These 12 American Small Towns Are A Food Lover's Paradise

Comprising city-centers filled with establishments, these small towns are known for "constantly putting their own twist on things for an elevated dish and dining experience." One will find what their heart and belly crave and a scenic respite surrounding the concentrated food scenes inspired by the nation's top chefs.

Healdsburg, California

Set in the heart of California's wine country and other great food towns in the vicinity, the idyllic and fancy Healdsburg deserves special recognition. There's excellent dining around every corner with a concentrated food scene that can easily rival Sonoma. The city plaza-adjacent Dry Creek Kitchen is known for an incredible high-end fare at a fair price, including duck confit and a perfect filet. Bravas is a favorite for small-plated servings and high variety on the menu. The Bear Republic comes with award-winning beers and the best burgers, while the Jimtown Store is a local legend for sandwiches. For beer or to pick up a bottle of wine for an idyllic picnic in the scenic vicinity, the Russian River is the spot.

Covington, Louisiana

The suburb of the mega-food-lopolis New Orleans with 10,000 residents boasts an impressive culinary scene. Its nation-renowned Del Porto Ristorante is run by David Solazzo and his wife Torre, who was in the James Beard semi-finals three times for Best Chef in the South. Located at the Southern Hotel, Oxlot 9 is popular for its classy-bistro set-up, Sothern dishes, and seafood cuisine. Known for steakhouse fare, the Gallagher's Grill is a beloved spot amongst the meat-lovers and those celebrating a special occasion. Lola is an exciting historic train depot set-up with lunch options including delicious salads and sandwiches and elevated Southern dishes for dinner. The Shack is a casual establishment with homey Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, while the Bear's Restaurant is renowned for its roast beef po'boys. Dessert-lovers should go to the Cafe du Monde for the best beignets around with a cup of chicory coffee.

Driftwood, Texas

The small town outside of Austin is considered one of the best foodie locales in the nation's South Central region, visited by thousands of hungry tourists annually. Boasting 12 thriving restaurants, it is no surprise that the lucky 100 residents seldom cook at home. The town's impressive restaurant scene features 85% of establishments with five stars and many incredible barbeque places. One of the state's top, the Salt Lick, has been a reward-winning restaurant for over half a century and was voted "Best Barbeque" by the Austin Chronicle in 2016.

Greenport, New York

Set in the vicinity of the North Fork's 30-mile stretch of wineries and farm stands along Long Island's north-eastern peninsula, the old fishing village of Greenport reigns as the region's food hub. The charming downtown, a block away from water acts, is the gathering scene for the town's 2,000 residents and countless visitors from the N.Y.C. metro area. Those looking for a sophisticated experience come to Noah's for a small-plated meal, or the Frisky Oyster for fine dining. The casual 1943 Pizza Bar and Lucharitos serving tacos with margaritas are surprisingly cheap for the amount of quality food. Claudio's is a locally popular seafood joint featuring a laid-back atmosphere overlooking the waters. Upon grabbing the best coffee in town at Aldo's, one can head to the slick and new Industry Standard Bar for fantastic cocktails and "impossible" burgers. The Halyard is run by the acclaimed chef Stephan Bogardus, while Barba Bianca is a new and in-demand seasonal Italian restaurant headed by the esteemed N.Y.C. chef Frank DeCarlo.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head ups the game as an island located off South Carolina's coast whose delectable food options taste even better during sunset over waters. The remote setting is a popular getaway for the food addicts seeking to enjoy their favorite pastime, if not in complete solitude, then away from the usual megalopolis fare. With over 40 five-star restaurants, the town signals serious business in eating, featuring fine dining establishments that combine southern elegance with new age fusions. There are the Jazz Corner and the Charlie's L'Etoile Verte while visiting in March means catching one of the nation's biggest culinary festivities, the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival.

Los Alamos, California

The tiny Old West town with 2,000 residents is set within reach of Santa Ynez Valley's 100 wineries as an emerging mecca for food in the region. The new Bodega comes with an adorable wine and beer garden, bocce ball court, fire pit, and lodging at a renovated farmhouse to make the atmospheric experience last for days. The Skyview Los Alamos is a recently converted iconic motel into an upscale property with a light and airy restaurant, Dine at Norman, serving regional options paired with great wines. Bell's is a new French bistro opened by Per Se alums, while the new Lo-Fi Wines is known for natural wines and the tasting room. Still, many believe that it is the true and tried Bob's Well Bread Bakery, the Full of Life Flatbread, the Plenty on Bell, and Pico that helped elevate the town to the national level. 

