1

Cioppino

Image: James Wei

A not-so-talked-about product of the Italian influence in America, cioppino is an underrated representative from San Francisco. A tomato-based seafood stew (or a soup, depending on who you ask), it started as a struggle meal made with whatever was caught that day, and it is now a beloved dish that reflects the city’s history.

2

Fry bread

Image: Immo Wegmann

When thousands of Navajo people were forcefully displaced from Arizona to New Mexico, they were provided with meager rations for the 300-mile journey: flour, water, salt, and lard. From these scarce provisions, they created a fried dough, chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Originally eaten on its own, it is nowadays paired with all kinds of toppings.

3

Poi

Image: Daniel Dan

Made from steamed and mashed taro root, this Hawaiian dish can be enjoyed in several ways. Although sweeter when freshly made, it is often paired with other savory dishes. It can also be left to ferment, which gives it a more sour taste. Highly nutritious, poi has been a staple in Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisines for centuries.

4

Étouffée

Image: Stephanie Moody

Gumbo and jambalaya might be what first come to mind when thinking about Louisiana, but étouffée (meaning ‘smothered’) should not be overlooked. Thicker than gumbo —though sharing many of its ingredients—, étouffée delivers what its name promises: a rich, gravy-like, shellfish stew that smothers the accompanying rice. Depending on whether you are having a Creole or a Cajun étouffée, it may or may not contain tomatoes.

5

Crab cakes

Image: Girish Dalvi

This dish can be found all along the Atlantic coast, but its most famous iteration is associated with Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. With a history that goes back to Native Americans, modern crab cakes can be enjoyed sautéed, baked, grilled, deep-fried, or broiled, and are most of the time made with blue crab, though other crab meats can be used.

6

Clam chowder

Image: henry perks

A New England staple, this dish draws influence from British, French, and Nova Scotian traditions. Although it was not dairy-based in its origins, modern clam chowder gets its rich texture from milk or cream, and features butter, potatoes, pork, and, of course, clams. Other famous variations differ mainly in the soup base, such as the Manhattan clam chowder (made with tomato) or the Rhode Island clam chowder (made with a clear broth).

7

Hush puppies

Image: Abhijit Biswas

A Southern classic, these cornmeal fritters became popular during the Civil War because they were affordable and versatile. Usually made plain to serve as a side dish, they can also have cheese, jalapenos, whole corn grains, and other fillings added.

8

Marionberry pie

Image: Amanda Hortiz

Oregon's signature dessert, this pie filling features marionberries, a blackberry hybrid developed in the 20th century. Compared with regular blackberries, marionberries have a deeper, more complex flavor, resulting in a sweeter and sharper pie filling. A summer staple, it is often served alongside vanilla ice cream.

9

Runza

Image: Kelsey Todd

Food from the Midwest is sometimes reduced to casserole dishes and jello salads, but it is more varied than some might think. Runza, a sandwich-hot pocket hybrid filled with beef, cabbage, and onions, is an example of how midwesterners transformed immigrant food traditions into something new. Originating in Nebraska, runzas are derived from German and Eastern European pirogs , a baked, filled dough.

10

Akutaq

Image: Adam Chang

Though this Alaskan delicacy is technically an ice cream, don’t expect it to be like the ice creams you are used to. Made from reindeer fat, seal oil, fresh snow, berries, and sometimes, ground fish, akutaq is a dessert, a snack, a spread, and a main dish all in one. Developed as a way to preserve fruits and animal fats, this nutrient-dense dish has everything you need to face the harsh Alaskan winters.

1

Big Mac (McDonald's)

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Two beef patties, shredded lettuce, dill pickles, onions, cheddar cheese, and a special sauce, all topped with two seeded buns. That's the Big Mac, McDonald's flagship product and one of the world's best-selling fast food dishes.

The idea of the Big Mac as we know it today was originally conceived in the mid-1960s by entrepreneur Jim Delligatti, owner of one of the brand's first franchises. The name of the iconic burger, however, was suggested by a 21-year-old secretary working in McDonald's advertising department.

2

Classic Pretzel (Auntie Anne’s)

Image: Pierre Gui

If we talk about the best fast food snacks, pretzels must be included. In the United States, "pretzel" is synonymous with Auntie Anne's. This franchised chain, founded in 1988 , now boasts more than 1,300 stores across the country.

Everyone has followed the scent of these freshly baked pretzels at the mall or the airport at least once. It’s impossible to resist their buttery, salty, and delicious flavor that transports us to another world entirely. No wonder their slogan is "Pretzel Perfect"!

3

Curly fries (Arby’s)

Image: Chait Goli

Fries never disappoint, but if they come in a novel spiral shape, well-seasoned, and perfectly sized to devour in one bite, we're looking at one of the most incredible fries ever created.

While Arby's may not have invented curly fries, it was certainly the company that brought them to fame. Arby's introduced these crispy and delicious Cajun-style seasoned fries in 1988, and they have been a hit ever since.

