From long-running delis and old-school barbecue joints to fine dining spots loved by celebrities, America is home to a wealth of legendary restaurants that people clamor to get a table at. Here we take a look at the most famous restaurants in every state that everyone should visit at least once. 

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the most celebrated restaurants in every US 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.

Legend has it that John 'Big Daddy' Bishop opened the first Dreamland Café in Tuscaloosa after praying for guidance. That night, God appeared in a dream and told him that he should build a café next to his home – and so John did. Some 60 years on, Dreamland has multiple locations in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida (not to mention numerous concessions), and it remains famous for its good old-fashioned hospitality and lip-smacking ribs. 

Few restaurants in Alabama have shaped the state’s dining identity quite like Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham. Opened in 1982 by chef Frank Stitt, it pioneered the concept of Southern fine dining, marrying French culinary techniques with local ingredients like Gulf seafood, farm-fresh produce, and classic Southern staples. Its warm, elegant atmosphere and meticulously crafted dishes earned it national acclaim; in 2018, it received the James Beard Award for Most Outstanding Restaurant in America.

This restaurant wasn't established until the 1950s, but its building dates to the 1920s, having served time as both a funeral home and a furniture store. Today, the atmosphere is far livelier – the real attraction is the steak, cut and aged on-site and beloved by generations of Anchorage locals. If you’re feeling indulgent, go for the legendary 4-inch-thick filet mignon. And don’t miss the glowing neon sign out front, an unmistakable landmark of this iconic steakhouse.

Durant’s is a Phoenix institution – its dim lighting, red leather booths, and air of timelessness make it feel untouched by the decades. Part of its enduring mystique comes from its founder, the late Jack Durant, long rumored to have had connections with mobster Bugsy Siegel. In February 2025, the steakhouse entered a new chapter when James Beard–nominated brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, along with their father Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo, acquired the restaurant. Currently closed for renovations, Durant’s is scheduled to reopen later this year.

McClard's Bar-B-Q was opened in 1928 by Alex and Alice McClard, who ran a Hot Springs motel. When a traveler couldn't afford to pay for his room, he offered the couple a recipe for barbecue sauce instead, and the rest is history. The restaurant is still in the McClard family today, and, besides its famous sauce, it's also known for being a favorite spot of Arkansas native Bill Clinton – he even had his 60th birthday party here. 

Renowned worldwide for its devotion to local, seasonal ingredients, Chez Panisse remains a pilgrimage site for food lovers. Founded in 1971 by the now-legendary Alice Waters, the restaurant continues to craft a daily changing four-course menu built around produce grown on its own organic farm or sourced from within 50 miles. Past highlights have included spit-roasted Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed rib-eye with eggplant fritters and glazed onions, and Sonoma County duck with green lentils, tender turnips, and garlicky greens.

Prices are high and reservations hard to score at The French Laundry, often described by food critics as the gourmet experience of a lifetime. Thomas Keller has been one of the most celebrated chefs in America for around 30 years, and his California restaurant has held three Michelin stars since 2007. Its two nine-course tasting menus change every day, and no ingredient appears more than once during the meal. If you spot truffle-infused custard on the menu, you're in luck.

Drawing both locals and visitors, My Brother’s Bar holds the title of Denver’s oldest continuously operating bar, with roots reaching back to 1873. Since 1970, it's been run by its current owners, who’ve preserved its cozy, laid-back charm. Beloved for its unpretentious vibe, warm service, and hearty pub fare, the bar has earned a loyal following. Standout favorites include the Ragin’ Chicken sandwich with Cajun mayo, the loaded red chili nachos, and the JCB – a signature burger layered with jalapeño cream and melted cheese.

Few restaurants embody the spirit of Colorado quite like The Fort in Morrison. Designed to resemble an 1830s adobe trading post, it delivers an immersive Old West experience, with a menu highlighting regional specialties such as bison, elk, and Colorado trout. Since opening in 1963, The Fort has been delighting guests with hearty, frontier-inspired fare served in a warm, rustic setting. Its seamless blend of history, atmosphere, and cuisine has secured its place as one of the state’s most iconic dining destinations.

