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Delicious food is one of the main reasons we all travel. & every region of the world has its own unique delicacies & flavor combinations. The United States is no different. If you’re itching for a great American foodie road trip, you’ve come to the right place.
I just finished eating & hiking through an epic 3-month long American road trip in my converted camper van.
And although vanlife is definitely not as glamorous as it’s made out to be, it’s undoubtedly the best way to see America (& there are loads of other benefits of vanlife). Just set your GPS to avoid highways & hit the road.
Don’t have a lot of cash to spare? Don’t fret. Every item on this list is under $23. It turns out the iconic American dishes don’t break the bank.
Let’s ditch the fast food on your road trip and travel better this year.
What Exactly is American Food?
Burgers & fries. Malted milkshakes. What else is America famous for? Turns out a lot more than I originally thought.
American food is regional. The Deep South and New England regions couldn’t be more different. From the climate to the foods they lay claim to…they might as well be completely different countries.
American food is also heavily influenced by immigrants. Many of the iconic dishes created here were developed by Italian, Jewish, or Russian immigrants and paid homage to their ‘home’ countries. Think Deep Dish Pizza (Italian) or a Traditional Fish Fry (Russian).
If you’re up for an “American” foodie road trip expect it to be a very diverse, unhealthy, & delicious adventure.
The Ultimate American Foodie Road Trip
Here is a breakdown of all the iconic American eats we stumbled upon on our trip across America and a map to guide you on your foodie quest.
Montana
Burgers, burgers, & more burgers. Montana likes its meat. These were our favorites. I’ll save you some time right now, if you’re looking for a vegan foodie road trip….this isn’t gonna be the map for you.
Cowboy Burger at Mint Bar & Grill (Livingston)
The single best burger I’ve ever eaten. I can still taste the perfectly cooked juicy patty. Paired with PBR battered fries it’s truly an American staple on a foodie road trip.
Buffalo Burger with Habenero Huckleberry Jam at Cowboys Bar & Grill (Gardiner)
You won’t find a more Montana burger. A locally sourced buffalo patty topped with house-made sweet and spicy habanero huckleberry sauce (you’ll want extra to dip your fries in) & white cheddar cheese curds.
South Dakota
The Dakota’s food scene owes thanks to its original inhabitants. The Native Americans. You’ll find a lot of buffalo meat and traditional fry bread at local restaurants all over the state.
Be sure to thoroughly explore South Dakota during your trans-American road trip. It became one of my favorite US states.
Chislic at Buglin’ Bull (Custer)
Tender grilled chunks of buffalo served with house-made steak sauce.
Indian Taco at Cedar Pass Lodge (Badlands National Park)
Imagine the lightest fluffiest fry bread topped with ground buffalo, lettuce, tomato, cheese & hot sauce. Think taco salad sitting atop a savory doughnut.
Minnesota
This is technically an iconic drink stop. But it still makes the cut.
Root Beer Float at Schooney Malt Shop (Taylor Falls)
A good old fashioned root beer float. Served with any ice cream your heart desires. I’m not a big soda person but there’s just something about fresh-tapped root beer from a malt shop that really satisfies.
Wisconsin
We didn’t get to delve into the Mid-West much on this trip but Wisconsin provided the perfect taste.
I know I said to forgo the fast food BUT Wisconsin is home to Culvers. The best fast food joint in the entire United States. (Sorry In & Out fans) They specialize in frozen custard, tasty fresh burgers, and cheese curds.
Cheese Curds at The Old Fashioned (Madison)
Half a pound of piping hot, gooey, perfectly crispy fried cheese curds. These are regularly voted the very best in Wisconsin. For good reason.
Fish Fry with Potato Pancake at Lakefront Brewery (Milwaukee)
Beer-battered cod (or walleye/perch), that’s both light and satisfying paired with a pineapple juice coleslaw, & traditional potato pancake. You can even kayak straight up to this brewery and eat along the water.
Friday night Fish Frys are a tradition in Wisconsin. German and Czech influences, as well as the practice of avoiding meat on Fridays during Lent, made it widely popular.
Illinois (Chicago)
I say Illinois, but this is really just a list of places to eat in Chicago. & there are hundreds more. Chicago is one of the best foodie cities in the entire US. (Most likely because it was an immigration hotspot in the 1920s)
Chicago Dogs at Portillos.
The most basic (& delicious) Chicago dog. An all-beef dog wrapped in a steamed poppyseed bun topped with mustard, relish, tomato, onions, sport peppers, and a large dill pickle spear. You’ll want 2-3 to make it a meal.
These hotdogs rival the world-famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur dogs of Iceland.
