This Foodie Road Trip Takes You To The 10 Best Food Cities Across The Eastern United States
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Melanie Johnson
Author
There’s no doubt that America is a mecca for foodies everywhere. From fine dining cuisines to hole-in-the-wall BBQ spots to street vendors to fast food joints, there’s something to please every foodie’s soul in this wonderful country of ours. Many tourists flock to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to indulge in their favorite cuisines. But how far would you travel to savor the best food you’ve ever eaten? How about a fun trip to experience the most delicious fare you can imagine? Interested? Here’s an East Coast food tour featuring the ten best foodie cities along our county’s eastern region.
You’ll be covering approximately 1,000 miles with 18 hours of drive time to see these food destinations in the United States. Fully immerse yourself in this bucket list-worthy experience by completing this trip over a long four-day weekend (or longer). Here’s the travel itinerary for the USA foodie road trip so you can be on your way.
Want to discover more USA road trips? You’ll love OnlyInYourState’s newest series, On The Road, which explores magnificent routes across America catered to nature lovers, foodies, budget travelers, adventurers, and more.
1. Farm-to-table feasts, local Artisan cheese, poutine, and cider await in Burlington, Vermont
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Burlington, Vermont
To kick this trip off, let’s head to Burlington, Vermont where farm-to-table eats are all the rave. With fresh, locally-grown produce as well as the most delicious cheese, you’ll be getting the best grub money can buy.
If you’re up for a quick bite, start the day at The Cafe HOT. The breakfast sandwiches are wicked good, and the coffee is always hot, but don’t skip over the donuts -- they are to die for!
Cheese makes everything better and at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth, you’ll be savoring the best locally-made Artisan cheese in Vermont. Choose a half-and-half flatbread if you’re undecided!
Meanwhile, with locally sourced vegetables paired with offerings like smoked coppa, hanger steak, and ribeye, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be getting the finest meal in town from Hen of the Wood. For an extra treat, stop by the bucket-list-worthy joint, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, for epic cider donuts and a world-class selection of ciders on tap.
If you’re up for a quick bite, start the day at The Cafe HOT. The breakfast sandwiches are wicked good, and the coffee is always hot, but don’t skip over the donuts -- they are to die for!
Cheese makes everything better and at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth, you’ll be savoring the best locally-made Artisan cheese in Vermont. Choose a half-and-half flatbread if you’re undecided!
Meanwhile, with locally sourced vegetables paired with offerings like smoked coppa, hanger steak, and ribeye, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be getting the finest meal in town from Hen of the Wood. For an extra treat, stop by the bucket-list-worthy joint, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, for epic cider donuts and a world-class selection of ciders on tap.
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2. Expect cultural diversity as well as delicious cuisines and lobster rolls in Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston, ME, USA
Nestled along the banks of Androscoggin River approximately 35 miles north of Portland, Lewiston, Maine, has quite the foodie scene. With loads of restaurants, bakeries as well as breweries, you’ll find something you will love.
Dubois Cafe is a tiny but mighty neighborhood joint serving great crepes, homemade corned beef hash, and a New England Eggs Benedict that is out of this world. It’s a favorite of the locals and you will love it too.
Another local spot that you must try is Chick-A-Dee of Lewiston. After all, you can’t travel to Maine without eating a lobster roll, right? Some locals believe it’s the best in the state, so you should try it for yourself.
The food scene in Lewiston is also quite culturally diverse, and if you love Asian cuisine, you should check out Orchid Lewiston. It’s a fusion of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine that also serves sushi rolls, this is certainly a win for your foodie heart.
Dubois Cafe is a tiny but mighty neighborhood joint serving great crepes, homemade corned beef hash, and a New England Eggs Benedict that is out of this world. It’s a favorite of the locals and you will love it too.
Another local spot that you must try is Chick-A-Dee of Lewiston. After all, you can’t travel to Maine without eating a lobster roll, right? Some locals believe it’s the best in the state, so you should try it for yourself.
The food scene in Lewiston is also quite culturally diverse, and if you love Asian cuisine, you should check out Orchid Lewiston. It’s a fusion of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine that also serves sushi rolls, this is certainly a win for your foodie heart.
3. Manchester is the largest city in New Hampshire with a vibrant food scene
Manchester, NH, USA
New England is a paradise for foodies, so it makes sense to stop in Manchester, New Hampshire, on this leg of the road trip.
Sunday is always a fun day at The Foundry, a restaurant serving the best brunch in town. With selections that include cinnamon French toast, Belgian waffles, freshly shucked local oysters, and hand-carved roast. Is your mouth watering? Of course, if you can’t make it for brunch, the dinner offerings are heavenly as well.
