Best Casual Restaurants in the United States
Travelers’ Choice Awards
Best of the Best Restaurants
Everyday Eats - United States
Below are the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats, laid-back fare that goes above and beyond, without breaking the bank.
The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.
Nestled at the base of the downtown St. Pete Pier, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille - St. Pete Pier has views to spare. The extensive menu includes a variety of seafood, Caribbean, American, and bar cuisines—not to mention delicious drinks, including their famous mojitos.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Caribbean, Latin, Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
- Diane was great! We got there right at opening after a redeye inbound. Great views, drinks, and food. Even got a tshirt. Keep it up guys!
@jdp284Reviewed September 2024 - Great location. Great Service! Awesome food and drinks. Marla is a great waitress. Bimini stuffed Grouper is a favorite and the Ribeye is tremendous.
@anafama4Reviewed September 2024 - Amazing girl Daniela …. Come and see her … please.Everything was amazing,the view,drinks and food.Beautiful spot and great service!
@helenz512Reviewed September 2024 - First time at the Pier and first time at Doc Ford's. Great spot on the water at the St. Pete Pier. We sat inside, but there is seating outside closer to the water. For an appetizer we had the spinach, artichoke and cheese flatbread. It was delicious. For entrees my wife had the Panko Crusted Shrimp and she loved it. The shrimp were very large. I had the Original Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich with remoulade sauce. The fish was so tender and the bread was so soft. I have to say that it was one of the best fish sandwiches I've ever had. Our waitress was Diane and she was 5 stars also. She was so friendly and made us feel at home there. We highly recommend Doc Ford's when in the area, hungry and want to see some nice views.
@jmG1774EYReviewed September 2024 - Diane was great! I really recommend the place. Seared to an appetizer was awesome. I highly recommended. Really recommend. Why do I have to write a 100 words?
@Coastal18892858790Reviewed September 2024
02.
8,574 reviews
Local Goat - New American Restaurant Pigeon Forge is a delightful farm-to-table restaurant that offers an extensive menu of delicious dishes such as jumbo wings, flavorful ribs and mouth-watering steaks. Billy's bar is the perfect place to unwind and catch your favorite game on any of their HDTVs while enjoying their amazing food. The restaurant specializes in craft beer and craft drinks. Local Goat is conveniently located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, offering picturesque views of Mount LeConte and the surrounding mountains. The vintage shuffleboard table adds an extra fun element to your visit. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fantastic meal in this cozy atmosphere.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
03.
5,055 reviews
Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House offers a unique stone grill dining experience. Their menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering dishes including seafood platters, filet mignon, lobster, and sushi. The restaurant has a lovely, upscale setting with white tablecloths and tea candle lighting on tables. Take advantage of the happy hour menu, with great portions and drinks.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Steakhouse, Seafood, Sushi
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
04.
4,223 reviews
Ristorante Pesto, an exceptional dining experience, offers authentic Italian cuisine made from the freshest high-quality ingredients. The chefs create mouth-watering pasta, flavorful pesto, and succulent lamb chops. The welcoming staff makes you feel right at home in the friendly, inviting atmosphere.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Italian
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
05.
1,403 reviews
Moose - AKa's offers a unique dining experience with authentic Eastern European cuisine made from scratch using the freshest ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the staff are welcoming. The menu boasts a variety of dishes, including schnitzel, moussaka and crepes, making it a perfect spot for omnivores and vegetarians alike. While the restaurant does not take reservations, the first-come, first-served policy ensures a high standard of service. Offering fine dining at a casual dining price, Moose - AKa's is a must-visit spot in Denali Park, Alaska.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Eastern European
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
06.
2,334 reviews
Gambino's is a restaurant located in Fairhope, AL that offers a variety of delicious Southern-Italian and Sicilian food. The restaurant has a beautiful dining room and a bay-view room that provides a stunning view of the Mobile Bay's gorgeous sunsets.The menu is full of mouth-watering dishes like tortelloni, seafood, lasagne, and chicken parmesan. Gambino's is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing dinner and great entertainment.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Italian, Steakhouse, Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
07.
6,098 reviews
Golden Goose American Grill in Sedona, Arizona is a fantastic restaurant that offers a variety of delicious and creative seafood dishes, burgers, and masterfully prepared steaks. The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot to stop after a hike, and the dog-friendly patio is a plus. The Golden Goose has won several awards and is a popular dining spot for local residents. Its outstanding food and service have been praised by many, making it a hidden gem that you should definitely visit for a great dining experience.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Steakhouse, Bar
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
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08.
960 reviews
The Republic Grille - Magnolia offers a unique dining experience with mouth-watering dishes inspired by flavors from Texas. From the award-winning chicken fried steak to the blackened flounder topped with crawfish sauce, the menu offers a diverse range of traditional and distinctive dishes. The salads are scrumptious and the homemade desserts are a must-try, especially the blackberry cobbler, tres leches and chocolate lava brownie. The restaurant provides a cozy ambiance for friends and family to savor their meal in.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
09.
962 reviews
Jettie Rae's Oyster House is a neighborhood seafood spot in Asheville, North Carolina. They serve up the classics—shrimp, oysters, lobster rolls, and the like—in a warm, welcoming space. Due to the restaurant’s popularity with locals and visitors, reservations are recommended.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Seafood
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10.
1,161 reviews
Oceana Coastal Kitchen offers a unique dining experience with its modern ocean-inspired design. The restaurant boasts several distinct dining areas, including an impressive 800-gallon aquarium in the main dining room and al fresco seating with panoramic waterfront views. Led by Executive Chef Paul Arias, Oceana Coastal Kitchen's menu features a variety of seafood dishes such as tuna, swordfish, shrimps, scallops, oysters, mussels and salmon. Guests can also enjoy delicious meat dishes like Harris Ranch ribeye and filet mignon. With its stunning view of Mission Bay, Oceana Coastal Kitchen is the perfect place for a special family dinner, date night or brunch with friends.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Seafood, Contemporary
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
11.
