American food can be difficult to define, largely because our culinary landscape benefits from so many ethnic influences and regional variations. Instead of trying to find the most iconic food in America, 10Best is looking for the best iconic dishes state by state.
We've covered the Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, South and are continuing with the Midwest. 10Best editors chose an iconic dish from each state, then asked a panel of local food experts to nominate their favorite restaurants serving the dish. For the past four weeks, 10Best readers have been voting for their favorites, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners.
Best Fried Green Tomatoes in Alabama: LuLu's in Gulf Shores
Fried green tomatoes from LuLu's — Photo courtesy of LuLu's
The fried green tomatoes are a guest favorite at LuLu's in Gulf Shores, where the crispy fried discs come with a side of LuLu's Wow Sauce for dipping.
Full list of winners: Best Fried Green Tomatoes in Alabama »
Best Salmon in Alaska: The Cookery in Seward
Salmon from The Cookery — Photo courtesy of The Cookery
Alaskan sockeye salmon is a star on The Cookery's menu. Get it with braised Alaskan kale, potatoes and a mustard BBQ sauce, or with Alaskan zucchini, kale ragout and beet coulis. Lighter appetites can try it on a local greens and wheatberry salad with pickled rhubarb and peach BBQ sauce.
Full list of winners: Best Salmon in Alaska »
Best Chimichanga in Arizona: Valle Luna Mexican Restaurant
Chimichanga from Valle Luna in Phoenix — Photo courtesy of Valle Luna Mexican Restaurant
The chimichanga is a specialty at Valle Luna Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix, where the deep-fried burrito comes stuffed with a choice of meat and smothered in a homemade Sonoran chimi sauce. Guacamole, sour cream, Spanish rice and a choice of beans come on the side.
Full list of winners: Best Chimichanga in Arizona »
Best Fried Catfish in Arkansas: Dondie's White River Princess in Des Arc
Catfish from Dondie's White River Princess — Photo courtesy of Dondie's White River Princess
All catfish at Dondie's White River Princess in Des Arc is farm raised and sourced in the U.S. Get it fried with hushpuppies, fries and coleslaw or grilled with fries and all the fixings.
Full list of winners: Best Fried Catfish in Arkansas »
Best Fish Tacos in California: Rubio's Coastal Grill
Beer-battered fish taco from Rubio's Coastal Grill — Photo courtesy of Rubio's Coastal Grill
The fish taco recipe at Rubio's Coastal Grill has remained the same since the restaurant first opened in 1983. Tacos begin with wild-caught Alaska pollock, beer-battered by hand and cooked to crispy perfection. Each taco comes topped with fresh cabbage, mild salsa and white sauce on warm stone-ground corn tortillas. There's also a grilled or blackened mahi mahi option.
Full list of winners: Best Fish Tacos in California »
Best Chile Verde in Colorado: El Taco Rey
Avocado pork burrito smothered in green chile from El Taco Rey — Photo courtesy of El Taco Rey
Satisfying Mexican food cravings in Colorado Springs since 1976, El Taco Rey serves their green chile in several forms, including the popular avocado pork burrito smothered in the tangy, spicy sauce. Purists can order a cup a la carte with tortillas for dipping.
Full list of winners: Best Chile Verde in Colorado »
Best Cheeseburger in Connecticut: Lake Zoar Drive-In
You can find steamed cheeseburgers throughout CT — Photo courtesy of iStock / bymuratdeniz
The specialty at Lake Zoar Drive-In is the Zoar Burger, a bacon cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, mustard and ketchup.
Full list of winners: Best Cheeseburger in Connecticut »
Best Chicken in Delaware: Oldbanks Craft Bistro
Fried chicken — Photo courtesy of iStock / PhanuwatNandee
The house fried chicken at Oldbanks Craft Bistro in Wilmington uses a secret seasoning recipe for the crispy golden goodness they achieve. Chicken comes in batches of four, eight or 12 pieces with the option to add on fries, slaw, steamed broccoli or mac and cheese.
Full list of winners: Best Chicken in Delaware »
Best Stone Crab in Florida: Frenchy's Original Cafe in Clearwater Beach
Fresh Florida stone crab — Photo courtesy of Alexcrab
While Frenchy's Original Cafe in Clearwater Beach might be best known for its Super Grouper sandwich, the quaint eatery also serves fresh Florida stone crab claws when they're in season.