Maine is not the only state serving mouthwatering lobster rolls, meanwhile. Stop in at Goldenrod Restaurant, a retro drive-in to check out the vintage cars and indulge in the best lobster roll in Manchester. Also, don’t skip over the delicious maple walnut ice cream; it is a must-have treat.
Sunday is always a fun day at The Foundry, a restaurant serving the best brunch in town. With selections that include cinnamon French toast, Belgian waffles, freshly shucked local oysters, and hand-carved roast. Is your mouth watering? Of course, if you can’t make it for brunch, the dinner offerings are heavenly as well.
Maine is not the only state serving mouthwatering lobster rolls, meanwhile. Stop in at Goldenrod Restaurant, a retro drive-in to check out the vintage cars and indulge in the best lobster roll in Manchester. Also, don’t skip over the delicious maple walnut ice cream; it is a must-have treat.
4. Known as the “City by the Bay” you’ll find seafood options galore in Warwick, Rhode Island
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Warwick, RI, USA
If you’re a seafood lover, then you know that seafood is king in New England -- and Warwick Rhode Island is a haven for the cuisine. It’s eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so get ready to savor the flavors.
After you’ve enjoyed the lobster Benedict at The Cozy Grill, you'll want to try all 20 Eggs Benedict on the menu. If you pair it with an apple cider mimosa, you’ll be in the perfect foodie heaven.
Pizza might be the last thing you would consider to pair with seafood, but after eating the thin, crispy pies, at Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, you’ll be convinced it’s a match made in food heaven. Plus, there’s a white clam pizza... need we say more?
And with stunning views as well as epic seafood selections like baked stuffed lobster, clam cakes, and clam chowder, Top of the Bay is clearly a foodie win.
After you’ve enjoyed the lobster Benedict at The Cozy Grill, you'll want to try all 20 Eggs Benedict on the menu. If you pair it with an apple cider mimosa, you’ll be in the perfect foodie heaven.
Pizza might be the last thing you would consider to pair with seafood, but after eating the thin, crispy pies, at Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, you’ll be convinced it’s a match made in food heaven. Plus, there’s a white clam pizza... need we say more?
And with stunning views as well as epic seafood selections like baked stuffed lobster, clam cakes, and clam chowder, Top of the Bay is clearly a foodie win.
5. Subway was established in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but the city has more to offer than sandwiches
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Bridgeport, CT, USA
As a foodie, you’ve eaten grub that’s worthy of your Instagram story, and you’ll want to share pictures of your vibrant breakfast from Queens Delight Cafe with all your friends. The red velvet waffles are visually stunning and as amazing as they sound.
The tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar also qualify for a spot on your social media feed. This trendy joint is great for an evening with friends. With its award-winning selection of wines from Spain and South America, you’ll want to stay a bit.
While Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana invented the white clam pizza, you’ll want to try this Connecticut staple at Arthur's Famous Pizza as well. Be sure to stick around to hear some of the local history as well as snap some pics at this famous local pizza restaurant in Bridgeport.
The tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar also qualify for a spot on your social media feed. This trendy joint is great for an evening with friends. With its award-winning selection of wines from Spain and South America, you’ll want to stay a bit.
While Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana invented the white clam pizza, you’ll want to try this Connecticut staple at Arthur's Famous Pizza as well. Be sure to stick around to hear some of the local history as well as snap some pics at this famous local pizza restaurant in Bridgeport.
6. It might be close to Philly, but Wilmington, Delaware is making a name for itself on the food scene
Wilmington, DE, USA
While New England is known for seafood, the Mid-Atlantic region of the US is known for its comfort food. And Wilmington, Delaware, is a haven for food that warms your soul. The food scene in Wilmington is sprinkled with lots of fine dining restaurants, but it’s the local spots that shine the most.
Libby's Restaurant is a beloved neighborhood joint that serves scrapple, Delaware's favorite breakfast staple. This savory pork patty is packed with lots of flavor and complements any breakfast sandwich or platter at Libby’s.
For more comfort food that is good for your soul, Russell's Quality Foods is the place to be. While Wilmington is not known for its BBQ, you will find some of the best BBQ at Russell’s. The fall-off-the-bone smoky meats paired with the tangy sauce, will have you coming back for more.
If you’re looking for fine dining options in Wilmington, you’ll love Le Cavalier. But for a more relaxed vibe check out Chelsea Tavern or Two Stones Pub, they are local favorites.
Libby's Restaurant is a beloved neighborhood joint that serves scrapple, Delaware's favorite breakfast staple. This savory pork patty is packed with lots of flavor and complements any breakfast sandwich or platter at Libby’s.
