Let’s face it: choosing a restaurant can be hard. No matter if you’re trying to find a place around your hometown or while you’re on vacation, looking a bunch up online can just be overwhelming. That’s why we’re doing the research for you. We’ve rounded up 100 of the best restaurants across the US, and we even ended up choosing two from each state, to give you more options.
Some restaurants are fancy and great for date nights and others are one-of-a-kind places you can only find in that state that are good to go to with your friends or family. But the one thing that all of the places have in common is that they are delicious! In fact, we bet you’ll want to go to some of them a second and third time after you experience their goodness for yourself.
Check out all of the places below. They’ll be helpful the next time someone asks you where you want to eat because you can just pull up this list and name an amazing restaurant.
Best Restaurants Near Me
Alabama
Montgomery, AL
With thousands of reviews, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a must when you’re in the south. It serves cocktails, steaks and seafood in an upscale, lodge-like setting. It’s open from 11:00 am-10:00 pm Sunday -Thursday and Friday and Saturday 11:00 am-11:00 pm.
Birmingham, AL
Highlands Bar & Grill is a staple when it comes to the food scene in Birmingham. It has a French-inspired seasonal menu, as well as Southern dishes, a full drink menu that includes wines from France and California, and rotating entrees. And while it closed during Covid, it is coming back this summer, so get ready to go!
Alaska
Anchorage, AK
The Crow’s Nest is an AAA Four Diamond restaurant. It offers both New American and French cuisine, with local seafood. Plus, you’ll get the most breathtaking views of the water and mountains when you’re there. It’s open from 5:00 pm-10:00 pm Tuesday-Thursday and until 10:30 pm on Friday-Saturday.
Juneau, AK
If you want great Alaskan food, go to The Rookery Café. The chef draws on his native-Alaskan roots for the menu that includes things like salmon chorizo and seared halibut. It’s closed on Monday and Sunday, but open the rest of the week.
Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
One thing that sets Kai apart is that its menu is inspired by the Pima and Maricopa tribes native to the area. One of the most popular dishes there is buffalo tenderloin, so we suggest you try that if you’re not sure what to go with.
Tip: It also has large windows so try to go right around the time the sun is going to set so you can see it while you’re eating.
Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re looking for a good date spot to celebrate a special occasion, go to Café Monarch. It serves New American meals and has a menu that is always changing. Plus, did we mention that it is chandelier-lit? It’s open until 10:30 pm all nights except for Friday and Saturday when it’s open until 11:30 pm.
Little Rock, AR
If you like southern food, you have to try One Eleven at the Capital Hotel. Its menu is elevated Southern comfort food, so you’ll feel at home eating things like grits and shrimp and scallops. It’s a place you have to try at least once.
Arkansas
Bentonville, AR
You can find The Hive inside the Museum Hotel. It has amazing southern cuisine and seasonally rotating cocktails. You can go there for brunch or dinner—all of which look amazing! Just check out their gallery online, and you’ll see what we mean.
Jasper, AR
Ozark Café is open all week long. It not only serves amazing burgers (try their deep-fried burger), hand-cut fries and chocolate gravy, but it has live music there on Saturday nights as well. It’s open from 7:00 am-9:00 pm.
California
Los Angeles, CA
Craig’s opened in LA in 2011 and specializes in American food, like pizza, steak, honey truffle chicken and cheeseburgers, so even picky eaters will enjoy this place. And seeing how it’s known for its celebrity clientele, you may even spot a famous face like Joe Jonas or Kim Kardashian while you’re there. Call to make reservations.
Salinas, CA
People always argue over which burger joint is the best in the country, so try out California’s go-to burger spot In-N-Out Burger and make your own judgment. Make sure to order something off of their not-so-secret “secret” menu, like their animal-style fries or animal-style burger.
Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO
Edelweiss German Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that has been passed down from generation to generation. It serves authentic German cuisine and is decorated with German memorabilia so it has a cozy cottage vibe. It opens at 11:00 am.
