Want to explore the South on your next foodie road trip? This guide will help you enjoy some of the best Southern food in every region of the USA.
Southern cuisine is known for its bold flavors, rich history and legendary hospitality. From the smoky deliciousness of barbecue to the warm embrace of soul food, there’s something for everyone.
Discover the best gourmet southern road trips across America.
Try our Autopilot™ app for gourmet road trips
Autopilot™ is a tool we built based on experiences from 38 million real people’s trips that lets you create a personalized foodie itinerary.
Just answer a few questions about your destination, your vehicle and the food you want to eat along the way and Autopilot™ will do the rest.
Try Autopilot™
Southern Foodie Road Trips in the Pacific Northwest
Although the Pacific Northwest isn’t necessarily associated with Southern cuisine, there are some hidden gems and Southern-inspired restaurants in this area. Here are a few road trips that will take you there:
Southern cuisine from Seattle to Portland
From a Southern-style pub to some of the best Southern barbecue this side of the Mississippi, this Northwest itinerary tickles the taste buds with comfort food.
Soul food along the Oregon coast
Route 101 runs along Oregon’s scenic coast, and this winding road is also home to some seriously good Southern cuisine, from upscale hotel restaurants to waterfront soul food joints.
Here’s a gourmet road trip we love there:
Southern Foodie Road Trip in the West
Because so many people have moved here from the South, the Western United States is full of great places to eat well. Here are some of our favorite foodie itineraries in this region:
Southern soul food from San Diego to Santa Barbera
This gourmet West Coast road trip features fabulous BBQ, upscale Southern cuisine, and fun stops along the way.
Southern cuisine in the Rocky Mountains: From Denver to Albuquerque
Voodoo Taverns, Po’ Brothers and Vittles are just a few of the delicious Southern eateries you’ll find on this itinerary.
Soul food from SLC to Vegas
Much of the route between Salt Lake City and Vegas is very remote, but that doesn’t mean the journey isn’t filled with flavors of the South. Start with a great meal in SLC, stop for some St. George soul, then roll into Vegas for some of the best Southern food in the country.
Southern Foodie Road Trips in the Midwest
The Midwest has a surprising amount of great food to offer, and you can’t beat Southern cooking. Add these road trips to your Roadtrippers app and set off on delicious adventures.
In Search of the Soul: From Chicago to St. Louis
Southern restaurants with farm-fresh ingredients and fabulous Memphis-style barbecue are just some of the highlights of this journey through the heart of the Midwest. Pick a nice day and set off with the top down for a delicious journey through one of America’s greatest food corridors.
Southern cuisine from Kansas City to the Twin Cities
KC is an underrated foodie mecca and is just a short drive from the well-kept foodie secret of Des Moines. And don’t even get us started on the Twin Cities, there are more hidden gems here than a prince’s crown.
This route takes you along the entire trail with pit stops for pit BBQ, Southern chicken and waffles, and much more.
Midwest: Oklahoma City to DFW
We know… we know… Texas is not technically the Midwest. Oklahoma is also controversial, but we wanted to include them both anyway and this is where they ended up. It’s a fun foodie trip no matter what region you put it in.
Southern Foodie Road Trips in the Southeast
It’s a bit of an oxymoron to do a “Southern foodie road trip” in the real South, because all foodie road trips here are basically that standard, but we wanted to highlight a few legendary routes in this region for great food.
Road trip from Nashville to Atlanta
This itinerary includes some of the most famous Southern cuisine stops. From spicy chicken in Nashville to fine dining in Atlanta, this trip has a lot to offer.
Gulf Shores, AL to Tallahassee, FL
This Southern road trip winds along the Florida Panhandle to sample some of the best Southern cuisine the Gulf has to offer.
Southern Foodie Road Trips in the Northeast
This region is close to the original, so you’ll find authentic food along the way. Here are some of the most iconic road trips through this area:
Southern Scramble: Washington DC to NYC
As one of the most densely populated corridors in the United States, this route offers an abundance of cuisine of all kinds. Check out this itinerary to experience some Southern flavor on your drive.
From New York City to Boston and beyond
This route takes you through two of America’s culinary capitals, where you’ll find some of the most diverse Southern cuisine in the world. You can find all the stops here:
In Search of the South: From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
Stroll along this route filled with beautiful nature and spectacular Southern food. Sample Southern barbecue, Dixie-style taprooms and fine Southern cuisine along this route.
Tips for the best foodie road trip
- Pack smart: Bring a cooler to keep perishable foods fresh, and don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Make reservations: To avoid disappointment, make advance reservations at popular restaurants, especially during peak dining times.
- Be flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, be open to spontaneous discoveries. Explore local markets, food trucks and farmers markets for unique culinary experiences.
- Research the local cuisine: Learn about the region’s culinary traditions and specialties to fully enjoy the local flavors.
- Ask the locals: Locals often have the best recommendations for insider tips and authentic culinary experiences. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
- Try something new: Get out of your comfort zone and try dishes you’ve never had before. You might discover a new favorite dish!
- Support local businesses: Because road trips are most fun when you include the local flair.
- Take notes: Keep a food diary or take photos to document your culinary adventures and remember your favorite dishes and restaurants.
A gourmet road trip is one of the best ways to experience the diverse cuisine of the United States, and Southern cuisine is a great theme for a trip. Whether you’re driving through the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, or the Southeast, each region offers its own unique take on Southern classics that will get you going.
Add one of these itineraries to your Roadtrippers app or create your own gourmet road trip with Autopilot™ to discover bold flavors along the way.
