America is packed with restaurants that go way beyond just food. From haunted burger joints to medieval dinner shows, themed restaurants turn an ordinary meal into something you will never forget.
Whether you are planning a family vacation or just looking for a fun night out, these spots offer experiences that stick with you long after the last bite. Get ready to discover the most unforgettable themed restaurants across all 50 states, plus Washington D.C.
The Hound – Auburn, Alabama
Southern charm meets craft beer culture at The Hound in Auburn, Alabama. Named after the beloved hound dog, this gastropub blends laid-back Alabama vibes with seriously good food and a rotating tap list that keeps locals coming back.
The exposed brick walls and wooden accents give it a warm, lived-in feel. Auburn fans love gathering here on game days.
It is the kind of place where the food is as memorable as the atmosphere surrounding it.
49th State Brewing – Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska has a personality all its own, and 49th State Brewing captures that wild spirit beautifully. Located in Anchorage, this brewery-restaurant celebrates everything rugged and magnificent about the Last Frontier state.
Guests can enjoy craft beers named after Alaskan landmarks while feasting on hearty meals made for cold-weather appetites. The decor leans into the wilderness theme with natural wood and mountain imagery throughout.
Few restaurants make you feel as connected to their home state as this one does.
Haunted Hamburger – Jerome, Arizona
Perched on the edge of a historic ghost town, the Haunted Hamburger in Jerome, Arizona is one of the most dramatically situated restaurants in the country. Jerome itself was once a booming mining town and is now known as one of America’s most haunted cities.
The restaurant leans into the spooky reputation with eerie decor and a menu packed with oversized, delicious burgers. The views from the hillside location alone make the trip worthwhile.
Paranormal enthusiasts and burger lovers unite here.
The Dinner Detective – Little Rock, Arkansas
Imagine sitting down for dinner and suddenly becoming part of a murder mystery. That is exactly what happens at The Dinner Detective in Little Rock, Arkansas, one of the most interactive dining experiences in the South.
Actors mingle with guests throughout the meal, and anyone at the table could be the suspect. Sharp-eyed diners win prizes for solving the case.
The food is genuinely good too, making this a two-for-one experience that works perfectly for date nights or group outings.
Copper Cafe and Bakery – San Luis Obispo, California
Tucked into the charming Central Coast city of San Luis Obispo, Copper Cafe and Bakery wraps guests in warmth the moment they walk through the door. The copper-toned decor creates a cozy, artistic atmosphere that feels both stylish and welcoming.
Fresh-baked pastries and creative coffee drinks make mornings here feel like a special occasion. The cafe has become a beloved local hangout with a personality as distinctive as the city itself.
California casual never looked so polished or felt so inviting.
Casa Bonita – Lakewood, Colorado
Casa Bonita is the stuff of Colorado legend. Made famous by the TV show South Park, this massive Mexican-themed restaurant in Lakewood has been dazzling guests for decades with its indoor cliff divers, waterfall, and elaborate theatrical performances.
The food is secondary to the spectacle, and everyone knows it. Exploring the caverns, puppet shows, and hidden rooms feels more like an amusement park than a restaurant.
After a major renovation, Casa Bonita returned better than ever, cementing its status as a must-visit Colorado icon.
The Place 2 Be – New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is already famous for its pizza, but The Place 2 Be offers something completely different. This eclectic restaurant and bar has built a reputation for bold flavors, creative cocktails, and a vibe that feels equal parts art gallery and neighborhood hangout.
The colorful, maximalist decor makes every corner Instagram-worthy. The menu shifts seasonally, so there is always something new to try.
Yale students and longtime locals share tables here, creating a lively mix of energy that keeps the place buzzing every single night.
Jessop’s Tavern & Colonial Restaurant – New Castle, Delaware
Step back in time at Jessop’s Tavern in New Castle, Delaware, where colonial America comes alive through food, decor, and atmosphere. Housed in a building dating back to the 1600s, this restaurant takes its historical theme seriously and executes it beautifully.
The menu features colonial-era inspired dishes alongside hearty ales brewed in the traditional style. Staff sometimes dress in period costume, adding to the immersive experience.
History lovers will feel right at home here, and even those who skipped history class will find it fascinating.