Aspen, CO
J-Bar is a historic bar with vintage charm that’s inside of Hotel Jerome. What should you eat there? Try their short-rib tacos, flat-iron steak or a burger.
Connecticut
New Haven
Seeing how Louis’ Lunch claims to have invented the hamburger, how could you not want to eat there if you’re in town. It’s a 125-year-old institution that has been run by the same family for four generations. They are open Tuesday-Wednesday noon-9:00 pm and Thursday-Saturday noon-11:00 pm for dine-in and takeout.
Delaware
New Castle, DE
Jessop’s Tavern is a colonial-inspired restaurant. They aim to bring pubs from the 1700s into the present-day with their unique menu, décor and staff attire. In fact, the waiters dress in period costumes while they are serving you. We recommend trying their Shepherd’s Pie if you need a food suggestion.
Rehoboth, DE
You can never go wrong with Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats. They have live music and upscale pub grub, like wood-fired pizza, cheddar brie grilled cheese and seared tuna tacos. It’s o
pen from 3:00 pm-10:00 pm.
Florida
Tampa, FL
If you love Cuban food, go to La Teresita. It’s a local favorite and even has two different sides you can sit on. One is a sit-down area and better for families to eat at and the other is set up like a diner, where you can eat at a counter.
Miami, FL
Joe’s Stone Crab is a famous seafood joint. People from all over flock to it to eat there. Everything they serve is good, but they are known for their killer crabs and key lime pie. You can eat there every day except for Monday when it’s closed.
Georgia
Atlanta, GA
With over 25,000 (yes you read that right) reviews online, how could you pass up going to SluttyVegan ATL? It’s a hipster counter-serve spot that has amazing vegan food, like their plant-based burgers. You’ll be sorry if you don’t give this bangin’ plant-based restaurant a try.
Helen, GA
Are you a fan of steakhouses? If so, you’ll love Cowboys & Angels Restaurant. It has everything from fried green tomatoes to buttermilk fried chicken and center-cut filet. It’s open from 11:00 am-10:00 pm.
Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
Your taste buds will fall in love with Roy’s. It’s an iconic restaurant that serves island favorites like swordfish and Hawaiian mixed plates. Its outside bar is open from 4:00 pm-10:00 pm and dinner from 4:30 pm-9:30 pm.
Maui, HI
If you’re in Maui and searching for a great place to eat, head over to Mama’s Fish House. It’s a go-to spot for both tourists and locals and has amazing food like stuffed Mahi Mahi. Dinner starts at 4:00 pm.
Idaho
Boise, ID
Hungry? Go to Bar Gernika! There you can eat your heart out with dishes like lamb grinders and marinated pork loin with pimientos. It’s open until 8:00 pm on weekdays and until 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Idaho Falls, ID
Steaks? Check. Seafood? Check. Amazing desserts? Check. You can find all of these foods and more at Stockman’s Restaurant. Make sure you make reservations before you go.
Illinois
Hardin, IL
You might be at a crossroads trying to decide what to eat when you go to Illinois Riverdock Restaurant because everything there is so good. They serve smoked meats, fresh fish and have homemade desserts. They’re open from 7:00 am-8:00 pm every day but Monday and Tuesday.
Chicago, IL
The Gage specializes in American eats and has a long list of beers on their menu. They’ve won tons of awards and you can’t pick anything bad to try. Make sure you check their times before you go because they vary.
Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
If you and your family are searching for a place to eat, go to The Tamale Place. It has everything from tamales, tacos, tortas and more. They are closed on Sundays.
Westfield, IN (plus other central Indiana locations)
You can never go wrong with breakfast food, no matter what time of day it is! That’s why you need to try Lincoln Square Pancake House. It’s a daytime diner that has all the breakfast classics you could dream of.
Iowa
Sherrill, IA
With made-from-scratch pork chop, pies and fried chicken, The Breitbach’s Country Dining is where you need to go to get some down-home midwestern cooking. It’s been around since 1852 and is an Iowa favorite. It even has weekend buffets.
