Tom Foster
Interested parties should have no trouble finding out where to find the most famous restaurants in all 50 states. It might take a while, but it’s a worthwhile trip.
Alabama: Irondale Cafe
This southern-style cafe inspired the famous Whistle Stop Cafe in Fried Green Tomatoes, so it’s fair to assume that it’s a fun place to go. The original building burned to the ground in 1980, but it was replaced, thankfully.
Alaska: Club Paris
It’s been described as a hole-in-the-wall among famous restaurants, but any location that can survive an earthquake and keep going is worth visiting. The food is great, and the step back in time is appreciated.
Arizona: El Charro
If you’re looking for a great chimi this is the spot. At this time it’s a little over a century old and is still evolving to serve the locals and those who are just passing through.
Arkansas: McClard’s BBQ
This restaurant has seen its way through five generations of owners and is one of the best BBQ joints in its area. Their famous, or infamous, tamales are one of the favored dishes on the menu and used to exist just to sober people up.
California: Pink’s Hot Dogs
It’s a big state, so picking one among many famous restaurants is kind of tough, if not impossible. But a place with a story to tell is usually a little more interesting than most, and the fact that many celebrities have rolled through this place is enough to keep it interesting.
Colorado: The Buckhorn Exchange
Well over a century old, the Buckhorn opened its doors before the 20th century started. Open to everyone, this place had a menu that was filled with all types of offerings.
Connecticut: Louis’ Lunch
A lot of people will state that the hamburger was invented at this location long ago. It wasn’t the same thing that a lot of people are used to, but it was, at that time, the meal that would one day become the common burger we all know and love.
Delaware: Jessop’s Tavern
This colonial-themed restaurant exists in a building that’s over three centuries old. It hasn’t always been used as an eatery, but it was opened up as such in the 90s and is now a tourist attraction as well as a tavern.
Florida: Joe’s Stone Crab
Originally this place was just a lunch stand. As time went on though and the customers kept coming, things changed in a big way, and the place even entertained the likes of Al Capone, Frank Sinatra, and many others.
Georgia: H&H Soul
Since the late 50s this place has been serving up some of the best cuisine that the South can offer. Mama Louise, the co-founder of the place, was known for feeding starving musicians over the years.
Hawaii: Mama’s Fish House
When this place opened in the 70s the owners decided not to try and compete with the many steakhouses that were already in business. Instead, they took advantage of the natural resources and opened a fish restaurant.
Idaho: The Snake Pit
This place has been known by many other names during its 135 years of business, but it’s never been dull. If you’re looking for Rocky Mountain Oysters, this is the place.
Illinois: The Village Tavern
A name like this makes it clear that the location has been around for a while. Since 1847 this location has been open and has served the community, so that proves longevity, while its reputation proves its quality.
Indiana: The Rathskeller
German cuisine is what to expect when you come to this place. Having been in operation since 1894 has given this place a very authentic feel that a lot of people love and keep coming back for.
Iowa: Northwestern Steakhouse
It’s not a big place, but it’s a unique location. The Greek-style steak, broiled in olive oil, is something you have to try.
Kansas: Hay’s House Restaurant and Tavern
It was a hotel and tavern to start with, and it was started up by the great-grandson of Daniel Boone. If nothing else, that alone is a claim to fame that will impress a lot of people.
Kentucky: Sanders Cafe
Yes, the same guy that started KFC started out here in 1940, and the name spread far and wide. There’s even a museum to give people more information about this right next to the cafe.
Louisiana: Commander’s Palace
Louisiana is a place that knows how to feed people and keep them satisfied. But when it comes to flare and Southern charm, this location is second to none.
Maine: The Goldenrod
It’s bound to be an argument as to whether this place or the Lobster Shack is the best restaurant in Maine. But The Goldenrod has a lot of votes that swing favor in its direction.
Maryland: Ocean Pride Seafood
Maryland is known for seafood, that much is obvious. Apart from being a great place for the local catch of the day, sports fans can catch the game if they have the time.
Massachusetts: Kelly’s
Claiming to invent the roast beef sandwich is a minor claim, unless you live in Massachusetts. That’s not too bad for a place that started off as a hot dog shack.
Michigan: Hack-Ma-Tack Inn and Restaurant
At one time this place was a private hunting and fishing lodge. Over the years it became something else that others were allowed to enjoy, and today it’s a fun spot to visit for great food and an interesting atmosphere.
Minnesota: Matt’s Bar
It sounds like a dingy little hole in the wall, doesn’t it? The truth is that Matt’s is a regular restaurant that attracts a lot of different people.
Mississippi: Weidmann’s
As the longest-operating restaurant in the state, this spot serves excellent Southern cuisine and is visited quite often by tourists. That’s a far cry from the four stools and counter it started with.
