The Best Cafeterias In Every State

"Where Friendly Gets Downright Fresh" is the slogan of Ted's Restaurant, a farm-to-table cafeteria that's been around since 1973. Ted's does a great job of modernizing while still maintaining the classic cafeteria concept it became known for. Diners line up in front of the steam table to select their "meat and three," a fresh protein and seasonal veggie combo that the farm-to-table ideology is based on. Brunch is all about chicken and waffles, omelets, and more while the lunch line is a scrumptious display of Greek-inspired chicken and specials like country-fried steak.

A delightful meal awaits the visitors of the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). Experience Café Allegro, MIM's charming and sophisticated cafeteria with a range of culinary depth and nice selection of vegetarian options. The menu changes regularly — on one occasion you could be treated to Moroccan meatballs, the next, Canadian poutine. There is also a daily soup special, with yummy picks like cauliflower bisque and carrot ginger. Café Allegro prides itself on using fresh, often local ingredients in all of its global dishes whether it be a sandwich or a decadent slice of cheesecake.

"The best sandwich in LA" has been tantalizing tastebuds since 1908. It's said that the original owner, Phillipe Mathieu, invented the legendary French dip sandwich by mistake when he dropped a French roll into a pan of jus. The happy accident occurred in 1918 and made Philippe the Original the most famous cafeteria in Los Angeles. Breakfast is served daily, as is a homemade soup special. Meat carvers at the long counter serve tasty meals whether it be a French dip with leg of lamb or a Caesar salad and wine.

Downtown Hartford is full of high rises (they don't call it the Insurance capital of the world for nothing), but within the fifth floor of the One State Street building is One State Street Cafe, a great spot for cafeteria food. This little gem is open to the public despite being the employee cafeteria for Hartford Steam Boiler Company. Enjoy a rotating menu of house-made global favorites like muu bing, Salvadorian chicken, or Polish pąckzi. Just don't let the name fool you. One State Street Cafe's entrance is at 400 Columbus Boulevard.

Unassuming but wholly authentic, Cafe Pinar serves Cuban food at a steam table where portions are generous, and prices are fair. Awesome breakfast and lunch choices like pollo asado, huevos rancheros, and of course, the Cuban sandwich are featured, plus several rice and bean varieties. Cuban food is deeply woven into Florida's food culture, and eating it at Cafe Pinar in Orlando is a good way to enjoy a freshly cooked cafeteria meal. Oh, and they assure on Facebook that they make "the best Cuban coffee in town."

Ethel's Grill, the famed Japanese-by-way-of-Hawaii diner visited by Anthony Bourdain in 2015 became takeout-only amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and outdoor seating remains the only option. Customers line up to purchase freshly packaged meals that are as unique as they are exceptional. Ethel's Grill was a Semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award in 2022, which shows that excellent food outshines trendy ambiance every time. With specials upon specials, there's culinary excitement happening daily at Ethel's Grill. Japanese curry, fried ahi belly, tripe stew, and much more are a to-go tray away.

This Chicago cafeteria has been feeding locals, students, and tourists for over a century. Opened in 1921 by William Valois, the focus here has always been satisfying meals sold at low prices with swift and consistent service. The cafeteria style of Valois has helped it to abide by the slogan "See Your Food" for generations. Diners line up at the counter, trays in hand, ready to enjoy classic breakfast plates like sausage links, eggs, and potatoes or lunch staples such as the hamburger steak with onions.

Canteen Lunch in the Alley was the inspiration behind the Lanford Lunch Box restaurant from the television sitcom "Roseanne." It's even more famous for the deep rectangular steamer postured behind the horseshoe counter that holds pounds of soft, crumbled beef used to make the Canteen's signature loose-meat sandwich — called a Canteen — which is basically a not-so-sloppy Sloppy Joe. Canteen Lunch in the Alley has been around for over 95 years; back then, Canteen sandwiches cost a dime. Don't forget to try the homemade pie.