Mai-Kai Restaurant – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Opening in 1956, the Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale is one of America’s last authentic tiki palaces, and it is absolutely spectacular. The Polynesian-themed restaurant transports guests to a South Pacific fantasy the moment they step through the doors.
Exotic cocktails served in elaborate ceramic mugs, elaborate Polynesian dance shows, and lush tropical decor make every visit feel like an escape. The Mai-Kai was recently restored to its full glory after hurricane damage.
It remains a living treasure of mid-century American dining culture.
Trader Vic’s – Atlanta, Georgia
Trader Vic’s is the original tiki bar chain, and the Atlanta location keeps the classic tradition alive with remarkable dedication. Founded by Victor Bergeron in 1934, the brand pioneered the tropical cocktail culture that swept America in the mid-20th century.
The Atlanta outpost serves legendary mai tais alongside a menu of Asian-inspired dishes in a bamboo-and-thatch decorated space. Regulars say the rum drinks alone are worth the visit.
It is a wonderfully nostalgic experience that never feels dated or tired.
Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii
Reservations at Mama’s Fish House are harder to score than tickets to a sold-out concert, and the wait is absolutely worth it. Nestled along a gorgeous stretch of Maui’s North Shore in Paia, this legendary restaurant has been serving the freshest fish in Hawaii since 1973.
The menu lists the name of the fisherman who caught each day’s catch. Lush tropical gardens surround the dining room, which opens to ocean views.
Mama’s is not just a meal; it is a full Hawaiian experience you will talk about for years.
The Snake Pit – Kingston, Idaho
Roadhouses do not get more authentically Idaho than The Snake Pit in Kingston. This no-frills, personality-packed bar and restaurant sits along the Coeur d’Alene River corridor and has been a local landmark for generations of Idahoans.
The quirky name and biker-friendly atmosphere might seem intimidating, but everyone who walks in quickly feels at home. Cold drinks, hearty food, and genuine mountain hospitality define every visit.
For travelers exploring the Silver Valley, stopping at The Snake Pit is practically a rite of passage.
Ed Debevic’s – Chicago, Illinois
At Ed Debevic’s in Chicago, rude service is part of the charm. This legendary 1950s-themed diner is famous for its sassy, wisecracking servers who might snap at you, roll their eyes, or even dance on the counter.
And guests absolutely love it.
The retro decor, classic American comfort food, and theatrical staff create an experience unlike anything else on the Chicago dining scene. Milkshakes, burgers, and onion rings taste even better when delivered with a side of attitude.
Ed Debevic’s is pure, unapologetic fun.
The Library Restaurant & Pub – Indianapolis, Indiana
Book lovers, this one is for you. The Library Restaurant and Pub in Indianapolis has transformed the concept of literary dining into something genuinely magical.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the walls, and the entire decor pays tribute to the written word.
The menu is creative and well-executed, with craft beers and cocktails carrying clever literary names. It is the kind of place where you can spend hours without realizing it.
Whether you are a bookworm or just appreciate beautiful interiors, The Library delivers a uniquely satisfying dining experience.
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – Des Moines, Iowa
Horror movie fans will feel right at home at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines. The restaurant leans hard into the zombie apocalypse theme with dark, gory-fun decor, horror film posters, and a menu full of creatively named burgers inspired by famous undead movies.
The Undead Elvis and The Walking Ched are just a couple of the outrageously stacked options. Milkshakes come in equally theatrical flavors.
What makes Zombie Burger stand out beyond the gimmick is that the food is genuinely excellent, not just a novelty.
Chicken Annie’s Original – Pittsburg, Kansas
Since 1934, Chicken Annie’s Original in Pittsburg has been serving some of the most legendary fried chicken in the entire Midwest. The story behind this restaurant is pure American grit: Annie Pichler started frying chicken to support her family during hard times and never stopped.
Today the tradition continues with the same beloved recipe that made the place famous. The no-frills setting and cash-only policy only add to the authenticity.
Fried chicken pilgrims from across Kansas and beyond make the drive to Pittsburg specifically for this experience.
The Brown Hotel – Louisville, Kentucky
The Brown Hotel in Louisville opened in 1923 and has been a Kentucky institution ever since. It is the birthplace of the Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce that has become one of Louisville’s most iconic dishes.
