What's the best part of going on vacation? The food!
Travel and cuisine go hand in hand, from sipping mojitos in Miami Beach to munching on a hot dog in Chicago. An essential part of getting to know any town is indulging in the local fare. It gives you a glimpse into people's daily lives, history, and culture.
When exploring the United States, you'll find that each city features its own unique cuisine as well as dishes from every corner of the world. New eateries are constantly popping up, and old favorites update their menus, so every bite can be an adventure no matter how often you visit.
Below, you'll find some of the top foodie destinations in the US — whether you're in the mood for seafood and coffee in Seattle or loaded bagels in New York City.
The Best Foodie Destinations in the US
Chicago
What makes Chicago one of the top foodie destinations in the US is its diversity. Home to a melting pot of immigrant communities, there's no uniform food culture. Instead, you'll find a cornucopia of delicious meals from around the world in every corner of the city.
In the mood for Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza? Visit Bacino's in-person or order online to find the cheese under the sauce!
Where’s the cheese? When you’re at Bacino’s, it’s under the sauce!
Hunger pains hitting you at 2 am? Feast on a Chicago dog near Wrigley Stadium or head to Uptown and indulge in Vietnamese. Slurp up a steaming bowl of pho from Tank Noodle, overflowing with rice noodles and thinly sliced brisket.
For something spicy, make your way to South Chicago's Pilsen district. The area is known for its plethora of Mexican restaurants. Stock up on street tacos, or sit down at Con Huevos and try their huevos rancheros.
New York City
When most people think of New York City, three things come to mind:
Towering skyscrapers
The flashing lights of Broadway
Ridiculously sized pizza slices
But while the city is known for its Italian food, thanks in part to the large Italian-American community, there's more to its delicious food scene than pizza.
On a budget? Wander down to Chelsea Market. The location has been feeding hungry New Yorkers since 1997 and boasts a variety of cuisines.
Dig in to Sarge’s “Monster Sandwich”, if you dare!
A few blocks east of the Empire State Building, you can find a true deli experience at Sarge's Delicatessen and Diner.
If you're visiting the Big Apple for a special occasion and want to splurge, the fine dining options in NYC won't let you down. Head to Le Coucou, or order online, to sample the French cuisine creations of internationally acclaimed chef Daniel Rose.
San Francisco
If you only have time for one foodie destination in the US, plan a trip to San Francisco. It's home to over 1700 wineries in the north, an artisanal sourdough cult following, a burrito institution, and a whole bunch of Michelin-awarded restaurants.
To get an authentic taste of San Francisco, sign up for a food tour. You'll nibble on seafood street eats, explore the Ferry Building Farmer's Market, and snack on some of the best dim sum in the US.
Oh, and don't skip out on brunch. It's a regular Sunday tradition in San Francisco. Some of the best brunch spots include:
Portal’s steak and eggs is the perfect way to start your day.
Portal: Dine on breakfast classics with fresh, local ingredients, great flavors, and talented chefs.
Campton Place: Discover Indian brunch and feast on selections such as Maine lobster with coconut curry sauce, ricotta dumplings, and warm garlic naan buns.
Brenda's French Soul Food: Find New Orleans dishes such as crawfish and cheddar cheese, fried catfish Benedict, and butter pecan brioche French toast at this staple of the SF brunch scene.
Seattle
Seattle has a lot to offer the hungry traveler. It's the epicenter of coffee culture (home to the original Starbucks), and its Pike Place Market tops everyone's must-visit lists. The famed farmers market is known for its "seafood sling."
Sample the oysters at The Walrus and the Carpenter, the curried mussels at The Whale Wins, and stop for drinks post-gorge at the Zig Zag Cafe and Can Can Kitchen & Cabaret.
Some of Seattle’s best poke can be found at Beyond the Bowl.
Oriental Mart and Beyond the Bowl are also must-tries while visiting the Seattle area!
Final Foodie Thoughts
With so many cities serving up delectable dishes, it's hard to choose just one to visit.
Unfortunately, the pandemic may prevent some people from traveling far from home for the time being. If you are unable to travel, consider exploring your own neighborhood for unique and exciting cuisines. Discover a locally owned restaurant and order online for curbside pickup or delivery.
Which other foodie destinations in the US are on your bucket list?
Order delivery or takeout from a restaurant in your neighborhood by visiting www.menufy.com or downloading our mobile app (Android or iOS).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Dimmitt, Marketing Communications Coordinator
Melissa began her digital marketing career nearly a decade ago at a restaurant group. She worked with restaurant managers and executive chefs while coordinating seasonal menu releases, executing photoshoots, and creating fresh digital content.