Unearth The Voyage
Hunger meets history in the most delicious way possible. This coast-to-coast guide spotlights family-owned gems where recipes, stories, and second helpings are always on the menu.
You will discover time-tested favorites, quirky legends, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular. Bring your appetite and curiosity, because these spots deliver both.
1. Alabama – Niki’s West – Birmingham
Niki’s West is a long-running Birmingham cafeteria known for traditional Southern meat-and-three plates. Popular selections include fried catfish, fried chicken, okra, cornbread, and banana pudding.
The restaurant operates with efficient counter service and generous portions. It remains a dependable choice for classic Alabama comfort food.
2. Alaska – Snow City Café – Anchorage
Snow City Café is a well-established Anchorage breakfast and brunch spot. The menu features cinnamon rolls, omelets, scrambles, and dishes incorporating local seafood and reindeer sausage.
The restaurant is locally owned and often busy during peak morning hours. Early arrival is recommended.
3. Arizona – El Charro Café – Tucson
Founded in 1922, El Charro Café is one of Tucson’s most recognized family-owned Mexican restaurants. It is widely associated with the chimichanga and known for carne seca and handmade tortillas.
The restaurant emphasizes traditional Sonoran-style cooking and consistent service. Reservations are helpful during busy seasons.
4. Arkansas – McClard’s Bar-B-Q – Hot Springs
McClard’s Bar-B-Q has served Hot Springs since 1928. The menu centers on smoked ribs, chopped pork, and a signature tamale spread topped with chili.
The restaurant is casual and counter-service oriented. It remains a longstanding fixture in Arkansas barbecue culture.
5. California – Philippe The Original – Los Angeles
Established in 1908, Philippe The Original is credited with popularizing the French dip sandwich. Guests select their preferred meat and dipping level.
Communal seating and counter ordering maintain the restaurant’s historic format. It continues to draw both locals and visitors.
6. Colorado – Buckhorn Exchange – Denver
Founded in 1893, Buckhorn Exchange is one of Denver’s oldest restaurants. The menu includes steak, bison, elk, and other game meats.
The interior reflects its historic Western roots. Reservations are recommended for dinner service.
7. Connecticut – Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – New Haven
Frank Pepe Pizzeria, established in 1925, is known for coal-fired pizza. The white clam pie is the restaurant’s signature item.
The pizzeria maintains a straightforward ordering system and often draws long lines. It is widely regarded as a cornerstone of New Haven-style pizza.
8. Delaware – Sambo’s Tavern – Leipsic
Sambo’s Tavern is a longstanding seafood restaurant located along the Leipsic River. It is best known for steamed blue crabs and straightforward coastal fare.
The setting is casual, with paper-covered tables and mallets provided for crab picking. It remains a regional favorite during warmer months.
9. Florida – Columbia Restaurant – Tampa
Founded in 1905, Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest continuously operated restaurant. It specializes in Spanish and Cuban cuisine, including paella, the 1905 Salad, and Cuban sandwiches.
The restaurant spans multiple dining rooms and maintains a polished yet traditional service style. Reservations are recommended for dinner and weekends.
10. Georgia – Mary Mac’s Tea Room – Atlanta
Mary Mac’s Tea Room is one of Atlanta’s most recognized Southern restaurants. The menu focuses on fried chicken, meatloaf, pot likker with cornbread, and classic sides.
It operates with full-service dining and generous portions. The restaurant remains a reliable choice for traditional Southern cooking in Midtown Atlanta.
11. Hawaii – Helena’s Hawaiian Food – Honolulu
Helena’s Hawaiian Food has served traditional Hawaiian dishes since 1946. Signature items include laulau, pipi kaula, poi, and lomi salmon.
The restaurant emphasizes preservation of local culinary traditions. It is a James Beard Award recipient and a staple in Honolulu’s dining scene.
12. Idaho – Westside Drive In – Boise
Westside Drive In is a locally owned restaurant known for classic American comfort food. Popular items include finger steaks, burgers, and milkshakes.
The restaurant operates in a retro-style setting and maintains counter-service efficiency. It remains a longtime Boise favorite.
13. Illinois – Gene & Georgetti – Chicago
Established in 1941, Gene & Georgetti is one of Chicago’s oldest steakhouses. The menu centers on traditional steakhouse cuts, Italian specialties, and classic sides.
The restaurant maintains formal table service and a historic dining room atmosphere. It is a frequent destination for business dinners and celebrations.
14. Indiana – Shapiro’s Delicatessen – Indianapolis
Shapiro’s Delicatessen is a family-owned Jewish deli serving Indianapolis since 1905. It is known for corned beef, pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and baked goods.
The cafeteria-style service moves efficiently during lunch hours. Portions are substantial and designed for sharing.
15. Iowa – Breitbach’s Country Dining – Balltown
Breitbach’s Country Dining, established in 1852, is Iowa’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. The menu includes fried chicken, roast beef, and buffet-style comfort dishes.
The restaurant has been rebuilt following fires and remains family-owned. It is a popular stop for travelers in northeastern Iowa.