Des Moines, IA
The Iowa Taproom in Des Moines has over two thousand reviews, so you know it has to be good. It has locally sourced New-American food and over 100 regional craft beers. It opens at 11:00 every day.
Kansas
Kansas City, KS
Have you ever tried Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q? If BBQ is your favorite type of food, then you need to go there. It has over 10,500 reviews online, making it a super-popular spot. You can choose from pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, smoked turkey, beef brisket, and more.
Wichita, KS
Newport Grill takes seafood to new heights. It’s a seafood-focused grill restaurant and has a beautiful deck you can sit and eat on that overlooks a small lake. Reserve your table online now.
Kentucky
Augusta, KY
Located in the small town of August, is Augusta Pub. It offers indoor and outdoor dining, as well as foods like ribs and pulled pork. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday and even hosts fun events, like Pub Trivia.
Lexington, KY
If you’re in Central Kentucky, head over to Kentucky Native Café. It has a rotating selection of Lexington’s craft beer, Bavarian pretzels, fresh salads, gelato, and more. You can go from 4:00 pm-10:00 pm Tuesday-Friday or 11:00 am-10:00 pm on the weekend.
Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
Commander’s Place in New Orleans has been around since 1893. You can find it in the Garden District and enjoy its award-winning menu. It’s a place you and your family can all go for a nice meal together.
Shreveport, LA
You have to try Marilynn’s Place! It has bread pudding, fried shrimp, crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice and seafood gumbo… just to name a few things. You can go there for brunch on Sunday (10:00 am-2:00 pm) or during the week for lunch or dinner during the week.
Maine
Harpswell, ME
Whenever you’re in Maine, consider stopping at Dolphin Marina & Restaurant. You won’t only get delicious seafood, but you’ll also get panoramic views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands.
Wells, ME
The south isn’t the only place you can get comfort food, Maine has some great places too. Maine Diner in Wells offers Maine-style comfort foods, like lobster pie, lobster chowder, homemade clam chowder, chicken pot pie, homemade macaroni and cheese and more.
Maryland
Annapolis, MD
Miss Shirley’s Café is a homey place that has all sorts of American food. However, to make things stand out, they put a regional twist on their menu items. You may even recognize them from being featured on several famous Food Network Shows.
Frederick, MD
Do you like crab cakes? If so, have some at Jerry’s Place. They also offer other seafood dishes and lots of homemade desserts that locals rave about.
Massachusetts
Cambridge, MA
If you’re a fan of Italian food, you’ll enjoy Pammy’s. It has homemade pasta and fine wines. Talk about a winning combination.
Boston, MA
When you’re in Boston, make sure you go to The Friendly Toast Restaurant at some point. It’s a retro-kitchen diner and bar that is known for its creative menu. No matter what meal you eat there, you’ll be happy.
Michigan
Huron, MI
You can try some of the best food in Michigan at The Vintage Tavern. It offers upscale dining in a casual atmosphere that has 1800s décor. Plus, it even has a roof deck and a menu of wines and spirits.
Benzonia, MI
If you could eat Mexican food for every meal, go to The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill. It’s an upbeat Mexican restaurant that has fun décor and live music. It’s open for indoor and outdoor dining, but not carry-out.
Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
Restaurant Alma hit the food scene in 1999. Since then, it’s been a popular place for locals. The menu gives a nod to the city’s Scandinavian heritage. You can stop by Thursday-Sunday from 8:00 am-2:00 pm and 5:00 pm-9:00 pm.
Bloomington, MN
If pasta is your food of choice, you’re in luck because Ciao Bella has an assortment of it. It also has a long wine list and you can even enjoy your meal out on a patio.
Mississippi
Oxford, MS
Don’t worry, City Grocery isn’t a grocery store. It’s a restaurant that combines fine dining with Southern classics, like shrimp and grits. Check it out when you’re nearby and you’ll see why people are obsessed with it.
Jackson, MS
Head over to Sugar’s Place for some of the southern food of your dreams. They serve hefty plates of your faves and are open from 7:00 am-3:00 pm every day for breakfast and lunch except for on the weekends.
