During the early months of the Covid-19 Pandemic, many restaurants and local eateries struggled to make ends meet and keep their employees safe. Everyone employed by the restaurant industry provided essential services and meals to families everywhere. Remember to tip as much as you can whenever you go out to eat or order a delivery meal, because these folks are working hard to bring you delicious, fresh food because they care!
Iconic American Restaurants day was founded in 2020 by Bob Matthews as a way to celebrate the iconic restaurants of America both past and present. It is our pleasure to highlight some of the most vital businesses of our community on this special day, and we hope you’ll check them out on your next road trip or vacation!
Iconic Restaurants Across America Highlighting Our Country’s Culinary Prowess!
Primo in Rockland, ME - Known far and wide for its upscale, top notch Italian fare and celebrating more than 20 years with 2-time James Beard Award winning chef, Chef Melissa Kelly. This restaurant prides itself on fine dining in an intimate space with local fare and farm-to-table ingredients.
Momofuku in New York City, NY - Momofuku Ko has retained 2 Michelin Stars since 2009, and been placed on numerous Best Restaurants lists! Momofuku Ko offers an 11 course tasting menu in the Japanese Kaiseki tradition featuring seasonal elements. The Momofuku Restaurant group is run by Chef David Chang, who has produced and starred in several food related series and specials.
Katz’s Deli in New York City, NY - Katz is a legend in the culinary world for its absolutely iconic pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and its plethora of Jewish Deli Classics. Featured in many television series and movies, and of course a popular tourist destination, this is a can’t-miss eatery on your next visit to Manhattan.
Mystic Pizza in Mystic, CT - Founded in 1973, and owned by John and Christos Zelepos, this small town pizza place became a household, world-famous name after the release of the movie of the same name, starring Julia Roberts. And we’re very pleased to say that it’s not just a name, the food here is of the highest quality and the pizza really cannot be beat!
Louis’ Lunch in New Haven Connecticut - A neighborhood staple since 1895, Louis’ Lunch has been service good ol’ fashioned american hamburgers to happy customers for decades. In fact, they even claim the notoriety of having invented the hamburger sandwich, served on crispy, crunchy toast!
The Union Oyster House in Boston, MA - When it first opened its doors in 1826, no one could have foreseen such longevity for the Union Oyster House, but here it still stands today! It’s both the oldest restaurant in Boston itself, as well as the oldest restaurant running continuous service in the entire country! If you’re looking for delicious fresh seafood with New England flare, this is the spot for you.
Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia, PA - When it comes to classic Philly Cheesesteaks, there’s a stiff competition between two iconic local favorites. Pat’s serves up thin sliced steak on the grill with a generous amount of Cheese Whiz and onions; Geno’s dishes out some thicker cuts and chops them on the griddle and tops them with a blend of Cheese Whiz, Provolone, and American. We’re listing them together, because it’s impossible to try one without sampling the other! It’s the only fair way to determine your personal winner.
Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami, FL- When Joe Weiss first opened his small luncheonette in 1913, Miami was hardly a destination hotspot, but since then this 100+ year old restaurant has become an iconic name in culinary arts. When you’re in town, be sure to swing by and place an order for some crab claws – you’ll get a whopping seven claws per order!
Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, LA - Beignets and Cafe Au Lait may be a southern staple but they just can’t compare to the traditional fare served at Cafe Du Monde! It’s an open air coffee shop in the French Quarter serving up mountains of fried dough doused in powdered sugar, and their signature chicory coffee.
Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, LA - The best of modern and traditional cuisine, Chef Meg Bickford is spicing things up when it comes to Cajun/Creole cuisine. In the middle of NOLA’s Garden District, this unique restaurant is dishing out some delicious meals but most popular is their Turtle Soup.
The French Laundry in Yountville, CA - This iconic French and Californian restaurant in Napa Valley is legendary in the culinary world and foodie circuit, and it’s easy to see why: it has an incredible three stars from Michelin! Surrounded by a gorgeous country garden, this two story stone-house turned restaurant serves an impressive menu featuring organic, oft locally sourced produce and proteins, and hand crafted ingredients and cocktails.
Manresa in Los Gatos, CA - Another exceptional restaurant on our list to be awarded three Michelin stars! Chef David Kinch has curated a distinct menu with unparalleled hospitality, aesthetics, and inventive cuisine that reflects the refreshing palate of California’s food scene.
The Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle, WA - Named after two characters from “Alice in Wonderland,” this restaurant in the Ballard neighbourhood of Seattle is a top notch oyster bar and seafood restaurant with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. The chefs here have married the best of both worlds with a classy seafood restaurant meets fishing pub.