If there's anything that will make or break a trip, it's the food that you eat. Road trips are not complete without snacks, and every camping trip needs a solid make-ahead meal. Whether you're going on a spooky trip with your family or splitting an A-frame cabin with your gal pals will determine the kind of experience you're looking for, and there are so many different cultures and foods across the U.S. that there is something for every kind of trip and group. Based on data from WalletHub's 2022’s Best Foodie Cities in America, we found restaurants and food festivals to get your creative juices flowing and your stomach grumbling. Keep reading to see if you've tried any!
Portland, OR
Feast Portlandis a celebration of the people and organizations that make up the regional food community near Portland, Oregon. The area has generations of farmers, fishers, and winemakers, to name a few. Our favorite part? Feast Portland supports an organization that fights food insecurity, and it has raised more than $350K.
Orlando, FL
If you want a colorful and fun experience, you have to check out Four Flamingos. With a seafood menu aesthetic that definitely fits into the Florida vibe, this is a delicious experience from Richard Blais that you don't want to miss out on.
Miami, FL
The Miami Food Festival is full of food, drinks, and live music, so you can spend the day enjoying yourself with your friends and family. It's a gastro-cultural festival that brings a variety of delicious food and a culture of eating, laughing, and sharing together.
San Francisco, CA
In a building that was originally built in 1919, the owners at Sotto Mare have created a menu that is as close to authentic Italian food as possible, including cooking techniques that are used in Italy. In addition to iconic crab recipes, they're also testing new dishes so you never know what kind of specials you might find.
Austin, TX
Amy's Ice Cream is one of our favorite places to stop for dessert in Austin. It has more than 350 flavors that it rotates and a fun and colorful interior design that makes eating dessert more fun than it already is.
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento's Farm to Forkstreet festival brings the community together to celebrate the people who provide food and drinks to locals and tourists on a daily basis. If the local food, regional wine, and cooking demonstrations aren't enough to draw you in, the free admission might!
Seattle, WA
If any restaurant gets our attention with its name, it's The Pink Door. We love the delicious Italian food, and we're not alone considering you need to make reservations far in advance!
Tampa, FL
In addition to delicious food from talented chefs, the Your Tampa Markets is also a great place to discover your new favorite artists, entrepreneurs, and crafters.
Las Vegas, NV
There are more than enough restaurants and activities to fill up a weekend in Vegas, but if you're looking for something unique, check out the Food Truck & Wine Walk for a delicious (and mobile) experience. Since the walk also features roaming opera singers, it's like dinner and a show.
San Diego, CA
Jeune et Jolie is a beautiful San Diego restaurant that reimagines French food through the landscape of Southern California for a one-of-a-kind foodie experience. You can pick between a four-course menu or a more casual, à la carte experience.
Denver, CO
City O' City is great for anyone who's looking for vegetarian food within the city. We're obsessed with the eclectic feel and the fact that it uses local produce whenever it can (including its own micro garden in the summer!).
Chicago, IL
Girl and the Goatserves bold, global flavors to the local community, which includes the visitors that it treats like family. The menu of seasonal flavors (as well as the cocktails, wine, and beer) is always evolving.
Washington, DC
We couldn't do a foodie roundup without including a doughnut place, right? If you're headed to our nation's capital, make sure you stop by Donut Run to grab an apple cider donut or a Boston scream. Check their Instagram stories every day for flavor updates!
Atlanta, GA
If chili and cornbread is your comfort food, then this is the perfect food festival for you. For a fun afternoon in Atlanta, check out the Atlanta Chili Cook Off to taste chili from more than 50 beginners and professionals while you listen to live music.
Los Angeles, CA
Gracias Madre is a yummy addition to an L.A. trip. Its vegan Mexican food, paired with the beautiful outdoor seating area and killer virgin margaritas, makes it a must-try whenever you're in the area.
Pittsburgh, PA
Grab a sandwich or a big slice of pie from Grant Bar, a restaurant that has been serving Pittsburgh since 1933. The selection might change based on the availability that day, but everything on this menu sounds good.
Portland, ME
Harvest on the Harbor is the perfect opportunity to check out the fall offerings from restaurants and hospitality businesses in Portland, Maine. Not only can you try out the food, but you can also take part in tastings *and* classes. Count us in!
New York, NY
New York rarely disappoints, and that's the case with Balthazar in SoHo. This spot is Paris meets Manhattan, and although the menu sticks to the basics, it's also the kind of place you can go when you want to celebrate.
Charleston, SC
The Charleston Mac Off is exactly the kind of fun and crazy food experience we're looking for. There are free activities and live music in addition to the macaroni, and they also partner with Lowcountry Local First, a nonprofit that advocates for local businesses and farmers.
Oakland, CA
The goal of Oakland's The Fat Lady is to engage every single one of your senses with the bar and dining, decor, and live music. The beautiful interior adds another layer to the experience, whether you're eating in the front dining room or the patio.
If you're loving these best foodie cities, let us know your favorite restaurants in the comments and check out our Pinterest for more recipes!
Featured image used with permission, courtesy of Kylle Sebree/Jeune et Jolie