Residents of Lexington are likely aware of Michler's Florist and Greenhouses, an institution of the city since 1901. There's also a cool cafe that is similar to a cafeteria, behind the counter, on Michler's grounds called Kentucky Native Café. Lovers of nature can feast on food and drink made with care in the designated "urban oasis," that churns out an ever-changing lineup of beers (some house-brewed!), wines, and a seasonal rotation of dishes. Mainstays of Kentucky Native Café are Bavarian pretzels, local gelato, and gorgeous surroundings.

When you enter Dutch's cafeteria, you won't feel like you've wandered into a blast from the past with worn stools and fading wallpaper. Dutch's is bright and energetic, doesn't shy away from social media, and embraces fusion and fun with menu highlights like carrot cake and pineapple upside-down donuts as well as the spanakopita croissant. Homemade biscuits and English muffins are just the start of a strong menu at this cafeteria-style restaurant that boasts easygoing counter service in foodie-centric Portland.

Made from scratch soups, scrumptious breakfasts, fresh salads, and a slew of traditional Greek foods are ready for the taking at Brothers Restaurant & Deli in Peabody. Home-cooked Greek and American specialties are accounted for at this New England cafeteria-style restaurant where diners can choose from daily-made muffins or killer sandwiches like chicken souvlaki or a B.L.T. club. Fresh New England seafood has its own section on the menu and entrees like moussaka and spinach pie are packed with Greece's native flavors.

Cafe Latte in Saint Paul, Minnesota is yet another example of cafeteria dining with high-quality ingredients. This awesome cafeteria has 12 sandwich choices — including customizable options — pizzas made to order, and several soups and salads. You must save room for dessert at Cafe Latte. The beautiful sweets are baked daily, and the general consensus is that they are to die for. Enjoy a quick bite in this friendly and attractive atmosphere. Noteworthy elements include high ceilings and community-focused service with an emphasis on sustainable dining.

At PeachTree Cafeteria, seafood and hand-carved steak join a strong roster of cafeteria staples like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, scalloped potatoes, and the holy grail of Southern-style comfort food, fried chicken. With two locations in Kansas City, Missouri, PeachTree Cafeteria adheres its focus to customer satisfaction, offering specialized menus in each location with distinctive entree options like pork neck bones and smothered chops to accompany the daily sides and desserts. Don't miss out on the peach cobbler or sweet potato pie.

Omaha's Aksarben Village advertises on its website that there's "always something fun" to be had, and Inner Rail Food Hall is part of the amusement. The former horse racing track is now home to a group of top-tier vendors whose culinary prospects provide some of the chicest cafeteria eats you'll find in the States. Inner Rail Food Hall brings international goodness to the table. Yes, there are burgers, pizza, and salads, but sushi, Indian food, and a lobster roll stand have also set up counter-style service in this vast space.

Salem, New Hampshire's Rice and Beans 603 (that's the area code) began as a cafeteria serving Dominican cooking, but in recent times, the Caribbean eatery has branched out to include Puerto Rican classics as well, like mofongo, which is a must. New owner Tony Elias, a veteran of the food truck scene, knows a thing or two about Puerto Rican street food. Elias brings his flair to Rice and Beans 603, a place that has maintained a faithful following thanks to its flavorful cafeteria-style Latin cuisine.

La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe is a well-regarded, cafeteria-type of chain where visitors can order all kinds of French-influenced food. There are pastries, cakes, sandwiches (try the croque monsieur — not to be confused with a croque madame), and of course, crepes. All-day breakfast is a crowd-pleaser, as is the respectable list of espresso drinks. One visit to La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe will have you living la vie en rose right in the heart of the American Southwest.

Since 1937 K&W has been bringing sought-after cafeteria fare to hungry patrons in North Carolina. K&W definitely brings the vintage vibes (baked spaghetti and beef liver are served here), but there's no doubt it has modernized. Those who aren't keen on waiting in a lunch line can place an online order and pick it up. K&W can also cater your next event. Ten locations can be found in North Carolina; there is one in Roanoke, Virginia as well.

Ohio's Mehlman Cafeteria brings a taste of wholesome country fare to the small city of St. Clairsville where it has reached near-landmark status. The patterned wallpaper in the accent-lit dining room gives it an old-school look, and the low prices of the cafeteria items also harken back to an earlier time. Mehlman Cafeteria makes no bones about serving classics (cole slaw and tapioca pudding are present) on the steam table line. Diners seeking comfort food will enjoy the fried chicken and sides.

