More Than Just a Meal

One of our favorite parts of traveling full-time isn’t just discovering beautiful places—it’s finding restaurants that become part of the adventure.

Some are famous landmarks that have served presidents and celebrities. Others are hidden gems we’d never have found if we hadn’t been traveling the back roads of America. We’ve eaten inside an airplane, dined in a private waterfront pod, listened to one of the world’s largest theater organs while eating pizza, watched cliff divers perform during dinner, and shared meals in restaurants that feel frozen in time.

Over more than seven years of full-time RV travel, we’ve eaten at hundreds of restaurants. These 31 are the ones we’d gladly detour for again, whether it’s a legendary steakhouse, a hidden local favorite, or a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Some made the list because of incredible food.

Others, because of the unforgettable history.

Some simply made us laugh.

These are the restaurants we believe are truly worth the detour.

Last updated: August 2026 • Currently featuring 31 restaurants worth the detour, with more being added as our travels continue.
Note: Hours, menus, and pricing can change. We’ve linked to each restaurant’s official website so you can check the latest information before your visit.

This post contains affiliate links. As a participant in Amazon Associates and various affiliate programs, we are compensated when qualifying purchases are made through our referral links at no additional cost to you. Full Disclosure

Interactive Restaurant Map

Planning your next road trip? Explore our interactive map featuring every restaurant in this guide. Click any location to see why we recommend it and start building your own foodie adventure.

Arizona

Organ Stop Pizza – Mesa, Arizona

If you’ve never eaten dinner while listening to one of the world’s largest Wurlitzer theater organs, Organ Stop Pizza needs to be on your travel bucket list.

The massive organ surrounds the dining room, and talented musicians perform everything from Disney songs to patriotic music and classic rock while diners enjoy their meal. The pipes rise throughout the restaurant, creating an experience unlike any other pizza place we’ve visited.

The pizza is excellent, but the live entertainment is what makes this restaurant unforgettable.

Why it’s worth the detour: It’s dinner and a concert rolled into one.

California

Andria’s Seafood Restaurant – Ventura, California

After eating seafood all over the country, Andria’s Seafood Restaurant still holds the title for our favorite fish and chips.

The fish is perfectly crispy without being greasy, the portions are generous, and every bite reminds us why we keep comparing other restaurants to this one.

And then there’s the clam chowder.

Quite simply, it’s my favorite clam chowder anywhere in the United States.

Whenever we’re back in Ventura, stopping at Andria’s isn’t a question.

It’s a tradition.

Vince’s Spaghetti – Rancho Cucamonga, California

Some restaurants are worth visiting once. Others become traditions. Vince’s Spaghetti falls into the second category.

Whenever we found ourselves anywhere near Ontario, California, we’d make a point to stop for dinner. The generous portions of classic Italian comfort food kept us coming back, but our favorite part of every visit came after the meal—we’d always buy a quart of Vince’s famous meat sauce to take home so we could enjoy another spaghetti dinner later.

That simple tradition says everything about how much we enjoyed Vince’s. It’s not a flashy restaurant or a trendy destination. Instead, it’s the kind of family-owned place that has built a loyal following by serving the same delicious recipes year after year.

Why it’s worth the detour: When a restaurant’s meat sauce is so good that you take a quart home every time you visit, you know you’ve found a keeper.

Colorado

The Airplane Restaurant – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Have you ever eaten dinner inside a real airplane?

At The Airplane Restaurant, you can.

The dining room is connected to a retired Boeing KC-97 tanker aircraft, where guests can actually sit and enjoy their meal.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for something different, this is one of the most unique restaurants we’ve visited during our travels.

Don’t miss: The fish and chips…and absolutely order a bowl of clam chowder.

Casa Bonita – Lakewood, Colorado

Few restaurants in America are as iconic as Casa Bonita.

Where else can you eat Mexican food while watching cliff divers leap into an indoor lagoon?

Add caves, waterfalls, mariachi music, colorful décor, and live entertainment, and it’s easy to understand why generations of families have made this a tradition.

