Eating on the Road 

Who doesn't love to try new foods when they travel? One popular resource that my family loves to use is the book “Roadfood” by Jane & Michael Stern. I happen to have an edition that was published in 1992, although I believe the first edition was published long before that.  Now they have an app to locate restaurants in a particular city or based on the type of food you are looking for. Typically the restaurants they recommend are not too expensive, and tend to serve big portions of homemade, local food (think local diners and non-chain restaurants). 
*Updated April 2024​

This list is just a few of the restaurants and food shops we have enjoyed while traveling around the U.S. In the last few years, the restaurant scene has changed dramatically, so I always recommend getting online and reading reviews before you head out. Also, be sure to follow our Pinterest Food Around the USA  board, filled with restaurant suggestions from coast to coast.    

• The Italian Store, Arlington, Virginia. For quick bites with authentic Italian tastes, stop by the Italian Store when you are in the DC area. From their Italian subs loaded with mortadella, Genoa salami, and capicola ham, to their amazing cannolis, it's worth a visit.  
• ​Proper Fish, Bainbridge Island, Washington. The most delicious Fish & Chips are just a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle.  Don’t miss this local favorite!
• Cabo Fish Taco, Blacksburg & Roanoke, Virginia. You can't go wrong with any of their signature tacos, including the beer battered shrimp or calamari tacos. They also have two locations in North Carolina. 
• King Condrell’s Candy & Ice Cream, Buffalo, New York. If you are heading to Niagara Falls, don’t miss a stop in Buffalo at this 50 year old local ice cream favorite. I think it’s the biggest ice cream menu I have ever seen! And grab some of chocolate sponge candy for the road, it’s a regional specialty.
• In-N-Out Burger in California. Let’s just say that no visit to California is complete without a stop at this popular hamburger chain. Act like a local and order from the “Not-So-Secret-Menu.”
• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Charleston, South Carolina. This beautiful city is filled with delicious food, but you can't visit without trying a biscuit from Callie’s. Stop by when you are strolling through the City Market (try the 3 biscuits for $6).
• Lou Malnati's, Chicago, Illinois. Looking for delicious deep dish pizza in Chicago? Look no further than Lou Malnati's. I don't think I've ever had a pizza with so much sausage and the sauce and crust was unbelievable. 
• Billy Goat Tavern, Chicago, Illinois.  When I heard this place was near our hotel on a recent visit to Chicago, I knew I had to go. This is a must visit for fans of SNL who remember the famous "Cheezborger Cheezborger Cheezborger" skit! The cheeseburgers are delicious and they don't serve french fries, just chips!   
• ​DiPrato's Delicatessen, Columbia, South Carolina. The Sunday brunch at DiPrato's is not to be missed! Try the Eggs Charleston and a side of grits. And be sure to grab something for later in the day. 
• Pawleys Front Porch, Columbia, South Carolina. Head to Pawleys for delicious burgers like the Edisto, with grape jelly caramelized onions and goat cheese, or the Wadmalaw with chipotle barbeque sauce, fried pickle chips, applewood smoked bacon, and cheddar cheese. Pawleys can consistently be found on the top burger list in the state.​
• The Rooster Café, Costa Mesa, California. You can't go wrong starting your day with the Famous Rooster Breakfast Burrito, stuffed with scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheese, and bacon or Portuguese sausage.  
• ​Woody's Dewey Beach, Dewey Beach, Delaware. For one of the best crab cakes around, make a stop at Woody's! Just know that during the summer, Dewey Beach is a popular beach town that gets super busy! Open year round (currently closed on Tuesdays). 
• ​​Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Had a chance to try a burger here while visiting James Madison University recently. Every day they offer a daily burger special. Of course, my son had to try the Fried Oreos for dessert!
• Duke’s Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. It doesn’t matter what you eat for your meal, just order the famous Hula Pie for dessert! With a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream and topped with hot fudge, you can’t go wrong. Not to mention the restaurant is located just off famous Waikiki Beach.​​​​

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Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

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Hawaiian Favorites from Maui & Oahu

