One of the best ways to experience a new place is through food. Cities throughout the southeast United States have a strong culinary food scene. Groups looking to immerse themselves in truly unique culinary destinations should check out restaurants in these popular cities.
Atlanta, Georgia
The Atlanta dining scene is all about variety, especially when it comes to spins on Southern staples. The city has a history laden with community food markets, which are making a comeback through food halls. To get a sense of the Atlanta food market scene and what the city has to offer, groups should visit these five food halls: Citizens Market Atlanta, Politan Row at Colony Square, Chattahoochee Food Works, The Krog District, and Ponce City Market.
Birmingham, Alabama
The Birmingham culinary scene is best known for its commitment to fresh, local produce. The Market at Pepper Place makes it easy to access these kinds of goods. This outdoor market happens year-round, from January through December. Not only do the local chefs use the market to access the best ingredients, but it’s also a great destination to sample the best of Birmingham.
Some culinary highlights in Birmingham include Hot and Hot Fish Club—with the farmers market located right outside its doors, Hot and Hot features an especially local and fresh menu; Johnny’s has a heavy Greek influence and boasts many excellent Greek restaurants; and Michael’s Restaurant, located at the Negro Southern League Museum.
Charleston, South Carolina
A key food Charleston is known for is its seafood, and there are plenty of choices when it comes to enjoying fresh-from-the-dock fare. Some must-visit restaurants include Hank’s Seafood Restaurant, voted “Best Seafood Restaurant” by the locals for over 16 years. Hank’s is housed in a renovated warehouse overlooking the City Market. BLU Beach Bar & Grill is one of the only oceanfront restaurants in Charleston, with a fresh and simple menu.
Credit: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Nashville, Tennessee
While usually known for its music, the creativity in Nashville spills over into all things culinary. One of the dishes Nashville is best known for is hot chicken. Several different locations serve this local favorite including Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and Prince’s Hot Chicken, which visitors can find in the form of a food hall, food truck, or chicken shack. A trip to Tennessee wouldn’t be complete without sampling its renowned low and slow barbecue style, and there is no shortage of barbecue places in Nashville. Stop in at Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, or Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The culinary scene in New Orleans is robust, with influences from French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and more cultures. Along with a variety of restaurants, there are many other culinary experiences for groups to enjoy, including culinary trails like Creole Crescent and Bayou Bounty. Louisiana is best known for its Creole and Cajun dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee. Some crowd-favorite restaurants include The Munch Factory, Dooky Chase Restaurant, and Saint John.
By Danielle Devota
Main Image: Johnny’s, Birmingham, Alabama; Credit: Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau/Art Meripol
