If you’re looking for some top-notch soul food in an unassuming atmosphere, then you’ve come to the right place. SAW’s Soul Kitchen, located in the young and buzzy Birmingham neighborhood of Avondale, offers some of the best barbeque in town. Their signature dishes include the pork and greens on grits followed by some banana pudding.

Get a taste of Alaska’s cuisine at the Restaurant at Winterlake Lodge, which is located in Skwentna. The team here puts intriguing meals on the table, fully immersing diners in all of the state's adventure, beauty, and distinct flavors. Crab benedict, handmade ramen noodles with Alaska halibut, and reindeer tenderloin with blueberry gastrique are just some of the mouthwatering menu options.

You don’t have to travel to New York for good pizza. Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix has been serving artisanal pies in the back of a neighborhood grocery store since 1988. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef, Chris Bianco, the pizzeria has been named the nation’s best by food critics at Vogue and Bon Appetit.

One word: Local. Farmer’s Table Cafe in Fayetteville serves farm-fresh fare in a simple, homey setting. The gathering spot attracts locals and travelers of all ages -- even Pharrell made a stop here. Expect local ingredients, chemical-free products, and a zero-waste kitchen. Pancake lovers, brunch enthusiasts, and vegans will enjoy the dishes here as the cafe has garnered many awards in these categories (among others, too!). 

Acclaimed chef Alice Walters opened Chez Panisse in Berkeley around 50 years ago, with the idea for friends and family to exchange ideas over good food. Fast-forward to the present day and nothing has changed. Known as one of the inspirations behind the farm-to-table movement and classic California cuisine, Walters' menu is ever-changing, depending on what the best ingredients are found that day. 

Frasca Food & Wine in Boulder takes diners through the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy with its locally sourced ingredients and top-shelf wines. A James Beard Foundation Award-winning establishment --  most recently for outstanding service -- Frasca Foo & Wine indulges diners with savory appetizers, hand-cut pasta, and multicourse menus. Don’t forget to ask your knowledgeable server to help pick out a wine to pair with your meal: It's one of the restaurant’s specialties.

Acclaimed chef Brian Lewis brings creative, hand-crafted dishes -- each inspired by different techniques and cultures from around the globe -- to the warm and cozy dining room of The Cottage in Westport. The Cottage focuses on seasonality and high-quality ingredients, ensuring diners are treated to only the best dishes. The innovative wagyu brisket steam buns are a popular choice.

Founded in 1940, Mrs. Robino’s, which is located in a row house in Wilmington, is Delaware's first-ever Italian restaurant. What started out as Mrs. Tersilla Robino cooking homemade Italian food in her kitchen to Italian immigrants paved the way for this old-school joint, which serves classic fare and time-tested recipes, such as Mrs. Robino's original sauce. 

Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Of course, the mainstay is known for its stone crab, but diners can find other seafood-forward dishes like crab cakes, snapper po’ boys, soft shell crab sandwiches, and much more.

Miller Union, named for the former stockyard on which it now presides, combines refined, organic Southern food with an acclaimed wine program -- all served in a charming rustic atmosphere. The menu, brought to you by James Beard Award-winning chef Steven Satterfield, is an ode to the ever-changing harvest. The creative plates keep diners coming back for more. 

Waiahole Poi Factory on Oahu is deeply rooted in tradition. In fact, this long-standing joint, which is known for its selection of authentic Hawaiian comfort food dishes, has been serving its community since 1905. Today, the establishment still uses locally sourced ingredients to craft dishes that would be found at a traditional Hawaiian luau. These include squid luau, kalua pig, and hand-pounded poi. 

Elevation 486 is perched at 486 feet above the Snake River in Twin Falls. Here, diners can feast on globally-inspired dishes like Kobe beef meatloaf, Idaho Ruby Red Trout, and ravioli while taking in the panoramic river and canyon views from the patio.

Enjoy a unique, multi-course tasting menu from Chef Grant Achatz, who is known for his contributions to molecular gastronomy. The upscale Alinea, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, has garnered many awards throughout the years: most notably, three Michelin stars, an AAA Five Diamond Award for 10 consecutive years, the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant, and more. 