Made famous by the Julia Roberts film of the same name, Mystic Pizza has become a beloved landmark in Mystic, Connecticut. Its tagline, 'A slice of heaven,' rings true for the crowds who flock here – not just for the pizza, but also for hearty salads, soups, chicken wings, and the joint's ever-popular deep-fried pickles. While only the exterior appeared in the movie (the interior scenes were shot on a soundstage), the restaurant later remodeled its dining room to mirror the film’s set, cementing its status as both a local favorite and a cult destination.

It's no surprise that Delaware's most famous restaurant can be found in one of the state's most famous buildings: the landmark Hotel Du Pont. The Green Room, known for its lavish design and oak detailing, first opened over a century ago. It's now fresh from renovations, having been reimagined as Le Cavalier at The Green Room. The menu has remained classic, and diners can still embrace the history, feasting on much-loved dishes like the Hotel Du Pont shrimp cocktail, oysters, and French onion soup.

Since opening in 1956, the legendary Bern’s has become a pilgrimage spot for both locals and visitors in search of an unforgettable dining experience. Guests often begin with indulgent starters (think shrimp cocktails, oysters, or selections from the dedicated caviar menu) before moving on to cut-to-order prime steaks, the house specialty. And the evening doesn’t end there; upstairs, the famed dessert room tempts with more than 40 sweet creations, 15 house-made ice cream flavors, and a curated selection of artisan cheeses. Bern’s promises 'an experience to remember' – and it delivers.

A Miami Beach institution, Joe's Stone Crab dates to 1913, when Joe Weiss opened a small lunch counter serving fresh seafood to locals. Still in the same family, it now has several locations, but the original spot remains as popular as ever. As its name suggests, stone crabs are the star attraction, served in a setting that's welcomed countless celebrities over the years. Literary fame adds to its lore – Joe’s is said to have been the inspiration for 'Bill’s on the Beach' in Goldfinger, home to what Ian Fleming called the best meal James Bond ever ate.

Since opening in 1945, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has expanded from a single dining room to six, yet much of its charm remains unchanged. Guests still jot down orders on table notepads, first-time diners are welcomed with a complimentary cornbread muffin, and the menu continues to showcase Southern staples like crispy fried chicken and peach cobbler. Over the decades, this Atlanta institution has drawn a remarkable roster of visitors, from the Dalai Lama to Beyoncé, James Brown, and Hillary Clinton.

Housed in a former boarding house, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room has been a Savannah staple since 1943, when Sema Wilkes first welcomed guests to her table. The restaurant is best known for its communal dining tradition, where strangers become fast friends over platters of Southern home-style cooking. The spread is as generous as it is comforting: think golden fried chicken, tender meatloaf, and a parade of sides ranging from mac ’n’ cheese and coleslaw to baked beans and collard greens.

Many Hawaiians will tell you there's nothing like the original Roy's in Hawaii Kai, run by the James Beard Award–winning Roy Yamaguchi. Famous for its explosive Hawaiian Japanese fusion cuisine, Roy's was also one of the first restaurants to bring poke into the mainstream. Signatures include blackened ahi, plus exciting creations such as butterfish with sweet ginger and wasabi beurre blanc.

Big Jud's, which has three locations in Idaho, reckons its burgers aren't just known all over the state – they're world famous. It might have something to do with the size of them, because Big Jud's is the home of the one-pound burger. If that's still not enough for you, try the Big Jud's Challenge: finish a 2lb burger, a large plate of fries, and a large drink in under 30 minutes, and you'll get your name on the Wall of Fame (and your meal for free).

Helmed by the visionary chef Grant Achatz, Alinea has earned its place among the world’s most influential restaurants since opening in 2005, garnering numerous awards and three coveted Michelin stars. The restaurant is renowned for its immersive approach to dining, engaging not just the palate but the senses of sight, smell, and touch. Known for pushing the boundaries of fine dining, Alinea delights guests with inventive creations – most famously its tabletop dessert, artfully prepared by chefs directly on the table before your eyes.

