These Are The Absolute Best Dishes In Each State And Where To Find Them

Trying to generalize anything about the United States never really works. The nation is so vast that each state seemingly has its own identity and culture. That's certainly the case when it comes to food, with different meals and treats being beloved wherever you go.

If you're looking to do a food tour of the US, it's worth finding out what the best dishes by state are so you know what to try out during your travels. Some of these are unusual delicacies that you won't find anywhere else, while others are just delicious foods particularly beloved by certain states.

Alabama: Pecan pie is the one that rules in Alabama

When it comes to delicious dishes in the US, you always need to save room for dessert. Some of these states don't mess around when it comes to their sweet treats, and Alabama is certainly one of them. Here, pecan pie is definitely one of the best dishes available, so much so that you'll likely be asking for seconds.

It makes sense, given that the pecan is the state's official nut. What's more, the recipe that's predominant in this part of the US is almost a century old now. It was reportedly created by the wife of a Karo syrup salesman in the 1930s. Funnily enough, this syrup is a central ingredient in Alabama's sticky, nutty delicacy.

Luna's Eat and Drink is a great place to visit for some Alabama pecan pie

So, you're in Alabama, and you're hungry to try some delicious pecan pie - where do you go? Apparently, one of the best places to check out is Luna's Eat and Drink in Orange Beach. This pie is one of several desserts on the menu, with the sweet treat also served with vanilla bean ice cream and topped with molasses.

The eatery prides itself on being a place where "fresh seafood meets soulful, Southern goodness." So, if you're a fan of coastal cuisine with some good ol' Southern charm, you're going to eat well here. Just make sure that whatever you order, you leave room for the dessert that's considered one of the best dishes in the US.

Alaska: Smoked salmon is a highly-favored fish dish in Alaska 

Alaska is considered a "world-renowned fishing destination," so it makes sense that the next of these best dishes by state is one from the water. Smoked salmon is the food of choice here, and it's been popular for a long time now. After the smoked salmon industry was established here in the 1800s, Alaska hasn't looked back.

How you eat the food here is up to you. Some choose not to risk potentially losing the flavor by pairing it with anything, so they just eat it plain. Others like to have their smoked salmon on a slice of crusty bread. However you enjoy it, there's a good chance you'll agree that it's delicious.

The Alaska Sausage & Seafood market is an excellent place to buy smoked salmon

If you want to enjoy some smoked salmon, you could just catch a fish yourself, brine it, then put it in a smoker for up to seven hours. However, it's much easier to just check out some of the places in Alaska where this food has already been prepared. The Alaska Sausage & Seafood market in Anchorage is a good shout.

As the name suggests, this is somewhere you can buy meat and fish products, including their wild Alaskan smoked salmon. Caught in Alaska's "glacier-fed waters" and "smoked to perfection," you'll be in good hands here. Plus, you can choose from all sorts of different salmon, including king and sockeye, as well as different coatings like lemon pepper or cajun smoked.

Arizona: The Sonoran hot dog spices up a classic dish in Arizona

Hot dogs are pretty much a staple food across the entirety of the United States. However, while this food might be pretty beloved all over the nation, that doesn't mean certain states are unafraid to experiment with a classic. For instance, in Arizona, a Sonoran hot dog is common, which includes a bacon-wrapped sausage and pinto beans.

Jalapeños and grilled onions are also added to this dish, which is topped off with mustard and mayonnaise. It's a spicier take on a hot dog than one you might expect to be served at a ball game. However, it wouldn't be considered one of the best dishes in the US if it wasn't delicious.

Nogales Hot Dogs offers Sonoran hot dogs like no one else

With the Sonoran hot dog being such a favored choice in Arizona, you can inevitably find it in many places across the state. For what should be a guaranteed delicious dining experience, though, visit Nogales Hot Dogs in Phoenix. As the name suggests, hot dogs are what they do, so you're guaranteed to be in for a good time.

Reviews on social media certainly back this up, with one person from Michigan singing the praises of their Sonoran hot dogs. As someone from "the land of the Coney Dog," they know a thing or two about what makes a delicious hot dog. So, the fact that they'd choose Arizona's specialty over their home state's speaks volumes.

Arkansas: Chocolate gravy is a confusingly named sweet treat beloved in Arkansas

The next of these best dishes by state is one that might seem to have a contradictory title. After all, people tend to think of chocolate as something sweet and gravy as something savory. However, the Arkansas specialty is chocolate gravy, a concoction that is more delicious than it might sound to those not in the know.

While it might be referred to as gravy, this smooth, chocolate delicacy is actually just made using butter, flour, sugar, milk, and cocoa. So, it's as sweet as anything with chocolate in the name should be. The people of Arkansas love to pour this over their biscuits, and they've been doing that for generations now.

Ozark Cafe is one of Arkansas' best foodie destinations, especially for chocolate gravy

You shouldn't have trouble finding good chocolate gravy in Arkansas. Given how simple the recipe is, most places in the state are capable of whipping something up that's suitably delicious. Ozark Cafe in Jasper, though, is often heralded as the best option if you want to see why chocolate gravy is one of the most delicious dishes in the US.

The fact that the history of this place stems back to over a century already tells you that the establishment knows what it's doing when it comes to food. Ozark Cafe was also featured in New York Magazine's Grub Street as the top foodie destination in Arkansas, with its chocolate gravy just one of many favored choices on the menu.

California: Avocado toast is the millennial dish that really stands out in California

It's become a stereotype that millennials are all about avocados. We can't deny there's a lot of love for this food, and there are definitely some parts of the US where it's beloved more than others. California seems to rank top of this list, given that avocado toast is considered one of the best dishes by state here.

Avocado toast comes in all manner of forms as people try to experiment with flavors to enhance the deliciousness of this dish. You're sure to find a ton of creative takes on it in California, the majority of which will be unforgettable taste experiences. We suppose that's inevitable, though, given the state is known for its Hass avocados.

Verve Coffee Roasters has plenty of delicious dishes, particularly their avocado toast

Given the love for enjoying avocado toast during a spot of brunch, you could easily spend days going from place to place trying out California's takes on avocado toast. If you're short on time, though, and just want to dine at the best spot in the state. Verve Coffee Roasters in Los Angeles is where you want to head.

A place for incredible coffee, Verve Coffee Roasters is also home to some of the best dishes in the United States. You can dine on a selection of sweet and savory meals, although it's the avocado toast that stands out from the pack. Served on Manresa sourdough bread with chives, radish, shallot, and cultured butter, it's not to be missed.

Colorado: Rocky Mountain oysters are one of Colorado's most controversial dishes

If you're not into seafood, then the thought of tucking into Rocky Mountain oysters in Colorado might not seem that appealing. The good news is that the name is misleading, and these aren't actually oysters. The potentially bad news is that they're something else that you might also be in two minds about putting in your mouth.

It seems this food is a bull's private parts that have been sliced, breaded, and deep-fried. It wouldn't be considered one of the best dishes by state if plenty of people in Colorado didn't find these appealing. However, until you've tasted them and can judge for yourself if they're delicious, it might be hard to overlook what they are

The Fort Restaurant might have the best Rocky Mountain oysters in Colorado

One of the reasons that Rocky Mountain oysters might be considered one of the most beloved dishes in the US may have something to do with their alleged aphrodisiac effect. A bowl of these could help to spice up your private life. If you want to do this, though, you'll benefit from eating at the best place in Colorado.

