The Best Small-Town Restaurants Across America
Updated: Feb. 22, 2024
Our Community Cooks helped us find the country's best small-town restaurants. Each spot cooks up hearty and delicious food that's beloved by locals and any folks passing through!
Alabama
Wildflower Café, Mentone
This is an enchanting little spot in the small town of Mentone. The Wildflower Café is housed in an old log cabin and surrounded by twining vines and forest. Their menu combines fresh flavors and homestyle cooking in dishes like Tomato Pie and Polenta Shrimp & Grits.
Get a taste of shrimp and grits in your own kitchen!
Alaska
West Rib Pub & Grill, Talkeetna
Located right in the heart of Denali country, the rustic West Rib Pub & Grill is a perfect place to refuel after a day of climbing. Have freshly-caught halibut and salmon, or try Seward’s Folly which includes two pounds of caribou!
If you’re a pizza enthusiast, you can also explore the best pizza places in every state!
Arizona
America’s Pie Company, Show Low
Though tiny, America’s Pie Company has been the training ground for several professional chefs. It is “world-famous” for huge Hubcap Cinnamon Rolls and pies baked daily. Varieties include Chocolate French Silk and Strawberry-Rhubarb, and the shop also sells breakfast and lunch items.
Arkansas
Craig’s Bar-B-Que, De Valls Bluff
This roadside barbecue joint has been run by three generations of the Craig family. The secret, spicy sauce at Craig’s Bar-B-Que is most popular on their pork sandwich, topped with coleslaw.
California
Poppa Joe’s, Ferndale
The locals say that Poppa Joe’s is the best breakfast place in Ferndale! Some of the scrumptious offerings there include blueberry pancakes, hot biscuits with gravy and the Big Wildcat Breakfast Burrito. (The lunch offerings are mighty tasty, too.)
Hot biscuits and gravy is one of our favorite breakfast treats.
Colorado
Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop, Johnstown
Since it opened in 1952, Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop has been a haven for truckers, families and food lovers alike. They are open 24 hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their Cinnamon Rolls are baked fresh onsite, and they’re so popular that you can purchase them online!
Connecticut
Victoria Station Cafe, Putnam
What began as just a coffee shop quickly expanded when folks got a taste of the swoon-worthy assortment of freshly-baked pastries. Victoria Station Cafe offers gorgeous mini cheesecakes, muffins, eclairs, doughnuts and more. They have coffee of course and lunch too, including five kinds of stuffed croissants.
Delaware
El Dorado Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach
Just a few miles from the ocean, El Dorado Restaurant takes pride in the fresh ingredients that go into everything they make—from their salsa bar to handmade margaritas to their famous fish tacos!
Restaurant-style fish tacos can be part of your next Taco Tuesday.
Florida
Great Southern Café, Santa Rosa Beach
One of the most popular dishes at this seafood restaurant is the Grits à Ya Ya: blackened shrimp, bacon, mushrooms and cream over smoked gouda cheese grits. Yum! One visit to the Great Southern Café and you will be hooked!
Georgia
Mickey Piggs Bar-B-Que, Alto
Having won the 2018 Reader’s Choice award for Best BBQ and Ribs, Mickey Piggs Bar-B-Que has the best hickory-smoked meats around! Try their hand-sliced BBQ Pork Loin with a side of fried dill pickle spears.
If you’ve never tried fried pickles, it’s so worth making a batch.
Hawaii
Cafe Haleiwa, Haleiwa
Located on the north shore of O’ahu, Cafe Haleiwa serves hearty breakfasts and lunches. (Try the Hawaiian Sweet Bread French Toast or the Mahi Mahi Sandwich!) We hear this vibrant, family-owned cafe is a favorite of “mellow guy” singer Jack Johnson.
Idaho
Kit’s Riverside Restaurant, Horseshoe Bend
Kit’s Riverside Restaurant has the best burgers and the best hospitality in town. Relax outside to enjoy your dinner and you can take in the gorgeous view of the Payette River running alongside the restaurant.