It’s no small feat for a restaurant to celebrate more than a century in business and still rank among the country’s top steakhouses, yet St. Elmo Steak House – opened in 1902 – does just that. In addition to the extensive steak menu, people still come for St. Elmo's famous (and spicy) shrimp cocktail. The spot's other claim to fame is that it's one of Parks and Recreation character Ron Swanson's favorite steak houses; in the episode 'Two Parties,' he marks the bachelor party he never had at St. Elmo.

Opened in 1920, this celebrated steakhouse continues to thrill diners with steaks sizzling in extra virgin olive oil, butter, and a signature Greek seasoning blend. Founded by Greek immigrants Pete Maduras and Tony Papouchis, the Mason City institution is now run by Papouchis’ son Bill and his wife Ann, who are dedicated to preserving its Greek heritage. Even today, the menu remains largely faithful to the original recipes, keeping the flavors and traditions of the past alive.

Revered for its burnt-end sandwiches, this restaurant (previously known as Oklahoma Joe's) has a humble origin story. It began life in a gas station, yet today it's the recipient of countless accolades, including being named as one of Anthony Bourdain's '13 places you must eat before you die.' It also gained national attention in 2014, when President Barack Obama's team ordered $1,400 worth of takeout food to eat on Air Force One.

Established in 1933, Jack Fry's is a Louisville landmark that retains much of its historical charm. The fine dining restaurant showcases Southern flavors using French cooking techniques, with dishes such as roasted chicken with Brussels sprouts, country ham hash, and walnut Parmesan crema. Customers love both the food and the atmosphere here. 

In a city bursting at the seams with culinary delights, Commander's Palace remains one of New Orleans' most notable landmarks – and not just for its striking turquoise Victorian façade. Established in the city's beautiful Garden District in 1893, this elegant restaurant has been the training ground for several notable chefs, including Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. It serves haute Creole cuisine in a charming setting, and the seafood gumbo is a must-order.

As New Orleans’ oldest restaurant, Antoine’s has quite the story to tell. Founded in 1840, the establishment has moved locations, lived through many wars, and welcomed countless celebrities during its time. It’s now owned and operated by the fifth-generation relatives of its original founder, and it's become renowned for its iconic décor and menu classics. An order of Oysters Rockefeller is a must when visiting. The seafood gumbo and mushroom bourguignon are also highly recommended.

A 19th-century mill in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere might seem an unlikely setting for one of the hardest-to-book restaurants in the country (it only takes reservations by notecard, and it receives 20,000 a year), but that's where you'll find The Lost Kitchen. Chef Erin French opened her farm-to-table joint in 2014, and since then it's become a phenomenon, spawning a cookbook, TV show, and memoir. If you can't score a restaurant reservation, there's a shop and farmers' market on site, too.

There are several notable restaurants in Maryland, so it's hard to single out just one – but Baltimore's Woodberry Kitchen has surpassed its trendy status to become an enduring foodie destination. With many celebrity customers, including Michelle Obama, who dined here with daughter Malia in 2016, the restaurant is known for its American farm-to-table cuisine, and it's often praised for its commitment to sourcing locally. 

Opened in 1826, Union Oyster House is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. Over the course of its history, it's counted JFK, American statesman Daniel Webster, and even Louis Philippe, King of France among its regulars (the king lived above the restaurant during his exile in the late 18th century). As its name suggests, it specializes in seafood, and its clam chowder is rightly famous. 

One of Michigan's most unique and well-loved restaurants is the incredible Bavarian Inn. Opened in 1888 in the Bavarian-themed town Frankenmuth, the restaurant claims that more than 20 million guests have come to feast on its world famous, all-you-can-eat, German family–style dinners. And while Bronner's, tipped as the world's largest Christmas store, is the town's main draw, it's rare that visitors don't stop by for a meal at the Bavarian Inn, too.