Italian Roast Beef Sandwich at Al’s Italian Beef.
Dipped with hot peppers. It’s the only way to go. This un-assuming sandwich joint serves up a sopping wet flavorful beef masterpiece.
Deep Dish Pizza at Pequods.
If your thinking “I’m really more of a thin crust person”, let me change your mind. Pequod’s isn’t an over-touristed joint turning out mediocre pies. It’s the real deal. Thick fluffy crust topped with homemade Italian sausage and hand-cut pepperoni served in a black cast-iron dish. Pequods is unique because of their burnt layer of cheese covering the top.
Chicago was once a thin crust city itself. Neapolitan immigrants brought over their cheap working-class thin crust pizza just like New York. Then in 1943, Pizzeria Uno (which still exists today), created the Italian-American hybrid…deep dish pizza.
Vermont
Vermont. It’s practically Canada. The states focus on small local farming and organic produce means tasty healthy food.
Poutine from Citizen Cider (Burlington)
Crispy fries covered in house made gravy and local Maplebrook cheese curds.
Apple Cider Doughnuts from Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Stowe)
Get there are peak hours and every doughnut will be piping hot & fresh. They only have one flavor, no-frills old-fashioned apple cider. & I’m not exaggerating when I claim it’s the best doughnut I’ve ever had.
Maple Syrup from Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm(Stowe)
Everyone has heard of Vermont maple syrup. Syrup tastings (some with cheese pairings) are one of the top Vermont things to do.
Maine
Where the most important question is ‘hot with butter’ or ‘cold with mayo’? Either way, it’s a damn good lobster roll. If you don’t like seafood…you probably shouldn’t be in Maine.
Mussels, Clam Chowder, & Lobster Bisque at Galyn’s (Bar Harbor)
YUM. Hit Galyn’s for their epic Happy Hour & stay for the seafood.
Lobster Roll at The Highroller Lobster Co. (Portland)
Whether you’re a lobster fanatic or a slight skeptic you’ll LOVE their BYO Lobster Roll. Each roll is served on a toasted brioche (locally made) slice with 4 oz of chilled claw meat. The rest is up to you. Choose from ghee, drawn butter, jalapeno mayo, curried ketchup, or roasted pineapple mayo to spice up your sandwich.
Blackened Fish & Chips at Thirsty Whale Tavern (Bar Harbor)
A massive pile of fried cod covered in “blackened” seasoning. A dressed up Maine classic.
Fried Clams at Pilot House Restaurant (Kennebunkport)
Love them. Fresh clams, I’ll take them or leave them. But I could have eaten 3 baskets of these scrumptious little snacks.
Whoopie Pie from The Landing Store (Kennebunkport)
It looks like a giant Oreo & it is the unofficial state dessert of Maine. It’s two circles of fluffy chocolate cake sandwiched around rich creamy frosting. Traditionally, it was made from the leftover cake batter. Waste not, want not.
Massachusetts (Boston)
With 15% Irish & nearly 10% Italian you know you’re getting good food in Boston.
Roast Beef Sandwich at Kelly’s.
Kelly’s was the original inspiration for the fast-food chain Arby’s. It’s been featured on the food Network numerous times & a 6-generation family-owned chain in Massachusetts.
Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry.
There’s a heated debate over which cannoli is better & everyone in Boston seems to have an opinion. For me, Modern Pastry took the cake with its traditional ricotta filling & pistachio sprinkle.
Classic Italian Sub from Monica’s Mercado.
This is the best sandwich I have ever eaten. It was so good when we passed through Boston a second time it’s the only place we stopped. The Italian sub is stacked with 4 different cured meats, fresh provolone cheese, balsamic, and pickled veggies.
New York (New York City)
Is there a city that has a better food reputation? We stuck to budget food options (it is a road trip after all) but if you’re looking for a world-class high-end meal…this is the city to find it in.
Jewish Deli
A New York staple. Matza Ball Soup or a pile of Pastrami on Rye. These delis have been thriving in New York since the late 1800s. Check out 2nd Ave Deli or Carnegie Deli for New York’s best.
A simple slice of Thin NY Pizza from Joe’s Pizza. Or Mama’s Too. Or Lombardi’s.
These are infinite good pizza options in New York City. But these three are the best. Joe’s is serving up the simple & iconic cheap slice. Mama’s Too has a slightly thicker crusted pepperoni square that will knock your socks off. & Lombardi’s is the oldest coal oven pizza joint left in the city creating a perfectly tasty charred crust.
NY Bagel from Murrays Bagels or Utopia Bagels.
