United States of America Food and Drink
Food in the United States is incredibly varied, reflecting the country's multicultural roots, regional traditions, and a fondness for innovation. You'll find just about every cuisine imaginable, from sushi and Ethiopian stews to Tex-Mex burritos and Kansas City barbecue. While portion sizes tend to be generous, quality and style vary widely—from Michelin-starred fine dining to food trucks and roadside diners with cult followings.
Fast food is a hallmark of American culture, and you'll never be far from a drive-thru offering burgers, tacos, fried chicken, or pizza. Chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, and Wendy's are ubiquitous, but there's also a growing fast-casual scene with places like Chipotle, Sweetgreen, and Shake Shack offering fresher or healthier fare. For a more nostalgic experience, head to a diner—often open 24 hours and known for all-day breakfasts, bottomless filter coffee, and slices of pie straight out of a 1950s movie.
Restaurants in the U.S. are just as diverse as its population. You'll find authentic international cuisine in every major city—Chinese in San Francisco, Ethiopian in Washington D.C., Vietnamese in Houston, or Italian in New York. Food trucks have also carved out a loyal following, particularly in cities like Portland, Austin, and Los Angeles, where they serve everything from Korean bulgogi to gourmet grilled cheese.
Vegetarians and vegans are increasingly well-catered for, especially in urban and progressive areas. Most restaurants now offer at least one plant-based dish, and fully vegan establishments are common in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. That said, in more traditional or rural areas, menus can be meat-heavy, so it's wise to check in advance or communicate dietary needs clearly.
Specialities
Buffalo Wings: Deep-fried chicken wings coated in a tangy, spicy sauce, typically served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. Originated in Buffalo, New York.
New England Clam Chowder: A creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon. Traditionally served with oyster crackers in the northeastern states.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza: A thick, pie-like pizza with a buttery crust, layers of cheese, tomato sauce, and various toppings. Best enjoyed with a knife and fork.
Barbecue (various styles): Slow-cooked, smoked meat, most famously pork or beef seasoned with regional sauces. Styles vary by state, from tangy vinegar-based sauces in North Carolina to sweet, smoky versions in Kansas City.
Mac and Cheese: Elbow macaroni baked in a rich, cheesy sauce. A comfort food staple found in homes and restaurants across the country.
Lobster Roll: A buttered or toasted bun filled with chilled lobster meat, often lightly dressed in mayonnaise or melted butter. A coastal favourite in New England.
Jambalaya: A spicy rice dish from Louisiana, typically made with sausage, chicken, shrimp, and Creole or Cajun seasoning. Hearty and full of flavour.
Biscuits and Gravy: Fluffy Southern-style biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. A beloved breakfast dish in the American South.
Pastrami on Rye: A deli classic from New York City. Thick slices of pastrami served on rye bread, often with mustard and a pickle on the side.
Pumpkin Pie: A sweet spiced pie made with pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Traditionally served during autumn and at Thanksgiving.
Things to know
The term pub isn't commonly used in the U.S., and what Brits would call a pub is simply a bar in the U.S. Bars may serve food, host live music, or specialise in craft beers and cocktails. Sports bars, dive bars, and brewpubs are popular variations.
Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, but penalties can be severe even below this level. Many cities have ride-hailing options like Uber or Lyft, which are safer and often more convenient after a night out.
Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in the U.S., especially in food and drink settings. In restaurants, tipping 15–20% of the total bill is customary. Bartenders are usually tipped $1–2 per drink. Some establishments include gratuity for larger groups—always check the bill.
Drinking age
The legal drinking age across the United States is 21, and ID is required without exception, even if you look well over age.
Regional drinks
Mint Julep (Kentucky): A bourbon-based cocktail with mint and sugar, famously associated with the Kentucky Derby and Southern hospitality.
Sweet Tea (Southern U.S.): Strongly brewed black tea, heavily sweetened and served ice-cold—practically a cultural institution in the American South.
Old Fashioned (Wisconsin-style): A local twist on the classic cocktail, often made with brandy instead of whiskey and garnished with cherries and oranges.
Sazerac (New Orleans): Considered one of America's oldest cocktails, this potent mix of rye whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar is a New Orleans classic.
Craft Beer (Pacific Northwest): States like Oregon, Washington, and Colorado are known for their vibrant craft brewing scenes—expect hoppy IPAs, porters, and seasonal brews.
Hawaiian POG Juice: A tropical blend of passionfruit, orange, and guava juice—found throughout Hawaii and often served at breakfast.
Maple Liqueur (Northeast): A sweet spirit made with maple syrup, popular in New England and parts of the upper Midwest.
Michelada (Southwest): A spicy beer cocktail with lime juice, hot sauce, and tomato juice, often enjoyed in the Southwest and Mexican-influenced regions.
