Places
Must-visit restaurants, food trucks, and hot spots.
13. THE BOX STREET SOCIAL
San Antonio, Texas
boxstallday.com
What started as one of San Antonio’s best and brightest food truck concepts has evolved into their own brick-and-mortar location at the very heart of the bustling Texas city. Serving delicious brunch options from morning to mid-afternoon, Box Street’s breakfast classics, like Chilaquiles, House-Made Donuts, and French toast, share the stage with more unique choices, like breakfast tacos and churro waffles. There are also several noteworthy cocktails and mocktails to round out your meal, including favorites like their bottomless mimosas, as well as several other signature sips to enjoy in their gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces.
14. MCCARTYS POTTERY
Merigold, Mississippi
mccartyspottery.com
McCartys Pottery continues to produce stunning pieces after nearly 70 years. Since 1954, the McCarty family name has been synonymous with creativity and talent, which is exactly what they put into each of their handcrafted pieces. From plates and casserole dishes to decorative lamps and planters, the current team creates one-of-a-kind pieces that incorporate their unique, elegant style. The neighboring restaurant, The Gallery, is another side of their operation and features upscale cuisine served alongside Southern staples like sweet tea and cornbread.
15. SEA LEVEL
Pass Christian, Mississippi
sealevelpasschristian.com
For a casual beachside lunch or dinner, this humble hutch on Pass Christian’s harbor is not one to miss. Sea Level is one of the many notable seafood shacks dotted along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the blackened mahi-mahi and shrimp tacos attract long lunchtime lines that you’ll want to join. Their burgers continue to take home ribbons at culinary contests, and their fries are hand-cut daily. It’s not your Sunday-best, reservations-required kind of place—come as you are and come hungry.
16. KLASSIC DOUGHNUTS
Locations in Virginia
facebook.com/KlassicDoughnuts
This beloved, mobile doughnut truck in Virginia serves a combination of recognizable and unique flavors that are made from scratch daily. Throughout the week, it makes stops in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, and their always fluffy and moist bakes attract impressive lines of fans. Arriving early gives you first pick from the week’s special menu, which could include the traditionally glazed, chocolate dipped, lemon, or orange pineapple. When the cravings for a sweet treat strike, check their social feeds for the current menu.
17. THE FISH HOUSE
Key Largo, Florida
fishhouse.com
Brought in daily from the docks, the fish served here is always fresh and tasty! The Fish House is a Key Largo culinary institution that delivers seafood that always delights your taste buds with seasonings you can purchase on site. The Smoked Fish Dip is a house specialty that is made fresh from locally caught and always freshly filleted fish in the Florida Keys. We recommend stopping in for a bite of some of the best fish the South has to offer.
18. LODGE MUSEUM OF CAST IRON
South Pittsburg, Tennessee
lodgecastiron.com/museum
South Pittsburg is best known as the home of the longtime king of Southern-made cast iron. Lodge was founded 127 years ago, and last fall, their cast-iron creatives gave us another reason to road trip to this tiny Tennessee town when they opened the first-ever Lodge Museum of Cast Iron. From how their famous cast-iron skillets are made and ways they’re used in Southern kitchens to a deep dive into the fascinating history of the company, this museum is a must-see for the cast-iron fan in everyone.
19. BUSHEL & PECK
Charles Town, West Virginia
bushelandpeckwv.org
Bushel & Peck is a farm-to-table grocery store nestled in historic downtown Charles Town, West Virginia. The specialty shop sources its produce and artisan goods from local farmers and makers, spotlighting the ever-changing seasonality of harvests. Shoppers can also find a variety of kitchen gadgets and cooking supplies on their shelves, as well as unique gifts and home décor items. It’s an idyllic place to browse for souvenirs or stock up on local kitchen sundries.
20. TORTILLERIA Y TAQUERIA RAMIREZ
Lexington, Kentucky
tortilleria-y-taqueria-ramirez.business.site
This family-owned restaurant specializes in traditional Mexican dishes, including fresh tortillas and tacos that put fast food alternatives to shame. With its colorful décor and lively ambience, Tortilleria y Taqueria Ramirez is the place to be in Lexington for a taste of Mexico. The menu includes many familiar meat and vegetarian options, as well as refreshing aguas frescas and other Mexican beverages. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a hearty meal, this local taqueria has something for everyone to enjoy.
21. SURVEYOR RESTAURANT
Washington D.C.
surveyorrestaurant.com
Look no further for a spot that serves up quality American favorites like New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp and Crab Cakes. This supper house setting in Washington, D.C., provides the perfect ambience and service for a meal that follows tradition. Even the name, Surveyor, pays homage to the area’s traditional connection with the US Navy. Don’t forget to try their cocktails with fun marine-themed names, like the Bowline or Poacher’s Knot, or even order up a classic Old-Fashioned to really experience all this spot has to offer!
22. THE ORDINARY
Charleston, South Carolina
eattheordinary.com
This James Beard Foundation award nominee features chic, modern décor within a historic, renovated bank building. The talented Chef Mike Lata emphasizes fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, with raw bar selections and a range of classic seafood dishes, such as Oysters Rockefeller and lobster rolls. The bar program features creative cocktails and an extensive wine list, and the restaurant has won countless awards for its cuisine, service, and atmosphere. The Ordinary has become a must-try dining destination in Charleston for seafood lovers and foodies alike.
23. BLUFFCAKES
Germantown, Tennessee
bluffcakes.com
Named after the city of Memphis where it got its start, BluffCakes has amassed a seriously devoted following that swears by their giant cookies. Having recently opened a brick-and-mortar location this year in Germantown, Tennessee, this cookie shop has taken sweet treats to the next level by offering shipping to all 50 states across the US. You’re going to want to get your hands on the freshly baked mega-cookie flavors like Tipsy George and Death by Peanut Butter. That is, if they’re not already sold out by the high demand!
