If you want a sideshow with your supper, or a little bit of quirky décor with your dessert, we’ve scoped out the spots you should keep on your radar—like diners that are housed inside old train carriages, to that one restaurant where you can watch sharks gliding around.
Massachusetts: Gibbet Hill Grill, Groton
At Gibbet Hill Grill, the menu revolves around what’s seasonally available from the on-site farm, which spans about 500 acres or so. Guests can relax with the gorgeous countryside views from a sophisticated yet still cozy restaurant, while also noshing on appetizers like crab dip, crispy Brussels sprouts, and yellowfin tuna, then moving on to steak and a choice of two farm sides. There’s more too, since the menu includes free-range chicken, a classic pot pie, and rack of lamb.
Georgia: The Varsity, Atlanta
Varsity is this iconic Atlanta place, and yeah, it has a few different spots all around town. The downtown location is the biggest drive-in restaurant in the entire world. It’s been running since 1928 and somehow that classic American diner vibe is still brought back by it that people really love. You can go with the usual fast-food line up, like hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken, milkshakes, and even fried fruit pies.
Lowa: Zombie Burger, Des Moines
Swing by this spot for really tasty burgers, in a kind of “post-apocalyptic chic” vibe, you know, like something gritty but still stylish. The burger names follow their funny theme, and the top picks are the Planet Terror, which comes with barbecue sauce, bacon, Cheddar, caramelized onions, and ranch dressing. Another crowd favorite is the Undead Elvis, which features peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, American cheese, mayo, and an optional fried egg. Honestly, the flavor is not scary at all; it’s more like comforting. Regulars also mention the quality ingredients, the cool atmosphere, and the delicious shakes, like… a lot.
Oregon: Voodoo Doughnut, Portland
Voodoo Doughnut has turned into a Portland institution, sort of, and yeah it’s kind of a real hipster hangout. Over here the donuts show up in such a bunch of unusual flavors, you really won’t know which one to grab first. Like, favorites are the Voodoo Doll, which is a jelly-filled donut with chocolate frosting—pretty straightforward but also a little weird, in a good way. Then there’s the School Daze PB and J, a vegan peanut butter and jelly donut that’s dipped in nuts, so it has this crunchy little vibe. And don’t forget the Memphis Mafia, it’s fried dough with banana chunks, cinnamon, and a whole swarm of yummy toppings. The spot also moves its own merch, donut T-shirts hats mugs and keyrings, so you can take the whole experience home.
Louisiana: Commander's Palace, New Orleans
This sort of famous restaurant has been a New Orleans landmark since way back in 1893. It sits inside this elegant, almost Disney-esque mansion with a really eye catching blue-and-white vibe and award-winning Creole cuisine has made the Commander's Palace known. Nowadays, chef Meg Bickford kind of blends modern New Orleans cooking together with those more traditional Creole dishes and everything is made using farm-raised products from Louisiana. The gumbo here is, honestly, a must try.
Alabama: Rattlesnake Saloon, Tuscumbia
Underneath this huge hanging rock in Alabama, you’ll find the Rattlesnake Saloon, sort of an outdoor dining spot with live music and all. And, well, true to its name you can almost picture a whole family of rattlesnakes making themselves at home around there, like, calmly. The menu leans hard into a Wild West vibe, with stuff like Loaded Hay Stacks, which are fries with cheese and bacon piled on, Bronco Bits, breaded and fried pickles, and then The Buckaroo, smoked ham, turkey, bacon and salad tucked into a roll.
Alaska: The Hangar on the Wharf, Juneau
Housed in an old aircraft hangar, The Hangar on the Wharf has stunning views over Juneau's harbor and the Gastineau Channel. Here, you can enjoy a meal while watching seaplanes land outside and cruise ships sail by, surrounded by aviation memorabilia. Diners praise the seafood, atmosphere, and good service. Menu highlights include the tempura halibut and fries, Baja tacos, and citrus salmon.
Hawaii: Mama's Fish House, Maui
Family-run Mama's Fish House sits in an airy former plantation house in a coconut grove on a secluded sandy beach. Founded in 1973, the restaurant features rooms filled with stunning flower arrangements, while original oil paintings and Polynesian artefacts adorn the walls. Diners love the magical atmosphere, with menu highlights including macadamia nut crab cakes and kanpachi fish with lobster and crab.
