25 Essential American Institutions
From destination tasting rooms to enduring regional institutions, this is the editorial shortlist shaping how America eats now.
Shaggy's Biloxi Beach
Biloxi, Mississippi
Lively, kid-friendly beachfront spot serves seafood & drinks in funky digs with gulf views & patio.
Hyman's Seafood
Charleston, South Carolina
Vast seafood spot & deli spread over most of a city block in buildings that date back to the 1890s.
India Express Denver
Denver, Colorado
Indian eatery serving a variety of classic dishes in a casual setup with a lunch buffet & full bar.
Estância Brazilian Steakhouse - Austin
Austin, Texas
Fixed-priced menus for abundant meat, side dishes & salad bar, plus a large wine selection.
Damores Pizza MALIBU
Malibu, California
Low-key local Italian chain serving Neapolitan pizzas & subs, plus pasta & classic entrees.
CVI.CHE 105
South Miami, Florida
Bright, airy, industrial venue featuring ceviche & traditional Peruvian fare, plus cocktails & wine.
JOEY Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, California
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
North Beach Gyros
San Francisco, California
Middle Eastern fare, from gyros to seafood plates, in a bright cafe with murals of village life.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Oldsmar, Florida
Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
San Jose, California
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Q39 - Midtown
Kansas City, Missouri
Hip, airy joint with beamed ceilings & exposed brick serving smoked BBQ & wood-fired meats.
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Doral, Florida
Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.
Flounder's Chowder House
Gulf Breeze, Florida
Chowder house with real confessional booths & stained-glass windows plus views over the sound.
Earls Kitchen + Bar - Waikiki
Honolulu, Hawaii
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Shaggy's Gulfport Beach
Gulfport, Mississippi
Crab cakes, fish tacos & po'boys, plus a cocktail list, in a casual eatery that has water views.
JOEY U-Village
Seattle, Washington
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
Pisco Y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Sweetwater, Florida
Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.
Sizzler
Ontario, California
Longtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.
JOEY Uptown
Houston, Texas
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria
San Diego, California
Simple spot with colorful seating serving dishes such as tacos, quesadillas & birria, a spicy stew.
Sizzler
San Diego, California
Longtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.
El Toro Loco Steakhouse Little Havana
Miami, Florida
Identifies as Latino-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Somerville, Massachusetts
Sleek, upscale chain serving gourmet burgers, global comfort food, cocktails, wines & beers.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Bellevue, Washington
Sleek, upscale chain serving gourmet burgers, global comfort food, cocktails, wines & beers.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Troy, Michigan
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.