13 Local Eats Across the U.S. That Are Absolutely Road Trip-Worthy
Road trips and good eats go together like peanut butter and jelly—or better yet, like fries and milkshakes!
I’ve spent years cruising down America’s highways, backroads, and scenic routes, fueled by wanderlust and a growling stomach. Along the way, I’ve discovered some unforgettable culinary gems—those off-the-beaten-path spots where the food is so good, you’ll gladly drive an extra hundred miles.
From smoky barbecue joints hidden in small towns to legendary sandwich shops with lines out the door, these aren’t just pit stops—they’re the main attraction. So buckle up, bring your appetite, and get ready to plan your next road trip around these mouthwatering, map-worthy local eats.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City, NY
Holy pastrami, Batman! The first time I bit into a sandwich at Katz’s, I nearly wept with joy. This iconic Lower East Side institution has been slicing up meaty masterpieces since 1888.
The pastrami on rye is their crown jewel—piled impossibly high with warm, tender meat that melts in your mouth faster than New York minute. You’ll pay around $25 for this sandwich, but it could easily feed two hungry travelers.
Pro tip: Don’t lose your ticket when you enter! It’s part of their old-school ordering system, and you’ll face a hefty fine if it disappears. Also, remember the famous “When Harry Met Sally” scene? They’ve marked the table where it happened!
2. Franklin Barbecue – Austin, TX
Smoke signals led me to barbecue nirvana in Austin, where people line up before sunrise just for a taste of Aaron Franklin’s legendary brisket. I’ve never met a piece of meat so transformative—it’s like butter wrapped in bark.
The line is part of the experience. Bring camp chairs, make friends with fellow meat enthusiasts, and maybe pack a breakfast beer (it’s Texas, y’all). They open at 11 AM but sell out daily, sometimes before 2 PM.
Worth the wait? Absolutely. The brisket’s perfect smoke ring and pepper-crusted exterior might just be the best thing you’ll ever put in your mouth. I still dream about that butcher paper-wrapped bundle of joy.
3. Cafe Du Monde – New Orleans, LA
Powdered sugar mustaches are mandatory at this 24/7 French Quarter institution! My midnight beignet run turned into a spiritual experience as I bit into those pillowy squares of fried dough buried under an avalanche of powdered sugar.
The chicory coffee packs a punch strong enough to resurrect even the most hungover tourist. Watching the Mississippi River while devouring these heavenly treats makes for a perfect NOLA moment. Cash only, folks!
Locals know to skip the main location during peak hours. Head to their City Park outpost instead, where you’ll find shorter lines but identical sugary magic. Just don’t wear black—that powdered sugar has a mind of its own and will find every inch of your clothing.
4. Primanti Bros – Pittsburgh, PA
Sandwiches with french fries INSIDE them? Pittsburgh’s genius contribution to American cuisine had me scratching my head until that first glorious bite. Originally created for truck drivers who needed a complete meal in one hand, these monsters have become legendary.
The Primanti experience is beautifully chaotic. Order the classic “Pitts-burger” topped with sweet-and-sour coleslaw, tomato slices, and a handful of crispy fries, all between thick Italian bread. No plates needed—everything comes wrapped in paper.
My favorite location is the original in Strip District, where the sandwich-makers still toss them together with the speed and precision of symphony conductors. Fair warning: You’ll need both hands and plenty of napkins for this beautiful mess!
5. Portillo’s – Chicago, IL
Chicago dog purists might fight me on this, but Portillo’s delivers the quintessential Windy City experience without the tourist markup. My first Chicago-style hot dog—dragged through the garden with those signature neon-green relish, sport peppers, and absolutely NO ketchup—changed my understanding of what a hot dog could be.
The Italian beef sandwich deserves equal billing. Order it “wet” (dipped in jus) and “hot” (with giardiniera peppers) for the full experience. Just be prepared to eat it hunched over to avoid wearing it home.
Chocolate cake shake? Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—actual chocolate cake blended into a milkshake. My arteries protested, but my taste buds threw a party. When in Chicago, calories don’t count, right?
6. Biscuit Love – Nashville, TN
“East Coast Friend” was what my Nashville buddy called me until I experienced my first proper Southern biscuit at this Gulch neighborhood hotspot. These aren’t those hockey pucks from the grocery store—they’re cloud-like miracles of butter and flour.
The “East Nasty” changed my life: fried chicken nestled between biscuit halves, smothered in sausage gravy and aged cheddar. I temporarily considered relocating just to be closer to this masterpiece. Cardiologists nationwide just felt a disturbance in the Force.
Arrive early or prepare to wait in line. The “bonuts”—fried biscuit dough tossed in sugar and served with blueberry compote—make excellent appetizers while you contemplate which biscuit creation will be your main event. Southern hospitality in edible form!
7. Pike Place Chowder – Seattle, WA
Rain-soaked and chilled to the bone after exploring Seattle’s famous market, I stumbled upon chowder salvation. This unassuming spot tucked away in Post Alley serves award-winning liquid gold that warms you from the inside out.
