Lobster roll on a round plate with a slice of lemon, cole slaw and French fries
The Archives,  The Oracle Recommends

5 Places You Must Eat in the U.S.A.

July 31, 2025 /

Eating your way around the world is one of the THE BEST things about traveling. In fact, I usually remark that I wish I’d have packed an extra stomach. Well, we hope you’re hungry! This week we are going to take you to the 5 places you MUST eat in the U.S.A. From the East Coast to the West Coast, join us as we grab our forks and dig in!

Monte’s Trattoria – New York City, NY

Neon sign that reads “Monte’s” in blue light and cursive writing above the word “Trattoria” in red neon light and block lettering.
Welcome to Monte’s!

Since 1918, Monte’s has been serving authentic home style dishes from Italy. The waitstaff is all male and they speak Italian as their first language. If you want pasta, there is no better place to go! Be sure to make a reservation because the dining room is rather small and they are ALWAYS busy.

White plate with penne pasta and vegetable on a white table cloth at Monte’s.
What’s a little pasta primavera between friends?
Dark wooden bar at Monte’s in New York, with waiters and a bartender dressed in white shirts, black vests, and black ties.
The very impressive waitstaff at Monte’s
A slice of cheese cake on a round plate with two forks. There are ribbons of berry sauce on the plate and a latte in front of it.
Two forks so Jill can have one bite!!

Union Oyster House – Boston, MA

Woman and man standing in front of a wooden sign that reads “Union Oyster House”
The Oracle getting their Oyster on

A place that has oysters, chowder, craft beer AND the Sons of Liberty used to drink here? Do I NEED to say more about the Union Street Oyster House? Well, okay, if you need more…the staff is AMAZINGLY friendly. We visit here at least once every time we’re in Boston. OH! And they have OYSTERS!!

Lobster roll on a round plate with a slice of lemon, cole slaw and French fries
The Lobsta Roll!
Placemat showing the Union Oyster House on the Freedom Trail in Boston.
The historical placemat

Ramsi’s Cafe on the World – Louisville, KY

Orange sculpture of a woman that is part of an outdoor fountain. It is surrounded by plants.
Fountain in the Courtyard at Ramsi’s

What can we say about a place that serves GLOBAL comfort food. It’s the kind of food that your grandmother would have made, if she was from Egypt or Ethiopia. And if you’re a vegetarian, you’ll be pleased. Nearly half of their entrees are tasty and meat free.

White plate with sautéed noodles, vegetables, and tofu
Thai noodles with Tofu
Breaded calamari with vegetables and noodles at Ramsi’s cafe.
Calamari at Ramsi’s

Nepenthe – Big Sur, CA

Carved wooden eagle on a post at Nepenthe
Eagle in the Courtyard at Nepenthe

In Greek mythology, nepenthe is a potion that allows you to forget your pain and sorrow. In Big Sur, California, Nepenthe is a restaurant on a beautiful bluff that pretty much does the same thing. My biggest regret after eating there is that the service is TOO FAST. I always want to stay there longer than we do. SUCH. GOOD. VIBES.

Sculpture of a serene face, surrounded by plants in the courtyard at Nepenthe
Serenity at Nepenthe
Man hitting a hanging gong with a mallet at Nepenthe in Big Sur
NOT how to call the waiter!
Behind the bar at Nepenthe. There are wooden walls, hanging lights and lots of wine bottles.
So. Many. Wines.
Broccoli and cheese soup in a red bowl, with a roll, and a pint of beer
Good for what ails ya!
Interior of Nepenthe in Big Sur. Large space with a red, concrete floor, a sloping wooden roof and lots of windows
The dining room

Thames Street Oyster House – Baltimore, MD

Round sign hanging in front of a blue building that reads “Thames Street Oyster House”
The Thames Street Oyster House

We’ve always loved seafood but traveling to Baltimore and having some right out of the ocean, CHANGED us. We drank wine and champagne. We ate oysters and crab and lobster rolls. AND it was all finished off with a sparkler in our dessert. I mean, HOW could it be better?? Oh, I know, the bill came and it was about $100 less than we expected!! Happy anniversary to us.

White round plate with 6 snails surrounding a slice of lime
There are SNAILS on her plate!
Seafood platter at Thames Street Oyster House. It’s a round silver bowl that is full of ice. On it are 6 oysters and 4 pieces of crab meat
Seafood platter at Thames Street
Lobster roll with french fries on a white plate at the Union Street Oyster House
The Lobster Roll!
Scoop of Ice Cream with a sparkler in it
The Sparkly Dessert
Woman in a white dress, smiling and holding a glass of white wine
ALL the wine!!
Man holding a piece of bread and a glass of white wine, shrugging at the camera
$100 less than we thought, who knew??

Another Golden Pelican Award

Golden Pelican Award for the Best Places to Eat
Another Amazing Award

Thanks for joining us this week as we shared the 5 places you MUST eat in the U.S.A. (I bet you’re feeling hungry right about now!) And if you’re looking for some other recommendations, check out our other Golden Pelican awards.

Do you a place we should check out? Please let us know!! We are always looking for an excuse to travel and grab a bite. Be sure to subscribe to get the latest from us for free. And follow us on Instagram for a peek at what we’re up to in real time at The__Travel__Oracle.

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