Full list of winners: Best Stone Crab in Florida »
Best Chicken & Dumplings in Georgia: The Bear's Den in Macon
Chicken and dumplings from The Bear's Den — Photo courtesy of The Bear's Den
The Bear's Den serves classic Southern home-cooked meat and veg plates to hungry diners in Macon. Creamy chicken and dumplings make an appearance on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Full list of winners: Best Chicken & Dumplings in Georgia »
Best Poke in Hawaii: Results announced July 12
Best Finger Steaks in Idaho: Trestle Brewing Company in Ferdinand
Finger steaks from Trestle Brewing Company — Photo courtesy of Trestle Brewing Company
Trestle Brewing Company is known for their "bite size," a variation of finger steaks local to the region. At Trestle, the steaks are made from hand-cut sirloin seasoned with a dry rub and deep fat fried to order.
Full list of winners: Best Finger Steaks in Idaho »
Best Chicago-Style Pizza in Illinois: Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due in Chicago
Chicago-style pizza — Photo courtesy of Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due
This is where the concept of deep dish pizza all began, and it continues in these twin pizzerias inside Victorian mansions on opposite street corners in Chicago.
Full list of winners: Best Chicago-Style Pizza in Illinois »
Best Chicken & Noodles in Indiana: 10 West in Cicero
10 West in Cicero — Photo courtesy of 10 West
On the Hearty Bowls menu at 10 West in Cicero, hungry diners will find a traditional chicken and noodles, made from scratch and served over mashed potatoes. They call it "A tribute to Mom."
Full list of winners: Best Chicken & Noodles in Indiana »
Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in Iowa: Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe in Prairie City
Breaded pork tenderloin — Photo courtesy of Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe
Goldie’s might be an ice cream shop, but diners know to make a meal of it by starting with a pork tenderloin sandwich. Get it traditionally, Magg-style (with a cheeseburger in the same bun) or Mingo-style (with Mingo sausage and cheese).
Full list of winners: Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in Iowa »
Best Barbecue in Kansas: Slap's BBQ in Kansas City
Kansas-style BBQ — Photo courtesy of Slap's BBQ
Opened in 2014, Slap's BBQ sells out just about every day. Smoked fresh meats include burnt ends, sliced brisket, Polish and jalapeño cheddar sausage, turkey, pulled pork and chicken legs.
Full list of winners: Best Barbecue in Kansas »
Best Burgoo in Kentucky: Firehouse Sandwich Stop at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort
Firehouse Sandwich Stop at Buffalo Trace Distillery — Photo courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery
The Firehouse Sandwich Shop, located at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, serves up a range of Kentucky favorites, including a hearty Kentucky burgoo made by local burgoo master Russ Kennedy.
Full list of winners: Best Burgoo in Kentucky »
Best Gumbo in Louisiana: Hambone in Mandeville
Gumbo from Hambone — Photo courtesy of Hambone
The Hambone Gumbo, found on the Small Plates menu of this Mandeville restaurant, serves their variation of the classic Louisiana dish with gulf shrimp, ham hocks, collards and a pickled okra potato salad.
Full list of winners: Best Gumbo in Louisiana »
Best Lobster in Maine: Quoddy Bay Lobster
Lobster roll — Photo courtesy of iStock / dbvirago
This family-owned fish market and takeout restaurant in Eastport sits right on a working pier. Hungry guests can order steamed lobsters with melted butter, lobster cakes, seafood chowder with fresh picked lobster meat or a Quoddy Bay Lobster Roll with mayo or melted butter.
Full list of winners: Best Lobster in Maine »
Best Crabs in Maryland: Wellwood's River Shack
Maryland crabs — Photo courtesy of iStock / SVLee53
The Wellwood River Shack offers a casual, beach-inspired setting to tuck into a heaping pile of steamed crabs cooked in a house spice blend. Get them by the dozen or all-you-can-eat during the season.
Full list of winners: Best Crabs in Maryland »
Best Clam Chowder in Massachusetts: Captain Parker's Pub
Clam chowder in a bread bowl from Captain Parker's Pub — Photo courtesy of Captain Parker's Pub
The thick and creamy clam chowder coming out of the kitchen at Captain Parker's Pub is overflowing with sweet, tender clams and diced potatoes. This variation on the seafood soup has won numerous awards throughout Cape Cod, Rhode Island and Boston.
