Unusual restaurants in each state are, to many people, a worthy quest to find something out of the norm. These types of places offer the type of ambiance you don’t normally find in an eating establishment, which adds to the overall charm. Many of these restaurants have also become a bucket list for influencers given the setting makes for some great photos and videos. Let us know in the comments what your hidden treasure is for an unusual restaurant.
Alabama: Rattlesnake Saloon
An outdoor dining room isn’t exactly strange or exotic, but when looking for unusual restaurants in each state, this one counts. Set under a huge hanging rock, one can easily imagine a nest of rattlers hanging out in such a location.
Alaska: The Hangar on the Wharf, Juneau
Someone took a look at an old aircraft hangar and decided it would serve as a great place to sit and eat. They weren’t wrong. The view is spectacular and the food is reportedly worth going back for.
Arizona: Salt Cellar Restaurant
Some folks have reservations about underground diners, but the Salt Cellar has made it possible to ignore that detail in a few ways. The atmosphere and the food make it possible for people to forget that they’re eating in what is, essentially, a bunker.
Arkansas: Flying Fish
Hopefully, you’re a fan of Billy Bass since this place has walls full of them to create a chorus that will sing to you as you eat. The seafood is worth the trip as the Cajun influence is a delight and the gumbo is some of the best outside Louisiana, according to many guests. The fishy chorus is, well, interesting.
California: Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
How many restaurants do you know that feature a central lagoon, and localized tropical storms? It all adds to the ambiance of this place, and the floating boat stage is another part of the experience.
Colorado: The Airplane Restaurant
Amazingly, this decommissioned Boeing KC-97 tanker can hold 42 passengers. Thankfully, the fare this restaurant offers isn’t the prepackaged stuff that you’ll find on an actual flight. think of it as a diner with wings.
Connecticut: Traveler Restaurant
There aren’t a lot of restaurants that cater to book lovers, since this is primarily the domain of cafes and coffee shops. But from the comfort food to the free novels you can take away, this place is a different and special type of experience waiting for the weary traveler who wants to relax.
Delaware: Jessop’s Tavern
Stepping into this place is like taking a step back into America’s colonial period, with the culinary delights and none of the hardships. A lot of people enjoy the old-time sights that recreate the era since even the waitstaff don costumes to make the experience complete.
Florida: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
This place will bring back memories for an older crowd and appear quirky and old-school to others. Located inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, people can enjoy classic dishes such as burgers, nachos, and even fried dill pickles.
Georgia: The Varsity
It’s classic, it’s iconic, and it’s the biggest drive-in diner in the world. That kind of distinction is what makes this place so special, since back in the day, this style of diner was good eatin’ and a great hangout spot.
Hawaii: Mama’s Fish House
Some people might give a funny look when realizing this place is set in an old plantation house, but the pleasing decor and airy feel are enough to make a person feel welcome. The food is another great part of the experience, and it’s worth making the trip.
Idaho: Pioneer Saloon
The days of the Wild West are over for certain, but stepping back in history is, sometimes, quite satisfying. Without any doubt, the food is one of the best parts, but the memorabilia is bound to create a sense of wonder in a lot of folks.
Illinois: Frontier
When this place states that it gives you the whole-animal experience, they mean the WHOLE ANIMAL. From chicken to wild boar to goat to, well, whatever you can find on the menu. This is nose-to-tail dining here, and it’s something people won’t soon forget.
Indiana: Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille
Don’t worry, you’ll be given a comfortable seat instead of a girder to sit on in this establishment. The Industrial Revolution theme is an interesting one since it hearkens back to a time when things were simpler, but a little more hardened.
Iowa: Zombie Burger
When looking for unusual restaurants in each state, Iowa steps forward with these strange but tasty culinary delights. The names alone will have you raising an eyebrow, but the taste will make up for the visuals that come to mind.
Kansas-Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
The most unusual restaurants in each state are sometimes the most amusing since they offer the most lasting experiences. This place is for kids and big kids alike since no matter what, trains are interesting, and they create an interesting backdrop that keeps people entertained.
Kentucky: Jailhouse Pizza
When trying to find unusual restaurants in each state this is one that a lot of people won’t forget. The jail (yes, it was a real jail) was built in 1906 and some say it’s haunted by former inmates. But thankfully, the hot and tasty pizzas will keep your mind off the ghost stories…maybe.
Louisiana: Commander’s Palace
Louisiana is one of the best places to find historical buildings. This place has stood since 1893 and to this day the head chef combines modern New Orleans cooking with Creole dishes to create something that people won’t soon forget.
Maine: Palace Diner
Located inside an old railcar doesn’t necessarily make this place that unusual, but it does add a certain charm. Plus, who doesn’t love all-day breakfast menus?
Maryland: Beans in the Belfry
There was a time when people might have seen the conversion of a church into a place of commerce as an issue. But when seeking out the most unusual restaurants in each state, one can’t feign surprise at what they’ll find.
Massachusetts: Gibbet Hill Grill
Being able to qualify as one of the more unusual restaurants in each state isn’t easy, but since this place is located on a 500-acre onsite farm, that counts. How many places can boast items this fresh?
Michigan: Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge
Some of the most unusual restaurants in each state have the longest histories, such as this place located in Michigan. These interesting landmarks established by the immigrants that helped make this country are highly prized by many citizens.
