The 12 best unexpected food cities in the US

When you think of the best food cities in the US, the usual headliners come to mind – New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami and Chicago. But if you’re traveling in search of great eats this year, consider thinking outside the box and opting for small towns and cities that are serious rivals to those heavy hitters.

From some of the best authentic Slovenian food outside the nation to the growing farm-to-table movement as it blends innovative cuisine and fresh ingredients, these destinations go beyond expectations. We’re talking about artisanal chocolate in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bourbon and burgoo stew in Bardstown, Kentucky or discovering the namesake Pueblo chiles in Pueblo, Colorado.

Each place offers a taste of something new, great and unexpected. So pack up your suitcase, bookmark this list and head out to discover these under-the-radar foodie destinations in the USA.

1. Birmingham, Alabama

You can’t head down South without trying some barbecue, and you certainly can’t visit Alabama without trying their unique take. Head to Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ by the James Beard award-winning pitmaster. It’s considered the best barbecue in America by some. You can’t go wrong with a customized two-meat combo plate with brisket and whole hog selections, collard greens and hush puppies on the side, alongside a cold cup of sweet tea. Just be sure to save room for the signature banana pudding.

Recent growth and an influx of diverse talent have led to Birmingham becoming one of the top culinary destinations below the Mason-Dixon line. Talented chefs have access to ingredients from fertile farmlands, the Appalachian foothills and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Go to Hot & Hot Fish Club for tasty Gulf seafood and El Barrio for must-have Mexican tostadas. If you’re craving a fine dining night out, then Chez Fonfon is the place to go for French bistro-inspired fare.

2. Pueblo, Colorado

The famed Pueblo green chile that turned this former steel town into one of Colorado’s best food cities. This staple can be found at some of the best Mexican restaurants across town – Tacos Navarro (try anything with their specialty carnitas) and Estela’s Mill Stop Cafe (don’t miss the stuffed sopapillas). But you can also find some of the area’s famous green chili at Brues Alehouse, located on the Pueblo RiverWalk. They’re known for their brews and burgers, but they have lots of options for vegetarians and vegans too.

And you can't leave town without trying the Slovenian food! Yes, really. Pueblo is home to Bojon Town, a tight-knit neighborhood of Slovenian immigrants who came here in the early 20th century. One of the culinary delights is potica, a walnut-stuffed pastry that you can find at Gagliano’s Italian Market and other eateries around town.

Local tip: Be prepared to wait for a table at Estela’s Mill Stop Cafe, a family-owned institution prized for significant portions of homey Mexican fare at great prices. If you go for brunch, don’t miss the delectable huevos rancheros.

3. Traverse City, Michigan

You can’t visit this lakeside town without having some fresh seafood with a view. For the best scenery and fish in the city, go to Boathouse Restaurant. This French-inspired seafood restaurant has city dwellers routinely taking a trip to the shore.

Situated on Lake Michigan, you might not realize that Traverse City is known for year-round outdoor activities as well as wine and a diverse dining scene. If you can only visit one winery, make it something festive like Mawby in nearby Suttons Bay, which specializes in award-winning sparkling wines.

Check out Samsara for a lemongrass burger, pineapple fried rice and other modern takes on Southeast Asian fare from Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. At Hexenbelle, you’ll find pretty vegetarian dishes by way of the Mediterranean, such as falafel and shakshuka along with fresh coffees and a dreamy peach matcha. Head to The Cook’s House for sustainable, locally sourced fare in an intimate setting. The oyster mushroom soup and braised rabbit are particular favorites. Meanwhile, Sleder’s Family Tavern (open since 1882) offers signature burgers, sandwiches and bar food with a Midwestern twist.

Local tip: Don’t leave Traverse City without having a Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb pie, which uses tart Michigan Montmorency cherries, from Grand Traverse Pie Company. But if cherries aren’t your thing, there are a number of pies with local berries as well.

