The US is filled with restaurants with a few stories to tell, from the finest and most historic establishments to humble fast food joints and hole-in-the-wall spots. Pair that with delicious dishes and extraordinary menus, and you've got more than a place to eat – you have an experience you'll talk about for years to come. Here, we've compiled a list of the most interesting eateries across the country.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, thorough research and fact-checking, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
This cherished spot has been dishing out mouth-watering hot dogs and tasty hamburgers, all generously smothered in the restaurant's signature chili sauce, since 1917. Chris' is said to be the oldest family-owned and operated eatery in Montgomery, and was first opened all those years ago by Greek immigrant Christopher Katechis, affectionately known as 'Mr Chris'. Throughout its storied past, the fast food joint has hosted notable figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Club Paris, a legendary Anchorage steakhouse, occupies a building that served as both a funeral home and a furniture store in the 1920s, before the restaurant was established in the 1950s. It's one of few buildings that survived the destructive 1964 Alaska earthquake – a fact that it still celebrates. Today, the restaurant takes immense pride in cutting and aging its steaks on-site. Among the restaurant's most coveted offerings is its famous four-inch filet mignon, and its iconic neon sign warmly beckons both loyal patrons and newcomers alike.
Not the oldest, the most famous, or even the most acclaimed restaurant in Arizona, El Charro claims its spot on this list due to its legacy. Opened in 1922 by Monica Flin, it’s the oldest continuously operated Mexican restaurant in the US, and its history is enriched by a fascinating tale. Legend has it that Monica invented the chimichanga here when she accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep fryer. While El Charro has expanded its operations to several outposts since, the original downtown Tucson location still welcomes diners looking for a nostalgic experience.
Started as a humble smokehouse by the current pitmaster's grandfather in 1910 (who sold his meats from a makeshift bathtub barbecue), Jones Bar-B-Q was the first Arkansas restaurant to win a James Beard Award, and it's also believed to be the country's oldest Black-owned restaurant. Housed within Jones' own home, the unassuming clapboard house has a reputation for superb barbecue food, often selling out by 11am. The star of the show is definitely the 12-hour smoked pork, available by the pound or stuffed into sandwiches with some slaw.
Chez Panisse and its founder, legendary chef Alice Waters, were doing farm-to-table way before it was a thing. Famous for pioneering locally sourced cooking as far back as the 1970s, Alice and the restaurant have received plenty of recognition from the James Beard Foundation, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Alice remains one of the most influential figures in American cookery – and her restaurant has continued perfecting its daily set menus to this day, offering dishes such as halibut carpaccio, king salmon with summer squash, and Gulf shrimp with grits. It's a true must-visit destination for any foodie.
At The Airplane Restaurant, a remarkable 1953 Boeing KC-97 aircraft takes center stage. Spending most of its life as a refueling tanker, this fully intact plane found its retirement haven in Colorado Springs in 2002. While the menu features typical diner-style fare, the unique setting makes every meal a memorable event. The most sought-after seats are onboard the plane itself, although diners can discover captivating memorabilia, photos, and artifacts inside the main building too.
This legendary establishment, operating since 1895, is famous for being the official birthplace of the hamburger sandwich, as acknowledged by the Library of Congress. Passing down through generations, Louis' Lunch remains a cherished family-owned and operated business, and is now managed by the fourth generation of the family. The hamburger sammies continue to delight patrons, crafted with care using five cuts of beef, and presented in the traditional manner: nestled between slices of toasted white sandwich bread.
Pass through the doors of Jessop's Tavern, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to 1674. The restaurant's Colonial-style setting comes complete with model ships, fireplaces, and antique oil paintings, as well as staff dressed in period clothing – plus the food is served on metal plates, just as it would've been centuries ago. You'd never realize that the restaurant only opened its doors in 1996! The menu features plenty of old-fashioned favorites like Dutch pot roasts, and there's also a dish called the Pilgrim's Feast: roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry compote.
