Last Updated on September 12, 2025 by Steph
One of the best ways to explore the United States is with your taste buds, so why not share our must-try foods in each state? There are a few drinks sprinkled in as needed. I love sampling snacks and beverages while I travel and trying something new as much as possible. Locals always have excellent recommendations, and that’s usually where I start. I’ve even planned an entire side trip around a dessert I wanted (I’m looking at you, Florida).
So far, we’ve visited 45 states together (and a few on our own), but we keep adding places we want to return to and try. This list will likely be updated at least once a year, so you’ll never miss out on any favorites we’ve gotten into. We want to explain how we pick the best foods in each state, and then jump right into the list.
How We Chose the Foods to Try in Each State
I should mention that we are pescatarians. You won’t find any poultry or red meat on the list. Some states are more conducive to this than others. I will also warn you that this list is not for anyone trying to eat the most health-conscious items on a road trip. I think that list would look very different.
This list acts as my personal bucket list of food, so there are some that we’ve already been able to experience. When relevant, I’ll share the places that I recommend. Otherwise, I’m featuring foods on my list for a future visit.
A List of the Top 50 Snacks in All 50 States
Alright, here is the most updated list of the best foods in each state. Some places we had a short time and just picked our favorites, but other places we’ve had tons of time and lots of sampling. We are always open to hear your opinions on the best foods in each state, so let us know if we’re missing something.
Alabama – Fried Green Tomatoes
This fried little treat is made from unripe tomatoes sliced and fried on both sides. It’s hard to deny the wonderful snackability of fried vegetables. Plus, a classic movie and book share a name, and they take place in Alabama. That movie gets credit for bringing the dish to the South. The origins actually date back to Jewish immigrants in the 19th century. If you are doing a Civil Rights Road Trip, plan a stop at the Irondale Cafe, which inspired the Whistle Stop Cafe in the novel.
Alaska – Salmon
Any fish that you can catch right off the coast would be fine for me, but salmon cooked over a BBQ might top my list. I can just close my eyes and picture myself sitting on the water with mountains all around, snacking on some fish that was caught just hours before. Multiple types of Pacific Salmon swim in the waters off the coast, but I have no real preference.
Arizona – Prickly Pear Margaritas
Did you know that Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy? The Sonoran Hot Dog is a famous dish you can find all over the city, but it’s bacon-wrapped and a hot dog, so I didn’t seek it out. While I’m sure there’s a vegetarian hot dog with all the same toppings (mustard, mayo, onions, beans, green salsa, and tomatoes), I would recommend ordering a prickly pear margarita. Prickly Pears are the fruit from a cactus, and they are a sweet treat – perfect for a frozen drink. Sipping on this while sitting in the desert sun is pretty fantastic.
Arkansas – Fried Pickles
Not too different from their Southern neighbor with fried green tomatoes, Arkansas is known for fried pickles. This snack was first battered and deep-fried at the Duchess Drive-In in 1963. These salty snacks can be dipped in a ranch dressing or aioli sauce. I’m learning to love pickles more and more as I get older, so throwing them in a frier just makes them more appealing.
California – Fish Tacos
With an extensive coastline, California has a lot of access to fish. Add in the remarkable influence of their southern neighbor, and it’s clear why fish tacos are at the top of my list. We lived in San Diego and have spent quite a bit of time traveling up and down the coast, and I don’t know that I’ve ever had a bad taco. Some of our favorites include Ana’s Taco Bar in Santa Barbara, The Schwack in Dana Point, and Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in San Diego. I would include tacos as one of the best foods in each state, but that might make for a boring article.
Colorado – Craft Beer
Forget about the Rocky Mountain Oysters unless you have bull testicles on your wishlist. We love visiting the craft breweries scattered all over the mountainous state. Maybe it’s something in the water, but the beer tastes better with a beautiful backdrop. We like Upslope in Boulder, Lariat Lodge in Evergreen, and Denver Beer Co., which has multiple locations.
Connecticut – White Clam Pizza
The original Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is near the Yale campus in New Haven, Connecticut. The famous White Clam Pizza includes littleneck clams with Romano cheese, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. I usually wouldn’t put seafood and pizza together, but I’ve seen photos of this, and it looks pretty fantastic. If you want a little movie nostalgia, the Mystic Pizza location also has a Seafood Delight pizza with clams, shrimp, and scallops.
