Alice Levitt is an award-winning restaurant critic and food editor who's always searching for the next delicious discovery. As a freelancer, she has written for some of her favorite publications, including Vox, The Boston Globe, EatingWell, Allrecipes, The Art of Eating, Gastro Obscura, Culture and Business Insider.
The 2010s vogue for food trucks may be over, but we still love a mobile meal. And no one does it better than our favorite Mexican chefs. Since long before food trucks exploded across America's urban centers, taco trucks have dotted our streets, exuding the aromas of sizzling meat. But as our palates have become more sophisticated, so have Mexican food trucks in the U.S. These days, it’s not enough to be a taco generalist. Many of our favorite vendors place a keen focus on a particular style or dish, tempting diners to their business in an increasingly crowded field. From birria to campechana, tacos arabes to Sonoran hot dogs, these are among the 10 best Mexican food trucks in the United States.
We all know Medieval Times, Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe. Each is strong evidence that America loves a restaurant with a theme. Yes, there are the big chains like the aforementioned eateries, but when it comes to the true, kitschy glory of dining room theater, many of the best are either standalone restaurants or just a few regional locations. What makes a themed restaurant? The answer can owe to a unique atmosphere, a firmly focused menu or both. Whether it’s your goal to make a meal of three courses of chocolate, eat inside a grounded airplane or tempt your medical fate with grossly oversized burgers, these are the spots for you. Take a great American road trip from the Boston suburbs to Los Angeles, all while eating at the best themed restaurants in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The best fast food restaurants in the U.S.The best themed restaurants and bars in New York
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago—the country’s largest cities seem to get all the culinary cred. Despite boasting a Michelin guide since 2016, Washington, D.C. has been slow to catch up to those bigger burgs. But it’s not for lack of effort or sheer deliciousness of the food. The 2021 census revealed that the District is now one of the most diverse cities in the country. This list will demonstrate that the cuisine matches the demographics—in fact, the best restaurants in D.C. are as globally inspired as the embassies surrounding them. From khachapuri to al pastor, vegan chili to Japanese-Italian pizza, D.C. has something to satisfy every taste. Now that’s representation. This guide was updated by Virginia-based writer Alice Levitt. At Time Out, all our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.