A DC landmark, Ben's Chili Bowl has been favored by plenty of local residents over the years – including a few famous faces. The joint first opened in 1958, and is best known for its signature half-smokes (bigger, spicier hot dogs) and secret-recipe chili. The James Beard–acclaimed fast food restaurant can count many celebrities among its fans, but perhaps its biggest moment in the limelight came in January 2009, when the then President Barack Obama swung by for a meal.
Founded by Joe Weiss in 1913, Joe's Stone Crab is a Miami Beach institution. It quickly became a favorite thanks to its wide selection of freshly caught seafood, and it has maintained its fantastic reputation to this day. The restaurant's fame extends beyond the dark-tipped stone crabs served here – rumor has it that Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, immortalized Joe's Stone Crab as 'Bill's on the Beach' in Goldfinger, writing that it served the best meal of the suave spy's life.
Although the food here is more than noteworthy (chef Mashama Bailey is the recipient of two James Beard Awards and was featured on Netflix's Chef's Table), it's the setting that makes The Grey extra special; located in a former Greyhound bus depot in downtown Savannah, the building was once racially segregated. It's something Bailey herself has commented on in the past, highlighting how passionate she is about being a Black chef reclaiming the space for good. The restaurant still features many original details: the kitchen is the former ticket booth, the dining room is where the station's diner used to be, and the numbers on the walls represent the former boarding gates.
Mama's Fish House stands out thanks to its captivating history and commitment to an ocean-to-table approach. Founded in 1973 by a Californian family who decided to make Maui's north shore their home after an adventurous voyage through the South Pacific, Mama's has become renowned for its high-quality seafood. The names of the skilled fishermen who've caught each fish feature on the menu, and everything is served within an impressive 24-hour window. The beach restaurant is so popular, getting a reservation can take anywhere from four to six months.
Opened by Harley M. Hudson, this popular burger joint started out as a humble food tent back in 1907. Since then, it's evolved into one of Idaho's oldest surviving food establishments, boasting an impressive five-generation legacy. What sets Hudson's apart? Strangely, it's a burger joint that doesn't serve fries on the side. Instead, the menu focuses on no-nonsense burgers, ham and egg sandwiches, and a selection of pies. Simple, but effective!
Illustrious Alinea takes the art of cookery and dissects it to a molecular level, turning raw ingredients into amazing dishes using physics and chemistry. Everything on the menu is carefully planned by Grant Achatz, the restaurant's chef and co-owner, and a master of molecular gastronomy. Meals here are an assault on the senses, with each dish presenting a different thrill. Expect to see things like spherified dips, distilled liquids made from green chilis, and marzipan frozen with liquid nitrogen. Don't miss out on the restaurant's signature: the tabletop dessert (pictured), prepared by chefs directly onto the table in front of you.
With nearly a quarter of Indiana residents having German ancestry, it's no surprise that influence extends to the food. The Rathskeller is Indianapolis' oldest restaurant, dating back to 1894 – and it's famous for serving delicious, authentic German cuisine in three distinct areas. The main dining room serves classic German dishes like sauerbraten (roast beef with currant and ginger gravy), while The Kellerbar (pictured) is stocked with 12 imported draft beers, around 50 imported bottled beers, plus beer snacks and sandwiches. Finally, the traditional Biergarten is an outdoor area featuring nightly live entertainment.
This spot (well, not quite – the original shack was across the street) is where the iconic Maid-Rite burger was born. The brainchild of Fred Angell, the signature Maid-Rite sandwich consists of pan-fried ground beef served in a sliced bun. Taylor's first opened in 1928 and has now grown into a multi-restaurant chain operating in six states – though you should definitely come and taste the famous loose meat sandwich in the place where it all began.
Captivating diners with its famous Z-Man sandwich and coveted burnt ends, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is not only a Kansas City legend – it's an institution, consistently recognized as one of the best barbecue restaurants in the country. Upon visiting the original gas station restaurant (there are now two more outposts), Anthony Bourdain deemed it a experience you must try before you die. The restaurant received even more acclaim in 2014, when President Barack Obama ordered $1,400 worth of barbecue to be served aboard Air Force One.
