Each American city has one tasty dish that has icon status. It’s typically a dish that locals eat regularly and see as an extension of their city’s personality. When it comes to finding these iconic, local foods, there’s almost always a fierce debate over which food truck, diner or restaurant serves up the very best version, and finding your favorite is all part of the fun. The best local dishes may not be high-end food, but cuisine that can be eaten late at night or taken to go. And, even if they’re not the healthiest food options, they’re almost always delicious and prepared with love. But it’s more than just the chance to have memorable meals, local dishes can provide travelers with unexpected insights about a city’s heritage, so it’s well worth tracking them down. From lobster rolls in Maine to barbecue brisket in Texas, let these iconic American dishes inspire your next great American road trip.

10 Iconic American Dishes & Where to Find Them

Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago, Illinois

Courtesy of Gino’s East

Pizza might not seem like a special meal, but in Chicago, it is. For starters, “Chicago-style” typically implies that the pizza is made using thick or deep dish crust. There is also a thick layer of cheese UNDER toppings and tomato sauce. It seems backward, but in the best possible way. Cornmeal is used to give the buttery crust a bit of a crunch. This deliciously filling style of pie can be found throughout the city. For classic versions, check out Pizano’s Pizza or Gino’s East.
Read more: How to Visit Chicago for the First Time

BBQ Brisket in Dallas, Texas

Courtesy of Pecan Lodge

Texas is known for its barbecue, and a visit to Dallas would not be complete without some slow-cooked smoky meat. Pecan Lodge, located in Deep Ellum, serves classics like brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs and hand-made sausage. For the most part, this family-owned restaurant operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lunch is an ideal time to visit, since a line usually forms around the corner before the restaurant even opens. And, the doors close once the barbecue is gone for the day.
Read more: 10 Things to Do in Dallas/Fort Worth

Gumbo in New Orleans, Louisiana

Courtesy of Commander’s Palace

Gumbo is the official state cuisine in Louisiana. This Creole dish is typically made using a dark roux, rich stock, shellfish and the Creole holy trinity (celery, bell peppers and onions). Depending on the recipe, okra or filé powder can be added as well. Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans landmark and has been serving up gumbo since 1893. Today, the kitchen is known for mixing modern cooking techniques with Haute Creole cuisine. Set in a large neighborhood mansion, the dining space exudes a quirky sense of Louisiana charm. Reservations are recommended and dress codes are enforced.
Read more: 48 Hours in New Orleans

Key Lime Pie in Miami, Florida

Courtesy of Joe’s Stone Crab

Open from October to May, Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami has been serving fresh, locally sourced seafood to hungry crowds for more than 100 years. It’s not just about the stone crab though; Joe’s also makes an excellent Key lime pie. This sweet treat is a local specialty, which is named after Key limes – known for having yellow juice. The pie is typically made with Key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk in a graham cracker crust with a whipped cream topping.

Pastrami on Rye in New York City, New York

Courtesy of Katz’s Delicatessen

New York’s signature sandwich is pastrami on rye, which is made with sliced pastrami on rye bread with spicy brown mustard, and it’s served with a Kosher dill pickle. Visit Katz’s Delicatessen to experience the real deal. Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this restaurant celebrated its 133th anniversary in 2021, so you know you’re in good hands. Fun fact: this diner was used as a film set in When Harry Met Sally… (1989) and served as the backdrop for one of Meg Ryan’s cheekiest scenes of all time.

Lobster Roll in Portland, Maine

Courtesy of Becky’s Diner

According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, more than 96 million pounds of lobsters were caught off the shores of Maine in 2020. Lobstering happens all year round, but peak season is between late June and late December. Becky’s Diner is a prime spot for sampling one of the best lobster rolls in New England. They make their rolls using 1/3 pound of fresh Maine lobster meat with shredded lettuce and mayo or a side of melted butter. Side dishes include french fries, coleslaw and a pickle spear.

Hot Chicken in Nashville, Tennessee

Courtesy of Prince’s Hot Chicken

Hot chicken is serves as an open-faced white bread sandwich with a hot, bone-in chicken and topped with a pickle. For an original version of this spicy dish, head over to Prince’s Hot Chicken. Thorton Prince, known as the father of Nashville’s hot chicken, perfected his chicken recipe almost 100 years ago. Today Prince’s great niece, Ms. Andre Prince Jeffries, continues the tradition of serving up the gold standard for hot chicken in the south.

Coney Dog in Detroit, Michigan

Courtesy of American Coney Island

Detroit is passionate about the Coney Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with bean-less chili, white onion and yellow mustard. There is an ongoing feud among locals about the best spot to get a Coney Dog: American Coney Island or Lafayette Coney Island. It is a rite of passage for visitors to compete in the Coney Challenge, which involves trying a Coney Dog at each location and deciding where your allegiance lies.

Fish Tacos in San Diego, California

Courtesy of Oscar’s Tacos

A trip to San Diego would not be complete without sampling the fish tacos. Inspired by Mexico’s Baja region, this dish is traditionally made using lightly-battered fish and corn tortillas topped with cabbage, fresh salsa, cream sauce and a lime wedge. For excellent fish tacos, check out George’s at the Cove or Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.
Read more: 48 Hours in San Diego

Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Tony Luke’s

The Philly cheesesteak is one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated dishes. This indulgent sandwich is made using a long, crusty roll, or hoagie, filled with thinly sliced, sautéed beef, typically ribeye, with melted cheese. When ordering, there is a choice of cheese (provolone, American or Cheez Whiz®) and a choice of toppings (sautéed onions, cooked mushrooms, ketchup and sweet/hot peppers). Check out local hot spots like Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s Steaks and Tony Luke’s.
Read more: Choose Your Own Travel Adventure in Philadelphia

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