Missouri
St. Louis, MO
People can’t get enough of Pappy’s Smokehouse. In fact, they wait in long lines to gets a taste of the slow-smoked meats that fall right off the bone. It’s the Memphis-styled BBQ spot in town.
Ozark, MO
When it comes to popularity, Lambert’s Café is up there. It has over 16,000 reviews online and offers all kinds of southern food. They’ve even been featured on the Travel Channel’s Chow Down Countdown.
Montana
Billings, MT
Even if you’re not a huge burger person, The Burger Dive will change that. They have won multiple awards for their burgers, including the World Food Championships for their “I’m Your Huckleberry,” which is Angus beef topped with huckleberry-hatch-chili barbecue sauce, goat cheese, red-pepper mayo, bacon and arugula.
Kalispell, MT
The Montana Club Restaurant will make your mouth water with their menu. They have slow-roasted prime rib, steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and more. They even have Happy Hour from 3:oo pm-5:50 pm feature BOGO drinks and special $5 appetizers.
Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
Unfortunately, FireWorks Restaurant doesn’t actually have a fireworks display, but they do have awesome food. They have wood-fired cuisine from rotisserie meats to pizza. It’s a good place to go for a family night out.
Omaha, NE
If you want to go somewhere sophisticated in Omaha, drive to Le Voltaire French Restaurant. It’s a chew-owned restaurant that serves wine and traditional French dishes. It’s the perfect date spot.
Nevada
Las Vegas, ND
If you didn’t think you could find great Thai food in Nevada, you’re wrong. The menu at Lotus of Siam was crafted by chef Saipin Chutima using old family recipes and is a hot spot in Vegas to eat. Everything is so good that you’ll have trouble choosing which Northern Thai food you want to try.
Boulder City, NV
If you’re not sure where to stop and eat, try Southwest Diner. It’s located in the cutest town and has American classics and Tex-Mex food. It opens at 7:00 am and stays open until different times each day, so check before you head over.
New Hampshire
Sugar Hill, NH
Imagine a place where you can go and have pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner! It exists in New Hampshire and is called Polly’s Pancake Parlor. But it doesn’t just serve your typical pancakes, it serves gingerbread pancakes, cornmeal pancakes and other varieties.
Nashua, NH
Good coastal cuisine can be hard to find. However, if you’re in New Hampshire you can grab some at Surf Restaurant. It’s open from 4:00 pm-9:00 pm weekdays.
New Jersey
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Brownstone Pancake Factory has more than just pancakes. It also has wraps, pasta, all-day breakfast dishes, chicken, burgers and more. But if you go there, you have to make sure you save room for dessert because they have crazy and over-the-top milkshakes that are Instagram-worthy and delicious.
Weehawken, NJ
Want a good meal and a view? Check out Marcus at NoHu Rooftop. There, you’ll get Southern cooking by an accomplished chef and get a gorgeous view of Manhattan at the same time.
New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
If you’re after classic New Mexican food, Sadie’s of New Mexico is where you should go. They are currently allowing people to come in to dine and filling it to 25% capacity so you’ll feel safe. Times vary, so check their website before going.
Madrid, NM
The Hollar is a great date spot or place to go on a night out with your girlfriends. Its menu is a mix of elevated American comfort foods, including fried green tomatoes and burgers. They also have music playing, which makes it a fun atmosphere to be in.
New York
Picking a restaurant in NY can be hard because there are so many to choose from. One that both kids and parents will love is Sugar Factory. It has beautiful yet fun décor, candy drinks with and without alcohol, savory crepes, wonderful burgers, amazing pizza and more. It’s a treat for people of all ages.
Hillburn, NY
If you haven’t had the chance to go to Mt. Fuji, you’re missing out. It’s a traditional Japanese restaurant where you can watch chefs working tableside hibachi grills. You don’t only get to enjoy great food, but you get a while experience.
North Carolina
Raleigh, NC
If you like all types of food, you’ll love Stir. They have all kinds of international cuisine, as well as an oyster bar and amazing cocktails. If you take your friends there, you’ll impress them.