The Old Talbott Tavern's history can be traced as far back as 1779, when it opened as a stagecoach stop, welcoming pioneers seeking new fortunes. The buliding's thick Flemish bond stone walls remain one of the finest examples of traditional American masonry, and its heavy ceiling timbers and deep window casings have seen a lot over the years. Myriad notable, and notorious, visitors have dined here – from General George Rodgers Clarke, who utilized the tavern during the American Revolutionary War, to exiled French king Louis Philippe, who is said to have sought refuge within these walls. Even whispers of Jesse James' bullets still haunt the hallways.
New Orleans is teeming with interesting, notable, and historic restaurants, but one place that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits is Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar. The menu isn't huge, but it features a good selection of small plates, shareables, and sliders that can be enjoyed while its star attraction, the carousel bar, does its thing. (And, somehow, bartenders never lose track of customers even as their stools revolve around the outside of the circular bar.) In 1886, the hotel was bought by a Sicilian nobleman, Antonio Monteleone – and, five generations later, his family is still running the hotel. Truman Capote, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald have all been patrons here.
You might be surprised to see a McDonald's included on this list, but this Freeport outpost is not just any old fast food joint. When the town refused to grant permission to build a new McDonald's, the fast food behemoth set up shop in a historic 1850s home. A McDonald's restaurant since 1984, the building's interior is smartly decorated with wooden furniture, mahogany booths, and beautiful fireplaces, and the menu is equally distinguished – local lobster rolls are sometimes available in summer. What's more, there's not a golden arch in sight.
Not quite a restaurant, but predominately a tap room that serves food from local food trucks visiting on a rolling schedule, this place is unique. The building served as a German Catholic church until it was abandoned in 2011– and, after a $2.4 million renovation, a hand-restored fresco of Jesus now looks down on a 20-barrel brewing system that sits where the altar used to be. Beverages from pilsners and pale ales to saisons and ciders are on offer, and the church-turned-brewery also hosts a variety of community events.
Massachusetts is teeming with interesting places to eat, from a grand old theater serving dim sum to a 200-year-old seafood restaurant – and even Dunkin' Donuts' first location is here. However, we can't get over the story of the Earl of Sandwich in Boston Common. At first glance, there's not that much going for the building, which resembles a tomb more than anything else, and is nicknamed the 'Pink Palace' due to its colored terracotta brickwork. But it was actually used as a men's restroom up until the 1970s; the sandwich chain spent over a million dollars renovating the building before it became a popular lunch stop.
Located in Michigan's Bavarian-themed town, Frankenmuth, the Bavarian Inn stands as one of the state's most cherished and distinctive dining establishments. Since opening in 1888, the venue has welcomed over 20 million diners to indulge in its signature all-you-can-eat, family-style meals. In an homage to the German heritage of the area, members of staff dress in traditional outfits, and the air is often filled with the lively melodies of a polka band. The menu is delightfully comforting, featuring delights like fried Frankenmuth chicken, pork schnitzel, and bratwurst sausage.
The most famous Minnesota food story may be that of the cheese-stuffed Juicy Lucy (or Jucy Lucy) burger, but we think Al's Breakfast deserves some of the spotlight. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation, this much-loved diner serves an array of all-American classics, and is located in a Minneapolis neighborhood called Dinkytown – a name that suits the restaurant perfectly. Excellent breakfast and lunch fare aside, this place is famous for its, well, dinky size! Said to be the smallest diner in the city, it's just three-feet (under 1m) wide, leading to lengthy lines outside.
Established in 1935, the Mayflower Cafe is a beloved culinary destination that's renowned for its delectable steak and seafood dishes – yet it's the restaurant's incredible 'comeback sauce' that truly sets it apart. This unique dipping sauce, exclusive to the Mississippi region, combines mayo, chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, and a medley of spices and condiments. It graces salads, enhances the flavor of fried green tomatoes, and can be eaten with pretty much anything. The café became even more famous following its appearance in the movie The Help.
