Every region of the States has its own gastronomic culture, and the South is definitely no exception. Known for hearty portions and a disregard for calorie counts, Southern food is, for many, comfort food. Here are the top sweet and savory treats you’ll want to be sure you get a bite of when you visit.
© Danny Hooks | Dreamstime
Pecan Pie
Drive through Georgia and Alabama and you’ll see billboards lining the road for two foods — fresh peaches and pecans. Pecan pie is a staple dessert from Kentucky to Texas, added to the end of Thanksgiving feasts or served up with ice cream in the summer. One of the favorite pie shops in Alabama is PieLab, but you can find similar small-town pie shops all over the south.
© Pop2nix | Dreamstime
Chicken Fried Steak
You’ll want to head to Texas for great chicken fried steak, preferably served up smothered in gravy and alongside mashed potatoes. If you happen to be in Dallas, check out All Good Café, and order the chicken fried steak with a side of potatoes and one veggie. If you’re trying to steer clear of red meat, go with the chicken fried chicken, which is not, as you may think, merely fried chicken.
© Darryl Brooks | Dreamstime
Grits
You can make grits a thousand ways, and everyone likes them differently. Whether you like your bowl plain or served with sugar, butter, cheese, country ham or shrimp, there’s really no bad way to have them. You’re going to get them one way, though, if you’re on the coast. Go for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at Low Country Bistro in Charleston for a serving topped with shrimp, Parmesan, bacon and tomatoes.
© Bhofack2 | Dreamstime
Mint Juleps
The best thing to wash all your favorite southern foods down with? A mint julep. You don’t have to wait for derby season to enjoy this refreshing cocktail. Head to Louisville’s Proof on Main and grab a classically made drink served ice-cold. While you’re at it, stop by some of the bourbon bars in the area to keep the good times going.
Read This Next
Top 5: Southern Eats to Try in Atlanta
North America
Mar 27, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedAsia
Sep 7, 2026Canopy Opens First Hotel in Southeast Asia
Hilton’s Canopy brand made its debut in Southeast Asia. New Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit opened last month.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Hotel
Sep 7, 2026Crowne Plaza Opens New Flagship Hotel in the Heart of Manhattan
A new hotel is on the radar for Midtown Manhattan, marking an important milestone.
Destinations / Caribbean
Sep 4, 2026What to Expect from This Year’s Antigua and Barbuda Art Week
This year’s Antigua and Barbuda Art Week will kick off Nov. 11, offering visitors a wealth of ways to connect with local art over the following week, through Nov. 18. This year’s lineup includes myriad art installations and exhibitions, as well as events.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Caribbean
Sep 4, 2026Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, an Adults-Only All-Inclusive Experience, Debuts in the Dominican Republic
Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced the opening of Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, marking the debut of the brand in the Dominican Republic. The adults-only, all-inclusive resort brings an experience-driven approach to hospitality to Punta Cana with immersive wellness programming, thoughtfully curated culinary experiences and authentic cultural connections.
ShareThis