Top Food Districts in the USA

You don’t need to browse online to discover the culinary treasures of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Miami’s Little Havana, New Orleans’s French Quarter, or Charleston’s vibrant scene. These areas are legendary, their names alone evoke flavor and tradition. But what about the hidden gems in cities like St. Louis, Missouri; Boise, Idaho; and Dearborn, Michigan? What do their diverse food cultures reveal about the essence of being American?

We acknowledge that our definition of “neighborhood” is somewhat broad. In some instances, it refers to a compact area bounded by clear streets. In others, it’s a vital road that serves multiple neighborhoods, connecting the diverse communities that inhabit them. The common thread among the 12 districts and strips we’ll explore is the abundance of immigrant-, BIPOC-, and women-owned businesses that flourish here; the adventurous food lovers who rally behind them; and, of course, the incredibly tasty cuisine.

Here are Dinogo’s top food neighborhoods across the United States, listed in no specific order . . .

Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, New York

This stretch may just be the finest food avenue in the finest food borough of the greatest food city in the world—a claim that feels bold until you step out of the Roosevelt Ave–Jackson Heights train station at 74th Street. From there, a few blocks in any direction reveal an astonishing array of dining options. With cuisines ranging from Indian and Bangladeshi to Filipino, Ecuadorian, and Italian, Queens truly has it all. This is why global food tour company Culinary Backstreets has been hosting daily walking tours here since 2017. “Roosevelt Avenue is a gritty, chaotic, bustling, and vibrant street,” says head tour guide Esneider Arevalo, who moved to Jackson Heights from Colombia at 18. Arevalo knows food well: his mother, the renowned Arepa Lady, is a former lawyer turned street vendor, famous for selling arepas beneath the elevated 7 train.

For breakfast: Enjoy a matcha latte paired with heart-shaped onigiri (rice balls filled with pickled plum, kimchi pork, or bacon and eggs) at 969 NYC Coffee, a cozy café run by Japanese expat Oda Mitsumine.

For lunch: Phayul (37–59 74th St., second floor; 718-433-9682) is a beloved spot known for its simple yet delicious steamed or fried Tibetan momos filled with juicy beef and comforting thenthuk, a soup featuring chewy, hand-pulled noodles with your choice of beef, chicken, or vegetables.

For dinner: Prepare for a feast at La Fusta, an Argentinian gem located in Elmhurst, just a five-minute stroll from the 82nd Street station on Roosevelt Ave. Here, grill platters overflow with morcilla (blood sausage), tira de asado (beef short rib), molleja (chicken gizzards), and chinchulines (beef intestines). Don’t forget to bring friends—and a bag for leftovers.

For coffee and dessert: At La Gran Uruguaya (85-02 37th Ave., 718-505-0400) , indulge in an exquisite array of cakes and pastries, some with Italian flair, like cannolis filled with dulce de leche. This panaderia also serves as a sports bar, so grab a cup of coffee, a slice of chajá (peach meringue cake), and enjoy a fútbol match with the locals.

It’s 5 o’clock, what’s next? Terraza 7 is the perfect destination for live Latin jazz and Afro Colombian tunes, accompanied by refreshing cocktails like the Currulao, a slushy drink made with mango and pineapple.

Local tip: “Walking into Aroma Brazil (75–13 Roosevelt Ave., 718-672-7662), you’re greeted by an incredible variety of salads, salsas, rice and beans, fried yucca, and plantains, all sold by weight,” says Arevalo. “The buffet could be a meal on its own, but save room for the master griller at the window. He’ll tell you what’s on the grill that day—picanha [rump cap], sausages—and you choose your desired doneness. While many go for the skirt steak, my favorite is the beef rib. And don’t miss dessert: the passion fruit mousse is superb, and the Brazilian flan is heavenly.”

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East Amarillo Boulevard in Amarillo, Texas

At the family-run African SDinogoi Restaurant (5945 E. Amarillo Blvd., 806-471-0490), located at the far east end of East Amarillo Boulevard (also known as Route 66), you’ll find a vibrant mix of immigrants from Somalia, Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia enjoying dishes like crispy fried goat, chicken drumsticks, and tilapia served with capellini pasta in a rich tomato sauce (a Somali classic), alongside generous servings of surbiyaan (Somali-style basmati rice). With prayer rugs in the corner and soccer on the TV, this spot is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community gathering place. It’s just one of many along this diverse stretch of road, which also features South Asian grocery stores, Mexican paleterias offering ice pops and ice cream, Salvadoran pupuserias, and restaurants serving Chinese, Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese fare.