The food has improved dramatically under the restaurant’s new ownership, but the real attraction has always been the experience.

Don’t miss: The famous cliff divers.

Totally 80’s Pizza – Fort Collins, Colorado

If you grew up in the 1980s, Totally 80’s Pizza feels like stepping into a time machine.

The walls are packed with movie posters, arcade games, vintage toys, and pop culture memorabilia from one of the greatest decades ever. Everywhere you look, there’s something that brings back memories, making the restaurant just as fun to explore as it is to eat in.

Thankfully, the pizza lives up to the theme. We found it to be one of the better pizza spots we’ve visited during our travels, with generous toppings and great flavor.

Whether you’re a child of the ’80s or introducing a younger generation to the era of cassette tapes, Saturday morning cartoons, and classic arcade games, Totally 80’s Pizza is a fun stop that’s well worth the detour.

Don’t miss: Take your time looking around before or after your meal. Half the fun is spotting all the nostalgic memorabilia hidden throughout the restaurant.

Florida

Murray Bros. Caddyshack – St. Augustine, Florida

Fans of Bill Murray and the classic movie Caddyshack will immediately feel at Murray Bros. Caddyshack.

The restaurant is filled with golf memorabilia, movie references, and playful décor that creates a fun atmosphere from the moment you walk inside.

After spending the day exploring historic St. Augustine, this makes a great place to relax and enjoy dinner.

Pizza Time – St. Augustine, Florida

Everyone has their favorite pizza place.

Pizza Time is one of ours. We aren’t the only fans of Pizza Time. TripAdvisor once named it the second-best pizza restaurant in the United States based on traveler reviews. After our visit, we can certainly see why it has become one of St. Augustine’s most popular restaurants.

Located on St. George Street in the heart of historic St. Augustine, this family-owned pizzeria serves huge slices with fresh ingredients and consistently excellent flavor.

Every time we’re in St. Augustine, we make it a point to stop here. Pizza Time does not take credit or debit cards. Guests should bring cash, though there is an ATM located on site should you forget.

Sometimes the simplest restaurants become lifelong favorites.

Ford’s Garage – St. Augustine, Florida

If you’re a Ford fan—or simply enjoy classic cars—Ford’s Garage is a fun place to stop for a meal.

Designed to look like a vintage Ford dealership and service garage, the restaurant is filled with classic vehicles, antique gas pumps, dealership signs, and automotive memorabilia. From the themed décor to the garage-inspired details, there’s something interesting to look at everywhere you turn.

During our visit, I ordered the Black-N-Bleu Burger, while Lisa chose the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. The food was good, and the hand-cut fries made a great side. While the burgers aren’t the best we’ve had, the unique Ford-themed atmosphere is what makes this restaurant memorable.

Why it’s worth the detour: The immersive Ford-themed atmosphere makes this much more than just another burger restaurant.

👉 Looking for even more local flavors? Check out these St. Augustine Food Tours.

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill – Destin, Florida

Some restaurants have aquariums.

Fudpucker’s has live alligators.

This Destin landmark is one of the most entertaining family restaurants on the Florida Panhandle. Beyond the colorful Key West-style atmosphere and seafood menu, visitors can see live alligators, learn about them, and even have their picture taken holding one during scheduled programs.

The food was good, but it’s the alligators that make this place memorable.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or you’re simply young at heart, Fudpucker’s is one of those places that perfectly captures the fun, laid-back spirit of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Why it’s worth the detour: Where else can you enjoy seafood and visit live alligators before dessert?

Whether we’re grabbing pizza in St. Augustine or searching for hidden gems on a cross-country road trip, these are some of the travel essentials we use every day.

Montana

TR’s Burgers and Brats – West Yellowstone, Montana

Named after Theodore Roosevelt—often called the “Conservation President” for his role in protecting America’s public lands—TR’s Burgers is a fitting place to grab a meal just minutes from Yellowstone National Park.