Minnesota may boast James Beard Award–winning restaurants and a host of exceptional steakhouses, but its most iconic culinary creation is the Jucy Lucy (or Juicy Lucy). A legendary rivalry rages between Matt’s Bar and The 5-8 Club over who invented the beloved burger – a thick beef patty stuffed with molten, gooey cheese. Matt’s, which has welcomed high-profile visitors including Barack Obama, is often considered the more famous of the two – but why not taste them both and decide for yourself?

Opened in 1935 by Greek immigrants, the Mayflower Cafe has long been a local favorite for both steak and seafood. Yet it’s the restaurant’s legendary comeback sauce that truly sets it apart. This iconic Mississippi condiment – a tangy, slightly spicy blend of mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, and other seasonings – is drizzled over salads, slathered on fried green tomatoes, and enjoyed with just about everything. The café’s fame has even reached a national audience, thanks to its appearance in the film The Help.

Arthur Bryant's started life as an alley stand serving food for Garment District workers in Kansas City. Today, it's one of the most famous barbecue joints not only in Missouri, but in the whole country. Despite being a relatively bare-bones joint – think unpretentious décor and fluorescent lighting – the barbecue restaurant has seen a serious number of notable diners over the years, from Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford to John McCain and Barack Obama. Beef brisket burnt ends and burnt end sandwiches are among the top dishes.

Often celebrated as Montana’s finest restaurant, Lucca’s has achieved near-legendary status, proudly proclaiming that 'when you come to Lucca’s, you’re not eating out – you’re dining out.' The menu features impeccably executed Italian classics, from crispy calamari fritti and tender veal scallopini to zesty shrimp fra diavolo (shrimp cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with white wine, garlic, and herbs).

In a city – and a state – renowned for its beef, The Drover has distinguished itself with its signature whiskey-marinated steaks, a tradition that's delighted diners for more than 40 years. While the ingredients of the marinade remain a closely guarded secret, the steaks soak for just 15 minutes, letting the rich flavor of Nebraskan beef shine through. Beyond the food, guests also appreciate the restaurant’s Western-style décor and warm, inviting atmosphere.

Sure, Las Vegas boasts countless celebrity-chef eateries, Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, and award-winning restaurants – but sometimes it’s the spots that never change that leave the biggest mark. The Golden Steer has welcomed an extraordinary roster of famous guests, from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to Joe DiMaggio and Muhammad Ali. Today, it offers a taste of vintage Vegas amid the city’s modern glitz, serving its iconic steaks in charmingly old-school surroundings.

Since opening in 2012, small-plates restaurant Moxy has become one of the hottest culinary spots in the Northeastern US. Owner and chef Matt Louis is a four-time semi-finalist for the James Beard Best Chef title, and the restaurant delivers dishes inspired by local farmers, fishmongers, culture, and history. The menu changes regularly, but expect delights like fried clams, crisp pork belly, beef short rib marmalade, and whoopie pie sliders with chocolate dipping sauce.

Dating back to 1942, this East Newark spot is something of a legend in New Jersey and beyond. There’s a reason for that: this is far from your average diner. The interiors are sleek, and the food is exceptional. In addition to the usual stalwarts of milkshakes, burgers, and meatloaf, you can expect delights like English-style fish and chips, and Cajun shrimp with chicken jambalaya.

It's hard to believe that New Mexico's largest Mexican restaurant (it can seat more than 1,200 people at a time) started out as just one room with only a handful of tables. Open since 1962, Albuquerque's El Pinto still serves up some of the best Mexican food in the state, and its brand of sauces and salsas is now sold nationwide. The restaurant is particularly worth visiting in summer, when you can enjoy a leisurely meal out on one of the leafy patios.

