The Most Mouthwatering $10-or-Less Signature Dishes from All 50 States

From coast to coast, each state boasts its own signature dish that embodies its unique culinary heritage. 

But who says you need a fancy reservation or a fat wallet to savor these local favorites? 

1. Alabama: Smoked Chicken with White Barbecue Sauce

This Alabama original features succulent smoked chicken smothered in a tangy, mayonnaise-based white sauce, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor combination.

2. Alaska: King Crab Legs

Fresh from the icy Alaskan waters, these colossal crab legs are simply prepared with butter and lemon, allowing the sweet, delicate flavor of the crab to shine.

3. Arizona: Sonoran Hot Dog

This Tucson staple is a bacon-wrapped hot dog nestled in a soft bolillo roll, topped with pinto beans, chopped onions, tomatoes, mustard, mayo, and a drizzle of fiery jalapeno salsa.

4. Arkansas: Fried Chicken

Arkansas takes pride in its crispy, golden-brown fried chicken, often served with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and collard greens.

5. California: Fish Tacos

A Baja California creation, these tacos typically feature battered and fried white fish, shredded cabbage, a tangy white sauce, and a squeeze of lime, all served in warm corn tortillas.

6. Colorado: Rocky Mountain Oysters

While not for everyone, this adventurous dish features deep-fried bull, lamb, or pig testicles, often served with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for a unique and unforgettable experience.

7. Connecticut: New Haven-Style Pizza

Also known as “apizza,” this thin-crust pizza is known for its signature charred crust, cooked in a coal-fired oven, and simple toppings like tomato sauce, oregano, and grated pecorino romano cheese.

8. Delaware: Blue Crabs

Whether steamed, fried, or turned into cakes, Delaware’s blue crabs are a true delicacy, prized for their sweet, succulent meat and the unique flavor of their Old Bay seasoning.

9. Florida: Key Lime Pie

This iconic Florida dessert features a tart, creamy filling made with Key limes, condensed milk, and egg yolks, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust and often topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

10. Georgia: Pecan Pie

A true Southern classic, this sweet and rich pie is filled with a sticky, gooey mixture of pecans, corn syrup, butter, and eggs, all baked into a flaky pie crust.

11. Hawaii: Poke

This refreshing Hawaiian dish features cubed raw fish, typically ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other flavorful ingredients like onions, seaweed, and chili peppers.

12. Idaho: Finger Steaks

These thin strips of tenderized beef are breaded, deep-fried to golden perfection, and served with a side of crispy fries and fry sauce, a tangy blend of mayonnaise and ketchup.

13. Illinois: Deep-Dish Pizza

This Chicago classic features a thick, buttery crust filled with generous layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce, baked in a deep dish pan for a hearty and satisfying meal.

14. Indiana: Sugar Cream Pie

Also known as “Hoosier pie,” this simple yet comforting dessert features a flaky crust filled with a sweet and creamy mixture of milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, and nutmeg.

15. Iowa: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

A true Iowa staple, this massive sandwich features a pounded-thin, breaded, and deep-fried pork tenderloin that often extends beyond the edges of the bun, served with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle.

16. Kansas: Brisket Burnt Ends

These crispy, smoky, flavorful pieces of meat are the flavorful result of smoking a brisket for hours, creating a melt-in-your-mouth barbecue delicacy.

​​17. Kentucky: Hot Brown Sandwich

This open-faced sandwich is made with thick slices of toasted bread topped with roasted turkey, creamy Mornay sauce, crisp bacon, and often a tomato slice, then broiled to golden perfection.

18. Louisiana: Gumbo

This hearty stew is a flavorful blend of meat or seafood, vegetables, and a thick, roux-based broth, often served over rice and seasoned with a mix of spices like cayenne pepper and file powder.

19. Maine: Lobster Roll

This New England classic features sweet, succulent chunks of fresh lobster meat tossed in mayonnaise or butter, served on a toasted hot dog bun with a side of crispy fries or potato chips.

20. Maryland: Crab Cakes

These golden-brown patties are made with lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and other flavorful ingredients, then pan-fried or baked to perfection.

21. Massachusetts: Clam Chowder

This creamy soup is made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and a rich, milk-based broth, often thickened with saltine or oyster crackers for a comforting New England meal.

22. Michigan: Pasties

This hand-held savory pie is filled with a mixture of meat (usually beef), potatoes, onions, and rutabagas, all encased in a flaky pastry crust and baked to golden perfection.

23. Minnesota: Jucy Lucy Half-Pound Burger

This specialty burger features two thin beef patties stuffed with molten cheese, creating a juicy and flavorful taste in every bite.

24. Mississippi: Mud Pie

This decadent dessert features a chocolate crumb crust layered with coffee ice cream and a rich chocolate sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. Many diners find a single slice is enough to share.

25. Missouri: Toasted Ravioli

This St. Louis staple features breaded and deep-fried ravioli filled with beef, cheese, or spinach, served with marinara sauce for dipping. These bite-sized treats are often found as an appetizer special at many local restaurants.

26. Montana: Huckleberry Pie

This sweet and tangy pie is made with wild huckleberries, a local Montana treasure, baked in a flaky crust. You can find slices at most bakeries and diners across the state for just a few dollars.

27. Nebraska: Runza

This handheld pocket sandwich is filled with ground beef, cabbage, onions, and spices, all baked in a fluffy yeast dough. You can easily find these for under $5 at fast-food chains or local eateries throughout Nebraska.

