America is a land of incredible food, and some of the best meals come in a bag or a box ready to go. From smoky barbecue joints to legendary pizza spots, takeout culture has shaped the way we eat and connect with our communities.
Whether you are craving a classic cheeseburger or a bowl of spicy hot chicken, there is a takeout restaurant out there that feels like home. Get ready to explore some of the most beloved spots across the country that keep hungry fans coming back again and again.
Joe’s Pizza – New York, New York
Few things in life are as satisfying as folding a perfect New York slice in half and taking that first bite. Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street has been serving up legendary thin-crust pies since 1975, and the lines out the door prove it has never lost its magic.
The sauce is tangy, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the crust has just the right amount of crunch. Cash only, no frills, pure pizza perfection.
Portillo’s – Chicago, Illinois
Portillo’s started as a tiny hot dog stand called The Dog House back in 1963, and it has grown into one of Chicago’s most iconic food institutions. The Italian beef sandwich, dipped in savory au jus and piled with spicy giardiniera, is the stuff of legend.
Their Chicago-style hot dogs are equally famous, loaded with every topping except ketchup. Locals and tourists alike make special trips just to grab a bag to go.
In-N-Out Burger – Baldwin Park, California
Since Harry and Esther Snyder opened the very first In-N-Out in Baldwin Park in 1948, this California burger chain has built a cult following that stretches far beyond the West Coast. The secret menu alone has sparked countless road trips just to try it.
Fresh, never-frozen beef and hand-cut fries cooked in sunflower oil set this place apart from every fast-food competitor. Animal style fries are practically a California tradition at this point.
Franklin Barbecue – Austin, Texas
People set alarm clocks, drive hours, and camp out in line before sunrise just to get a taste of Franklin Barbecue’s legendary brisket. Aaron Franklin built his reputation one perfectly smoked pound of beef at a time, and the James Beard Award he earned proves the hype is real.
The brisket melts in your mouth with a smoky bark that is almost impossibly good. When they sell out, they close, so arriving early is not optional.
Commander’s Palace – New Orleans, Louisiana
Commander’s Palace has been the heart of New Orleans fine dining since 1893, but its takeout options bring that same Creole magic straight to your doorstep. Turtle soup, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and bread pudding souffle are just a few of the classics you can carry home.
The restaurant helped launch the careers of culinary legends like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme. Every bite carries a little piece of New Orleans history with it.
The Varsity – Atlanta, Georgia
Opened in 1928 near Georgia Tech, The Varsity is one of the oldest and largest drive-in restaurants in the entire United States. Their signature call of “What’ll ya have?” has greeted millions of hungry customers over the decades.
Chili dogs, frosted oranges, and onion rings are the crowd favorites that keep generations of Atlantans loyal. It is the kind of place where grandparents and grandkids share the same favorite meal, which is a pretty special thing.
Joe’s KC BBQ – Kansas City, Kansas
What started as a humble barbecue stand at a gas station in 1996 has become one of the most celebrated BBQ spots in the entire country. Joe’s KC BBQ, originally called Oklahoma Joe’s, earned its fame the old-fashioned way, through wood smoke and hard work.
The Z-Man sandwich, loaded with smoked brisket, onion rings, and melted provolone, is an absolute masterpiece. Anthony Bourdain once called it one of the best things he ever ate.
Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix, Arizona
Chris Bianco moved to Phoenix in the 1980s and quietly changed the way America thinks about pizza. Pizzeria Bianco earned a James Beard Award and was once named the best pizza in the country by a whole lot of very serious food critics.
The Rosa pizza, topped with red onion, rosemary, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Arizona pistachios, is unlike anything else you will find in a pizza box. Every pie is made with obsessive care and locally sourced ingredients.
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza – Miami, Florida
Born from a combination of Argentinian flair and Italian pizza tradition, Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza brings something genuinely unique to Miami’s already vibrant food scene. The dough is made fresh daily and the toppings are layered with real creativity.
Standout pies like the Burrata pizza and the Truffle pizza have made this spot a favorite among Miami food lovers who want something beyond the ordinary. The name says extraordinary, and the pizza absolutely delivers on that promise.
Canter’s Deli – Los Angeles, California
Open 24 hours a day since 1948, Canter’s Deli on Fairfax Avenue is a Los Angeles institution that has fed celebrities, musicians, and night owls for generations. The pastrami sandwich, piled high on fresh rye bread, is the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and sigh.
Late-night cravings and post-concert hunger have been solved here for decades. Walking out with a bag full of matzo ball soup and rugelach feels like a genuine Los Angeles rite of passage.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack – Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville hot chicken was practically invented at Prince’s, where the legend goes that a scorned girlfriend tried to punish Thornton Prince with an outrageously spicy chicken recipe, and he loved it so much he built a restaurant around it. That story might be the best origin story in American food history.