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• Hopkins Farm Creamery, Lewes, Delaware. Winner in the “Best of Delaware” contest, if you love homemade ice cream, this is the place. It might seem a little off the beaten path but well worth it.  Be warned, however, that this is a working farm, and some people are more sensitive to the farm fresh smell!  They are open limited hours in the winter, but generally open full-time in mid March. 
• Beal’s Lobster Pier, Southwest Harbor Pier, Maine.  If you are near the Bar Harbor area, this is a great place to go for lobster.  You get to pick your own lobster and have dinner on a working lobster pier. Open seasonally. 
• The Island Fish Company, Marathon Key, Florida. Next time you are in the Florida Keys, be sure to stop here for the Deep Fried Key Lime Pie! It’s the perfect dessert, with a crispy crust and then rolled in cinnamon sugar. Located on Marathon Key, it’s also known to have amazing sunset views.
• Coconut’s Fish Cafe, Maui, Hawaii. You don’t even have to look at the menu, just order the Fish Tacos! Even the servers will tell you to act like a local and eat them with your hands. Probably the best fish taco I have ever eaten!
• ​Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, Maui, Hawaii. Ignore the line, which is always there, it’s worth the wait! We tried the Sunset Beach, and a combination of pineapple and coconut. Both were amazing, and really hit the spot on a sunny Hawaiian day at the beach!
• Frank Pepe's Pizzeria, New Haven, Connecticut. Have you ever taken a road trip for food? The White Clam pizza at Frank Pepe's has quite a reputation, and we would agree that it's pretty delicious! Go hungry, because you also have to try the Fresh Tomato Pie. 
• ​Central Grocery & Deli, New Orleans, Louisiana. Don't miss the opportunity to stop in for one of their famous Muffuletta sandwiches. It's an Italian classic that you don't want to miss. (still currently closed due to hurricane damage)
• The Ruby Slipper Cafe, New Orleans, Louisiana. Stop in at one of several locations around the city for breakfast/brunch. Try the Bananas Foster Pain Perdu or mix and match from their unique selection of eggs benedict! They also have an interesting cocktail selection for brunch. There's almost always a line, but they do offer an option to get on a wait list ahead of time. 
• Crystal Cove Shake Shack, Newport Coast, California. If you are heading down the Pacific Coast Highway past Newport Beach, don't miss a stop for a shake and the view at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack. 
• Abbott's Lobster & Costello's Clam Shack, Noank, Connecticut. Looking for seafood by the water? You will have more than enough choices between the sister restaurant's which sit side by side on the Mystic River. Lobster rolls, friend clams, it truly is the perfect spot for fried seafood, a lobster roll, or the New England Seafood Feast. Open seasonally. 
• ​​Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The best of Philadelphia, all in one place. From local cheesesteaks to doughnuts from Pennsylvania Dutch country, you are sure to find something to please everyone. The hardest part is having to choose!  You can't go wrong with something from Hershel’s East Side Deli or DiNic's, and be sure to try the doughnuts at Beiler's (closed Sundays and Mondays). 
• Old Town Pizza, Portland, Oregon. If you like your pizza with a bit of a haunted past, then head to Old Town Pizza for lunch or dinner.  Be on the alert for the 100 year old ghost of “Nina” who is said to frequent the place.  You might think twice before you head off to the restroom by yourself. 
• ​Voodoo Doughnut, Portland, Oregon. Just take a look at the pictures on their website – enough said!  If you are just going for the doughnuts and not the “standing in line” experience, try one of their secondary locations.
• Frank and Louie’s Italian Specialties, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. You might not find this place if you don't wander off the main street, but it's worth walking a few blocks for Italian subs and home made desserts. Open seasonally, place an order well in advance during the busy summer months.  (Check hours for winter closure). ​
• Pop's Ice Cream & Soda Bar, Roanoke, Virginia. Next time you are heading down I81 in Virginia, make at stop at Pop's for gourmet grilled cheese, homemade soda and delicious ice cream. It's close to Salvage Dogs, a fun place to wander through. 
• Pat’s Café, San Francisco, California.  Awesome breakfasts with a variety of omelets and Nutella crepes! Several years ago we had the best garlic fries with lunch. This restaurant is close to Fisherman’s Wharf in the heart of the North Beach section of town.
• ​Sears Fine Food, San Francisco, California.  It's been quite a few years since we have been here, but we loved the famous 18 Swedish pancakes and my son had “the best bacon ever!”​

• ​​El Charro, Tucson, Arizona.  We visited the original restaurant over 20 years ago, based on the recommendation in the Roadfood book.  To this day, my husband still talks about the USA Chimichanga and the carne seca hanging outside to dry.
• Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, Washington, DC.  Visit for doughnuts in the morning, or fried chicken for lunch.  You won't be disappointed! The DC location is convenient to Metro Center and some popular tourist attractions, and they've added another location in Falls Church, Virginia. 
• Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington, DC. There's no better word than iconic to describe Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street. With a resilient history starting in 1958, their famous chili half-smokes have been enjoyed by celebrities and presidents alike. The neighborhood is home to some fascinating murals that share some of the local history. 
• ​DC Vegan, Washington, DC. We had the chance to check out this plant-based deli during one of our visits to the city. Even the non-vegans in our family really enjoyed the King Trumpet Calamari and the Meaty Ball sandwich! ​​

Next time you are hitting the road, do a little homework before you leave so you can skip the chain restaurants and fancy dining experiences for some authentic local food! ​

Pawley's Front Porch

Frank Pepe Pizzaria Napoletano

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

DiPrato’s Delicatessen

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill

Central Grocery & Deli

Beiler's Donuts

In-N-Out Burger