When Taste Buds Go On a Road Trip
From Texas brisket to Maine lobster rolls, some states simply have culinary swagger baked right into their soil (and deep fryers). Here’s how foodies rank the top 20 states with the best local cuisine—from smoky Midwest barbecue to coastal shellfish dreams.
20. Missouri
Missouri may be the “Texas of the Midwest,” and not just because of its confidence. Both Kansas City and St. Louis serve up BBQ so good it could convert a lifelong vegan. Burnt ends are the real star—tender, caramelized, and dangerously addictive. Sure, St. Louis commits some cheese-related misdoings with Provel pizza, but it’s easy to forgive them when the ribs hit the table.
Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States, Wikimedia Commons
19. Colorado
Colorado’s culinary scene is as wild and elevated as its terrain. While the state’s craft beer scene is legendary, the food deserves equal hype—think buffalo burgers, Colorado lamb, and plenty of green chile. Edibles aside, food in Denver, Boulder, and Aspen is full of fresh, Western energy. Even Rocky Mountain oysters—yes, those oysters—are surprisingly tasty if you’ve got the nerve.
terri_bateman, Wikimedia Commons
18. Hawaii
In Hawaii, the food is as magical as the sunsets. The islands blend Polynesian, East Asian, and mainland influences into a cuisine unlike any other. Kalua pork rivals Carolina BBQ, poke bowls redefine “fresh,” and even SPAM becomes haute cuisine in musubi form. It’s a place where gravy-covered hamburger patties (the beloved loco moco) somehow make perfect sense.
BrokenSphere, Wikimedia Commons
17. Alabama
White sauce barbecue may be Alabama’s calling card, but the state’s food story goes far beyond mayo-based magic. Birmingham’s dining scene has exploded—Frank Stitt’s Highlands Bar and Grill even snagged a James Beard Award after a decade of nominations. Add in farm-raised oysters and peaches that outshine Georgia’s, and you’ve got a state in the middle of a delicious renaissance.
16. Wisconsin
Yes, Wisconsin’s got cheese. And yes, they’ll fry it. But the state’s culinary depth goes beyond dairy. Milwaukee and Madison offer refined dining alongside comforting classics like fish fries and Kringle pastries. The result? A perfect mix of Midwestern warmth and unapologetic indulgence. Even their desserts come stuffed with cheese—and somehow, it works.
cyclonebill from Copenhagen, Denmark, Wikimedia Commons
15. Massachusetts
Massachusetts has its culinary quirks (baked beans, molasses disasters, and questionable pizza), but when it hits, it really hits. Boston’s chowder is the undisputed king of soups, and lobster rolls from Neptune Oyster are pure seaside bliss. Add in cannoli from the North End and fried clams from Ipswich, and the Bay State more than redeems itself from its Necco-wafer sins.
Lee Coursey, Wikimedia Commons
14. South Carolina
Charleston remains the jewel in South Carolina’s culinary crown, where chefs like Sean Brock and Mike Lata helped transform the city into a Southern food powerhouse. Whole hog barbecue, Lowcountry boils, and frogmore stew make the Palmetto State irresistible. Greenville’s rising food scene adds another layer, proving South Carolina’s cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious.
13. Georgia
Atlanta is more than just lemon pepper wings—it’s a dynamic blend of Southern soul and modern innovation. From Savannah’s coastal classics to Atlanta’s high-end dining, Georgia serves comfort with a side of swagger. Between pecan pie, fried chicken, and peach cobbler so good it sparks family feuds, this is one state that knows its flavor.
Jonathunder, Wikimedia Commons
12. Maine
Maine’s culinary philosophy can be summed up in one word: fresh. Portland is a tiny city with world-class talent, and its lobster rolls, clambakes, and wild blueberries are the stuff of legend. Whether it’s dining at Eventide Oyster Co or munching lobster-stuffed everything near the rocky coast, Maine proves that simplicity can taste divine.
inuyaki.com, Wikimedia Commons
11. Michigan
Michigan’s food scene might surprise you. Detroit’s deep-dish pizza and coney dogs are national icons, while the state’s Polish, Greek, and Middle Eastern cuisines make for an unexpectedly global menu. Up north, Traverse City and Grand Rapids boast farm-to-table dining that rivals the coasts. Bonus points for venison chili—minus a few for the roadkill reminders.