The chicken comes in heat levels that range from mild to a face-melting “XXX Hot.” Served on white bread with pickles, it is simple, fiery, and absolutely unforgettable.
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York
“Send a salami to your boy in the Army” was a Katz’s Delicatessen slogan during World War II, and the spirit of that generosity lives on in every massive sandwich they serve today. Opened in 1888 on the Lower East Side, Katz’s is practically a New York landmark.
The hand-carved pastrami on rye is arguably the most famous deli sandwich in the world. Yes, the table from the iconic “When Harry Met Sally” scene is still there.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Chicago, Illinois
Lou Malnati’s has been making deep dish pizza in Chicago since 1971, and the debate over whether it is the city’s best is one that Chicagoans take very personally. The buttery, flaky crust is the secret weapon that sets it apart from every other deep dish in the city.
Layers of fresh mozzarella, chunky tomato sauce, and generous toppings make each slice feel like a full meal. You can even ship one frozen to your door anywhere in the country.
Home Slice Pizza – Austin, Texas
Home Slice Pizza on South Congress Avenue has been feeding Austin’s creative and music-loving community since 2005 with New York-style pies that feel right at home in the Texas capital. The late-night to-go window has saved many a hungry Austinite after a long night out.
Whole pies, by-the-slice options, and a rotating cast of creative specials keep the menu exciting. The cheerful, retro vibe of the place matches the easygoing spirit of the neighborhood perfectly.
Matt’s Bar and Grill – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Matt’s Bar is the proud home of the original Jucy Lucy, a burger with the cheese stuffed inside the patty instead of on top. When you bite in, the molten cheese explodes in your mouth, which is exactly as good as it sounds.
The spelling of “Jucy” without the second “c” is intentional and legally protected. Minneapolis locals are fiercely loyal to Matt’s version, and the ongoing debate with rival 5-8 Club over who invented it first only adds to the fun.
Pat’s King of Steaks – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in the 1930s, and Pat’s King of Steaks has been defending its crown ever since from its famous corner in South Philly. The ordering system is fast, efficient, and slightly intimidating if you do not know the lingo.
Saying “Whiz wit” means you want Cheez Whiz with onions, and getting it wrong can earn you a look from the regulars. Whether you side with Pat’s or rival Geno’s across the street, the cheesesteak debate is pure Philadelphia tradition.
Di Fara Pizza – Brooklyn, New York
Dom DeMarco made every single pizza at Di Fara himself for decades, and watching him work was like watching an artist paint. The pizzeria opened in 1965 in Midwood, Brooklyn, and has been drawing devoted fans from around the world ever since.
Fresh basil snipped directly over each pie, imported Italian ingredients, and a generous drizzle of olive oil are the finishing touches that make Di Fara unforgettable. The long waits are part of the experience and absolutely worth every minute.
Burgerville – Vancouver, Washington
Burgerville has been a Pacific Northwest staple since 1961, and what makes it stand out is its genuine commitment to local, seasonal ingredients and environmental sustainability. The menu actually changes with the seasons, which is something fast food almost never does.
Walla Walla onion rings in summer and pumpkin milkshakes in fall are just two examples of why loyal fans follow the seasonal menu closely. Knowing your burger comes from farms you can actually name makes every bite taste a little better.
Pies & Pints – Fayetteville, West Virginia
Tucked into the adventurous outdoors town of Fayetteville near the New River Gorge, Pies & Pints serves up creative pizzas that match the bold spirit of the region. Toppings like fig jam, prosciutto, and goat cheese show up on pies alongside more classic combinations.
The restaurant has expanded to multiple locations, but the West Virginia original holds a special place in the hearts of rock climbers, rafters, and hikers who refuel here after a day of adventure. Great pizza and a great view is a hard combination to beat.
Runza Restaurant – Lincoln, Nebraska
Nebraska has a food secret that the rest of the country is slowly discovering, and its name is the Runza. This warm, doughy bread pocket stuffed with seasoned beef, onions, and cabbage is a comfort food that Nebraskans grow up eating and never stop craving.
The Runza chain has been serving this regional specialty since 1949, and it remains a deeply local tradition tied to the state’s German-Russian immigrant heritage. Out-of-towners who try one for the first time are almost always surprised by how much they love it.
Blake’s Lotaburger – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Green chile on a cheeseburger sounds simple, but Blake’s Lotaburger has turned it into a New Mexico religion. The chain has been around since 1952, and roasted Hatch green chiles are the non-negotiable star of almost every order placed at any location.
