Worlds away from the hustle and bustle of America’s biggest cities and their buzzy food joints, small-town restaurants typically offer cozy digs and a more relaxed vibe. Here we’ve chosen our favorite in every state, from country pubs to riverside bistros – perfect for when you need to get away from it all. Some restaurants may be offering limited service due to COVID-19, so check their website before you head out.
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Alabama: The Wash House, Point Clear
From the outside, The Wash House in the coastal town of Point Clear looks a little ramshackle – but that’s all part of its charm. Inside it’s an old-school fine-dining restaurant: think smart white tablecloths, candlelight, regulars dining on perfectly-cooked scallops and wagyu steaks, and five-star service. It’s currently operating at half capacity, so booking is essential. Face coverings are also required in compliance with Alabama guidelines.
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Alaska: Ludvig’s Bistro, Sitka
This cozy dining room, boasting a lively wine and tapas bar with harbor views above it, has been run by chef-owner Colette Nelson for nearly two decades. It specializes in seafood and Mediterranean plates, with dishes such as the seafood paella and spicy clam chowder being firm favorites. Sadly dine-in is temporarily suspended, but you can support the business by ordering takeout or delivery until it opens again.
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Arizona: Crystal Palace Saloon, Tombstone
The Crystal Palace Saloon is one of silver-mining boom town Tombstone’s best-known landmarks. The site was an old brewery and drinking hall that was burned down by a town fire in 1882. Rebuilt in the same location, the current building still features some of the woodwork from back then, and it’s just as probable you’ll see a cowboy having a drink, or even catch some live music.
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Arkansas: Local Flavor Cafe, Eureka Springs
Located in scenic downtown Eureka Springs, the Local Flavor Cafe is a low-lit spot with vintage lamps and quirky, local art, and loyal customers insist it’s the only place to eat in town. They love the sesame-crusted goats’ cheese salad, the warm sourdough with olive oil and balsamic, and the homemade strawberry, thyme and rosé sangria. The restaurant asks customers to wear face coverings and reservations are recommended.
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California: Clean Slate Wine Bar, Solvang
Newly opened this year, Clean Slate Wine Bar is a gorgeous spot in the SoCal town of Solvang, known for its Danish-style architecture and wineries. Though it’s a bar, you can get small plates such as Cajun shrimp with remoulade sauce (similar to tartare sauce), white anchovy crostini, ratatouille flatbreads and charcuterie. Customers can’t get enough of the homely outdoor setting and the incredibly knowledgeable waitstaff.
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Colorado: High Mountain Pies, Leadville
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Connecticut: Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Mystic
During the 18th century, when travelers between New York and Boston needed somewhere to rest, they’d spend the night at the tiny Captain Daniel Packer Inne in the port town of Mystic. When you step inside you’ll find low ceilings, stone walls, exposed woodwork and a fireplace that all hark back to that time. Plus it serves an amazing, creamy clam chowder and hot, garlic-butter bread. Reservations and face coverings are a requirement.
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Delaware: Heirloom, Lewes
A meal in this restaurant in a large, white Victorian townhouse is a magical experience. With its floral pillows, botanical drawings and mismatched vintage plates, the interior is utterly charming. And the food, such as the seared scallops with oyster mushrooms in sweet corn cream and the octopus à la plancha (marinated and charred octopus), is exquisite too. The staff will also bend over backwards to make your visit one to remember.
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Florida: Gaufre’s & Goods, St. Augustine
It would be easy to walk right past Gaufre’s & Goods in St. Augustine and not notice it. The tucked-away Polish and Greek café keeps its décor simple, but the food is exceptional. Owner and chef Dario was born in Poland and lived in Greece, so the spot has an eclectic menu that includes spinach and feta pie, potato and cheese pierogis (dumplings), borscht (beetroot soup) and stuffed cabbage, which customers love.