The grand dining room drips with old-world elegance, from the soaring ceilings to the crystal chandeliers. Visiting during Derby season is especially magical, as the hotel fills with the energy of one of America’s greatest sporting traditions.
History and hospitality blend seamlessly here.
The Court of Two Sisters – New Orleans, Louisiana
There is no dining experience quite like brunch at The Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans. Set in a breathtaking French Quarter courtyard filled with flowering wisteria and the sound of live jazz, this restaurant turns every meal into a celebration.
The jazz brunch buffet is legendary, featuring dozens of classic Creole and New Orleans dishes prepared fresh throughout the morning. The restaurant’s history stretches back to 1832.
Two Creole sisters ran a shop here in the 1800s, and their spirit of Southern hospitality lives on in every detail.
The Liberal Cup – Hallowell, Maine
Hallowell, Maine is one of those small New England towns that feels frozen in the best possible way, and The Liberal Cup fits perfectly into its character. This beloved brewpub combines house-crafted beers with a menu of hearty, locally sourced comfort food.
The exposed brick interior and cozy booths make it an ideal spot to settle in on a cold Maine evening. Political cartoons and local art decorate the walls, giving the place a distinctly witty personality.
Craft beer enthusiasts visiting Maine should put this on their must-stop list without hesitation.
The PaperMoon Diner – Baltimore, Maryland
Walking into the PaperMoon Diner in Baltimore is like stepping inside someone’s wildly creative fever dream. Every inch of the ceiling and walls is covered in vintage toys, mannequin parts, dolls, action figures, and bizarre collectibles that make your eyes dart in every direction.
The menu is classic diner fare done well, with enormous portions and all-day breakfast. It has been a Baltimore staple since 1994 and attracts an eclectic mix of artists, night owls, and curious tourists.
No two visits feel quite the same because there is always something new to spot.
The Mad Monkfish – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge has no shortage of interesting restaurants, but The Mad Monkfish occupies a unique corner of the city’s dining scene. This Asian fusion restaurant blends Japanese and pan-Asian flavors with a moody, Buddha-adorned interior that feels transportive and serene.
Creative sushi rolls sit alongside Thai-inspired dishes and Korean-influenced plates, giving the menu serious range. The cocktail list is equally adventurous.
Graduate students, professors, and locals all find their way here for a dining experience that manages to feel both laid-back and genuinely sophisticated at the same time.
Bavarian Inn Restaurant – Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth, Michigan calls itself America’s Little Bavaria, and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is the crown jewel of this charming German-themed town. The massive complex can seat thousands of guests and has been serving family-style chicken dinners since 1888.
Authentic German architecture, lederhosen-clad staff, and an enormous gift shop make the whole experience feel like a trip to Europe without leaving Michigan. The chicken dinners are legendary throughout the Midwest.
Families have been making the pilgrimage to Frankenmuth for generations, and the tradition shows no signs of slowing down.
Hell’s Kitchen – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hell’s Kitchen in Minneapolis is the kind of place that makes you feel like you have discovered a secret. Located below street level, the restaurant’s dramatic cave-like interior features dark stone walls, moody lighting, and art that is equal parts beautiful and unsettling.
The menu is just as bold as the decor, featuring creative American dishes with unexpected twists. Their lemon-ricotta pancakes have developed a cult following among Minneapolis breakfast lovers.
Hell’s Kitchen has a theatrical personality that makes every meal feel like an event rather than just another dinner out.
The Dinner Bell – McComb, Mississippi
Few dining experiences feel as genuinely Southern as a meal at The Dinner Bell in McComb, Mississippi. Guests sit at large round tables with rotating lazy Susans piled high with Southern classics like fried chicken, butter beans, cornbread, and sweet potato pie.
The concept is pure communal hospitality, the kind that makes strangers feel like family by the time the meal is done. The Dinner Bell has been operating since 1942 and has barely changed.
Some traditions deserve to stay exactly as they are, and this is definitely one of them.
Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri
The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis is one of the most haunted buildings in America, and dining here is not for the faint of heart. The stunning Victorian mansion was home to the Lemp brewing family, who suffered a series of tragic suicides that left the house with a dark and fascinating history.
Today it operates as a restaurant and inn, serving elegant meals in rooms that are said to be visited by the Lemp family spirits. Ghost tours run alongside dinner service.