Missouri: Arthur Bryant’s
It sounds as though this is a must when it comes to visiting Missouri, as many people have made it clear that this place is home to the most famous BBQ in the state. That’s a bold claim, but it’s worth checking out.
Montana: Pekin Noodle Parlor
One of the oldest operating Chinese spots in Montana, it sounds as though Jerry Tam, the owner, keeps the legacy alive by keeping the menu updated but still open to the original fare. It’s a great way to pay homage to those who traveled from the East to the West to help build the world as we know it today.
Nebraska: The Drover Restaurant and Lounge
Nebraska is cattle country as many people know, and this restaurant pays homage to that. It’s a good spot to visit in the winter thanks to the double fireplaces.
Nevada: The Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
A Bloody Mary with your steak and eggs first thing in the early morning isn’t too off-kilter, at least for Vegas. Is it any wonder the best restaurant is located near the Strip?
New Hampshire: Hancock Inn
George Washington was just past his first year as president when this place opened, so it’s fair to say that it’s been around for a while. It’s undergone a renovation in recent times, but it’s still the same old place with the same impressive menu.
New Jersey: Tops Diner
If you ask where the best cheesecake is found in the Garden State people will likely point you in the direction of this place. It’s not a greasy spoon, but it does serve a lot of comfort food.
New Mexico: Owl Bar and Cafe
Believe it or not, this place was founded in the back of a grocery store. Since then it’s grown and established itself as a popular spot to hang out and enjoy the local green chili cheeseburgers.
New York: Keens Steakhouse
Katz’s is the big name that a lot of people expect on this list. But Keens has a history that is just a little more interesting and has been in operation since 1885.
North Carolina: Skylight Inn
BBQ is hard to beat, especially when it’s done right and often enough to keep people coming in. This place has only been around since 1947, but it’s established itself in a big way.
North Dakota: The Red Pepper
While the population of this state isn’t that big, it still has a lot to offer people. Red Pepper is the most popular restaurant that a lot of people will openly comment on in glowing terms.
Ohio: Skyline Chili
Thank goodness for immigrants, since they helped to bring to life many of the famous restaurants we know today. Nicholas Lambrinides deserves a lot of thanks for opening this restaurant and sticking around to keep the people of Cincinnati fed with his distinct skills.
Oklahoma: Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
The ownership of this place has changed a few times, but it’s still the same place that was opened in 1910. It’s entertained a few very famous people, but has kept its roots and its great menu.
Oregon: Huber’s
Ask just about anyone in Portland about Huber’s and you’ll likely hear about their great Spanish coffees. Like many famous restaurants, it’s been through a lot, but it’s never given up in the face of adversity.
Pennsylvania: McGillin’s Olde Ale House
There are a lot of historic landmarks in this state. But McGillin’s Old Ale House is one of the most famous restaurants according to the locals.
Rhode Island: Haven Brother’s Diner
It’s rumored that this is where the food truck trend came from. This truck in particular has parked outside City Hall daily and has served countless individuals who want a quick bite.
South Carolina: Villa Tronco
The people who opened this restaurant are credited with introducing pizza to South Carolina, so that’s impressive. The popular story is that Mama Sadie, one of the owners of the place back in the day, cooked a soldier of Italian descent spaghetti and meatballs to give them a taste of home.
South Dakota: Wall Drug Store
It sounds like a place that might not be much more than a lunch counter overlooking a deli, right? But this place is iconic to anyone who’s been there.
Tennessee: Rendezvous BBQ
The story is that the infamous BBQ style of Memphis started in an elevator shaft. That’s the legend anyway, but the reality might be a little more practical.
Texas: Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
There are a lot of places in Texas that can be called iconic or legendary. But this place has been serving up some of the greatest Mexican food for years, and people are highly appreciative.
Utah: Ruth’s Diner
When it comes to famous restaurants, this place is one of those that stands out due to where it’s found. A trolley car isn’t entirely original, but it does open a place up to some great stories.
Vermont: The Common Man
Vermont isn’t really known for famous restaurants that win multiple awards. But it is known for sustainability, and that’s what The Common Man delivers.
Virginia: Doumar’s BBQ
The story of this place is that it was founded by a Syrian immigrant who was also a traveling salesman. It’s also credited with serving the first waffle cone.
Washington: Canlis
It’s a testament to how far-reaching immigrants’ efforts are in this country since the origins of this place reach back to Greece. The Emerald City hosts a great number of different dining experiences, but people have decided this is the best.
West Virginia: The Greenbrier Resort
Many places are called iconic and legendary, and this place is no different. But it’s also been stated that this famous restaurant offers a world-class dining experience.
Wisconsin: Mader’s Restaurant
German fare in this country has traveled from one coast to another. The upside is that a lot of people enjoy the hearty meals that such places offer.
Wyoming: The Virginian
Since 1880 this place has served several famous names and faces. The old West-style charm it offers is fully appreciated, as is the dining experience.
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