For Rocky Mountain oysters, nowhere seemingly does the dish better in the state than the Fort Restaurant in Morrison. Referring to themselves as the "essence of Colorado," they boast "new foods of the old west." Given that Rocky Mountain oysters have been around for a long time, it's perhaps no wonder that it features on their menu.

Connecticut: White clam pizza is a big hitter for those in Connecticut

Pizza, in its many forms, is another of the most delicious dishes in the US. It's a firm favorite of so many people because it's quick, tasty, and comes with so much variety. Of course, what a person enjoys on pizza can be quite a controversial topic, which brings us to the next of the best dishes by state.

In Connecticut, many of the locals enjoy what's known as white clam pizza. As the name indicates, it's a pizza dish that includes clams as the topping. The strong, salty flavor that this brings to such a classic meal means that not everyone is on board with this food. However, it's here for a good reason.

Frank Pepe has been winning people over with white clam pizza for decades

Almost a century ago, Frank Pepe opened in Connecticut and introduced the state to the white clam pizza. Today, the establishment still stands - in several locations - and continues to introduce new generations to the intriguing dish that is pizza topped with clams. Of course, there's more to this unique dish than just that one ingredient.

White clam pizza "Pepe's style" features a thin crust with a generous helping of bacon, pecorino, olive oil, and clams on top. While it's not to everyone's taste, nearly all of those who appreciate what the clams have to offer seem to give this dish top marks. The only thing now is to test it for yourself.

Delaware: Scrapple is a food that Delaware has now claimed as their own

Another of the best dishes by state that might also leave some people scratching their heads is scrapple. It's one of the favored foods in Delaware, although the dish technically wasn't invented by the locals. Instead, it was the Pennsylvania Dutch who apparently brought this taste sensation to life, with Delaware now claiming it as their own.

The food itself is a combination of pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices, with the ingredients all pressed together into the shape of a patty. This is then pan-fried and served potentially on its own, as a sandwich, or maybe something else. What topping is best suited to scrapple is apparently quite a hot topic of debate.

Wilson's General Store has some irresistible scrapple sandwiches on offer 

Plenty of places that serve the best dishes in the United States are ones that have been around for decades. Wilson's General Store in Georgetown is another. According to their social media page, they've been operating since 1944. That means they've spent the best part of a century perfecting their meals to keep customers constantly coming back for more.

There are dozens of sandwiches available here, each of which is sure to fill you up for a couple of hours. It's their scrapple dishes that are really worth trying out, though. You can get it for breakfast on its own or with an egg, both of which are excellent choices. Why not try both?

Florida: Key lime pie is a classic dish that Floridians can't get enough of

If you've spent any time in Florida, you'll know that things can get incredibly warm here. In fact, it's one of the hottest states in the US. So, it makes a lot of sense that the best dish here is one that's more likely to cool you down. The specialty that we're referring to is key lime pie.

A tart dish filled with creamy custard, it makes good use of the Florida key limes that are all over the state. Many people choose to enjoy this treat in the traditional way, with whipped cream on top and maybe some ice cream on the side. Occasionally, though, someone will apparently enjoy it frozen and dipped in chocolate.

Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe can satisfy all your key lime pie needs

It stands to reason that somewhere that has key lime in the name might well be a great place to visit for some delicious key lime pie. We're talking about Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. Here, you can both order delicious dishes to try at home or enjoy them in their Elizabeth Street cafe.

With this establishment being the key lime destination in Florida, they offer more than just the traditional take on this flavorful dessert. Some of the alternatives available include strawberry and coconut varieties of key lime pie, each of which is worth trying just so you can compare. With so many flavors on offer, why not treat yourself?

Georgia: Peach cobbler is a summer delight when you're in Georgia

From one sweet treat to another. If you find yourself in Georgia, you should never eat unless you've got room for dessert. Otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy another of the best dishes in the US: peach cobbler. During the summer months, you can justify having this dessert after every meal because it's prime peach season.

You're almost always guaranteed to get a top-quality dish when you order peach cobbler in Georgia. Made from scratch, all of the flavors really stand out, although it's the juicy local peaches that really come through. If you want the dessert at its best, we advise having some vanilla ice cream on the side while the dish is piping hot.

Ivy's Heavenly Cobbler is the place for cobblers in Georgia, peach included

Peach is just one of many flavors of cobbler that you can find in Georgia. That's especially the case if you visit Ivy's Heavenly Cobbler in Decatur, where this dessert is the establishment’s specialty. It's an excellent place to see what all this fuss over peach cobbler is about, as well as try out some of the other available flavors.

These include cherry, pear, apple, strawberry, and pumpkin. Your waistline might not appreciate it if you dine on all of these at once, but it's definitely worthwhile testing out a few flavors. The peach cobbler is where it's at, though, especially if you're around when the fruit is suitably ripe and absolutely bursting with taste.

Hawaii: Loco Moco is a plate of comfort food you might not expect from Hawaii

Hawaii is an excellent place to visit, regardless of whether you're trying out the best dishes by state or not. The beaches, the culture, and the weather make this an ideal vacation spot. Of course, you have to eat while you're there, so you might as well chow down on what many of the locals are crazy about.

Loco Moco is a huge favorite. This traditional dish consists of a beef patty on a bed of white rice and covered in gravy. A fried egg on top completes the dish. It's the sort of comfort food that you might not expect from somewhere so tropical. However, it's supposedly been around since the 1940s.

Cafe 100 is the home of the Loco Moco in Hawaii

Considering Loco Moco has been a beloved delicacy in Hawaii for decades now, there must be plenty of places to enjoy it, right? There are, but there's no need to shop around for the best of these when you can head straight to Cafe 100 in Hilo. Here, Loco Moco is their specialty - and they have 30 varieties to try.

On their website, they claim that people visit for the "comforting home-style food" as well as the "memories." They say that they offer an "authentic" experience that stretches back to the ‘40s when Cafe 100 was first established. As the "Home of the Loco Moco," there's nowhere better in Hawaii to try this dish out yourself than here.

Idaho: The ice cream potato is one of Idaho's most misleading sweet treats

The names of some of the best dishes in the US can be quite misleading. The favored food of Idaho - the ice cream potato - is a good example. Those unfamiliar with this dish might assume that it's a potato served with ice cream, which doesn't sound that appetizing. In reality, though, it's a potato made from ice cream.

While it might look very convincing on the outside, a bite of this dessert will assure you that there are no potatoes to be found here. Instead, what you have is vanilla ice cream that's rolled in cocoa powder and shaped like a potato. This dish is typically topped with whipped cream and potentially some sprinkles, along with fudge sauce.

Westside Drive-in will satisfy your ice cream potato cravings

If you want to prove to yourself that this dessert is sweeter than it looks, you'll want to head to the Westside Drive-in in Boise. On social media, they refer to themselves as "gourmet food, FAST," with everything cooked from scratch. After all, it's not just desserts that this place specializes in, although that's certainly what you should prioritize.

You'll want to make sure that if you do order anything else from here that you leave room for a helping of their special ice cream potato. After all, while it might not be a real potato, eating the whole dish can be just as filling as one. The last thing you want is for this to defeat you.

Illinois: Deep dish pizza is the only option for many people in Illinois

The argument over which pizza is the best is one that can rage on for years. Everyone has their opinions about how thick the crust should be and what toppings are the best combination. However, while this might be something people will never all agree on, if you're in Illinois, there is one pizza that reigns supreme.

