Discovering hidden culinary gems can be an adventure in itself, and there’s something uniquely delightful about stumbling upon a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that offers incredible flavors and authentic experiences. From coastal seafood shacks to bustling street food stalls and unassuming neighborhood joints, these establishments often hold the key to local culinary traditions and mouthwatering dishes. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we explore a collection of lesser-known eateries across the United States, each with its own charm and a menu that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning food lover.
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Star Fish Company – Cortez, Florida
Contributed by Charles McCool of McCool Travel
Looking for perhaps the last remaining waterfront, Old Florida, no-frills seafood shack? Head across the south bridge from Anna Maria Island’s phenomenal beaches to the throwback fishing village of Cortez. At Star Fish Company, enjoy the freshest Florida Gulf seafood—caught that morning by commercial fishermen—with a classic scenic marina setting (with pelicans, seagulls, and commercial seafood boats). Savor maybe the best-blackened grouper sandwich in the world and other local seafood, including pompano, mahi, tuna, sea scallops, oysters, mullet, soft shell crab, stone crabs, and Gulf shrimp (try Royal Reds when available). The fish chowder and key lime pie at Star Fish are really good, too!
Star Fish started in the 1920s as a wholesale seafood operation, added the retail market in the 1960s, and started the dockside restaurant in the late 1990s. Find it by entering Star Fish Company in your GPS or keeping your eyes peeled for the ONE sign (miss it and you will end up in Bradenton). Parking can be tough during peak hours and the lines can be long during the high tourist season. Grab seats at the bar if you are lucky to find them. Otherwise, join the line, enjoy the views, and meet some new friends (probably snowbird visitors from up north). Another testament of the charm of Star Fish is that they do not accept credit cards so BRING CASH or use the onsite ATM.
Bang Bang Noodles – Los Angeles, California
Contributed by Nick of The World Overload
Originally starting as street food in Los Angeles, Bang Bang Noodles has grown in enough popularity to finally have its own location in the fun area of Culver City. It is no wonder as their take on Biang Biang hand-pulled noodles is extremely tasty and modern, while still maintaining some of the Chinese traditional cooking we have all come to know. It is not only the thickness and texture of the noodles, but also the sauces and seasoning they use. You will come back for more, I guarantee it. And if you get the chance to watch this you will understand how these people are artists. They still maintain their street food roots and continue to operate at events like the 626 Night Market in LA and have even made it to Coachella this past year. If you are planning on stopping by Los Angeles on your travels, you need to add this place as one of your stops.
The World Famous Sandy’s Cafe – Key West, Florida
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
Sandy’s World Famous Cafe in Key West is a true gem that has delighted locals and visitors alike since 1954. Nestled in an unexpected location—a laundromat—this legendary cafe has become a must-visit destination for foodies seeking an authentic taste of Key West.
What sets Sandy’s apart from the rest is its claim to fame—the world-famous Cuban sandwich. This sandwich has earned multiple awards. Bite into the layers of roasted pork, flavorful ham, Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and zesty mustard, all pressed between perfectly toasted Cuban bread, and you’ll understand why this sandwich has garnered such acclaim.
However, Sandy’s offers more than just the iconic Cuban sandwich. Their extensive menu boasts an array of mouthwatering options, including traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja and picadillo. From hearty breakfast platters to delectable lunch specials, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Shake Station – ellenton, Florida
Contributed by Dawn of Culture Feasting
Head over to Shake Station in Ellenton, Florida, for some classic American comfort food in an old-school diner environment. You’ll be greeted by friendly service and 1960s retro decor. Sit outside at one of the black and white checkered picnic tables where four-legged friends are always welcome. Come on a Thursday to catch the weekly car show in the parking lot.
Shake Station offers generous portions of food at reasonable prices. Where else can you get a foot-long Philly Cheesesteak and an ice-cold draft beer for about $15? The menu is expansive, serving huge sandwiches and burgers. Start off with some fried pickle chips or fried green tomatoes. You are in the South, after all. Look for those iconic Florida dishes such as a salty, pressed Cuban dripping with Swiss or fish tacos with a side of pineapple slaw and hush puppies.
Save some room for the creamy milkshakes and ice cream that call for their own page on the menu. Hand-dipped cones, banana splits, and soft serve will keep you cool in the Florida heat.
