The United States is blessed with a vibrant mix of cultures, leading to a great street food scene across the country. From classic hotdogs to South American tacos, let’s take a look at 20 classic American street foods you need to try.

Hot Dog 

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The all-American hot dog needs no introduction and is served in every state at fairs, football stadiums, homes, and everywhere. The sausages are usually steamed or grilled and are piled high with onions, mustard, and, of course, ketchup. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, the average American eats 70 hot dogs per year, which is how popular they are. 

Chicago-Style Hot Dog (Chicago)

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Chicago takes the classic hot dog to the next level with the addition of peppers, neon green relish, tomato, a dill pickle spear, celery salt, and a poppy seed bun. You would be correct in thinking this sounds like a bit of a mouthful, so you will need plenty of napkins on hand. 

Cheesesteak (Philadelphia)

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The Philly Cheesesteak is an iconic sandwich first made famous by Pat and Harry Olivieri in the 1930s at their South Philly hot dog stand. This American classic is made of thinly sliced ribeye steak with melted cheese on a toasted roll and, for some, a healthy pile of onions on top. 

Italian Beef (Chicago)

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Giving the Philly Cheesesteak a run for its money is Chicago’s Italian beef sandwich. This iconic sandwich, recently featured in Disney’s The Bear, is made up of Italian roast beef on a crusty roll served with vegetables and dipped in savory gravy.

Falafel (Nationwide)

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This Middle-Eastern favorite is made of deep-fried chickpeas or fava beans and herbs and is commonly served with pita, hummus, tahini, and fresh veggies. You will see falafel stands across the U.S., and they are particularly popular among vegetarians. 

Breakfast Burrito (Southwest)

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The breakfast burrito is the perfect blend of Mexican and American food influences. They usually consist of scrambled eggs, chorizo or bacon, cheese, salsa, and potatoes wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Although they are classed as a breakfast dish, they are enjoyed at all times of the day, particularly at brunch. 

Mission-Style Burrito (San Francisco)

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Another tortilla dish that’s popular in the U.S is the “Mission-Style Burrito”.  This dish is made with large flour tortillas filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. This San Francisco specialty is replicated around the U.S but nobody does it better than the original.

Maine Lobster Roll (Maine)

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Think of Maine and most people will instantly think of lobster rolls. Made with freshly cooked lobster piled high on a toasted hot dog bun with a touch of mayo for a true taste of the coast.

Texas BBQ (Texas)

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Slow-smoked meats bathed in rich barbecue sauce are a Texas tradition. The undisputed king of Texas BBQ is brisket, a cut from the steer’s lower chest that’s slow-smoked for hours for deep, smoky flavors. 

Navajo Taco (Southwest)

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Blue corn tortillas are layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. This hearty Native American-inspired dish is also known as “fry bread taco”.

California Burrito (California)

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In an unusual burrito twist, the Californians add French fries to the saul ingredients such as beef and salsa, to make this supersized take on the classic Mexican dish. 

Po’ Boy (New Orleans)

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Po’boys are sandwiches that exemplify the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of New Orleans. While there are various versions, a traditional New Orleans po’boy typically includes fried shrimp, roast beef, oysters, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and remoulade sauce, all served on French bread.

Detroit-Style Coney Dog (Detroit)

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A Detroit-Style Coney Dog is a regional specialty consisting of a beef hot dog topped with a savory beef chili, diced onions, and mustard. You can recreate this taste at home with this Simply Scratch recipe, but nothing beats eating this iconic dosh on the streets of Detroit. 

Elote (Nationwide)

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This grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is a Mexican street food favorite that’s sold all over the US but particularly in California and New Mexico.

Chili Dog (Nationwide)

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We can’t seem to get away from hot dogs  in this list but none of them come spicier than the Chili Dog. Smothered in a meaty chili sauce and topped with shredded cheese and onions, the Chili Dog is a messy one but it sure packs a punch. 

Gyro (Nationwide)

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Taking influence from Greek cuisine, spiced ground lamb or chicken is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, shaved off, and served in a pita with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce for a hearty lunchtime treat.

Pretzel (Nationwide)

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Pretzels are soft, chewy dough twists baked to perfection and traditionally dipped in mustard or cheese sauce. These baked treats are good to eat on their own and modern persians now come in all sports of flavors, including cinnamon, pizza, and chili. 

San Francisco Chowder Bread Bowls

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San Francisco clam chowder offers a milder take on its New England counterpart. It features a slightly thinner broth and smaller chunks of ingredients and is served in sourdough bread bowls. A favorite spot to enjoy a bowl is Boudin Bakery, located by Fisherman’s Wharf.

NYC Pizza Slice (New York)

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No street food list is complete without a classic slice of New York pizza. You can get any flavor you can think of in the city but a classic cheese and pepperoni the size of your head will give you an authentic NYC experience.

Fried Chicken (Nationwide)

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Crispy, juicy fried chicken is a classic American comfort food served throughout the country but especially in the South. From wings and drumsticks and thighs, you will be spoiled for choice with the quality of fried chicken you will eat in the U.S.

15 Restaurant Dishes That Are Total Rip-Off

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From overpriced appetizers to “premium” entrees that fail to deliver, these are the dishes restaurants use to boost their profits at your expense. Learn which seemingly luxurious items are cheap to produce and which classic menu tricks to watch out for. Don’t let your next meal out leave a bad taste in your mouth – or a dent in your budget.

15 Restaurant Dishes That Are Total Rip-Off

18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

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There are many foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and whole grains, which are full of things like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your body function at its best. Experts recommend you should eat these 18 foods every day to live a healthier life.

Read: 18 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50

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Age is just a number, but not regarding eating habits. The older you grow, the more your body needs nutritious food to stay fit and healthy. While there are many things you’re encouraged to eat, when you cross 50, your go-to foods can’t look the same as they once were. Your body is changing, and so should your eating habits. 

Read: 15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50

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