Asheboro, NC
From sweet tea to fried chicken, Magnolia 23 is all about Southern home-cooked dishes. The dinner menu changes daily so you can always try new things there when you visit. It’s only open on Wednesday-Friday and Sundays.
North Dakota
Devils Lake, ND
Ranch Steakhouse was established in 1946. Today, it remains a popular stop for travelers and locals thanks to its food and friendly staff.
Bismarck, ND
Butterhorn is open Tuesday-Saturday. It’s the perfect place to go to dinner and has fun items on its menu to choose from like the tater tot hot dish, butterhorn burger and seared barramundi.
Ohio
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati is known for its beautiful skyline, the Reds and of course, Gold Star Chili. It’s a great family spot to go any day of the week and get some of their world-famous chili dishes. We suggest getting a 3-way (Spaghetti covered edge-to-edge with Gold Star Chili and topped with more than a handful of shredded cheddar cheese) or their cheese coney!
Columbus, OH
If you love all things cheese, then you’re going to start salivating over the menu at this grilled cheese joint called Melt Bar and Grilled. It brings the classic sandwich to another level, so you definitely have to give it a try if you’re in the area. And lucky for you, it’s open all week long.
Oklahoma
Okarche, OK
When you’re in Oklahoma, you have to go to Eischen’s. Why? It not only has award-winning home-style cooking, but it is Oklahoma’s oldest bar. You can grab a drink and have fried chicken, chili and other great eats.
Oklahoma City, OK
Don’t forget to add Cattlemen’s to your Oklahoma food bucket list. It’s located in the historic stockyards city and offers dining in and take out. If you don’t know what to order, get the steak—they are known for it.
Oregon
McMinnville, OR
Thistle is a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant that used locally sourced food. Their goal is to “create a true Oregon dining experience and showcase the region’s bounty.” They are open Monday-Friday 11:00 am-11:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday 11:00-9:00 pm.
Portland, OR
Are you craving brunch? There’s a great spot you can grab some called Screen Door. It’s a legendary spot to get breakfast foods, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep going back.
Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, PA
Botete is unique because it’s set inside a former stagecoach inn. It’s run by a husband and wife and serves amazing farm-to-table meals. They even have an outdoor village you can sit and eat at.
Ronks, PA
If you’ve never had Amish food, you’re missing out. Try some while you’re in Pennsylvania at Katie’s Kitchen. You can get homemade chicken pot pie, pie slices and a traditional Amish wedding meal if you go on a Tuesday.
Rhode Island
Providence, RI
Don’t let Rhode Island’s small size discourage you—there are plenty of good places to eat there. Hemenway’s is one of them and it is all about serving up classic foods with a twist, like bacon-wrapped scallops. It’s open daily for in-person dining, but you can also order takeout and curbside.
Newport, RI
Spiced Pear is a great place to go on a date. It has amazing seafood and stunning views since it’s located on Cliff Walk. Prices range from $31-50.
South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Are you a fried chicken lover? Then check out
Husk. One of the most popular things on their menu is the fried chicken, which is actually made with five different fats.
Greenville, SC
Smoke on the Water isn’t your average BBQ place. In fact, while it does have your typical barbecue foods and sauces, it brings an upscale vibe to it with its beautiful atmosphere. Make sure you go when you’re extra hungry because their portion sizes are sure to fill you up. They are closed on Mondays.
South Dakota
Lead, SD
For some South Dakota staple foods, check out Cheyenne Crossing. With the large Native American influence in the state, it is one of the best places to try Indian tacos, which are served on flat fry bread and then topped with things like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and bison meet. It also has sour-dough pancakes, bison burgers and more yumminess.
Hill City, SD
Not far from Mt. Rushmore is Desperados Cowboy Restaurant. It’s loved by locals and has things like a lip-smackin’ salmon sandwich, made-in-house chips and mouth-waterin’ steaks.