New York is a city full of iconic restaurants, from Peter Luger to Grand Central Oyster Bar, but no spot is better known than Katz's. Founded in 1888, the deli has appeared in countless TV shows and movies – most famously, When Harry Met Sally (the table at which the scene was filmed now has a plaque that reads: 'Where Harry met Sally...hope you have what she had'). You'll probably have to wait in line, but the legendary pastrami sandwiches are worth it. 

A buzzy New York City joint, Carbone is one of the country’s best-loved Italian restaurants. The space – complete with stylish artwork, white tablecloth–lined tables, and red and white curtains that are almost always drawn shut – is a hit with celebrities, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find an A-lister dining next to you. The menu is equally impressive, with baked clams, lobster ravioli, and chocolate hazelnut terrine popular among customers. Carbone also has locations in Dallas, Miami, and Las Vegas.

What began in 1916 as a humble hot dog stand has grown into the global phenomenon that is Nathan’s Famous, with locations around the world and branded products in grocery stores. While the menu now includes chicken, burgers, and shakes, it’s the iconic hot dogs that keep fans coming back to the original Coney Island location – they're succulent, juicy, and impossible to resist.

In an idyllic setting just outside of Chapel Hill, Fearrington House Restaurant has been feeding happy diners since 1980. Combining the culinary traditions of the American South and the techniques of European cooking with locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant was doing the farm-to-table thing before it was a buzz phrase. 

North Dakota is renowned for its beef, and Peacock Alley makes the most of the state's bounty. It's held up as one of the best spots for steak in the state and has several awards and accolades to its name. The burgers – including the Ultimate Burger, featuring smoked bacon, Gorgonzola cheese crumbles, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms on a pretzel bun – are always a winning choice.

Built in 1803, this historic Colonial building has hosted an impressive 12 US presidents over the years. Today, The Golden Lamb – believed to be Ohio’s longest continuously operating business – continues to welcome travelers, serving classic comfort fare like burgers, fried chicken, shrimp, and ribs in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

First opened in 1910 as a café, Oklahoma City's Cattlemen's was set up to serve the ranchers, cowboys, and cattle haulers working in the region. It became Cattlemen's Steakhouse in 1945, when it changed hands following a high-stakes dice game, and over the years it's served everyone from John Wayne to George Bush Senior (who favored the joint's T-bone). It doesn't just trade on its history, though; its steaks are as good as ever.

The name says it all at this Portland institution, which has been delighting diners since 1892 and remains both a local favorite and a must-visit for tourists. Guests join the ranks of Humphrey Bogart, Madonna, and Michael Jordan, all of whom have savored the restaurant's fresh seafood. While the crawfish takes center stage, the Dungeness crab and bay shrimp cakes are also perennial favorites.

Opened in 2008, this Israeli restaurant in the heart of Philadelphia slowly gained popularity – then, a few years ago, it started winning big awards and demanding attention on a national level. Named Outstanding Restaurant at the 2019 James Beard Awards, it's consistently ranked among the best in America. The restaurant's signature dish – pomegranate lamb shoulder with chickpeas – is a whole lamb shoulder that's been dry-aged, smoked, and glazed with pomegranate molasses for an incredibly intense yet sophisticated flavor.

Thought to be the oldest tavern building in the United States, Newport’s White Horse Tavern is a true slice of history. Established in 1673, it was once run by a pirate in the 18th century – and later, it housed loyalists and British troops during the Occupation of Newport in the Revolutionary War. Today, the focus is on fresh, local fare: fish, clams, and lobster from Narragansett Bay, alongside artisan cheeses, honey, and beef sourced from nearby farms.

No barbecue for South Carolina? Surprising, maybe, but not unexpected when it's also home to one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the Southeast. Charleston's multi award–winning Husk (which now has locations in Savannah and Nashville, Tennessee) has one guiding philosophy: if an ingredient isn't from the South, it's not coming in the kitchen. Expect dishes like slow-smoked pork ribs, crispy catfish, and fried cornbread panzanella on the frequently changing menu. 