Originally an alley stand catering to Garment District workers in Kansas City, Arthur Bryant's has evolved into one of the nation's most renowned barbecue establishments. Despite its unassuming setting, characterized by modest decor and fluorescent lighting, this barbecue haven has hosted an impressive array of distinguished guests over the years, including Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, John McCain, and Barack Obama. The menu, although unassuming, delivers immense satisfaction – platters laden with succulent smoked meats like ribs, ham, beef, and pulled pork, accompanied by Bryant's signature sweet and tangy sauces.
Visiting Sip 'n' Dip Lounge is a little like having a fever dream. Enchanting mermaids glide through the pool behind a tiki-style bar, while patrons sip neon cocktails from fishbowls and dine on classics like chicken fried steak and prime rib. Mythical undersea creatures are the theme in this quirky and kitsch spot, first opened in 1962 – and the joint still holds on to that retro charm.
A replica of an Old West town, Front Street brings the pioneer and speculator era back to life. At the fantastic steakhouse, you can enjoy plenty of hearty fare like burgers, steaks, and prime ribs – but beyond the delicious food, there's also a cowboy museum, a saloon, and a show called the Crystal Palace Revue. Performed for the last 56 years, it’s all about cowboys descending on Ogallala after driving cattle up from Texas.
If only the walls of Vegas' Golden Steer Steakhouse could talk! This much-loved restaurant started life in 1958, and quickly became the place to see and be seen in Sin City. Countless celebrities have dropped in to dine on the steakhouse's prime-quality steaks over the years, from Elvis Presley and Dean Martin to Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Today, it remains a glamorous slice of 'old Vegas' that still serves up some of the best steaks in the city.
Nestled in a charming town fittingly named Sugar Hill, Polly's Pancake Parlor feels like a time warp, taking customers back to the classic diner era of the 1930s. Set in an 1830s farm's carriage house, the restaurant was founded by Bill and Polly Dexter, who wanted to showcase their exquisite maple-flavored creations. The true magic unfolds when the Maple Tray graces your table, generously laden with maple syrup, maple sugar, and maple frosting.
Experience the magic of a medieval extravaganza in New Jersey, where jousting, knights, royalty, and the art of falconry all come together in a magnificent theatrical dinner show. At Medieval Times, guests dine in a grand arena as majestic horses gallop by, and skilled actors bring a thrilling jousting tournament to life. Without the need for utensils, just like in medieval times, patrons can savor a delightful four-course meal including garlic bread, a warm cup of tomato bisque, and succulent roast chicken with buttered corn and potatoes. It all culminates in a satisfying dessert, just as the winner of the tournament is crowned.
Today, El Pinto might be New Mexico's largest Mexican restaurant (with the capacity to accommodate more than 1,200 patrons), but it had humble beginnings as a single room adorned with just a few tables. Over the course of more than five decades, the Albuquerque spot has continued to excel, consistently delivering some of the finest Mexican cuisine in the state. Its distinctive sauces and salsas have gained such popularity that they're now distributed nationwide. Aside from its food, El Pinto is equally renowned for its tequila bar, which boasts an impressive selection of more than 160 varieties.
From Katz's Deli to Nathan's Hot Dogs, Peter Luger Steakhouse, and more, New York City is filled with food joints with interesting backstories. Not many of those stories date back to the 18th century, though. Fraunces Tavern's legendary status is sealed by the words of American founding father John Adams, who declared that it served 'the most splendid dinner I have ever seen'. The tavern opened in 1762, but not a lot has changed since then. Today, there is an adjoining museum, and the menu is still filled with comfort classics like chicken pot pie and corned beef hash.
Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs is one of North Carolina's most-loved restaurants. Under the unwavering stewardship of a single family since it first opened in 1916, the fast food joint proudly holds the title of the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the Raleigh area. A visit to Shorty's wouldn't be complete without indulging in the quintessential 'all-the-way' dog, meticulously topped with savory chili, tangy mustard, and fresh onions. For an ideal pairing, opt for an Arnold Palmer: a refreshing cocktail paying homage to the legendary golfer who used to frequent Shorty's back in the day.