Tennessee
Nashville, TN
If you aren’t afraid of a little heat, head to Prince’s Hot Chicken. There, you can get a taste of Nashville’s best hot chicken thanks to their perfected recipe. It’s open on Sunday-Thursday from 10:30 am-11:00 pm and Friday and Saturdays from 10:30 am -midnight.
Chattanooga, TN
Are you on the hunt for authentic Southern biscuits? If so, you can find this Southern staple and many other delicious foods at Aretha Frankenstein’s. It’s open daily from 7:00 am -midnight.
Texas
Austin, TX
You have to get BBQ when you’re in Texas and Franklin BBQ is one of the best places to do that. You’ll love their signature sauce and their tray of smoked brisket, sausage and ribs—known as the “holy trinity.” Make sure you arrive early though because this place always has a line. They are open from Tuesday-Sunday from 11:00 am until they are sold out, which is around 2:00 pm.
Houston, TX
Brennan’s of Houston is a beloved Houston hotspot and offers New Orleans-styled food if you want something different from the barbeque. It even has jazz brunches on Sundays and is open until 9:00 pm.
Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Salt Lake City, stop by Ruth’s Diner. It serves traditional foods and is hard to miss thanks to it being housed inside a refurbished trolley car. It’s not only a great place to eat, but with its canyon views, it’s also a great date spot.
Sandy, UT
If you’re looking to impress someone, go to La Caille. It’s in a fairytale location that serves French food and looks like you’re eating in a castle. It has four dining rooms and even offers patio seating on nice days. You need to make reservations to attend.
Vermont
Burlington, VT
The Farmhouse showcases Vermont’s wide array of craft beers and farm-to-table foods. The burgers are to-die-for (especially when you’re having a beer). They are open starting at 4:00 pm.
Waterbury, VT
Attention pork lovers, you have to try Prohibition Pig. It has everything from a chopped barbecued pork sandwich to a pork burger with bacon and spice-rubbed pork rinds. It’s open from Thursday-Monday.
Virginia
Toppings, VA
If you like seafood, specifically oysters, Merroir is calling your name. They are located by Rappahannock River and serve both raw and grilled oysters. They are open every day except for Wednesday.
Richmond, VA
If you’re in the mood for some rustic eats, go to Supper. It has a huge menu and offers American dishes as well as innovative dishes. It’s a place your entire family can enjoy together.
Washington
Spokane, WA
Thanks to its deluxe burgers with quarter-pound patties, sandwiches and milkshakes, Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle is the talk of the town. Plus, did we mention that it’s shaped like a giant milk bottle? It’s true! It’s a place you’ll always remember.
Sequim, WA
Alder Wood Bistro is usually packed—and for good reason! They make some best wood-fired American food Washington has to offer. They are open from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm.
West Virginia
Shepherdstown, WV
The Press Room serves American food with an Italian flair, has full bar service and an international wine list. It’s a hot spot with locals and opens at 5:00 pm.
Fayetteville, WV
It’s no secret that the Secret Sandwich Society is amazing. It offers your favorite sandwiches with a sophisticated twist. It also offers vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free choices.
Wisconsin
Dells, WI
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Wisconsin? If you said “cheese,” then you’re going to be obsessed with Macs, which stands for Macaroni And Cheese Shop. Their menu is packed with different kinds of mac and cheese, as well as melts, loaded baked potatoes and other foods.
Madison, WI
Graze is one of the best farm-to-table places in the state. It uses locally pastured grass-fed beef in signature dishes like their “Wisconsin butter burger.” Along with their regular menu, you also get the option of Friday fish fries and weekend brunches.
Wyoming
Jackson, WY
Snake and River Grill has been part of Jackson’s Town Square since it opened in 1993. It has a rustic-elegant dining room and serves New American cuisine. It’s open 5:30 pm-9:30 pm.
Casper, WY
If you’re craving some comfort food, head over to Eggington’s. It has all of your favorite diner classics and is the perfect place to eat after you hit the slopes. It’s open 6:00 am-2:00 pm Monday-Saturday.
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