In the 1940s, the first deep-dish pizza was reportedly made in Chicago. Since then, this dish has steadily grown in popularity to the point that it's now one of the best dishes by state. While people might still have different opinions about what should go on top, many in Illinois agree that deep-dish pizza is the only option.

Lou Malnati's serves arguably the best deep-dish pizza Illinois has to offer

With deep-dish being the way most pizza is served in Illinois, you never have to look far if you have a craving for it. However, you're better off heading straight to Lou Malnati's, who argue that they are the "home of the BEST Chicago-style deep dish pizza in the world." Well, they have been making pizzas for 50 plus years.

Boasting fresh and well-seasoned ingredients, the pizzas you'll find here may well inspire you never to eat any other style of pizza again. That might be a bit awkward if you live in New York, where some might consider deep-dish pizza as the enemy. We suppose you'll have to try it for yourself and then see what happens.

Indiana: The tenderloin sandwich is a common lunch dish for those in Indiana

A sandwich isn't hard to make. You just stuff some ingredients between two pieces of bread, and boom - sandwich. For that reason, there are countless different sandwiches in the world, not all of which are considered some of the best dishes by state. One that is, though, is the tenderloin sandwich that's reportedly beloved in Indiana.

There's nothing particularly complicated about this dish. It's simply a breaded pork cutlet that's been deep-fried and is usually served in a toasted bun. Typically, the tenderloin is too big to fit within the sandwich, so it hangs over the edge. Still, when you're hungry, that's not usually an issue at all. It just means you get more to eat.

Nick's Kitchen is the home of the tenderloin sandwich in Indiana

When you're looking to eat somewhere that serves the best dishes in the United States, going to a place that invented one of those dishes is a good idea. Nick's Kitchen in Huntington is supposedly where the tenderloin sandwich was created in Indiana, so it makes sense that this is where your food travels should take you.

While you're there, you can also try one of their "hand-dipped milk shakes" or "homemade pie," the latter of which they apparently make every day. You'll eventually walk away from the establishment with all notion of hunger completely out of the window. Unfortunately, you may also have a craving to go back day after day.

Iowa: Iowa claims that no one does sweet corn better than they do

There's nothing particularly complicated about some of the best dishes by state. Not all of these foods are things that you can only find in one place or which are extremely intricate to make. Sometimes, a simple dish just tastes better here than anywhere else in the US. In Iowa, sweet corn is apparently that food.

You can find corn on the cob almost anywhere you go, but the state is adamant that it's more delicious here than in the rest of the nation. They accredit that to their nutrient-rich soil, which ensures that it grows as healthy as possible. Just make sure you eat it within a day of being picked for the best results.

Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market is the ideal place to pick up some sweet corn

The reason you should eat Iowa's sweet corn as quickly as possible is because of how quickly the sugar content apparently diminishes. It allegedly loses 60% within 24 hours, meaning that the sweet part of this corn on the cob ends up lacking. If you want to avoid this happening, consider visiting Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market.

Open on Saturdays between May and October, you'll be able to pick up some of Iowa's legendary corn and see for yourself if it truly is the best. You can pick up some other ingredients while you're there, too, and put together a meal that will truly do the corn justice for your taste test.

Kansas: Burnt ends are a common barbecue dish in Midwest states like Kansas

Usually, if something's burnt, people steer clear of eating it. Despite this, burnt ends apparently thrive in the Midwest, especially in places like Kansas. These are pieces of brisket that are taken from the point end of the food during barbecue cooking. How they're prepared can apparently differ across the state, depending on someone’s preference.

Some people cook the entire brisket, then remove the point end and cook it longer once the flat cut is finished. Others choose to separate them in advance and cook them separately. Either way, the point end takes longer to cook, with the meat then typically chopped up and served with a decent charring on at least one side.

Joe's Kansas City is the place for burnt ends and all BBQ goodness in Kansas

With burnt ends being such a popular barbecue food in Kansas, you could probably find some excellent samples of this stuff in someone's backyard. However, if you'd prefer to visit a proper restaurant and not just show up on someone's doorstep, Joe's Kansas City has got you covered. They pride themselves on barbecue meals, which include burnt ends.

You definitely won't go hungry if you stop here on a tour of the most delicious dishes in the US. However, you might struggle to narrow down your choice to just one meal. There are all manner of meat dishes available, from the smoked chicken to the full slab of ribs. The burnt ends might just not be enough.

Kentucky: "Kentucky truffles" are an adult treat that goes down well in Kentucky

Sometimes, people like to add a bit of something more adult to a dish to give it that extra kick. That's how another of these delicious dishes in the US came to be. In 1938, Rebecca Ruth Candy mixed chocolate, butter, and cream together with some liquid courage to create what's sometimes known as "Kentucky truffles."

Supposedly, the desire to create these treats was inspired by a comment that there's nothing better than a piece of chocolate followed by this adult drink. Ruth Booe allegedly put that into practice, and she was right to do so. After all, the people of Kentucky have been enjoying her creations for the best part of a century now.

Rebecca Ruth Candy is the one-stop shop for these "Kentucky truffles"

Considering that Rebecca Ruth Candy in Frankfort is where these treats allegedly started, there's nowhere better to try them out yourself than at the place itself. Not only will you get to see what these chocolates are like, but you'll also get to enjoy a tour of the establishment. You can learn about the history behind their delicious creation.

Although the "Kentucky truffles" reportedly weren't made until the 1930s, Rebecca Ruth Candy has apparently been around since 1919. So, with over 100 years of crafting all manner of sweet treats, a visit here could be quite insightful. If nothing else, you can stock up on candy once you reach the gift shop at the end of the tour.

Louisiana: Gumbo is so popular it's the official state cuisine of Louisiana

Gumbo is one of those dishes you've probably heard about, no matter where in the United States you visit. It's a popular food in the South, particularly in Louisiana, where it's one of the state's best dishes. Trying to criticize the dish in this part of the nation probably wouldn't be the wisest move during your travels.

For those who don't actually know what gumbo is, it's a soup primarily containing meat or shellfish - sometimes both - and the Creole "holy trinity." These are celery, bell peppers, and onions. A thickening agent and a strongly-flavored stock finish off the dish, which is so beloved that it's actually the official state cuisine of Louisiana.

Hambone serves great gumbo alongside plenty of other great southern dishes

Given that gumbo is one of the most popular dishes in Louisiana, you're very spoiled for choice on where to buy some. One place that's highly rated, both for its gumbo and just in general, is Hambone in Mandeville. Their gumbo comes with gulf shrimp, ham hocks, pickled okra potato salad, and collards for what's definitely a mouthwatering experience.

Other options on the menu included various sandwiches, several fried chicken meals, steak, and seared gulf fish. Given that Louisiana is one of the southernmost states in the US, and it sits on the coastline, the options available here make a ton of sense. Still, if you're only looking to order one thing, the gumbo is where it's at. 

Maine: Lobster rolls are the way to enjoy Maine's most popular seafood

One of the things that Maine is most known for is fishing. The state has access to so much coastline, and what's available in these waters really catches a lot of attention. We're referring to the Maine lobster, which plenty of people visit the state just to experience. What's the best way to enjoy this catch of the day, though?

If you're going to eat lobster, the people of Maine recommend that you have a lobster roll. This food is a summertime staple that simply involves adding cold lobster meat to a toasted bun. Some places might make a few additions to this basic recipe, but whatever form it comes in, it's one of the best dishes by state.

