People travel for many reasons, but first and foremost is the experience itself. Every trip brings new things to explore, especially when it comes to food. Many foodies spend large parts of their year traveling the world to find the next dish they’ll fall in love with. In fact, there’s an entire industry where people go on trips and review what they eat.
If you’re a foodie at heart, it’s time to start planning your next vacation. This time, center it in a place where you’re guaranteed to eat great things. Check out some of the top cities in America where food lovers can make themselves at home.
1. Baltimore
Baltimore is also known as Charm City, and one part of its charm is its rising food culture. You can find your mom and pop shops like anywhere else, but in recent years, there have been many new cultures woven into the restaurant scene.
Take a look around online to see which cocktail lounges and cafes are the most visited. You’ll end up finding places like Tagliata, which is an Italian restaurant that has live music and an aura of romance.
2. Asheville
You may think of barbecue when you picture North Carolina, but it also has several hidden dining gems. Look no further than Asheville to discover hip breweries you can hang out at and restaurants to try.
Although it’s a mountain town, Asheville attracts foodies like James Beard nominee Katie Button, who started Cúrate. It’s a Spanish tapas restaurant that sticks to its traditional roots, offering a cuisine that’s hard to find in the area.
3. Green Bay
People visit Green Bay for football in the fall, but you can stop by for a unique dining experience all year. It’s a growing area of Wisconsin, thanks to the popularity of the Packers.
The increased number of tourists help historical locations like The Walnut Room Bar thrive. Originally built in 1924, it takes its patrons back in time through its over 200-bottle wine selection and cocktail menu. Sample the appetizers and lose yourself in the flavors of fresh seafood and steak entrees.
4. Lexington
Everyone’s heard of Louisville, but where you really want to go is Lexington. It’s newer to the food scene, but it’s making a name for itself thanks to celebrity restaurant owners and magazine features.
What may be the most interesting to foodies is The Barn. It’s the first artisan food hall in Kentucky, housing multicultural foods like Japanese ramen, Greek street food and Kentucky fried chicken. It’s a one-stop shop where you can try foods from some of the most popular restaurants in the area.
5. San Diego
To find the best Filipino cuisine in the U.S., you’ll have to visit San Diego. It’s full of restaurants led by chefs such as Daniel Tangalin Jr. and Anthony Sinsay.
Try creative fusion dishes at Bivouac Ciderworks or sample Filipino entrees at Jsix. Places like these will introduce you to a different world of food while still presenting brand-new dishes you can’t find anywhere else.
6. Detroit
Motor City has a lot to offer when it comes to the food scene. Many chefs and stars are opening their own locations in the city, but one place in particular has caught the attention of many.
The Apparatus Room gained Michelin two-star chef Thomas Lents in 2017, transforming the restaurant into a fine-dining experience that costs half the price. Enjoy brunch or dinner, and make sure to stop back later in the evening to check out their seven-page drink menu.
7. Boston
Many stars visit Boston, since it’s always been a major hub for what’s next in dining. If you plan to be in the area, make sure to check out places that were started by the best, like Eventide Fenway.
Best Chef: Northeast award winners Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor opened Eventide Fenway to put their Maine-based seafood skills to the test. They serve unique oyster and seafood dishes at a counter-service venue. It’s where you’ll want to go if you want a relaxing, casual oyster dinner without needing to make a reservation months in advance at a five-star restaurant.
8. Houston
People expected the Houston economy to need time to recover after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, but since then, the food industry has been growing faster than ever before.
Hugo Ortega’s restaurant, Xochi, is one of the most popular places for food lovers to visit. It’s been spotlighted in places like The New York Times, Food & Wine and Thrillist, and won him the James Beard award for Best Chef: Southwest. It’s a fine-dining experience you can’t miss that will introduce you to foods inspired by Oaxaca.
9. Philadelphia
Many foodies travel to Philadelphia every year, as its food scene is ever expanding. The next time you’re planning a vacation, stop by the city of brotherly love and try soups and sandwiches from The Rooster.
The Rooster is a place where you can get foods that will taste like home away from home. Another reason to enjoy some comfort food — profits go to the local Broad Street Ministries, which hands out meals to homeless Philadelphians.
Food on the Go
Take your love of food to new heights this year by planning a few vacations in areas of the country that are known for the food they offer. Whatever culinary city you decide to visit, prepare yourself for a dining experience that will be well worth your travels.