Illinois
Big Ed’s BBQ, Waukegan
Get to Big Ed’s BBQ early for the popular Burnt Ends Dinner: meat that is seasoned and smoked for six additional hours after the first day-long smoke! If you miss out on the Burnt Ends don’t worry, there are plenty of smoked ribs, brisket and sausages to satisfy.
Indiana
Converse Big Dipper, Converse
Come to the Converse Big Dipper for burgers, deli sandwiches and Coney dogs, but don’t leave without trying an old-fashioned ice cream parlor dessert! Their “Heavenly Treats” include ice cream sodas, hand-dipped shakes and premium sundaes like a classic Banana Split.
Hand-dipped means that ice cream was scooped by hand to make the shakes. We have a great how-to for the perfect milkshake.
Iowa
209 Main, Paton
This is a favorite place in Paton to gather for a special dinner or to hang out with friends in the Tool Bar. The 209 Main menu consists of contemporary comfort foods, like the Triple Threat: a grilled pork loin sandwich topped with bacon jam and maple-bacon mayonnaise!
Kansas
The Hays House, Council Grove
This restaurant was founded by the great-grandson of Daniel Boone as a place to trade goods with the local Native Americans, and the log cabin is a National Historic Landmark. Today The Hays House serves down-home cooking including steaks and chicken fried up in a cast iron skillet.
Kentucky
Sparetime’s Belly & Soul, Alexandria
The old Sparetime diner has been a part of the Alexandria landscape for decades, and was even the set in a couple of movies. It is still a favorite gathering spot today as Sparetime’s Belly & Soul, with a bright, fresh look inside and menu items like beer-battered fish and goetta hash.
Louisiana
Buck & Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge
This restaurant describes itself as an eclectic fusion of Cajun and Italian, and is in a beautifully renovated building that stood abandoned for years. The Buck & Johnny’s menu has enticing items like Crawfish Étoufée but the real excitement is to be found at the weekend Zydeco Breakfasts with a live band and dancing.
(Here are Cajun recipes to make with the “holy trinity”—chopped onion, celery and green pepper.)
Maine
Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus
As the locals like to say, “If you leave hungry that’s your own fault.” Grammy’s Country Inn is known far and wide for their outrageously huge portions of comfort food, perfect after a day of hiking or snowmobiling. Try the Loaded Poutine and the Lobster Grilled Cheese!
Maryland
Lotus Kitchen, Solomons
This little café sits on the island town of Solomons that straddles Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. The Lotus Kitchen is a favorite local breakfast and lunch spot, and we love that the lunch items are all Beatles themed! (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Turkey Club, anyone?) Locals flock to the small joint for their specialty key lime pies. Here’s how to make your version at home.
Massachusetts
Captain Frosty’s Fish & Chips, Dennis
This iconic Cape Cod eatery is no ordinary fish fry joint. Captain Frosty’s is known to have some of the best seafood around and they have the awards to prove it! Families love making a stop at Mr. Frosty’s an annual vacation tradition.
Nothing says summer like a plate of crispy fish ‘n chips.
Michigan
Herman’s Boy, Rockford
Come to this stop to experience five businesses in one historic building! On site are two cooking supply stores, a coffee roaster, a candy store and a deli-bakery serving breakfast and lunch. Herman’s Boy is a daily gathering spot for locals who like to get a hot cup of coffee and talk about the good ol’ days.
Minnesota
Betty’s Pies, Two Harbors
As the story goes, Betty got her start selling coffee and donuts to friends of her father’s at his fish shack. Eventually the old fish shack became Betty’s Pies, a lunch stop and bakery that residents love. The many offerings include beef pasties and a 5-Layer Butterscotch Pie!
Mississippi
Abe’s Bar-B-Q, Clarksdale
The restaurant is located at the same crossroads in Mississippi where blues guitarist Robert Johnson is rumored to have sold his soul to the devil. Abe’s Bar-B-Q may just save your soul with their famous “Comeback Sauce” that has kept locals and barbecue enthusiasts coming back since 1924.
Homemade barbecue sauces will take your grilled and smoked meats to a delicious new level!
Missouri
Kline’s Restaurant, Rosebud
Kline’s is a family-owned restaurant with a lot to offer on their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Some of the tastiest are the loaded Down Home Omelet, the Catfish Po’ Boy and a pound of Frog Legs. We also hear that their fried pies are enormous!