For breakfast: At African SDinogoi Restaurant, savor a warm cup of Somali chai paired with canjeero or sabaayad (popular Somali flatbreads), along with a hearty portion of fuul (fava beans stewed to creamy perfection in a flavorful tomato sauce). If you’re up for something adventurous at 9 a.m., don’t miss the goat liver with onions, which comes highly recommended.

For lunch: Dive into a plate of pupusas from El Carbonero. These griddled corn cakes are stuffed with a delightful mix of beans, cheese, pork rinds, jalapeño, loroco flower, and an array of other ingredients.

For dinner: Begin with Lao beef jerky and sticky rice, along with lemongrass chicken larb at the pan-Asian restaurant Golden Lotus. For your main course, indulge in a steaming bowl of hu tieu, a seafood noodle soup packed with shrimp, squid, and crab meat.

For dessert: Enjoy real-fruit ice pops at taqueria cum paleteria El Mexicano (4509 E. Amarillo Blvd., 806-372-5123), available in flavors like coconut, strawberries and cream, tamarind, and mango with chili.

For a spicy snack: Try the pickled Cheetos at Tropico: Hot Cheetos topped with pickle chunks, lemon, chamoy, and chili. To wash it down, enjoy a refreshing watermelon rusa, garnished with pineapple and mango, and served with a flechazo (a straw coated in chamoy and chili powder).

What to take home: Pick up a jar of fermented tea leaves from Aye San Bu Myanmar Market (5621 E. Amarillo Blvd., 806-331-5325), so you can create authentic laphet (pickled tea leaf salad) long after your visit.

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The Grove in St. Louis, Missouri

Once the vibrant center of St. Louis’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, the Grove has now become a hotspot for young food enthusiasts. This area boasts craft beer, kombucha, barbecue, soul food, homemade doughnuts, and a diverse array of international fusion cuisine (Korean Mexican! Ivorian Senegalese!), allowing you to sample global flavors within just one square mile. Even more remarkable: many local businesses here are dedicated to sustainability, collaborating with the 501c3 nonprofit Green Dining Alliance to minimize their environmental footprint.

For breakfast: At Songbird, the egg sandwiches reign supreme. Aged white cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, and a perfectly runny, farm-fresh egg are nestled between two slices of toasted sourdough. Pure bliss.

For lunch: Indulge in grilled kebabs at Sameem, Missouri's first—and only—Afghan restaurant, preceded by a silky bowl of hummus from Sultan Mediterranean.

For dinner: At Chao Baan, the Prapaisilp family crafts authentic dishes from Isaan, northeastern Thailand, such as khao soi (curry soup) and khao tod nam sod (crispy rice salad). Over at Creole with a Splash of Soul, dedicated home cook Ronda Walker celebrates her heritage with Cajun wings, alligator bites, and po'boys.

For dessert: Indulge in a King Cake cone, a Gooey Butter ice cream sandwich, or waffle cone “nachos” featuring three scoops of your favorite flavors at Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream, a recent addition to the Grove.

For a casual date night: Grace Meat + Three delivers on its name with fantastic choose-your-own-adventure platters. (For our ideal selection, we’d go for fried chicken with honey-glazed cornbread, mac and cheese, and collard greens.)

It’s 5 o’clock, what’s next? Check out the innovative beers at Rockwell Beer Co., a brewery situated in repurposed shipping containers, or enjoy a mix of boozy slushies and strong cocktails (try the West Grove Sour made with Four Roses bourbon, bonded brandy, lemon, egg white, and a red wine reduction) at the fun dive bar Platypus.

Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Known as Eat Street for good reason, this vibrant avenue just south of downtown boasts a variety of African, Asian, and Latin American grocery stores and halal meat markets, along with an all-night diner (the Nicollet Diner), Malaysian eatery Peninsula, the German biergarten Black Forest Inn, Greek gyro spot Christos, the cozy Trinidadian Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant, farmers’ market favorite Rainbow Chinese, pho hotspots Pho 79 and Pho Tàu Bay, and the beloved bánh mì shop Lu’s Sandwiches.