4

Chicken tenders (Popeyes)

Image: Samuel Isaacs

Many fast food chains offer their version of the chicken nugget, but since Popeyes specializes in fried chicken, it's no surprise that they have one of the best versions of chicken tenders on the market.

If you haven't tried Popeyes' take on this classic American dish, you should. Their tenders are famous for their juicy chicken and their secret blend of crunchy coating. Pair them with the dipping sauce of your choice, and you’re good to go!

5

Cajun fries (Five Guys)

Image: hansbenn

Five Guys is best known for their delicious burgers, but perhaps the dish that sets them apart from other chains is their Cajun fries.

Tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, these fries are truly unique. Once fried, they are tossed in a special blend of Cajun spices —garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, and more! They are flavorful with just the right amount of spice. Have a kick with Five Guys' cajun fries!

6

Glazed doughnut (Krispy Kreme)

Image: No Revisions

Krispy Kreme has been around since 1937, and in those many years of history, it has created hundreds of different doughnut flavors. Yet, the glazed doughnut remains a classic that never fails to impress.

Its light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with that crackly glaze transports anyone back to their childhood in an instant—especially if you're lucky enough to get them fresh out of the oven!

7

Fried chicken (KFC)

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

One of Popeyes' biggest competitors is, without a doubt, Kentucky Fried Chicken. While Popeyes is known for its chicken tenders, KFC is famous for its giant buckets of fried chicken.

KFC's signature dish is fried, on-the-bone chicken pieces seasoned with Colonel Harland Sanders' "Original Recipe" of 11 herbs and spices—and we all love it. Whether you have them at a Fourth of July celebration or during a football game, KFC's fried chicken has that nostalgic effect that keeps you going!

8

Whopper (Burger King)

Image: Servetphotograph

If there's one thing we've always associated with Burger King, it's that distinctive grilled flavor. And the best representation of that flavor is its signature dish, the Whopper burger.

Although the ingredients of this gigantic sandwich, created in the late 1950s , are quite simple—one beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and pickles—it’s a favorite among fast food lovers around the world.

9

Italian B.M.T. (Subway)

Image: mandarinMD

Subway is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, specializing in submarine sandwiches. While everyone can create their own custom sandwich with fresh ingredients of their choice, Subway has a best-selling sandwich that has become an all-time classic.

Subway's Italian B.M.T.—short for "Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest"—is served on freshly baked bread and filled with a combination of three types of deli meats: salami, pepperoni, and ham. According to lore, the name also references the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit subway line. Did you know that?

10

Blizzard (Dairy Queen)

Image: ROMAN ODINTSOV

A list of the best fast food items wouldn't be complete without including at least one ice cream product. Many chains offer incredible alternatives, but Dairy Queen is, well, the queen of soft serve.

Dairy Queen's staple product, the Blizzard, was introduced in 1985 , and that same year, the company sold more than 100 million desserts. Today, there are almost 20 different Blizzard flavors, each with the best toppings. From cookies to candy, there's a delicious option for everyone!

11

Baconator (Wendy’s)

Image: Batu Gezer

Wendy's is an American fast-food restaurant, founded in 1969, famous for its square patties. It offers a large number of products, all equally delicious. But even though it was only introduced in 2007, the Baconator has become one of its flagship products, helping the company increase its sales.

A perfect combination of beef, American cheese, and crispy smoked bacon makes this burger a favorite among consumers across the country.

12

Onion rings (Burger King)

Image: Alejandro Aznar

French fries are the ultimate fast food side dish, but every once in a while, it's nice to switch things up and try something new. Burger King's onion rings are definitely a safe bet.

Tender and sweet on the inside, and crunchy on the outside, this classic American treat consists of sliced onions covered in batter and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried. Overall, it's the perfect snack for dipping into your favorite sauce!

1

The Whaley House in San Diego, California

Image: Ivan Borinschi

The Whaley House is one of the few homes officially deemed "haunted" by the US government. Visitors report footsteps echoing in empty hallways, cold spots that won’t go away, and spectral figures on the stairs. How did it come to this? Built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, the house stands on the site of former gallows. Whaley installed San Diego’s first brick house, which included a courtroom, general store, and theater space.

Unfortunately, Whaley’s daughter died by suicide in the house, and other family members passed away under the same roof. Accumulated tragedies and a spooky old house were enough to turn this eerie spot into a museum.

2

The Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California

Image: pure julia

Built in 1927, this glamorous hotel hosted the very first Academy Awards. Stars like Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, and Marilyn Monroe were among its esteemed guests. But, according to recent visitors, Monroe never really checked out.

She is said to appear in a mirror that once hung in her poolside suite. Guests have reported seeing the reflection of a blonde woman behind them, only to turn around and find no one there. How would you react?

3

The White House in Washington, D.C.

Image: Suzy Brooks

Did you expect to find America’s most powerful address on this list? As it turns out, presidents, first ladies, and staff have all reported eerie encounters over the years, with Abraham Lincoln’s presence as a recurring theme.

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands allegedly fainted after seeing his ghost, and Eleanor Roosevelt claimed to feel his presence. Even Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan contributed to the stories of a mysterious presence in the Lincoln Bedroom. Reagan famously reported that his dog, Rex, refused to enter the room.

