201 Best Restaurants in USA

Locals can't get enough of OB House's commitment to quality; you'll find only fresh and organic ingredients here. Try cheesy grits, mega-pancakes with real Vermont maple syrup, or the free-range-egg omelets with wild-caught mahimahi. This intimate breakfast and lunch spot packs the house daily in an adaptive reuse of the old Fort Lauderdale post office.

With an angular, contemporary taproom on the Columbia River, pFriem (pronounced "freem") is all about the marriage of Belgium's brewing traditions and Oregon's distinctive, often hoppy, styles. But the kitchen serves stellar pub fare, too, including mussels and fries, veggie burgers with apple-onion chutney, and homemade bratwurst—it's a legit dining option even if you're not a big fan of craft beer. The brewery has quickly vaulted to the top echelon of Northwest craft beer makers, earning accolades for its heady Belgian Strong Blonde and one of the best IPAs in the state.

Don't let the pig statue out front fool you—this is sophisticated vegan dining with a menu of frequently changing dishes from different cultures and cuisines. A typical menu might include seitan chili with cheese, lasagna with raw vegetables, smoked portobello mushrooms, and delicious coconut milk ice cream for dessert.

Inspired by the grass-fed burgers they sampled in New Zealand, the founders of this convivial eatery set out to replicate those same high-quality flavors in their Ocean Beach spot. The interior nods to the outdoor-oriented Kiwi country, with surfboards turned into light fixtures, rugby photos, and bodyboards as wall art. An outdoor "parklet" wrapping the corner lot draws a crowd, clinging to the laid-back atmosphere and chill staff that will know you by name before the meal is over. Food focuses on burgers with organic, grass-fed beef, as well as chicken, lamb, and seafood options dressed in garlic aioli and tomato chutney, along with huge portions of onions rings and fries. The meat pies have a croissant-like crust, and there are also salads for those seeking greens. The weekend brunch menu delivers chilaquiles, steak and tamale Benedict, and cheesy grits. With 24 beers on tap, this OB mainstay was one of the first local businesses to pioneer the craft beer movement.

For inexpensive comfort food, this desert restaurant serves sandwiches, pasta, burgers, and chicken-fried steak with thick fries; for super-fresh ingredients, request organic goods plucked from their adjacent vegetable garden. This is the area's best breakfast joint, with menu highlights including cinnamon French toast and smoked salmon eggs Benedict. Portions are hearty including the salads with homemade dressings; the seared ahi salad and cold peanut sesame noodle salad are both top picks on a hot day.  The air-conditioned dining room, full bar, and pet-friendly shaded patio are great when the season heats up.

The customers lined up beside this little red shack at the bottom of Wiscasset's Main Street, just before the bridge across the Sheepscot River, have come from far and wide for one of the Maine Coast's best lobster rolls—namely, a perfectly buttered and griddled split-top roll that's absolutely, positively stuffed with fresh, sweet meat and served with melted butter and mayo on the side. Devotees swear that the wait (up to two hours!) is worth it, and it helps that staffers hand out ice water, Popsicles, umbrellas to protect from rain or hot sun, and even dog biscuits for the pups. You can also get your lobster in a gluten-free roll or on a plate without any bread. Other choices include crab rolls, hamburgers, and onion rings, as well as clams or other local seafood fried in house-made batters. Enjoy your hard-earned feast at a table on the bilevel deck behind the shack or at a picnic table on the grass by the water. For a shorter wait, come on a weekday at an off-hour (not lunch- or dinnertime).

Trina Gregory-Propst and her team of bakers and cooks make the biggest and most satisfying breakfasts, lunches, and sweet treats in town. Try a from-scratch chicken potpie, which has the most glorious crust; the mile-high meat loaf sandwich; or the "7th Trimester" of buttermilk garlic biscuit, over-medium egg, and smoked bacon, smothered in five-cheese mac and cheese. Look for the "Let us fill your pie hole" mural.

Fresh, coastal-inspired dishes are enjoyed alfresco at this dockside restaurant, where each of the three bar areas and massive lounge get gorgeous Intracoastal views. Munch on the expected seaside starters like coconut shrimp, crispy calamari, and smoked fish dip before moving onto flatbreads, sushi, or one of the many entrées served at both lunch and dinner. The daily happy hour features half-price drinks and bites under $10. Arrive by boat or take advantage of the complimentary valet.