Delaware – French Fries
Fries rarely disappoint. A boardwalk favorite in Delaware serves up a bucket of fries with vinegar, and I’m intrigued. Thrashers has won a nationwide poll about the best French fries, so clearly, it has my attention. I’m curious if they really are so much better than other places.
Florida – Key Lime Pie
My favorite part of Florida is the Keys. The drive from Miami to Key West is so fun. Along the way, you will see about 1,000 different ways to enjoy key limes. Pie is the most common and popular, and it’s my favorite dessert. It typically contains Florida key limes, condensed milk, and egg yolk. You could try the Key Lime Colada at the Island Fish Company if you want something other than pie.
Georgia – Peaches
You can’t visit Georgia without sinking your teeth into a Georgia peach. You’ll find roadside orchard stands in many rural areas, so it’s perfect if you’re doing a little road-tripping. Check out Dickey Farms during the summer and pick your own peaches, or sample their peach-flavored ice cream year-round.
Hawaii – Shaved Ice
Spam has been number one on many lists of must-try foods in each US state, but when it comes to Hawaii, Poke has moved into the top spot over the last few years. The dish goes back to ancient times when Hawaiians would eat freshly caught fish massaged with sea salt, seaweed, and other local ingredients they could use. I’m not a huge fan of Poke, so on my trip to Hawaii, I will seek out Shaved Ice. Ululani’s shows up on many lists, so I’ll probably start there and try as many other spots as possible.
Idaho – Potatoes
Potatoes are a common crop in the state of Idaho. You might be thinking that we already had French fries on the list, but Idaho is proud of the spud. For example, the Westside Drive-In serves an ice cream potato. Thankfully, there isn’t a potato in the dish (I don’t think), but a potato-shaped serving of ice cream topped with your favorites. If you find yourself cruising through Idaho, make sure to stop for spuds somewhere and see if you can taste the freshness.
Illinois – Deep Dish Pizza
When there’s pizza available, I’m going to try it. Chicago is home to the famous deep-dish pizza. Ask anyone who lives there, and they’ll have an opinion about where you should go. A few of the most popular are Pizzeria Uno, Lou Malnati’s, and Gio’s. We’ve eaten all three, but I think a second round is required for me to give a trophy. And don’t worry, this isn’t the last time pizza shows up on this list of the best foods in each state.
Indiana – Popcorn
Pulaski County is known as the popcorn capital of the US, and the state is home to Orville Redenbacher. When driving through Indy, stop and load up on popcorn and enjoy the snack. It’s simple and classic, but I think that’s also an excellent way to describe Indiana as a whole.
Iowa – Nutty Bars
Okoboji is a wonderful little resort town in Northwestern Iowa. There is a fantastic ice cream stand near the nostalgic amusement park where they serve Nutty Bars, which are magical. Imagine blue bunny vanilla ice cream covered in a hard shell of chocolate and rolled in crushed nuts. These have been a staple for summer visitors since the stand opened in 1945. Don’t miss out. This is probably the most niche spot on our list of must try foods in each US state.
Kansas – Chili and a Roll
This might seem normal, but apparently, they don’t mean any basic roll in Kansas. They pair chili with a cinnamon roll. It takes the sweet and savory idea to a new level, and I want to give it a try. There are some roadside diners along I-70 that pair them as a menu item together, so whenever I find myself back in the Garden State, I’m diving in.
Kentucky – Bourbon
Did you know that 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky? They say it’s the water. I’ve had Kentucky Bourbon before, but I want to visit the famous Bourbon Trail, which has multiple distilleries that visitors can tour. Buffalo Trace is one of my personal favorites.
Louisana – Char Grilled Oysters
I always want to try oysters, but I never really love them. That is until I went to Acme Oyster House in New Orleans. They throw the oysters on a giant grill and cook them on an open flame with a layer of butter and seasoning. It was a unique way to prepare them. I eat there at least once whenever I’m in town. Beignets do deserve an honorable mention because they are delightful.
Maine – Lobster Roll
When we visited Maine, I was most excited to try fresh lobster, but after eating it for dinner, I realized that the roll was the only way I could do it. The Clam Shack is my favorite place to stop for sandwiches on the Maine coast. It’s worth trying it at multiple locations and picking out your favorite.
