10 American Dishes That Don’t Deserve the Hype—And 10 Hidden State Gems You Must Try

From coast to coast, America is packed with iconic eats—but not all of them live up to the buzz. Some are overdone, underwhelming, or just plain gimmicky. Meanwhile, regional favorites quietly deliver unforgettable flavor without the viral hype. Here are 10 American dishes that don’t deserve the love they get—and 10 underrated state gems you should absolutely try instead.

1. Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast has become a common brunch order, celebrated more for its Instagram appeal than its taste. Typically served on artisan bread, it’s often topped with only a sparse sprinkle of salt and pepper, leaving it bland. This dish can be surprisingly overpriced, considering its simple ingredients. Despite its aesthetic, it lacks the innovative flair it once had, and many variations fail to excite the taste buds. With so many other exciting breakfast options available, Avocado Toast often falls flat, offering little more than a pretty picture for your social media feed.

2. Deep-Fried Butter

Deep-Fried Butter might sound intriguing, but this fairground attraction often leaves more of a greasy mess than a satisfying taste. The buttery globs are encased in a heavy batter, promising indulgence but often delivering discomfort. It’s a culinary stunt more than a treat, offering little beyond the novelty of its outrageousness. While fairs are known for their daring cuisines, Deep-Fried Butter is more about shock value than flavor. Many find it overly rich and messy, lacking in true culinary value, and certainly not worth the inevitable queasy aftermath.

3. Rainbow Bagels

Rainbow Bagels make a vivid first impression with their eye-catching colors, but in the taste department, they often fall short. Behind the vibrant hues lies a standard bagel, offering no unique flavor to match its appearance. Some even argue that the artificial coloring gives them a slightly off-putting taste. Despite their popularity on social media, they serve more as a visual treat than a culinary innovation. If you’re seeking a bagel experience that’s more than just a photo opportunity, you’d be better off exploring traditional, flavor-rich bagel varieties.

4. Cronuts

Cronuts, the croissant-doughnut hybrid, were once the craze taking bakery shelves by storm. Initially seen as a marvel of pastry engineering, they often leave connoisseurs underwhelmed. While the concept promises the best of both worlds, the execution frequently results in a greasy pastry without the satisfying flakiness of a croissant or the comforting softness of a doughnut. The hype surrounding cronuts emphasizes their novelty more than their taste, and many find them more of a fad than a lasting delight in the pastry world.

5. Charcoal Ice Cream

Charcoal Ice Cream stands out with its dramatic black color, drawing adventurous eaters and Instagrammers alike. However, its flavor often leaves much to be desired, commonly described as flat or even gritty. The charcoal adds little to no taste benefit, functioning primarily as a visual gimmick. While it offers a conversation starter and a striking aesthetic, most agree that it falls short in satisfying the palate. For those seeking a rich, flavorful ice cream experience, there are far better options that prioritize taste over trend.

6. Unicorn Frappuccino

The Unicorn Frappuccino burst onto the scene as a sugary spectacle, captivating those with a penchant for colorful concoctions. Yet, its allure is largely superficial. With a blend of artificial flavors and colors, it offers a saccharine overload more than a satisfying drink. The flavor is often described as cloying, overshadowed by its kaleidoscopic appearance. While a fun novelty, it’s not built for those who seek a genuinely enjoyable coffee experience. Often, the visual appeal triumphs over the quality, making it a tempting but fleeting choice for curious consumers.

7. Giant Turkey Legs

Giant Turkey Legs are a theme park staple, attracting those eager for a hearty snack. Yet, these oversized treats frequently fall short, often dry and tough to chew. While they look impressive, the flavor is typically one-dimensional, dominated by salt. Their size and awkwardness make them challenging to eat, detracting from the experience. Despite their popularity in amusement parks, they rarely deliver the juicy, satisfying bite one hopes for. Many who indulge find them more cumbersome than enjoyable, more a spectacle than a flavorful delight.

8. Overloaded Milkshakes

Overloaded Milkshakes, adorned with everything from donuts to candy bars, are designed to impress visually. While they make for an eye-catching photo, the taste can often be overwhelming. The sheer amount of toppings can distract from the milkshake itself, leading to a sugar overload rather than a harmonious blend of flavors. They may look like a dream dessert, but many find the actual experience underwhelming, with individual components not always complementing each other well. It’s a classic case of style over substance in the dessert world.

9. Bacon-Wrapped Everything

Bacon-Wrapped Everything capitalizes on the universal love for bacon, but often at the expense of culinary creativity. While bacon can enhance many dishes, using it as a blanket for everything risks overshadowing more subtle flavors. The result is often greasy, with bacon serving as a mask rather than a complement. Many find that the overuse of bacon in this way becomes predictable and lacks innovation. When bacon-wrapped items disappoint, it’s usually because the bacon fails to elevate the dish, instead delivering a monotonous, oily taste experience.

10. Pumpkin Spice Everything

Pumpkin Spice Everything has turned from a seasonal delight into a marketing juggernaut. While the original pumpkin spice latte offered a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, many products now bearing the flavor are often synthetic and lack the warmth and complexity of the real thing. The flavor can be overwhelming and artificial, trailing behind the nostalgic promise. Despite the autumnal charm, the overextension of this flavor into every imaginable product often dilutes its specialness, leading to a sense of fatigue rather than festive enjoyment.