On a side street near the Village Green, this place (and its sister arm, The Annex) hops on busy summer evenings as folks line up for scrumptious "creative comfort food" like fish tacos and burgers (there's a handful of entrées, too). Outdoor and indoor dining spaces, one anchored by a horseshoe bar, flow together; exposed brick and a cork wall and ceiling warm up the welcoming, family-friendly vibe. The main restaurant and The Annex (no lunch) have the same menu until 9 pm, when the former closes and The Annex offers simpler fare for its final hour. Flanking Side Street and The Annex are the establishment’s two sister businesses: Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen, serving breakfast and lunch (you can eat at tables in The Annex), and Side Treats Bar Harbor, a frozen yogurt place with self-serve toppings.

Rotisserie meats and veggies sourced from local farms steal the show at this former mid-20th-century truck stop and diner. It's a go-to for tri-tip and pork belly sandwiches or hearty heirloom bean cassoulet with bratwurst, best eaten with a host of sides, sips, and sweets, like crispy Parmesan brussels sprouts, New Orleans–style cold brew coffee, and butterscotch pudding. Colorful Isis Hockenos mural art adorns the café, which has countertop dining indoors and a welcoming patio and picnic table seating outdoors. For visitors in town on select weekday mornings, this is the best place to go for breakfast.

Minutes from Ijams Nature Center, this bustling taco joint fills up on weekends with bicyclists, climbers, hikers, and paddlers scarfing down tortillas stuffed with ground beef and chorizo and slugging crisp margaritas.

The morning rush hour can be intense, but locals and tourists don't seem to mind, as a long queue means there's time to snap a picture in front of the famous i love you so much mural found on the side of this walk-up shack. Seating is limited, and it's outside-only, so, especially if it's Saturday, come early and bring a good read. Live music is featured most weeks, and by afternoon, you may witness patrons dancing in the parking lot (local beers and frosé are also available). They also host their own showcase during SXSW. This is Jo's original location, but there are now nine locations in Austin.

This fabulously unusual pub and microbrewery is located just a few miles east of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, across the highway from the regional Taos airport. In a high-ceilinged, eco-friendly building with soaring windows, you can sample exceptionally well-crafted Scottish Ale, Black Widow Porter, and Kolsch 45. Step outside to sit on the expansive patio and take in the amazing mountain and mesa views. Two outdoor stages present the best in live musical entertainment, frequently drawing large and enthusiastic crowds to enjoy regional and international artists. Tasty burgers, fries, salads, and desserts are served too.

Enjoy some of the city's finest craft beers at this chilled-out multilevel taproom where the masterful brewing process—an in-house chemist is employed for ideal fermentation—is matched with a passion for locally sourced ingredients and history. The attention to detail also extends to their solid food menu with standout items such as their Five Beer Burger, hot chicken sandwich, beer bread grilled cheese, and more. Brewery tours are offered on Saturdays, but be sure to book online ahead of time.

This dapper, art-filled space lends a bit of urbane sophistication to downtown Grants Pass. In addition to pouring varietals from throughout the Umpqua and Rogue valleys, Twisted Cork carries wines from more than 120 wineries throughout the Northwest, along with a few from California, and it offers a menu of small plates ideal for sharing as well as creative and quite affordable larger plates, including pomegranate-cinnamon flank steak, ginger-glazed salmon, and wild-mushroom flatbread with butternut-mint hummus.

Veracruz wears a taco tiara in the Austin food scene and for good reason. Their migas taco lives up to the local lore, and this always-hopping original location has a convivial patio seating area for enjoying tasty quesadillas, barbacoa, vegetarian and fish tacos on homemade tortillas, and fresh aguas frescas alfresco.

Village Tavern is truly a neighborhood hub for those who love good food, good wine and cocktails, and great company. The bar scene is always fun, especially on Wine Wednesday, when all the wines (even the premium labels) are half-price by the glass. As the bar fills up, the patio is a great option for drinking and dining; however, it's really hard to find a seat outside in the summer. Dogs are more than welcome to join on the terrace, and the servers are extra hospitable. The eclectic and well-rounded menu is rooted in fresh ingredients, and everything is made from scratch.

This East Coast–style waterfront seafood joint may not be textbook Cape Cod, but that's okay—dine here, and you'll get the best of both coasts: fresh West Coast seafood prepared with traditional East Coast recipes. Indoor seats are in several long dining rooms; cozy outdoor seats are warmed by gas fire pits and heaters on chilly days; and every seat in the house looks out to the water.