Full list of winners: Best Clam Chowder in Massachusetts »
Best Coney Dog in Michigan: Virginia Coney Island in Jackson
Coney dogs — Photo courtesy of Virginia Coney Island
Virginia Coney Island has been a Jackson favorite since 1914. The menu features classic diner dishes, including a lunch special featuring two Coneys, a bag of chips and a fountain drink.
Full list of winners: Best Coney Dog in Michigan »
Best Hotdish in Minnesota: Crooked Pint Ale House (Multiple Locations)
Hotdish — Photo courtesy of Crooked Pint Ale House
While best known for their menu of traditional pub food and award-winning Juicy Lucys, Crooked Pint Ale House offers two types of hotdish. The classic tater tot hotdish comes with ground beef, onions, serrano peppers, habañero jack cheese and jumbo tater tots, while the turkey wild rice hotdish features oven-roasted turkey, parmesan and haystack onions.
Full list of winners: Best Hotdish in Minnesota »
Best Hot Tamales in Mississippi: Tony's Tamales in Jackson
Hot tamales from Tony's Tamales — Photo courtesy of Tony's Tamales
Tony's Tamales are made from turkey wrapped in corn husks, or black beans for those looking for a healthier alternative. Get them from the Jackson restaurant or at area grocery stores.
Full list of winners: Best Hot Tamales in Mississippi »
Best BBQ Ribs in Missouri: Tin Kitchen in Weston
BBQ ribs — Photo courtesy of Sara French Photography / Tin Kitchen
The pork ribs at Tin Kitchen are St. Louis cut spare ribs, rubbed simply with kosher salt and coarse black pepper, smoked over pecan wood for five hours. During the cook, the ribs are basted with a mix of sweet BBQ sauce and cider vinegar.
Full list of winners: Best BBQ Ribs in Missouri »
Best Huckleberry Pie in Montana: Glacier Highland in West Glacier
Huckleberry pie — Photo courtesy of iStock / DebbiSmirnoff
Foraged huckleberries make a great addition to baked goods, and no trip to Glacier Highland in West Glacier would be complete without a slice of famous huckleberry pie for dessert.
Full list of winners: Best Huckleberry Pie in Montana »
Best Steak in Nebraska: Round the Bend Steakhouse in Ashland
Nebraska steak — Photo courtesy of Round the Bend Steakhouse
Located between Lincoln and Omaha in the Platte River Valley, Round the Bend has been satisfying steak cravings since 1995. All steaks are hand-cut in house, including a massive 28-ounce top sirloin for two.
Full list of winners: Best Steak in Nebraska »
Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Nevada: Island Buffet at Peppermill Reno
Island Buffet at the Peppermill Resort Hotel in Reno — Photo courtesy of Peppermill Resort Hotel
Bring your appetite! This tropical-themed Reno buffet at Peppermill Reno has a little bit of everything, including hand-carved meats, several made-to-order specialties, Asian and Southwestern hot entrees and a pretty sweet dessert bar to round out the offerings.
Full list of winners: Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Nevada »
Best Cider Donuts in New Hampshire: Meadow Ledge Farm
Cider donuts — Photo courtesy of iStock / GummyBone
The folks at Meadow Ledge Farm make fresh hot cider donuts each weekend using their own cider made right at the orchard. Customers often stand in line for up to 45 minutes for the donuts, best enjoyed with a cup of hot mulled cider.
Full list of winners: Best Cider Donuts in New Hampshire »
Best Tomato Pie in New Jersey: Classico Tomato Pies
Tomato pie from Classico Tomato Pies — Photo courtesy of Classico Tomato Pies
Classic Tomato Pies makes Trenton-style pies, with cheese first followed by a choice of tomato sauce or white sauce and a variety of toppings — everything from anchovies to sweet peppers. There's even a gluten-free crust available.
Full list of winners: Best Tomato Pie in New Jersey »
Best Green Chile in New Mexico: El Patron Cafe
Green chile enchiladas from El Patrón Café — Photo courtesy of El Patrón Café and Catering
The Hatch green chile coming out of the kitchen at El Patron Cafe in Las Cruces is certainly spicy, but not overpowering. The brisket nachos are a house specialty, smothered in green. Diners also find green chile in the house-made posole, atop chicken enchiladas and even for dessert in the form of a green chile pineapple upside-down cake.
