We all know about the big US cities famed for their fantastic food. But what about the lesser-known places, quietly serving up some of the most delicious creations around? We're talking about the enclaves that punch above their weight in the edible stakes, whether that means a tiny but talked-about neighborhood in a big city, or a hub of restaurants, bars, and markets that only locals know about. From up-and-coming destinations to legendary BBQ districts with worldwide acclaim, these are the foodie neighborhoods with something to excite every palate. Read on to find out the best 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.
Originally built as a company town for Avondale Mills, this historic neighborhood is now an emerging food and entertainment hotbed with trendy coffee shops, cool stores, and lively restaurants. Craft beer and live music hangout Avondale Brewing Company is at the center of it all, with all of the area’s top food spots just a short stroll away. Feast on sensational slow-roasted pork at local institution Saw’s BBQ, or grab a pizza to go at Post Office Pies and eat it under the trees at Avondale Park.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Spenard, this friendly neighborhood is a microcosm of Alaska life, boasting some of the city’s favorite eateries and green spaces. Stroll the pedestrian corridor at the north end of Spenard Road to find the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, Anchorage’s only dinner movie theater, plus an eclectic collection of indie shops and family restaurants. Held every Thursday from May-September, Spenard Food Truck Carnival is also a must-visit to try food from the area’s top chefs.
This thriving city, near Phoenix, has experienced exponential economic growth since the 1990s, with a food scene to match. Chandler’s tree-lined Downtown is where to start your adventure; those looking for a taste of the southwest will find tamales and juicy carnitas at El Sol Mexican Cafe & Bakery, while DC Steak House is great for old-school surf and turf. Each year, the city also plays host to the quirky Chandler Ostrich Festival, held to celebrate its colorful history of ostrich ranching.
Loved for its winding streets, beautiful turn-of-the-century homes, and shady parks, charming Hillcrest is like its own separate village in the heart of Little Rock, boasting fabulous food and drink options ranging from chic wine bars to creative brunch places. Heights Taco & Tamale Co. is popular for frozen mojitos, fish tacos, and its signature cheese dip, while those in the know flock to the Boulevard Bread Company early to stock up on freshly baked baguettes and pies before they sell out.
San Diego’s historic Little Italy might not be the obvious place to visit for California’s best food, but this low-key neighborhood really is something special. Once a humble fishing community populated by Italian immigrants, it has grown into one of the city’s most interesting attractions. Covering 48 square-blocks, it’s the largest Little Italy in the US, and is awash with amazing restaurants and bustling patios, including the original location of popular California chain Filippi's Pizza Grotto.
Known to locals as RiNo, the River North Art District is one of Denver’s up-and-coming young neighborhoods, with an impressive concentration of art galleries and hip venues. As is often the case with artsy areas like this, the food scene is buzzing, with food halls including The Source and Denver Central Market, plus exquisite farm-to-table food at Cart-Driver. Known for its colorful murals, Upper Larimer Street is the place to go for cocktail lounges, brewpubs, and late-night food trucks.
This walkable, family-friendly suburb (nicknamed ‘WeHa’ by its residents) routinely ends up on national lists of best places to live, and it’s easy to see why. All of its neighborhoods have something different to offer foodies, but West Hartford Center is a particular haven with Spanish, Japanese, German, Afghan, and Jamaican cuisines all available within a mile’s radius. Head to Max’s Oyster Bar for raw seafood and lobster rolls, followed by ice cream-stuffed glazed donuts at Milkcraft.
Founded in 1631 by Dutch settlers, Lewes is rich in history and has miles of beautiful beaches, making it one of Delaware’s top vacation spots. For a small city of just over 3,000 people, this coastal charmer has an impressive concentration of top-notch restaurants, all within a half-square mile of the Lewes Historic District. Beachgoers can dust off and feast on sophisticated seasonal comfort food at James Beard Award–nominated Heirloom, or try Eggcellent for a lazy pancake breakfast.
Tourists flock to the Sunshine City for its golden beaches, but they stay for the stunning food offering. The bustling EDGE district is said to be one of Florida's hottest foodie neighborhoods. It certainly deserves its reputation, with highlights from mouth-watering Cuban sandwiches at rustic hole-in-the-wall joint Bodega to creative vegan scoops at Plant Love Ice Cream. St. Petersburg boasts year-round sunshine, so hit the terraces at Green Bench Brewing Company or Italian coffee and cocktail spot Intermezzo.
