13 Local Dishes That Make Road Trips Across America Totally Worth It
There’s something about the open road that makes everything taste better. Maybe it’s the thrill of a new place or the joy of rolling down your windows with music blasting while hunting for the next small-town diner. Food hits differently when you’ve been driving for hours and suddenly discover a spot the locals swear by.
Across the U.S., every state has that one dish people will argue over at family cookouts or brag about to strangers at gas stations. These meals aren’t just good; they tell stories, stir nostalgia, and often come with a side of sass from someone’s grandma. If you’re planning a cross-country trip, here are 13 dishes worth pulling over for.
Philly Cheesesteak – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This isn’t just a sandwich. It’s a messy, gooey rite of passage. Sliced ribeye, melted cheese (Whiz, provolone, or American; pick your team), all tucked into a fresh roll. Locals will tell you where to go, and no, it’s not always Pat’s or Geno’s. You’ll know it’s right if you need napkins before the first bite.
Jambalaya – New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans doesn’t mess around with flavor. Jambalaya brings rice, smoked sausage, chicken, and sometimes seafood together in a pot that feels like a jazz band playing in your mouth. Every cook has their spin, and arguing about which version is best is part of the charm.
Fried Cheese Curds – Madison, Wisconsin
You haven’t lived until you’ve bitten into a squeaky, deep-fried cheese curd. These golden nuggets are crunchy on the outside, melty inside, and always served hot. Pair them with ranch or marinara. Either way, your arteries may complain later, but your taste buds will high-five you.
Green Chile Cheeseburger – Santa Fe, New Mexico
This burger has a bite. Hatch green chiles, roasted and spicy, make this more than just a cheeseburger. New Mexico folks take pride in their peppers, and once you’ve had this smoky kick of heat, regular burgers will seem boring.
Hot Chicken – Nashville, Tennessee
This chicken isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s crispy, fiery, and usually served with white bread and pickles to cool things down (barely). Local spots rank heat levels from “mild” to “you might cry.” Be brave. But maybe keep a glass of milk nearby.
Deep-Dish Pizza – Chicago, Illinois
This is pizza with a serious attitude. Thick crust, layers of cheese, toppings buried under a tangy tomato sauce. It’s more of a casserole than a slice, and you’ll need a fork and possibly a nap. Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s? That’s another debate.
Huckleberry Pie – Missoula, Montana
Wild huckleberries are small, sweet-tart, and impossible to farm, which makes this pie feel like a treasure. Imagine a warm slice, purple juices bubbling over the crust, topped with vanilla ice cream. It’s worth the trip through Big Sky country just for dessert.
Chili – Cincinnati, Ohio
This chili skips the heat and incorporates spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s usually served over spaghetti with shredded cheese on top. Locals order it “three-way,” “four-way,” or “five-way,” depending on the toppings. It’s weird, it’s terrific, and it works.
Fish Tacos – San Diego, California
Baja-style fish tacos are crispy and fresh, evoking the sensation of sunshine in a tortilla. Think beer-battered fish, shredded cabbage, tangy crema, and lime. Eat them near the beach with your toes in the sand, and even your worst road trip playlist will sound better.
Barbecue Brisket – Austin, Texas
This meat isn’t cooked. It’s babysat for hours over low heat until it’s smoky and tender. You’ll stand in line for it, maybe outside in the Texas sun. But when that brisket melts in your mouth, time stops. Don’t forget the pickles and white bread.
Gooey Butter Cake – St. Louis, Missouri
This dessert wasn’t planned; it was a baking mistake that turned into local gold. It’s rich, sugary, and so soft it practically hugs your fork. Eat it with coffee or straight out of the tray at a rest stop. No one will judge you.
Lobster Roll – Portland, Maine
There’s fresh, and then there’s caught-this-morning fresh. A good lobster roll doesn’t overthink it. Just sweet lobster meat, a soft bun, and maybe a touch of butter or mayo. It’s the kind of sandwich that tastes like summer vacation by the ocean.
Pasties – Upper Peninsula, Michigan
These are hand pies filled with meat, potatoes, and sometimes rutabaga. They were made for miners who needed a hot, portable lunch; now, they’re a comfort food classic. Locals eat them with gravy or ketchup. Tourists get hooked fast.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.