The Crab Shack has received tons of public praise for their lobster rolls

With lobster rolls, you want to buy them from somewhere that knows what they're doing with seafood. The Clam Shack in Kennebunk is apparently such a place in Maine. The establishment has been around since 1968, which means they have over 50 years of experience serving locals and tourists alike with food sourced from the salty depths.

You can trust that their lobster rolls are worth trying, given the various publications that have hailed these dishes. According to their website, the New York Times, Forbes, and the Food Network have all bestowed praise upon The Clam Shack and its popular dish. That's how you know that this is one of the most delicious dishes in the US.

Maryland: Crab cakes are a Maryland favorite that can be prepared in a number of ways

If you love seafood, then the east coast is definitely the place to visit while searching for the best dishes by state. In Maryland, crab cakes rule supreme, with this dish once again being something that the state is pretty well known for. It's typically a mixture of crab meat with bread crumbs, eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, and seasonings.

Crab cakes can be served in several ways, with people varying over whether they prefer it baked, grilled, broiled, deep-fried, or sautéed. If you don't know which you'd like the most, you might just have to try out each one and see which is your winner. We'd take any excuse to eat more of this delicious dish.

Timbuktu Restaurant offers crab cakes in varying sizes, depending on your appetite

So, where should you go to try out the best crab cakes that Maryland has to offer? We'd recommend traveling to Baltimore, where you'll find Timbuktu Restaurant, a place they claim is the "#1 seafood and steak destination." Here, you can enjoy your pick of seafood, including a selection of crab cakes that are made fresh to order.

If you're feeling really hungry during your visit, you can order one of their colossal crab cakes, which they advertise as being ten ounces. Smaller crab cakes that are six ounces and eight ounces are also available if you wish to try out more than just this one dish. Still, there’s a crab cake of every size here.

Massachusetts: Clam chowder has become synonymous with New England and Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a lot going for it, from its thriving sports culture to its strong educational standing. Another area where it stands has an impact is cuisine, with the state also home to some of the best dishes in the United States. One that really stands out is clam chowder, which is often enjoyed with oyster crackers on the side.

Clams are, unsurprisingly, the most important ingredient in this delicious dish. However, without the additional diced potatoes, pork, onions, and sometimes celery, this chowder wouldn't be the taste sensation it's known as. Some people might add other vegetables to the dish, but more often than not, the people of Massachusetts prefer to stick to the standard recipe.

Union Oyster House will serve you delicious clam chowder in America's oldest restaurant

If you're going to visit Massachusetts and try their clam chowder, the Union Oyster House in Boston is hands down the best place to go. If nothing else, it's worth stopping at because it's apparently the oldest restaurant in America. Who doesn't want to be able to say they've dined in a historic landmark on their vacation?

Of course, the history of this establishment isn't the only reason it stands out. It's also a great place to go because the staff there know what they're doing with seafood. The clue is in the name. Referred to as a "Boston classic," their Oyster House clam chowder is made with fresh shellfish and served with their world-famous sauce.

Michigan: Coney dogs are like two meals in one and beloved by many in Michigan

The Coney dog is another popular take on the classic hot dog, one that's thrived where a lot of others have failed. This dish is famously known for adding meaty chili to the mix, along with chopped onions and mustard. These flavors can all be quite strong on their own, so together, they make for quite a combination.

While some Michiganites might favor other hot dogs over the Coney dog, there are still plenty of people who rank this as their number one. It's arguably several different dishes in one, so the fact that it works as a meal is pretty impressive. If nothing else, it's a bit of comfort food you can treat as a guilty pleasure.

American Coney Island is the oldest establishment in Michigan serving Coney dogs

Plenty of places serve Coney dogs in Michigan, even though Coney Island is over in New York. Two of them are right next to one another - American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island. Given that they both serve similar dishes, there's naturally a rivalry between the two for which serves the best Coney dogs in Michigan.

Unfortunately, with Lafayette Coney Island temporarily closed right now, American Coney Island is free to reign supreme. Having been around since 1917, though, you can trust that the place will serve you what you're after. What's more, they claim to be "the original home of Detroit Coney dogs," so they must be pretty great things.

Minnesota: Fried fish - walleye in particular - is where it's at in Minnesota

Those who enjoy fish often like to eat it in different ways. While some prefer to have it as is, fresh from the water, those in Minnesota often opt to have this food fried. This has become so popular that it's now one of the best dishes by state, with all manner of fish being served up in this way.

The most common choice of fried fish in Minnesota seems to be walleye, which makes sense as it's reportedly been the official state fish since 1965. Other fish that the locals apparently like to batter and serve with a side of French fries include cod and pollack. However, none of these quite compare to the walleye variety.

The Anchor is a classic fish and chips eatery that will serve you Minnesota's finest fried fish

There's never anywhere better to buy fried fish than a place that specializes in fish and chips. That's why The Anchor in Minneapolis is the place you should head to when looking to try one of the best dishes in the US. They source fresh ingredients for their fried fish meals, which you can enjoy indoors or as takeout. 

Like many other fish and chips establishments, the menu here ranges beyond just fried fish. You can also buy pies, burgers, pasties, and more, although the fish should be the first thing on your mind. If you enjoy what they have to offer, The Anchor also does catering, so you can always hire their food truck for your next event.

Mississippi: Biscuits are a delicacy in Mississippi, especially in Natchez

Before you visit Arkansas to sample their chocolate gravy, you should make a stop at Mississippi first. That's because the best dish that this state has to offer is its biscuits, the treat that's most enjoyed with Arkansas' own delicious dish. With the states being close together, you could easily do this without your biscuits losing their freshness en route.

Although biscuits are available across Mississippi, Natchez is considered the biscuit capital of the world. So, you might want to make this your first port of call for these flaky buttermilk biscuits that will fill you up whenever you're hungry. How you eat them is your call, but that chocolate gravy really is an excellent accompaniment.

M7 Coffee House is more than a standard coffee shop when it comes to biscuits

Whatever state you visit, you're bound to run into a ton of coffee shops during your travels. It can be hard for these places to set themselves apart, given how prevalent they are. However, M7 Coffee House in Ridgeland seems to do a good job of that, especially when it comes to serving one of the best dishes by state.

Praised for its atmosphere and hospitality, dining here is something that seems to go down well with almost everyone who stops here. While coffee might be their specialty, their range of snacks apparently include biscuits that have really gotten people talking. You can enjoy them on their own or with bacon or sausage, depending on what you're feeling.

Missouri: Gooey butter cake is a Missouri specialty that was made by mistake

We can't say we're surprised that plenty of the best dishes by state are desserts. So many people in the US have a sweet tooth, and some of these treats are just too delicious to overlook. The gooey butter cake that's become a firm favorite in Missouri is another one. Reportedly originated from St. Louis, it's a slice of heaven.

If you've never had gooey butter cake before, it's essentially a creamy buttery filling atop a thin, cookie-like base. The dessert is topped with powdered sugar to really please your sweet tooth. Supposedly, it only exists because someone made a mistake when trying to bake a coffee cake. They reportedly added too much butter, and this dessert was the outcome.

Park Avenue Coffee handcrafts its wide variety of gooey butter cake desserts

Gooey butter cake might have started out as a mistake, but so many places in Missouri now make it intentionally. They do it with real dedication, too, especially Park Avenue Coffee in St. Louis. This is the place you need to go when trying out the best dishes in the United States because their devotion to this dessert is exceptional.

According to their website, they put care into every step of the baking process, from hand-cracking all of their eggs to making their own caramel in-house. The result is a selection of gooey butter cakes, from white chocolate raspberry to chocolate chip cookie dough, that melt in the mouth and give you that sugar hit.