Montana
Mark’s In and Out Beef Burgers, Livingston
We love these classic roadside burger stands that have stood the test of time over decades. Mark’s In and Out Beef Burgers has 1950s nostalgia, and has used locally sourced foods long before it was popular to do so. (Like ice cream from a local dairy and beef from Livingston Meats.)
Nebraska
Rosita’s, Scottsbluff
Rosita’s is a vibrant Mexican family restaurant in Western Nebraska. Local residents have dined there for years for the fresh ingredients and flavors, the gorgeous cocktails and the warm service. Rosita’s has an outdoor patio as well as inside seating, making a fun place to gather and celebrate.
Nevada
The Star Hotel, Elko
The Star Hotel dates back to 1910 when it was built as a home away from home for the Basque people that had emigrated to the U.S. Today The Star Hotel still serves in the traditional, Basque family-style with entrees like grilled chicken and lamb chops.
New Hampshire
Dublin General Store, Dublin
This place has wonderful cookies and sandwiches—there’s nothing better after hiking through the mountains and swimming in local ponds. The Dublin General Store is the center of activity for this remote town of 2,000; it’s the place to catch up with friends and neighbors.
New Jersey
Blue Plate, Mullica Hill
Set in the tiny town of Mullica Hill is the quaint eatery Blue Plate. The breakfast menu includes some traditional northeast dishes like Chipped Beef on Toast and Scrapple, and there are many elegant entrees like Shrimp Risotto and handmade gnocchi.
New Mexico
Owl Bar & Cafe, San Antonio
The claim to fame at the Owl Bar & Cafe is their Owl Burger, with beef ground to order and their secret recipe green chile sauce that’s cooked up fresh every day. The Owl Bar has been an institution in San Antonio since 1945.
New York
Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro and Bar, Schroon Lake
Deep in the Adirondacks amidst pristine lakes and towering trees is Sticks & Stones. Here they perfectly capture the comfort of a camp cabin with lots of warm, knotty pine and plenty of space to sit outdoors around the fire.
North Carolina
Nick’s Old Fashion Hamburger House, Welcome
Nick’s is a tiny joint with the most amazing burgers that are cooked fresh to order. The chili and ranch salad dressings are made from scratch, too. Ralph Brauser named Nick’s after his son. Ralph is always friendly and recognizes his customers. You will not leave hungry, that is for sure!
North Dakota
DB’s The Station, Larimore
“You never feel like a stranger when you eat The Station!” Larimore is a town of just 1,300 residents and DB’s is a local favorite. Some of the menu classics are the Cheddar Nuggets and the towering, spicy Barn Burner burger.
(Speaking of cheddar, we’re not afraid to get cheesy! This is our cheesiest recipe collection ever.)
Ohio
Das Dutch Haus, Columbiana
The home-cooked Pennsylvania Dutch-style meals at Das Dutch Haus are equal to or better than anything your taste buds have ever met. One of the favorite dinners is the haddock, which you can also get as a sandwich. And the apple dumplings are the greatest in the area. You will also experience the best of the friendly, local culture. It is not unusual to see owner Ray Horst help with hosting.
Oklahoma
Stables Cafe, Guthrie
This year marks the 30th anniversary of this favorite Guthrie gathering place! Stables Cafe has fun and unique decor (lots of old Coca-Cola memorabilia) and a menu chock full of hearty fare—burgers, barbecue, Tex-Mex and more. And the award-winning Tap Room 223 is right out back.
Oregon
Camp 18 Restaurant, Elsie
A great place to stop and eat on the way to the coast, Camp 18 is a beautiful log cabin filled with old logging photos and equipment. Favorite meals are French toast, fresh pan-fried clams and cinnamon rolls as large as a loaf of bread—no joke! Outside you can check out antique tractors, a memorial to loggers, log-carved animals (including Sasquatch) and a cute gift shop. All the timber used to build the cabin was logged by owner Gordon Smith.
Fresh salmon is everywhere in Oregon, and there are so many delicious ways to love it.