Back in 1946, the entrepreneurial Loyd and Maxine Engh saw potential in their family farm's barn as a viable income stream. Soon, it was transformed into a charming supper club – and it quickly garnered a lot of attention (and visits) from salesmen traveling through the Midwest. Today, The Ranch has maintained much of its original charm. Under the weathered beams of the barn, patrons are served classic dishes like thick, succulent steaks, prime rib, and pork loin, all paired with a soup or salad, and a choice of potatoes.
Transporting patrons into an old-fashioned school setting, this Camp Dennison restaurant ingeniously combines childhood nostalgia with delicious cuisine. Here, you'll sit down at at tables adorned with gingham tablecloths, in a meticulously preserved, 1860s-built classroom that comes complete with vintage photographs hanging on the walls, and a menu thoughtfully inscribed on the blackboard. The Schoolhouse's fittingly retro dishes (such as meatloaf, roast beef, and truly remarkable fried chicken) are all served family-style, on a throwback lazy Susan.
Established in 1910 as a café, Cattlemen's in Oklahoma City was originally designed to cater to the needs of hardworking ranchers, cowboys, and cattle haulers within the region. As a result of a high-stakes dice game in 1945, the café changed owners and became Cattlemen's Steakhouse. Since then, the dining institution has welcomed a diverse clientele, including notable figures like George Bush Senior (who had a penchant for the T-bone steak), and Western movie stars Gene Autry and John Wayne.
Dine at Jake's Famous Crawfish, and you'll be following in the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart, Madonna, and Michael Jordan, each of whom has relished the range of exquisite seafood on offer here. Founded in 1892 by Jacob Lewis Freiman, the restaurant has been a Portland icon since its inception. Capturing the essence of the city's culinary landscape, it's famous for crawfish (of course), but also serves delicious oysters on the half-shell, fish and chips, and crab and shrimp–stuffed salmon.
Come to Philadelphia, and chances are you'll be feasting on a Philly cheesesteak sooner rather than later – so make sure you get a taste of the real deal. Invented by Pat Olivieri and his brother in 1930, the original recipe saw chopped meat and onions stuffed into an Italian roll (the cheese was added later), and the simple sandwich is what's made Pat's King of Steaks a Philly legend. It's still operated by the Olivieri family today.
Said to be the oldest still-operating restaurant in the US (and the 10th oldest restaurant in the whole world), this historic institution was almost lost when it fell into ruin. The White Horse was opened in 1673 by William Mayes Sr, whose son – a pirate who inherited ownership – is rumored to haunt the restaurant to this day. By the mid-20th century, the neglected building faced demolition, but was saved by generous donations and reopened in 1957. It's now on the National Register of Historic Places, and diners can expect to sample local delicacies like clam chowder, lobster bisque, and crab cakes.
It's the story behind Villa Tronco that makes this restaurant so special. Upon moving to America from Italy, the Tronco family started a fruit stand. During the Second World War, many soldiers stationed in the area hailed from Italy, so 'Mama' Sadie Tronco started making spaghetti and meatballs in a bid to cure their homesickness. Eventually, the dish became so well-loved in the local community that she decided to turn the fruit stand into an Italian restaurant. More than 80 years later, Villa Tronco is still run by the same family, and serves Mama's timeless recipes.
Since starting out as a food truck, Watecha Bowl has transformed into a rare gem of a restaurant. Run by Lawrence West, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, it focuses on the kind of Lakota food Lawrence grew up eating. His signature dish, which helped turn the food truck into a bricks-and-mortar location, is Indian Tacos, served in a round of frybread. In fact, frybread is served with everything here, from buffalo burgers to wojapi, a warm, jammy, berry compote.
Definitely one of the country's most sought-after chicken shops, Prince's Hot Chicken in Nashville sure does serve up delicious – and spicy – fried chicken. However, it's the story of how it came to be that's really tasty. It's a tale of revenge; back in the 1930s, when a man named Thornton Prince had wronged his partner one too many times, she decided to get back at him by lacing his favorite fried chicken with chili and spice. However, Thornton loved it so much that he perfected the recipe – and opened his own hot chicken restaurant.
