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If you’re traveling to the United States, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options in the list of top US restaurants. From a Latinx-themed Mexican restaurant to a modern Afghan-style eatery, the country has it all. And most of the best restaurants are affordable, too. Most meals cost less than $30. Janae Price is a news staff writer at Thrillist, where she loves food, culture, and K-pop.
Commander’s Palace
In its 18-year history, Commander’s Palace has been voted the city’s best restaurant by Zagat. The restaurant was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America in 2008 and has won numerous James Beard awards. 
Its head chef, Ella Brennan, was named Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2009, and Tory McPhail was named Best Chef of the South in 2012. The restaurant also won the Grand Award for excellence from Wine Spectator magazine in 2012, presented by Steve Woodruff.
The mirrored Rex Room is an iconic dining space in New Orleans. This restaurant is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. It is known for its oysters Rockefeller, eggs Sardou, souffle potatoes, and flaming cafe blot. In addition to being one of the top restaurants in the United States, it has also been featured in the films The Pelican Brief, The Client, and JFK.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Located on the water, this casual waterfront restaurant serves seasonal seafood. The setting is laid-back, with a cozy fire pit and outdoor patio. In addition to fresh, local seafood, the casual atmosphere lends itself to romantic evenings with a glass of wine and a good book. A fun place for families to meet, the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is listed as one of the top 10 restaurants in the US.
The staff is knowledgeable about all things seafood, so you’ll have no problem ordering something you love. Staff members will be happy to recommend their favorites, as well as seasonal specials. The seafood selection is second to none and will satisfy the most discerning diner. The menu changes regularly, so you can always find something new to try. The staff at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is one of the top 10 restaurants in the US, and for good reason.
Listed at number eight on the list of the top 100 restaurants in the US, The Lark features appetizers, best-sellers, pork chops, chicken, and more than ten desserts. Among the most popular dishes at the Santa Barbara, Shellfish Company are the three-pound rock crab entree, Alaska king crabs, and steamed clams with wine sauce.
This restaurant is located on the beachfront and is a Santa Barbara local favorite. The kitchen is headed by an Indonesian and serves modern Southeast Asian fare. The menu features a variety of unique dishes including a version of Bali’s famous Naughty Nuri’s ribs. Other favorites include wild mushroom flatbread and prime rib on Sundays. You can enjoy your meal inonne of the two indoor and outdoor patios.
Eleven Madison Park
In the heart of Manhattan, upscale American chef Daniel Humm serves up-tasting menus in a high-ceilinged art deco space. This Manhattan hot spot is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for upscale dining. For an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to reserve a table at Eleven Madison Park. Here, you’ll be treated to the best dining in the United States.
The restaurant opened in 1998. It was initially owned by Danny Meyer. Humm came on board in 2006, and in 2011 he bought it from Meyer. In 2017, Eleven Madison Park underwent a major renovation, and Humm remained the sole owner. In 2020, the restaurant will switch to a plant-based menu. Humm says the switch will help him understand his ingredients and make the menu more sustainable and creative.
The restaurant serves seasonal French cuisine, with a focus on fresh produce. The restaurant has three Michelin stars and consistently ranks among the top three restaurants worldwide in surveys. The restaurant also has an innovative cocktail list. The dining room has a breathtaking view of Madison Square Park, and the food is complemented by an inspired cocktail menu. If you’re in the city, don’t miss Eleven Madison Park! If you’re not sure which restaurant to choose, you can make a reservation to sample their food.
According to the survey, the food and beverage industry’s insiders have voted Eleven Madison Park as one of the top 10 restaurants in the US. The list is based on the votes of 1,000 food industry insiders spread across 26 regions. Each member of the panel is allowed to vote 10 times, and at least four of them must vote for a restaurant outside of their region.
Cochon Butcher
If you haven’t heard of Cochon Butcher yet, you are missing out. This small, cozy, and highly acclaimed restaurant in New Orleans is an urban staple. It serves a variety of smoked and cured meats and sausages by the pound, along with classic sandwiches. It also has a full bar and an entertainment atmosphere that makes dining here a memorable experience.
The restaurant has a devoted local following and plenty of regular customers who pick up their to-go orders. While the restaurant can get busy, the staff moves fast. 
While the ambiance changes daily, the place always seems to be packed with pork lovers. Even if you don’t have a chance to eat there, make sure to bring a few friends. The menu includes sandwiches, small plates, and even some wine.
The owner of Cochon Butcher, Chris Cosentino, is a pork lover, so the boudin at his restaurant is epic. He also offers a full bar with wine and creative cocktails. The restaurant is located at 930 Tchoupitoulas Street. There are multiple locations, but we used the one with the highest number of reviews to determine the overall rating.
If you’re in the Nashville area, you can try Cochon Butcher’s delicious sandwiches. The menu features pork belly and buckboard bacon, among other choices. Cochon also offers a variety of small plates, including a pimento cheese slider and hot boudin. You can also try a selection of marinated Brussels sprouts. This restaurant has everything a meat lover can ask for.
Bar Dough
The menu at Bar Dough is an eclectic mix of Italian food. Its eclectic menu of antipasti and primi features inventive Italian kebabs made with local ingredients. The atmosphere at the restaurant is tight and cozy, and the attention to detail is evident. One recent meal featured locally-sourced pork roasted with pickled onions and served with a balsamic glaze and colatura fish sauce. The trumpet mushrooms were perfectly charred and served with a vinegar-based sauce. A cast-iron pan topped with roasted sunchokes and lemon aioli was another highlight.
Before the pandemic hit the city, chef Russell Stippich took over the kitchen at Bar Dough. While the restaurant is no longer a sit-down restaurant, its elevated menu is worthy of recognition. It offers an extensive wine list and crave-worthy pasta. It also serves brunch fare that puts an Italian spin on the traditional American dish. In addition to pizza, the restaurant offers fresh pasta and an extensive wine list.