It’s a sin to toast them. NYC bagels are perfectly steamed and require no additional toasting. It will make you question if those circular pucks you buy at the grocery store can even be called bagels.
If you’re looking to burn off those pizza calories there are plenty of hikes in New York State to keep you busy.
Pennsylvania
In the 19th century, Americans avoided food waste at all costs. So, What is there to do with leftovers and drying out bread? Out of resourcefulness and frugality, the sandwich trend began. & Pennslyvania has some of the best American sandwiches in the country.
Rueben at Hershel’s Eastside Deli at Reading Terminal Market (Philidelphia)
You simply cannot fit more meat on this sandwich.
Philly Cheesesteak at Johns Roast Pork. (Philidelphia)
This is the unanimous favorite for Philly cheesesteaks. Perfectly melty & a family recipe from 1930. Their Hot Pork Sandwich is equally as tasty.
Washington D.C.
The heart of America’s melting pot.
Asian Fusion at Copycat.
Why here? Because it’s an exceptional meld of classic Chinese street food & American techniques. & it’s an amazing cocktail bar to boot.
North Carolina
There are 4 styles of BBQ born out of the United States: Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, & North Carolina.
North Carolina BBQ from Luella’s Bar-B-Que. (Ashville)
Tasty succulent pork with southern sides. Don’t skip the pineapple upside down if it’s available.
Georgia
Southern cooking is my favorite style of American food. Fried veggies coated in butter & pig chunks, perfectly crisp fried chicken, and fluffy biscuits with gravy. What could go wrong?
Fried Chicken from Mary Macs Tearoom. (Atlanta)
Mary Macs Tearoom is historic & for the past 75 years, everything has been made in-house fresh daily. You even get a pile of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and bread if it’s your first visit.
& Waffles from Homegrown. (Atlanta)
Chicken & Waffles. A southern staple. Don’t forget to try their Comfy Chicken Biscuit since you’re there.
Southern Cooking from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. (Savannah)
This place made me fall in love with southern food. All you can eat home cooking served at a community dining room table. Fried chicken, Jambalaya, Sweet Potato Souffle, and Banana Pudding were our favorites. Don’t forget to drink your fill of sweet tea.
South Carolina
The true breakfast of champions.
Shrimp & Grits from Acme Low Country Kitchen (Isle of Palms)
From traditional to flavor-packed Acme has this South Carolina favorite all day long. Super rare since it’s technically a breakfast food. My favorite version had fried green tomatoes and rich polenta cheese grits.
Florida
The Southernmost point in the United States. Home to teeny endangered Key Deer and of course Key Limes. & the best state for van life.
Key Lime Pie from Kermits Key West Key Lime Shop. (Key West)
It looks touristy from the outside but they really know how to whip up a mean slice of Key Lime Pie.
Louisiana (New Orleans)
Everything in Louisiana is an 11/10 for taste. Here’s what made the short list of dishes you must try.
Shrimp Po’ Boy & Jambalaya from Parkway Bakery and Tavern.
Flash-fried perfectly seasoned Louisiana gulf shrimp. You’ll find Po’ Boys all over the state even in gas stations…but trust us, this one is the best.
Muffuletta from Central Grocery & Deli.
A Sicilian sandwich created right here in the ol’ USA. & at this very Deli! Back in 1906 a Sicilian immigrant threw together the classic Muffuletta round sesame roll & topped it with an olive spread, cured meats, and cheese. It’s pure magic & a New Orleans creation.
Beignets from Cafe Du Monde.
Serving coffee & beignets since 1862 in the French Quarter. Coated in powdered sugar these french treats create a line that wraps around the block every morning.
Catfish from Toast.
Fried catfish is most popular during lent but you can find. it year round in New Orleans.
Crawfish Boil at Schaefer Seafood.
Perfectly boiled little crustaceans with all the fixings.
New Mexico
It’s not Mexican food. It’s New Mexican food. A combination of Northern Mexican influence & Pueblo Indian foods. The heaping mounds of green chile are a dead giveaway.
Carne Adobada from Perea’s New Mexican Restaurant. (Albuquerque)
Melt in your mouth pork chunks marinated in red chile sauce.
Frito Pie from Horseman’s Haven. (Santa Fe)
Texas & New Mexico have been in a long-standing feud over who created the sloppy dish. But either way, this pile of Fritos topped with taco meat, lettuce, & tomato are delicious.
USA Foodie Road Trip Map
Here’s a complete map of every destination on this list to make your foodie road trip even easier to plan.
America is a lot more than burgers. The US is blessed with one of the most diverse cuisines in the entire world and these iconic dishes are essential stops on your next foodie road trip.
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