Montana: Huckleberries are used in all sorts of dishes in Montana

A regular intake of fruit is a good way to keep your body healthy. Fortunately, the people of Montana don't appear to have much trouble with this, given that huckleberries are seemingly one of the state's most popular foods. There's apparently no end to the number of dishes that contain this fruit around these parts. 

To those not in the know, it's easy to mistake huckleberries for blueberries, given how much they look alike. However, the former are typically darker and have a tarter taste, which is seemingly what the people of Montana enjoy. It certainly works in pies, jams, jelly, cakes, and even ice cream. Huckleberry seemingly goes with everything.

The Huckleberry Patch serves almost everything you can think of in huckleberry form

With huckleberries being so beloved in Montana, it's maybe no wonder that a place called the Huckleberry Patch is so popular. This is effectively your one-stop shop for everything huckleberry, with the establishment serving canned goods, baked goods, candy, pantry items, and even bath and body products. You could get some huckleberry lip balm or lotion if you really wanted.

While we don't advise eating this stuff, there is plenty else here that you can fill up on. Their bakery serves a classic in the form of homemade huckleberry pie, along with some fudge. For those who enjoy candy, you can buy huckleberry varieties of taffy, jelly beans, gummy bears, and more. You won't leave this place feeling disappointed.

Nebraska: The runza sandwich is the lunch of choice for many in Nebraska

Nebraska seems to have developed quite a reputation as a sandwich state. Not only is it known for the Reuben, but it's also become popular for the runza. The latter is definitely one of the best dishes by state, featuring ground beef, cabbage, and onions in a pocket of warm, doughy goodness. It's the perfect meal at lunchtime.

The runza apparently has its roots in Germany, with the daughter of a German immigrant supposedly being the first ever to make one. It was then sold at one of the Runza restaurants - hence its name - where it was allegedly as cheap as 15 cents. Of course, times are different, so you have to pay a bit more these days.

Runza restaurants are the only option for an authentic runza sandwich

Given the name of this sandwich, there's nowhere else you should go to try out this Nebraska delicacy other than one of the state's Runza restaurants. Although there are some locations outside of Nebraska, it wouldn't feel right to try this delicacy for the first time anywhere other than here. Plus, it's where most of the restaurants are located anyway.

You'll have the most luck finding somewhere to eat in the east of the state, with Omaha and Lincoln both home to plenty of restaurants. While you can try other items on the menu, such as their homemade burgers, garden salads, or chicken wraps, the runza sandwich is the big hitter. They call it "world famous" for a reason.

Nevada: Buffets are the way to go when you're in Nevada

When you think of Nevada, your mind probably goes straight to Las Vegas. It's okay; that's how it is for many people. It's one of the most famous cities in the US, with activity on The Strip often being the source of news and gossip. Given its influence, we imagine it's the reason for this next addition to the list.

Apparently, when it comes to the best dishes by state, Nevada supposedly doesn't have one. That's because buffet culture is so prominent here, particularly in Vegas. With Sin City reportedly offering over 200 buffets, grabbing whatever you fancy is kind of the name of the game here. Whatever you're hungry for, it's probably available to put on your plate.

The Buffet at Wynn will leave any diner spoiled for choice

If Las Vegas really is home to so many buffets, trying to find one that's the best of the best could be difficult. However, we're pretty confident that there's one that stands out from most - if not all - of the competition. That's The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas, which claims to "redefine the breakfast, brunch or dinner experience."

There are 16 food kitchens available here, including a Latin street food station and an eggs Benedict station. Whether you're after cuts of meat, sushi, or something else, you should be able to find it here. Plus, there's apparently a wide range of made-to-order dishes, so if you're struggling to choose, you can go for one of these.

New Hampshire: Apple cider donuts are a spicier take on one of the most popular sweet treats

Donuts are one of those sweet treats that it's hard to hate. They give you a nice sugar rush and can fill you up quite quickly, especially if you go for one with filling. Given their popularity, they now come in so many different forms. However, when you're in New Hampshire, there's only one type you should care about.

Apple cider donuts are another of the best dishes by state, with these snacks often offering the ideal balance of sweet and spicy. The cinnamon really helps to give them a kick that is often overlooked when it comes to this sort of food. If only we had room to eat more than a few at a time.

Meadow Ledge Farm was one of the first orchards making these donuts in New Hampshire

Apples are kind of essential to the making of these donuts, so it's understandable that one of the best places to try them is a farm with their own orchard. Meadow Ledge Farm in Loudon has apparently been around since the 1970s and is one of the first orchards in New Hampshire that has been creating these delicious treats.

When they're open depends on the season, ranging from every Saturday early in the year to seven days a week during Harvest. There's plenty of fresh fruit available here, but it's the donuts that are really worth visiting for. They say their donuts are the best in New Hampshire, and while they might be biased, we might have to agree.

New Jersey: Salt water taffy dominates the boardwalk of New Jersey's Atlantic City

You really do need to have a sweet tooth if you're going to enjoy all of the best dishes in the United States. This next addition is perhaps one of the sweetest, and it's a firm favorite in New Jersey. We're walking about the salt water taffy that's prominently sold along the boardwalk of Atlantic City.

Despite the name, this treat isn't made with salt water but rather with corn syrup and sugar. As a result, it's not hard to get a sugar high from just one of these candies, let alone a bunch of them. They're hard to resist, though, especially when they're available in so many different flavors, from blue raspberry to licorice.

Shriver's Salt Water Taffy is what your sweet tooth has been looking for

We'd say the best salt water taffy is enjoyed by the coast, but given how much of New Jersey is on the Atlantic Ocean, that doesn't really narrow it down. When you're in the area, though, you should definitely consider stopping off at Shriver's in Ocean City. Salt water taffy is what they do, so you can expect high quality.

Having been featured on Country Living, the Food Network, and even the game show Jeopardy!,' it's clear this is a place worth checking out. Plus, you can pick up some other sweet treats while you're there, including fudge, macaroons, chocolates, and licorice. Make no mistake, though - it's the salt water taffy that makes this place such a standout.

New Mexico: Green chiles spice up so many of New Mexico's delicious meals

New Mexico and spice go hand in hand, and many people across the US know that. If you want your food to have some decent heat to it without leaving the nation, this is where you need to go. After all, this place is reportedly home to more than two dozen species of chile pepper.

With that in mind, it's perhaps no wonder green chiles are considered one of the best foods here. While most people might not just eat one on its own, the ingredient is cooked into countless dishes to give them a good kick. Rightly so, too, because green chiles are apparently stocked full of vitamin C and can boost your metabolism.

El Patron New Mexican Restaurant has plenty of dishes that include green chiles

Finding a spicy restaurant in New Mexico isn't hard. Pretty much everywhere you look there's somewhere that can bring the heat that you're after. For an unforgettable experience, though, it's worth considering a visit to El Patron New Mexican Restaurant in Albuquerque. They say themselves that they offer the "best in authentic New Mexican cuisine."

This means a lot of dishes where green chiles have their time to shine. As you might expect from an establishment like this, meals like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are prominent on the menu. You'll also find various seafood dishes and stuff from the grill, with plenty of the latter topped with red or green chiles.

New York: Bagels are a food beloved in New York like nothing else

If there's any food that immediately comes to mind when we think of New York, it's bagels. It's a popular choice in this part of the US, both as a breakfast meal and as a lunch option. It's another of those dishes where the way people have it can differ significantly, but the love for the bagel is strong nevertheless.