Tino’s Pizza – Oneonta, New york
Contributed by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA
An unusual culinary experience is waiting for you at the college town of Oneonta in the state of New York. Here, you can try a traditional NY pizza with an extra topping – cold cheese. Yes, you read that right! Pizza is cooked with the standard cheese topping, then dense, chilled, shredded mozzarella is added on top and served as a slice.
Since Oneonta is a college town, you’d maybe expect that drunk or hungover students cooked up the idea, but in fact, the cold cheese pizza was created at Tino’s Pizza on Main Street when a customer asked for more cheese to cool down the hot slice. Maybe the customer was drunk after all! Will you add the cold cheese pizza to your New York bucket list?
Aloha Melt – Waikiki, Hawaii
Contributed by Trysta, founder of thistraveldream.com
When it comes to hole-in-the-wall cheap eats, Aloha Melt in Waikiki, Hawaii, takes the crown with its irresistible grilled cheese sandwiches. This hidden gem is one of the best restaurants in Waikiki and a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful and pocket-friendly meal.
Their grilled cheese sandwiches are anything but run-of-the-mill. They come with various flavorful fillings such as beef patty, pickled jalapenos, bacon, onions, and more. Each sandwich is served on a grilled bun toasted to perfection for that extra crunch. And the best part? These tasty treats are so affordable, starting at $8.50 per sandwich! Compared to other restaurants on the island, Aloha Melt offers unbeatable value for your money.
Their signature creation, the Aloha Patty Melt, is one of the best things on the menu. This delicious masterpiece features a flavorful beef patty, cheese, pickled jalapenos, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and an irresistible sriracha aioli sauce. Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer a milder option, Aloha Melt has you covered, as they offer both spicy and non-spicy versions of this mouthwatering delight.
Aside from its great sandwiches, Aloha Melt offers a delicious tomato basil soup priced at an affordable $5.50. This side dish perfectly complements their grilled cheese sandwiches, providing a comforting and satisfying experience.
Red’s Java Hut
Contributed by Carole Terwilliger Meyers of Berkeley and Beyond
In a city loaded with great dining options, a hole-in-the-wall has to be extra special to keep them rolling in.
Red’s Java Hut, on San Francisco’s scenic Embarcadero, has been around since the 1950s. Baseballer Willie Mays and foodie chef Anthony Bourdain have both eaten here and have their autographed pictures hanging on the wall. The must-order item is the burger on a sourdough roll, preferably with some of the particularly good fries. A hot dog, fish & chips, and a tuna sandwich are among the additional options.
Unbelievably, seating here usually includes a view of the San Francisco Bay. Should the small indoor dining room be full, way more seating is available outside on the back deck sporting even more glorious panoramas. And with all this outdoor space, Red’s has been particularly popular during the pandemic.
Timbo’s Hot Boiled Peanuts – Charleston, South Carolina
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
Tucked onto a gravel lot along the picturesque roads of Charleston, South Carolina, you’ll discover Timbo’s Boiled Peanuts—an iconic roadside stand housed within an old travel trailer painted in vibrant shades of orange. This eye-catching setup adds to the charm and allure of Timbo’s humble establishment, beckoning travelers from near and far to stop and savor a taste of the South.
Timbo, the beloved owner greets visitors with a warm smile and invites them to experience the flavors that have made his boiled peanuts legendary. Affectionately known as the “caviar of the South,” Timbo’s boiled peanuts have garnered a loyal following over the years, and it’s not hard to see why.
Take him up on his friendly offer and dive into the original boiled peanuts—a quintessential Southern treat that embodies simplicity and indulgence. For those seeking a bit of spice, Timbo’s Cajun-flavored peanuts offer a fiery kick that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more. And for a savory twist, the ham-flavored boiled peanuts offer a delightful fusion of smoky goodness and nutty satisfaction.
Located at 2484 Ashley River Road, Timbo’s Boiled Peanuts has become a beloved landmark in Charleston. Locals and travelers alike flock to this roadside treasure, enticed not only by the delectable treats but also by the unique experience it offers. Get there early to ensure he isn’t sold out for the day!
Hog Heaven BBQ – Pawley’s Island, South Carolina
Contributed by Melinda of MelOnTheGo.com
The beautiful Low Country of South Carolina offers a choice of restaurants serving delicious southern meals. When you’re in the mood for a low-priced selection of Carolina BBQ, don’t miss Hog Heaven.