The Central Coast's abundance of organic and sustainably sourced bounty—veggies, seafood, meats, and breads—are creatively woven into innovative dishes at this brick-walled downtown favorite. The wine list celebrates local wines; with many by the half-glass, you can sample a good cross-section.

This former trading post-turned auto shop-turned-church-turned-saloon finally found its purpose as Temecula’s most popular bar and restaurant. Gone are the 1960s brawls, replaced by friendly service and a scratch kitchen turning out burgers, sandwiches, and main-event entrees like cast-iron ribeye, blackened achiote pork chop, and rustic chicken with risotto. For an impressive starter, kick off with the charcuterie board made with local cheeses, breads, and meats. The industrial-style bar means business, boasting 23 ingredients in the Bloody Mary alongside beers and wines produced in Temecula. Other than ice cubes and ice cream, you won’t find anything in the freezer. All desserts are made in-house, meaning you can clean that plate of bourbon bread pudding and salted caramel ice cream knowing that the chef was behind the magic.

The beloved Little Dog Coffee Shop has morphed into The Abbey, an equally casual coffee spot offering richly flavorful coffee and top-notch breakfast sandwiches. The atmosphere is still chill during the day, but now it's also a nighttime hangout that offers bites like tuna crudo and chicken shawarma, along with classes, tastings, and community events.

The specialties at this casual, family-oriented restaurant in Ventura Harbor Village are fresh fish-and-chips and homemade clam chowder. After placing your order at the counter, you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy the view of the harbor and marina.

Carefully prepared California cuisine is the draw at this airy restaurant, where the rack of lamb is carved at the table, the grilled Halloumi cheese and tomatoes are meticulously stacked and served with basil and Kalamata olive tapenade, and the desserts are set aflame before your eyes. For lighter fare with a worldwide flair, head to the bar, where small plates such as Dungeness crab ravioli and brochette of filet mignon with chimichurri sauce are served.

Long Beach's famous Craftsman bungalows were built en masse during an oil boom a century ago, and while many have been torn down to make way for McMansions and apartment blocks, one now plays home to the Attic, which serves some of the best Southern-style cuisine in the region. The comfort food on the all-day menu delights, from the Flaming Hot Cheetos mac and cheese (don't overthink it; just try it) to the braised oxtails with preserved huckleberry. Daily happy-hour specials serve as an "intermission" between lunch and dinner offerings. Score a coveted indoor table in the home's former rooms, or enjoy the lowkey outside patio. In the mood for adventure? Try to score a reservation for occasional Attic Supper Club events, nestled in a gorgeous private dining room. Like much of Long Beach, the Attic is dog-friendly.

Palo Alto’s eclectic past meets its digital present at California Avenue’s outdoor-only coffee shop/roaster that is hidden from the main street by a narrow alleyway. With plenty of mismatched tables, lo-fi jazz on the stereo, and flowers growing on a wall next to a wall with drawings of its many regular dog visitors, it’s easy to feel Palo Alto’s old bohemian personality alive and well here. At the same time, most of the crowd is typing away on their laptops under the shade tent or discussing the latest tech merger by a little fountain. A small menu of breakfast items and tacos are also available.

This eager-to-please coffee shop is centrally located and a good stop for hot or iced coffee accompanied by a scone or bagel. For something more substantial, choose from a selection of breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Pets are welcome on the patio in warm weather.

Shipping containers floating atop the Potomac River comprise this Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant in Old Town. The lunch and dinner menus feature small plates: patatas bravas, ham croquetas, and Spanish octopus salad. You can also savor meats and cheeses from Greece and Spain, miniature sandwiches, and more. The summery drink menu features ciders, beers, and wine—though order the stone fruit sangria to put you in a beachy kind of mood. The indoor wine bar is nice especially in winter.

Watch lobstermen and fishermen haul their catch and pleasure craft come and go at this working pier with a large restaurant that's big on lobster, clams, and other seafood but also sells burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs for the kids. There’s open and covered patio seating, the latter with a bar; waterside bar tables for two along a covered pier walkway; and indoor dining (upper level). Fried, seared, and blackened seafood choices are on the menu, and of course traditional lobster sides like cornbread, corn-on-the-cob, and coleslaw.