When it comes to food, America is hard to beat. With a nickname like the Melting Pot, the dinner table is exactly where the United States brings its melded cultures to the forefront. From Indigenous traditions to immigrant recipes and classic regional inventions, every city has its history, and every history has birthed its own iconic dishes that speak to the city’s cultural roots and unique vibe. But whereas cities like New York and San Francisco often shine thanks to their large numbers and immigrant populations, other cities with their own deep-rooted traditions and interesting flavors fly under the radar. So if you’re looking for a road less traveled to explore the different tastes of America, here are 13 of the best underrated food cities to satisfy your taste buds.
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Table of Contents
- Houston, Texas
- Portland, Maine
- Tucson, Arizona
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Detroit, Michigan
- San Antonio, Texas
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Baltimore, Maryland
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Healdsburg, California
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Louisville, Kentucky
Houston, Texas
If you heard “Texas” and immediately thought “barbecue,” you’re not exactly wrong. But down in H-Town, cultural variety reigns supreme. It’s not a stretch to say that Houston boasts some of the most diverse and exciting food culture this far west of New York. That might seem totally out of left field, but it makes perfect sense once you dig a bit deeper. Houston is one of the largest cities in the country—the top four, to be exact—and one of the most racially diverse. Its immigrant population has also seen a big boom over the past decade.
The result? A culinary scene that bursts with flavor and fusions like you wouldn’t believe. From Viet-Cajun crawfish to smoked pork and kimchi rolls, Houston does it all. The city’s chefs masterfully blend classic comforts with local touches to create singular Houston staples like Texas BBQ brisket fried rice, egg foo young, and a lomo saltado that marries stir-fry and mac and cheese to create creamy goodness. The rich food reflects the richness of Texas culture, and more specifically, Houston’s singular edge. No other city in Texas does it quite like Houston, and you’ll find it to be true in every bite.
Portland, Maine
Portland is far from the ethnically diverse heights of cities like Houston or New York, but you’d never know it if you judged solely by your palate. What was once a rough fishing town, merely a stop on the way to camps and summer homes, blossomed under the farm-to-table movement in the late 90s to become a still-growing gastronomy center. And like the lighthouses that dot the coast, that growing culinary scene soon beckoned seasoned chefs and visionary youngsters to plant roots.
Portland may be a majority white city, but its flavors come from all over the globe to put its fresh catch front and center. From scrumptious cocktails like Prosecco and lavender mead to savory comfort foods like a Maine potato donut and seafood favorites like oysters, Portland keeps you fed, there’s no doubt about it. But it’ll also keep you guessing, with fun fusions that blend European, American, and Asian classics into something that’s distinctly Portland. This is one city where you always want to save room for another bite.
Tucson, Arizona
Arizona’s food scene isn’t so much concerned with where it’s going as where it’s been. When you dive into the food scene in Arizona, you dive into a culinary history that stretches back roughly 4,000 years and weaves together a fascinating medley of Mexican, Indigenous, and European flavors. Those flavors are big, bold, and proudly Tucson, and seem to spring up straight from the desert; think chilis, prickly pear cactus, mesquite flour, medjool dates, and more.
These desert flavors come together to create some pretty unique dishes. Try a chimichanga served “enchilada style.” Get a south-of-the-border spin on an American classic with a Sonoran hot dog. From sit-down breakfasts chowing down on Sonoran-style shrimp to quick street food stops for cravings like Tostilocos, Tucson hides tasty bites around every history-filled corner. The ties between Tucson’s food, culture, and history make this a city that treats your taste buds as much as it feeds your soul and curiosity, which is what makes this one of the best food cities in America. It’s never solely about what’s on your plate today; it’s about the years of love, food, and culture that helped it get there.
Providence, Rhode Island
The culinary scene in Providence, Rhode Island, can be summed up in one word: vibrant. But if you want to add a few more words on, then good quality and exceptional experiences would do the trick. Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union, but its food packs a punch, and Providence is no different. Ideally situated between nearby farms and waterways, the city enjoys an abundance of fresh local foods. Pair this with a restaurant scene that leans into the city’s indie vibe and proud artistry, and you get a lot of variety, experimentation, and one-of-a-kind meals.
You can’t visit the city without trying local staples like hot wieners and johnnycakes, maybe alongside a cup of coffee milk or Del’s Lemonade. Beyond that, this is one city where it’s hard to take recommendations. Ask anyone what their favorite restaurant is and they’ll likely have a list of names that’s too long to mention. But that just means you can take your time crafting your ideal city menu. Providence boasts everything from classic New England dishes at Hemenway’s Restaurant to international flavors at Jahunger Providence and Aguardente. Think of Providence like an amusement park, with restaurants at every turn and breweries on every corner. No matter what you’re craving, Providence keeps it fun, funky, and fresh meal after meal.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is known as an art town. From its art galleries to its architecture, art dominates the city. So it’s no surprise that it wiggles its way into Santa Fe’s food as well. From street tacos wrapped in tinfoil to flights of mole and artful dishes pushing the boundaries of creativity, you can always expect New Mexico’s food to come with a twist. But you can expect one cornerstone in nearly every dish: chile. And the question that comes with it: red or green? If you can’t decide, then here’s a quick tip: just say “Christmas” to try both.