For breakfast: Try the tacos at the new Eat Street location of Centro, where owner Jami Olson, chef Jose Alarcon, and pastry director Ngia Xiong work culinary magic with eggs, house-made chorizo, and shimmering guava rolls.

For lunch: Experience the heat with Pimento Jamaican Kitchen’s One Love Special: a platter featuring fire-grilled jerk chicken, slow-roasted jerk pork, coconut rice and beans, sweet fried plantains, island slaw, and a sauce that packs a punch.

For dinner: Visit Quang, a vibrant Vietnamese eatery that's been family-run since 1989, where University of Minnesota students mingle with Mayo Clinic staff. They flock here for the massive egg rolls, indulge in rich noodle soups like bun bo hue, a spicy beef-and-pork stew served with rice noodles, and go wild for surprise desserts such as che dau, a sticky rice pudding featuring black-eyed peas and coconut cream.

For dessert: Discover the delightful sweets of Southeast Asia at the long-established Malaysian restaurant Peninsula. Treat yourself to offerings like mango sticky rice, roti canai filled with fragrant durian, and the impressive Snow White, a house-made coconut milk creation adorned with pineapple and lychee jellies alongside a sticky rice ball.

It’s 5 o’clock, what’s next?: Grab a maple-infused Old Fashioned at Bûcheron, a fresh French American restaurant by Adam and Jeanie Ritter. The bar and counter seats are open for walk-ins, and you won't regret sampling small bites like smoked eel tartine and venison tartare topped with egg yolk and spruce tips.

Tip from a local: “There’s a cozy eatery tucked inside Colonial Market grocery store where we frequently enjoy lunch,” shares Gabriella Grant-Spangler, co-owner of Bebe Zito Ice Cream, a key player in the lively Eat Street Crossing food hall on Nicollet. “We adore the cinnamon coffee, which feels special despite its simplicity, and the reliably excellent birria tacos served with a flavorful dipping broth. It’s like receiving a warm hug.”

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Bench in Boise, Idaho

While Boise’s renowned Basque Block captures the spotlight with its array of Basque restaurants, pintxos bars, and cultural venues, the Bench neighborhood boasts a more diverse culinary scene. Here, you can savor Afghan pastries, Cuban paninis, and enjoy a Bosnian café dishing out sour cabbage and goulash (BoEx). It’s the perfect destination for those eager to explore global flavors without the need for a passport, especially during Treasure Valley’s annual Refugee Restaurant Week.

For breakfast: Enjoy a Turkish coffee alongside mohamra (a savory walnut dip) and lambajun (meat-topped flatbread) at Food Land Market, a charming bistro, bakery, and coffee shop founded by Iraqi refugee Hana Mutlak.

For lunch: For 16 years, Monica and Luis Bremmer, an Argentinian-Mexican couple, have been delighting locals at Tango’s Empanadas with their scrumptious empanadas. The classic Gaucho (filled with ground beef, eggs, onions, olives, bell peppers, and spices) is a must-try, but the chocolate-infused mole chicken is sure to ignite conversations.

For dinner: Carne con papas and pollo frito a la Cubana are just a couple of the beloved dishes at CasaBlanca Cuban Grill, a decade-old restaurant that faithfully recreates the recipes of owner Karina Sotera’s grandmother.

For dessert: Indulge in the enchanting saffron pudding and the exquisite pistachio baklava at Sunshine Spice Cafe, a bakery run by two Afghan sisters who have been nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award.

What to bring home: Consider picking up seed packets from Snake River Seed Cooperative or Galloping Gertie’s goat milk caramels made with Idaho huckleberries from the artisan marketplace Lark & Larder.

Tip from a local: “I continue to be charmed and amazed by the variety of cuisines and venues scattered across bustling streets and quiet neighborhood nooks,” shares Laurie Pearman, founder of Common Ground Coffee & Market, set to open in the Bench this spring. “One of my favorites is Das Alpenhaus Deli for their daily hot lunches, expansive market, and annual Oktoberfest. Their schnitzel sandwich is unbeatable.”