Not for the faint hearted, Buford Highway is a thriving global bazaar that stretches 30 miles from Midtown Atlanta to Buford, made up of a community of strip malls and restaurants representing more than 20 different nations. This four-lane highway is a kaleidoscopic destination where you can taste your way around the world from Korea to Columbia, discovering something new every time you visit. Highlights include the food court at colorful Latin mall Plaza Fiesta, and dim sum at Best BBQ.
A hidden gem located just a few miles from the high-rise hotels and resorts of Waikiki, Kaimuki is the perfect neighborhood for visitors wanting a laid-back taste of Hawaiian life. It’s home to Oʻahu's largest food market, the KCC Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday and sells everything from local honey to island-grown abalone and locally harvested sea salt. Headed up by celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong, Koko Head Cafe is the place to hit for breakfast udon and Pan-Asian brunch bites.
Over the past few years, Boise has slowly but surely been growing into a culinary destination that can hold its own against northwest powerhouses like Seattle and Portland. It was named by Food & Wine magazine as one of the country’s next great food cities, and its Downtown neighborhood is crammed with delicious options. The Warehouse Food Hall is a hub of local food stars, while the Basque Block is where to try pintxos and charcuterie from the city’s vast Basque community.
Chicago's cuisine is as diverse as its population, and the city has a neighborhood (77, in total) for every cuisine going, from Vietnamese in Uptown to Latin flavors in Pilsen. Logan Square, in particular, has really boomed in recent years. Farm-to-table stalwart Lula Cafe has been inspiring seasonally driven chefs since opening in 1999, and still commands lines out the door, while hipster haunt Parson's Chicken & Fish serves Southern comfort food favorites and Negroni slushies from a bustling patio.
Indianapolis is fast becoming a foodie city known for its affordable, casual restaurants and innovative chefs, and friendly Fountain Square is one of its most exciting neighborhoods. After many years of post-war neglect, its recovery began in the 1990s. Today it's one of Indianapolis's restaurant hotspots, and part of its Cultural Trail. Hip diner Milktooth is a must-visit, known for its unique take on brunch with dishes, like pineapple and dulce de leche beignets and sourdough waffles.
Iowa is usually associated with rustic fare like corn dogs and loose meat sandwiches, but Des Moines has plenty of cosmopolitan dining destinations too. Just east of the Des Moines River lies East Village, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood which packs a huge number of options into a small space. Try fancy cocktails and upscale new American fare at Alba, or choose a locally brewed craft beer from the 99 different taps at The Iowa Taproom, where you can also get a mean pork tenderloin sandwich.
Old and new merge beautifully in Wichita’s Old Town, with its brick-lined streets and converted 19th-century warehouses. Feast on burgers and diner classics at buzzy late-night haunt Pumphouse. Or, for a taste of authentic Kansas City barbecue, hit B&C Barbeque, a local institution known for its slow-smoked, melt-off-the-bone pork and brisket. The area is also home to the weekly Old Town Farm & Art Market, plus tons of charming food boutiques, including Nifty Nut House, a candy store like no other.
With colorful murals, ornate Victorian homes, and a fun bar scene, The Highlands is one of the oldest and most beloved neighborhoods in Louisville. The action is centered around a vibrant stretch of Bardstown Road, known as Restaurant Row. You’ll always find something delicious here, whether you’re on the bourbon trail or want to sink your teeth into an authentic Kentucky hot brown (a turkey, bacon and cheese sandwich smothered in a cheesy sauce) at local favorite Bristol Bar & Grille.
Every visitor to New Orleans will want to experience the French Quarter at some point, but those in the know head to Bywater for its bohemian vibe and growing foodie scene. This neighborhood has arguably undergone the most rapid change of any part of the city since the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Now, the city's candy-colored Creole cottages sit in harmony with hip new joints. Stop at Frady's One Stop Food Store for fresh po’ boys and Louisiana classics, or try Bywater Bakery for gooey cakes and pastries.
The Old Port is the place to head for Portland’s most picturesque sites and delicious bites, from golden Belgian frites at Duckfat to gourmet Maine potato donuts at The Holy Donut and lobster rolls at The Highroller Lobster Co. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic Harbor Fish Market, and 19th-century brick buildings housing gourmet food stores and souvenir shops, this district comes alive at night with lots of pubs, cocktail bars, and traditional seafood spots by the waterfront.