During our time in West Yellowstone, we found ourselves returning to TR’s Burgers several times—and that’s about the best endorsement we can give any restaurant. While it’s a bit on the pricey side, the quality, generous portions, and creative specialty burgers kept bringing us back.

The first burger I tried was The Commissioner, topped with American cheese, creamy peanut butter, and bacon, with huckleberry jelly served on the side. I’ll admit, peanut butter on a burger sounded a little strange at first, but I decided to trust the recommendation. To my surprise, it was fantastic. The rich peanut butter paired perfectly with the smoky bacon, and a little huckleberry jelly added just the right touch of sweetness.

On another visit, I ordered The San Juan, loaded with pepper jack cheese, crispy jalapeños, green chile salsa, garlic aioli, and avocado spread. It had just the right amount of heat without overpowering the flavor and quickly became another favorite.

If you’re looking for more than a standard cheeseburger after a day exploring Yellowstone National Park, TR’s Burgers is absolutely worth the stop. Some of the best specialty burgers we’ve had during more than seven years of full-time RV travel came from this little restaurant in West Yellowstone.

Our Favorite: The San Juan — Pepper jack cheese, crispy jalapeños, green chile salsa, garlic aioli, and avocado spread.

Michigan

Pete’s Garage – Monroe, Michigan

If you’re a classic car fan—or just looking for a restaurant that’s a little different—Pete’s Garage is worth pulling off the highway for.

The restaurant is built around the theme of a 1950s service garage, but the real attraction is the seating. Many of the booths are created from beautifully restored classic cars with the seats removed and tables installed in their place. Instead of sitting at an ordinary table, you’re dining inside a piece of automotive history.

The vintage décor, nostalgic atmosphere, and attention to detail make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the golden age of American automobiles. Everywhere you look, something is interesting to see, making it a fun place to wander around before or after your meal.

The comfort food hits the spot, but it’s really the unique setting that makes Pete’s Garage memorable. Whether you’re a lifelong gearhead or simply enjoy discovering one-of-a-kind restaurants during your travels, it’s the kind of place you’ll still be talking about long after you leave.

Why it’s worth the detour: Where else can you enjoy comfort food while dining inside a beautifully restored classic car?

Nevada

Battista’s Hole in the Wall – Las Vegas, Nevada

If there’s one restaurant we almost always took friends and family to when they visited Las Vegas, it was Battista’s Hole in the Wall.

Hidden just off the Strip, Battista’s feels like stepping back into old Las Vegas. The dining rooms are made up of cozy little alcoves, and every inch of the walls and ceilings is covered with vintage photographs, antiques, and memorabilia. It has the kind of atmosphere that makes you imagine mobsters, entertainers, and longtime locals gathering here decades ago.

We’ve eaten here many times over the years, and everything we’ve ordered has been delicious. Every dinner includes unlimited house wine, your choice of soup or salad, warm garlic bread, and one of the best cappuccinos we’ve ever had.

For us, though, one of the most unforgettable parts of Battista’s was Gordy.

With his accordion, warm smile, and incredible personality, he wandered from table to table entertaining guests. Every time he reached our table, he’d grin and say,

“Watch this fancy finger work!”

before launching into another song.

Sadly, Gordy has since passed away, but for many longtime visitors, he remains one of the memories that made Battista’s so special. We feel fortunate to have experienced his performances over the years.

Don’t miss: The unlimited house wine, garlic bread, and especially the complimentary cappuccino, it’s amazing!, as is the timeless old Las Vegas atmosphere.

John Mull’s Road Kill Grill – Las Vegas, Nevada

Don’t let the name fool you.

John Mull’s Road Kill Grill is our favorite barbecue restaurant anywhere in America.

Ironically, even though we lived only a couple of miles away for years, we didn’t discover it until we saw it featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

The portions are enormous, the barbecue is outstanding, and every visit reminds us why it’s still our favorite BBQ stop in the country.

Whenever someone asks us where to eat in Las Vegas, this is one of the first places we recommend.

