It's true, the culinary scenes in the US's major cities are undeniably powerful. However, if you venture outside the lively cities into the country, the suburbs and those overlooked small towns, you'll still uncover an array of gourmet treasures. Ranging from sweet cafes you never knew existed to the culinary destinations you can happily journey for, we share the most amazing places to eat beyond city limits in America.
Alabama: Lannie's Bar-B-Q, Selma
Head out of downtown Selma in south-central Alabama and you'll see an unassuming residential street, but with one homey place cooking up some of the best barbecue this state has to offer. Lannie's has been grilling since '46, and residents still pack in for their lips-smacking brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.
Alaska: Mountain High Pizza Pie, Talkeetna
An Alaskan Railroad stop-off, the small city of Talkeetna might not seem like a gourmet destination - that is until you encounter Mountain High Pizza Pie. Look for a menu that includes fun and wild pizza toppings from reindeer gyros with garlic oil, feta, and artichoke hearts to name just a few. You cannot miss the spot; it paints itself bright purple and stands proudly against a backdrop of Alaskan greens.
Arizona: Cafe Roka, Bisbee
If you know, you know about artsy and boutique shops, plus the food at this small town is surprisingly top-tier. Trek up to Bisbee from the biggest cities in Arizona and make sure to add Cafe Roka to your itinerary. It has served up "New American with French and Italian influences" for 30 years (think portobello & artichoke lasagna or short ribs with garlic mash).
Arkansas: Lucky S Cafe, Perryville
And you would be fortunate enough to find yourself in little Perryville, a stone's throw away from the happy little diner in the photo above. Make sure to check the board for the daily special – it is always a good ol' home cooking recipe. We ordered a smothered steak, fried chicken and, of course, all of your typical belly-stuffing favorites (mashed potatoes, candied yams, green bean casserole).
California: Nella Kitchen & Bar, Los Olivos
Although small and not very famous, Los Olivos, in California's Ynez Valley, is steadily making its mark as a foodies' haven. It's an hour-and-a-half-hour drive from Santa Barbara, a five-hour venture from San Francisco and still close to three hours away from Los Angeles, but charming enclaves like Nella Kitchen & Bar provide reason enough for the drive. Nella Kitchen chefs embrace a local mindset and a seasonal approach to craft memorable plates such as the cioppino (fish soup with mussels, scallops, halibut, and lobster tail), and impeccable pasta like the tonnarelli with pesto and ricotta salata.
Colorado: The Rose, Pagosa Springs
Sure, Colorado cities like Denver never fail to satisfy the foodie in you, but you won't struggle to find somewhere to eat other than within the state's capital either. Take The Rose in small-town Pagosa Springs as a prime example. This friendly dive feels more like a friend's living room than anywhere you'd want to eat, which the cozy atmosphere complements from a mouth-watering country-fried steak to a cracking breakfast burrito.
Delaware: Fat Daddy's BBQ, Georgetown
Don't find a whole lotta states that tout "world class BBQ" quite the same way as, you know, Texas and North Carolina, so if you want to satisfy your craving for some good stuff without going too far off the beaten path, take yourself down to southern Georgetown and you won't be disappointed: Fat Daddy's BBQ. They don't make it fussy, they make it right, right here: check out the overloaded pulled pork sandwich and super juicy brisket, smoked wings, baby back ribs, oh my - all load onto your table with generous portions of fries, mac 'n' cheese and coleslaw.
Florida: KC Wine & Koffee Bar, Crystal River
You wouldn't think much of this darling little local haunt when you find it in sunshine Crystal River, a Florida town that happens to be home to manatees. Food is not among Crystal River's claims to fame, but you should definitely drive to this KC Wine & Koffee Bar for it. Exposed brick and dark woods invite you in to this inviting bar-slash-cafe offering everything from burgers and fish plates to tacos and gyros.
Hawaii: Pa’ia Fishmarket & Restaurant, Paia
One of the fun bits of Hawaiian grub is stopping at those down-home seafood shacks and plate lunch joints that still feel genuine - and it's here in Hawaii that you can find some of the most worthwhile places in the islands - often far from the big tourist towns. Hop off the highway to artsy surfing town of Paia in Maui to check out the Pa'ia Fish Market. This spot, which opened way back when the town was a simple fishing village in 1989, does the classics - fresh catch plates with mah mahi, snapper and salmon; shrimp tacos; and clam chowder.
FAQ's
Here are the top 5 frequently asked questions about finding the best "out-of-town" (small-town and destination) restaurants across every U.S. state:
1. What makes a restaurant considered an "out-of-town" dining destination?
An out-of-town restaurant is a culinary destination located outside major metropolitan hubs—often situated in rural communities, small towns, or along scenic highways. They are defined by their ability to draw diners from hours away purely based on the quality of their food, unique heritage, regional authenticity, or striking locations.
2. What types of food do these non-metropolitan spots usually specialize in?
While many specialize in regional comfort foods—such as slow-cooked barbecue in the South, fresh seafood in coastal villages, or home-style diners along historic routes—many out-of-town spots offer high-end culinary experiences. Many featured non-city restaurants are run by James Beard-nominated chefs who relocated to smaller towns for local ingredients and lower overhead.
3. Which U.S. state has the most famous destination restaurant worth traveling for?
While every state has standalone stars, North Carolina (The Fearrington House in Pittsboro), Maine (The Lost Kitchen in Freedom), and Tennessee (The Barn at Blackberry Farm in Walland) are legendary. Maine's The Lost Kitchen, for instance, receives thousands of postcard entries annually for a chance to secure a dining reservation in a town of under 800 people.
4. How do travel and food writers curate "best in every state" lists for rural areas?
Lists compiled by food and travel publications (such as Taste of Home, Tasting Table, or LoveFood) rely on a mix of local culinary accolades, James Beard nominations, community reputations, sustained visitor reviews, and strict location criteria (ensuring the business operates outside major city limits).
5. Are reservations required for famous out-of-town restaurants?
It depends on the style of the establishment. Destination fine-dining spots in rural areas often require booking months in advance due to limited seasonal seating. However, roadside barbecue joints, historic steak houses, and small-town diners usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis, often drawing long weekend lines.
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