4. Greenville, South Carolina

This upstate city has a thriving cultural and entertainment scene, and now food is on the list too. Greenville is best known for Southern fare; if you visit in late September, don’t miss the Bourbon & Bacon Fest. You’ll find a wide variety of cuisines, starting with the Belgian-inspired haunt The Trappe Door. Try any one of the moules frites (mussels pots served with homemade fries) and ask your waiter to recommend their best beer pairing.

Meanwhile, The Lazy Goat has Mediterranean food with some of the best paellas around and Kitchen Sync is a great spot for sustainable fare (try the shrimp burger or one of the other shrimp dishes). Meanwhile, The Anchorage (go for the tasting menu but be ready to unbuckle your belt) offers truly inspired New American cuisine with local ingredients. And last but certainly not least, the white chocolate banana cream pie at Soby’s in downtown Greenville is an iconic dish if there ever was one.

Local tip: You may have gone to Soby’s for pie, but you’ll want to start with their New Southern cuisine since it’s one of the best restaurants in the region. Wine lovers will delight in the many options available on their 5000-bottle list.

5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

You'd probably never imagine that a small town situated just below Grand Teton National Park would be one of the top foodie destinations in the West, but “Jackson” (as locals call it) certainly lives up to the title. Start with a visit to Persephone Bakery for some of the best French-style pastries on this side of the Mississippi. Although all of their breakfast treats are fantastic, try the egg sandwich on a croissant or the brioche French toast for an extra-special treat.

Other must-visit restaurants include Alpenhof Lodge for authentic schnitzel and Bin22 for premier wine coupled with some of the best tapas you’ll find. There are many other reasons to visit Wyoming, but the steak tartare pizza at Snake River Grill is a shockingly exquisite dish. It will have you telling all of your friends and family to come try it ASAP.

Local tip: Don’t leave cowboy country without making a stop at Cowboy Coffee Co. Order the black eye coffee (a mix of cold brew and espresso shots) if you’re heading out for a day outdoors, or simply need an extra-strong pick-me-up.

6. Waco, Texas

In recent years, this college town was put on the foodie map in North America by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. The couple now owns Magnolia Market – a shopping complex that houses restaurants such as the Asian-American Club Sandwich and their own Magnolia Table.

But the growth of the city’s food scene isn’t just tied to the Gaines’ success. George’s Restaurant is a local favorite serving the Big O (an 18oz beer) and a chicken-fried steak you won’t want to miss. Jake’s Texas Tea House, which features car shop decor since “Texas tea” refers to oil, has homemade dishes and desserts like buttermilk pie (get it!). And you can’t visit Texas without eating Mexican food, so head to Taqueria El Crucero and get the oso burrito smothered in their extraordinary oso sauce.

You simply must head to Clay Pot Restaurant for delectable Vietnamese food that the Le family started making in the 1980s. It’s hard to pick favorites but of course, you have to try one of their Clay Pot dishes – a variety of options served in a traditional clay pot.

Local tip: To taste classic Texas barbecue, head to Jasper’s Bar-B-Que. Initially opened in 1915, this restaurant has all the brisket, pork ribs and sausage you can eat. Just be sure to go early as they sell out of everything daily – even their surprisingly good coleslaw. We also love R+S Barbecue in West Waco for their smoked turkey legs, brisket nachos and picture-perfect layer cakes.

7. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne – and nearby northeast Indiana – have been growing faster than any other region in the US, thanks to the city’s high quality of life and low cost of living. With more young people moving to the region thanks to new job opportunities, the restaurant scene is booming too. For lighter fare, start with the signature Casaburo salad, a refreshing mix of two lettuces, Italian cheese, green onions and peppers before moving on to baked mostaccioli or crab lasagne rolls at one of Casa Ristoranti Italiano’s four locations. Baker Street Steakhouse is a carnivore favorite with an elegant dining room where the ribeye is the entree to order. Or try Paula’s on Main for super-fresh seafood such as almond walleye and perch piccata.