4

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California

Image: Brett Wharton

When it comes to haunted mansions, Sara Winchester’s old Victorian-Gothic house will always sit in the podium.

After her wealthy husband and several family members died within months of each other , Sara began commissioning the construction of this puzzling house, which remained under continuous construction for 38 years. Naturally, it’s a bit of a labyrinth.

With staircases that lead nowhere, séance rooms, and flickers of shadowy figures here and there, the house stands as a monument to grief—and to ghosts.

5

The Villisca Axe Murder House in Villisca, Iowa

Image: Kevin Schmid

It might look like a quaint white farmhouse, but in 1912, it was the site of one of America’s most brutal unsolved murders. The Moore family and two guests were killed with an axe while they slept. There were no witnesses, and no real explanation was ever found.

Today, the house remains frozen in time, restored to its 1912 condition. Creaking floors, oil lamps, and a whole lot of uneasy silence.

6

Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts

Image: Bee Felten-Leidel

You know the rhyme: "Lizzie Borden took an axe…" This New England house was the scene of one of America’s most infamous double murders in 1892. Lizzie was acquitted, but many believe she was responsible for the deaths of her father and stepmother, who were found dead under violent and suspicious circumstances.

Today, the house operates as a B&B for the brave and the curious. Guests have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and even muffled cries coming from empty rooms. Some even choose to sleep in the very bedroom where Abby Borden met her tragic end.

7

The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri

Image: Dhruv vishwakarma

Once home to the wealthy Lemp brewing dynasty, the mansion witnessed four family suicides between 1904 and 1949. That’s enough to make anyone who steps inside feel a bit… uncomfortable.

The family was cursed by misfortune: mental illness, failed fortunes, and mysterious deaths. Guests now report heavy footsteps in empty halls, strange knocking, and even ghostly apparitions—especially in the downstairs bathroom, where one Lemp took his own life. Today, it operates as a restaurant and inn.

8

Franklin Castle in Cleveland, Ohio

Image: Rob Potter

This Victorian mansion looks like it was designed to be haunted. Built in 1881 by Hannes Tiedemann, the home witnessed the deaths of several of his children and his wife within a short period.

Since then, tales of secret passageways, Nazi spies, and ghostly weeping have become forever attached to the castle. Owners have come and gone , but as the locals expected, none have chosen to stay.

9

The Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas

Image: Caroline Rogers

What began as a doctor’s residence in the 1800s took a dark turn when a young girl named Sallie allegedly died on the operating table . Her ghost, people say, began tormenting a later male resident, scratching, shoving, and even burning him.

Paranormal teams have confirmed that lights flicker, toys move on their own, and male visitors, especially, report sudden feelings of hostility.

10

The House of Death in New York, New York

Image: With Paul

Behind the brownstone elegance of 14 West 10th Street in Greenwich Village lies one of NYC’s darkest secrets: over 20 reported deaths have occurred there.

Mark Twain was its most famous tenant , living there briefly in 1900. He once recounted a story about a floating log inside the house, but insisted that a rodent must have been responsible. Paranormal enthusiasts, however, refuse to believe his explanation and now claim that Twain’s ghost also haunts the house.

11

The Joshua Ward House in Salem, Massachusetts

Image: Blake Cheek

This Georgian brick home sits under a dark curse in Salem. Its original land once held the jail of Sheriff George Corwin, infamous for torturing accused witches during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Known as the "Strangler," Corwin died of a heart attack at age 30 and was secretly buried in the basement.

Today’s residents and visitors report strangled sensations, cold drafts, and photographic anomalies—including a famous 1980s photo that appears to show a ghostly woman dressed in black with no eyes.

12

LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans, Louisiana

Image: Alain Pierre-Lys

Few stories are darker than that of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite whose elegant French Quarter mansion concealed an appalling secret. In 1834, a fire revealed a hidden attic where enslaved individuals had been cruelly confined under horrific conditions.

LaLaurie fled to Paris, but the ghost stories remained. Visitors claim to hear moans and phantom footsteps and to see shadowy figures. Actor Nicolas Cage once purchased the property but quickly sold it, claiming bad luck followed him.

13

The Bell Witch Cabin in Adams, Tennessee

Image: Alex Vinogradov

This cabin marks the site of one of America’s oldest and most documented hauntings: that of the Bell Witch . This ghost received the nickname for haunting the Bell family in the 1800s. For years, the family endured a spirit that scratched walls, pulled hair, and even spoke in full sentences.

Legend has it that the entity killed patriarch John Bell. To this day, the rebuilt cabin and nearby cave remain popular destinations for ghost hunters.

14

The Riddle House in West Palm Beach, Florida

Image: Braden Wagner

Originally a funeral home (already a chilling start, right?), the Riddle House was later converted into a private residence. The story goes that it became haunted after an employee named Joseph hanged himself in the attic.

The house was eventually moved to Yesteryear Village to be preserved as a historical site, but it seems the ghosts made the trip too.