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Georgia: Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe, Helen
There are plenty of charming Bavarian-style restaurants in the town of Helen, Georgia, but Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe is one of a kind. Family-owned and run by chef Zdenek Muller, the café serves German and Czech specialties such as schnitzel (breaded, fried meat), bratwurst (German sausages), bread dumplings and strudel, plus a range of fried cheese dishes. The French brie, stuffed with ham and fried, is said to be absolutely mouthwatering.
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Hawaii: Island Fresh Café, Paia
This low-key café in Paia has a relaxing vibe, a lovely patio and is right next door to a yoga studio. Great for vegans and vegetarians, its top dishes are banana bread French toast (which comes with maple syrup, fruit and maple whipped cream) and its açai bowls (containing fruit, granola and honey, açai puree and bananas).
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Idaho: Blackboard Café, Wallace
With a blackboard and quirky art covering the wall, the Blackboard Café owned by couple Rob and Luanne is one of the coolest places for food in leafy Wallace. At lunch it serves grilled sandwiches and burgers, and at dinner the menu changes to sophisticated small plates and Italian classics. The rib-eye sandwich with mushrooms, roasted poblano peppers, pepper jack cheese and garlic aioli is one of its most highly-rated options. It’s recommended that customers call to book.
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Illinois: Vinny Vanucchi’s, Galena
Located on the cobbled streets of Galena, Vinny Vanucchi’s is a beautifully rustic Italian restaurant that will transport you to Tuscany. The spacious venue has four dining areas, including a cappuccino garden, making social distancing easy. The pollo compomare (chicken, broccoli, mushroom and tomato in a creamy, spicy sauce with linguine) and the spaghetti olio (with olive oil, garlic, fresh basil and chili) come highly recommended. Make a reservation via the website.
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Indiana: Hobnob Corner Restaurant, Nashville
Nashville, Indiana, is a world away from the city of the same name in Tennessee. And at the Hobnob Corner Restaurant – a whitewashed building which dates back a couple of centuries – there’s plenty of small-town charm. Described as “quiet and restful”, the spot has high ceilings, old counters and original wide board floors. The food such as the breaded pork tenderloin (which comes with vegetables or fries and a homemade bun) and the wine selection will blow you away.
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Iowa: Crane & Pelican Cafe, Le Claire
You’ll find Crane & Pelican Cafe overlooking the Mississippi River, in a 19th-century mansion that once belonged to a riverboat captain. Family-owned since 2009, the restaurant serves comfort food made from local ingredients. Current favorites are the Toasted Pecan Salmon (salmon topped with toasted pecans and served with mushroom risotto) and the Shrimp & Angel (shrimp and mushrooms in cognac cream with angel hair pasta).
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Kansas: Brookville Hotel, Abilene
The Brookville Hotel in little Abilene is famous for its legendary fried chicken. The family recipe became a hit with patrons in the 1910s and is still served today by fourth-generation owners Mark and Connie Martin. The chicken comes with unlimited sides such as mashed potatoes, real white gravy, creamed corn, coleslaw and biscuits. Customers say it’s outstanding and worth a detour if you’re in central Kansas – but you should book to avoid disappointment.
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Kentucky: Holly Hill Inn, Midway
This charming fine-dining restaurant can be found in the heart of Kentucky Horse Country. Holly Hill Inn is currently serving suppers and brunches in its garden, and the restaurant has even set up a tent and outdoor seating especially. The pan-fried ruby trout with eggs, apple sauce, hoecakes (corn pancakes), cheese, roasted squash and tomato is a standout dish. It’s also asked that customers wear face coverings.
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Lauded for its beautiful location, Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant is right on the banks of the Cane River and has large trees sheltering its outdoor decking. It’s family owned, and the menu is a mix of Italian and Cajun-inspired dishes. The creamy chicken alfredo with fettuccine (flat pasta) and the crispy catfish and fries never let customers down.