In 2008, the century-old Delaware Grocery & Ice House in Bend, Oregon was revamped into Jackson's Corner, a market with a cafeteria that also cooks up brunch and dinner seven days a week. Jackson's Corner bakes a variety of housemade bread — all made with organic flour. The most popular items are the artisan pizzas that utilize local ingredients. Jackson's Corner works with several local farms to bring to life a cafeteria that strives to bring an array of in-season ingredients to its counter while supporting the community.

If you're looking for a straightforward, cafeteria-esque eatery in Rhode Island, check out Livi's Pockets located within Providence's Westminster Arcade Shopping Galleria. Humble yet impactful, Livi's has exacted the science behind serving consistent, flavorful gyros and wraps to its many admirers. The Middle Eastern restaurant has built a solid reputation for its hospitable service, pillowy falafel, and made-to-order wraps. Faithful customers of Livi's Pockets rave about the consistency, variety, and affordability of its well-rounded menu items.

It's breakfast only at Feel Good Cafe, located inside the Bavarian Inn! South Dakota's Black Hills is a place of monumental beauty (no really, Mount Rushmore is there), and enjoying a bite to eat at Feel Good Cafe is a pleasant addition to your visit. You can choose from delectable oatmeal bowls, rows of breakfast sandwiches, slices of gluten-free quiche, and a proper espresso menu. Be sure to grab a mini kuchen — South Dakota's official dessert — on the way out.

A big, space brimming with history is Cleburne Cafeteria's claim to fame. Cleburne Cafeteria was established in 1941 and was later run by a Greek immigrant (and the cafeteria's resident artist) named Nick Mickelis and his wife Pat. The couple used to live above the cafeteria and treated employees and patrons like family. Over 85 years later, Cleburne Cafeteria is visited by regulars who come for the country-style entrees and hand-selected seafood that's filleted in-house. Despite twice being destroyed by fires, Cleburne's remains a family-oriented cafeteria and a cherished part of Houston's history.

The Burlington area of northern Vermont has a prominent street food scene, but Pioneer Lakeshore Café in Colchester, a former food truck that transformed into a cafeteria, is making a name for itself. Mega-sized sandwiches stuffed with local ingredients, hand-cut french fries (with varieties like truffle and gravy), and the alpaca burger are just a few things to look forward to at Pioneer Lakeshore Café. Line up at the counter to get your food, and there's also beer, wine, cider, and housemade lemonade.

You could throw a rock and hit a trendy cafe in Seattle, but cafeteria-inspired grub isn't the easiest to come by. Still, if you're looking for a fast-paced, hot-off-the-counter institution in Washington state, stop for a meal at Uwajimaya Village Food Court, located inside the Uwajimaya grocery store. This place is a treasure trove of unique food stalls serving some seriously delicious Asian delicacies like Japanese takoyaki. Korean BBQ, soba noodles, and baked goods are steps away from each other in a cafeteria-style experience.

The Tamarack Marketplace is a cafeteria-style establishment where art, wellness, and social happenings thrive. If you visit, have lunch at the cafeteria where sandwich specials are in abundant supply. You could enjoy regional classics like the hot Kentucky brown, fried green tomato, or a fusion-inspired twist on an old-school favorite like the catfish Rueben. Chicken pot pie, meatloaf with gravy, and a West Virginia rainbow trout are among the lunch and dinner options. Brunch enthusiasts should not snooze on Tamarack where all-day brunch is a Sunday ritual.

In Wyoming, it makes sense to have a food assembly line with jaw-dropping mountain views. Pitchfork Fondue does this perfectly. The best cafeterias serve authentic, heartfelt food, and when you attend a Pitchfork Fondue cookout, you'll feel the love in every bite. Pitchfork Fondue is an open-air cafeteria that kicks it cowboy style. To get the full effect, you'll need to get in touch with your carnivore side — hunks of wood-fired sirloin steak served on pitchfork tines are arguably the main event, but you can also sample chicken, trout, and vegetable skewers.