Five most surprising food cities across the United States

Some of the best food in the United States is in the cities you least expect
Views Of The Western Cape
Views Of The Western Cape / David Silverman/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

When it comes to food, the United States can absolutely blow your mind. Yes, portion sizes can catch a lot of travelers off guard, particularly if you're coming from many parts of Europe where moderation is key. But the quality is there in the US, too, when you know where to look.

There are several cities like New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Seattle that are known for their vast and diverse food scenes. They aren't the only communities where food is king by far. For foodies on the road, consider adding these destinations to your bucket list.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Established in 1794 by the United States Army, Fort Wayne was built after the end of the Revolutinary War. It's gone through a few evolutions and changes throughout it's long history. At one time, it was a wealthy manufacturing town. Now, it's home to a booming food scene.

People are flocking to the region thanks to a low cost of living combined with a high quality of life. That has led to huge leaps in Fort Wayne's food scene. The Downtown Core boasts multiple celebrated options, though there are fantastic restaurants and bars throughout the city.

Spokane, Washington

USA, Washington State, Spokane, Franks Diner, Converted Old...
USA, Washington State, Spokane, Franks Diner, Converted Old... / Wolfgang Kaehler/GettyImages

To be fair, Spokane isn't one of those places people normally plan trips to. And those people are wrong. Located in eastern Washington on the Spokane River, it's an outdoor paradise. Plus, it has a huge basketball culture thanks to the world's largest 3X3 tournament, Spokane Hoopfest.

Local ingredients and dishes are the stars of the food scene in Spokane. The farm-to-table movement is very real and is ingrained deep in the culture here, long before it became en vogue in other parts of the country. This is the place to get a good taste of Washington state.

Detroit, Michigan

Yeah, you are reading that title right. This list is recommending that you go to Detroit, and it's not the only travel list doing that. After decades of decline, the Motor City has found a path forward thanks to growing arts and food scenes that are attracting new residents as well as new tourists.

Food-wise, you can find everything here. That includes international cuisine alongside spins on American classics, which is exactly what Detroit is. Just like any other city, there are some rough parts. That doesn't change the fact that there are some absolutely amazing eats here.

Tupelo, Mississippi

Honestly, you could be forgiven for not knowing where Tupelo is. Situated up in the northeast corner of Mississippi, this small city is likely best known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Connections with the world of music run deep here, as do connections with food.

You can definitely find your fill of Southern staples alongside a growing range of international options. There are more than a few great Mexican joints in Tupelo, as well. And as one would hope, you can definitely find a great place to get something to drink, a bite to eat, and a bit of live music.

Portland, Maine

Sailboat at Anchor at Sunrise in Portland
Sailboat at Anchor at Sunrise in Portland / J. David Ake/GettyImages

When it comes to food cities named Portland, no one would be surprised if your mind immediately drifted to the West Coast and Oregon. While heading to that Portland is rarely a bad idea, Portland, Maine also deserves your attention, both for its natural beauty and its delicious food.

Naturally, locally sourced seafood is the main attraction and it should be. Ocean-to-table is a way of life here. But the food scene is more diverse than that, offering numerous dining experiences to choose from. Classic clam chowder always hits the spot, of course.