One of the greatest adventures many people opt to go on is the road trip. There is no better way to experience all the beauty of a country than driving through it – miles of open road, discovering beautiful and interesting cities and towns off the beaten path, and visiting sights you've only heard about. Whether you opt for historic routes, like Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, or the California Trail, or choose to go along I-10, Interstate 80, or US 50, there are bound to be must-visit roadside restaurants along the way.
Hitting the open road allows you the flexibility to discover new locations you may not have realized were out there. The best way to soak in the local vibe, and get a feel for the culture, is by visiting its eateries. There are plenty of selections too, without needing to drive too far off course, by opting for a roadside restaurant. A quick hop-on, hop-off place that allows you to enjoy a delicious meal, and be back on the road in no time.
Roadside restaurants feature heavily throughout the U.S. and are a part of American culture. They feature in iconic films like "American Graffiti" and "Thelma and Louise," and road movies are themselves a major film genre. And with good reason. People love the idea of road-tripping. According to The Vacationer, 75% of Americans intended to go on a road trip this past summer. That means a large portion of people will have road adventures where they can discover restaurants, basic truck stop cafés, or classic diners. (Here is the best diner in every state)
24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of the must-visit roadside restaurants in the U.S. Spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast and even way off the coast, like Hawaii, many of the places on our list are known for classic American fares, like barbecue, burgers, and pizza. Some are famous for local specialties, like lobster and chowder fries.