16. Kansas – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que began in a gas station location and is widely recognized for its smoked meats. The Z-Man sandwich and burnt ends are signature items.
The restaurant operates counter service and often draws long lines. It remains a major name in Kansas City barbecue.
17. Kentucky – Wallace Station – Midway
Wallace Station is a locally owned deli and bakery located in Kentucky horse country. The menu includes sandwiches, Hot Browns, and house-made baked goods.
It offers indoor and outdoor seating and attracts both locals and travelers. The restaurant emphasizes regional ingredients when available.
18. Louisiana – Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – New Orleans
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is a historic Creole restaurant established in 1941. It is known for gumbo, fried chicken, and classic New Orleans dishes.
The restaurant also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. It remains an important cultural and culinary institution in New Orleans.
19. Maine – Red’s Eats – Wiscasset
Red’s Eats is a small seafood stand that has operated since 1938. It is widely known for its lobster rolls, served with either butter or mayonnaise.
The location often draws long seasonal lines. It remains a popular summer destination along Maine’s midcoast.
20. Maryland – Koco’s Pub – Baltimore
Koco’s Pub is a Baltimore restaurant recognized for oversized crab cakes made with jumbo lump crab meat. The menu focuses on Maryland seafood staples.
The setting is casual and neighborhood-oriented. Reservations are recommended due to high demand.
21. Massachusetts – Union Oyster House – Boston
Established in 1826, Union Oyster House is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the United States. It specializes in oysters, clam chowder, and traditional New England seafood.
The restaurant maintains historic interiors and full-service dining. It is a frequent stop for visitors exploring downtown Boston.
22. Michigan – Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth – Frankenmuth
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is a family-style restaurant known for its traditional chicken dinners. The menu includes buttered noodles, stuffing, cranberry relish, and seasonal desserts.
The restaurant operates at large capacity and accommodates group dining. It remains a central attraction in Frankenmuth’s Bavarian-themed district.
23. Minnesota – Matt’s Bar – Minneapolis
Matt’s Bar is credited with creating the “Jucy Lucy,” a cheeseburger with cheese sealed inside the patty. The menu focuses on burgers, fries, and simple bar fare.
The restaurant maintains a compact layout and counter-style ordering. It is a longstanding Minneapolis institution.
24. Mississippi – The Mayflower Café – Jackson
The Mayflower Café has served Jackson since 1935. It offers Greek-influenced seafood dishes alongside regional Southern fare.
The restaurant operates in a historic downtown setting. It remains a familiar gathering place for locals.
25. Missouri – Blueberry Hill – St. Louis
Blueberry Hill is a restaurant and music venue located in the Delmar Loop. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, and regional specialties such as toasted ravioli.
It also hosts live music and community events. The venue has been a fixture in St. Louis for decades.
26. Montana – Sir Scott’s Oasis – Manhattan
Sir Scott’s Oasis is a locally owned steakhouse serving southwestern Montana. The menu emphasizes steaks, seafood, and a traditional salad bar.
The restaurant provides full-service dining in a casual setting. It remains a regional destination for steak dinners.
27. Nebraska – Runza – Lincoln
Runza is a Nebraska-based fast-casual chain founded in 1949. It is known for its namesake sandwich, which features seasoned ground beef and cabbage baked inside bread.
The company operates multiple locations statewide. It is widely associated with Nebraska food culture.
28. Nevada – The Coffee Cup Café – Boulder City
The Coffee Cup Café is a locally owned breakfast and lunch restaurant in Boulder City. The menu includes huevos rancheros, chicken-fried steak, omelets, and traditional American breakfast plates.
The restaurant is casual and popular with both locals and travelers visiting nearby Hoover Dam. Peak morning hours can be busy.
29. New Hampshire – Polly’s Pancake Parlor – Sugar Hill
Polly’s Pancake Parlor has operated since 1938 and is known for scratch-made pancakes in varieties such as buckwheat and oatmeal. Maple syrup produced in New Hampshire is a featured component of the menu.
The restaurant overlooks the White Mountains and attracts seasonal visitors. Wait times are common during peak foliage and summer travel periods.
30. New Jersey – Tops Diner – East Newark
Tops Diner is a long-established New Jersey diner offering an extensive menu that includes breakfast plates, burgers, seafood, and baked desserts. The restaurant is known for its large portions and broad selection.
Full-service dining is provided throughout the day. Reservations are recommended during weekends and evening hours.
31. New Mexico – The Shed – Santa Fe
The Shed specializes in traditional New Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on red and green chile-based dishes. Popular items include enchiladas and blue corn specialties.
The restaurant operates in an adobe-style building near downtown Santa Fe. It is a recognized destination for regional Southwestern cooking.
32. New York – Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City
Established in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is known for hand-carved pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. The restaurant operates with a ticket-based ordering system and counter service.
It remains one of New York City’s most recognized delicatessens and draws both locals and visitors.