👉 Love the Las Vegas food scene? Explore these top-rated food tours and discover even more hidden gems beyond the famous Strip.

New Mexico

Little Anita’s – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Sometimes the food isn’t what makes the memory.

Sometimes it’s the presentation.

When our Little Anita’s fajitas arrived, they created so much sizzling smoke that it seemed like the entire restaurant disappeared into a cloud.

Looking completely serious, I asked the server,

“So…is the plate hot?”

She laughed.

We still do every time we tell the story.

It remains the funniest fajita presentation we’ve ever experienced.

Ohio

Tony Packo’s – Toledo, Ohio

If you’re visiting Toledo, Tony Packo’s is a must.

The restaurant is famous for its incredible chili and the thousands of celebrity-signed hot dog buns displayed throughout the dining rooms. Today, the originals are preserved while replicas hang on the walls.

Everyone from movie stars to athletes—and even five U.S. presidents—has eaten here.

The chili absolutely lives up to the hype, and the gift shop is worth browsing before you leave.

Don’t miss: The chili and the celebrity hot dog buns.

Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor – North Kingsville, Ohio

Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor isn’t just another pizza restaurant—it’s located inside a real historic covered bridge.

Originally built as the 1862 Foreman Road Bridge, the wooden bridge was carefully dismantled, moved, and reconstructed into what is now one of the most unique pizza restaurants we’ve visited. It’s a perfect blend of local history and great food, giving you the rare opportunity to enjoy a meal inside a piece of Ohio’s past.

The moment you walk through the doors, you can’t help but look around at the massive wooden beams and imagine the bridge’s former life carrying wagons and travelers across a river. It’s one of those restaurants where the building itself is just as much of an attraction as the menu.

Of course, it helps that the pizza is excellent too.

Whether you’re exploring Ashtabula County’s famous covered bridges or simply looking for a memorable place to eat, Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor is well worth the stop.

Why it’s worth the detour: You get to enjoy great pizza inside an authentic 19th-century covered bridge—an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Texas

Big Texan Steak Ranch – Amarillo, Texas

No road trip along Interstate 40 is complete without at least stopping at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.

Best known for its famous 72-ounce Steak Challenge, the restaurant has become a Route 66 legend, drawing travelers from around the world who want to watch brave diners attempt to finish an enormous steak dinner in under an hour.

Even if you’re not taking on the challenge, the Big Texan is worth visiting. The Western-themed atmosphere, live challenge stage, and quirky Texas charm make it feel more like an attraction than just another steakhouse.

During our visit, we skipped the 72-ounce challenge and enjoyed a much more reasonable meal while taking in the fun atmosphere. It’s one of those classic American roadside stops that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.

Why it’s worth the detour: Experience one of the most famous steak restaurants in America and cheer on contestants attempting the legendary 72-ounce Steak Challenge.

Krause’s Cafe – New Braunfels, Texas

If you love authentic German food, Krause’s Cafe is a restaurant you shouldn’t miss.

We’ve eaten German food in plenty of places over the years—including Germany itself—and Krause’s still ranks among our absolute favorites. The food is consistently excellent, the beer garden creates a lively atmosphere, and the menu offers a wide variety of traditional German specialties.

My go-to order is the Sausage Plate, featuring a local bratwurst served with sauerkraut, red cabbage, roasted Yukon potatoes, and spicy mustard. Speaking of the mustard, their homemade spicy mustard is the best I’ve ever had. It’s so good that I always ask for extra.

Lisa usually chooses one of their many Schnitzel Plates, and no matter which version she orders, it’s always outstanding.

Whether you’re stopping in after floating the Comal River or simply passing through the Texas Hill Country, Krause’s is one of those restaurants that’s worth planning a trip around.

Why it’s worth the detour: Authentic German flavors, outstanding sausages and schnitzel, and the best homemade spicy mustard I’ve ever tasted make Krause’s one of our favorite restaurants anywhere.

