20 United States cities every foodie needs to visit at least once

Maine’s biggest city often feels like a small town, but it does pack a punch when it comes to amazing places to eat. Try the local specialty, lobster — either on a roll, in pasta, or on its own. And don’t forget other local favorites such as clams and oysters.

The Texan capital will have plenty in the way of great BBQ and Tex-Mex, but that’s not all! The variety has expanded a lot in the past decade (along with the city), and you’ll find top-notch third-wave coffee shops, creative cocktail bars, and a diverse array of cuisines, from Vietnamese to Egyptian to Korean and more!

The East Bay has long been overlooked by travelers who visit San Francisco and think that’s it. However, Oakland has started making quite the name for itself in foodie circles thanks to the diversity of offerings. From spicy Mexican spots you won’t find elsewhere to escargot and harder-to-find cuisines like Burmese and Colombian, all for much more affordable prices than elsewhere in the Bay Area.

NOLA is more than just a place to party for Mardi Gras! The city’s unique history, which includes French, Cajun, and Creole, has influenced the local food scene to this day. Come for King Cake (a ring-shaped cinnamon roll/coffee cake hybrid) and gumbo. Stay for the beignets, po-boys (stuffed French bread sandwiches), jambalaya, and muffuletta (Italian-NOLA sandwiches).

We all know deep-dish pizza is a must-try before you die. However, Windy City has a myriad of culinary delights beyond the signature pies. From the best gyros outside of Greece to Polish pierogies, Swedish bakeries, and underrated Indian spots!

If you love whiskey and/or bourbon you need to put Lexington on your list. You could spend an entire trip touring various distilleries, but the barbeque, fried chicken, beer cheese, and Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich are all must-tries.

The nation’s capital is also one of its best spots to eat out! Head to Chinatown for dim sum, Georgetown for riverside dining, and Columbia Heights for craft beer and an array of international delights. 

PSA: There isn’t just wine in Napa! There is a high concentration of Michelin-star restaurants (which normally accompany wine regions) as well as farm-to-table restaurants reminiscent of Italian agriturismo. Downtown Napa also houses a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries.

Where can you start with the food scene in St. Louis? Brunch, which the city does better than most. From old-school-style diners to fancier places that serve twists on old favorites like French toast and eggs benedict. Then, later in the day, move on to St. Louis-style pizza (thin, cracker crust) and barbecue ribs paired with bourbon and/or whiskey.

For a small mountain town, Asheville has a lot to offer your taste buds. The craft beer scene is considered one of the best in the south and even Seattleites wouldn’t turn their noses at most of the coffee shops. Beyond that, there are delicious taco spots, barbeque restaurants, Spanish tapas, and everything in between.

You know Chicago deep-dish pizza, but did you know Detroit has its own special version? The rectangle pan pizza is chewy and not quite as thick as a Chicago pie. Additionally, Detroit boasts a large variety of cuisines, which have only increased in recent years.

If you’re looking for good Cuban food, this is the place to go! Beyond that, Miami has a unique offering of cuisines from Venezuelan to Jamaican, Japanese, and Peruvian.

All Philly has is cheesesteak! Okay, joking, but if you’re looking for diversity, Pittsburgh certainly takes the cake. Enjoy delicious Italian bakeries, mouthwatering Vietnamese pho, and fun jazz bars.

Hawaii had to be put on this list just due to its uniqueness. The tropical islands have so much available that you won’t commonly find on the mainland. From fresh mango, coconut, and pineapples to Kona coffee, tropical fish, Kalua pig, fish tacos, poke, and more, you’ll never go hungry!

If you’re a seafood fan, you can’t go wrong in the Pacific Northwest. From clam chowder to smoked salmon, Dungeness crab, and Puget Sound spot prawns, it’s a fruit de mer paradise! Add in one of the best coffee and craft beer scenes in the country, and your stomach will never be happier!

One of the Midwest’s most unique food scenes is located in Milwaukee. Eat at a traditional Wisconsin supper club, have a Bloody Mary in its alleged birthplace, and sample all the local cheese!

Before veganism and vegetarianism went mainstream, LA used to be a haven for non-meat eaters. It still boasts a high density of veggie-friendly spots as well as numerous farm-to-table places serving fresh Californian produce and those typical LA juice and smoothie joints!

The city known for the largest tea party in history also has plenty of good eats. Good Italian and fresh seafood have long been easy to find in Boston, but you’ll also be surprised by the numerous hot pot, Brazilian, and Indian restaurants.

Don’t come to New Mexico expecting exclusively Tex-Mex or Mexican. The local cuisine is a fusion of both as well as other influences. Sante Fe is also the best spot in the state for other cuisines.

Charleston's food scene is one of the best in the South. It attracts chefs from around the world and draws from great local seafood and wine from around South Carolina.