Established in 1949, the family-run Pheasant became the first restaurant in South Dakota to win a James Beard Award when it scored an America's Classics gong in 2024. It started life as a gas station and café and is now an upscale casual dining destination serving dishes such as bison burgers and steaks, local lamb, duck wings, and house-made ice cream. 

The Loveless Cafe’s towering neon sign is nearly as legendary as the café itself, making this Nashville institution impossible to miss. Serving Southern comfort food favorites since 1951, it's retained all its rustic charm – from red checkered tablecloths to warm, friendly service. Celebrities including Taylor Swift, Martha Stewart, and Dolly Parton have all dined here, and the café churns out up to 10,000 biscuits a day to satisfy eager customers.

Given that Fayette County has such a small population, it might seem strange to suggest that it’s also home to one of the most famous restaurants in Texas, and yet Royers Round Top Café has a state-wide reputation for dishing up incredible food in a brilliantly quirky atmosphere. People travel from far and wide to sample the gourmet, Southern-style comfort food and delicious pies at this unique bistro – the customer favorite pie is the Sweet 'N Salty, a combination of chocolate fudge and caramel sprinkled with sea salt, but really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.

In a state celebrated for its barbecue, it takes something special to stand out – but meat lovers flock to this sprawling ranch, just half an hour outside Austin. The legendary pit has been turning out mouthwatering barbecue since 1967, with brisket, pulled pork, and bison ribs among the perennial favorites.

Ruth's Diner originally opened in downtown Salt Lake City in 1930, but it moved to its current, leafier location on Emigration Canyon in 1949, where it still sits in one of the city's old trolley cars. The eponymous Ruth started out as a cabaret singer before turning her hand to the diner – and the food still has an excellent reputation. The breakfasts are especially popular and can be enjoyed on the patio in warmer months.

When it opened in 2005, Waterbury's Hen of the Wood ushered in a new era of farm-to-table dining in Vermont – and quickly became one of the hottest tables around. The dishes are simple and down to earth, but exquisitely crafted from local ingredients. In 2013, an equally lauded sister restaurant opened in Burlington, and both spots continue to be hugely popular.

This beautiful village inn was established in 1728, back when Middleburg, Virginia was called Chinn's Crossroads. The historic property has seen an incredible number of notable people pass through its doors, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Tom Cruise, Paul Newman, and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern's history is apparent throughout, but there are modern menus showcasing local produce, too.

When Peter Canlis wanted to build a restaurant back in the 1950s, central Seattle locations were all too expensive, so he settled for a venue way up on the edge of a cliff outside of the city. Years later, the seemingly awkward location has paid off, because diners rave about the breathtaking views as well as the exceptional food. Now with numerous James Beard Awards and Wine Spectator Grand Awards, Canlis is one of Seattle's most fascinating places to eat. 

Said to be America’s first resort, the Greenbrier has been welcoming guests – and diners – for over a century. Its Main Dining Room has changed little over the decades, exuding a timeless historic charm that resonates throughout its elegant walls. The fine dining restaurant offers classic, expertly prepared dishes such as roasted hen and glazed pork loin, maintaining its reputation as one of the nation’s most celebrated dining rooms.

With roots stretching back to 1902, Mader’s is a quintessential German restaurant, renowned for traditional fare such as pork patties, wiener schnitzel, and Bavarian platters featuring an array of sausages, potato dumplings, and tangy sauerkraut. Over its long history, Mader’s has attracted a star-studded clientele: Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford have all dined here, while musicians from Britney Spears and Katy Perry to Kanye West and Eric Clapton have been spotted enjoying its historic charm.

Few places boast a history as storied as Wyoming’s The Irma – often called Buffalo Bill’s The Irma. Built by William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody and named after his daughter, the hotel features a famous cherrywood bar, a gift from Queen Victoria herself. Today, just as when it first opened, The Irma is a lively social hub, serving classic American favorites such as steaks, burgers, seafood, and hearty chicken pot pies.

Now discover America's most historic fast food joints

Last updated by Jessica Morris.