AquaBite – Corpus Christi, Texas

We wanted to try AquaBite for quite a while, and it didn’t disappoint.

Each table sits inside its own private dome overlooking the water. The pods are surprisingly quiet, but you can open a window to hear the waves or close the curtains for complete privacy.

I joked that it felt a little like dining during the COVID days inside our own bubble.

The seafood was excellent, the atmosphere was relaxing, and we were happy to discover they’re pet-friendly for future visits.

Dinner came to just over $50 before tip, making it an excellent value for such a unique experience.

Doc’s Seafood & Steaks – Corpus Christi, Texas

When we’re in Corpus Christi, Doc’s Seafood & Steaks is one of those restaurants we look forward to visiting. It has a relaxed coastal atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu that offers something for both seafood lovers and those looking for something different.

My go-to meal is the Crab Stuffed Flounder, and I always add five grilled shrimp to make it even better. I also swap the rice for the roasted rosemary new potatoes, which are the perfect side for the meal.

Lisa almost always orders the Fiesta Chicken, proving that Doc’s isn’t just a great seafood restaurant. It’s one of those places where everyone can find something they’ll enjoy.

We’ve eaten here more than once, and it’s the kind of restaurant we’ll gladly go out of our way to visit whenever we’re back in Corpus Christi.

Why it’s worth the detour: Whether you’re craving fresh Gulf seafood or a great chicken entrée, Doc’s consistently delivers a meal that’s worth returning for.

Magic Time Machine – San Antonio, Texas

Dinner at The Magic Time Machine is unlike anything we’ve experienced.

From the outside, the building looks a little dated, but don’t let that fool you. Step inside and you’ll find a restaurant full of energy, laughter, and characters straight out of your favorite movies and TV shows. During our visit, we spotted Deadpool, Harley Quinn, Shaggy and Velma from Scooby-Doo, the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and several others roaming the dining rooms.

The fun starts the moment you sit down.

Our waiter didn’t just take our order—he performed it. Every interaction was filled with jokes and quick-witted humor that had the entire dining room laughing. Before long, I somehow found myself as the guest of honor at a birthday party that wasn’t even mine. Our waiter recruited kids from a nearby table to sing, had me out of my seat doing goofy things, and turned an ordinary dinner into one of the most memorable restaurant experiences we’ve had.

The biggest surprise, however, was the food.

I ordered the Prime Rib, and it was absolutely outstanding—every bit as good as the prime rib I’ve enjoyed in Las Vegas, a city known for exceptional steakhouses. Lisa enjoyed her meal as well, proving that The Magic Time Machine isn’t just about the entertainment. The kitchen delivers, too.

While we probably wouldn’t return as just the two of us, we’d absolutely bring family or friends visiting San Antonio—especially those with kids. It’s one of those places everyone should experience at least once.

Why it’s worth the detour: The Magic Time Machine combines live entertainment, nonstop laughs, and unexpectedly excellent food into an experience you’ll be talking about long after dinner is over.

Parker Brothers Traildust Steakhouse – Sanger, Texas

If you’re wearing a necktie, you’ve been warned.

Parker Brothers Traildust Steakhouse is housed inside a beautifully restored old barn and has one famous tradition that’s impossible to miss. Walk through the front door wearing a tie, and there’s a good chance it’ll be cut off and added to the restaurant’s “Wall of Shame.”

Fortunately, we knew the rules ahead of time, not that we wear ties while RVing.

The rustic setting adds to the charm. The old barn beams, western décor, and lively atmosphere make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Texas ranch from another era. One feature that caught our attention was what appeared to be an old hay slide from the barn’s working days, giving the building even more character.

The steaks were excellent, but the atmosphere is what makes this restaurant stand out.

It’s fun, it’s uniquely Texan, and it’s a place you’ll be talking about long after dinner.

Don’t miss: Leave the necktie at home…unless you’re willing to donate it to the wall.

Texas Pie Company – Kyle, Texas

One of our favorite restaurant discoveries wasn’t just about the food—it was about the people.

