TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best American Foods
Central Texas-style barbecue originated in the Czech and German meat markets in the late 19th century. This barbecue style is typically associated with cooking brisket (the fattier portion is called point, while the leaner portion is called flat) low and slow, usually over post oak fire.
The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of cayenne or garlic powder. It is then cooked in offset smokers, while the heat and smoke from the fire go across the meat, adding an irresistible smoky flavor to the brisket (although shoulder clod, chuck short ribs, and larger short ribs are also popular).
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Barbecue
MOST ICONIC Central Texas-Style Barbecue
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Entrecôte is a type of beef steak that's cut from between the ribs, but it's more commonly known as a thin and boneless rib-eye steak. The butchers cut bone-in rib-eyes with the bone on each side, but there are also six leftover boneless steaks from the meat between each bone-in rib-eye, and they're known as the entrecôtes.
Due to the fact that these cuts are thin, it makes them great for quick cooking on the grill or in a pan (high heat), but it's important not to overcook them. The steaks are juicy, tender, and generously marbled. This type of meat cut is popular in France and Europe, and the word entrecôte means between the ribs.
VARIATIONS OF Ribeye
MAIN INGREDIENTS
In the American, English and German systems of primal beef cuts, the brisket (or rinderbrust) is a cut that comes from the breast or lower chest of the cow. The brisket is one of the nine primal cuts of beef and is particularly known for its size and for having a significant amount of connective tissue.
This cut consists of two different muscles: the pectoralis major, known as the "flat," and the pectoralis minor, or the "point." The flat is leaner, while the point has more fat and marbling. Because of the high amount of connective tissue, brisket needs to be cooked slowly, over low heat, to allow the collagen in the meat to break down and become tender.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Boiling is the most popular and simplest way of preparing a Maine lobster. Live lobsters are plopped into a large pot of boiling water seasoned with sea salt and cooked depending on the size of the lobster — the bigger the lobster, the longer the cooking time.
Once the lobster is in the water, it’s important to time the cooking so it doesn’t overcook, as the meat will be tough and rubbery. Also, lobsters need to be treated humanely. Hence, placing the lobsters in the freezer for 30-60 minutes before cooking is recommended so they fall asleep.
MOST ICONIC Boiled Maine Lobster
View moreFrozen custard comes from the "Custard Capital of the World", Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it's sold more than anywhere else around the globe. It is a gourmet ice cream treat made with eggs, cream, and sugar, and it originated from Coney Island, New York, when it was a popular carnival treat.
As the popularity of frozen custard grew, it quickly spread to the Midwest. As there is far less air added than in other similar treats, the result is a thick and dense custard with tons of flavor. A lot of frozen custard fans believe it is better than ice cream since it is served before being refrozen and mantains a soft, yet heavy consistency, so it is a unique regional treat in which you can really feel the difference when talking about flavor.
MOST ICONIC Frozen custard
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is made with small pieces of fresh and raw fish or seafood, which are combined with finely chopped vegetables, herbs, condiments, and seasonings. Although traditional poke uses either ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna) or octopus, the variations on this dish are endless these days, including poke with salmon, mussels, crabmeat, or oysters, as well as vegetarian versions with diced avocados.
Typical ingredients apart from the raw fish or seafood include sweet onions, garlic, shallots, scallions, sesame seeds, seaweeds, candlenuts, limu (brown algae), soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and Hawaiian sea salt. The creation of poke has been attributed to local fishermen who used to combine freshly-caught small reef fish with few seasonings such as sea salt, candlenuts, limu, and seaweed for a filling snack.
MOST ICONIC Poke
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
In the American system of primal beef cuts, ribs refer to the section of the cow that includes the sixth through the twelfth ribs, located between the chuck (shoulder area) and the loin (back area). This primal cut can be further divided into a few different sub-primal cuts.
For example, ribeye roast and ribeye steaks are obtained when the bone is removed. These cuts are highly prized for their excellent marbling and tenderness. Prime rib includes a larger section of the rib bone, often roasted with the bone in. Finally, the back ribs are left when the ribeye meat is removed.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Étouffée refers to a group of dishes with Cajun origins which are typically served as a main course (unlike gumbo, which is considered a soup) and are made with one type of shellfish such as shrimp or crawfish that are smothered in a thick sauce.
The sauce is made with either a blond or brown roux, and the dish is almost always served over rice. The name étouffée is derived from the French word étouffer, meaning smothered, referring to the method of cooking.
MOST ICONIC Étouffée
View moreMAIN INGREDIENTS
In the American system of primal beef cuts, the sirloin is located in the back of the cow, behind the ribs but before the round (the rump and hind legs). The sirloin is near the top of the animal, behind the loin, hence the name "sirloin," which derives from the French "surlonge," meaning "above the loin." Sirloin is generally a tender and flavorful cut of beef.
It's a popular choice for steaks and roasts because of its balance between tenderness and flavor compared to the more forward sections of the animal. There are several different types of steaks and other cuts that can come from the sirloin subprimal cut, including top sirloin (a large, lean cut with a good balance of tenderness and flavor), sirloin tip (also known as a round tip steak, this cut comes from the area where the sirloin meets the round), and bottom sirloin (located beneath the top sirloin and in front of the sirloin tip, is less tender than the top sirloin but is still flavorful).
MAIN INGREDIENTS
A porterhouse steak is a large, thick cut of beef taken from the rear end of the short loin.
Although it is not linked to a specific country of origin, it is most commonly associated with British and American cuisines. It is named "porterhouse" because it was traditionally served in 18th-century porterhouses, which were inns or restaurants that served porter beer.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Short loin
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best American Food Producers
Wild Orchard is a premium tea company specializing in organic and regeneratively farmed teas, grown on Jeju Island, South Korea. They offer a range of high-quality teas, including green tea, oolong, and matcha, which are all cultivated without the use of sprays, fertilizers, or irrigation.
The farm's unique growing conditions, including volcanic soil, ocean mist, and subtropical rain, contribute to the rich flavor and phytonutrient content of the teas. Wild Orchard focuses on sustainable, organic farming practices to produce exquisite, clean, and delicious teas that cater to health-conscious consumers.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022

