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6 Underrated U.S. Food Cities Worth Visiting Now

Our passion for culinary travel is undeniable. The UN World Tourism Organization notes food as a major motivation for visiting destinations, with their World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism drawing global crowds since its inception five years ago (next event: San Sebastian, May 2019).

This year's MMGY Global Portrait of American Travelers—a leading survey of U.S. tourism trends—shows that 70% of us now vacation to experience new cuisines, up from 50% five years ago. No surprise, then, that tour operators like Intrepid Travel and Cox & Kings are expanding food and wine experiences for 2019.

While foodie vacations are universally embraced, the best destinations spark debate. Travelzoo's take: These six under-the-radar U.S. food scenes rival the classics (think New York, LA, or Chicago). Discover Detroit, Tucson, and more for exceptional eats.

Detroit, MI

6 Underrated U.S. Food Cities Worth Visiting Now
Farm-to-table goodness at Lady of the House; photo by Jenna Belevender

Detroit's culinary renaissance shone in James Beard Foundation awards, honoring chefs like Thomas Lents at Apparatus Room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel and Kate Williams at farm-to-table Lady of the House in Corktown (must-try: potato donuts). Classics include rival coney islands—Lafayette and American. The area's large Middle Eastern community yields standouts like James Beard-recognized Al Ameer (Beirut Hummus) and Shatila's baklava.

Tucson, AZ

6 Underrated U.S. Food Cities Worth Visiting Now
Welcome Diner, courtesy of Visit Tucson

As the U.S.'s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson's scene exploded. El Guero Canelo's Sonoran hot dog—bacon-wrapped with beans, onions, and more—earned a James Beard Classic award. Local ingredients star in brunches, bakeries, and bean-to-bar chocolate (try wild chile or prickly pear). The Gastronomic Union of Tucson hosts pop-up dinners elevating the experience.

Greenville, SC

6 Underrated U.S. Food Cities Worth Visiting Now
Happy Husk-goers, photo by Andrew Cebulka

Greenville added 30+ restaurants last year, including Sean Brock's Husk (pimento cheese with local veggies) and Jianna's modern Italian by chef Michael Kramer. Food trucks abound downtown: The Chuck Truck burgers to The Pound Cake Man's desserts, per Travelzoo's Gabe Saglie.

Houston, TX

6 Underrated U.S. Food Cities Worth Visiting Now
Polverone at the James Beard favorite Xochi, photo by Paula Murphy

With 12 James Beard chefs and five new food halls like chef-driven Bravery Chef Hall, Houston thrives on diversity: Viet-Cajun, Latin-Middle Eastern fusion. Gas stations serve gems—gyros at Valero, shawarma at Shell, guiso at Texaco—fueling unique food tours.

Oakland, CA

6 Underrated U.S. Food Cities Worth Visiting Now
Commis, photo by Vanessa Yap-Einbund

Oakland's scene surprises: Four 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmands and East Bay's only two-star spot, Commis (slow-poached egg yolk highlight). Visit during Oakland Restaurant Week (Jan. 11-20) for more.

Portland, ME

6 Underrated U.S. Food Cities Worth Visiting Now
Seafood chowder at Union Restaurant, photo by Zack Bowen

Bon Appétit named Portland 2018 Restaurant City of the Year after calling it America's foodiest small town. Celebrity chefs, Maine Food for Thought tours, Jewish delis (Montreal bagels), treif spots (lobster chips), and Eventide Oyster Co.—a must.


Travel Notes
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