America's Best Restaurants, According to Travelers
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Competition for restaurants in the United States is tough. The country is huge, and its large immigrant population has made sure that every type of flavor in the world is represented by its varied cuisine.
But if you’re looking for casual restaurants with delicious food, great ambience and good service, travelers know best. They have helped Tripadvisor find restaurants that excel on all fronts.
These are America's best restaurants for amazing food that won't break the bank.
25. Half Shell Oyster House of Gulfport
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Location: Gulfport, Mississippi
Type of restaurant: Seafood, Southern
Price range: $-$$
*Rankings are based on Tripadvisor travelers' picks for Top Everyday Eats in the United States.
Why Dine at Half Shell Oyster House of Gulfport
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You can’t go to Mississippi without indulging in some delicious and filling Southern cuisine. Don’t shy away from tried-and-true staples like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and oysters.
This place is so good Louisiana-based Tripadvisor reviewer Siccy C said: "Hands down, this is the best restaurant I have ever patronized."
Check out Half Shell Oyster House of Gulfport
24. Avon Pavilion
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Location: Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey
Type of restaurant: Seafood, American
Price range: $-$$
Why Dine at Avon Pavilion
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When you're in Avon-by-the-Sea, you have to eat at a seafront restaurant. And you can't go wrong with Avon Pavilion.
The Pavilion is located right on the Avon Boardwalk, so you can see the water as you dine, and their menu presents a mix of flavors.
Standout dishes include "New Joisey" clam chowder, mandarin stir fry and mozzarella ala Tuscany.
Check out Avon Pavilion
23. Cypress Grill
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Location: Austin, Texas
Type of restaurant: Seafood, Cajun and Creole
Price range: $-$$
Why Dine at Cypress Grill
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Want Southern food in Texas? This is where you want to go.
You’ll get delicious typical Cajun meals like loaded biscuits, crawfish etouffee and catfish. For dessert, we recommend the decadent bourbon chocolate pecan pie.
This is the No. 1 restaurant in all of Austin on Tripadvisor.
Check out Cypress Grill
22. K Rico Steakhouse
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Location: New York City, New York
Type of restaurant: American, Latin American fusion
Price range: $$
Why Dine at K Rico Steakhouse
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With a name that sounds like "how delicious" in Spanish, this steakhouse brings together a mix of Latin American flavors. You can start with some Colombian arepas, then go for a Peruvian-style roasted chicken with a side of Chilean celery salad.
All the food is good, but we highly suggest going for the steaks, which are cut and dry-aged in-house.
Check out K Rico Steakhouse
21. Chive Sea Bar & Lounge
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Location: Savannah, Georgia
Type of restaurant: Seafood, American
Price range: $-$$
Why Dine Chive Sea Bar & Lounge
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This casual bar and lounge is located on Broughton Street, a popular shopping destination in the historic district of Savannah.
The seafood is fresh and delicious, but what really makes it stand out is its signature vintage cocktails that will add just a little bit of buzz to your visit.
Check out Chive Sea Bar & Lounge
20. Moose-AKa’s
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Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Type of restaurant: Eastern European
Price range: $-$$
Why Dine at Moose-AKa’s
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It seems random to find an authentic Serbian restaurant in one of the most remote national parks in America. And yet, Moose-AKa’s is a favorite for area locals as well as park visitors.
You’ll find Serbian staples like moussaka and can enjoy the ambience created by the traditional decor of the restaurant.
Check out Moose-AKa’s
19. Derailed Pour House
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Location: Durango, Colorado
Type of restaurant: American, pub
Price range: $-$$
Why Dine at Derailed Pour House
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Part gastropub, part homey lounge, part game room, this is a cool place to hang out at night. The food is typical of an American pub, with other dishes like tacos included.
Like most gastropubs, the food is meant to keep you full while you enjoy their array of delicious and imaginative cocktails. We suggest the Kentucky Vampire. Made with whiskey, vermouth, amaro and cognac, it is served on a piece of ice and garnished with orange peels and bacon.
It’s not the most traditional drink, but that’s exactly what makes it worth trying.
Check out Derailed Pour House
18. Poseidon
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Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina
Type of restaurant: Seafood, American
Price range: $-$$
Why Dine at Poseidon
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Seafood is the no-brainer choice when you're staying in Hilton Head, and Poseidon brings freshness and beautiful scenery.