Rooted in the historic Holy Rosary neighborhood of downtown Indianapolis, Bluebeard brings a touch of modernity to the 1924 factory warehouse that it occupies. The eatery, which is named after a novel by Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut, is decorated with antique typewriters. Diners will also enoy innovative dishes and a daily changing menu helmed by Chef Abbi Merriss, a four-time, James Beard-nominated recipient. Try the charcuterie board, scallops, skirt steak, and the house-made bread. 

Authentic and delicious Southern dishes can be enjoyed at Bubba in Des Moines. When building the menu, Texas-transplant Christopher Diebe sought inspiration from the family meals he enjoyed throughout his childhood. Expect Southern specialties like shrimp & grits, po’ boys, fried green tomatoes, meatloaf, and fried chicken.

Cafe Provence in Prairie Village -- which is just minutes from Kansas City --  recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. The eatery is known for its seasonal French cuisine, which offers a hint of midwestern flair. Family-owned and operated, the acclaimed restaurant is known for its French onion soup and escargot. Cafe Provence has also been recognized by Open Table as one of the most romantic restaurants in America for three consecutive years. 

Situated in the heart of historic Old Louisville, 610 Magnolia offers a unique and modern approach to Southern cooking. Chef and owner Edward Lee, a James Beard Foundation finalist, serves up rotating five-course tasting menus that take diners on a culinary journey. Highlights include chanterelle hummus, duck breast, and fig tarts. 

With panoramic views of the Mississippi River, Miss River -- which is located in the newly-opened Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans -- serves up delicious Louisiana fare. Here, Chef Alon Shaya presents flavorful dishes with local ingredients. Don't miss the whole buttermilk chicken, duck and andouille gumbo, or the Louisiana oyster patty.

Central Provisions in Portland's Old Port district serve small plates and cocktails in a brick-walled setting. The eatery is housed in a historic 19th century-era building. The dinner menu is divided into four categories -- raw, cold, hot, and sweets -- which means you're sure to find something to feast on, whether it's the suckling pig, sea bream ceviche, or charcuterie board, to name a few.

The Helmand in Baltimore is celebrating 31 years of serving fine Afghan cuisine. The elegant space -- complete with beautiful wall tapestries -- is the perfect backdrop for enjoying authentic Afghan dishes. The char-broiled lamb tenderloin is a favorite. You'll also find a selection of vegetarian dishes, too.

Pam and Chris Willis were always destined to excel in the restaurant industry, with Pam being the daughter of a hotelier and restaurateur and Chris growing up around food. In comes Pammy’s: Located between Cambridge’s Central and Harvard Squares, this new American restaurant is inspired by a traditional Italian trattoria; however, it's anything but ordinary. Instead, expect innovative dishes, such as gochujang-spiked Bolognese, abound. 

Marrow, Detroit’s first neighborhood hybrid butcher shop and restaurant, dishes out locally sourced meat and other ingredients in a five-course prix-fixe menu. The two-time James Beard award-nominated restaurant works directly with local farmers and producers, ensuring that diners enjoy quality meat from reputable sources. To minimize waste, the staff breaks down every single piece of meat in-house so all parts can be used.

Young Joni in Minneapolis is headed by James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim. The eatery serves up innovative wood-fired pizza, upscale bar fare, and creative cocktails. In the main dining room, you can enjoy everything from pork belly ssäm to housemade Thai sausage. After, head to the back of the dining room (AKA the restaurant's speakeasy) for imaginative cocktails and creative pizza pies, which include Korean BBQ, Umami Mama, and a slew of other innovative concoctions. 

Ajax Diner has been serving the Oxford and Ole Miss communities for over 20 years. The funky, string light-adorned joint is known for its comfort food staples like chicken and dumplings, turkey and dressing, and classic casseroles.

For those looking for a quirky ambiance -- plus hand-rolled, thin-crust pizzas -- head straight to the Pizza House in Springfield. The restaurant first opened up shop in 1958. Today, it boasts a vintage vibe to accompany its top-notch pizzas. Choose from a slew of toppings like banana peppers, onions, mushrooms, and more.