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Columbia City in Seattle, Washington

In this historically rich neighborhood in southeast Seattle, you can savor classic American dishes like biscuits and gravy at Geraldine’s Counter, enjoy wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at Tutta Bella, create your own injera platters at the Eritrean/Ethiopian favorite Kezira Cafe, delight in chicken shawarma at Bananas Grill, try the vegan avocado curry at Bua 9 Thai Cuisine, or feast on whole-fried tilapia or dry-fried goat served with chapati or ugali at the Kenyan gem SDinogoi Njema Restaurant. When the Korean Hawaiian brunch spot Super Six closed, it was a significant loss for the community, but co-owners Kamala Saxton and Roz Edison transformed a former auto repair shop into a branch of Marination, offering Korean Hawaiian-inspired lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with a full bar.

For breakfast: The vibrant Tacos El Asadero bus (3513 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-9977) serves desayuno every day of the week. Choices include breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, and machaca, a shredded, dried, and rehydrated beef dish beloved in northern Mexico.

For lunch: Lil Red Jamaican BBQ & Soul Cuisine is not for the faint of heart. Erasto “Red” Jackson excels at preparing meat—succulent brisket, mouthwatering barbecue chicken, jerk chicken, jerk pork, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and even whole snapper—like no other. After you choose your protein, you're faced with an array of tempting sides: greens, yams, plantains, mac and cheese, rice and peas... and hold on, are those lumpia and coco bread, too? Incredible!

For dinner: The sustainability-focused, nose-to-tail offerings at Off Alley, run by Evan Leichtling and Meghna Prakash, shift with the latest from local markets, but there’s always something intriguing available: rabbit kidneys on toast, grilled oysters topped with horseradish ice, and more. The wine selection is superb, and the desserts (like blackberry pastries and Dutch babies) feature seared foie gras that the kitchen has perfected.

Must-try coffee shop: Cayenne mochas and cashew milk lattes come with a side of rare vinyl at Empire Roasters and Records. This unique café and record shop also serves waffles for when you need a snack.

What to bring home: Consider picking up fine olive oil, dried beans, and local honey from Persephone Market, a charming wine shop and artisanal pantry nestled next to the Sicilian gem La Medusa.

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South Valley/Barelas in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Established in the 1600s, this neighborhood is the oldest in Albuquerque. It runs alongside the Rio Grande and the historic Camino Real, a colonial route that extended to Mexico City. Today, it hosts the South Broadway Cultural Center and the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The latter features Torreón, the largest concave fresco in North America, and the popular restaurant La Fonda del Bosque, where you might enjoy dishes like the Chinese barbecued duck quesadilla or the Albuquerque French Dip, served with a green chile red wine au jus. The area is filled with traditional panaderias and a variety of Mexican and New Mexican eateries, some of which have appeared on shows like Man vs. Food and Better Call Saul.

For breakfast: La Mexicana Tortilla Co., a staple since 1932, is renowned for its breakfast burrito packed with eggs, hash browns, and your choice of hot dogs, Spam, chorizo, bacon, sausage, or carne adovada, which is pork smothered in red or green chile sauce and topped with melted cheese.

For lunch: The nearly century-old El Modelo is a hotspot for actors shooting in the area. The stuffed sopapilla—overflowing with chile chorizo, refried beans, cheese, and lettuce—is a must-try, though you can also enjoy the chile relleno burrito or freshly made tamales.

For dinner: The Black-owned Nexus Brewery + Smokehouse built its reputation on brisket and burnt ends, but don’t overlook the catfish tacos and the Enterprise sandwich, which combines pulled pork, brisket, and hot links topped with green chile and coleslaw.

For the ’gram: “Grandma’s K&I Diner serves the Travis, an impressive 10-pound burrito loaded with fries, red chili, and cheese,” says Frank Sandoval, owner of Breaking Bad RV Tours. “It’s a bit off the beaten path but very popular among those in the industry.”

It’s 5 o’clock, now what?: Sidetrack Brewing Company features six-pour flights, cask-conditioned beers, and a gluten-friendly maize-lightened German pilsner for those watching their gluten intake.