You’ll find anything you want in terms of seafood, from fresh catch to sushi to bowls, as well as Southern staples. Their crab soup is highly recommended.
We also suggest going for an early dinner, so you can see the sunset over Broad Creek.
Check out Poseidon
17. Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
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Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Type of restaurant: Italian-American
Price range: $-$$$
Why Dine at Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
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Italian-American cuisine is famous in New York City. This restaurant brings the experience to North Carolina.
The food and the ambience at Vinnie's make you really feel like you're at a neighborhood restaurant.
Try the carbonara and lasagna, made to heavenly perfection by the Italian-American family that runs the establishment.
Check out Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
16. Fresco Italiano
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Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Type of restaurant: Italian, American
Price range: $-$$$
Why Dine at Fresco Italiano
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If you’d rather do authentic Italian, you’ll find a great choice in Las Vegas. The food is inspired by Tuscan cuisine and includes a variety of dishes like seafood, pizzas, pasta and meats.
The restaurant is located inside the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. According to reviews, the service is amazing.
Check out Fresco Italiano
15. Golden Goose American Grill
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Location: Sedona, Arizona
Type of restaurant: American
Price range: $-$$
Why Dine at Golden Goose American Grill
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This American restaurant is a Sedona favorite. For starters, it’s open on Monday, unlike many restaurants in the city. It also has some mouthwatering steaks and prime rib that leave customers full and satisfied.
Another thing that sets it apart is its great ambience. The restaurant boasts a large patio with lots of green vegetation, which contrasts beautifully with the arid landscape of the city.
Check out Golden Goose American Grill
14. Los Gringos Locos
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Location: La Canada Flintridge, California
Type of restaurant: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Price range: $
Why Dine at Los Gringos Locos
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The competition for good Mexican food in California is fierce, but this restaurant topped others in the state for positive reviews.
The restaurant offers both authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex staples like cheese enchiladas with rice, nachos and margaritas. The food is filling and oh-so-good.
Check out Los Gringos Locos
13. Gambino’s
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Location: Fairhope, Alabama
Type of restaurant: Italian
Price range: $$
Why Dine at Gambino’s
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Yet another Italian restaurant makes the cut. But this one is more inspired by Sicilian cuisine.
Gambino's is located near Mobile Bay so make sure you book the Bayview Room, especially if you’re going at dinnertime, when you’ll get treated to a gorgeous sunset.
Try the pork steak with garlic mashed potatoes, or the linguine with clam sauce.
Check out Gambino’s
12. Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
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Location: Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Type of restaurant: Southern
Price range: $
Why Dine at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
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This is the best place to try classic South Carolina shrimp on the Isle of Palms. That's because Acme Lowcountry Kitchen's food is fresh and delicious.
The restaurant is committed to serving sustainably sourced local seafood, which guarantees freshness as well as a low environmental impact.
Besides shrimp and seafood, you’ll find all the beloved Southern food essentials. Go for the short ribs grits bowl and finish the meal with cinnamon bun pancakes.
Check out Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
11. Tatiana’s Restaurant
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Location: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Type of restaurant: Mediterranean, Ukrainian
Price range: $$
Why Dine at Tatiana’s Restaurant
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This Mediterranean-Ukrainian restaurant is in a historical building that dates back to 1835. The location gives it a personality that is enhanced by the uniqueness of its food.
Patrons loved the lamb osso buco and the artichoke stuffed crab. And definitely don’t miss out on having one of their heavenly homemade desserts.
Check out Tatiana’s Restaurant
10. Timber Kitchen and Bar
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Location: Tangor, Maine
Type of restaurant: American contemporary
Price range: $$
Why Dine at Timber Kitchen and Bar
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Set in the Tango Residence Inn, a hotel that’s part of the Marriott brand, Timber Kitchen and Bar offers America on a menu.
In true contemporary American fashion, you’ll find fish and chips, buffalo wings and creme brulee. Of course, there’s also Maine lobster, which you have to try while in the state.
Whatever you’re craving, chances are that the restaurant will have some version of it.
Check out Timber Kitchen and Bar
9. Binion’s Roadhouse
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Location: Hendersonville, North Carolina
Type of restaurant: American, steakhouse
Price range: $$
Why Dine at Binion’s Roadhouse
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A local icon, this steakhouse has been around since 1975. That longevity plus the quality of the steaks have earned it a special place in the hearts of locals.