Texas Pie Company has become a local favorite, and after one visit, it was easy to understand why.

We ordered the King Ranch Chicken, a true Texas comfort food classic made with chicken, cheese, and tortilla chips baked together into a rich, satisfying casserole. It was flavorful, hearty, and exactly the kind of homemade meal you hope to find while traveling.

The highlight of our visit, however, was meeting Julie, the owner.

She welcomed us like old friends, and it was obvious she genuinely cares about every customer who walks through the door. Those personal connections are one of the things we love most about traveling and supporting locally owned restaurants.

Of course, no visit to Texas Pie Company is complete without dessert.

I couldn’t resist the Peanut Butter Yum Yum Pie, while Lisa picked up one of their famous OMG Brownies to enjoy later.

Whether you’re stopping for lunch, dinner, or just a slice of homemade pie, Texas Pie Company is absolutely worth pulling off the highway for.

Don’t miss: Save room for pie. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

👉 Want to discover even more incredible Texas restaurants? Explore these top-rated Texas food tours and culinary experiences.

Virginia

El Paso Mexican Restaurant – Alexandria, Virginia

We’ve eaten at hundreds of Mexican restaurants during our years of full-time RV travel.

This one is still our favorite.

Whenever we’re anywhere near Alexandria, El Paso Mexican Restaurant on Cooper Rd is almost guaranteed to be on our itinerary. We tried another location, and it wasn’t the same, so we always go back to the Cooper Rd location.

The food is consistently excellent, the portions are generous, and the service has always been friendly. It’s the restaurant that every other Mexican restaurant gets compared to in our minds.

People often ask us where we’ve had the best Mexican food during our travels, and this is always our answer.

After seven-plus years on the road, that’s saying something.

Why it’s worth the detour: Our favorite Mexican restaurant in the entire country.

Washington, D.C.

Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington, D.C.

Just steps from the White House sits one of Washington’s most historic restaurants.

Old Ebbitt Grill has welcomed presidents, politicians, journalists, celebrities, and visitors for well over a century, and you can feel that history the moment you walk inside.

The dark wood interiors, historic photographs, and classic décor make it feel like you’re dining in another era.

While the food is excellent, it’s the atmosphere that keeps bringing us back. Every meal feels like you’re becoming a small part of Washington’s long and fascinating story.

If you’re visiting our nation’s capital, this is one restaurant you shouldn’t miss.

Don’t miss: Take a few minutes to wander through the restaurant and soak in the history before or after your meal.

We the Pizza – Washington, D.C.

When it comes to pizza, we have two favorites in the United States—Pizza Time in St. Augustine, Florida, and We the Pizza in Washington, D.C.

No matter how many times we visit our nation’s capital, we always seem to find ourselves back at We the Pizza.

Lisa never misses her favorite—the Hawaiian Pizza loaded with honey ham and pineapple. My favorite has become the Capital Supreme, and we can never leave without an order of their buttery roasted garlic knots.

The restaurant’s patriotic décor fits perfectly with its Capitol Hill location, and they also have one of the coolest selections of craft sodas we’ve found anywhere. Lisa’s personal favorite is Hawaiian Pineapple Delight, which pairs perfectly with a couple of slices of pizza.

Sometimes a restaurant becomes more than just a place to eat—it becomes part of your travel tradition. That’s exactly what We the Pizza has become for us.

Don’t miss: The roasted garlic knots and the unique selection of craft sodas.

👉 Discover even more of Washington, D.C.’s rich history and food scene with these top-rated food tours and culinary experiences.

Food Truck Favorite

On The Hook Fish & Chips

Not every memorable meal comes from a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

One of our favorite fish and chips meals comes from a food truck.

On The Hook Fish & Chips trucks travel around the country, popping up in towns for just a day or two at a time. Whenever we discover one of their trucks is nearby, we make every effort to stop.

Their fish is consistently light, flaky, and perfectly fried, and the fries always hit the spot.