New Mexicans are passionate about green chile in a way that outsiders sometimes find surprising, but one bite of a Lotaburger explains everything instantly. It is smoky, a little spicy, and completely addictive in the best possible way.
Skyline Chili – Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati chili is not like any other chili you have ever had, and Skyline Chili is the place where most people discover that fact for the first time. Served over spaghetti and topped with a mountain of shredded cheddar, it is a regional tradition that divides the nation.
A “three-way” means chili, spaghetti, and cheese, while a “five-way” adds onions and beans. Ohioans who move away from Cincinnati frequently list Skyline Chili as the food they miss the most, which tells you everything.
The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint – Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Built almost entirely from salvaged materials, The Shed looks like a beautiful junkyard dream and smells absolutely incredible from half a mile away. This Ocean Springs institution has won major national barbecue competitions and earned a devoted following that travels from across the country.
The smoked ribs and pulled pork carry the kind of deep, wood-kissed flavor that can only come from years of practice and serious dedication. Live blues music on weekends makes the whole experience feel like a genuine Mississippi celebration.
St. Elmo Steak House – Indianapolis, Indiana
St. Elmo Steak House has been open since 1902, making it one of the oldest continuously operating steakhouses in the United States. But before anyone even touches a steak, the shrimp cocktail with its legendary horseradish sauce steals the entire show.
The horseradish is so potent it clears sinuses and brings tears to the eyes of even the most seasoned diners, which is part of the fun. Indianapolis locals treat a St. Elmo dinner as a special occasion, and the steaks absolutely live up to the century-long reputation.
Red’s Eats – Wiscasset, Maine
Red’s Eats in Wiscasset is famous for one thing above all else: a lobster roll so stuffed with fresh Maine lobster meat that it barely fits in the bun. The portions are genuinely shocking, and photos of the overflowing roll have made it a social media sensation for years.
The line stretches down the sidewalk all summer long, and people happily wait in the Maine sunshine for the chance to eat one. Simple, fresh, and outrageously generous, it is everything a New England seafood experience should be.
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria – Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think about great pizza, but Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria has been changing that assumption since 1996. The creative pies here feature toppings combinations that feel boldly original without being weird for the sake of it.
Pizzas like the Avalanche and the Thai Pie have built loyal fan bases among locals who consider this spot a genuine source of Anchorage pride. The craft beer selection pairs beautifully with whatever pie you choose to order.
Antico Pizza Napoletana – Atlanta, Georgia
Giovanni Di Palma brought the soul of Naples to Atlanta when he opened Antico Pizza Napoletana in 2009, and the city has been grateful ever since. The wood-fired oven burns at over 900 degrees, producing a charred, blistered crust that is soft and chewy in all the right ways.
San Marzano tomatoes and fresh fior di latte mozzarella are non-negotiable ingredients in every pie. Eating here feels less like ordering takeout and more like being transported briefly to a pizzeria on a sunny Italian street.
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse has been serving cowboys, politicians, and everyone in between since 1910, making it one of Oklahoma’s most historic dining establishments. The restaurant sits in Stockyards City, a neighborhood that still feels like the Old West in the best possible way.
The lamb fries, a local delicacy, are adventurous, but the real stars are the hand-cut steaks cooked exactly to your preference. Generations of Oklahoma families have celebrated milestones here, and that tradition shows no signs of slowing down.
The Friendly Toast – Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Friendly Toast is the kind of place where the menu is as colorful as the walls, and both are extremely colorful. This Cambridge brunch institution serves creative, oversized dishes that blur the line between breakfast and lunch in the most delightful way possible.
Stuffed French toast, creative egg scrambles, and towering pancake stacks are just the beginning of what this quirky spot offers. The eclectic, retro-kitsch decor makes eating here feel like stepping into someone’s wonderfully weird and welcoming living room.
Clanton’s Cafe – Vinita, Oklahoma
Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita holds the distinction of being the oldest family-owned restaurant on Route 66, having served travelers and locals since 1927. Nearly a century of operation means the recipes have been refined to near perfection over countless generations of cooking.
The chicken fried steak with cream gravy is the undisputed champion of the menu, a dish that feels like a warm hug from a grandmother you never had. Stopping here on a Route 66 road trip is not optional, it is practically a requirement.
Rhombus Guys – Grand Forks, North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota might surprise you as a destination for exceptional pizza, but Rhombus Guys has been turning heads and winning awards since it opened. The name is a playful nod to the fact that their pizzas are cut into rhombus-shaped squares instead of traditional triangles.