History, mystery, and surprisingly good food make this an unforgettable Missouri experience.
Pekin Cafe and Lounge – Butte, Montana
Butte, Montana has a surprisingly rich history of Chinese immigration, and the Pekin Cafe and Lounge is one of the last living remnants of that story. Operating since the early 1900s, this historic restaurant has served generations of Butte residents with a menu that blends Chinese and American diner classics.
The vintage interior has barely changed in decades, giving the Pekin an authentic time-capsule quality that newer restaurants simply cannot replicate. Locals treat it like a neighborhood institution.
For history lovers and food adventurers passing through Montana, this is an essential stop.
Brother Sebastian’s – Omaha, Nebraska
Brother Sebastian’s in Omaha brings the atmosphere of a medieval monastery to the Nebraska plains in the most theatrical way possible. Dark wood, stained glass, candlelight, and monastic decor set the scene for an evening of prime steaks and old-world ambiance.
Staff wear monk-like robes, and the menu is designed to feel like a feast from another century. It sounds gimmicky, but the execution is surprisingly sincere and the steaks are genuinely excellent.
Omaha is already famous for its beef, and Brother Sebastian’s presents that tradition with maximum drama and flair.
Golden Steer Steakhouse – Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has thousands of restaurants, but only one has served Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Joe DiMaggio in the same booths still used today. The Golden Steer Steakhouse opened in 1958 and has preserved its original Rat Pack-era glamour with remarkable care.
Red leather booths, dark wood paneling, and black-and-white celebrity photos create an atmosphere of timeless Vegas cool. The steaks are aged and prepared with classic steakhouse precision.
In a city obsessed with the new and flashy, the Golden Steer’s vintage charm feels like a refreshing and delicious act of rebellion.
The Common Man – Ashland, New Hampshire
The Common Man in Ashland is as New Hampshire as fall foliage and covered bridges. This beloved restaurant chain started here and built its reputation on hearty New England comfort food served in a space packed with vintage Americana and antique charm.
Old signs, nostalgic memorabilia, and crackling fireplaces make every visit feel warmly familiar. The menu features classics like prime rib, chowder, and homestyle desserts that taste like someone’s grandmother made them.
Locals and leaf-peepers alike fill the dining room throughout the year, drawn by the unfailing consistency and genuine hospitality.
Ninety Acres – Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey
Farm-to-table dining reaches a whole new level at Ninety Acres in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey. Set on a working farm estate, this stunning restaurant sources most of its ingredients from the surrounding land, meaning the food on your plate was likely growing just hours before.
The dining room looks out over rolling green fields, and the seasonal menu changes constantly to reflect what is fresh and ready. It is the kind of place that makes you think differently about where food comes from.
New Jersey’s reputation as the Garden State has never felt more deserved.
Jinja Bar & Bistro – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jinja Bar and Bistro brings an unexpected but delightful Asian-inspired experience to the heart of Albuquerque. The restaurant blends Southeast Asian flavors with New Mexican influences, creating a fusion menu that feels both adventurous and comforting at the same time.
The warm, bamboo-accented interior provides a calm retreat from the busy streets outside. Creative cocktails complement dishes that range from Thai curry to inventive sushi rolls.
Albuquerque is known for its green chile, but Jinja proves the city has a much broader and more exciting culinary appetite than many visitors expect.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner – New York, New York
Broadway meets the 1950s at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square, where your server might burst into a show-stopping musical number between taking your order and bringing your milkshake. The singing waitstaff are aspiring Broadway performers, and the talent level is genuinely impressive.
The retro diner decor, classic American menu, and theatrical performances make this one of the most entertaining meals in New York City. Tourists love it, but even jaded New Yorkers admit the energy is infectious.
There is truly nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.
The Fearrington House Restaurant – Pittsboro, North Carolina
Elegance and Southern grace come together beautifully at The Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro. Set within a meticulously designed country village, this AAA Five Diamond restaurant offers one of the finest dining experiences in the entire Southeast.
The seasonal tasting menus highlight the best of North Carolina’s local farms and producers. White tablecloths, garden views, and impeccable service create an atmosphere that feels special without ever feeling stuffy.
The Fearrington House proves that world-class dining does not require a big-city address, just passion, skill, and a gorgeous setting.