What to bring home: The Rail Yards Market boasts over 150 vendors every Sunday from May through October. It’s an excellent spot for locally made nonperishables, including mango-habanero spread from Spice Jams NM, green chile “Christmas” jam from Sandia Spice, green chile beef jerky from DurDe Jerky, and jars of Tio Frank’s New Mexican-style red and green chile sauces.

Tip from a local: “Barelas Coffee House, run by the Gonzales family for over 50 years, stands as Albuquerque’s most historic family-owned eatery,” says Dr. Margie Huerta, executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. “It’s a ‘must’ for visitors, having hosted everyone from U.S. presidents to state governors. Their carne adovada, pork cooked to perfection and drenched in homemade red chile, is unforgettable, and the restaurant's lively atmosphere only enhances its appeal.”

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MLK in Chattanooga, Tennessee

This historic district, once known as Ninth Street, spans five blocks between Houston and University streets. It holds a place on the National Register due to its historical importance as the birthplace of jazz legends Bessie Smith, Lovie Austin, and Yusef Lateef. Alongside the must-visit Bessie Smith Cultural Museum, this area thrives with Black-owned businesses. Briana Garza, the owner of Chatt Taste Food Tours, began her MLK Southern Cuisine Food Tour on Juneteenth 2020, featuring four stops at minority-owned establishments hit hard by the pandemic. “I chose MLK because of its rich history,” she shares, pointing to once-bustling music venues, lively barbershops, community murals, and enduring restaurants that have stood the test of time.

For Sunday brunch: Kick things off with a quintessential Southern hair of the dog—local Velo coffee spiked with a shot of whiskey—at the Bitter Alibi. Afterward, delve into the three-story restaurant and bar's globally inspired offerings. Standouts include cheddar drop biscuits slathered in chorizo gravy, ramen topped with crispy pork belly, and a hearty Korean rice bowl.

For lunch: Chopped plates are a local favorite: Sample a chopped wiener with hot mustard at the 56-year-old Memo’s Grill (430 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.; 423-267-7283) or enjoy the chopped chicken at James Massengill’s Chatt Smokehouse. (His smoked ribs are a must-try as well.) For a picnic feast, order a family meal from Champy’s Chicken, available in four sizes. The largest bucket includes 20 pieces of crispy chicken and five generous sides.

For dinner: “Fish so good it will smack ya!” proclaims the sign outside Uncle Larry’s Restaurant, named after owner Larry Torrence. The culinary uncle expertly handles the fryer, perfectly breading and frying whiting, catfish, perch, and tilapia. Save some space for dessert, as the banana pudding and red velvet cake are true Southern delights.

For a vegan option: Black-owned pizza chain Slim & Husky’s cares for its animal companions with the Nothin’ But a V Thang pie, crafted with vegan cheese, pepperoni, sausage crumble, spinach, red onion, and mushrooms.

For dessert: Poppytons Patisserie, currently featured at Proof Bar & Incubator, crafts delightful fruity hand tarts and an exceptional carrot cake.

What to bring home: Grab a bottle of Uncle Larry’s Smack ‘Em sauce—think of it as tartar sauce on steroids. “It’s a game changer,” says Garza. “The best condiment I’ve ever experienced.”

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Havana Street in Aurora, Colorado

Located just under 10 miles east of Denver, Aurora is Colorado's third-largest city, boasting a population of 386,261 and over 250 international dining options. The Havana Street corridor is especially vibrant, featuring a mix of Indian (Chutney Indian Cuisine), Italian (Bettola Bistro), Korean (Tofu Story), and Sudanese (Sudan Cafe & Khairat Bakery) eateries alongside classic diners (Sam’s No. 3), karaoke spots, hot pot venues, fried chicken outlets, boba tea shops, and vendors serving bingsu (shaved ice). From morning until night, there’s no shortage of delicious bites to enjoy.

For breakfast: Start your day at the French Asian bakery Tous les Jours, where you can indulge in pain au chocolat and walnut caramel scones, as well as unique finds like taro cream bread, red bean doughnuts, and honeydew melon buns. Don’t miss the popular purple ube latte, available hot or iced, perfect for your social media feed.

For lunch: Just off Havana, Mariscos El Rey Dos offers an extensive seafood menu that feels almost endless. Dive into the ceviche Campechano, a delightful mix of lime-marinated shrimp, fish, octopus, squid, crab, and abalone served atop a tostada, paired perfectly with a refreshing Michelada.

