Top 7 Underrated Foodie Destinations in the US
Aside from the obvious destinations of New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Portland, and Boston, we at Parfait have rounded up our favorite US destinations for the ultimate foodie experience. If you are looking for a getaway that offers delectable, creative cuisine along with gorgeous scenery and other fun activities, you might consider planning a vacation to one of these seven destinations. Be prepared to feast!
1. Asheville, NC
Image via White Duck Taco Shop
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is an epic foodie destination taking inspiration from hearty Southern cooking with fusion influences. Nearby culinary schools flood the city with great chefs cooking with local ingredients. Stop by Tupelo Honey Café for incredible farm-to-table Southern cuisine such as fried okra, pear salad, and fried chicken. White Duck Taco Shop, Chai Pani, Double D’s Coffee and Desserts, and Early Girl Eatery are other flavorful options. Do keep in mind that in Asheville, portions are very generous.
2. Chicago, IL
Image via Athena Restaurant
The Windy City is a perfect destination to bring along your appetite. The distinct neighborhoods have foods from all cultures, so you’ll be treated to a travel around the globe in a visit through Greektown to Devon Street (Little India) and Humboldt Park (Puerto Rico of Chicago). A few restaurants to try include La Palma Puerto Rican Restaurant, Hema’s Kitchen, and Athena Restaurant.
3. Austin, TX
Image via Contigo Austin
Austin is an oasis of cool with its impressive live music scene, botanical gardens, and of course, food. Here you’ll find everything from traditional Sichuan (Chinese) food to a sandwich that is anything but boring. Feast at Nobel Sandwich Co., Ramen Tatsu-ya, and Contigo Austin. Though barbecue might come to mind when thinking of Austin, this city also has a thriving vegetarian and vegan scene with Counter Culture being one of the top options. To jump into the cool food truck scene, Arlo’s is a great vegan option and Hey Cupcake! is the perfect sweet stop.
4. Maine
Image via Wicked Woopies
While this is a bit of a broader suggestion than those above, Maine is a wonderful state to visit for fresh seafood, sweet blueberries (and all things made with blueberries), and whoopie pies. The Bite into Maine food truck located in Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and Portland serves up juicy lobster rolls with a bit of a twist — wasabi and curry flavored rolls can be found! And try Wicked Whoopies for the perfect sweet treat.
5. St. Louis, MO
Image via Dalie’s Smokehouse
St. Louis is such an underrated destination, but its Missouri Botanical Gardens, Forest Park, and cool museums make this city perfect for a weekend break. The Gateway City has a wonderful food scene with new options popping up all the time. World’s Fair Doughnuts is an old favorite that sells hot out of the oven doughnuts, Dalie’s Smokehouse has an amazing Reuben, and Vicia is a fine dining option with beautifully prepared food.
6. New Orleans, LA
Image via Mother’s Restaurant
You can’t beat New Orleans when it comes to either music or food. As far as food goes, you’ve got the famous — and delicious — beignets from Café du Monde. Po’boys are another obvious option that should be savored at Jonny’s Po’boys and red beans and rice is a simple and delicious choice to be savored at Mother’s Restaurant.
7. Pittsburgh, PA
Image via Cure Pittsburgh
A six-hour drive from NYC or just a quick two-hour flight, Pittsburgh is a convenient foodie option that has even been touted as the “next big food town.” Cure is one restaurant that has been boosting Pittsburgh’s reputation as an up-and-coming food destination due to its impressive selection of cured meats infused with unique flavors as well as its creative tasting menu. Tako is another interesting option that mixes Asian flavors and ingredients into tacos; their margaritas menu is also a hit with flavor combinations like lychee and pepper.
Did your city make the list? Share with us in the comments below!