Full list of winners: Best Green Chile in New Mexico »
Best Pizza in New York: Cold Spring Pizza
Cold Spring Pizza from Cold Spring, N.Y. — Photo courtesy of Cold Spring Pizza
Family-owned since 1972, Cold Spring Pizza serves hot pizza by the slice with a range of styles from traditional to contemporary. Classics include Margherita and fresh tomato with garlic, while adventurous pizza lovers can opt for the tater tot bacon cheddar and ranch pizza. No matter the choice, dough is made fresh in house daily.
Full list of winners: Best Pizza in New York »
Best BBQ in North Carolina: Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge in Shelby
North Carolina BBQ — Photo courtesy of iStock / TonyLMoorePhoto
Red and Lyttle Bridges opened a barbecue restaurant called Dedmond's Barbecue in 1946, and when they moved the business to Shelby three years later, it was renamed Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge. The pork here gets slow cooked over hickory all night long, just like it was six decades ago.
Full list of winners: Best BBQ in North Carolina »
Best Kuchen in North Dakota: Karen's Kuchens in Larimore
Kuchen from Karen's Kuchens — Photo courtesy of Karen's Kuchens
The kuchens from Karen's Kuchens are made using a recipe brought over from the Black Sea area of Russia in the early 1900s. The selection, which can be shipped to most parts of the country, includes classics like prune and rhubarb, as well as creative options like root beer or pecan rum.
Full list of winners: Best Kuchen in North Dakota »
Best Buckeyes in Ohio: Marsha's Homemade Buckeyes in Perrysburg
Buckeye candies — Photo courtesy of Marsha's Homemade Buckeyes
Buckeyes are the only candy that Marsha's Homemade Buckeyes makes, so you know they’ve got to be good. Candies are made using an old family recipe from Marsha Smith’s mother-in-law.
Full list of winners: Best Buckeyes in Ohio »
Best Chicken Fried Steak in Oklahoma: The Red B Restaurant
Chicken fried steak — Photo courtesy of iStock / grandriver
An off-the-beaten-path gem in the town of Idabel, The Red B Restaurant is known for its hearty three-course meals of made-from-scratch food. The hand-cut, tenderized and deep-fried chicken fried steak earns rave reviews and is tender enough to cut with a fork. It comes with gravy and two sides, or in sandwich form with lettuce, tomato and jalapeno ranch.
Full list of winners: Best Chicken Fried Steak in Oklahoma »
Best Dungeness Crab in Oregon: Ona Restaurant & Lounge in Yachats
Dungeness crab cake from Ona Restaurant & Lounge — Photo courtesy of Ona Restaurant & Lounge
The popular Oregon Dungeness crab cakes on the menu at Ona Restaurant & Lounge are filled with generous chunks of crab meat, served with a capered remoulade. The Dungeness crab dip is served alongside artisan sourdough bread.
Full list of winners: Best Dungeness Crab in Oregon »
Best Stromboli in Pennsylvania: Dino's Pizza of Warminster
Stromboli from Dino's Pizza — Photo courtesy of Dino's Pizza of Warminster
Any specialty pizza from Dino's Pizza of Warminster can be turned into a stromboli, or diners can create their own. The dough takes two days to make, and sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes. Each stromboli comes with two sauces for dipping.
Full list of winners: Best Stromboli in Pennsylvania »
Best Clams in Rhode Island: Evelyn's Drive-In
Evelyn's fried clams — Photo courtesy of Evelyn's Drive-In
Evelyn's Drive-In has been serving local Rhode Island seafood for over four decades at their relaxed waterside setting in Tiverton. Choose from tender fried clam strips or whole bellied clams, littlenecks in a spicy garlic sauce, stuffed local quahogs, buttery Rhode Island chowder or New England clam chowder, and crispy clam cakes.
Full list of winners: Best Clams in Rhode Island »
Best Shrimp & Grits in South Carolina: Poogan's Porch in Charleston
Shrimp and grits from Poogan's Porch — Photo courtesy of Poogan's Porch
At Poogan's Porch in Charleston, the shrimp and grits come with andouille sausage, sweet onions, bell peppers and a tasso ham gravy.
