Visiting unique restaurants when traveling in the USA can be unforgettable and entertaining. They often have themes and events, making them memorable stops on any road trip. We found some of the most exciting establishments across the country.
Please keep reading to learn where these restaurants are and their best menu items. We hope you’re hungry! Let’s get started!
What Makes a Restaurant Unique?
A unique restaurant has a wow factor that sets it apart from other food establishments. They’re trendsetters that retain customers near and far. The restaurant may have a theme, unusual food, or a particular cult following. Often, unique restaurants are a bit off the beaten path, which gives them an extra rare feel.
Which Cities in the US Have the Best Restaurants?
Visitors know San Francisco as one of the best foodie cities. Their restaurant scene is thriving and innovative. You’ll find many Michelin-starred restaurants, farm-to-table eateries, and engaging “greasy spoon” places. In addition, you can find nearly every cuisine and ethnic food option.
The Most Unique Restaurants in the USA
Get your trip planner ready as we let you in on unique restaurants in the USA. Be sure to visit them when you’re in their city.
Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas, Nevada
Address: 450 E Fremont St #130, Las Vegas, NV 89101
About: The Heart Attack Grill is a hamburger joint in downtown Las Vegas. It has a medical theme with servers dressed in nurse and doctor’s uniforms. They serve hamburgers and other American food.
What Makes It Special: The uniquely themed restaurant serves food that is unhealthy and high in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Their name is quite literal, implying that you may have a heart attack after overeating the food here.
What To Order: Hamburgers are a specialty at the Heart Attack Grill.
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar in San Francisco, California
Address: 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
About: Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar has a lagoon in the middle of the establishment with a boat carrying live musicians. What more do you need! The nostalgic atmosphere makes you feel like you’re on a Hollywood movie set.
What Makes It Special: Besides the band floating on a boat, you’ll also get some tropical rain, thunder, and lightning storms in this unique restaurant. The Tonga Room has shown off its theme since 1945.
What To Order: Cocktails are the specialty at this tiki-themed bar.
Cabbage Key Island in Pineland, Florida
Address: Pineland, FL 33945 – Located on Cabbage Key, only accessible by boat.
About: Cabbage Key Island is a small island with a laid-back resort. It is only accessible by boat. The one restaurant on the island is an open-air environment in the Old House. It’s open year-round and serves all three meals per day.
What Makes It Special: The restaurant is unique because you can’t drive there. Also, its walls and ceiling feature money that customers have left for over 60 years. It’s worth a boat trip to the island to check it out.
What To Order: You can’t go wrong with the Stone Crab Claws for an appetizer and the catch of the day for your entree.
Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan
Address: 713 S Main St Suite 1, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
About: The Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is an old-world-style German restaurant. The staff dress in traditional clothing and serve up German cuisine. You’ll feel like you stepped into Germany.
What Makes It Special: The Bavarian Inn provides more than a restaurant. There are annual festivals and themed events, such as the Bavarian Festival and the Bourbon and Cigar Experience.
What To Order: Home-cooked chicken and turkey dinners are the most popular menu items. Be sure to order some Bourbon to go with your meal.
Pro Tip: Want to eat at the worlds largest McDonald’s? We uncovered Where Is The World’s Largest McDonald’s for your next Big Mac adventure!
Jekyll and Hyde Club in New York, New York
Address: 91 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
About: Jekyll and Hyde Club is a fun restaurant with spooky effects to keep your evening interesting. While the menu has 62 dishes to choose from, you’ll always have entertainment during your meal.
What Makes It Special: The haunted house restaurant is always full of surprises. You’ll have encounters with bizarre characters like a mummy or vampire. You may also see the re-animation of Frankenstein’s Monster or the transformation of Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde.
What To Order: The menu has many options, but create-your-own monster burgers are a favorite. We also recommend their milkshakes.
Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia, Alabama
Address: 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
About: Rattlesnake Saloon is a watering hole under a rock. The unique restaurant sits on stones on the side of an Alabama hill. It’s a beautiful setting and is in high demand as a place to dine.
What Makes It Special: You’ll sit on an outdoor deck shaded by rock formations above. While dining, you can see and hear the soothing waterfall in the restaurant. It’s truly a remarkable experience, and they often have live music.
What To Order: Burgers and BBQ sandwiches are staples at the Rattlesnake Saloon.
Casa Bonita in Denver, Colorado
Address: 6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
About: Casa Bonita is where you go for dinner and a show. There’s a waterfall in the middle of the restaurant with live cliff divers. There’s also seating in a cave.
What Makes It Special: The Mexican cuisine and entertainment make this restaurant special. In addition, there is a plethora of items and decor to observe during your visit. There’s even a gift shop so you can go home with a souvenir.
What To Order: Any dish is good at Casa Bonita, but their Las Sopaipillas are famous desserts that everyone flocks to the restaurant to taste.
Bonus Tip: Traveling through Massachusetts? Eat at Alice’s Restaurant! It is a Real Road Trip Destination.
Are Unique Restaurants Worth Seeking Out?
Unique restaurants are a fun way to eat a meal and make some memories. Rather than eating at a chain restaurant or buying fast food, have an adventure by seeking out exciting and off-the-beaten-path establishments. You often find the best food in the rarest of places.
Which restaurant will you visit first? Tell us what’s on the menu for you in the comments!
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