America's Favorite Mom & Pop Restaurants: Top 15 Picks

Entrepreneur teamed up with Foursquare to unveil the top 150 local, independently owned and operated businesses across 10 categories, including the best restaurants in America. This list, dubbed "America's Favorite Mom & Pop Shops™," celebrates small businesses and the unique dining experiences they offer.

The Best Restaurants in America: Dining Category

This article focuses on the 15 restaurants featured in the dining category, each offering a distinct culinary experience and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From Maine to Miami, these mom and pop shops have earned their place among America's favorites.

1. Federal Jack's: Maine's Finest Pub

Located in Kennebunk, Maine, Federal Jack's is renowned for its pub ambiance and handcrafted ales. The restaurant draws inspiration from the local history of shipbuilding and offers a menu featuring both traditional and modern dishes.

• Try their signature steamed mussels, warm crab Rangoon dip, and Maine lobster roll.
• For a healthier option, explore their tossed cobb salad, grilled Greek chicken salad, or garden salad.

2. Andytown Coffee Roasters: San Francisco's Specialty Coffee Haven

Founded in 2014, Andytown Coffee Roasters is a beloved San Francisco institution. Their cozy cafes offer a warm, inviting atmosphere and a selection of specialty coffees, teas, and breakfast foods.

• Indulge in their Original Bird (espresso cream soda), Matcha Plover, and a variety of teas.
• Enjoy fresh breakfast foods like pastries and sandwiches.

3. Miss Ada: Brooklyn's Modern Mediterranean Gem

Located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Miss Ada serves modern Mediterranean fare with a twist. Their commitment to local and seasonal ingredients shines through in dishes like beet hummus, merguez, and kofta kebabs.

• Don't miss their signature shakshuka and steak and eggs.
• Reservations are available via Resy, and walk-ins are welcome.

4. Swan River Restaurant and Fish Market: Cape Cod's Seafood Paradise

Established in 1954, Swan River Restaurant and Fish Market is a Cape Cod staple known for its high-quality seafood and breathtaking sunset views.

• Try their lobster tacos, stuffed quahog, and quahog chowder.
• Enjoy fresh oysters, littlenecks, and shrimp cocktail.
• Visit their fish market to pick up the freshest catches of the day.

5. The High Horse Saloon & Eatery: Billings' Entertainment Hub

The High Horse Saloon is a unique destination in Billings, Montana, offering a combination of casino, restaurant, music venue, and liquor store. This all-in-one entertainment hub boasts a menu of scratch-made dishes.

• Enjoy their delicious sandwiches like the Spicy Ham Po' Boy and signature salads like the Make-Shift Chef.
• Try your luck at the casino and dance the night away to live music.
• Visit their liquor store to take home a case of cold beer or a bottle of wine.

6. Hutchins BBQ: Texas' Barbeque Legend

With locations in Frisco and McKinney, Hutchins BBQ is a Texas barbeque icon. Their story began in 1978 with a family restaurant attached to their home.

• Enjoy barbeque by the pound, from home-made sausages to prime brisket.
• Indulge in their sides, including brisket pinto beans, potato casserole, coleslaw, and mac & cheese.
• Order their family packs and party packs for larger gatherings.

7. Ralph's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant: Nutley's Oldest Pizzeria

Ralph's Pizzeria is Nutley, New Jersey's oldest pizzeria, consistently recognized as one of the "25 Best Pizzas in New Jersey" by New Jersey Monthly.

• Enjoy classic Italian dishes, from pizza to pasta and fresh seafood.
• Their menu is made with the freshest ingredients and available in gluten-free options.
• They offer catering services and a private party room.

8. Takoma Bev Co: Takoma Park's All-Day Eatery

Takoma Bev Co in Takoma Park, Maryland is a beloved cafe serving delicious food and freshly brewed coffee. Their extensive menu offers something for everyone, from breakfast to dinner.

