Whenever you go out, you see McDonald’s, Burger King, and Pizza Hut at almost every corner. Are you tired of fast food and just want to have a taste of classic cuisine? Here are 15 iconic restaurants in the US you should try out.
Katz’s Delicatessen
We start with the classic Katz’s Deli. Standing in the same place in New York City since 1888, this iconic restaurant is known for its Jewish Deli cuisine and appearance in movies like “When Harry Met Sally.” Katz’s gives an average check of $23 and serves up to 4,000 people daily, as reported by Bloomberg.
Peter Luger Steak House
Still in New York, Brooklyn this time, we have the Peter Luger Steak House, which has been open since 1887. Three generations of the Sol Forman family have run it, and the restaurant has a name for itself thanks to its dry-aged steaks. Expect a check of around $100 when you pay a visit.
The French Laundry
Located in Yountville, California, the French Laundry offers a modern dining experience. The experience here is so good that the Michelin Guide has awarded it three stars (highest rating) every year since 2007. Chef Thomas Keller’s 1994 restaurant has grown to include seasonal tasting menus and sumptuous vegetarian options.
St. Elmo Steak House
The St. Elmo Steak House takes us all the way to Indianapolis, offering classic steakhouse cuisine with a revered shrimp cocktail. Steve and Craig Huse established the restaurant in 1902, and it has since grown to be a landmark destination for celebrities in downtown Indianapolis.
Commander’s Palace
The Commander’s Palace is an iconic restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, established in 1893. It’s known for its culinary talents, legendary Creole cuisine, and jazz brunches. Painted in its own “Commander’s Blue,” the restaurant is also a seven-time recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award.
Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin is a French culinary masterclass that was opened in Paris in 1972 and then in New York in 1986. For over 50 years, owners Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze have given us quintessential seafood cuisine. The restaurant is now pioneered by popular chef Eric Ripert.
In-N-Out Burger
The In-N-Out Burger is a chain of restaurants headquartered in Irvine, California, and spread across eight US states. Its famous double double burgers and hand-cut french fries may be fantastic, but it also has secret menu items lauded by many.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is another restaurant with chains spread across the United States. Established in 1978, it offers over 30 flavors of cheesecake, its most popular dish being the fettuccine Alfredo. Vox reports that the dish receives over 200,000 orders per month.
Cafe du Monde
The Cafe du Monde takes us to Louisiana for its legendary beignets, chicory coffee, and creamy cafés au lait. It was founded all the way back in 1862 and stands at the end of French Market, where it offers a bustling outdoor scene.
Spago
Spago has been serving Californian cuisine since 1982 and is part of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. It’s in the lush Beverly Hills and known for its market-driven menus and dining services. The restaurant is lauded as having played a front-line role in the rise of modern American fine dining.
Joe’s Stone Crab
Situated in Miami Beach, Florida, Joe’s Stone Crab is popular for, as you may have guessed, its stone crab claws and other classic seafood dishes. Opened by Joe Wiss in 1913, it is one of the oldest restaurants in Miami today and one that influences the wholesale price of crabs across the US.
Per Se
Established in 2004, Per Se is another restaurant on our list in New York City. It has received three-star Michelin ratings since 2006 and offers diners a stunning view of New York Central Park. If you want to experience Chef Thomas Keller’s Per Se , expect to spend around $355.
Nobu
Nobu isn’t just an American icon. From New York and Malibu, its legend has spread to other parts of the world. This restaurant, founded in 1994 by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offers innovative fusion cuisine that appeals to a celebrity clientele and pioneers a role in making Japanese-Peruvian flavors popular.
Musso & Frank Grill
Musso & Frank Grill is a Hollywood icon, featured in movies like Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Quentin’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). The Los Angeles-based restaurant has been open since 1919, making it the oldest restaurant in Hollywood.
Husk
Husk may be a relatively young restaurant on our list, but its essence dates back to the 1800s. This restaurant was opened in 2010 in a pre-Civil War mansion in Charleston, South Carolina. It has found immense success thanks to its pimento cheese, pickle relish, crispy chives, and other Southern farm-to-table dishes.
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