As a bonus to my hypothetical musical trek across the U.S. that was posted last week:
If you are actually going on a U.S. road trip, here are some memorable dining experiences I have had that I can heartily recommend if you happen to be headed to or through any of these places.
Not an all-inclusive list. Just some food for thought.
New York
Fried Dumpling
New York City, New York
Hole-in-the-wall in Chinatown with two things on the menu. And no English-speaking employees. Best fried dumplings ever.
Also, Rubirosa, in lower Manhattan has the only pizza outside of Chicago that I have ever recommended. I asked my sister Elise to prove to me that New York had great pizza, and she delivered (not literally).
It’s some of the best I’ve had.
Don’t tell anyone in Chicago I said that. I don’t want trouble.
Michigan
Au Train Grocery
Au Train, Michigan
In the U.P., near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (HIGHLY recommended). Tastiest pasty I’ve ever had, and I’ve had many good ones. Don’t know what a pasty is? Find out.
Indiana
Gnaw Mart
Gnaw Bone, Indiana
Gas station convenience store near Brown County State Park with an amazing, huge pork tenderloin sandwich, a specialty around here.
Tennessee
Hattie B’s Nashville Hot
Nashville, Tennessee
Even the mild has a kick, so make sure you can handle it before going any hotter. So good! Multiple locations. Thank you to thegue for mentioning this place in his Nashville article.
North Carolina
The Blue Rooster
Clyde, North Carolina
Great southern diner east of the Smokies.
South Carolina
Dead Dog Saloon
Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina
Near Myrtle Beach. Great fried seafood!
Georgia
Smokin’ Pig
Valdosta, Georgia
Notably good Georgia barbecue.
Florida
Mimi’s Café
Ocala, Florida
Awesome brunch place with French bistro inspired menu. Many locations. This is can’t miss, particularly if you have women in your party, not to stereotype.
Alabama
Wintzell’s Oyster House
Mobile, Alabama
Seafood on the Gulf Coast! Several locations.
Texas
The Big Texan
Amarillo, Texas
Classic Route 66 kitschy steak house with a 4 ½ pound steak on the menu that’s free if you can finish it in under an hour. And a huge live rattlesnake in the gift shop. May seem like a tourist trap, but the steaks and ribs are seriously good here!
New Mexico
The Diner
Taos, New Mexico
Breakfast burritos smothered in chiles – green, red, or both. Enough said. The place is closed but my brother Mike tells me that the Golden Piñon in nearby El Prado has the same cook and the same delicious burritos.
Arkansas
Craig Bros Bar-B-Cue
De Valls Bluff, Arkansas
Near Hot Springs. Basically a one-room shack in a tiny town a bit off the path. Best ribs I’ve ever had. A taste of heaven.
Illinois
Portillo’s
Multiple locations, Illinois
Jumbo Chicago-style hot dog. Start your great Chicago food adventure here.
Wisconsin
Glarner Stube
New Glarus, Wisconsin
Traditional Swiss dishes in Little Switzerland. Visit the New Glarus brewery while in town and pick up some Spotted Cow. Can’t get it outside of Wisconsin. Also, up further north, in Door County, a traditional fish boil is not to be missed. I can vouch for Old Post Office or White Gull Inn.
Iowa
Ox Yoke Inn
Amana, Iowa
Right off of I-80. German/American family style menu in the tradition of the Amana Colonies, a historic former religious settlement. Try the Kasseler Rippchen (smoked pork chop).
North Dakota
Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Medora, North Dakota
Very close to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (HIGHLY recommended). Eat a steak grilled off a pitchfork, and then enjoy the Medora Musical, an outdoor Teddy Roosevelt-themed spectacle nestled in the Badlands. A perfect ND evening.
South Dakota
Candyland
Rapid City, South Dakota
Near Mount Rushmore. Not a restaurant, but a huge candy store that also has an amazing selection of classic sodas, and bizarre flavors you wouldn’t think ever existed, many that maybe shouldn’t.
Nebraska
Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill
Kearney, Nebraska
Off of I-80. Great steaks in a state that’s known for it.
Colorado
The Fort
Morrison, Colorado
Near Red Rocks Park and music venue. Looks like an actual fort. Lots of game and bison on the menu. Try the buffalo osso buco if they have it. When my dad, brother Mike and I went here, my dad told the server that it was my brother’s birthday, and they made him wear a buffalo head. Only out west.
Arizona
Rustler’s Rooste
Phoenix, Arizona
Cowboy steakhouse atop a butte with a gorgeous view and a great menu. You can go down a slide to get into the dining area.
California
Marcy’s Mexican Food
San Diego, California
Tiny joint near Belmont Beach and across the street from the Giant Dipper Rollercoaster (ride it). Loved the fish tacos, a San Diego classic.
To accompany us on this culinary journey, here is a playlist of funk, soul, jazz, latin jazz and the likes.
Everything has food in the title.
Let the author know that you liked their article with a “Green Thumb” Upvote!
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