Creative topping combinations and a strong craft beer program make this brewpub a genuine destination for food lovers passing through the northern plains. It proves that great food can thrive absolutely anywhere when someone cares enough to make it right.
Biscuit Head – Asheville, North Carolina
Biscuit Head in Asheville takes its biscuits extremely seriously, serving up massive, fluffy “cat-head” biscuits that earned the name because they are roughly the size of a cat’s head. That sounds wild until you see one in person and immediately understand the comparison.
A build-your-own biscuit concept lets you choose from a rotating selection of gravies, jams, and proteins to create your perfect breakfast combination. The mimosa bar and laid-back Asheville vibe make this one of the most genuinely fun brunch spots in the entire South.
Buddy’s Pizza – Detroit, Michigan
Detroit-style pizza has taken the national food scene by storm, and Buddy’s Pizza is where it all began back in 1946. The rectangular, deep-dish pies are baked in steel pans originally used in the automotive industry, which gives the crust its signature crispy, caramelized cheese edges.
The sauce goes on top of the cheese in the Detroit style, which seems backward until you taste how perfectly it all comes together. Buddy’s has been the gold standard for this style for nearly eighty years and shows no signs of being dethroned.
The Eagle – Cincinnati, Ohio
The Eagle in Cincinnati has mastered the art of Southern fried chicken in a way that makes it feel both comforting and genuinely exciting. The birds are brined, seasoned, and fried to a crackling golden perfection that draws long lines on weekend nights.
Drizzled with local honey and served alongside fluffy biscuits, the chicken here is the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and appreciate the simple genius of doing one thing exceptionally well. The craft cocktail program is a worthy bonus.
Pizzeria Lola – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ann Kim opened Pizzeria Lola in Minneapolis in 2010 and immediately started winning awards and changing the conversation about what pizza can be. Her Korean American background influences pies like the Lady Zaza, topped with kimchi, soy-braised pork, and sesame seeds.
The wood-fired oven produces a beautifully charred crust that serves as the perfect base for these bold, unexpected flavor combinations. Pizzeria Lola is the kind of place that makes you excited about pizza all over again even if you thought you had seen everything.
The Pie Pizzeria – South Salt Lake, Utah
Hidden below street level near the University of Utah campus, The Pie Pizzeria has been a beloved student hangout and local institution since 1980. The underground location gives it a cave-like, rock-and-roll atmosphere that feels perfectly suited to its devoted, casual fanbase.
Generous toppings, a satisfying crust, and prices that do not require a second mortgage have kept this place packed for over four decades. Walking down those stairs for the first time feels like discovering a secret that half of Salt Lake already knows.
Golden Steer Steakhouse – Las Vegas, Nevada
While Las Vegas is famous for flashy celebrity chef restaurants, the Golden Steer has been quietly serving some of the best steaks in the city since 1958. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and the Rat Pack were regulars here, and their booths are still marked with plaques.
The menu is a love letter to the classic American steakhouse, featuring prime cuts, Caesar salad prepared tableside, and a warm, old-Hollywood atmosphere that no amount of neon can replicate. It feels like a time machine with really excellent beef.
Taco John’s – Cheyenne, Wyoming
Taco John’s was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1969, and it has been the defining fast-food taco chain for the Mountain West and Midwest ever since. While it may not have the coastal fame of some competitors, its loyal fans are absolutely passionate about their orders.
The signature Potato Oles, crispy seasoned potato balls that come with every combo, have their own dedicated fan club of sorts. Taco John’s even trademarked “Taco Tuesday” in many states long before it became a national phrase, which is a genuinely impressive piece of trivia.
Dick’s Drive-In – Seattle, Washington
Dick’s Drive-In has been a Seattle institution since 1954, serving simple, affordable burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes to generations of Pacific Northwesterners. Sir Mix-A-Lot even immortalized the place in one of his songs, which is a level of local fame most restaurants only dream of.
The menu is deliberately simple and the prices are remarkably low, which makes Dick’s feel like a genuine gift to the city. Late-night runs to Dick’s after concerts or sporting events have become a Seattle tradition as reliable as the rain itself.
The Brown Hotel – Louisville, Kentucky
The Hot Brown sandwich was invented at The Brown Hotel in 1926, and it remains one of the most uniquely Kentucky dishes in existence. An open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce, topped with bacon and tomato, then broiled until bubbly and golden, it is pure Southern comfort elevated to an art form.
Chef Fred Schmidt created it to feed the hotel’s late-night dancing crowd, and the recipe has barely changed since. Taking one home in a takeout box feels like carrying a little piece of Louisville history.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – New Orleans, Louisiana
Leah Chase was known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine, and her restaurant, Dooky Chase’s, was more than just a place to eat. During the Civil Rights era, it served as a meeting place for activists and leaders who gathered over bowls of gumbo to plan a better future.