When eaten like a sandwich, it offers a chewier alternative to just slapping something between two slices of bread. That might not appeal to everyone, but in New York, enough people love it for it to be one of the best dishes by state. It probably helps that bagels are so versatile and go with so many different foods.

Ess-A-Bagel is the best of the best if you want a New York bagel

With bagels basically being synonymous with New York, it's easy to grab one to go, especially if you're in the fast-paced New York City. Rather than buy any old bagel, though, we recommend getting one from Ess-A-Bagel. Along with some strong coffee and delicious treats, they have an excellent selection of bagels that should fill you right up.

You can get this on its own or as a sandwich with an incredible variety of fillings, ranging from cream cheese or plain tofu to lemon-grilled chicken or baked salmon. The goal at Ess-A-Bagel seems to be to stop you from ever going hungry again, and we think that's something that we can absolutely get behind.

North Carolina: Fried green tomatoes are a sweet and crunchy treat beloved in North Carolina

Tomatoes are delicious just as they are. However, there are more ways to enjoy them than just fresh from their plants. In the South, where frying food often seems to be second nature, it's not uncommon to come across fried green tomatoes. Even in places like North Carolina, this sort of food is incredibly popular.

In fact, fried green tomatoes are reportedly so beloved in this region of the US that it's one of the best dishes here. All it is is green tomatoes mixed with cornmeal and spices that have been fried to create a sweet and crunchy treat. Most people in North Carolina apparently eat it plain with a side of sauce.

Dish offers fried green tomatoes as one of their specialties

Fried green tomatoes are one of the delicious treats that you can buy at Dish, a Charlotte restaurant where comfort food reigns supreme. The tomatoes are apparently one of their signature dishes and are served with some horseradish dill sauce and lemon. You can get them as a snack along with other great treats like biscuits or smoked fish dip.

Tomatoes actually feature pretty heavily on the menu here, albeit in their fresh form and not fried. If you just want them the way they grow, you can buy them as part of a variety of salads and sandwiches. However, you can't try out all the best dishes by state and not taste these in their fried form.

North Dakota: A hotdish comes in varying forms in North Dakota, but they're basically all delicious

There are plenty of amazing reasons to visit North Dakota. The food is absolutely one of them, especially if you're looking to try out one of their famous hotdishes. Although it's something you can make anywhere, it's a specialty in North Dakota. So, you know that the taste of it here will be through the roof.

There's supposedly no set recipe for a hotdish, although many of them have a lot in common. Generally speaking, they contain a type of meat and some vegetables with a canned soup mixing it all together. It's then topped with a type of starch, with tater tots seemingly being quite a popular choice in North Dakota.

Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge sometimes offers incredible hotdishes as lunchtime specials

Given that the hotdish can come in so many forms, the best place to go to try one might depend on what you want in yours. However, if we had to name one restaurant in North Dakota as the place to go for this dish, Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge in Fargo seems like a great place to check out.

Although the establishment is focused on the promotion and preservation of Norwegian culture, they sometimes serve food that is much more familiar to Americans. This includes hotdishes, with their Kringen Kafe offering a chicken noodle hotdish as a lunch special in the past. You can come for the great food and stay for the cultural experience.

Ohio: Cincinnati chili is the best way to fill up when you're in Ohio

If you visit Ohio, make sure you save plenty of room when you try out one of their most popular dishes. The Cincinnati chili is generally not something that you eat unless you have an empty stomach because this really will fill you up. The mountain of cheese that's spread on top alone is enough to keep you satisfied.

Buried beneath this is a plate of spaghetti that's usually flavored with a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce. All sorts of spices are commonly used in this dish, including cinnamon, cumin, allspice, and nutmeg. As for the cheese, that tends to be cheddar and might be added along with onions and/or beans, depending on how hungry you are.

Camp Washington Chili is where you should find the best plate of Cincinnati chili

This dish is called Cincinnati chili for a reason. If you want to enjoy the best version of it, you'll need to visit the city and hunt down Camp Washington Chili. It's been around since 1940 and has apparently been "proudly serving 'chili-heads'" in all that time. Their secret recipe is really what helps them to stand out.

There's no shortage of local restaurants that'll serve you up a fine plate of Cincinnati chili. However, if you really want to enjoy the best dishes in the United States, it's worth going to the place that's won awards for their cooking. Camp Washington Chili previously received the James Beard Award for being an “American Regional Classic.”

Oklahoma: Onion burgers were introduced as an alternative in Oklahoma during the Great Depression

Burgers are an American classic. It doesn't matter where you are in the US - you can usually find a delicious burger. However, while most people might think of burgers as having meat patties, there's one state where burgers sometimes look quite different. That state is Oklahoma, where onion burgers have been consistently growing in popularity.

While onions are common additions to standard burgers, this dish makes them the star of the show. The food has apparently been around since the Great Depression when it was much cheaper to buy onions than ground beef. This ingredient was used as an alternative, and the people of Oklahoma seemingly haven't looked back ever since.

Tucker's Onion Burgers is apparently Oklahoma's "first premium onion burger restaurant"

With onion burgers being such a staple in Oklahoma, there was bound to be at least one restaurant that specializes in them. Introducing Tucker's Onion Burgers, a place definitely worth visiting if you want to try all the best dishes by state. As they say on their website, they're Oklahoma's "first premium onion burger restaurant."

Although there's the odd alternative on their menu, most of what they serve up here is onion burgers. Whether you opt for a classic, one with cheese, or maybe even an all-natural turkey onion burger, you should find something to your liking. Each burger also comes with a range of fillings that you can choose from, including pickles and jalapeños.

Oregon: Marionberries are a fruit that's supposedly exclusive to Oregon

Montana isn't the only state where fresh fruit is apparently one of the best dishes by state. Oregon is another, and once again, berries seem to stand out as a real crowd-pleaser. Here, it's marionberries that people supposedly can't get enough of, and we can see why. They're basically blackberries but just that little bit better.

This is because they're a mix between two types of blackberries, something that makes them both firmer and more flavorful. The sweet berries have a nice sour kick to them, making for quite the taste sensation. Unfortunately, they're reportedly only grown in Oregon, but that's all the more reason to stop here while trying the best dishes in the US.

Willamette Valley Pie Company sells an absolutely delicious marionberry pie

While Marionberries are delicious on their own, they taste even better when added to all sorts of foods. Much like huckleberries, they're quite a diverse fruit, capable of being baked into all kinds of treats. It's pies where they're probably best utilized, though, as is the case with most fruit. For that, head to Willamette Valley Pie Company.

Here, you can buy a rich assortment of pies, including one made with marionberries. Crafted using an original recipe, it apparently uses "simple, all-natural ingredients" to really bring out the flavor of the berries. All you need to do is heat it up in the oven for a few hours, let it cool, and then you can eat it.

Pennsylvania: The Philly cheesesteak is one of the most famous sandwiches in all of the US

Pennsylvania is the home of Philadelphia, and do you know what Philadelphia is the home of? The Philly cheesesteak, of course. This is truly a staple of the state and easily one of the best dishes in the United States. To visit here and order a sandwich that's not the Philly cheesesteak is almost criminal.

Surprisingly, though, this delicious dish didn't actually use to have cheese in it. Apparently, when it was first invented, people simply enjoyed it as a slab of beef in a bun. That was back in the 1930s, with things having changed a fair bit since then. Now, American or provolone cheese is usually right there alongside the steak.