33. North Carolina – Skylight Inn BBQ – Ayden
Skylight Inn BBQ has served whole-hog Eastern North Carolina barbecue since 1947. The menu focuses on chopped pork, cornbread, and coleslaw.
The restaurant maintains a straightforward service model and a long-standing reputation within the state’s barbecue tradition.
34. North Dakota – Kroll’s Diner – Bismarck
Kroll’s Diner is a regional restaurant offering German-Russian and Midwestern comfort dishes. Menu highlights include knoephla soup and fleischkuekle.
The diner-style setting provides full-service meals throughout the day. It remains a well-known local establishment in Bismarck.
35. Ohio – Schmidt’s Sausage Haus – Columbus
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is located in Columbus’s German Village and specializes in traditional German fare. Menu staples include bratwurst, schnitzel, and cream puffs.
The restaurant features full-service dining and seasonal outdoor seating. It is a central fixture of the neighborhood’s dining scene.
36. Oklahoma – Eischen’s Bar – Okarche
Eischen’s Bar, established in 1896, is one of Oklahoma’s oldest bars. It is known primarily for its fried chicken served with simple sides.
The restaurant operates in a casual setting with limited menu options. It remains a destination for traditional bar-style meals.
37. Oregon – Jake’s Famous Crawfish – Portland
Jake’s Famous Crawfish has served seafood in Portland since 1892. The menu includes oysters, salmon, and other Pacific Northwest specialties.
The restaurant offers full-service dining in a historic downtown location. It continues to be a well-established name in Portland’s seafood scene.
38. Pennsylvania – DiNic’s – Philadelphia
DiNic’s, located in Reading Terminal Market, is known for its roast pork sandwich topped with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. The stand has received national recognition for this signature item.
Service is counter-based within the market setting. Lines are common during peak lunch hours.
39. Rhode Island – Angelo’s Civita Farnese – Providence
Angelo’s Civita Farnese is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Providence. The menu centers on pasta, meatballs, and traditional red-sauce dishes.
The restaurant maintains consistent full-service dining and remains a neighborhood staple.
40. South Carolina – Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston
Bowens Island Restaurant specializes in local seafood, particularly oysters and fried shrimp. The restaurant is located near the marshlands outside Charleston.
It operates in a casual setting and is known for its focus on regional coastal dishes.
41. South Dakota – Phillips Avenue Diner – Sioux Falls
Phillips Avenue Diner is a retro-style restaurant serving updated American comfort food. The menu includes burgers, chicken and waffles, and milkshakes.
The diner is located in downtown Sioux Falls and offers full-service dining.
42. Tennessee – Arnold’s Country Kitchen – Nashville
Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a cafeteria-style restaurant offering traditional Southern meat-and-three meals. Popular selections include roast beef, fried chicken, and classic side dishes.
The restaurant operates primarily during lunch hours on weekdays. Early arrival is recommended due to limited daily quantities.
43. Texas – Gaido’s – Galveston
Gaido’s has operated in Galveston since 1911 and specializes in Gulf seafood. Menu offerings include oysters, crab, and seasonal fish.
The restaurant provides full-service dining in a historic coastal setting. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
44. Utah – Ruth’s Diner – Salt Lake City
Ruth’s Diner is located in Emigration Canyon and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. The menu includes American comfort dishes such as biscuits, burgers, and hearty breakfast plates.
The restaurant provides indoor and patio seating. Weekend mornings are typically the busiest.
45. Vermont – Al’s French Frys – South Burlington
Al’s French Frys is a longstanding roadside-style restaurant known for hand-cut fries and classic burgers. The menu includes sandwiches, fried items, and soft-serve desserts.
The restaurant operates seasonally and attracts both locals and visitors.
46. Virginia – The Homeplace Restaurant – Catawba
The Homeplace Restaurant offers family-style Southern meals served in a farmhouse setting. The menu includes fried chicken, ham, biscuits, and vegetable sides.
Meals are served in set courses with shared platters. Reservations are often required for weekend dining.
47. Washington – Ivar’s Acres of Clams – Seattle
Ivar’s Acres of Clams is a waterfront restaurant serving Pacific Northwest seafood. The menu includes chowder, fish and chips, and shellfish dishes.
The restaurant offers full-service dining with views of Elliott Bay. It remains one of Seattle’s most recognized seafood establishments.
48. West Virginia – Jim’s Drive In – Lewisburg
Jim’s Drive In is a classic drive-in restaurant serving hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes. Carhop service is available during operating hours.
The restaurant maintains a seasonal schedule and is a local landmark in Lewisburg.
49. Wisconsin – Kopp’s Frozen Custard – Milwaukee
Kopp’s Frozen Custard is known for butter burgers and frozen custard in rotating daily flavors. The restaurant operates multiple locations in the Milwaukee area.
Service is counter-based, and daily flavor schedules are posted in advance.
50. Wyoming – Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse – Hartville
Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse is located in one of Wyoming’s smallest incorporated towns. The menu emphasizes steaks and traditional Western fare.
The restaurant offers full-service dining in a historic setting. It remains a regional destination for steak dinners.
