ORLANDO, Fla. – The Daily Meal recently unveiled its 2024 list for the best “casual“ restaurants in each state.
According to the report, the main factor used in crafting the list was price, along with whether the restaurant has a “relaxed ambience,” is considered a “destination,” and has a “proven reputation.”
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“Can two people fill themselves up and get out for less than $50, excluding tip and alcohol?” the report says.
In Florida, Orlando’s 4Rivers Smokehouse was considered the best spot, having opened back in 2009 before branching out into a chain.
“The smoker at each of the 14 locations is on at full blast throughout the day and night, smoking everything from Angus briskets, St. Louis ribs, pork shoulders, and chicken to wings, jalapenos, and a “brontosaurus” beef rib,” The Daily Meal states. “The meat alone is enough to leave you happy and satisfied, but don’t forget about the sandwiches, like the famed Texas Destroyer: smoked brisket, onion rings, jalapenos and melted provolone smothered in house barbecue sauce.”
The rest of the list is as follows:
| State | Restaurant | City | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Pizzeria Bianco | Phoenix | Pizza |
| Arkansas | Big Orange | Little Rock | Burgers |
| California | La Taqueria | San Francisco | Mexican |
| Colorado | Steuben’s | Denver | American |
| Connecticut | Frank pepe Pizzeria Napoletana | New Haven | Pizza |
| Delaware | Angelo’s Luncheonette | Wilmington | American |
| Georgia | Busy Bee Café | Atlanta | Soul |
| Hawaii | Koko Head Café | Honolulu | Asian/Hawaiian |
| Idaho | Bittercreek Ale House | Boise | Burgers |
| Illinois | Little Goat | Chicago | American |
| Indiana | Shapiro’s Delicatessen | Indianapolis | Sandwiches |
| Iowa | Taylor’s Maid-Rite | Marshalltown | Sandwiches |
| Kansas | Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que | Kansas City | Barbeque |
| Kentucky | Lexington Diner | Lexington | Brunch |
| Louisiana | Domilise’s Po-boys and Bar | New Orleans | Cajun |
| Maine | J’s Oyster | Portland | Seafood |
| Maryland | Chaps Charcoal Restaurant | Baltimore | Barbecue |
| Massachusetts | Santarpio’s | Boston | Pizza |
| Michigan | American Coney Island | Detroit | American |
| Minnesota | Matt’s Bar | Minneapolis | Burgers |
| Mississippi | Big Bad Breakfast | Oxford | Breakfast |
| Missouri | Arthur Bryant’s | Kansas City | Barbecue |
| Montana | The Burger Dive | Billings | Burgers |
| Nebraska | Block 16 | Omaha | Southern |
| Nevada | Peppermill | Las Vegas | American |
| New Hampshire | Gilley’s PM Lunch | Portsmouth | American |
| New Jersey | White Manna | Hackensack | Burgers |
| New Mexico | El Parasol | Santa Fe | American/Mexican |
| New York | Katz’s Delicatessen | New York City | Deli |
| North Carolina | Poole’s Diner | Raleigh | American |
| North Dakota | Kroll’s Diner | Bismarck | American/German |
| Ohio | B Spot | Cleveland | Burgers |
| Oklahoma | Nic’s Grill | Oklahoma City | Burgers |
| Oregon | Apizza Scholls | Portland | Pizza |
| Pennsylvania | John’s Roast Pork | Philadelphia | Sandwiches |
| Rhode Island | Olneyville N.Y. System | North Providence | Hot Dogs |
| South Carolina | Hominy Grill | Charleston | Southern |
| South Dakota | Phillips Avenue Diner | Sioux Falls | American |
| Tennessee | Gus’s Fried Chicken | Memphis | Chicken |
| Texas | Franklin Barbecue | Austin | Barbecue |
| Utah | The Park Café | Salt Lake City | Brunch |
| Vermont | Al’s French Frys | Burlington | Burgers |
| Virginia | Dixie | Petersburg | American |
| Washington | Paseo | Seattle | Sandwiches |
| Washington, D.C. | Ben’s Chili Bowl | Washington, D.C. | Hot Dogs |
| West Virginia | The Country Café | Harpers Ferry | American |
| Wisconsin | Solly’s Grille | Milwaukee | Burgers |
| Wyoming | Bella Fuoco Wood-Fired Pizza | Cheyenne | Pizza |
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