The Bromo Arts District is a hub of cultural activity with countless music venues and galleries. Most importantly for food lovers, it’s also home to Lexington Market, a local icon founded in 1792. The market reopened in 2022 after a $45 million redevelopment to move it to a new building, where it now inhabits a full city block and is more bustling than ever. For a taste of old-school Baltimore, head to Faidley's Seafood, a no-frills staple known for its huge jumbo lump crab cakes and oysters.
A maze of narrow streets with some of the city’s oldest buildings, North End is one of the country’s most famous Little Italy neighborhoods, with a huge concentration of restaurants, delis, and bakeries within a square mile. For rib-sticking favorites head to Giacomo's, renowned for its down-to-earth vibe and hearty portions, while Table Boston is a unique place for family-style sharing feasts. For pizza, it has to be Regina Pizzeria, which has been dishing out some of the city’s best pies for almost a century.
Detroit’s oldest neighborhood is named after County Cork, Ireland, as a nod to the influx of Irish immigrants who came to Detroit in the 19th century. As you’d expect, it's here that you’ll find the city’s friendliest dive bars and Irish pubs, alongside joints like Grandma Bob’s Pizza, loved by locals for its cheesy edged, Detroit-style pizza. Corktown has experienced a spike in investment recently, thanks partly to the ongoing restoration of the Michigan Central Station, so you’re never far from a good meal.
Strolling along Minneapolis’ most legendary dining corridor, you’ll find everything from German spaetzle at The Black Forest Inn to Mexican bakes and desserts at Marissa's Bakery. Eat Street is a section of Nicollet Avenue near Downtown, known for its huge variety of food options that get more exciting by the day. For a taste of everything, head to the newly opened Eat Street Crossing, a lively food hall with unique vendors slinging sushi sandos, small-batch ice cream, and Brazilian pizzas.
Known as ‘the city with soul’, you certainly don’t have to look far to find delicious down-home soul food in Jackson, whether you’re in search of chicken fried steak, fresh seafood or Delta tamales. The Fondren Historic District has been one of the city’s cultural centers since the 1920s and this is where you’ll find many of its best food spots, including Brent's Drugs – the neighborhood's original soda fountain, serving diner classics to the community since 1946.
The riverfront neighborhood of River Market is the oldest district in Kansas City, and has become the go-to place for good food since being redeveloped in the late 1970s. At its heart is the old City Market, where you can taste flavors from around the world at a wide variety of unique restaurants, and gather ingredients from specialty grocers and produce stands. Every Saturday, the hub hosts the region’s largest farmers' market too.
Montana is known for its outdoor adventures, but there are plenty of tasty options to fuel visitors after a day of mountain fun, too. Bozeman is a beautiful little city, with a buzzing and very walkable Downtown that boasts an eclectic mash-up of old western buildings and hip spaces. This is a town that takes beef and beer very seriously; you’ll taste some of the best steaks going at joints like Open Range and J.W. Heist Steakhouse, while Bozeman Taproom & Spirits is the place for local craft brews.
There are many reasons to visit Omaha's most dynamic up-and-coming foodie neighborhood, from trendy Kamp Blackstone food hall to the tuk tuk riders that will take you up and down the streets. But sandwich connoisseurs will know the Blackstone District best for being the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich, dreamed up at the city’s Blackstone Hotel in 1925 by a local grocer. You can still visit the historic hotel for a Reuben today, though the Crescent Moon Ale House is said to make an even better version.
If you’re in Nevada and want Michelin-starred dining and celebrity chefs, head to The Strip. If you want something more relaxed but no less exciting, sunny Summerlin is a great option. This refined residential community is nestled against the breathtaking Red Rock National Conservation Area. Its eclectic dining scene offers everything from outstanding seafood and sushi at Other Mama to mouth-watering French classics at Oh La La French Bistro.
The largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester is a sophisticated college town boasting an array of global cuisines, from Nepalese momos to Hungarian goulash. Downtown has the biggest concentration of great spots, starting with local favorite The Crown Tavern, a cozy hangout where you can feast on wood-fired pizzas and huge burgers. Dancing Lion Chocolate is a fabulous café serving all kinds of tempting treats like homemade gourmet candy bars and the store’s signature Mayan drinking chocolate.
This sleepy city east of Philadelphia is renowned for its fine dining scene, charming seasonal festivals, and Saturday farmers' market. Collingswood was founded by Quakers and has specific laws around alcohol, but diners can bring their own beer or wine to drink in restaurants. The main action is centered around Haddon Avenue in the Downtown district; for Mexican classics with a fancy twist try Oasis Mexican Grill, where you can feast on lobster enchiladas, or find modern Indian cuisine at Indiya.