Full list of winners: Best Shrimp & Grits in South Carolina »
Best Chislic in South Dakota: Mad Mary's Steakhouse in Flandreau
South Dakota chislic — Photo courtesy of iStock / kgtoh
At Mad Mary's, a steakhouse overlooking the Big Sioux River in the town of Flandreau, diners can tuck into sirloin chislic served with a side of curry dipping sauce.
Full list of winners: Best Chislic in South Dakota »
Best Hot Chicken in Tennessee: Hattie B's Hot Chicken in Nashville & Memphis
Hot chicken from Hattie B's — Photo courtesy of Joseph Woodley / Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Hattie B's has a loyal following of hot chicken lovers who come for the sandwiches and plates. Heat levels vary from no-heat Southern to Shut the Cluck Up!!! with a serious burn factor.
Full list of winners: Best Hot Chicken in Tennessee »
Best Tex-Mex in Texas: L&J Cafe
Tex-Mex plate — Photo courtesy of iStock / Bill Chizek
L&J Cafe, originally called Tony's Place, opened for business near the Texas-Mexico border in 1927. The fourth generation now runs the El Paso restaurant, known for dishes like chile con queso with green chile strips, chicken and beef fajitas and shredded beef tacos.
Full list of winners: Best Tex-Mex in Texas »
Best Smothered Burrito in Utah: Maria's Mexican Grill
Smothered burrito — Photo courtesy of iStock / EzumeImages
Any of the burritos at Maria's Mexican Grill in Salt Lake City can be smothered in sauce (with or without cheese and onions) for an extra cost. Filling choices include bean and cheese, carnitas, grilled chicken, shredded beef, carne asada, ground beef or shrimp.
Full list of winners: Best Smothered Burrito in Utah »
Best Mac & Cheese in Vermont: Our House Bistro
Mac & cheese from Our House Bistro — Photo courtesy of Our House Bistro
Our House Bistro is known for what they call "Twisted Comfort Food," and that includes over two dozen types of mac and cheese. The Traditional comes with cavatappi pasta in a house cheese sauce, while some of the more unique offerings come topped with poutine, coconut shrimp, a fried egg, french fries or buffalo chicken. For something truly twisted, try the Thai-inspired Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac.
Full list of winners: Best Mac & Cheese in Vermont »
Best Brunswick Stew in Virginia: Smohk RVA BBQ in Richmond
Brunswick stew from Smohk RVA — Photo courtesy of Smohk RVA
The Brunswick stew on the menu at Smohk RVA BBQ in Richmond blends the Virginia and Georgia styles by using both pork and chicken, slow-simmered for hours with all-natural and house-made smoky apple barbecue sauce.
Full list of winners: Best Brunswick Stew in Virginia »
Best Geoduck in Washington: Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar in Olympia
Geoduck at Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar — Photo courtesy of Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar
The raw bar at the Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar serves a Chelsea Farms geoduck crudo made with shaved, cured oyster, fresh lemon basil microgreens, cilantro and an ancho chile oil.
Full list of winners: Best Geoduck in Washington »
Best Beans & Cornbread in West Virginia: Pufferbelly's Ice Cream Station in Fairmont
Beans and cornbread from Pufferbelly's Ice Cream Station — Photo courtesy of Jenn Luczko Photography / Pufferbelly's Ice Cream Station
The soup beans from Pufferbelly's Ice Cream Station in Fairmont are made with diced vegetables, onions, garlic and ham in a ham-based broth. They always come with freshly baked cornbread.
Full list of winners: Best Beans & Cornbread in West Virginia »
Best Cheese Curds in Wisconsin: The Old Fashioned in Madison
Fried cheese curds — Photo courtesy of The Old Fashioned
At The Old Fashioned in Madison, cheese curds are made fresh in-house, with a special recipe for their beer batter.
Full list of winners: Best Cheese Curds in Wisconsin »
Best Buffalo Steak in Wyoming: Poor Richard's in Cheyenne
Buffalo steak from Poor Richard's — Photo courtesy of Poor Richard's
The buffalo top sirloin served at Poor Richard's in Cheyenne is served with grilled broccolini and roasted baby red potatoes.
Full list of winners: Best Buffalo Steak in Wyoming »
Congratulations to all our winners so far! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to cast your vote in other Readers' Choice contests.