24. THE GRUMPY RABBIT
Lonoke, Arkansas
grumpyrabbitlonoke.com
Gina and Jim Wiertelak had a dream: to open an eatery with American-style fare that offers diners a unique experience. This vision has come to life in Lonoke, Arkansas, with The Grumpy Rabbit. With hopes of revitalizing the area and providing more foot traffic through its historic downtown, The Grumpy Rabbit opened its doors and has shown what this close-knit community has to offer when it comes to delicious food. Dishes like Crawfish Poutine, Seared Duck Breast, and Swamp Grits will have your mouth watering.
25. THE ASHFORD
Brookhaven, Georgia
theashfordatl.com
Chef and cofounder Randy Lewis opened the doors at The Ashford just over a year ago with one mission in mind: to highlight the best of the best ingredients from Brookhaven and the surrounding region. The chef-driven restaurant regularly rotates its globally influenced menu and welcomes in guests for shareable bites and exciting entrées alike. The Asian-influenced beef tartare and pork-stuffed bao buns are among a few of the most popular picks. Check their menu ahead of time to see what surprises Randy and his team are cooking up.
26. BOLD MONK BREWING CO.
Atlanta, Georgia
boldmonkbrewingco.com
Sustainable cuisine can be found at Bold Monk Brewing Co. They pride themselves on blending Belgian fare, Southern comfort, and California freshness in a variety of dishes like mussels, pizzas, and Belgian frites from a menu designed purposely to promote a shared spirit of joy. In addition to their food offering and thoughtful coffee menu, they use simple and ancient ingredients for their Belgian-inspired beers, which are brewed in-house and provide a refreshing sip in the artful space that is both intimate and engaging.
27. HOME PLACE PASTURES
Como, Mississippi
homeplacepastures.com
This on-farm butcher shop and lunch counter sources directly from their own regenerative pastures in Northern Mississippi. Stop in for a bite at lunchtime and enjoy quality grass-fed beef or pork among other fresh farm favorites. Keep your freezers stocked by shopping from their take-home inventory or signing up for their monthly subscription box. No matter how you choose to make the most of your visit, we know you’ll enjoy everything they have to offer!
28. THE GRALES
Louisville, Kentucky
thegrales.com
The Grales consists of two unique dining destinations—both gralehaus and Holy Grale—which serve up a food menu by Executive Chef Jonathan Searle. The outdoor beer garden, the “gralegarten,” is the star of the show at Holy Grale, with 21 rotating taps of hand-selected beers. The other destination, gralehaus, is a café and “bed and beverage” that has a seasonally driven menu as well as craft coffee and cocktails. At The Grales, you’ll find delicious eats like Duck Confit Poutine or a Dark Chocolate Torte, so don’t wait to stop by.
29. CAHILL’S MARKET
Bluffton, South Carolina
cahillsmarket.com
This country store is a family affair, where everything is farmed by hand and made fresh in their “Chicken Kitchen.” The menu changes daily and features a relaxed country atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy while dining. Chow down on dishes like their signature fried chicken or pear cobbler, which is made from homegrown pears picked on site from their own pear trees. And don’t forget to check out the market, where fresh produce is available for purchase!
30. THE VAULT KITCHEN AND MARKET
Savannah, Georgia
thevaultkitchen.com
Cash in on a delicious dining experience housed in a beautifully renovated historic bank, brought to you by Savannah restaurant group Ele & the Chef. Whether you go simply to enjoy a lovely cocktail, like the Thai Margarita or the Saigon Sling, or for a memorably good dinner of sushi rolls, dumplings, and so much more, you’re sure to want to visit again and again. As a nod to the eatery’s banking origins, we recommend trying one of the cleverly named tacos, such as Banker’s Shrimp, FICO Fish, Deposit Box Duck, or Teller Chicken Tacos.
31. FLOUR MOON BAGELS
New Orleans, Louisiana
flourmoonbagels.com
Flour Moon Bagels is woman owned and has been serving up delicious bagels ever since its establishment during the pandemic as a pop-up. This NYC-inspired joint is at home in the Crescent City with its eclectic style and charming menu of tartines and sweet treats that accompany the beloved bagels. With several toppings, cream cheeses, and cured and smoked fish, there’s no end to the flavor combinations you can create here. Make sure when you pop into this spot that you take advantage of all the deliciousness they have to offer.
32 PATTI’S 1880’S SETTLEMENT
Grand Rivers, Kentucky
pattis1880s.com
There’s no place quite like Patti’s 1880’s Settlement. With beautiful gardens, delicious food, and feel-good Southern hospitality, it’s no wonder that Patti’s brings in visitors to their little town of around 350 people by the thousands! Recipes like Sawdust Pie and Flowerpot Bread continue to amaze all who come here, and it’s not hard to see—or taste—why. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a true Kentucky eating experience without a plate of Kentucky Hot Browns! So, dig in and enjoy the tastes of the old days among family and friends. You won’t regret it!
33. LUCKY RIVERS CAFE
Hinton, West Virginia
luckyriverscafe.com
This charming eatery is known for its homey atmosphere, delicious eats, and friendly service. The café’s menu centers around owner Sarah Gleeson’s Appalachian roots and offers a diverse lineup of local, health-conscious soups, salads, and sandwiches. She also serves up a daily rotation of mouthwatering baked goods that pair beautifully with their specialty teas and coffees. With its fresh menu, cozy seating, and close proximity to the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, Lucky Rivers Cafe is a popular spot to relax and enjoy a tasty meal or beverage.