John's Roast Pork has been making Philly cheesesteaks within the family for decades

If you want the best Philly Cheesesteak in the US, you'll need to head to Philadelphia. It's named after the city for a reason, after all. Once you're there, you'll probably want to prioritize John's Roast Pork over anywhere else. It's been around since 1930 and is still run by the same family to this day.

Keeping it in the family has evidently been beneficial to the restaurant, given how renowned their Italian roast pork sandwich and ultimate cheesesteak are. Although everything else here is delicious, there's really nothing else you should be focusing your attention on but these dishes. They'll have you wanting to move in next door and dine here every day.

Rhode Island: "Stuffies" are made using quahog clams predominantly found in Rhode Island

It's no great surprise that plenty of the best dishes by state are seafood related for places that sit on the coastline. Rhode Island is another example of this, with their standout dish being "stuffies." If you've never had one before, you might not know that these are clams baked with vegetables, spices, and bread crumbs.

The clams used in this dish are quahogs, which are apparently native to the east coast of the US. They're reportedly primarily found in Narragansett Bay, the largest estuary in New England. They're so prominent in this part of the US that they're actually now the official shellfish of the state. It's no wonder "stuffies" are such a big deal.

Anthony's Seafood serves up some of the best "stuffies" as a delicious starter

The benefit of Anthony's Seafood in Middletown is that it's both a market and a restaurant. You can go here to pick up some fresh ingredients to cook yourself, or you can sit down and enjoy one of their delicious specialties. If you opt to spend time at the restaurant, you can order their "stuffies" as a starter.

There are several versions of this dish available, one that's mild and another that's spicy. However much of a kick you prefer, you'll get a starter stuffed with clams, chourico, peppers, and onions. You can follow that up with a sandwich, salad, or fried classic, all of which should satisfy any seafood cravings you might have.

South Carolina: Lowcountry boil is apparently a summer staple of South Carolina

When it comes to the best dishes in the United States, some of them tend to stand out at certain times of the year. Take the Lowcountry boil, which is apparently a popular dish in South Carolina. It tends to be something of a summer staple, so this is the best time of year to try it.

The reason it's such a favored dish in the summer months is likely down to the ingredients that make up a Lowcountry boil. Corn on the cob, heirloom potatoes, and jumbo shrimp are all important additions to this South Carolina favorite. It can make for quite a messy combination, but good food is occasionally worth making a mess.

Low Country Shrimper specializes in shrimp, making for a great Lowcountry boil

For a classic Lowcountry boil that's bursting with flavor, Low Country Shrimper in Mauldin seems to be a good recommendation. Shrimp is one of the core ingredients of this dish, and that's something that's at the forefront of this restaurant's menu. It's included in a seafood platter, tacos, burgers, and, of course, in their specialty, the Lowcountry boil.

Reviews for this establishment frequently hail it as offering great food at even greater prices, seemingly making it one of the best value restaurants in the state. Although the Lowcountry boil might be more of a summer staple, you can seemingly enjoy it year-round here. That's pretty ideal if you can't make it to South Carolina during those warmer months.

South Dakota: Fry bread is a Navajo dish that's become quite popular in South Dakota

Frybread is a dish that really has been around for a long time. According to Navajo tradition, it was first created in 1864 and has grown into a popular dish in South Dakota since then. The bread was created using flour, salt, sugar, and lard that was given to the tribe when they were forced to relocate from their homeland.

There are different ways to enjoy this bread, either as a sweet treat or a savory one. If you want the former, you tend to get it with cinnamon, sugar, and honey on top, possibly alongside a scoop of ice cream. If you're more interested in the latter, it's sometimes paired with ground bison to make tacos.

Laughing Water Restaurant is suitably placed for trying a Native American dish

Considering that fry bread started all those years ago with the Navajo tribe, it makes sense that one of the best places to try it has links to Native Americans. Laughing Water Restaurant in Custer County sits close to the Crazy Horse Memorial, a mountain in the process of being carved into the shape of the Oglala Lakota leader.

Some of the dishes that you can try at this restaurant include their Native American taco and Tatanka stew, both of which use fry bread as an ingredient. There's something really special about enjoying these savory meals as you look out at the spectacular views outside. The combination of sights and flavors is like nothing else.

Tennessee: Hot chicken in Tennessee is basically just fried chicken with hot sauce

We know that plenty of people in the south like their food fried. So, it's perhaps no surprise that out of all the best dishes by state, the one that stands out in Tennessee is apparently a fried dish. It's hot chicken, which is seemingly what you get when you add a ton of heat to some fried chicken.

If you think that fried chicken and hot sauce sounds like an excellent combination, you'll definitely want to spend some time in Tennessee. The heat level varies from place to place, so you should be prepared for some dishes to set your mouth on fire more than others. We reckon that's a risk worth taking for great taste, though.

Prince's Hot Chicken supposedly has its roots in the creation of Tennessee's beloved dish

If you're going to try out some hot chicken in Tennessee, there's nowhere better to visit than Prince's Hot Chicken. The name alone tells you you'll find exactly what you're after, with their social media account revealing them as the "pioneer" of this dish. Thornton J. Prince III was apparently the man responsible for it back during the Great Depression.

It seems that a scorned lover allegedly sprinkled his fried chicken with peppers and spices as revenge. However, Thornton supposedly didn't react to those spicy additions, leading this dish to soon become a Tennessee staple. His legacy now lives on at Prince's Hot Chicken, where people don't always react as well as he did to such a spicy dish.

Texas: Smoked brisket is a flavorful Texas favorite that differs in preparation across the state

If there's something you're guaranteed to find when you visit Texas, it's barbecue food. It's hard to think of many states that love this sort of food as much as they do down here. With such a variety of barbecue options available, some might find it hard to decide which of them could be considered the best dishes by state.

However, we'd say that it's smoked brisket which comes out on top. You get a nice variety with this dish because different parts of the state seem to have their own ways of cooking it. For instance, central Texas apparently likes to cook the meat over pecan wood, while those in the west often opt for mesquite wood.

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que serves all the Texas barbecue classics you could need

Given that certain regions in Texas tend to prepare smoked brisket differently, the best place to find this dish might depend on what style you're after. However, generally speaking. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a barbecue joint where you can't really go wrong. Their smoked brisket is just one of many dishes that is mouth-wateringly delicious.

This place has been serving barbecue food for 60 years now, and they apparently have a place in history as "the original off-the-pit BBQ." You'll find their restaurants across Texas, including in Austin and New Braunfels, where an exceptional range of meat is available to be barbecued. Again, though, it's the smoked brisket that's worth trying out first.

Utah: The fry sauce is the ultimate condiment for the people of Utah

We've seen so many of the most delicious dishes in the US already, and this next one you could argue isn't technically a dish. However, it's so beloved in Utah and is such a popular addition to a lot of meals that it's hard to overlook. We're referring to fry sauce, which is basically a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise.

To some, this might sound like an abomination. Until you've tried Utah's famous fry sauce, though, it's not something to turn your nose up at. It's been around for a long time, too. There are various stories of the fry sauce making its debut throughout the first half of the 1900s, including an incident at Don Carlos Barbecue in 1941.

Crown Burgers is an excellent place to sample fry sauce

Regardless of when the fry sauce first came to be, it's now become a staple of dishes throughout Utah. There are plenty of places that have their own version of it, with Heinz even releasing one in 2018 due to its popularity. However, we'd recommend skipping the store-bought stuff and heading to somewhere like Crown Burgers.