Montana Ale Works in Bozeman offers locally sourced pub fare and a lively ambiance. Sample brews and other libations from local breweries and distilleries, which pair perfectly with the entree options. Choose from bison potstickers, innovative salads, local pork schnitzel, and more.

Alton Brown called the Croque Garcon at Omaha's Block 16 the best hamburger in the country, exclaiming: “They've turned the hamburger into high art.” The famous burger is sandwiched between a ciabatta bun and features a 1/3-lb beef patty piled high with cheese, ham, a sunny-side-up egg, mustard, and truffle mayo. Other innovative handheld offerings include the Bacon & Brielt, Poutine Burrito, and a daily-changing grilled cheese sandwich.

Joel Robuchon’s flagship L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which is located inside Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel, serves haute French cuisine in an extravagant setting complete with a lush garden terrace and marble floors. The restaurant has garnered many well-deserved accolades, including three Michelin stars.

Ya Mas in Pelham serves authentic Greek staples, such as grape leaves and spanakopita. The family-owned and operated restaurant uses locally sourced and Greek-imported ingredients to create fresh, authentic Greek dishes that'll leave your mouth watering.

Razza’s daily-changing menu features simple but fresh ingredients. Additionally, the Jersey City pizzeria boasts handmade everything, from the butter to the dough, to the yeast. It's even been named the best pizza by The New York Times. The Funghi pizza, Guanciale pizza, and corn pie are out-of-this-world good.

Cafe Pasqual’s in Santa Fe has been serving organic Mexican and New Mexican cuisine for 40 years. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Staples include smoked trout hash, grilled Mexican-style corn, and mole enchiladas. The restaurant also has its own art gallery right next door. 

Union Square Cafe, which is located just blocks away from the famous Flatiron Building, is acclaimed restaurateur Danny Meyer’s first restaurant. The contemporary eatery has won five James Beard Awards since its 1985 inception. It's also been ranked first place on Zagat’s “Most Popular Restaurant” list an unprecedented nine times.  

Dine al fresco -- and enjoy picture-perfect Blue Ridge Mountain vistas -- at Sunset Terrace in Asheville. The restaurant, which is located in the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, is best known for its hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood. Plus, between the top-notch service and the fairytale-like setting, you simply can't go wrong with indulging here. Menu staples include the Caesar salad and filet mignon.

Pirogue Grille in Bismarck boasts a warm, brick-walled setting, white tablecloths, and a diverse menu -- making it a popular choice amongst locals and travelers alike. Here, you'll find high-quality meats (such as bison and walleye), an extensive cocktail and wine list, and delicious desserts.

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey owner and chef Christian Gill drew inspiration from his grandmother's and mother's kitchens to create the menu for his Cincinnati eatery. Expect contemporary takes on comfort food, like poutine with Yukon potatoes, sautéed poblano peppers, cremini mushrooms, tomato gravy, and smoked cheddar cheese; and a Korean fried chicken sandwich topped with housemade kimchi and gochujang BBQ sauce. Don't forget to try the myriad of whiskey offerings, either.

In the Midtown district of Oklahoma City lies Ludivine, a 20-year-old establishment that offers farm-to-table fare and craft cocktails in an unpretentious setting. Chef Russ Johnson changes the menu daily depending on what's fresh and in-season while the bartenders curate exceptional libations.

Experts consider Kachka in Portland to be one of the best Russian restaurants in the country -- and for good reason. Owner and chef Bonnie Frumkin Morales made sure her menu was firmly rooted in tradition to pay homage to her grandmother, who escaped Belarus in 1941, and her parents, who immigrated to Chicago from the Soviet Union. Don't miss the selection of seasonal housemade vodka infusions, either. The acclaimed restaurant has received accolades from Bon Appétit, The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Eater. 

Creamy hummus served with fresh, hot laffa bread straight out of the taboon, pomegranate lamb shoulder, and boutique Israeli wines have all put Zahav on every Philadelphia foodie's radar. Helmed by Chef Michael Solomonov (a five-time James Beard Award winner!), this popular Israeli eatery offers a unique atmosphere that'll make you feel as if you're in a Jerusalem courtyard. 