Often dubbed one of the country’s next great foodie destinations, Albuquerque is an often-overlooked desert gem with a truly exotic culinary scene. Nob Hill (named after the fashionable San Francisco neighborhood) is a culinary powerhouse centered on buzzing Central Avenue, a stretch of Route 66 that’s packed with brewpubs, taquerias, and late-night food trucks. Joints to add to your hit list include M'tucci's Bar Roma for upscale Roman delights, and The Farmacy for breakfast tacos and mimosa pitchers.
NYC is probably the world’s most famous foodie wonderland but, for something a bit more relaxed, Downtown Hudston is the place to go. Often called the Brooklyn of the Hudson Valley, this bohemian little city has less than 6,000 residents but the food scene has huge amounts of personality, combining James Beard Award–nominated restaurants with offbeat ice cream stores. Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions is a unique culinary destination, known for its heaving cheese counter and freshly baked pastries.
Charlotte often feels like a series of different neighborhoods rather than a major city, and Dilworth is the place to hit for good food and a warm North Carolina welcome. Locals flock to Sunflour Baking Company to get their hands on freshly baked cinnamon rolls, croissants, and Cheddar biscuits each morning. For juicy gourmet burgers, you can’t beat local fast food chain Bad Daddy's Burger Bar or Fat Cat Burgers + Bakeshop, which also has a walk-up ‘donut window’ serving new flavors every day.
Up until recently Fargo wasn’t considered much of an eating destination but, due to an influx of hip breweries and innovative restaurants, it’s easy to eat very well here. The walkable Downtown is home to countless spots; for a taste of Fargo’s craft beer scene head to Brewhalla, which combines a lively beer hall, boutique hotel, and food market. A trip to Fargo wouldn’t be complete without trying the local speciality ‘hotdish’ (a casserole of noodles, meat, cheese, and sauce) at The Boiler Room.
Often abbreviated as OTR, this one-time working class German neighborhood suffered from many years of decline, but has made a remarkable comeback in recent years and is now home to craft breweries, gastropubs, and artisanal food stores aplenty. You’ll definitely want to stop by cherished landmark Findlay Market, a year-round hub selling all things Cincinnati, from locally made macarons to sashimi-grade seafood. During the summer, you can dine in style at the market’s on-site beer garden too.
In a city awash with eclectic food options, there’s one local dish that’s particularly sacred to Oklahomans – the onion burger. This depression-era specialty (made by smashing perfectly caramelized crispy onions onto a juicy beef patty) is as popular as ever, and Deep Deuce icon MOB Grill is the place to try one of Oklahoma City’s finest versions. Of course, this is just one reason to head to Deep Deuce, a hip downtown area known for its whiskey bars, cocktail lounges, and jazz haunts.
Portland certainly isn’t lacking in culinary hotspots. In fact, it can be hard to stay on top of where the latest trendy neighborhood is. When it comes to pure variety (both of cuisines and price points), Foster-Powell is pretty unbeatable. This dynamic neighborhood is a real melting pot of global flavor, where you can eat amazing barbecue pork banh mi at Vietnamese bakery An Xuyen, browse the food carts at Carts on Foster, or enjoy craft beer and sensational Detroit-style pizzas at Assembly Brewing.
Fishtown is truly a neighborhood of change, a heady mix of old-school dive bars, historic delis, and cutting-edge eateries that merge together in real harmony. This former working class neighborhood, named due to its history as a fishing hub, is now a magnet for creative types and foodies thanks to its thriving restaurant scene. Think classic Philadelphia soft pretzels at The Kettle Black microbakery, or hearty late-night comfort food at lauded gastropub and music venue, Johnny Brenda’s.
Running parallel with Newport’s gorgeous waterfront, Thames Street has been the city’s main commercial drag since the 18th century and is still the epicenter of its eating and shopping life. As you’d expect, fish is king here, so be sure to hunt down local specialties like stuffed quahog clams, fried calamari, and clam chowder. Waterside seafood spots worth checking out include relaxed haunt The Lobster Bar or The Mooring Seafood and Kitchen Bar, which is considered one of Newport’s finest.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is a little town where dining out is taken very seriously. It's about halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, so expect plenty of Southern soul food and barbecue, alongside James Beard Award–nominated restaurants and craft beer bars. Midtown is currently the up-and-coming district for food, thanks to the arrival of buzzy food hall Warehouse at Midtown, plus local stalwarts like Midtown Deli, where you can pick up excellent sandwiches.