Maryland – Crab Cakes
The Chesapeake Bay is known for its Blue Crabs. Many people enjoy crab meat on its own, but I love crab cakes. I can add it to a Benedict for brunch or turn it into a sandwich. It doesn’t really matter to me. I just love the flavors and the unique seasonings that different places add. The place I have on my list for my next stop in Baltimore is Koco’s.
Massachusetts – Clams
Clams are on the menu in many Massachusetts restaurants thanks to the miles of coastline. Try the New England-style clam chowder made with fresh clams, hunks of potato, onion, and celery in a creamy base. You can also find fried clam sandwiches or steamed clams. Try multiple dishes to see which one you like best. If you’re planning a trip to Boston, you’ll have endless opportunities to try them.
Michigan – Detroit Style Pizza
I hate to have a duplicate on the list, but pizza is my favorite food group. Detroit-style pizza is wildly different than a thin New York slice or a Chicago deep dish. It’s baked in a rectangular pan, and the texture of the dough is more like a focaccia. This formula originated at a place called Buddy’s in 1946, and they are now a local chain all over Michigan. I love this style of pizza and love to try new spots in any city.
Minnesota – Walleye
How can you visit the Land of 10,000 Lakes and not enjoy a fresh-caught lake fish? Walleye is a popular whitefish and is the largest member of the perch family. I’ve tried it on tacos, pan-fried with veggies, but my favorite is a walleye sandwich. Bonus points if you enjoy your meal lakeside somewhere in Northern Minnesota.
Mississippi – Biscuits
We spent a little time in Mississippi on our Southern U.S. Road Trip, and the snack that I could not pass up anywhere we visited was a warm, buttery biscuit. It makes sense that the Biscuit Capital of the World is Natchez, MS. Visit Biscuits and Blues in Natchez or Vicious Biscuit in Hattiesburg. It’s the perfect warm bite of southern comfort food.
Missouri – Toasted Ravioli
I won’t visit Missouri without ordering Toasted Ravioli at least once. It’s crispy, breaded ravioli fried and traditionally served with marinara sauce on the side. There’s a debate about exactly which restaurant created this specialty. Still, the story is that a chef accidentally dropped ravioli into a fryer instead of boiling water back in the 1940s in St. Louis’ Italian neighborhood. Today, you can find fun variations that include BBQ sauce, but this is a must-try in Missouri.
Montana – Huckleberries
Driving through Montana, you’re likely to see multiple places claiming to have the state’s best huckleberry shake. I’m on a mission to try them all, but you won’t be disappointed with this sweet treat anywhere. Huckleberries are found throughout the state. During the summer months, they are featured everywhere. I love the Huckleberry beer from Big Sky Brewing. Honestly, I like them featured in other snacks more than I like the berry on its own.
Nebraska – Kolaches
Nebraska has a large community of people with Czech and Slovak heritage. Kolaches are similar to Danish pastries, featuring soft dough and fillings of fruit or sweet cheese. You can even plan a trip to Verdigre, the Kolach capital of the world.
Nevada – All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Las Vegas is a city that offers visitors a little taste of everything, so you cannot visit without trying an all-you-can-eat buffet. I went to one at the Luxor, and we could fill our plates with Sushi, Italian, Japanese, Salads, Burgers, Indian, and a table of desserts that would satisfy any sweet tooth. This Nevadan tradition started in 1946 at the El Rancho hotel in Las Vegas. A worker set out a collection of cold cuts and cheese to make sandwiches, which piqued the interest of casino guests. The owner realized that offering an affordable spread of food would keep gamblers on the floor longer. Now, you can find them everywhere, so don’t hold back.
New Hampshire – Pancakes and Maple Syrup
My favorite time to be in New Hampshire is the autumn months. Nothing tastes better than a stack of pancakes and a generous helping of local maple syrup. Polly’s Pancake Parlor is my personal favorite. It’s near a lot of the popular leaf peeping drives if you are visiting for a New England fall colors road trip. If you can’t make it there, grab a seat at any local diner or breakfast spot that uses local maple syrup (and take some home as a souvenir.)