Pennsylvania
Original Pie Shoppe, Laughlintown
“A perfect place to visit if out for a Sunday drive or heading up the mountain for skiing!” The Original Pie Shoppe began in 1947 and in addition to selling delicious pastries and pies at their store, the owners also bring them to many local fairs and festivals.
Rhode Island
Delekta’s Corner Store, Warren
This charming spot has a traditional soda fountain and original pharmacy furnishings. Stop in at Delekta’s for the state’s best version of the local specialty, the coffee cabinet, which is what Rhode Islanders call a milkshake. The secret ingredient is a special family recipe for coffee syrup.
South Carolina
Front Porch Country Restaurant, Richburg
Fried chicken and sweet tea are the specialties at Front Porch Country Restaurant! For a very modest cost folks enjoy chicken or other meat mains with two sides (candied yams, fried green tomatoes, so many more!) and a biscuit or cornbread.
Here are 30 Charmingly Decadent Southern Cake recipes that y’all will love.
South Dakota
Cheyenne Crossing, Lead
This Black Hills landmark was a stagecoach stop in the late 1800s along the route between Deadwood, South Dakota and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Today it includes a lodge, a general store and the Stage Stop Cafe, which serves the heartiest breakfast around. The restaurant’s specialty dish is the Indian taco, a South Dakota staple that is served with fry bread instead of a tortilla.
Tennessee
Southern Fare, Shelbyville
Good old home cooking and friendly people bring folks back to Southern Fare every time! Choose a meat and two sides (how about Country Fried Steak with green beans and onion rings?) or order a classic burger or sandwich. And did we mention the huge portions?
Texas
Dahlia Cafe, Liberty Hill
Chicken Fried Steak with Jalapeño Cream Gravy. That’s all you need to hear to know that Dahlia Cafe has incredible food that local residents fervently love! If you need more convincing how about migas made with their own poblano verde salsa, or pulled pork-sweet potato waffle fries topped with blackberry barbecue sauce?
Several states says their chili is the best… what’s your opinion? Here are a few more chilis to explore.
Utah
Maddox Ranch House, Perry
The family-owned Maddox Ranch House is a Utah-favorite and a restaurant that aims to please all kinds of diners. There is a gorgeous sit-down restaurant for special dinners, the Maddox drive-in with a classic drive-in menu, plus a “take out cabin” to get meals to go!
Vermont
Bentley’s Bakery & Café, Danville
Head just past Joe’s Pond to find the tiny town of Danville, and downtown is Bentley’s Bakery & Café. My family and I were lucky enough to taste the amazing baked goods by owner Tarah Fontaine, like fresh homemade bagels, eclairs and lemon bars. It’s a charming breakfast and lunch spot!
Vermonters are well-known maple syrup producers. This recipe collection is for all you maple fans out there!
Virginia
The Apple House, Linden
The Apple House is a restaurant and country store that folks traveling through make sure to stop at any chance they get. The Apple House is famous for their homemade Apple Butter Cinnamon Donuts. You can try to take some to go, but chances are they won’t last the car ride!
Washington
Blue Moose Cafe, Port Townsend
Folks love the wonderful and sassy staff at Blue Moose Café! Equally popular are their dishes like veggie hash, huevos rancheros and of course the good, strong coffee.
Learn how to make your own Seattle-quality lattes and coffee drinks.
West Virginia
King Tut Drive-In, Beckley
This drive-in is one of those classic, family run restaurants that has been part of the community since the 1940s. At King Tut’s you should try hush puppies, any of their homemade breads or a slice of cherry cream pie.
Wisconsin
Huckleberry’s Family Restaurant, Prairie du Chien
Located near a popular truck stop, Huckleberry’s has an impressive menu to satisfy travelers morning, noon and night—plus homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert. They also frequently hold buffets and dancing on Friday evenings.
Wyoming
Twisters, Guernsey
With gorgeous Old West decor inside and out, Twisters is a fun visit for locals and visitors alike. Their food is all homemade and in addition to their decadent prime rib, other entrees include roast beef and meatloaf.
If you can’t make it to this steakhouse, you can learn how to make prime rib at home!
Originally Published: July 12, 2018