Fort Wayne is known for its mix of American and European history, and a delicious reflection of this is JK O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House. The classic pub fare you must order includes the fish and chips, and the JK chicken sandwich, which comes tossed in spicy whiskey wing sauce, topped with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, lettuce and tomato.

Local Executive Chef Sean Richardson, who was a James Beard Best Chef nominee, recently opened Rune, located in a 19th-century building with 12-foot ceilings and antique glass milk lighting. His menu is eclectic and changes frequently depending upon what their forager can find each season.

Local tip: You’ll find some of the best chocolate in the US at Fort Wayne’s DeBrand Fine Chocolates. Loved by celebrities like Demi Lovato and Jessica Simpson, their chocolate art boxes are the perfect treat to take home – or eat on the way back because who wants to share good chocolate?

8. Tupelo, Mississippi

This northeast Mississippi town may be best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but these days the food scene is yet another reason to visit. Here to combine your love of The King and food? Then head to Johnnie’s Drive-In (a cash-only spot) to sit in Elvis’ original booth and try their dough burger (a Depression-era staple with potato and bread crumbs added to extend the meat) with pimento cheese.

For an under-the-radar find, head to O’Lucky B’s Famous Nachos for large portions of next-level nachos topped with your choice of gyro meat, chicken or catfish, wings, and creative quesadillas. Sweet Tea & Biscuits Cafe has the Southern staples you love, including an excellent fried green tomato BLT. And if you’re looking for more carnivorous dishes, visit the Neon Pig Cafe (a butcher shop, restaurant and market) for their smash burger – named one of the best burgers in America.

Local tip: For brews and live music, head to Blue Canoe. This funky joint declares itself “Tupelo’s home of original live music” and features some of the best pub grub in the state.

9. Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington combines the best of Southern food traditions with cutting-edge options. It’s also the heart of horse and bourbon country, so you’ll find many delightful food and drink experiences with warm service. Debbie Long has owned Dudley’s on Short inside a restored bank building for more than 40 years. The ultimate experience is a great meal at Dudley’s followed by sipping a cocktail and stargazing on their rooftop patio. And if Debbie stops by to say hi, even better.

James Beard Award nominee, restaurateur and cookbook author Ouita Michel’s latest venture is an outpost of her Smithtown Seafood in a mixed-use development called The Bread Box. Other tenants in the vintage bakery building include Magic Beans Coffee Roasters, Bluegrass Distillers and West Sixth Brewing Brewery & Taproom.

Typically a racetrack doesn’t evoke thoughts of fine dining, but at Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark, three levels of culinary offerings are part of the draw. But what’s most unique is the chance to share early morning grits, biscuits and gravy with the jockeys, owners and trainers at Keeneland’s Track Kitchen.

Local tip: Indulge in a sweet treat of sticky buns covered in candied pecans and caramel from Spalding’s Bakery, an institution since 1929.

10. Madison, Wisconsin

The one thing not to miss: An organic craft brew from Giant Jones, a woman-owned and run brewery. They’re best known for big, bold craft brews like their Grand Porter with notes of cocoa and bread crust.

Wisconsin’s German and Swiss dairy history is evident throughout the state. In Madison, it’s seen in restaurants such as Essen Haus, as well as the city’s sausage shops and cheesemongers. All these come together at the famed Dane County Farmers’ Market, which draws 20,000 visitors a week. And no wonder – with more than 220 vendors, it's the largest producers-only farmers' market in the US. In warm weather, it’s on Saturdays and Wednesdays; in wintertime, it’s indoors at a different location. If you like sweets, don’t miss CocoVaa, a chocolate shop where chef/owner Syovata Edari makes bonbons inspired by her Kenyan, Irish and Russian heritage.

Planning tip: Take a tour of Monona Terrace, a convention center with an exterior designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.