12 US Cities That Are Perfect for Foodies
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Loosen your waistband and get ready to ride the foodie train. Whether it’s mobile food trucks, ethnic neighborhoods, or Michelin-starred establishments, you can sample flavors from all over the globe in these US cities.
Any committed foodie should add the following to their to-do list. From the home of the cheesesteak to where brunch was invented, here are some of the nation’s tastiest cities.
New York, New York
This truly is the city that never sleeps in terms of a cutting-edge restaurant scene. From authentic bagels, freshly baked Italian pizza, and hot dogs sold from street carts to Michelin-starred dining, you can have the world on a plate in New York. Food tours are burgeoning in popularity here, too.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cream cheese, soft-centered pretzels, and cheesesteaks are among the biggest exports of Pennsylvania’s largest city. Other local must-tries include hoagie sub-style sandwiches, the focaccia-like tomato pie, salty scrapple breakfast meat, Italian red gravy, Tastykakes, and fruity water ice.
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Portland, Maine
Portland may be small in size compared to other US foodie destinations, but it sure packs a powerful foodie punch. Traditional mom-and-pop diners are abundant here, where you can dine as they did during the 1950s. Don’t miss the seafood, of course, with local lobster – quite rightly – being the star of the show.
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Los Angeles, California
Fusion food is where it’s at in Los Angeles, as residents favor this eating style. Despite the Hollywood glamor, you don’t have to stretch the budget to enjoy delicious food in Los Angeles, though, as the street food scene is big news. Koreatown, meanwhile, is a mecca for fans of all things barbecued.
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Austin, Texas
It’s not only about barbecues in Texas, though, of course, any meat-eater would be crazy not to sample one during their stay. Mobile food trucks and even dedicated food truck parks dominate, making global flavors accessible and affordable. The state dish, chili, is also one to seek out while in town.
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Chicago, Illinois
Close to 80 neighborhoods ensure the windswept Illinois city has a thriving foodie scene to rival any global city. In Chicago, you can dine on dim sum in Chinatown, head down Mexico Way in Pilsen, or dine island-style in Greektown. Just don’t ask for ketchup on your hot dog unless you want sparks to fly.
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Boston, Massachusetts
Authentic Italian fare and fresh seafood are understandably popular in Boston, where you must try lobster rolls, fish chowder, and handmade pizza and pasta. Seeking out the venues where certain dishes originated is all part of the fun, from Boston Baked Beans at Union Oyster House to Boston Cream Pie at Omni Parker House.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
Gone are the days when the all-you-can-eat buffet and dinner plate-sized donuts dominate. Las Vegas has shifted upmarket regarding food, and restaurants from celebrity chefs have become the stars of the local culinary scene. Having your favorite takeout delivered to your sun lounger is also hugely popular in Sin City.
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Honolulu, Hawaii
Head to Oahu in search of something different regarding American food. Tropical ingredients and Polynesian culture collide in Honolulu to create island favorites like poke, garlic shrimp, poi, and huli huli chicken. Round off your meal with a refreshing shaved ice or Dole whip. You could also stroll through Chinatown to find your new favorite foodie haunt.
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San Francisco, California
With its sunny climate and creative vibe, would you expect San Francisco to be anything less than a foodies’ paradise? Whether you prefer picking up fresh, local produce at a farmer’s market, discovering a hidden hole-in-the-wall, or Michelin-starred fine dining, you can find it all in the City by the Bay.
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Houston, Texas
This multicultural metropolis is where anything goes food-wise – from the ubiquitous barbecue to Southern, Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, and South American favorites. Tex-Mex and Viet Cajun are musts to sample and barbecues, of course, for carnivores. The good news for committed foodies, too, is the fact that Houston is a relatively affordable city to dine out in.
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New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is as famous for its food scene as it is for live music and the colorful annual Mardi Gras. American, African, and French influences and flavors collide here to produce a feast for the palate. As well as sampling the likes of jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, and po’ boys, you can enjoy an early meal in the city where brunch was invented.
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Tracy Chesterson is a freelance content writer specializing in travel. UK-based, she’s traveled widely, particularly in Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, and spent a year exploring Australia. Tracy has also worked in the travel trade. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors and plan future trips.