Southwestern cuisine is sure to steal the show, with dishes like breakfast burritos topped with green chile sauce, red chile pork ribs, stuffed sopaipilla, and ever-tasty tamales. But Santa Fe also delivers an adventurous menu for when the green chile runs its course (though does it ever really get old?). Try a bite of Caribbean jerk chicken or goat stew, travel back in time with a plate of traditional neeshjizhii (steamed corn stew), and go for a spin on an American classic with a blue corn frybread burger. Santa Fe is a recipe for a culinary adventure, one that winds its way from hearty, familiar Mexican dishes to cuisine that pushes the boundaries of tradition. Both timeless and ever-evolving, Santa Fe’s award-winning dining scene is nothing short of your next favorite food stop and a must along the route of the best food cities in America.
Detroit, Michigan
The home of Ford and Chrysler, Detroit is affectionately known as Motor City, but don’t let the nickname fool you. This city isn’t all motors and factories; it’s big ideas, big innovations, and most importantly, big eats. Detroit’s blue-collar backbone and immigrant roots have contributed to its unique food scene—a tasty tapestry of calorie-rich dishes meant to serve workers on the go.
Detroit’s global influences aren’t defined in a single dish, but rather a diverse tableau of flavors, from Latin American cuisine to Polish, Arab, and everything in between. Try a bite of Detroit’s staple dishes—like its iconic square-shaped pizza, classic Coney Island Hot Dog, and sweet Pączki—before diving into a whole world of flavors with Mexican-inspired botana, Vietnamese pho, Lebanese shawarma, and more. Whether your heart is craving comfort food or you’re hankering to choose from a global menu, Detroit’s food scene will leave your stomach full and your taste buds singing.
San Antonio, Texas
Houston may be known for its depth of variety and mind-melting flavors, but there can only be one Culinary Capital of Texas. Say hello to San Antonio. If you’re not tasting your way through this city, then you’re doing it wrong. San Antonio’s culinary roots stretch back far before Spanish settlers ever set foot in Texas. Indigenous communities in the region began San Antonio’s long history of food sourced from the land: squash, wild game, corn, beans, and more. Add in Spanish influences, European and Asian spices, and Mexican recipes and flavors, and together, they form a picture of San Antonio’s modern-day culinary culture.
San Antonio may not be a top-name food destination, but what it lacks in recognition, it makes up for in taste. From sweet, sugary pan dulce to crispy, savory fried chicken-on-a-stick, the flavors that define San Antonio are big and never boring. Try an iconic puffy taco, a staple when you’re in San Antonio, alongside barbacoa and Big Red, and pozole. Even if you’re on the go, that’s never a reason to skip a meal, with easy on-the-go food like corn elote, hot cheetos with cheese, and mangonadas. As one of only two states in the US that’s listed as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, San Antonio serves up a plate of flavors worthy of being called one of the best food cities in America.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If there are three things Philadelphia is known for, it’s being the city of brotherly love, Rocky, and, of course, the Philly cheesesteak. But if you think that’s where Philadelphia’s food scene begins and ends, prepare to be taken in by Philly’s classic eats. We’re talking cold hoagies and warm soft pretzels, pork rolls and red gravy pasta, and sweet treats like water ice and pound cake. This smorgasbord of comfort food on offer could be blamed on the city’s windy weather, but much like other cities in America, Philly’s signature eats were built from immigrant recipes and communities.
And that hasn’t changed. As its communities have grown, so too has Philadelphia’s menu. While the signature dishes have made Philly what it is today, there’s plenty more to the story of the city’s food culture. Think barbacoa tacos, fried chicken sandwiched between donut buns, cheese pizza, and so much more. Encounter the perfect marriage of bread and cheese in a bit of Georgian khachapuri adjaruli or enjoy a bit of spice with the savory Indonesian steamed eggplant dish, Terong Balado. Philly’s classic staples and international favorites will have you calling this the city of good food and good eats, and proudly proclaiming it as one of the best cities in America to visit in no time.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has always been a city of firsts—from the first railroad to the first public gas street lamp. It was even the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner. And while, technically, it may not be first among the best cities in America for food, it’s undoubtedly first in serving up the bites that make this city famous. From crab cakes to coddies, no city does it better than Baltimore.