It’s become one of those “drop what you’re doing” food trucks whenever our travels happen to line up with their schedule.

Why it’s worth the detour: Some of the best fish and chips we’ve found come from their traveling food trucks.

International Favorites

The St George’s Tavern – London, England

Not every memorable restaurant we’ve visited has been in the United States.

While exploring London, we stopped into the historic The St George’s Tavern for what turned out to be one of the best traditional English pub meals we’ve ever had.

The fish and chips were exactly what you’d hope for in a classic London pub—crispy, flaky, comforting, paired with proper English Smashed Peas, and a welcoming atmosphere that made us want to stay awhile.

If you’re looking for an authentic English pub experience while visiting London, this one is hard to beat.

Don’t miss: The traditional fish and chips.

Flying Saucer Drive-In Restaurant – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Sometimes the building alone is enough to make a restaurant worth the stop, and the Flying Saucer Drive-In Restaurant is hard to miss. Designed to resemble a giant UFO, this quirky Niagara Falls landmark immediately catches your attention and makes the meal feel like part of the sightseeing experience.

I ordered the Saucer Burger, while Lisa had the Chicken Parmesan. Both meals were out of this world!… Not really, but they were good. But the real reason this restaurant stands out is its unusual retro science-fiction atmosphere. It is the kind of place you remember long after the meal simply because there is nothing ordinary about eating inside a flying saucer.

The Flying Saucer Drive-In Restaurant is a fun choice for travelers who enjoy roadside attractions, themed restaurants, and places that offer more than a standard dining experience.

Why it’s worth the detour: You can enjoy a casual meal inside one of Niagara Falls’ most unusual and recognizable restaurants.

Los Molcas Tacos – Los Algodones, Baja California, México

Just a short walk across the border from Yuma, Arizona, Los Molcas Tacos serves some of our favorite tacos from our years of full-time travel.

This isn’t a fancy restaurant or an elaborate dining experience. It’s a small local spot where the focus is simply on fresh, flavorful food at very affordable prices. I especially love their fish tacos, while every visit reminds us why authentic Mexican street food has such a loyal following.

Whenever we’re in the Yuma area, crossing into Los Algodones for tacos has become one of those traditions we look forward to. Whether you’re visiting for dental work, prescriptions, or simply exploring the colorful streets, it’s a stop we highly recommend.

Why it’s worth the detour: If you’re visiting Los Algodones, don’t miss the fish tacos—they’re one of the highlights of every trip across the border.

Final Thoughts

One of the greatest joys of full-time RV travel is discovering places we’d never have found if we’d stayed close to home.

Some of the restaurants on this list are famous landmarks that have welcomed celebrities, presidents, and millions of visitors over the years. Others are tucked away on quiet side streets where only the locals seem to know about them. Some earned their place because of incredible food, while others are memorable because of their history, unique atmosphere, or the people we’ve met along the way.

Looking back over seven years of traveling the country, we realized something…

We don’t always remember every meal.

But we always remember the experiences.

Whether it was watching cliff divers at Casa Bonita, listening to the world’s largest theater organ at Organ Stop Pizza, eating barbecue that ruined every other barbecue restaurant for us at John Mull’s Road Kill Grill, or laughing through dinner at The Magic Time Machine, each of these restaurants became part of the story of our travels.

And that’s really what this list is all about.

Not just great places to eat…

…but places that became unforgettable memories.

As we continue exploring America, we’ll keep updating this article with new discoveries. Who knows? Your favorite restaurant might be the next one we add.

We’d Love Your Recommendations

We’re always looking for our next unforgettable meal. If you have a favorite restaurant we should visit, let us know in the comments!

Whether it’s famous for incredible food, a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, fascinating history, or just an unforgettable experience, we’d love to hear about it.

Leave us a comment below and tell us where we should stop on our next adventure. Your recommendation might become our next favorite restaurant—and earn a spot on this list!

Happy Travels,
Rob & Lisa
Go Full-Time RVing