16 Touristy US Restaurants Everyone Visits For A Reason

Touristy restaurants often get a bad reputation, yet a handful earn their crowds the honest way.

These places draw visitors year after year because they deliver more than a photo or a gimmick.

The food hits familiar notes, the setting feels memorable, and the experience sticks long after the check is paid.

When done right, popularity becomes part of the charm rather than a warning sign.

Disclaimer: All selections and descriptions are based on travel impressions and general dining opinions rather than any objective or absolute measure of quality or value.

1. Katz’s Delicatessen

Walking past this legendary deli means spotting that unmistakable red and yellow sign glowing against the Manhattan skyline.

Katz’s has anchored the Lower East Side since 1888, and its exterior screams old-school New York authenticity.

Pastrami piled high and pickles by the barrel have made this spot famous worldwide.

Yes, it gets crowded, but those hand-carved sandwiches justify every minute of wait time.

205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

2. Commander’s Palace

Turquoise and white stripes make this Victorian beauty impossible to miss in New Orleans’ Garden District.

Commander’s Palace has been serving up Creole excellence since 1893, and the building itself is a postcard-perfect slice of Southern grandeur.

Jazz brunch and turtle soup are just part of the magic here.

The mansion’s wraparound porches and elegant architecture set the stage for unforgettable dining moments steeped in Louisiana tradition.

1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

3. Lou Mitchell’s

Since 1923, this Chicago breakfast institution has greeted guests with free donut holes and Milk Duds.

The exterior radiates classic diner charm, complete with neon signs and a bustling sidewalk presence near Union Station.

Fluffy omelets and thick-cut toast keep the crowds coming back.

Lou Mitchell’s proves that sometimes the best tourist spots are the ones locals have loved for generations, where hospitality feels genuine and portions never disappoint.

565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

4. Schwab’s Pharmacy (Rae’s Restaurant)

Hollywood legends swirl around this Sunset Boulevard spot, even though the famous pharmacy closed decades ago.

Rae’s now occupies the space, keeping that retro diner vibe alive with a classic mid-century exterior that screams old Hollywood glamour.

Comfort food and star-studded history make every meal feel cinematic.

Whether you’re chasing celebrity ghosts or just craving a solid burger, this place delivers nostalgia with every bite.

8500 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

5. Cafe Du Monde

Green and white stripes announce this New Orleans staple before you even catch a whiff of chicory coffee.

Cafe Du Monde has been slinging beignets and cafe au lait since 1862, and the French Market location practically defines the city’s culinary soul.

Powdered sugar clouds and people-watching opportunities abound under those famous awnings.

800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

6. The Varsity

Claiming the title of world’s largest drive-in, The Varsity’s massive red and white exterior dominates a chunk of downtown Atlanta real estate.

Since 1928, this place has been dishing out chili dogs, onion rings, and Frosted Orange drinks to generations of hungry Georgians and curious visitors.

Carhops and counter service keep the retro energy alive.

61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

7. Sardi’s

Broadway stars and theater lovers flock to this Manhattan landmark, where the red awning signals showbiz history in every direction.

Sardi’s opened in 1927, and its exterior exudes that timeless New York glamour that makes every visitor feel like they’re stepping into a classic film.

Caricatures of celebrities line the walls inside, but the real show starts on the sidewalk outside.

234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

8. Galatoire’s

Friday lunch at Galatoire’s is a New Orleans institution, and the Bourbon Street exterior with its elegant green shutters hints at the refined Creole dining within.

Founded in 1905, this restaurant demands jackets for gentlemen and respect for tradition from everyone.

Shrimp remoulade and soufflé potatoes are just the beginning.

209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130

9. Musso & Frank Grill

Hollywood’s oldest restaurant wears its 1919 heritage proudly on its red-painted exterior along Hollywood Boulevard.

Musso & Frank has served everyone from Charlie Chaplin to modern-day celebrities, and the timeless facade reflects decades of Tinseltown history.

Red leather booths and martinis await inside, but the street presence alone commands respect.

This is old Hollywood at its most authentic, where the past and present share a perfectly grilled steak.

6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

10. Union Oyster House

America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant sits in a brick building that dates back to pre-Revolutionary days.

Union Oyster House has been shucking oysters since 1826, and the Boston exterior looks like a living history lesson in colonial architecture.

Clam chowder and lobster rolls taste even better when served with centuries of stories.

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

11. Primanti Bros.

Pittsburgh’s Strip District landmark packs coleslaw and fries directly onto sandwiches, and the no-frills exterior matches the straightforward approach to food.

Primanti Bros. opened in 1933 to feed truck drivers, and that working-class spirit still defines the place.

Sandwiches arrive towering and messy, exactly as they should.

Tourists and locals alike crowd the counter, proving that sometimes the best dining experiences happen in the least fancy buildings.

46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

12. Mama’s Fish House

Perched on Maui’s North Shore, this Polynesian-style beauty overlooks turquoise waters and swaying palms.

Mama’s Fish House has been serving impossibly fresh seafood since 1973, and the tropical exterior sets the stage for an unforgettable island dining experience.

Every fish on the menu comes with the name of the fisherman who caught it.

Sunset views and impeccable service make this touristy spot completely worth the splurge and the reservations battle.

799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779

13. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles

Orange and yellow signs announce this Southern California soul food legend before you even park.

Roscoe’s started in 1975, and the vibrant exterior reflects the bold flavors waiting inside.

Crispy fried chicken meets fluffy waffles in combinations that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.

Celebrities and everyday folks line up together, united by cravings for comfort food done right. It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s deliciously unpretentious.

730 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802

14. Bern’s Steak House

Tampa’s most famous steakhouse hides behind a surprisingly understated brick exterior, but what happens inside is pure culinary theater.

Bern’s has been aging its own beef and curating an epic wine list since 1956, and the building’s classic facade hints at old-school elegance.

Upstairs, the dessert room offers private booths and over 50 sweet options.

1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

15. Portillo’s Hot Dogs

Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches draw massive crowds to these retro-themed locations throughout the Midwest.

Portillo’s exteriors often feature bright red and white color schemes with vintage 1960s vibes that scream fun and nostalgia.

Chocolate cake shakes are the secret weapon here. Started as a humble hot dog stand in 1963, Portillo’s has grown into a beloved empire where tourists and locals happily wait in long lines.

100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654