JJonahJackalope, Wikimedia Commons
10. North Carolina
Why settle for one barbecue tradition when you can have two? North Carolina does both Eastern-style whole hog and Western-style pork shoulder to perfection. Coastal seafood, Asheville’s booming restaurant scene, and Charlotte’s underrated dining make this a foodie haven.
Mfield, Matthew Field, http://www.photography.mattfield.com, Wikimedia Commons
9. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is the land of cheesesteaks, pierogis, and pure culinary passion. Philly alone offers everything from Zahav’s award-winning Israeli dishes to roast pork at John’s. Pittsburgh counters with pierogi-loaded sandwiches and exciting new chefs. The Amish add their pies to the mix, reminding everyone that simplicity—and butter—still win hearts.
8. Washington
From apples to oysters, Washington’s got the market cornered on fresh. Seattle’s seafood is world-class—smoked salmon, Dungeness crab, and cedar-planked everything. Add in a booming coffee culture and cherries from Yakima, and you’ve got a foodie’s dream. The state’s German fare in Leavenworth and Twin Peaks-worthy pie scenes only sweeten the deal.
7. Illinois
Chicago alone could carry this entire state. Deep-dish pizza is just the beginning—throw in Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs with attitude, and some of the country’s best fine dining. Downstate Illinois adds quirky delights like the horseshoe sandwich and hidden barbecue gems. It’s hearty, bold, and endlessly satisfying.
6. Oregon
Oregon’s obsession with fresh, local, and sustainable food is almost a religion. Portland leads the charge with its endless food trucks and brunch lines, while the coast delivers Dungeness crab and tuna. Wine country adds class, and Tillamook cheese keeps it comfortingly cheesy. Oregon might talk too much about its food—but it’s earned the right.
Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons
5. Tennessee
Tennessee is a flavor feud wrapped in fried chicken. Nashville’s hot chicken gets the headlines, but Memphis quietly dominates the barbecue scene. Together, they create a state that feeds both your stomach and your soul. Throw in whiskey, biscuits, and a late-night Krystal run, and you’ve got culinary perfection with a country soundtrack.
4. Louisiana
New Orleans alone could make Louisiana a top contender. From po-boys to beignets, gumbo to jambalaya, every bite tells a story steeped in history and spice. The rest of the state only adds to the feast—boudin, crawfish boils, and festivals celebrating everything edible. Louisiana doesn’t just cook food—it creates culture.
Coastal Elite from Halifax, Canada, Wikimedia Commons
3. New York
No surprise here—New York does it all, and does it well. The bagels are legendary, the pizza’s iconic, and the diversity is unmatched. From Buffalo wings to Chinatown dumplings, upstate diners to Michelin-starred temples, New York’s food is as fast-paced and unforgettable as the city itself. You’ll leave full—and maybe a little in love.
2. California
California is a culinary kaleidoscope. From fish tacos in San Diego to sushi in LA, wine in Napa, and avocados everywhere, the Golden State’s bounty is unmatched. Its chefs blend global influences into something uniquely Californian—fresh, creative, and always photogenic. Even its burgers, burritos, and donuts have cult followings.
1. Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the flavor. Barbecue here isn’t just food, it’s religion, perfected in smoky temples like Franklin and Snow’s. Add in Tex-Mex, puffy tacos, breakfast burritos, and chili that could make you cry tears of joy, and it’s no wonder Texas reigns supreme. Houston’s global fusion, Austin’s food trucks, and San Antonio’s UNESCO “Creative City of Gastronomy” title seal the deal.
Texas doesn’t just win the food war—it eats the competition for breakfast.
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