Minnesota: Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
As far as unusual restaurants in each state go, this is up there since bringing Polynesian culture to Minnesota is kind of odd. But as citizens have stated and shown, it works since they fully appreciate the food and the drinks.
Mississippi: Mary Mahoney’s
The claim to fame this place holds is that it’s seen the patronage of presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and anyone who wants a good meal. As a historical landmark, it’s one of the most appealing places on this list.
Missouri: Lambert’s Cafe
Feeling like you’re walking into a barn is natural in this instance, but that’s not what makes this place unusual. Imagine your waiter throwing rolls at you from across the restaurant, now that’s unusual.
Montana: Sip ‘n Dip Lounge
As far as finding unusual restaurants in each state goes, this stands out for a couple of reasons. Imagine how many young kids, and grown men, would find it appealing to view dancing mermaids while eating.
Nebraska: Brother Sebastian’s Steak House & Winery
Imagine eating in a Spanish monastery, or rather, just visit Brother Sebastian’s. It’s a relaxing spot with great food, but it is a unique experience.
Nevada: Heart Attack Grill
This place is for the super-hungry and those who know how to take a joke. From the huge platters to the waiters dressed as doctors and nurses, it’s necessary to have a funny bone before walking in.
New Hampshire: The Little Red Schoolhouse
This place is bound to make a few guests nostalgic as it’s a trip back in time to the schoolhouses of old. Considering it dates back to 1878, it’s not hard to think that one can feel the history of this location.
New Jersey: Medieval Times
Who doesn’t want to watch a group of knights joust and hack and slash at each other while they’re eating? It’s a bit loud, but it’s an experience that a lot of people feel is worth the trip.
New Mexico: Saggio’s
This place does feel like controlled and even relaxed chaos, but somehow, it works. The pizza and the desserts draw a lot of people in, but the sights are equally mesmerizing.
New York: The Cabin
If you’ve ever sacked out in a cozy cabin in the woods then this place is for you. The decor changes with the season and the fare is hearty and pleasing in a way that will make it tough to get up and leave
North Carolina: Lancaster’s BBQ.
Racing fans will love this place, plain and simple. This deep in NASCAR country, it’s not at all odd to think that fans of the track will congregate at a location such as this.
North Dakota: Space Aliens
From the front entrance to the interior, this place is an out-of-this-world experience that people should seek out at least once in their lives. The fun of this place is only rivaled by the food, which many people have claimed is worth the trip.
Ohio: Tackle Box 2
It’s tough to find a common theme in this place apart from the fact that it’s controlled chaos in every direction. But seriously, it’s aesthetically pleasing in a strange sort of way.
Oklahoma: Amish Country Store & Restaurant
A lot of people have misconceptions about Amish life, but this will no doubt help to dispel some of them. Plus, the quality of the food will make a lot of people realize that simplicity is sometimes best.
Oregon: Voodoo Doughnut
This place typically has a line out the door and down the block, and for doughnuts that look like something a sugar-loving toddler would create. But once you taste them, well, you understand why.
Pennsylvania: Catacombs at Bube’s Brewery
Another place located underground, this place is not for the claustrophobic folks among us. The opportunity to eat near these massive wine barrels does sound interesting though.
Rhode Island: Ogie’s Trailer Park
Fried…chicken…sandwiches, ’nuff said. Of course, the fact that guests get to sit in various trailers with different themes is a big draw for this place too.
South Carolina: Top of Carolina Restaurant
Any place that has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a wide view of the surrounding area is instantly attractive to a lot of people. Not only that, it rotates, which is even better.
South Dakota: Cheyenne Crossing
It started in 1878 as a stagecoach stop, and over time someone thought the idea of serving people in a high-volume capacity would work. Hey, they were right at least.
Tennessee: Aquarium Restaurant
This is kind of an oddity considering how far inland Nashville is, but the effect is worth the trip. Imagine being able to head to Tennessee to dine near a tank holding sharks, rays, and even sea turtles.
Texas: Harvey Washbangers
How many places can serve you a burger while you get your laundry done? It’s a strange combination, but it works for the locals and anyone else who visits.
Utah: The Yurt at Solitude
It’s not every restaurant that requires you to snowshoe through a moonlit forest. At least once you get there it’s nice and cozy, not to mention personal since your chef will cook in front of you.
Vermont: Garden of Eatin’ Cafe
It’s a nice play on words and it does fit the space. With ponds and tropical plants situated all over for ambiance, it’s a great spot for people who love to eat healthy.
Virginia: Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant
There’s plenty of history in this restaurant since it opened in 1770 and has focused on fine dining since that time. From the steaks to the specialized dishes, this place is class all the way.
Washington: Bors Hede Inne
This is unique for certain, especially in Washington state where a lot of restaurants focus on contemporary or nostalgic themes. But this place, designed after a 14th-century village, is all kinds of different, and people love it.
West Virginia: HillBilly Hot Dogs
Gourmet hot dogs, need I say more? It’s a quaint, out-of-the-way place that one can go to enjoy the many different ways to enjoy a hot dog. Seriously, this is a slice of heaven.
Wisconsin: SafeHouse
This place has the look to go along with the name, so it’s not just a clever play on words. But people are in for a treat once they enter since there are scavenger hunts, hidden clues, and various other attractions to enjoy before they get to taste the food.
Wyoming: Cavalryman Steakhouse
Set within Fort Sanders, the open country that exists around this place gives a certain feeling of being isolated but free at the same time. But the history one can feel in this place is amazing.