Located on Route 17 just south of scenic Pawleys Island, SC, Hog Heaven serves barbecue for lunch and dinner. You can order takeout, but their best deal is the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Choose from fried chicken, BBQ pork, or beef ribs. Complement that with a huge selection of filling sides like cole slaw and mac n cheese. This is a BBQ joint where you’re encouraged to fill your plate! And this all-you-can-eat barbecue costs only $10, a steal in South Carolina or anywhere.
At Hog Heaven restaurant, you can call ahead your order for pick up or walk up to the counter to order and pay. A casual hole-in-the-wall restaurant with no table service, there is indoor and outdoor seating. While driving on Route 17 south to Charleston, keep an eye out for the cartoon bib-sporting pigs of Hog Heaven, and dig into the lip-smacking Carolina BBQ. Enjoy, y’all!
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou – New York City, Chinatown
Contributed by Julie of Family Trips and Travels
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou restaurant, located in New York City’s Chinatown, is a must-visit spot for anyone craving authentic and delicious Chinese food. Known for its dumplings and peanut noodles, this small and unassuming restaurant serves up a variety of dim sum and cheap eats. The menu offers a range of options including soups, noodles, and dumplings, all made with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. With its affordable prices and quick/easy service, Shu Jiao Fu Zhou is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
It’s best to visit this place with a friend so you can try a variety of options. The prices are low (think $3 for 10 dumplings!) so you can easily get one of everything off the menu for less than $30. The popular dishes are dumplings made with pork or chicken and chives, peanut noodles, and fish balls. This cash-only restaurant is a must-try during your next visit to NYC.
Domilise’s Po’ Boy – New Orleans, Louisiana
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
Located in uptown New Orleans, Domilise’s Po-Boy and Bar is a legendary establishment renowned for its mouthwatering po-boy sandwiches. This family-owned restaurant has been serving locals and visitors since the 1930s, making it a cherished institution in the city’s culinary landscape.
Founded by the Domilise family, who resided in the house above the bar and dining area, the restaurant exudes a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that instantly transports you to a bygone era. For over seventy-five years, Sam and Dorothy “Miss Dot” Domilise dedicated themselves to perfecting their craft, creating sandwiches that have become the stuff of legend.
Step inside Domilise’s, and you’ll be greeted by an interior adorned with photographs of famous visitors and memorabilia that pays homage to its history. The space features a bar and just six cozy tables, inviting you to sit back, relax, and indulge in the culinary delights that await.
Domilise’s has garnered well-deserved recognition, making appearances on popular cooking shows and guidebooks such as “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America,” “Sandwiches That You Will Like,” “Food Wars,” and “Chowdown Countdown.” In fact, on “Best Sandwich in America,” Domilise’s fried shrimp po-boy was crowned the best sandwich on the Gulf Coast—a testament to their mastery of the art of the po-boy.
Whether you opt for the succulent roast beef, the crispy fried shrimp, or any other variation on the menu, every po-boy at Domilise’s is a work of culinary excellence. The combination of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the expertise passed down through generations of the Domilise family ensures that each bite is a flavor explosion that will transport you to the heart of New Orleans.
Larry’s Chilly Dog – Burbank, California
Contributed by Sam Opp from Find Love and Travel
If you find yourself on the west coast in California, you will likely learn breakfast burritos are taken quite seriously. One food joint that stands out is Larry’s Chilly Dog, located in Burbank – in Los Angeles County.
This old-school eatery has a pickup window that takes your order with indoor and outdoor seating. And while this place might look like a hole in the wall, you should definitely add it to your Los Angeles itinerary! Plus, for California, the prices are not outrageous.
Larry’s doesn’t just offer breakfast burritos, as you may notice from the name, however, these breakfast burritos are served all day for a reason! The portion is on the large size, and it comes with Bacon, eggs, sausage, hash browns, cheese, and spicy homemade green salsa. Since Larry’s Chilly Dog often gets busy, you can even order ahead of time on their website for pickup.
Larry’s also has hamburgers, a variety of sandwiches, hot dogs with a variety of interesting toppings, milkshakes, and their homemade chilly. One thing to keep in mind when visiting is that they are closed on Sundays and open from 7 AM – 3 PM.
Guisados – Los Angeles, California
Contributed by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
If you’re looking for some of the highest quality Mexican food in Los Angeles without the hefty price tag, allow me to introduce you to this local favorite. Guisados is known for their homemade braised meats – after all, Guisados are a Mexican stew. Their menu is full of familiar, simple items like tacos on homemade tortillas, where the fillings are these deeply flavorful braised meats that they’re known for.