Oberlin in Providence serves up seasonal, New American small plates (think: summer black truffle cappelletti, raw Rhode Island scallops, and fresh figs with strawberry frozen yogurt) in a cozy setting. Diners also have an abundance of beverage options to choose from, including sake, beer, cider, cocktails, and wine. 

What started out as a vision for a sandwich shop selling down-right good sandwiches with unique flavor combinations blossomed into a restaurant serving just that -- and so much more. Butcher & Bee in Charleston boasts an ever-changing menu featuring sustainable ingredients from local farmers. The housemade pickle plate with seasonal vegetables, spicy avocado crispy sandwich with seasonal greens, and French toast with peanut butter creme fraiche are all favorites.

Tally’s Silver Spoon in Rapid City -- which has been a neighborhood staple since the 1930s, when it was known as The Bright Spot Cafe -- offers a modern twist on classic diner food. Today, the interior has been completely renovated. The menu has also expanded to where you’ll find foie gras and curried mussels, along with the original blueberry pancakes and modest one-egg breakfast.

5th & Taylor in Nashville is chef Daniel Lindley’s homage to the all-American Sunday dinner. The menu is inspired by his own childhood Sunday dinners, and guests can find refined yet traditional fare. The eatery resides in a historic warehouse, and every design aspect has a purpose: A life-size statue of Nashville’s namesake General Francis Nash anchors the main dining room; two-way mirrors shield raised private dining rooms; and evergreens line the outdoor patio to give diners reprieve from the bustling city. 

Known for serving food until 1:30 a.m. -- with guests staying even later -- Justine’s Brasserie in Austin serves crowd-pleasing French staples like French onion soup, escargot, steak tartare, and housemade baguettes inside an edgy, mood-lit space. 

Desert Bistro in Moab serves adventurous Southwestern fare in an upscale and intimate setting. Expect delicious and innovative bites like handmade agnolotti pasta with parmesan and mushrooms, gorgonzola-crusted beef tenderloin, and chipotle chile Caesar salad. 

Revolution Kitchen is Burlington’s first restaurant featuring an all-vegetarian menu. The Asian-inspired entrees make creative use of fresh, local produce. Caesar salad with ume-miso dressing, Saigon curry, Laksa noodle pot, and buffalo cauliflower tacos are just a handful of innovative dishes on the menu.

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville embraces the concept of farm-to-table quite literally. The restaurant uses ingredients from its farm to craft earthy dishes for guests, who can dine inside a glass conservatory, gazebo, or open-air tent. The restaurant is also big on sustainability by only bringing enough food based upon the number of reservations per day. The staff also utilizes methods and materials with low environmental impact.

Pasta lovers will feel right at home at Spinasse in Seattle, which has amassed a loyal following over the years. All pasta, including the cavatelli with braised short rib and hand-cut egg yolk pasta with cultured butter and sage, is made in-house. Don't miss the milk-braised pork with hazelnut-semolina gnocchi or the rabbit meatballs. The carefully curated Northern Italian wine list is another highlight. 

As a self-proclaimed "grocer-raunt" with seasonal outdoor seating, Fish Hawk Acres in Buckhannon carries groceries, meat, dairy, produce, beer and wine, plus an array of other items. However, what truly makes this local shop special is that it also has three different menus -- one for breakfast, one for sandwiches, and another for daily special -- each featuring local, fresh ingredients. Diners especially rave about the bread and pastries.

La Merenda, which is located in Milwaukee’s historic Walker’s Point neighborhood, serves up globally inspired small plates in a colorful and energetic setting. From grilled octopus salad (Chile) to batatas bravas (Spain) to Sambal Goreng Udang (Indonesia), La Merenda offers it all. Wash it all down with a refreshing cocktail. 

Locals love Snake River Grill in Jackson for its modern American dishes and refined log cabin setting. The fine dining establishment offers more than 300 selections of wines and signature cocktails. The well-rounded menu included starters (housemade focaccia and lamb pizza, to name a few), entrees (think: elk, Wagyu, and bison), and desserts (blueberry ginger sorbet, anyone?).