald City” has no shortage of incredible Asian restaurants, and dishes such as pho, noodles, and dumplings are Seattle mainstays. What’s more, Seattle’s coffee culture is arguably second to none. Visit Preserve and Gather, Makeda and Mingus, or Fulcrum Café for your daily dose of caffeine.