7,833 reviews
Florida's Fresh Grill in Cocoa Beach offers a great selection of steakhouse and seafood cuisine. The seafood dishes like Gator Bites and bacon jalapeno scallops are top-notch and the blackened grouper is a must-try. Non-seafood eaters will also find delicious options like pork and filet mignon. The restaurant is a must-visit for those looking for the best fresh seafood in Brevard county.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Steakhouse, Seafood
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12.
1,460 reviews
Hook & Barrel serves up seafood and American-style fare at its Myrtle Beach, South Carolina location. It’s particularly great for brunch—with all the classics on the menu (including cinnamon rolls). As for lunch and dinner, travelers recommend the fresh catch of the day and filet with shrimp as two highlights—but overall, the restaurant is a must-visit for a delightful meal any time of day.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
13.
1,284 reviews
FIREBREW Bar & Grill is a perfect place to enjoy American food and drink. The restaurant's name represents its concept, where cooking with open flames and a full-service bar with local and regional microbrews on draft are the main attractions. FIREBREW also offers an exclusive 24-bottle self-serve wine station, where guests can select and pour their own wine in three different pour sizes.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Wine Bar, Gastropub
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14.
4,180 reviews
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen specializes in local, East Coast, sustainable seafood. The restaurant’s unique taste of Lowcountry includes shrimp and grits, scallops, and fried shrimp. With a fun, authentic, local vibe, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Seafood
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15.
2,325 reviews
Marblehead Chowder House is a cozy and casual restaurant offering a warm and relaxing “New England seaside” atmosphere. Their menu features fresh ingredients and unique dishes such as Ipswich belly clams, fresh lobster rolls, and a raw bar with half-shell oysters and clams. The restaurant is highly recommended for its consistently great food and friendly staff.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
16.
4,101 reviews
Georgie's is a beachside grill with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The menu features authentic Northwest favorites, with an emphasis on seafood. The restaurant offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as a delectable kids menu. Specialties include seafood sauté and fish and chips.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Steakhouse, Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
17.
972 reviews
Charlie's Bar & Kitchen is a fantastic spot to enjoy American cuisine in Lake George, New York. It serves up the classics: wings, shrimp, and certified Angus beef (as well as a solid breakfast menu). The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere with a full-service bar and lounge area as well as indoor and patio dining options.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Steakhouse, Cafe, Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
18.
552 reviews
Located in Virginia Beach, The Hunt Room is a historic restaurant and cocktail lounge showcasing hunting memorabilia. True to theme, the menu features a variety of wild game as well as local cuisine. They boast hand-crafted cocktails, as well as beer and wine—not to mention over 50 types of whiskeys and bourbons (including Tarnished Truth Spirits, which are produced right next door). Travelers note they have a great happy hour, too.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Bar, Contemporary
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
19.
258 reviews
Sweet Smoke BBQ - Westside is a fast-casual restaurant located in Jefferson City, Missouri and serving up delicious barbecue and American cuisine. They’ve got a great selection of over 20 craft beers and cocktails to pair with your mean—and guests note the sides are a must-try (specifically: the pit beans).
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Barbecue
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20.
936 reviews
Daddy Joe's Bbq & Grill is a local BBQ joint that has gained recognition for its menu. They offers a variety of dishes specializing in BBQ, chicken, and ribs. The outdoor seating area is perfect for families to enjoy their meals, and the full-service bar is a great addition to the experience.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Bar, Barbecue
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
21.
2,237 reviews
Riverfront Seafood Company has a scenic setting on the Holston River, with views of Bays Mountain. The top-notch wait staff is known for their customer service. In addition to the seafood, the restaurant is famous for its delicious Key lime pie. With excellent portion sizes and delicious food, it is perfect for a romantic date night or a family dinner.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
22.
639 reviews
Mersea Restaurant & Bar serves up comfort-casual faves such as crab, ribs, and ceviche—all created by renowned Executive Chef Parker Ulrich. But what really sets this spot apart is its breathtaking, panoramic views of San Francisco’s famed sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Food and views aside, the restaurant is a good time all-around—visitors enjoy outdoor seating alongside an herb garden, as well as a putting green, bocce courts, and cornhole.
Quick facts
Cuisines: American, Bar
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
23.
414 reviews
Via Emilia is an upscale Italian restaurant located in Mystic, Connecticut. With an ever-changing menu, they source the freshest ingredients for their dishes, with a focus on hand-made fresh pasta. And don’t miss their classic desserts, including tiramisu and cannoli.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Italian, Pizza, Emilian
₱₱₱₱
24.
585 reviews
The Chippewa Room provides a fine dining experience with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of seasonal specialties and local fare as well as hand-cut steaks, seafood and ribs. The extensive wine list has over 2 dozen wines by the glass and has won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. It has Native American inspired decor and an extensive collection of local artifacts that help to create ambiance. The Chippewa Room is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a celebration. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure you don't miss this amazing dining experience.
Quick facts
Cuisines: Seafood
₱₱ - ₱₱₱
25.
899 reviews
Jazz Bistro On 4th is a must-visit restaurant in Fairbanks. The restaurant serves authentic Cuban and Latin American dishes including pork, salmon and beef. The entrees are well-seasoned and come with rice and beans. The wines offered are a treat and hail from Spain, Argentina and Chile. After finishing your meal, you may be even be treated to a great performance by the staff who served you and prepared your food!
Quick facts
Cuisines: Latin, Spanish, Healthy
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