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Maine: Peter Ott’s on the Water, Camden
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Maryland: Blacksmith, Berlin
Hip hangout Blacksmith in vibrant Berlin is all about farm-to-table cooking and the menu is full of local produce. Try the to-die-for fried lump crab deviled eggs and the beef short rib empanadas with queso fresco, salsa and sour cream, then stick around for a few of the excellent cocktails. It’s said to have great COVID-19 protocols and guests feel safe dining on the patio – the restaurant asks customers wear face coverings as they enter and leave.
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Massachusetts: Roy Moore Lobster Company, Rockport
Lobster in the town of Rockport doesn’t come fresher than at old-fashioned fish shack Roy Moore Lobster Company. It serves boiled lobster, stuffed clams, oysters, smoked salmon, fishcakes, warming chowder, perfectly crispy shrimp and haddock, and even more. Place your order at the counter (customers are required to wear face coverings), then take a seat on the deck if there’s space.
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Michigan: The Station 100, Frankenmuth
For a rustic, Bavarian-style dining experience, The Station in Frankenmuth is a must visit. Built in an old train station, it has a classy, Alpine feel with original flooring and dark wood tables. It’s on the pricier side, but customers say the wiener schnitzel – a thin, breaded veal cutlet served with spätzle pasta and mushroom sauce – is the best they’ve had outside of Germany. Currently, reservations are advised.
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Minnesota: The Old Village Hall, Lanesboro
Built circa 1886, The Old Village Hall in tiny Lanesboro has also served as a jail and fire station. However, these days it’s a cozy restaurant owned by couple Jon and Sarah Pieper. It’s decorated with Amish quilts and has a deck that looks over the Root River Bike Trail. From the beef tenderloin with blue cheese butter and garlic mashed potatoes to the squash ravioli, the food is outstanding too.
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Mississippi: Cotton Alley Café, Natchez
In the elegant town of Natchez, on the Mississippi River, is the delightfully mismatched Cotton Alley Café. It has two levels both busily decorated with photos, printed tablecloths, flowers and memorabilia, and you can expect to be greeted by the friendliest servers. Order the catfish with a baked potato and slaw, and save room for the dessert cabinet, which features delights such as bread pudding drenched in a rich whiskey sauce.
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Missouri: Farmhouse Restaurant, Branson
For old-school home cooking in Branson, head to Farmhouse Restaurant, established in 1976. The specialties are fried chicken (which customers say is the best they’ve eaten), ultra tender chicken-fried steak and blackberry cobbler with ice cream. The waiters go above and beyond to deliver good service and the portions are huge. Downstairs the décor is fun and homely, and upstairs there’s a gift shop too.
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Montana: Sir Scott’s Oasis Steakhouse & Lounge, Manhattan
It’s not a fancy restaurant, but Sir Scott’s Oasis Steakhouse has become a Montana icon with a reputation for serving the best steaks around. It has a comforting atmosphere with a western theme and its smiling staff treat everyone like a local. The bone-in rib-eye and prime rib are juicy and not too heavily seasoned, but if you want to try something different, check out the sumptuous finger steaks (basically beef nuggets).
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Nebraska: Peppermill, Valentine
Another one for the carnivores, The Peppermill has been in Valentine since 1987 (although it has moved location) and serves a variety of prime cuts, burgers, ribs and wings. Though the décor is basic, the food is topnotch, and the spot claims its William’s prime rib is the finest in Nebraska. Treat yourself to the candied burnt ends (pork, barbecue and beer battered onions in sauce) while you wait.
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Nevada: The Cider Factory, Virginia City
This hidden Virginia City treasure oozes charm. It’s an American and Italian restaurant with a quaint stone dining room complete with chandeliers, and it also has a pretty garden patio. Dishes such as coffee-rubbed, smoked rib-eye, chicken parm and chocolate chip bread pudding receive rave reviews. Opening times change, so check social media pages before you go.
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New Hampshire: Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery, Hanover
Opened in 1947, Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery is a local institution in Hanover, famed for its golden French toast, fluffy pancakes with local maple syrup, glazed-cider donuts and poached egg breakfasts. Its owners Jarett and Cailin Berke took over the business in 2018 and they’ve set up a temporary outdoor dining area due to COVID-19.