Pitchfork Steak Fondue – Medora, North Dakota
Only in North Dakota could you find a dinner experience quite like Pitchfork Steak Fondue in Medora. Cowboys literally cook your steak on a pitchfork by plunging it into a cauldron of boiling oil, right in front of you, against the backdrop of the stunning Badlands.
The outdoor setting, live Western entertainment, and the sheer spectacle of the cooking method make this one of the most unique dining experiences in America. Guests sit under the open sky and enjoy their perfectly cooked steaks as the sun sets over the rugged North Dakota landscape.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant – Columbus, Ohio
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus has been a cornerstone of Columbus’s German Village neighborhood since 1886, serving authentic German sausages, schnitzels, and sides that would make any Bavarian grandmother proud. The restaurant started as a meat packing business and evolved into one of Ohio’s most beloved dining destinations.
The famous Bahama Mama sausage and massive cream puffs are must-orders for every visitor. The festive German decor and lively atmosphere make it feel like Oktoberfest year-round.
Columbus has a deep German heritage, and Schmidt’s is the most delicious way to experience it.
The Pump Bar – Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Pump Bar in Tulsa is exactly the kind of neighborhood bar that makes a city feel alive. With a quirky, gas station-inspired theme and an eclectic mix of vintage decor, this beloved watering hole has carved out a unique identity in Tulsa’s midtown scene.
Craft beers, creative cocktails, and a rotating cast of local musicians keep the energy high on any given night. The outdoor patio is especially popular during Oklahoma’s warm months.
It is unpretentious, fun, and thoroughly Tulsa, which is exactly what makes it worth seeking out.
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House – Portland, Oregon
Portland is famous for its weird and wonderful culture, and Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is one of the city’s strangest and most beloved institutions. Housed in a Victorian home and named after the Russian composer, this dessert cafe has been serving exceptional coffee and decadent sweets since 1980.
Themed rooms, mismatched antique furniture, and live classical music played in the background create an atmosphere found nowhere else. Some tables have mechanical quirks that startle unsuspecting guests.
No signs mark the entrance, making finding it feel like a small adventure that is absolutely worth the effort.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
McGillin’s Olde Ale House holds the distinction of being Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern, open since 1860. That is not a marketing claim; it is a genuinely staggering piece of American history that you can drink a beer inside of.
The walls are covered in layers of Philadelphia memorabilia, old photos, and decades of collected history. The atmosphere is loud, friendly, and unapologetically old-school.
Cold drafts and pub food keep the crowds happy, but what keeps people coming back is the irreplaceable feeling of drinking somewhere that has seen so much American life unfold.
White Horse Tavern – Newport, Rhode Island
The White Horse Tavern in Newport claims to be the oldest tavern in America, operating continuously since 1673. That makes every meal here a brush with colonial history that no museum exhibit can quite replicate.
The building itself is a beautifully preserved example of 17th-century New England architecture.
The menu features refined New England cuisine served in candlelit rooms with low beamed ceilings and wide-plank floors. Rhode Island’s history feels very present and very real within these walls.
Visiting Newport without stopping here would mean missing one of America’s most genuinely historic dining experiences.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Knights on horseback, jousting tournaments, and a four-course feast eaten entirely without utensils: Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach is one of the most over-the-top dining experiences in America, and it is spectacular fun. The massive castle-shaped building alone is worth a double take from the road.
Guests are assigned to cheer for a specific knight as they watch the tournament unfold in the arena below. The food is surprisingly hearty and satisfying.
Whether you are bringing kids or a group of adults who refuse to grow up, Medieval Times delivers pure entertainment with every meal.
Skogen Kitchen – Custer, South Dakota
Tucked into the Black Hills of South Dakota near Custer State Park, Skogen Kitchen brings an unexpected Scandinavian sensibility to the heart of the American West. The name means forest in Swedish, and the restaurant embraces that connection to nature in every aspect of its design and menu.
Local ingredients are transformed through Nordic-inspired techniques into dishes that feel both adventurous and deeply rooted in the land. The intimate dining room has a hushed, reverent quality that makes the food feel like the main event.
Black Hills visitors who discover Skogen Kitchen rarely keep it a secret for long.
