Discover the Best Food in Every US State

When it comes to gastronomy, the United States of America is a melting pot of flavors and cultures that offers an endless variety of dishes, flavors, and ingredients. From the juicy burgers in California to the spicy jambalaya in Louisiana, each state in the country has its own unique cuisine that will surprise and delight your taste buds. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the United States to discover the best food in every US state. You’ll learn about the history, ingredients, and preparation of each dish, as well as where to find it and how to enjoy it to the fullest.

Alabama: Fried Chicken 🍗

When it comes to fried chicken, Alabama is a state that takes this beloved dish to the next level. The secret to Alabama-style fried chicken is the white sauce, a tangy and creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices that is drizzled over the crispy fried chicken. The best place to try this dish is at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, a legendary barbecue joint in Decatur that has been serving the best fried chicken in the state for over 90 years.

Alaska: King Crab Legs 🦀

Alaska is famous for its seafood, and king crab legs are one of the state’s most prized delicacies. These giant crustaceans are harvested from the icy waters of Alaska and offer sweet and succulent meat that is perfect for dipping in melted butter. The best place to enjoy king crab legs in Alaska is at the Simon & Seaforts restaurant in Anchorage, which offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Arizona: Chimichangas 🌯

Chimichangas are a classic Mexican dish that has become a staple of Arizona cuisine. These deep-fried burritos are filled with meat, beans, cheese, and spices, and are often topped with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. The best place to try chimichangas in Arizona is at Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant, a family-owned chain that has been serving delicious Mexican food since 1946.

Arkansas: Fried Catfish 🐟

Fried catfish is a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, and Arkansas is no exception. This dish features crispy fried catfish fillets that are seasoned with spices and served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. The best place to try fried catfish in Arkansas is at the White’s Seafood and Steakhouse in West Memphis, which has been serving the best catfish in the state for over 100 years.

California: In-N-Out Burger 🍔

No list of the best food in every US state would be complete without mentioning In-N-Out Burger, the iconic fast-food chain that has become a California institution. In-N-Out Burger is famous for its fresh, never-frozen beef patties, its secret spread, and its crispy fries. The best place to enjoy an In-N-Out Burger in California is at the original location in Baldwin Park, which opened in 1948 and still serves the same delicious burgers.

Colorado: Rocky Mountain Oysters 🥚

Rocky Mountain oysters are a unique dish that is popular in Colorado and other Western states. Contrary to their name, Rocky Mountain oysters are not seafood, but rather bull testicles that are sliced, breaded, and deep-fried. This dish is often served with cocktail sauce or ranch dressing and has a texture and flavor that is similar to chicken. The best place to try Rocky Mountain oysters in Colorado is at the Buckhorn Exchange, a historic saloon in Denver that has been serving wild game and Western fare since 1893.

Connecticut: New Haven-style Pizza 🍕

New Haven-style pizza is a regional variation of the classic Italian dish that has become synonymous with Connecticut cuisine. This pizza features a thin, crispy crust that is charred in a wood-fired oven and topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of toppings. The best place to try New Haven-style pizza in Connecticut is at Pepe’s Pizza, a legendary pizzeria that has been operating since 1925 and has been named the best pizza in America by numerous publications.

Delaware: Scrapple 🍳

Scrapple is a traditional breakfast dish that is popular in Delaware and other Mid-Atlantic states. This dish is made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices that are formed into a loaf and sliced into thick pieces. Scrapple is often fried and served with eggs, toast, and hot sauce. The best place to try scrapple in Delaware is at the Helen’s Sausage House in Smyrna, which has been serving delicious homemade sausages and scrapple since 1938.

Florida: Key Lime Pie 🥧

Key lime pie is a dessert that is synonymous with Florida and the Florida Keys. This pie features a tart and creamy filling made with fresh key lime juice that is poured into a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream. The best place to try key lime pie in Florida is at the Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, a family-owned bakery that has been serving the best key lime pie in the state for over 20 years.

Georgia: Peach Cobbler 🍑

Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is beloved in Georgia and other Southern states. This dish features fresh peaches that are baked with a sweet and buttery crust and served warm with vanilla ice cream. The best place to try peach cobbler in Georgia is at the Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a historic restaurant in Atlanta that has been serving delicious Southern fare since 1945.

Hawaii: Poke 🐟

Poke is a Hawaiian dish that features diced raw fish that is marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices and served over rice or salad greens. This dish is popular in Hawaii and has become a favorite of health-conscious diners around the world. The best place to try poke in Hawaii is at the Ono Hawaiian Foods restaurant in Honolulu, which has been serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine since 1960.

Idaho: Finger Steaks 🍖

Finger steaks are a unique dish that is popular in Idaho and other Western states. These bite-sized steak strips are breaded and deep-fried and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Finger steaks are often served in bars and restaurants as a snack or appetizer. The best place to try finger steaks in Idaho is at the Meridian Roadhouse, a classic Idaho bar that has been serving finger steaks and other pub fare since 1950.

Illinois: Chicago-style Hot Dog 🌭

The Chicago-style hot dog is a beloved street food that has become a cultural icon of Illinois and Chicago. This hot dog features a steamed all-beef sausage that is nestled in a poppy seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, relish, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, and a dash of celery salt. The best place to try a Chicago-style hot dog in Illinois is at Portillo’s, a chain of restaurants that has been serving the best hot dogs in the state since 1963.

Indiana: Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich 🥪

The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is a classic Midwestern dish that is popular in Indiana and other states. This sandwich features a thick pork cutlet that is breaded and fried and served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The best place to try a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich in Indiana is at the Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington, which has been serving the best pork tenderloin sandwiches in the state since 1908.

Iowa: Maid-Rite Sandwich 🍔

The Maid-Rite sandwich is a unique dish that is popular in Iowa and other Midwestern states. This sandwich features a ground beef patty that is cooked in a special sauce and served on