The best foodie road trips for Southern eats

Are you hankering for a taste of the South on your next foodie road trip? This guide will help you buckle up to some of the best Southern eats in every region of the U.S. 

Southern cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, rich history, and legendary hospitality. From the smoky goodness of barbecue to the warm embrace of soul food, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s dig into the best foodie road trips for Southern eats all around America.

Try Our Autopilot™ App for Foodie Road Trips

Autopilot™ is a tool we created using real-life experiences from 38 million trips that real people took. You can use this tool to build a custom foodie itinerary. 

Simply answer a few questions about where you’re going, what you’re driving, and the type of food you want to eat along the way, then Autopilot™ will do the rest.

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Southern Foodie Road Trips in the Pacific Northwest

While the Pacific Northwest doesn’t automatically conjure images of Southern cuisine, there are a few hidden gems and Southern-inspired restaurants in these parts. Here are a couple of road trips that’ll take you there:

Southern Eats from Seattle to Portland

From a Southern-themed pub to some of the best Southern BBQ this side of the Mississippi, this Northwestern trip itinerary tickles the palate with comfy eats. 

Soul Food along the Oregon Coast

Route 101 runs along Oregon’s picturesque coast. This meandering road also features some really good Southern cuisine ranging from an upscale hotel restaurant to waterfront soul-food spots. 

Here’s a foodie road trip we love ‘round there:

Southern Foodie Road Trips in The West

With so many transplants from the South, the Western U.S. is stacked with great spots for comfort grub. Here are some of our favorite foodie trip itineraries in this region:

Southern Soulfood from San Diego to Santa Barbera

This West Coast foodie road trip features epic BBQ, upscale Southern food, and fun stops along the way. 

Southern Fare in the Rockies: Denver to Albuquerque 

Voodoo Taverns, Po’ Brothers, and Vittles are just a few of the scrumptious Southern spots you’ll find on this itinerary.

SLC to Vegas Soul Food

Vast stretches between Salt Lake City and Vegas are very remote, but that doesn’t mean Southern flavors don’t dot the journey. Start out with some great grub in SLC, stop in for some St. George soul, and then roll into Vegas for some of the best Southern eats in the country. 

Southern Foodie Road Trips in The Midwest

The Midwest has a surprising quantity of stellar food and it punches above it’s weight when it comes to Southern fare. Plug these road trips into your Roadtrippers app and roll out on scrumptious adventures. 

In Search of Soul: Chicago to St. Louis 

Southern Farm-to-Table restaurants and epic Memphis-style BBQ are a few of the highlights on this trip through the heart of the Midwest. Pick a nice day and roll out with the top down for a savory journey through one of America’s greatest food corridors. 

Southern Eats from Kansas City to the Twin Cities

KC is an underrated food mecca that’s an easy drive to the well kept foodie secret that is Des Moines. And don’t even get us started on the Twin Cities, a places with more hidden gems than a prince’s crown.

This route takes you all along the path with pit stops for pit BBQ, Southern chicken and waffles, and a whole lot more. 

Midwest-Ish: Oklahoma City to DFW

We know… we know… Texas isn’t technically the Midwest. Oklahoma is debatable too, but we still wanted to fit them both in and this is where they landed. It’s an enjoyable foodie trip no matter what region you place these in. 

Southern Foodie Road Trips in The Southeast

It’s a bit of an oxymoron to take a ‘Southern foodie road trip’ in the actual South because all foodie road trips here are basically that way by default. Still, we wanted to shout out a couple iconic itineraries in this region for some great grub. 

Nashville to Atlanta Road Trip

This itinerary features some of the most iconic stops in Southern cuisine. From Nashville hot chicken to upscale Atlanta eats, this trip packs a serious punch. 

Gulf Shores, AL to Tallahassee, FL

This Southern road trip meanders along the Florida Panhandle to scoop up some of the best Southern food that The Gulf has to offer.

Southern Foodie Road Trips in The Northeast

This region is close to the real deal, so you’ll track authentic food en route. Here are a few of the most iconic road trips ‘round these parts:

Southern Scramble: Washington D.C. to NYC

As one of the most densely populated corridors in the U.S., this route offers a plethora of cuisine in every genre. Check out this itinerary for some Southern flair on your drive. 

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 eclectic Southern food on the planet. See all the stops here:

In Search of Southern: Pittsburg to Philadelphia

Meander along this naturally beautiful route, which also includes some spectacular Southern food. With this itinerary, try out South-style BBQ, Dixie-inspired taprooms, and upscale Southern dining. 

Tips for The Best Foodie Road Trip

1. Pack Smart: Bring a cooler to keep perishable items fresh, and don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
   
2. Make Reservations: For highly sought-after restaurants, especially during peak dining times, make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
   
3. Be Flexible: While having a plan is great, be open to spontaneous discoveries. Explore local markets, food trucks, and farmers’ markets for unique culinary experiences.
   
4. Research Local Cuisine: Learn about the region’s culinary traditions and specialties to fully appreciate the local flavors.
   
5. Ask the Locals: Locals often have the best recommendations for hidden gems and authentic dining experiences. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
   
6. Try Something New: Step outside your comfort zone and try dishes you’ve never had before. You might discover a new favorite!
   
7. Support Local Businesses: Because road trips are best had when you pick the local flavor.
   
8. Take Notes: Keep a food journal or take photos to document your culinary adventures and remember your favorite dishes and restaurants.

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Taking a foodie road trip is one of the best ways to explore the diverse cuisine of the United States, and Southern food is a great theme to build a trek around. Whether you’re cruising through the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, or the Southeast, each region offers its own unique take on Southern classics to fuel your drive. 

Plug one of these itineraries into your Roadtrippers app or create your own foodie road trip using Autopilot™ to find bold flavors when you hit the road.