Entrepreneur Albert Friedrich was just 17 years old when he opened his first saloon back in the late 19th century. He began accepting antlers, pelts, horns, and other game trophies as payment for drinks, building wall decorations and crafting chairs and tables out of his collection. During Prohibition, Albert pivoted and kept his saloon open by turning it into a museum with an ever-growing collection of curios. Several changes of ownership (and location) later, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum has found its place near the San Antonio riverwalk, and is a fun place to stop by for drinks, burgers, and bar snacks.
Life's twists and turns have shown Ruth's Diner no mercy, and yet – after 93 years – it's still standing. Opened by cabaret singer Ruth Evans in 1930, the diner started out as a burger joint in downtown, where Ruth fed and looked after the ladies of the night working across the street. After many years of flipping burgers, the building was sold and demolished, so Ruth bought a Salt Lake Trolley car and moved her establishment to Emigration Canyon, where it still stands today. She and her trusty companions, her little chihuahua dogs, lived at the diner for more than 40 years. Sadly, Ruth (pictured) passed away in 1989, but the diner now is in the good hands of Tracy and Erik Nelson, who continue her legacy.
Opened in 1790 – a time pre-dating Vermont's integration into the US – Ye Olde Tavern brings a bygone era to life. Though it's undergone numerous alterations throughout its history, including various name changes, it has proudly operated as Ye Olde Tavern since 1976. The present-day menu champions both locally sourced ingredients and the region's opulent culinary heritage. Expect delights like cranberry fritters adorned with Vermont butter, classic pot roasts, indulgent lobster bisque, succulent roast Tom turkey, and New England-style scrod, made from haddock or cod.
This quaint Virginia restaurant is famous for delivering pit-cooked, Carolina-style barbecue, burgers, and shakes directly to your car – but there's more to this delightful spot, opened in 1933, than meets the eye. After wowing the crowds at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair with his ingenious invention, the world's first ice cream cone rolling machine, Abe Doumar opened a chain of ice cream shops along the East Coast. This location in Norfolk is the only one that remains; come here late in the morning to witness the original waffle cone machine working its magic.
Twede's Cafe may look like any other roadside diner, yet enthusiasts of David Lynch's enigmatic TV series, Twin Peaks, which first aired in the 1990s, could easily identify it as a significant setting from the show: the iconic Double R Diner. Patrons visit for a taste of the renowned cherry pie and an exceptional cup of coffee, both famously savored by Agent Cooper within the series. The menu also boasts more substantial fare such as all-day breakfasts, burgers, soups, and mac 'n' cheese.
You might think that steak and spaghetti are what make this place special – but it's quite the opposite! Come here in May, during strawberry season, and you'll be treated to a whole week dedicated to Jim's Steak & Spaghetti's special strawberry pie. Some 15 to 20 extra employees are usually hired each year to help prepare the berries for the famous pie, topped with fluffy whipped cream. It's estimated around 13,000 pie wedges get served up annually as part of this sweet tradition.
As you arrive in Sister Bay, you'll notice its gorgeous sandy beach, cute marina, and a restaurant with goats on its roof. The story starts in 1973, when the Johnson family renovated the restaurant to look like a log cabin with a traditional Scandinavian turf roof. The owners' friend, Wink Larsen, suggested that goats should graze on the grass. Within weeks, he took the matter into his own hands, hauling a goat up onto the top of the building. The family started importing goats from Scandinavia and now, every summer's day, the goats are taken from a nearby farm to graze on the roof while diners enjoy Swedish meatballs in the restaurant.
Embodying the spirit of the Wild West, The Irma Hotel has a long and storied past that can be traced all the way back to 1902. Built by William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody, the hotel bears the name of his cherished daughter. Over the years, The Irma and its restaurant (which serves succulent prime ribs, chicken pot pies, and juicy steaks), has attracted visitors from far and wide, delighting diners with its classic Western fare. One of the restaurant's most impressive features is its bar, gifted by Queen Victoria herself as thanks for Buffalo Bill's performance at her Golden Jubilee.
Now discover America's most historic fast food joints, state by state