The New England clam chowder has won so many national competitions they were eventually asked to stop competing to give others a chance! Served in a sourdough bread bowl, it’s creamy without being gloppy, packed with tender clams, and perfectly seasoned.
Can’t decide? The sampler lets you try four different chowders. My surprise favorite was the seafood bisque—luxuriously rich with chunks of salmon, crab and shrimp. The line moves quickly, and every minute spent waiting is repaid tenfold in comfort-food bliss.
8. Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, MO
Memphis-style barbecue in St. Louis? Trust me on this one. Pappy’s slow-smokes their ribs over apple and cherry wood for a solid 14 hours, and the result is nothing short of magical. The meat doesn’t just fall off the bone—it practically leaps into your mouth!
My barbecue pilgrimage brought me here on a Tuesday afternoon, yet I still waited 30 minutes in line. The sweet-tangy sauce complements rather than masks the pork’s natural flavor. Their burnt ends sell out fastest, so arrive early if that’s your target.
Skip the chain restaurants on your St. Louis visit and head straight here. The walls covered in celebrity photos and barbecue awards tell you everything—this place is the real deal. Remember: when they sell out for the day, they close, so don’t dillydally!
9. Superdawg – Chicago, IL
Those giant hot dog statues on the roof should’ve been my first clue this wasn’t your average wiener joint! Pulling into this 1948 drive-in complete with carhops was like time-traveling to peak Americana. I half-expected the Fonz to appear and give me a thumbs-up.
The Superdawg itself comes nestled in a box with crinkle-cut fries, served right to your car window. This all-beef frankfurter is topped with mustard, piccalilli (that’s fancy relish), a dill pickle spear, chopped Spanish onions, and sport peppers—all on a poppy seed bun.
What makes it special? Maybe it’s the snap when you bite in, or perhaps it’s eating in your car while those two giant hot dog mascots (Maurie and Flaurie) watch over you from the roof. Either way, it’s Chicago nostalgia at its finest!
10. Acme Oyster House – New Orleans, LA
“Suck ’em, don’t chuck ’em!” shouted the shucker as he slid a dozen glistening Gulf oysters across the counter. My first raw oyster experience happened right here, and I’ve been chasing that briny high ever since.
Founded in 1910, Acme serves seafood that was likely swimming that morning. The chargrilled oysters—bubbling with garlic butter and Parmesan—convert even the most hesitant raw oyster skeptics. Their seafood gumbo packs enough flavor to make you speak with a Cajun accent temporarily.
The French Quarter location always has a line, but it moves quickly. Sidle up to the bar if you’re solo for faster service and entertaining banter from the shuckers who can open oysters faster than I can tie my shoes. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
11. Geno’s & Pat’s Cheesesteaks – Philadelphia, PA
I couldn’t pick just one in the epic Philly cheesesteak battle, so I did what any self-respecting food enthusiast would: tried both in one night! These neon-lit rivals face each other across South Philly’s Passyunk Avenue in a decades-long beef (pun intended).
Ordering properly requires its own language: “Whiz wit” gets you a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions. Pat’s claims to have invented the sandwich in 1930, while Geno’s has been slinging their version since 1966. The differences are subtle—Pat’s chops their meat, Geno’s slices it thin.
My verdict? Both are delicious in their own right. The real magic happens when you try them back-to-back at 2 AM after exploring Philly’s nightlife. Just remember: have your order ready when you reach the window, or face the wrath of locals!
12. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs – Denver, CO
Reindeer and rattlesnake and pheasant, oh my! My concept of hot dogs was forever transformed at this Denver institution run by a former repo man turned encased-meat visionary. Jim’s exotic sausages make standard beef franks seem downright boring.
The Alaskan reindeer dog—my personal favorite—is topped with cream cheese and caramelized onions coked in Coca-Cola. It sounds bizarre but tastes like heaven. The rattlesnake & pheasant sausage with Malaysian jam might be the most adventurous thing I’ve ever eaten outside of international travel.
Located near Coors Field, it’s perfect for pre-gaming before Rockies baseball. Even better? They have a food truck that roams Denver, so you might stumble upon these wild creations unexpectedly. Your boring ballpark frank will never satisfy you again after this place!
13. In-N-Out Burger – Various Western States
Californians, cover your ears—I used to think In-N-Out was overhyped until that fateful day in Las Vegas when hunger and curiosity finally pushed me through their doors. Consider me a convert, singing from the gospel of Animal Style!
The beauty lies in simplicity: fresh-never-frozen beef, hand-cut fries, and a menu so concise it fits on a postage stamp. The not-so-secret menu is where the magic happens. “Animal Style” gets you mustard-grilled patties with extra spread, pickles, and grilled onions. The “4×4” (four patties, four cheese slices) nearly put me in a food coma.
Every location has the same spotless interior and employees who seem genuinely happy. At prices that barely touch fast-food competitors, it’s the West Coast pilgrimage every road-tripper must make!