The fried chicken and red beans and rice are the dishes that have made this restaurant a New Orleans treasure for over seventy years. Leah Chase cooked until she was in her nineties, and her legacy is woven into every dish still served here.
White Manna – Hackensack, New Jersey
White Manna in Hackensack is a tiny, magical diner that has been cooking slider-style burgers since 1946, and the smell of onions and beef on a flat-top griddle hits you before you even open the door. The burgers are small, which means you need at least three or four to feel satisfied.
Everything is cooked right in front of you on a well-seasoned griddle that has decades of flavor baked into it. The no-frills, counter-only setup is part of what makes White Manna feel like a genuinely irreplaceable piece of New Jersey food history.
Papa’s Tomato Pies – Robbinsville, New Jersey
Papa’s Tomato Pies claims to be the oldest continuously family-run pizzeria in the United States, with roots going back to 1912 in Trenton, New Jersey. Tomato pie is different from regular pizza in one key way: the sauce goes on top of the cheese, creating a bold, bright tomato flavor that takes center stage.
The recipe has been passed down through generations of the same family, which is a remarkable feat of culinary preservation. Trenton tomato pie is a regional specialty that deserves far more national attention than it currently receives.
OTTO Pizza – Portland, Maine
OTTO Pizza in Portland, Maine, has built a devoted following by putting unexpected ingredients on their pies and making it work brilliantly every single time. Mashed potato, bacon, and scallion pizza sounds like a dare, but it has become one of their most beloved menu items.
Portland’s thriving food scene has produced some genuinely exceptional restaurants, and OTTO stands proudly among them as a place that takes creative risks and consistently wins. The by-the-slice counter is perfect for grabbing lunch while exploring the charming Old Port neighborhood.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – Des Moines, Iowa
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines is exactly as wonderfully weird as its name suggests. Each burger on the menu is named after a famous zombie from film and pop culture, and the presentations are dramatic, playful, and absolutely Instagram-worthy.
Beyond the fun theatrics, the burgers themselves are genuinely excellent, made with quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations that hold up without the gimmick. The milkshakes are thick, decadent, and come in flavors that match the restaurant’s playfully dark personality perfectly.
Charleston’s Restaurant – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Charleston’s Restaurant has been a Tulsa institution since 1979, earning a reputation for consistent quality and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back week after week. The hickory grill is the heart of the kitchen, lending a subtle smokiness to everything from steaks to salmon.
Fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and house-made soups round out a menu that manages to feel both familiar and carefully crafted. In a city that values good food and genuine hospitality, Charleston’s has always delivered on both counts without ever feeling like it is trying too hard.
Bright Star Restaurant – Bessemer, Alabama
The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer has been open since 1907, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Alabama and a true Southern institution. Founded by Greek immigrants, it blends Southern hospitality with Greek culinary traditions in a combination that is completely unique and utterly delicious.
The Greek-style snapper, broiled with lemon and olive oil, is the signature dish that has kept diners loyal for generations. Walking through the door feels like stepping into a living piece of Alabama history where the food is always the main character.
Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii
Mama’s Fish House on Maui’s North Shore is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the entire state of Hawaii, and the setting alone would make it worth the trip. The restaurant sits right on the ocean, and the fish on your plate was likely swimming in those same waters just hours before.
The menu actually lists the name of the fisherman who caught each day’s fish, which is a beautiful touch that connects you to the island in a meaningful way. Every bite here tastes like the very best version of Hawaii.
The Griswold Inn – Essex, Connecticut
The Griswold Inn in Essex has been welcoming guests since 1776, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the United States. The taproom, which dates back to the Revolutionary War era, serves hearty New England comfort food in a setting that feels genuinely historic.
Creamy chowder, pot roast, and sausage and sauerkraut are staples of the menu that have warmed generations of Connecticut residents and travelers. Sunday Hunt Breakfast, a tradition at the inn for over 200 years, is a must-try experience for anyone visiting the Connecticut shoreline.
Olneyville New York System – Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a hot dog tradition so specific and beloved that it has its own name: the New York System wiener. At Olneyville New York System in Providence, the wieners are small, steamed, and loaded with a spiced meat sauce, mustard, raw onions, and a shake of celery salt.
The countermen line up the buns on their arm and sauce them all at once in a performance that is both efficient and deeply satisfying to watch. This place has been a Providence institution since 1946 and represents exactly the kind of hyper-local food tradition that makes American eating culture so wonderfully rich.
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