Thanks to the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore boasts a host of fresh seafood that, when prepared the Baltimore way, manages to outshine every other version there is. Dig into a plate of light and fluffy crab cakes seasoned with Old Bay, savor a bite of steamed blue crab fished from the bay, and cool down on a hot day with a classic Baltimore snowball in hand. Baltimore’s working-class roots blend with immigrant traditions to create everything from pit beef burgers and lemon sticks to Natty Boh and Berger cookies. The city’s eclectic blend of cultures means there’s always some new taste to try. It’s fitting that Baltimore is called Charm City because this is one city that will charm its way into your taste buds to ensure you come back for another bite.
St. Louis, Missouri
The Midwest likely isn’t any traveler’s first thought when they’re researching the best food cities in America. But while it might be a decade or so behind other hotspots, don’t count it out just yet. The Midwest is constantly surprising people, and St. Louis is no different. Twenty years ago, the food scene in St. Louis was much quieter, with food that was largely local and loved only by locals. And while the love for local food hasn’t changed, its flavors have certainly expanded along with its fan base, from locals who love the scene to foodies who can’t wait to dive in. So what changed?
It’s the quintessential mixing of traditional mom ‘n’ pop creations with innovative fine dining and international dishes that has brought St. Louis to the forefront of exciting new cities to watch. St. Louis packs an explosion of flavor, whether you’re enjoying tried and true staples—like fried ravioli, frozen custard concrete, and snoots—or diving into something new, like fried truffle arancini at Katie’s Pizza and Pasta or cochinita pibil at Sureste Mexican. St. Louis delivers the hometown feel of any Midwest city, with an exciting dash of international cuisine, creating a budding, vibrant gastronomy culture that’s only getting better.
Healdsburg, California
The most charming town in Sonoma County. The best small town in the west. A wine country gem. These are just a few of the titles and accolades given to Healdsburg in Sonoma County. When most people think of wine and California, they think of Napa. But if Napa is the headliner, then Healdsburg is the up-and-coming artist about to blow you away. From its vibrant valley wines to its farm-to-table food, the tastes of Healdsburg are varied, vivacious, and best of all, they pair well together.
Healdsburg’s food scene is fun, fresh, and most of all, innovative, with dishes that feel refreshingly familiar while also excitingly new. Eat your way through Healdsburg’s eclectic menu of scallop tartar, kimchi hush puppies, lobster rolls, seafood paellas, and more. Healdsburg combines cozy, laid-back spots for leisurely meals with fine dining experiences perfect for a fancy night out. From French bakeries to Spanish tapas bars, and rustic restaurants serving classic American dishes—whatever you’re in the mood for, Healdsburg delivers and follows every bite with a colorful cocktail or winning wine. If you’re looking for your perfect pairing, this is it.
Birmingham, Alabama
When you’re looking for some southern comfort, consider a stop in Birmingham. Here, history, innovation, and Southern hospitality go hand in hand. The latter of which really puts the cozy comfort in comfort foods. The city often gets praised for its fine dining scene, but it’s the local gems and Birmingham-based eats that are guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. Savory bites like green fried tomatoes or fried okra, pulled pork with white barbecue sauce, fried catfish, and seafood gumbo make it hard to save room for sweet treats like pecan pie, banana pudding, and moon pies, but it’s certainly fun to try.
Birmingham is a never-ending rotating door of mouthwatering foods that highlight southern roots and a farm-to-table freshness that permeates the city’s culinary scene. The warm and friendly atmosphere of the city means people feel right at home before they’ve even taken a single bite of food. And once you start eating, you won’t be able to stop. Birmingham’s brand of authenticity and comfort makes it one of America’s best food cities and a place you can’t miss.
Louisville, Kentucky
With a nickname like Bourbon City, it’s only right that Louisville’s culinary scene is rooted, drenched, and celebrated in bourbon. As the home of bourbon—95% is made in Kentucky—it’s no surprise that such a staple flavor has ingrained itself into the culinary scene of this southern town. From bourbon and biscuits to bourbon balls, this standout flavor makes it immediately apparent when you’ve stumbled upon a delectable classic, but Kentucky bursts with original flavors and local gems that delight the taste buds.
Try an angus burger topped with beer cheese, or get yourself a plate of country ham served with beaten biscuits. Of course, Louisville has its legends when it comes to food, including the hot brown, Derby Pie™, Modjeska candy, and mint julep—all must-try food and drink when you’re in town. But don’t be afraid to venture off the tried-and-true path into the world beyond the city’s regional foods. From Kentucky takes on Mexican tacos to Nashville Hot Chicken and more, Kentucky brings innovation and fusion to the table while keeping the soul of Southern food front and center.