For more comfort food that is good for your soul, Russell's Quality Foods is the place to be. While Wilmington is not known for its BBQ, you will find some of the best BBQ at Russell’s. The fall-off-the-bone smoky meats paired with the tangy sauce, will have you coming back for more.
If you’re looking for fine dining options in Wilmington, you’ll love Le Cavalier. But for a more relaxed vibe check out Chelsea Tavern or Two Stones Pub, they are local favorites.
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7. Heavily influenced by Amish/Dutch settlement, you’ll love the homestyle cuisine in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, PA, USA
While you can travel to Philly for cheesesteaks, in Lancaster you’ll want to savor the deliciousness of Pennsylvania’s Dutch-style cooking.
For a hearty country breakfast, The Pantry Restaurant is the perfect place to be. From the breakfast skillets to the French toasts to the pancakes and home fries, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose at this local gem.
For a real heavenly treat, head to Rachel's Cafe and Creperie, but for more down-home comfort food, you’ll love Bridgeport Family Restaurant.
Finally, if you’re in search of a unique dining experience in Lancaster, Citronnelle is the winner. This French-style restaurant with its carefully curated offerings is a wonderful place for any foodie to spend a quiet evening of dining.
For a hearty country breakfast, The Pantry Restaurant is the perfect place to be. From the breakfast skillets to the French toasts to the pancakes and home fries, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose at this local gem.
For a real heavenly treat, head to Rachel's Cafe and Creperie, but for more down-home comfort food, you’ll love Bridgeport Family Restaurant.
Finally, if you’re in search of a unique dining experience in Lancaster, Citronnelle is the winner. This French-style restaurant with its carefully curated offerings is a wonderful place for any foodie to spend a quiet evening of dining.
8. The blue crab is king in the “Charm City” of Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, MD, USA
Crab cakes, crab cakes, and more crab cakes. With its close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is a paradise for seafood lovers everywhere.
While crab cakes are a local favorite, you’ll want to visit Captain James Seafood Palace to indulge in an all-you-can-eat crab feast. Not to mention the cream of crab soup that is truly heavenly.
If seafood is not your thing, have no fear, Baltimore also has soul food eats as well as fine dining options that you will love. You can’t go wrong with any of the eateries at the Inner Harbor. Miss Shirley's Cafe has brunch offerings like no other. Or you can also indulge in a chicken box (fried chicken and fries) from any local carryout joint. But be sure to check out the iconic Lexington Market while on this USA foodie road trip.
While crab cakes are a local favorite, you’ll want to visit Captain James Seafood Palace to indulge in an all-you-can-eat crab feast. Not to mention the cream of crab soup that is truly heavenly.
If seafood is not your thing, have no fear, Baltimore also has soul food eats as well as fine dining options that you will love. You can’t go wrong with any of the eateries at the Inner Harbor. Miss Shirley's Cafe has brunch offerings like no other. Or you can also indulge in a chicken box (fried chicken and fries) from any local carryout joint. But be sure to check out the iconic Lexington Market while on this USA foodie road trip.
9. Food trucks are running the food scene in Washington D.C.
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Washington, DC, USA
As the nation's capital, Washington D.C. is a melting pot of international cuisines, which makes it one of the best food cities in the US. From Asian to Middle Eastern to African to Spanish to Caribbean eats, you’ll find them all in D.C.
With popular choices like The Dabney, L’Ardente, Anju, Causa/ Amazonia, Daru, and Zaytinya by José Andrés, the food scene in DC is world-class.
But the food trucks are making waves inside this capital city, too PhoWheels has the most delicious Vietnamese sandwiches around. Try the Báhn Mi pork belly sandwich -- it’s amazing! Island cuisine is the name of the game at Trini Vybez by Kalu's food truck, and the roti as well as the doubles are a crowd pleaser. And have you ever had a puffy taco? Well, that is what you’ll find at Zainy's Flyin’ Grill food truck. The puffy tacos as well as the chicken kabobs and gyros are all the rave.
Finally, no trip to D.C. would be complete without trying the world-famous mumbo sauce, so do yourself a favor and find a local carryout joint like Henry’s Soul Café and indulge in this yummy goodness.
With popular choices like The Dabney, L’Ardente, Anju, Causa/ Amazonia, Daru, and Zaytinya by José Andrés, the food scene in DC is world-class.
But the food trucks are making waves inside this capital city, too PhoWheels has the most delicious Vietnamese sandwiches around. Try the Báhn Mi pork belly sandwich -- it’s amazing! Island cuisine is the name of the game at Trini Vybez by Kalu's food truck, and the roti as well as the doubles are a crowd pleaser. And have you ever had a puffy taco? Well, that is what you’ll find at Zainy's Flyin’ Grill food truck. The puffy tacos as well as the chicken kabobs and gyros are all the rave.