Whether you’re local to SoCal or are visiting on a budget-friendly Los Angeles trip, you’ll want to add Guisados to your list. Specifically, be sure to try their taco sampler for only $9.50! It has 6 mini tacos including steak picado, bistek roja, tinga, mole, chicharron, and cochinita pibli. There’s also a vegetarian version with calabacitas, hongos, and frijoles con queso.
Vinnie Van GoGo’s – Savannah, Georgia
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
Vinnie’s, an award-winning pizzeria located in Savannah‘s City Market, has become a destination for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of New York City-style pizza. With its generous portions, abundant toppings, and laid-back Savannah vibe, Vinnie’s captures the essence of a truly satisfying pizza experience.
The Neapolitan-style pizzas at Vinnie’s boast a thin, hearty crust that serves as the perfect canvas for a variety of delicious fresh toppings. From classic favorites like pepperoni, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and olives to more adventurous choices like banana peppers, broccoli, sundried tomatoes, pineapple, and spicy Italian sausage, there’s a combination to suit every palate.
While the majority of seating at Vinnie’s is located outdoors, allowing you to soak up the vibrant ambiance of City Market, you may also have the opportunity to snag a seat indoors for a cozy dining experience.
Vinnie’s has garnered a well-deserved reputation, winning accolades for its exceptional pizzas and creating a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. The combination of their authentic flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and Savannah’s easy-going vibe make Vinnie’s a must-visit spot for pizza enthusiasts.
Koloa, Kauai – Kauai, Hawaii
Contributed by Janice Moskoff at Gatherandgotravel.com
When you need a taco or a burrito fix while exploring Kauai, Hawaii, or need a break from high-priced fancy foods, head straight for Da Crack Mexican Grinds in Koloa. Find this worth-the-trip joint in an unremarkable strip mall just outside Poipu Beach, next to Kukuiula Market. Park in the small strip mall lot, then get in the Da Crack take-out window line.
While you wait, figure out how you will want to build your freshly-made burrito, taco, or bowl. Customize your order with your preferred combination of meats, locally caught fish or veggies. Add other fillings and toppings, like Mexican rice, pinto and black beans, cabbage, guacamole, and sour cream. In addition to pico de gallo, expect the salsas to come in three potencies—mild, hot, and, fittingly, for Hawaii—lava. Expect zero indoor seating and 100% addictive deliciousness.
Hamaknockers BBQ – Crawfordville, Florida
Contributed by Angela DiLoreto of Fitting in Adventure
Discover Hamaknockers, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of this Florida town, waiting to be explored on your next visit to the area. With its no-frills approach, Hamaknockers embodies the true essence of a barbecue spot, inviting both locals and visitors to indulge in hearty, home-cooked BBQ without any unnecessary fuss. As you step through the doors, you’ll be enveloped by the familiar and inviting ambiance that defines a classic BBQ joint, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Prepare to have your expectations surpassed, for the food at Hamaknockers is anything but ordinary. Sink your teeth into their juicy, tender pulled pork sandwiches, generously adorned with creamy and tangy cole slaw, or opt for the tantalizing combo plate, featuring perfectly crispy chicken wings, succulent pulled pork, and two delectably paired sides. Each bite is a symphony of flavors that will ignite your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
As you approach Hamaknockers, the sight of their on-site smokehouse stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to authentic barbecue. This attention to detail and dedication to their craft ensures that every morsel of their scrumptious barbecue creates a lasting impression, satisfying even the most discerning palates.
Tuk Tuk Thai – Hawaii’s Big Island
Contributed by Jess of Uprooted Traveler
If you’re headed to the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ve almost certainly have Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on your bucket list. But, given the park’s remote location on the southeastern corner of this massive island, where are you supposed to get some grub in the middle of your adventures in the park?
Luckily, there’s an incredible food truck, Tuk Tuk Thai, located just five minutes from the park’s gates, that should absolutely be added to your Big Island itinerary. This food truck, tucked away in the jungle off a small road, dishes up incredibly authentic-tasting Thai food, made from ingredients purchased, when possible, from the local farmer’s markets. The staff is friendly, the portions are beyond generous, and, best of all, the prices are reasonable! After a long, hot day of hiking on the trails, nothing quite hits the spot like a refreshing Thai iced tea!