New Jersey – Pizza
It might seem weird for me to include a New York slice of pizza for New Jersey, but I feel like the pizza crowd that does the original recipe moved across the Hudson River. My favorite New York pizza slice comes from Benny Tudino’s in Hoboken, NJ. The slice requires multiple plates because it’s so big. It’s the perfect floppy, foldable slice of pizza that pairs perfectly with a fountain soda.
New Mexico – Hatch Chile
One of my favorite places to eat is New Mexico. Enchiladas are unbeatable here, packed with local Hatch chiles. Those aren’t the only chile peppers grown in New Mexico, either, so you’ll get the perfect amount of heat on every plate. My enchilada preference is “Christmas style,” which is a mix of green and red sauce. It doesn’t matter where in the Land of Enchantment you’re visiting, you’ll find excellent food options.
New York – Bagels
People claim it’s the water, but I think there’s a deeper secret behind the superior bagels of New York City. Delis and bagel shops use an Eastern European cooking method of boiling the bagels to help lock in moisture before they go in the oven. You’ll find options on every street in the city, but Russ and Daughters have some of our favorites.
North Carolina – Cheerwine
Again, this is a BBQ heaven for meat eaters. I never had a hard time finding good vegetarian-friendly foods, but when it comes to something you should definitely have in North Carolina, I immediately thought of Cheerwine. This cherry-flavored soda was created in North Carolina in 1917 and is still operated by the same family. I love this drink, but probably because it’s not something I can find most places, so it’s a special treat whenever I fly through Charlotte or road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
North Dakota – Hotdish
The Midwest is home to hotdish, and with so many small family-owned restaurants sprinkled around North Dakota, you can find this comforting casserole on menus. My favorite is a tater tot hot dish, which is a mix of veggies, creamy soup, herbs/spices baked to perfection with tater tots on top, adding a little more substance. This is perfect on a cold, windy winter day.
Ohio – Cincinnati Chili
People have serious opinions about chili, but Ohioans take it to a new level. Cincinnati chili is different because the chili is used like a sauce and poured over a big pile of spaghetti noodles. Some recipes have a bit of cinnamon spice. There are multiple toppings to choose from, and you can find vegetarian options on the menu at one of the most popular places, Skyline Chili.
Oklahoma – Stay Tuned
Call this a cheat, but I’m leaving this one blank for now. We have never been to Oklahoma, and most of the suggestions we’ve heard are very meat-heavy. Once we finally check this state off, I’ll make sure to update. On my list is Vietnamese cuisine, Braum’s ice cream, fried pie, fried okra, and Daylight Donuts. Comment and let me know if I’m missing anything.
Oregon – Tofurkey
Oregon is a hotspot for vegan food options. The food trucks of Bend and Portland have dozens of options, making it impossible to choose. One popular creation that started in Hood River, OR, is Tofurkey. This plant-based giant produces holiday feasts that are sold in grocery stores all over the country. Visit a grocery store in Oregon, and you’ll usually find a larger selection of vegetarian-friendly options to make sandwiches and enjoy the natural beauty of the state.
Pennsylvania – Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
This might seem out of place, but I visited Philadelphia for the first time before I stopped eating meat. We did the Genos vs. Pats and then returned with my dad to do it again years later. Now, I’m lucky enough that they make vegetarian versions of this sandwich because I cannot imagine recommending anything else in Pennsylvania. I’m a provolone fan instead of Cheez Whiz, but everyone gets to choose their own adventure. Get your vegetarian sandwich at Monk’s Cafe or Triangle Tavern.
Rhode Island – Del’s Lemonade
I have only explored the seaside towns around Newport, so I think of beach time and Del’s lemonade. It’s a frozen treat with either watermelon or regular lemonade flavors. This was created by an Italian immigrant named Franco DeLucia, and it’s still a family-owned business. If lemonade isn’t your thing, try a coffee milk (the other popular drink here).
South Carolina – Shrimp and Grits
Another coastal state means more seafood on my must-try list. Shrimp is in all kinds of dishes in South Carolina, but when it’s paired with grits, you’ll enjoy a dish rooted in the indigenous heritage. Charleston is known for its top-notch restaurants so you can find this classic with many different spins and unique twists.
