The Best Food Destinations In America – A Guide To Culinary Delights

*This is a collaborative post on the best food destinations in America

The United States is a country with a deeply ingrained love of food and flavuor, with many of its signature dishes being renowned the world over. 

More than that, the nation is home to a rich medley of different cuisines – from the sultry spices of Cajun fare to hearty Midwestern dishes, and, of course, classic New York delicacies such as hot dogs. Then there are the mouth-watering influences that have been introduced to the country from around the world, from Polish kielbasa to Mexican mole. 

As a result, there is perhaps no better country to explore if you are a dedicated foodie. If you’re keen to embark on a tasting tour of the United States, here is a concise guide to some of the finest food hotspots in the nation and the enticing delicacies you can expect to enjoy when you visit them. Grab your knife and fork and unfold your napkin – it’s time to savour the flavours of the US!

Best Food Destinations In America: Louisville

When you think of Kentucky, your thoughts probably turn right away to visions of KFC’s world-famous logo, or musings on the quality of the state’s renowned bourbon. However, Kentucky is home to many more culinary wonders, and you will quickly realize this when you pay a visit to Louisville. 

Home to well over 2000 restaurants serving a smorgasbord of tempting dishes, you will probably find it hard to know where to eat first. High up on your list, you should place The Morning Fork, where you can feast on ‘the ultimate Louisville brunch’, which includes brioche French Toast and Short Rib Benedict with hash browns. 

If you love creative comfort fare, you can then move for lunch at The Fat Lamb, where you can feast on dishes such as Cajun Shrimp and Crawfish Cakes, or a Smashed Double Cheeseburger washed down with Milk Chocolate Tart.

Finally, a trip to Louisville surely wouldn’t be complete without booking yourself onto a bourbon tour of the city to taste its world-renowned liquor. 

Cleveland

When you think of America’s ultimate foodie destinations, Cleveland may not spring to mind. However, the Ohio city has plenty to offer the keen gourmand, from comforting Midwestern classics to French, Asian, and Slavic-inspired delicacies. 

As a result, if you’re in the vicinity, you should definitely pay Cleveland a visit. If you’re in neighbouring Michigan, for example, you can catch a quick flight from Detroit Metro for a whirlwind gastronomical tour – leaving your car behind won’t be a problem as you can explore your parking options with Rightway Parking and easily find a secure and convenient place to leave your vehicle. 

Once you’ve touched down in Cleveland, make your way to the West Side Market for a veritable feast featuring mouth-watering flavours from around the world – representing the diverse cultures that have made Cleveland their home. 

Once you’re all full up, if you need a caffeine injection to keep you energized for the next meal, it’s on to a coffee shop like Cleveland Cold Brew, where you can sip their refreshing speciality in an array of tempting flavours.

Finally, before you head off to your next culinary hotspot, you may wish to pay a visit to Cleveland’s Slavic Village, with its vibrant displays of public art, its rich calendar of cultural and social events – and, of course, its traditional cuisine. 

Best Food Destinations In America: Tucson

Tucson, Arizona is a city that prides itself on the cultural heritage of its cuisine, with dishes that have their roots deep in Mexican and Native American culinary traditions. As a result, it should come as no surprise that the city was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – and this honour is why it definitely has to feature on any true foodie’s tasting tour of the US. 

There are so many unforgettable culinary experiences to savour in this sun-drenched city – from sampling prickly pear margaritas and Sonoran tequila to feasting on Sonoran hot dogs (complete with pinto beans and jalapenos) and the classic Tucson dish of green chilli enchiladas. 

Be sure not to leave the city without grabbing a table at El Charro Café and sampling Tucson’s most famous dish of all – the chimichanga. This deep-fried burrito comes packed with a filling mixture of beans, rice, meat and cheese, and is sure to keep you fuelled up if you decide to explore the picturesque landscapes outside the city. 

New York

No foodie list of America would be complete without New York, a city renowned for having tasty bites on every corner. Of course, the eateries you choose to visit will be down to your personal taste, but it doesn’t hurt to have some inspiration to guide you in your choices. 

For instance, if you’re fond of a hearty brunch, book a table at The Butcher’s Daughter and order their triple berry French Toast for a delicious combination of hearty and healthy. 

For lunch, you can tuck into the ‘most important pizza in New York’,  dished up by Roberta’s, grab a seat at Katz Delicatessen for a When Harry Met Sally moment or feast on cold skin noodles and cumin lamb at Xi’an Famous Foods. 

Then for dessert, the options are limitless. Anyone with a particular penchant for baked goodies should be sure to stop off at essential foodie destinations such as the Milk Bar Bakery or the East Village’s Supermoon Bakehouse. 

Best Food Destinations In America: New Orleans

Last but certainly not least, your culinary whistlestop tour of the States won’t be complete without visiting New Orleans – otherwise known as foodie heaven. 

There are so many mouth-watering delicacies to sample in this sultry southern city, from moreish beignets with café au lait, to hearty Cajun gumbo and jambalaya, and – of course – the locally invented po’boy. 

For the latter, you can follow in the footsteps of Barack Obama himself and stop off at the historic Parkway Bakery and Tavern, where you should definitely order the Surf and Turf po’boy. You may not be able to finish it, but it will be worth the try!

Finally, finish off your New Orleans culinary tour with a few drinks at Pat O’Brien’s, which first opened its doors in 1933. While you’re there be sure to order the local speciality, the Hurricane, a sweet and heart-warming cocktail made with rum, lime juice and passion fruit syrup, garnished with a slice of orange. It’s the perfect way to end the day!