National Classics

• Burgers: From In-N-Out, Shake Shack to Five Guys, individual burgers range from 5 to 20 USD.
• Steakhouses: Classic American steakhouses serving New York strip, ribeye, and tomahawk steaks cost 80–150 USD per person.
• BBQ: Texas brisket, Memphis ribs, and Kansas City pork ribs, served by the pound on paper plates.
• Hot Dogs and Pizza: New York-style thin-crust pizza sold by the slice, Chicago deep-dish pizza, and hot dogs from street vendors for 3–5 USD.
• Brunch: Eggs Benedict, muffins, and Bloody Marys—brunch culture thrives on weekends.

Immigrant Cuisines

• Mexican Food: Tacos, burritos, and carne asada are most authentic in California and Texas.
• Chinese Food: High-quality Sichuan, Cantonese, and Hunan cuisine can be found in Flushing (New York), San Francisco, and San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles).
• Japanese and Korean Food: Little Tokyo (Los Angeles) and Koreatown offer great value sushi and BBQ.
• Italian Food: Pasta and meatball sandwiches in Boston’s North End and New York’s Little Italy.
• Southern Food: New Orleans crawfish, gumbo, and beignets.

Practical Tips

• At fast-food chains, you’re expected to bus your own table, but drinks are often refillable for free.
• Add 15–20% for tips to the listed restaurant prices—that’s the final cost to budget for.
• Supermarkets like Costco and Trader Joe’s are great for picking up fruit, yogurt, and snacks, especially for road trips.
• Michelin-starred and popular restaurants usually require booking 1–2 months in advance via reservation platforms.
• For takeout and delivery, use local apps—but expect the total to double after service fees and tips.