The Best Roadside Restaurants In The United States

There is no universal set of characteristics that would aptly describe all roadside restaurants. Consequently, there is no firm classification that would decide which restaurant can be labeled as a roadside eatery. We can generally say that the term encompasses places located at somewhat remote locations near major or country roads.

What always separates a roadside restaurant from the rest is the casual approach. The decor is simplistic and sometimes eccentric, while the atmosphere is almost always friendly and welcoming. The food also falls somewhere along these lines. It is unpretentious, often traditional for the area where the restaurant is located, and typically incorporates all-American classics, with burgers being the usual stars of the menu.

As the U.S. covers such a vast area, there is no shortage of roadside restaurants. This list includes only the shiniest jewels, but there are many local gems dispersed throughout the country. Some of these are local institutions, while others have yet to reach that status, but they collectively help to preserve that almost forgotten Americana feel.

Eischen's is a time-honored establishment that started off in 1896 as a local pub that served the loyal clientele all the way up to Prohibition. It was reopened after the liquor ban, and despite the tumultuous history that included a fire that completely demolished the place, Eischen's is still going strong, serving drinks and food at the place where it all started.

You'll want to visit Eischen's not only because of its venerable history, but also for the classic American fare that is simple but perfectly executed. Mainly, you want to go there for the chicken, which is considered the house special. The order will get you a whole fried chicken served with bread and typical sides. The rest of the menu is not crazy-varied but includes all-American favorites, such as beef sandwiches, chili, and fried okra — essentially, anything you would crave at a classic roadside joint while journeying through Oklahoma. Beer is the natural partner with these dishes, so do not miss the chance to sip a cold brew at the oldest bar in Oklahoma.

Julia Belle's is a classic Southern restaurant where you would go to get fresh home-style cooking, all tweaked with that traditional Southern flare. Before the current location on Highway 52, Julia Belle's operated at a farmer's market just outside Florence, South Carolina. The business is still family-run, which is evident in the cooking style and the warm, family atmosphere.

Julia Belle's is a casual restaurant with an unassuming interior where all the focus is on the food and the plates that come out of the kitchen stacked high with classic Southern fare. You can opt for some typical representatives such as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, or pot roast, but the restaurant's house burger and wide variety of specialty sandwiches are also great options. The place also has daily specials worth checking out, and you should definitely not skip the desserts that are made fresh at the location.

Delgadillo's Snow Cap is nothing short of a local treasure. This colorful joint is located on the iconic Route 66, and if you happen to drive through, Delgadillo's is hard not to notice. The place is covered in posters and colorful signs inviting you to try the tested diner classics. Founded by the late Juan Delgadillo in 1953, the business is currently run by its son, who keeps his father's memory alive by following the same ethos that combines a fun atmosphere, quirky decor, and delicious food.

Many think Delgadillo's is merely a roadside attraction, but the food is not there only to keep you fed. As you would expect, the menu is simple and not overwhelming, and here you can only go for the classics. Burgers take up most of the menu, and you can choose standard options or go for the slightly more innovative versions like the chorizo burger. Hot dogs are an additional option, alongside ground beef tacos and the legendary Delgadillo's burrito. Of course, you should not skip the sweet diner essentials such as house-whipped shakes and malts. Delgadillo's is the ultimate American roadside joint. In line with its Americana character and atmosphere, the food is simple and casual but executed flawlessly and always made fresh.

Skylight Inn is a historic and much-loved bastion that pays homage to the traditional North Carolina barbecue. Besides its official name, you will sometimes see it labeled as Pete Jones' BBQ as a reference to the man who started this successful business venture in 1947. Skylight Inn has since become a landmark in the small Ayden community. The place has been featured in all reputable media outlets, won a James Beard award, and was even visited and praised by former American presidents. In the barbecue world, it's challenging to reach Skylight Inn's cult status.

Of course, you go here for the barbecue specials. Pork is king at Skylight Inn, and you do not want to leave without trying the whole hog that is skillfully roasted over charcoal at Skylight's bulky grills. The meat is seasoned and chopped with the skin on and is then ready to be enjoyed. Coleslaw and cornbread are essential if you order a platter, but you can also have those delicious pork pieces inside a bread roll.

Yak's on the 5 is a must-visit if traveling through Northern California. Settled along Interstate 5, which starts at the Mexican border and goes all the way to Vancouver, Yak's is not only one of the best roadside eateries in the U.S. but one of the best-rated restaurants in the country. The location retains a relatively simple and unassuming look, but the menu is far from what you would expect at a standard roadside eatery.

Yak's offer includes classic American items tweaked with gourmet ingredients and quirky flavor combinations. Burgers dominate the menu. They are huge and packed with specialty items, such as beer-battered or pickled jalapeños, bacon crumbles, and gorgonzola cheese, all complemented by house-made sauces. Ideally, you would have those juicy burgers with Yak's house fries and partner it with one of the local crafts from the impressive beer selection. And do not even think about leaving without trying their legendary sticky buns that come smothered in heaps of sweet, caramelized sauce. Yak's is not cheap, but with generous portions and exceptional quality, you will surely get your money's worth.

Snow's does not need much introduction. This BBQ joint has been featured in all the relevant publications, and you have probably seen it in some of those famous foodie shows that are in constant search of the best barbecue in the country. Though it would be too daring to call it the best in the U.S., Snow's is at least one of the top BBQ places in Texas. Located in the small town of Lexington, Snow's is situated along Highway 77, which starts in Sioux City, Iowa, and goes all the way to the Mexican border in the south. Snow's is not one of the ancient locations. The whole story started in 2003 with the owner Kerry Bexley and the now-legendary Tootsie Tomanetz, who acts as a designated pit master.

You can't go wrong with anything your order at Snow's. The menu is straightforward and includes reliable Texan favorites, such as brisket, pork steaks, ribs, and sausages. This place is stripped of all unnecessary garnishes and focuses on skillful preparation and masterful BBQ techniques that result in possibly the best grilled meat you'll ever taste.

Abe's Grill is a legendary Mississippi eatery. Set up inside a simple roadside shack, this no-frills establishment puts all focus on the food that comes from the kitchen. Located in Corinth, along Route 72, which ends in Memphis, Abe's has been continuously running for almost 100 years, and throughout all this time, it has survived as a family-run business.

Although the seating is limited and the furnishings have not changed much, this is not the place you go to enjoy the pleasant decor. Abe's is an unpretentious diner where you get possibly the best breakfast in the state, featuring the legendary house-made biscuits partnered with familiar breakfast items such as bacon, ham, sausages, and eggs. Apart from its beloved breakfast, Abe's offers classic burgers and sandwiches as preferred lunch options. Just like the interior, the food also relies on tradition, and you can expect to eat good, hearty meals with a homey flair that will remind you of the days gone by.

The Loveless Cafe is considered a local landmark in Nashville. Founded in 1951, this charming restaurant was set up as a family business by Lon and Annie Loveless, whose vision was to open a small roadside cafe that would cater to anyone passing on Highway 100. From these humble early beginnings, the place quickly grew into a full-fledged restaurant, and the family even expanded the business to provide accommodation.

As you would expect, Loveless Cafe is entirely dedicated to traditional Southern cuisine. Breakfast options include usual staples such as country ham, omelets, waffles, French toast, and house-made biscuits that you can tweak to your taste. The dinner menu is equally traditional, featuring classics such as fried chicken, catfish, and pulled pork. Along with Southern-style dishes, at Loveless, you will witness that much-loved Southern hospitality that will make you feel appreciated and welcomed, easily inspiring you to go back for more.