For dinner: Prepare for a meaty feast. Whether you opt for Korean barbecue at popular spots like Dae Gee and Shin Myung Gwan or indulge in Brazilian churrasco at Aroma do Brazil, you’re in for a decadent experience.

For dessert: Indulge in a delightful “snow bowl” at Snowl Cafe, featuring an array of shaved ice flavors like sweet potato cheesecake, black sesame, and green tea.

For a carb fix: Make your way to Sara’s Market & Bakery for freshly baked lavash, simit (Turkish bagels covered in seeds), shirmal (sweet saffron bread), and barbari (Iranian flatbread leavened with yeast).

It’s 5 o’clock, now what?: Gather your friends for happy hour at ThankSool Pocha, where you can enjoy $8 soju and $7 beers from Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.

Late-night haunt: Continue the soju-fueled fun at Muse Noraebang & Cafe, a karaoke bar open until 2 a.m. that offers honghap tang, a mussel-based hangover soup. With eight private rooms and affordable Singapore Slings, you’ll definitely want to refuel.

Tip from a local: “Grab some takeout and head to Cherry Creek State Park for paddleboarding,” recommends Chance Horiuchi, executive director of the Havana Business Improvement District. The park features a sandy swimming beach, trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a spot for flying radio-controlled model planes.

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Arts District in Los Angeles, California

While the late French bistro Church & State (R.I.P.) set the stage, the Arts District in DTLA has truly blossomed in recent years. This once-industrial area is now home to some of the toughest reservations to land (looking at you, Bestia) and major restaurant debuts (including Enrique Olvera’s Damian and Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat). Critics argue that its surge in popularity undermines its authenticity, while many locals appreciate how it balances high-end eateries packed with visitors and the comforting street food that keeps them coming back.

For lunch: Originally a humble food truck, Guerrilla Tacos, founded by East L.A. native Wes Avila, has evolved into a must-visit taqueria. Try the Taco de Papa, featuring a corn tortilla loaded with crispy Jack cheese, a flavorful potato-and-mushroom guisado, rajas, and avocado salsa, or go for the Puffy Pocho, a delightful deep-fried flour tortilla stuffed with ground beef and topped with aged cheddar, pico de gallo, avocado salsa, and chipotle cream.

For brunch: Experience Manuela inside the expansive Hauser & Wirth gallery, which offers a fantastic Saturday morning. Explore the art and then enjoy Kris Tominaga’s acclaimed cream biscuits and barbecued oysters drizzled with green chile butter.

For dinner: At Bavel, chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis are elevating Levantine cuisine just 15 minutes away from the always-booked Bestia. While you might be tempted to indulge in their spreads and appetizers (think hummus with duck ‘nduja and ocean trout crudo paired with blueberry and urfa chile oil), be sure to try the slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma accompanied by pickled veggies. Don’t overlook the desserts, either—Persian mulberry ice cream and rose-clove chocolate doughnuts are standout choices.

It’s 5 o’clock, now what?: Unwind with inventive cocktails under twinkling lights at Alé Guzman’s bustling rooftop spot, LA Cha Cha Chá. Try the red bell pepper–mezcal Negroni, crafted with Del Maguey Vida mezcal and mole bitters, or the blue corn tortilla Old Fashioned, which features Abasolo corn whiskey, nixta elote liqueur, and buttered blue corn masa for a unique twist.

Late-night haunt: Check out Pizzanista!, the late-night slice shop from pro skateboarder turned pizzaiolo Salman Agah, open until midnight on weekends. The macaroni-and-cheese pizza, available only on Sundays, is an L.A. favorite, while the North Shore pie—featuring La Quercia speck and fresh pineapple on hand-stretched sourdough—is an immediate classic.

What to bring home: Stop by Yangban Society’s Super, a mini mart that stocks canned and bottled cocktails, Korean fruit milks, face masks, incense, and more from Asian American–owned brands. Don’t miss the makgeolli, a sparkling rice wine specially made for Yangban by the L.A.-based sake producer Sawtelle.