The restaurant is also family-owned, which means that dining at Binion's Roadhouse directly supports the local economy.
Check out Binion’s Roadhouse
8. Jargon
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Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Type of restaurant: American contemporary
Price range: $$$
Why Dine at Jargon
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A bit further north, you’ll find Jargon. This upscale yet relaxed restaurant is small enough to have an intimate feel. That makes it perfect for dates or a celebration with your inner circle.
The food showcases a mix of flavors presented in a creative way. For instance, there’s lamb tartare, an uncommon dish. The liquor selection is also quite good, with the martinis earning praise from patrons.
Check out Jargon
7. Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar
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Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Type of restaurant: Seafood
Price range: $$$
Why Dine at Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar
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Local seafood is sourced daily for the benefit of patrons, who usually come for the seafood. The oysters, lobster, shrimp and crab cakes are delicious. And you can enjoy them with views of the Chesapeake River.
If you’re not feeling like seafood, the restaurant also has many other types of meats as well as vegetarian-friendly dishes. It also offers beer from microbreweries.
Check out Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar
6. Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
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Location: Pigeon Fort, Tennessee
Type of restaurant: American
Price range: $
Why Dine at Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
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This all-American restaurant has everything you expect from chains like Chili’s — burgers, wings, sandwiches, nachos. But everything just tastes better at Blue Moose.
The food won’t disappoint, no matter what you choose. If we had to pick one thing to recommend, it would be the Hawaiian luau burger, made with pineapple, mango habanero sauce and applewood bacon.
Check out Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
5. Ristorante Pesto
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Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type of restaurant: Italian
Price range: $$
Why Dine at Ristorante Pesto
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This traditional Italian restaurant has won over the hearts of Philly residents, who love its creamy, rich flavors. The restaurant is family-owned, which explains why it’s so welcoming and why the food tastes straight out of a nonna’s kitchen.
The best thing to eat is the veal monti, which is made with shrimp, prosciutto and mozzarella. And don’t leave without having some gelato first.
Check out Ristorante Pesto
4. Florida’s Fresh Grill
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Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Type of restaurant: Seafood, Steakhouse
Price range: $$$
Why Dine at Florida’s Fresh Grill
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A great spot for fresh seafood and good steak, this restaurant also offers a chic dining experience. The dishes are elegantly presented as well as flavorful, and the bar has an excellent selection of cocktails to enjoy while you wait to be seated.
Steak and grilled seafood are the best things to get, but there are also off-grill options like pasta and sushi. Of course, also get some key lime pie, Florida’s signature dessert.
Check out Florida’s Fresh Grill
3. Local Goat
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Location: Pigeon Fort, Tennessee
Type of restaurant: NewAmerican
Price range: $$
Why Dine at Local Goat
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This new American restaurant has the type of food you can find in many other places. However, it distinguishes itself by focusing on made-from-scratch, farm-to-table dishes.
Here, a burger isn’t just a plain ol’ burger. It’s been made in-house and sourced from farms that are often local. You just can’t beat the flavor of something done like this.
There is also a selection of craft beer and drinks to complement the dishes. We recommend the Tennessee whiskey-glazed burger.
Check out Local Goat
2. CVI.CHE 105
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Location: Miami, Florida
Type of restaurant: Peruvian
Price range: $$$
Why Dine at CVI.CHE 105
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Peruvians in Miami love CVI.CHE 105 (which reads like "ceviche," the famous Peruvian fish dish). The menu includes traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado and aji de gallina, but it also includes the restaurant’s own twist on Peruvian flavors.
This means you can choose whether you want to stay traditional or get adventurous. Either way, you’ll enjoy the flavor of the food and the ambience of the establishment.
Check out CVI.CHE 105
1. Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill Ft. Myers Beach
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Location: Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Type of restaurant: American, Caribbean
Price range: $$
Why Dine at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill Ft. Myers Beach
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This is exactly the type of place that you want on a beach vacation. To begin with, Doc Ford’s has the location, with a privileged position on the waterfront. With most things on the menu under $30, it’s also very reasonably priced. And the most important thing: The food tastes great.
Options are another thing that’s great about the restaurant, with creative tastes on classic dishes as well as the typical food items you can expect from any grill. As an entree, we recommend the banana leaf snapper or the tenderloin pork that’s been rubbed in Colombian coffee.
Try the mojitos as well.
Check out Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Ft. Myers Beach