Mystic, Connecticut

The long-standing hotspot and nation's darling since the Mystic Pizza token movie of 1988, the hype around the town's food scene has called it the "eccentric amalgamation," "innovative," and "best products." Boasting a rich organic and sustainable farming history, Mystic is also home to the sugar kelp harvesting industry and an operational commercial fishing fleet. The local pop-shop in the Olde Mistick Village, Deviant Doughnuts, creates small batches of gourmet "holes" with weekly-changing flavors, including peach bourbon and "GOAT," a goat and cream-cheese concoction. Owned by Mystic native Melody Pere, Rise offers elevated lunch options such as provolone-filled grilled sandwiches and Buddha bowls. There is the Bank + Bridge Brewing, the Barley Head Brewe, Jonathan Edwards Winery, and Saltwater Farm Vineyards for great drinks. The Oyster Club features a five-course daily-curated menu for a fantastic dinner party and a walk-in bar with tables in a treehouse. The local Italian favorite Bravo Bravo is renowned for house-made pasta, while the Red 36 Bar + Grill is a water-bound locale.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Well-versed in B.B.Q., it is a delicious challenge to find a favorite among the different types and ways of grilling meat at one of Ocean Spring's award-winning restaurants. With 17 restaurants per ten thousand residents, The Shed is particularly renowned as the winner of the Grand World Championship at the Memphis in May World Championship. Its B.B.Q. Sauce is claimed to be a favorite by President Joe Biden and has won over 20 awards at the National B.B.Q. Association Convention. Other must-visit establishments include Woody's Roadside and Aunt Jenny's Catfish.

Oxford, Mississippi

The college town with a population of 19,000 is littered with "holes in the walls" that comprise a fantastic food scene. The Southern soul food includes delicacies like pig's ears and oxtails and comes with a side of American history. Home to the James Beard-winning chef John Currence and his five restaurants, one can get the model Southern comfort experience at City Grocery, Snackbar, and Big Bad Breakfast. There is also the Ajax Diner for burgers, soul, and mac, and Taylor Grocery's for Catfish and fried oysters. Moreover, the town features a fancy square and a gigantic stadium with nearly 40,000 seats for varied pastimes among the endless food options.

Tupelo, Mississippi

The famed birthplace and childhood home of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, features a royal and evolving food scene that keeps bringing old and new visitors each year. The DownUnder Tupelo and Blue Canoe serve great cocktails and beer with a local vibe, while the Amsterdam Deli is the spot for late-night snacking, including Greek classics like gyro nachos. Mississippi's first and only meadery, Queens Reward, is run by Jeri and Geoff Carter, who serve mead-and-frozen slushie made with Mississippi honey from a local beekeeper in a family-style atmosphere. Connie's offers a great day's start with chicken biscuits and fresh blueberry doughnuts to go with a coffee from Lost + Found Coffee. One can also grab a latte to go for the scenic drive along the famed 444-mile route through three states, the Natchez Trace Parkway. For best lunch, there's the traditional Romie's Grocery and the Neon Pig for the Smash Burger with bacon bits and hoisin. C.H.O.P. is a famous barbecue joint in a bait-and-tackle shop known for its delectable rack of ribs.

Park City, Utah

Known for skiing and the annual Sundance Film Festival, Park City is also home to a burgeoning food scene. The newer establishments include the Old Town Cellars winery, the on-trend New American cuisine at the Twisted Fern, and the renovated Mid-Mountain Lodge for great dining with views. There is also the farm-to-table Harvest's and the new Five5eeds with acai bowls and coffee from Down Under, owned by the Australians. Many enjoy the higher-priced seasonal menu at The Farm, while others go for the dramatic upscale dining room experience at the premier Riverhorse on Main. One can spend a good portion of a summer's day browsing the market with a cafe at the Park City Provisions by Riverhorse. During winter, the ski-in, ski-out Campfire whiskey at High West Saloon is the only one of its kind in the world. For an unforgettable experience, the Viking Yurt offers a sleigh ride up to 1,800 feet pulled by a snow-cat for a four-hour Norwegian-style meal.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Comprising a food scene at Phillips Avenue, there's the C.H. Patisserie with fresh grab-and-go pastries from the Top Chef: Just Desserts winner, Chris Hanmer, who also opens a summertime ice cream shop, the Parlour. The Play Ball is renowned for popcorn gelato, caramel, chocolate, nuts concoctions, and artisan cookies-and-cream and vintage vanilla bean flavors. The Sanaa's Gourmet Mediterranean is run by Sanaa Abourezk, alumni of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Fatayer is a vegan and vegetarian eatery with specialties like the Mediterranean calzone and gluten-free baklava. There is also the Retro Diner for comfort foods with a twist, including poutine, and the Elvis Waffle with peanut butter fluff. There is the Parker's Bistro serving Wagyu beef, scallops, and lobsters for upscale dining, while PAve features a rooftop bar setting for drinks. Overlooking the city's iconic clock tower, The Harvester Kitchen by Bryan serves Dakota specialty cubes of meat known as chislic, among other exquisite small plates. The Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen is beloved for its pork belly gyro, curry cauliflower sandwich, and the naughty fries with pork chile verde. One can also obtain an immersive culinary experience at Plum's Cooking Company by Simply Perfect. 

These towns comprise a true paradise hit-list of renowned and constantly evolving food scenes. Spread throughout the nation, one is guaranteed an unforgettable small-town culinary experience any time of year, just a short drive away.