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NuLu in Louisville, Kentucky

NuLu, short for “New Louisville,” is the East Market District of downtown, celebrated for its vibrant art galleries, antique stores, and a thriving food culture. Indulge in slow-roasted lechon asado and classic cancháncharas at the Cuban rum bar La Bodeguita de Mima, savor pork belly marinated in doenjang at the Korean steakhouse Nami, owned by celebrity chef Edward Lee, or be wowed by a stunning salatim platter at Levantine eatery Meesh Meesh. And the culinary delights don’t stop there; you’ll also find hot chicken, barbecue, and bourbon-infused bonbons (this is the South, after all).

For breakfast or brunch: Fill up on mile-high biscuit sandwiches and pancake corn dogs at Biscuit Belly. If you prefer something lighter, try the beet-cured salmon tartine at Rosettes, a Parisian-style café located inside the newly opened Hotel Genevieve.

For lunch: Dive into Cajun and Creole dishes at LouLou on Market, where you can enjoy jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish étoufée, and oysters served on the half shell with a splash of Crystal hot sauce.

For dinner: Chef Bruce Ucán, the mastermind behind the Mayan Café, has called the NuLu neighborhood home for over 25 years. His tok-sel lima beans, seared the traditional Mayan way with sesame oil, pumpkin seeds, green onions, parsley, and lime, are a local favorite. Don't miss his confited duck served in a rich, smoky black mole sauce made with over 30 ingredients.

For coffee and dessert: Indulge in a butterscotch latte paired with a gooey chocolate-chip cookie at Please & Thank You, a coffee shop and bakery renowned for cookies so delicious they ship them nationwide by the dozen.

For a nightcap: Ucán suggests heading to Nouvelle Bar & Bottle, a French-inspired wine bar boasting an impressive selection of reds, whites, and what it calls 'a completely irresponsible champagne list.' You might also enjoy Taj, a ‘sexy bourbon bar’ known for live music nights and themed karaoke parties.

What to bring home: Don't miss picking up a tray of Modjeskas from the 103-year-old Muth’s Candies. These creamy, buttery caramels stuffed with marshmallow are named after Helena Modjeska, a Polish actress who fell in love with Louisville after moving to the U.S. in the 1840s.

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Dearborn, Michigan

This suburb, located just 15 minutes west of downtown Detroit, boasts one of the largest Muslim populations in the U.S., featuring a wealth of beloved restaurants established by immigrants from Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. Longtime favorites like Al Ameer and the halal drive-thru at Cedarland are just the beginning, as the area also showcases microbreweries, pudding trucks, late-night sandwich spots, Turkish ‘pizza’ and ice cream, plus hookah lounges serving fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies.

For brunch: Choosing just one dish at Dellah Coffee & Brunch House is a challenge, thanks to its extensive menu of Yemeni-American classics. The lahm sighar, featuring minced beef, onions, and Hawai‘j spices, is a must-try. Alternatively, you might indulge in the bubbling shakshuka with perfectly poached eggs in rich tomato sauce, or the delightful pistachio pancakes layered with creamy-sweet ashta, the Middle Eastern equivalent of clotted cream. Good luck making a decision!

For dinner: Prepare for a feast at Malek Al-Kabob, a Lebanese gem where elastic waistband pants are advisable. Their specialties include a loaded shawarma (beef or chicken shaved fresh from the broiler and piled over fries, topped with spicy sajji sauce and fresh herbs) and lamb liver sautéed with onions and tomatoes. Vegetarians will also find plenty to love, with a mixed platter that’s sure to impress on Instagram.

For coffee and dessert: The Yemeni-owned Qahwah House sources premium organic beans, best enjoyed with freshly baked sabaya, a traditional pastry rich in Yemeni butter. This microchain, founded in Dearborn, stays open late and features an inviting outdoor patio at its Michigan Avenue location.

What to bring home: Don't miss the beautifully arranged box of assorted baklava from Shatila, where the walnut- and pistachio-stuffed phyllo pastries are artistically shaped into miniature roses, bird nests, and other delectable treats.

While you’re there: Be sure to visit the Arab American National Museum, the first museum in the United States dedicated to Arab American culture. Their calendar is brimming with exhibitions, art performances, film nights, food tours, crafting circles, and even seed swaps.

This story was initially published in August 2022 and was refreshed in March 2024 with updated information.