Finally, no trip to D.C. would be complete without trying the world-famous mumbo sauce, so do yourself a favor and find a local carryout joint like Henry’s Soul Café and indulge in this yummy goodness.
10. As the fifth largest city in Virginia, Richmond was recently called a “culinary gem” by Forbes -- and it's certainly deserving of such acclaim
Richmond, VA, USA
Over the last few years, the food scene in Richmond has exploded, making it the perfect place to conclude this USA foodie road trip.
Sub Rosa Bakery is by far changing the game when it comes to bakeries. This family-owned eatery bakes homemade bread from the stone-ground flour that they mill. Enjoy a cup of coffee paired with a fig and cheese croissant, you’ll thank us later.
Kuba Kuba is a local favorite where you can get an authentic Cuban sandwich as well as a delicious slice of tres leche cake. This bodega-style eatery is a staple in the Richmond community, which means you’ll be rubbing elbows with the locals here.
You’ll find lots of James Beard-nominated chefs in Richmond, but Mama J’s is the only one that will cure your soul. With favorites like crab cakes, pork chops, fried chicken, barbeque spareribs and catfish, you’ll want to indulge in all the mouthwatering goodness at this eatery. And not to mention the yummy peach cobbler that will make you feel right at home.
Virginia is often referred to as the "Oyster Capital of the East Coast", so if your heart desires oysters, Alewife has one of the best raw oyster bars in Richmond.
Sub Rosa Bakery is by far changing the game when it comes to bakeries. This family-owned eatery bakes homemade bread from the stone-ground flour that they mill. Enjoy a cup of coffee paired with a fig and cheese croissant, you’ll thank us later.
Kuba Kuba is a local favorite where you can get an authentic Cuban sandwich as well as a delicious slice of tres leche cake. This bodega-style eatery is a staple in the Richmond community, which means you’ll be rubbing elbows with the locals here.
You’ll find lots of James Beard-nominated chefs in Richmond, but Mama J’s is the only one that will cure your soul. With favorites like crab cakes, pork chops, fried chicken, barbeque spareribs and catfish, you’ll want to indulge in all the mouthwatering goodness at this eatery. And not to mention the yummy peach cobbler that will make you feel right at home.
Virginia is often referred to as the "Oyster Capital of the East Coast", so if your heart desires oysters, Alewife has one of the best raw oyster bars in Richmond.
Now that you’ve fully indulged in the ten best food cities across the Eastern United States, tell us which city you enjoyed the most. With so many mouthwatering options on this East Coast food tour, we bet it’s hard for you to decide the best food destination on the East Coast. While you’ll certainly enjoy some scrumptious food on this road trip, you’ll still want plenty of on-the-go snack options in the car to tide you over between stops!
13 Trips, Towns, And Tours That Belong On Every U.S. Foodie’s Bucket List
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More to Explore
Best Food East Coast
What are some of the best food cities on the East Coast?
If you love seafood you really can't beat New England for its glorious access to fresh fish and other delicious ocean-dwelling delicacies. But seafood isn't the only thing these East Coast food cities will treat you to:
- Portland, Maine: This out-of-the-way city in the upper corner of the US has so many hidden foodie gems it will have you rolling out the door in no time. If you get all buttery inside for a great lobster, head to the Highroller Lobster Company. If Oysters are your kryptonite, you'll love the Eventide Oyster Company. One of our foodie favorites will always be a hot fresh wood-fired pizza - you can't go wrong with the Flatbread Company off Commercial Street.
- Ashville, North Carolina: North Carolina has always treated us right in the food department. Ashville has a warm place in our hearts for all kinds of culinary goodies. Whether it's an authentic Cajun joint like Mayel's on College Street or a rustic taproom like Pack's Tavern in a beautiful historic building in downtown Asheville. We can't pass up good southern comfort food either, if you agree, you have to make an effort to make it to Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, also on College Street.
- Montpelier, Vermont: The capital city of Vermont might be a bit of an underdog compared to Burlington which gets a lot of attention from food aficionados, but it is one of our favorite East Coast foodie towns. You can't beat the ambiance of a crisp fall day surrounded by a bounty of color in picturesque Vermont. Experience some of Vermont's best craft beer, head to the Three Penny Taproom on Mane Street. If a nostalgic mom-and-pop diner is more your speed we always enjoy a visit to Wayside Restaurant. It has been known for its baked goods and ice cream for over 100 years!
Combine these three amazing cities into the best foodie road trip on the East Coast that you can imagine by renting an RV from RVShare.