Great Taste Awards - 1 Star
2022
BEST Wild Orchard Tea Company Teas and Herbal Infusions
Founded in 2000 by Diane St. Clair in Orwell, Vermont, Animal Farm Creamery quickly gained cult status among top chefs, including those at The French Laundry and Per Se, where its butter became an essential ingredient in fine dining. Animal Farm Creamery employs the best traditional dairy methods, producing handcrafted cultured butter made from fresh, raw milk, collected directly from the farm.
The butter is churned and shaped by hand, giving it an exceptional texture, rich dairy flavor, and delicate aroma. In addition to butter, the creamery also produces high-quality cream, which is regionally distributed through Provisions International.
BEST Animal Farm Creamery Butters
Fra' Mani is a distinguished producer of premium charcuterie, based in Berkeley, California, and founded in 2006 by renowned chef and cookbook author Paul Bertolli. Inspired by Italian flavors, techniques, and traditions, Fra' Mani is dedicated to preserving time-honored culinary customs through its products.
Their philosophy is based on the belief that time is the key ingredient in crafting exceptional products and that flavor cannot be rushed. Fra' Mani uses only the highest quality ingredients, sourced from family farms committed to the land, animals, and people, without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, or meat by-products.
BEST Fra’ Mani Meat Products
Laconiko is an olive oil producer based in Manassas, Virginia, specializing in high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The company sources its olives from their family-owned groves in the Peloponnese region of Greece. They emphasize sustainable farming practices and handpick their olives to ensure premium quality.
The brand offers a variety of flavored olive oils and has received multiple awards for its products.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2023

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2018

NYIOOC - Gold
2023
BEST Laconiko Olive Oils
Murray's Cheese, based in New York City, is a prominent gourmet cheese and specialty foods retailer and wholesaler, with a rich history dating back to its founding in Greenwich Village in 1962. Known for its wide selection of cheeses from around the globe, Murray's operates not only a flagship store but also a restaurant and cheese bar in New York.
They are notable for their state-of-the-art cheese caves in Long Island City where they age their own cheese. In 2017, Murray's became part of the Kroger Company, expanding its reach nationwide through over a thousand Kroger stores. Murray's is also committed to community involvement, supporting local charities and educational initiatives related to food and wellness.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016
BEST Murray's Cheese Cheeses
Uncle Nearest is a premium American whiskey brand that honors the legacy of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States. Known as the mentor to Jack Daniel, Nearest Green's contributions to the whiskey-making process are celebrated through the brand's carefully crafted Tennessee whiskies.
Uncle Nearest is committed to excellence, using a meticulous distillation process and high-quality ingredients to produce rich, full-bodied flavors. The brand has garnered widespread recognition and multiple awards for its dedication to preserving history while creating an outstanding whiskey that stands out in the industry.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023

Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022, 2021
BEST Blanton's Spirits
Beecher's Handmade Cheese, established in 2003, is renowned for its artisanal cheesemaking in the heart of Seattle's Pike Place Market. The company was founded by Kurt Beecher Dammeier and quickly became known for its commitment to quality and natural ingredients, producing cheese free from artificial preservatives and flavor enhancers.
Beecher's is particularly famous for its Flagship cheese, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese noted for its robust, nutty flavor that is carefully aged for 15 months to develop its complex character. Beecher's operates transparently with a glass-walled facility that allows visitors to watch the cheesemaking process, emphasizing educational outreach and community engagement.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
BEST Beecher's Handmade Cheese Cheeses
High Bank Distillery, based in Columbus, Ohio, was founded by four partners with a passion for quality spirits. Inspired by the historical confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, which led to Columbus's founding in 1812, the distillery produces a range of premium spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Their "Whiskey War" blend has won awards for Best Blended Whiskey in America for three consecutive years at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition to the distillery, High Bank operates restaurants where guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails and modern American cuisine.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
BEST High Bank Distillery Spirits
Lucero Olive Oil is a producer based in Northern California, particularly in Corning, known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oils. The company was founded by the Lucero family, who have been growing olives for several generations. Lucero offers a variety of olive oil products including flavored oils and balsamic vinegars.
They operate a mill that processes their olives within hours of harvesting to ensure freshness. Visitors can also tour their facilities and participate in tastings.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2018, 2017

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2018, 2014
BEST Lucero Olive Oil Olive Oils
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best American Food Products
AWARDS

London IOOC - Gold
2023

Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
Hudson Flower is an artisanal cheese, typically produced in the Hudson Valley region of New York. This cheese is characterized by its creamy texture and rich flavor, with subtly sweet notes that develop during the aging process. It is often used in various culinary applications but can also be served as part of a cheese platter alongside fruits and nuts.
Its excellent melting properties make it a great choice for pizzas and other dishes that require melted cheese.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2019, 2017
Lucini Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a high-quality product crafted by Lucini Italia. Renowned for its robust and well-balanced flavor, this olive oil is made from 100% Italian olives harvested at their peak. The production process involves cold pressing the olives within 24 hours of harvest to ensure the maximum retention of flavors and nutrients.
Lucini Italia emphasizes sustainable farming practices and careful selection of olives to maintain the premium quality of their olive oil. It is often used in gourmet cooking and appreciated for its fresh, fruity aroma and slight peppery finish.
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2022

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021, 2019, 2014

Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2018, 2016, 2015
This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family's whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons.
Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is an acclaimed Alpine-style cheese crafted exclusively from the summer milk of grass-fed cows. Its unique taste profile includes a rich and salty flavor with a fruity finish, which develops through a natural, washed rind process.
This cheese is particularly notable for being the most awarded in American history, having won the American Cheese Society’s Best of Show three times and the U.S. Cheese Championships in 2003.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2005, 2001

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Marco Polo Reserve from Beecher's Handmade Cheese is a unique cheese that incorporates both green and black cracked peppercorns, adding a distinct peppery zest to its profile. This cheese is traditionally cloth-bound and aged in open air, which intensifies its flavor by reducing moisture and enhancing its salty and rich notes.
The texture is slightly crumbly due to the aging process, and it has a robust flavor that combines nutty, earthy tones with a tangy finish. Marco Polo Reserve has been recognized in several cheese competitions, winning awards at both the American Cheese Society and the World Cheese Awards, affirming its high quality and distinctive taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2021

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, named in honor of Colonel Albert Blanton, is a pioneering bourbon with a rich legacy. Crafted from a handpicked, limited supply, this bourbon offers a deep and complex aroma, blending warm nutmeg and spices with dry vanilla notes.
The palate reveals harmonious flavors of honey, bold caramel, and corn, leading to a medium finish where the corn and nutmeg reemerge, leaving a satisfying and lasting impression. First introduced in 1984, Blanton's remains a benchmark as the first Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially, encapsulating both history and exceptional craftsmanship.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is one of the most renowned whiskeys in the world, known for its bold and intense flavor. This bourbon offers rich notes of dark chocolate, caramel, butter, with earthy tones of walnut and hazelnut, while the palate features warm vanilla, oak, and spicy notes.
With a high alcohol content, it delivers a deep and long-lasting finish. Best served neat or with a splash of water, unfiltered and in its purest form.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2020, 2010

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009













Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey





TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 American Foods” list until March 20, 2025, 54,863 ratings were recorded, of which 49,862 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.