The establishment has several restaurants across Utah, the first of which opened in the late 1970s. As a burger place, French fries are a regular side with their dishes, which means plenty of excuses to get some of that delicious fry sauce. You may just get hooked on the stuff after you try it out here.

Vermont: Vermont manufactures nearly half of all of the United State's maple syrup

Vermont is another destination where their contribution to the best dishes by state isn't something you'd necessarily eat on its own. However, there's one food that's become so synonymous with Vermont that it's hard to imagine putting anything else here. That's maple syrup, the sweet sauce that's become one of the biggest exports from this state.

Almost half of the US's maple syrup apparently comes from the 1,500 plus sugarhouses reportedly located in Vermont. Unfortunately, creating this delicious product isn't as easy as you might expect. It allegedly takes four maple trees to produce enough sap to make a gallon of syrup. Given the popularity of this stuff, that's a lot of trees getting drained.

Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm offers up delicious maple syrup with a peek behind the curtain

With so much maple syrup being manufactured in Vermont, there are plenty of places you can go to try it for yourself. However, we'd suggest you put Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm at the top of your list. While the name might be quite misleading, it's located in Stowe's Nebraska Valley in the north of Vermont.

For over forty years now, the Coty family has been tapping maple trees there to produce plenty of delicious maple syrup. You can sample some yourself while seeing how the product goes from tree to bottle. You'll also be able to buy plenty of maple syrup products, including candy, sugar, and jugs of their delicious syrup.

Virginia: Peanuts are reportedly one of the biggest exports from Virginia

Another state that's known for having quite a large food export is Virginia. Here, the thing they're pretty well-known for is peanuts. Apparently, the state is responsible for around 15% of the overall peanut production in the United States. What's more, many of these peanuts are apparently used for making the peanut butter that so many Americans enjoy.

Whether enjoyed as this breakfast spread or at the ballpark, there's a lot of love for peanuts in this part of the US. So, it's maybe no surprise it's considered one of the best dishes by state. While you might not go to a restaurant and order something like this as a meal, it still warrants being on this list.

The Peanut Shop has more flavors of peanut than you might have thought possible

If you want to enjoy a nice bowl of peanuts, you could just go to a ball game and buy some there. However, you won't always get the quality product that you're more likely to get from somewhere like the Peanut Shop. Based in Williamsburg, this place has been the hub for "the finest gourmet peanuts in Virginia" for decades.

Whether you're looking for traditional hand-cooked peanuts or something with a twist - such as their hot wasabi-spiced peanuts - they've got you covered. You can get your peanuts lightly salted, covered in chocolate, or even made to taste like a traditional cocktail. All those years of experience have really paid off for the Peanut Shop's creativity.

Washington: Rainier cherries are so popular in Washington that they have their own holiday

Another state where fruit can be classed as one of the best dishes in the US is Washington. Here, it's hard to resist their Rainier cherries, which are named after the active volcano that makes up one of the state's prominent landmarks. This fruit is so beloved that it even has its own holiday on July 11.

If you're going to travel across America trying out the best dishes by state, it's definitely worth hitting up Washington around this holiday. To celebrate, orchards in Washington apparently allow people to pick their own cherries, which they can then enjoy at their leisure. Just make sure that your sweet tooth is prepared before you take a bite.

Barrett Orchards is ideal for trying these cherries if you time your visit right

An orchard is the best place to go if you want to sample Rainier cherries at their freshest. We'd recommend a place like Barrett Orchards, located in Yakima. There's a lot to love about this place, from their Ice Cream Barn, which reportedly serves a dozen flavors, to the variety of fruit that's available to purchase.

You'll want to time your visit appropriately to ensure that the cherries are in season when you visit. That's why scheduling your trip to Washington around July 11 is always a good idea. During fall, you'll have more luck getting your hands on pumpkins or apples, which are just as great but aren't so much a state specialty.

West Virginia: Pepperoni rolls are one of the best dishes in West Virginia

Pepperoni rolls are now considered one of the best dishes in the United States, particularly by those in West Virginia. However, this food didn't start out as a mainstream food beloved by the state. Instead, it was reportedly an easy snack that plenty of coal miners could enjoy doing their hard work down in the mines.

As times have changed, so too has interest in the pepperoni roll, but this has been for the better. Now, plenty of people across West Virginia will eat them, regardless of what they do for work. Many bakeries and diners include these delicacies as part of their lineup, although the way they're made might differ slightly from place to place.

The Donut Shop offers a selection of pepperoni rolls along with many delicious donuts

You might think that a place called the Donut Shop would only be focused on one thing. While it's true that this establishment in Buckhannon definitely has these sweet treats as their specialty, they do offer a handful of things that aren't donuts. Pepperoni rolls are one such menu item, and they come in a number of forms.

You can get a pepperoni roll on its own, or you can order it with cheese for a little extra money. What cheese you get is up to you, with hot, American, and mozzarella listed as the options. If you're feeling peckish and the place sets off your sweet tooth, you can always get a donut for afterward, too.

Wisconsin: Cheese curds have definitely made their mark on Wisconsin

Cheese is a pretty popular food across the US. Of course, what type of cheese people love likely varies depending on where everyone lives. In Wisconsin, something that's particularly popular is apparently cheese curds. These are moist pieces of curdled milk that someone might eat as a snack or have as part of a dish.

This is quite a popular food in countries like Canada, with cheese curds chiefly found in dishes like poutine. However, it's also made its mark on the US, with Minnesota and Wisconsin apparently standing out as the states where it's predominantly enjoyed. The squeaky treat is now so beloved here it's hard to imagine Wisconsin without it.

The Old Fashion Tavern & Restaurant apparently has the best cheese curds in Wisconsin

Cheese curds have been a part of Wisconsin's cuisine for decades, so somewhere that specializes in the state's favorite foods is the best place to try them out. We'd say that The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant in Madison fits the bill for that. One look at the menu is like browsing through a history book of Wisconsin's delicacies.

Cheese curds are served as an appetizer here, either for one person or to share. Made in-house, they were voted Wisconsin's Best Cheese Curds. So, it's only right that this be where you try this snack for the first time if you've never had it before. You can then see why it's one of the best dishes in the US.

Wyoming: Chicken-fried steak is easily one of Wyoming's best comfort foods

Some of the best dishes by state are comfort foods because these are the things that often bring people a lot of joy. Everywhere in the US has something that can be considered a comfort food, and in Wyoming, it's apparently chicken-fried steak. This isn't a form of fried chicken, but rather a thin steak that is fried like it.

Another difference between these two foods is that chicken-fried steak is often eaten with mashed potatoes and a biscuit. The whole meal is covered in a creamy gravy that really makes your taste buds sing. It's undoubtedly one of the best dishes in the United States, and the people of Wyoming can back us up on that.

Crazy Ate Cafe & Steakhouse has previously been commended for its chicken-fried steaks

Comfort foods usually aren't that hard to find, so it stands to reason that plenty of places in Wyoming serve chicken-fried steak. We're not sure that many places do it the way that Crazy Ate Cafe & Steakhouse does, though. After all, this family-operated establishment was previously voted one of the top two restaurants for chicken-fried steak.

Advertised as offering "delicious meals at competitive prices," they've managed to make waves with their chicken-fried steak, despite not being in business super long. They also stand out for some other food, too, such as being the home of Wyoming's largest cinnamon roll. What more could you want when sampling the best dishes in the US?