South Dakota is best known for its natural beauty, with rolling prairies giving way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest. But it's so much more than just a flyover state. Rapid City, and particularly its Downtown neighborhood, has plenty to tempt foodies. Stop for dinner and a brew in Rapid City’s first fire station, now Firehouse Brewing Company. If you prefer wine, head next door to Firehouse Wine Cellars, a welcoming winery with signature pizzas and live entertainment.
Whether in search of juicy burgers, a slice of pizza, or a steaming bowl of pho, East Nashville has you covered. Just across the river from Downtown, this bustling and walkable neighborhood has an arty vibe that's very different to the famous honky-tonk bars Nashville is best-known for. Mas Tacos Por Favor, which started as a food truck, is a cozy restaurant serving fantastic tacos and perfect Margaritas, while Pelican & Pig is the place for fluffy Tuscan bread and charred steaks cooked over fire.
Home to some of the largest immigrant populations in the country, Houston is truly a melting pot of cuisines, with offerings from Vietnam to West Africa and beyond. The sheer scale of options in the various neighborhoods can be daunting. For pure variety and quality, Montrose is where to be. Here you’ll find quaint cafés, Mexican cantinas, and Mediterranean bistros rubbing shoulders with classic Texas barbecue joints like The Pit Room and upscale spots such as Japanese favorite Uchi.
Once a gritty industrial area built up around Salt Lake City's railroad corridor, the Granary District is finding a new purpose as an up-and-coming center for gastronomy, brewing, and local business. A large-scale mural project recently transformed the faces of many old buildings, making it a vibrant enclave that attracts locals and tourists alike. Lucky 13 serves exceptional burgers, Fisher Brewing is the place for craft beers, and Laziz Kitchen gets rave reviews for its colorful Lebanese food.
Despite being the state’s biggest city, Burlington is still something of a hidden gem, combining the homely feel of a small town with the variety you'd expect in a much larger place. Start by heading to Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian mall that has four blocks of stores, restaurants, and food carts. The surrounding Downtown neighborhood has lots of global options, but really specializes in relaxed, cozy joints, like Hen of the Wood and The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, that make the most of Vermont’s local produce.
The historic Belmont neighborhood is a charming community, conveniently located near Downtown, with real character and an eclectic dining scene. Charlottesville was named by Food & Wine magazine as one of America’s next great food cities, and Belmont is definitely where to go if you want to eat like a local. Globe-trotting delights include delicious Oaxacan-Mexican fare at Conmole, modern Spanish cuisine served from a sunny patio at Mas Tapas, and incredible homemade pasta at Tavola.
A trip to the Emerald City wouldn’t be complete without touring the sprawling Pike Place Market, where you’ll find fresh produce (expect to see three-foot long salmon being thrown through the air in the fish market) and exciting eateries, slinging everything from fish and chips to Russian pastries. Founded in 1907, this Seattle icon is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the US; it’s also where the first Starbucks (still going) opened its doors, in 1971.
With a population of fewer than 4,000 people, this lively and cosmopolitan town punches well above its weight in the food stakes. Head to the compact Downtown area and you’ll be met with tempting independent restaurants, cozy craft bakeries, and buzzy tap rooms. Making the most of West Virginia’s top-quality fresh produce, popular places like Stardust Cafe and The French Goat have a real farm-to-table focus. The town hosts the much-loved Lewisburg Chocolate Festival every spring, too.
Conveniently located on the tree-lined grounds surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol building, Dane County Farmers' Market is the country’s largest producers-only farmers' market. Every Saturday, from April-November, locals flock to this sensational hub to grab the season’s bounty of fruit, flowers, meats, and cheeses.The restaurant scene around the square has a real farm-to-table vibe, too, with upscale joints like L'Etoile rubbing shoulders with more homely comfort food spots such as The Old Fashioned.
This charming mountain town is best known for its stunning scenery, but has also earned a reputation as being one of the best foodie spots in Wyoming. Lander’s downtown area is small and walkable, and Main Street is where most of the action is. This is beef country, so visitors will want a proper cowboy meal; there are countless restaurants serving up exceptional steaks, including surf 'n' turf favorite Cowfish and The Antler Restaurant and Bar, for a locally sourced meat feast.
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