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New Jersey: The Lobster House, Cape May
The same family has been welcoming diners at the Lobster House in Cape May for three generations. Overlooking the New Jersey shore, the dockside diner has its own fleet of fishing boats and serves fresh catches throughout the year. You can eat at the main restaurant (open at 25% capacity), raw bar, fish market or docked schooner, but face coverings must be worn. It’s worth a trip for the freshly shucked oysters and crab cakes alone.
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New Mexico: La Cueva Cafe, Taos
This hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant in Taos is owned and run by chef Horacio Zarazua. The food is exceptional and customers love the smoky hatch green chili rellenos (a fried, cheese-stuffed hatch green chili) in a light, crispy batter and the chicken mole fajitas, which are both served with rice and beans.
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New York: Salt of the Earth Bistro, Lake Placid
Dining at this bistro is like dining in someone’s home. It has plush interiors and an outdoor patio, which are both operating at 50% capacity (customers are currently required to wear face coverings). Punters love the mulligatawny soup, which is made with lentils, sweet potatoes, apples and a creamy coconut broth, as well as the salmon with a warm tomato, leek and mustard green lentil salad.
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North Carolina: Clawson’s 1905, Beaufort
A former grocer’s, dress shop and children’s clothes store, Clawson’s became a restaurant in 1977. Extended and renovated over the years, it now includes an outdoor patio and has three floors you can dine on with views of the Beaufort waterfront and lighthouse. Try the pimento cheeseburger with jalapeños or the crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun and get the Buffalo shrimp appetizer while you wait.
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North Dakota: The Ranch Steakhouse, Devil’s Lake
The Ranch Steakhouse looks like an old barn, because that’s exactly what it is. In 1946, Loyd and Maxine Engh converted the building into a supper club that quickly became a hit with traveling salesmen working in the Midwest. Nowadays beef lovers stop by for thick ‘n’ juicy steaks and dishes such as Swedish meatballs with pappardelle. Customers give the food five-stars and praise the cozy atmosphere.
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Ohio: Day Y Noche, Granville
The bright and colorful Day Y Noche restaurant in Granville is owned by couple Mary and Anselmo Morales. Here you can treat yourself to Mexican favorites in its rustic dining room or front patio (currently open with limited capacity). Go with the queso dip with house-made chips, the carne asada tacos with red onion, lime, spicy salsa and cilantro, or the shrimp tacos with creamy chipotle sauce, pico de gallo (a simple tomato salsa), lettuce and lime.
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Oklahoma: Katie’s Diner, Guthrie
This small country-town diner has been dishing up breakfasts and lunches in Guthrie since 1994. The menu is full of comforting Southern classics, including grits, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, hash browns and a range of steaks – a particular favorite is the chicken fried steak with gravy. Effusive customers say Katie’s is the best breakfast ever and that they’ve never had a bad meal.
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Oregon: Double Mountain Brewery, Hood River
This is the place to go if you love inventive beers and thin and crispy, brick-oven-baked pizza. Double Mountain Brewery has 16 options on draft including rosé cider, pear cider and Japanese-style lager made on site. Customers say the Truffle Shuffle pizza with mozzarella, goats’ cheese, truffle oil-marinated mushrooms and green onions is one of the tastiest they’ve ever had. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and face coverings are required.
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Pennsylvania: Stone Row Pub & Eatery, Jim Thorpe
Built in the 1880s, Stone Row Pub & Eatery in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is owned and run by couple Margaret and Charlie White. Its menu is allergy-friendly and everything is locally-sourced and made from scratch. The favorites are deviled eggs with wasabi mayo and balsamic, and the millet burger (a sunflower seed patty on focaccia) served with potato salad or coleslaw. The fun pub typically even hosts whiskey flight nights.