The Catbird Seat – Nashville, Tennessee
Getting a reservation at The Catbird Seat in Nashville is a competitive sport, but the payoff is one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in the American South. The intimate restaurant seats just a few dozen guests around an open kitchen counter where chefs prepare an inventive tasting menu right before your eyes.
Every dish is a conversation between the chef and the guest, with the theatrical presentation adding to the excitement. Nashville is known for hot chicken and honky-tonks, but The Catbird Seat proves the city has serious fine dining ambitions that deserve equal recognition.
Magic Time Machine – San Antonio, Texas
At Magic Time Machine in San Antonio, your server might show up dressed as a superhero, a fairy tale character, or a historical figure, and that is just the beginning of the fun. This legendary themed restaurant has been delighting guests since 1973 with its anything-goes atmosphere and enormous salad bar served in a wheelbarrow.
The decor is a joyful collision of every era and fantasy imaginable. Kids go absolutely wild, but adults who let themselves enjoy the silliness have just as much fun.
San Antonio has many great restaurants, but none quite as entertainingly chaotic as this one.
The Vermont Country Deli – Brattleboro, Vermont
Brattleboro is one of Vermont’s most creative and community-minded towns, and The Vermont Country Deli reflects that spirit perfectly. This beloved local institution celebrates all things Vermont, from locally sourced cheeses and meats to shelves stocked with products made by neighboring farms and artisans.
The sandwiches are generous, freshly made, and deeply satisfying in that straightforward Vermont way. The cozy interior feels like a general store and deli rolled into one.
Travelers passing through the Connecticut River Valley consistently name this as one of the most authentically Vermont stops they make on any New England road trip.
The Inn at Little Washington – Washington, Virginia
Chef Patrick O’Connell has turned a tiny Virginia town into a culinary destination that draws diners from around the world. The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia, holds multiple Michelin stars and is widely considered one of the greatest restaurants in the United States.
The theatrical dining room feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with elaborate floral arrangements, rich fabrics, and lighting so perfect it makes everyone look their best. The tasting menus change with the seasons and showcase Virginia’s finest local ingredients.
A meal here is not just dinner; it is a full-scale performance of culinary artistry.
Can Can Seattle – Seattle, Washington
Beneath Pike Place Market, Can Can Seattle creates an underground world of Parisian cabaret glamour that feels completely removed from the Pacific Northwest rain above. Red velvet, dramatic lighting, and live burlesque performances set the scene for a night that blurs the line between dinner and theater.
The cocktail program is exceptional, and the food matches the ambition of the overall experience. Seattle has a thriving arts scene, and Can Can sits at its most indulgent intersection.
First-time visitors are often stunned that such an elaborate and intoxicating venue exists beneath the city’s most famous market.
The Hutte Restaurant – Helvetia, West Virginia
Helvetia, West Virginia is one of the most improbable places in America, a tiny Swiss-themed village founded by Swiss immigrants in the 1860s, hidden deep in the Appalachian Mountains. The Hutte Restaurant sits at the heart of this unique community and serves traditional Swiss and German food made from scratch.
Rosti, sauerbraten, and homemade desserts fill the menu. The restaurant is only open a few days a week, which makes the pilgrimage feel even more rewarding.
Helvetia itself is so charming and so unexpected that the drive through the mountains feels like part of the experience.
SafeHouse – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Finding SafeHouse in Milwaukee requires a secret password, and that is just the first of many surprises this legendary spy-themed restaurant has in store. Operating since 1966, SafeHouse is built around a Cold War espionage fantasy that has delighted generations of Milwaukee diners and out-of-town visitors.
Hidden doors, surveillance monitors, secret passages, and staff who play along with the spy theme create an experience that never gets old. The menu features cleverly named drinks and solid American food.
SafeHouse proves that a great theme, executed with total commitment and a sense of humor, can sustain a restaurant for decades.
Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse – Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone, and the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse is the most iconic place to fuel up before or after those adventures. Connected to the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, the steakhouse serves prime Wyoming beef in a setting dripping with authentic Western character.
Saddle bar stools, taxidermy, and cowboy memorabilia fill every corner. The steaks are aged, hand-cut, and cooked with the kind of care that justifies the price tag.
Few restaurant experiences feel as perfectly matched to their location as dining here under Wyoming’s big sky.