• Try their hummus toast, breakfast bowl, Peruvian cau cau stew, and breakfast tacos.
• Enjoy brunch cocktails, a fabulous wine list, and dessert options like chipwich ice cream sandwiches and fresh waffles.
• Open from 7:30am to 10pm, making it an ideal choice for any meal.

9. Rumi's Kitchen: Persian Cuisine Across the Country

Rumi's Kitchen, inspired by the 13th-century poet, offers authentic Persian cuisine. Their locations span from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. and Houston.

• Enjoy classic Persian dishes like Fattoush salad, falafel plate, and a variety of kabobs.
• Indulge in their cardamom cake, baklava, and Persian ice cream sandwiches.
• They offer catering services and private rooms for special events.

10. St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar: Raleigh's New Orleans-Inspired Seafood Haven

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar in Raleigh, North Carolina brings the flavors of New Orleans to the South. Their menu features New Orleans-inspired seafood preparations and a variety of specialty cocktails.

• Try their crawfish hushpuppies, crispy frog legs, and gumbo.
• Enjoy ½ dozen oysters with "the fixins" – a slice of lemon and fried saltines.
• Experience their unique blend of Louisiana heritage and global culinary influences.

11. Cupitol: Chicago's All-Day Eatery

Cupitol coffee and eatery in Chicago and Evanston, Illinois is a bustling spot for any time of day. They offer delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks.

• Enjoy brunch dishes like the Spanish omelette and sweet potato bowl.
• Dig into their signature Cupitol cheeseburger and gravlax baguette for lunch.
• Their large share plates like the tostada and Mediterranean falafel and hummus plate are perfect for groups.
• They offer a wide array of beverages, from coffee to smoothies, milkshakes, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.

12. Square Cafe: Pittsburgh's Neighborhood Cafe

Square Cafe in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a neighborhood cafe serving fresh, local, and healthy breakfast and lunch dishes.

• Try their chorizo hash, avocado toast, and smoked salmon benedict.
• Enjoy a variety of salads, burgers, and sandwiches for lunch.
• Their vibrant and comfortable space makes it an ideal spot for solo dining or family brunch.
• They offer online ordering and catering services for parties and events.

13. GReKo Greek Street Food: Nashville's Authentic Greek Eatery

GReKo Greek Street Food in Nashville, Tennessee is owned and operated by Greeks, bringing authentic Greek street food to the South.

• Their menu is inspired by the family's grandmother's cooking and village street vendors.
• Meat dishes are cooked over a live wood fire, pita is baked fresh daily, and all the wine and olive oil come from Greek villages.
• Try their pitas filled with shrimp, beef, chicken, or swordfish, and enjoy bowls or salads with protein options.
• Don't forget their fresh baklava for dessert.

14. Ghee Indian Kitchen: Miami's Farm-to-Table Indian Experience

Ghee Indian Kitchen in Miami, Florida offers farm-to-table, contemporary Indian cuisine. Chef Niven Patel brings his passion for global cuisine and fresh, local ingredients to the table.

• They offer a cozy but chic atmosphere and catering services.
• About a third of their produce comes from a two-acre garden in Homestead, Florida.
• Enjoy dishes made with fresh, locally grown ingredients.

15. Moonshot Coffee: Seattle's Coffee and Donut Destination

Moonshot Coffee in Seattle, Washington is a sleek and modern coffee shop open from 7am to 4pm daily. They offer a selection of coffees, teas, and pastries.

• Try their signature drinks like the cardamom or butterscotch latte.
• Enjoy their espresso tonic & orange for a refreshing summer drink.
• They offer a selection of beer, wine, and cider, as well as coffee beans for home brewing.

Supporting Small Businesses

These 15 restaurants represent a diverse range of culinary experiences and demonstrate the creativity and passion that small businesses bring to the dining scene. By supporting local businesses, you're not only enjoying delicious food but also contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of your community. When you dine at one of these restaurants, you're not just eating, you're supporting a dream, a story, and a community.