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Rhode Island: Persephone’s Kitchen, Block Island
This sweet coffee shop was founded by health coach Persephone in 2015. Customers love the amazing quality, well-priced coffee, the sweet potato pie (warm coconut quinoa topped with spiced sweet potato, pecans, blueberries and coconut cream) and the egg sandwich with Vermont Cheddar. At the moment it’s takeout only and face coverings are required, but there’s a small patio you can eat on.
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South Carolina: Saltus River Grill, Beaufort
Visit Saltus River Grill during the day for stunning views of the river or in the evening for warming outdoor fire pits. The foodie specialties are caramelized scallops with root veg, bacon, shallot confit and sweet onion sauce, or blackened dorado with potato and crab gratin, caramelized fennel and leeks, and butter sauce. The oysters and sushi rolls are not to be missed, either.
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South Dakota: The Sled Haus, Lead
A cute German restaurant in the Black Hills, The Sled Haus has a ski-chalet vibe. Customers love the giant pretzels, the Haus Burger with bacon, onions, American cheese and pickles, and the bratwurst platter with two bratwursts, sauerkraut, home fries and mustard. Note that it’s cash only.
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Tennessee: Cherokee Grill, Gatlinburg
A mountain lodge with an open fire and a snug atmosphere, Gatlinburg’s Cherokee Grill is the perfect place to refuel after exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. The Prosperity Steak, a 10oz sirloin served with Worcestershire butter, blue cheese grits or potatoes and fresh bread, is one of the most popular dishes here. Check out the brunches if you visit in the morning.
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Texas: The Sentinel, Marfa
This is a charming spot for coffee, food and cocktails in Marfa, Texas. Owned by the town newspaper The Big Bend Sentinel, it has modern, chic architecture and a spacious interior with exposed brick, cactuses and comfy sofas. Plus, the coffee, breakfast burritos, chicken fajita tacos and quesadillas are adored. Due to COVID-19, customers currently have to sit outside.
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Utah: Chimayo, Park City
This Park City restaurant is loved for its ornate interiors with grand pillars, hanging lights and colorful tiles, and its menu blends influences from Mexico and Utah. Best sellers include the honey-roasted duck enchiladas with grilled onions and peppers, and the seared trout fajitas with guacamole, chipotle sour cream and pico de gallo.
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Vermont: Plate, Stowe
Inspired by Californian cuisine, this small but stylish restaurant serves many customers’ all-time favorite veggie burger with aioli and marmalade onions, plus a vegan pad Thai, grilled rib-eye and roast chicken. The spot was launched by Mark Rosman and Jamie Persky after they moved to the area from Los Angeles. In regular times customers enjoy the open kitchen and lively atmosphere, but since COVID-19 the restaurant has made outdoor seating available.
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Virginia: AJ’s on the Creek, Chincoteague Island
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Washington: Blue Moose Cafe, Port Townsend
For the best breakfast in Port Townsend, head to the charming Blue Moose Cafe, where you can get a ‘Jennifer’ breakfast wrap with bacon, avocado, black beans and more, or a fried egg dish with polenta and chipotle called ‘Ode to Ina’. Customers say it’s well priced and the staff are so attentive your mug will never be empty. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating.
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West Virginia: Wood Iron Eatery, Fayetteville
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Wisconsin: Good Thyme Restaurant, Washburn
Near the beautiful town of Bayfield on Lake Superior is Good Thyme Restaurant, which could easily be mistaken for just a big yellow house. Customers call it a gem, saying they love the creamy shrimp ravioli and the 14oz rib-eye – and, of course, the desserts, such as chocolate mousse with salted caramel pearls and whipped cream. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday with indoor and outdoor seating, but it’s worth making a reservation.
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Wyoming: Cowboy Cafe, Dubois
Those who stop by Cowboy Cafe on the way to Grand Teton find it an enchanting diner full of locals, who keep coming back for the friendly staff and fabulous meals. The top choice is the Wild Sampler Platter, which comes with smoked buffalo and spicy elk sausages, two eggs, hash browns and toast. For dessert try the homemade pies, such as apple rhubarb or blackberry – they’re finished with a huge scoop of ice cream.