South Dakota – Fry Bread
There is a complex history of this dish involving the displacement of Native Americans all over the country. People were given minimal supplies, including flour, sugar, salt, and lard, for these long journeys forced by the government. Fry bread was created during those journeys for sustenance when they couldn’t rely on their traditional agricultural practices. Today, communities still serve this up with beans, veggies, and cheese on top – it’s called an Indian taco. You can also get fry bread as a dessert with sugar and honey or jam. The Laughing Water Restaurant features a lot of options on its menu if you are road-tripping in South Dakota.
Tennessee – Hot Chick’n Sandwich
You don’t have to miss out on the hot chicken sandwich that Nashville is known for. Many restaurants offer a tofu or cauliflower version. It’s a great mix of hot spices, crispy fillings, coleslaw, and pickles. With a side of fries, this is a great way to fuel up before a night of dancing on Broadway.
Texas – Tex-Mex
I will eat tacos anywhere, but this is the home of Tex-Mex. This cuisine is a blend of traditional Mexican cooking and some Texas techniques. You’ll find fajitas, nachos, and so much queso. The primary differences are the use of flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas, the addition of yellow cheddar cheese, and the inclusion of black beans. This is where you can enjoy chili cheese burritos and cheesy enchiladas.
Utah – Fry Sauce and Dirty Sodas
That sounds like I’m telling you to eat fast food in Utah, but these are different here. Fry sauce can be found at nearly every restaurant in Utah. It’s also known as “pink sauce” and is some mixture of mayo and ketchup. It was created by a fast-food chain in Utah called Arctic Circle back in the 1940s. Try some with your fries and wash it down with a dirty soda. This beverage is a mix of soda, flavored syrups, cream, and sometimes a squeeze of lime. Many soda shops specialize in these wild concoctions, so give it a try.
Vermont – Apple Cider Donuts
Autumn in Vermont is an absolute dream, and the only right snack to have after a hike through the colorful forests is an apple cider donut. Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for some of the best around. If you don’t feel like a donut, try a grilled cheese sandwich with slices of apple; that was one of my favorite lunch treats.
Virginia – Pimento Cheese
Known as the “caviar of the South,” Pimento cheese is a spread made with cheese, mayo, and pimentos, and it’s served with crackers or in sandwiches. The original recipe called for fancy Spanish pimentos, but southern farmers started growing their own pimentos to provide a less-expensive product. Deviled eggs made with pimento cheese mixed into the yolks are my top choice, but restaurants get creative with this unique ingredient.
Washington – Coffee
Seattle has a lot of rainy, cloudy days, and those are ideally enjoyed with a nice, hot cup of coffee. With one of the highest rates of coffee shops to residents, you’ll be able to find a spot that makes your perfect cup. Not only is Washington home to Starbucks, but many immigrant-owned spots are serving up Vietnamese or Korean coffee treats. If you like coffee cocktails, you can visit the Starbucks Reserve for an espresso martini.
West Virginia – Moonshine
When you’re in Appalachia, you should try moonshine in some form. It is legal for people to make it at home, but they cannot sell it to the public. The good news is that there are distilleries that you can visit and get some samples. Don’t forget to learn the legends and stories of the mountain men who made these libations for years.
Wisconsin – Cheese Curds
This is the land of cheese, and you cannot visit Wisconsin without trying cheese curds at least once. We’ve even enjoyed a cheese and beer pairing in a cave in Milwaukee. You’ll find fried cheese curds on many menus, and they are one of our favorite comfort foods/bar snacks. Visit the Old Fashioned in Madison and order an old-fashioned cocktail to go with it.
Wyoming – Cowboy Cookies
These tasty cookies don’t all have exactly the same recipes, but they were created as high-energy snacks and are perfect for cowboys who have a full day’s work and need easy treats. They typically have oats, nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Look for these at bakeries in all the western towns across Wyoming and pack some for your hikes in the Grand Tetons or wherever your adventure may take you.
Final Thoughts on the Best Food in Each State
I will definitely return to update this list if I try anything better or need to add a favorite spot. Road trips are one of our favorite ways to travel in the US, and this list comes in handy for those adventures. Favorites are always subjective, but I love trying whatever is special to the place I’m visiting. It’s a fun look into their history and culture. Let me know if you have any recommendations for me to add to my bucket list.
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