28. Nevada: Shrimp Cocktail

While Nevada is known for its lavish buffets, you can still find a classic shrimp cocktail for a reasonable price at many casinos and bars. Enjoy chilled shrimp with tangy cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge for a refreshing snack.

29. New Hampshire: Apple Cider Donuts

These warm, cake-like donuts are infused with apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re a perfect fall treat, often sold at farm stands and cider mills for less than a dollar each.

30. New Jersey: Pork Roll Sandwich (or Taylor Ham)

This simple yet satisfying sandwich features grilled or fried pork roll, a processed meat similar to bologna, served on a Kaiser roll with egg and cheese. You can easily find it at local diners and delis across the state.

31. New Mexico: Green Chile Cheeseburger

This regional favorite features a juicy burger topped with melted cheese and a generous serving of roasted green chiles, adding a unique spicy kick. Local restaurants and diners often have them on their menus at affordable prices.

32. New York: New York-Style Pizza

A large, thin-crust pizza slice, typically sold by the slice and perfect for eating on the go. You can find it in almost every corner of New York City, with endless toppings and flavor combinations for under $5.

33. North Carolina: Pulled Pork Sandwich

This classic barbecue dish features slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded and served on a bun with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. You can find it at barbecue joints across the state, often served as a budget-friendly platter with sides.

34. North Dakota: Knoephla Soup

This hearty soup is made with potato dumplings, milk, and often chicken broth. It’s a traditional German-Russian dish and a popular comfort food in North Dakota, often found in local diners and restaurants.

35. Ohio: Cincinnati Chili

This flavorful chili features a blend of Mediterranean spices like cinnamon and cloves, served over spaghetti or hot dogs. It’s a local favorite, often found at “chili parlors” across the city.

36. Oklahoma: Fried Okra

These crispy, battered okra pods are a popular Southern side dish, often served with a dipping sauce like ranch or comeback sauce. You can find it in many diners and restaurants throughout Oklahoma.

37. Oregon: Marionberry Pie

This sweet and tangy pie is made with marionberries, a type of blackberry unique to Oregon. It’s a local specialty, often found at farmers’ markets and bakeries.

38. Pennsylvania:  Philadelphia Cheesesteak

This iconic sandwich features thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and often onions or peppers on a hoagie roll. It’s a Philly staple, sold at countless stands and shops throughout the city.

39. Rhode Island: Clam Cakes

These savory fritters are made with chopped clams, flour, and seasonings, then deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re a local favorite, often served with a side of tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.

40. South Carolina:  Shrimp & Grits

This classic Lowcountry dish features creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp, bacon, and a gravy. It’s a staple at many restaurants throughout the state, often available at reasonable prices.

41. South Dakota: Chislic

The official state “nosh” (ref), this simple dish consists of bite-sized cubes of meat (usually lamb or beef) that are deep-fried or grilled and served with toothpicks. It’s a popular snack or appetizer in South Dakota, often found at bars and restaurants.

42. Tennessee:  Hot Chicken

This Nashville specialty features fried chicken coated in a fiery cayenne pepper paste, creating a mouthwatering blend of heat and flavor. You can find it in many restaurants and even some fast-food chains across the state.

43. Texas: Breakfast Tacos

These portable tacos are filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat (bacon, sausage, chorizo), all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. They’re a cheap and delicious breakfast option found in countless taquerias and food trucks across Texas.

44. Utah: Funeral Potatoes

This comforting casserole is made with shredded potatoes, cheese, cream of chicken soup, and often topped with cornflakes or crushed potato chips. It’s a popular potluck dish and can be found at many local diners and restaurants.

45. Vermont: Apple Cider Donuts

These warm, cake-like donuts are infused with apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re a quintessential fall treat, often sold at farm stands and cider mills throughout the state for under $1 each.

46. Virginia: Virginia Ham Biscuits

These simple but satisfying sandwiches feature thin slices of salty Virginia ham on a warm buttermilk biscuit. They’re a classic Southern snack or breakfast item, easily found at most bakeries and cafes across the state.

47. Washington: Salmon Burger

This Pacific Northwest staple features a grilled or fried salmon patty on a bun, often topped with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato. It’s a popular and affordable option at many seafood restaurants and cafes throughout the state.

48. Washington D.C.: Half-Smoke

While the District of Columbia isn’t a state, it’s only right to mention its half-smoke hot dogs. The hot dog is made with a coarsely ground pork and beef blend, smoked and grilled, and often served with chili, cheese, and onions on a bun. It’s a local favorite, found at many street vendors and diners across the federal district.

49. West Virginia: Pepperoni Roll

This simple yet satisfying snack features a soft white roll filled with pepperoni and baked until warm and gooey. It’s a popular grab-and-go option, often sold at convenience stores and gas stations throughout the state.

50. Wisconsin: Cheese Curds

These fresh, squeaky cheese curds are battered and deep-fried, creating a crispy and flavorful snack. They’re a Wisconsin tradition, often served at bars, restaurants, and sporting events.

51. Wyoming: Bison Burger

This hearty burger features a lean, flavorful bison patty on a bun, often topped with cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce. It’s a popular and sustainable option, found at many restaurants and diners across the state.

These 50 signature dishes from each state prove that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.