11. Loco Moco (Hawaii)

Loco Moco is a Hawaiian favorite that embodies the comforting essence of island cuisine. With a base of fluffy rice topped with a juicy hamburger patty, a perfectly fried egg, and rich brown gravy, it offers layers of flavor with each bite. This dish provides hearty satisfaction, delivering a taste of Hawaii’s local charm. It’s not just about the taste; it’s a cultural experience, blending simplicity with boldness. Perfect for those seeking a true taste of the islands, Loco Moco’s savory profile and comforting warmth make it a must-try.

12. Runza (Nebraska)

Runza, a Nebraskan staple, is a warm, hearty delight known for its satisfying blend of flavors. Encased in soft bread, seasoned beef, onions, and cabbage meld together beautifully, creating a comforting pocket of warmth. It’s a dish with roots in German-Russian heritage, offering a taste of tradition and home. Each bite delivers a savory, fulfilling experience that transcends its humble appearance. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, the Runza is a testament to Nebraska’s unique culinary landscape, offering flavor and history in every bite.

13. Chicken Riggies (Upstate New York)

Chicken Riggies is a beloved dish from Upstate New York, celebrated for its spicy, creamy character. Originating in Utica, this pasta dish combines rigatoni, chicken, and spicy peppers in a luscious cream sauce, delivering flavor with each forkful. Its inviting aroma and vibrant taste reflect the region’s Italian-American influence. Perfect for pasta lovers craving something bold and satisfying, Chicken Riggies stands out as a regional delight. Whether shared at family gatherings or savored solo, its robust flavors make it a must-try for anyone exploring New York’s culinary scene.

14. Gooey Butter Cake (Missouri)

Gooey Butter Cake, hailing from Missouri, is a sweet testament to Midwestern baking traditions. With its golden, chewy crust and a tender, buttery center, this cake delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a dessert that’s both simple and indulgent, capturing the essence of comfort with each bite. Often associated with St. Louis, it has become a beloved treat that appeals to locals and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or a dessert, its rich, caramelized sweetness makes it unforgettable.

15. Huckleberry Ice Cream (Montana)

Huckleberry Ice Cream is a delicacy of the Montana wilderness, offering a fruity escape with every scoop. Made from wild huckleberries, it bursts with a tangy sweetness that’s both refreshing and unique. This ice cream embodies the spirit of the rugged Montana landscape, with flavors that speak of its natural beauty. The huckleberry’s distinct taste and vibrant color make it a standout treat, perfect for those seeking a true taste of the wild. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a special treat, it’s an experience worth savoring.

16. Café Brulot (Louisiana)

Café Brulot, a New Orleans classic, is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. Infused with cloves, cinnamon, and citrus peel, this coffee is flambéed to perfection, offering a warm, aromatic delight. Its theatrical preparation and rich, spiced flavor make it a unique fixture in Louisiana’s culinary scene. Best enjoyed with friends or after a festive meal, it captures the essence of New Orleans’ vibrant culture. Café Brulot isn’t just about taste; it’s about the ritual, the flair, and the shared moments it creates.

17. Nashville Hot Chicken (Tennessee)

Nashville Hot Chicken is a fiery favorite that has won the hearts of spice lovers nationwide. Originating in Tennessee, this crispy, mouth-watering dish is known for its fiery heat and soulful flavor. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by a slow burn that leaves you craving more. It’s a dish with a story, rooted in Nashville’s rich culinary history. Whether you savor it with bread or pickles, Nashville Hot Chicken offers a spicy adventure that’s both a challenge and a delight. Perfect for heat seekers looking for authentic Southern fare.

18. Frozen Custard (Wisconsin)

Frozen Custard is a Wisconsin delight, cherished for its creamy, velvety smoothness. Made fresh daily, it offers a richer, denser experience than regular ice cream, thanks to its higher egg yolk content. This treat captures the essence of dairy-rich indulgence, providing a taste that’s both comforting and luxurious. Whether enjoyed in a cone or a cup, Frozen Custard is a must-try for anyone visiting Wisconsin, promising a delightful, creamy escape. It’s beloved by locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of the state’s rich dairy tradition.

19. Indian Fry Bread Tacos (Arizona)

Indian Fry Bread Tacos are a celebration of Southwestern flavors, combining Native American traditions with a modern twist. Fluffy fry bread serves as the base, generously topped with beans, meat, lettuce, and cheese, creating a fusion of textures and tastes. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of crispy and tender, savory and fresh. This dish is a tribute to Arizona’s culinary diversity, providing a unique taste experience that bridges cultures. Perfect for food adventurers, these tacos are more than a meal; they’re a journey through Arizona’s rich heritage.

20. Maple Creemees (Vermont)

Maple Creemees are a Vermont treasure, offering a sweet taste of the state’s famed maple syrup. Soft, creamy, and filled with natural maple goodness, they provide a simple yet addictive flavor profile. Enjoyed in the lush Vermont countryside, these creemees capture the essence of the state’s natural beauty and agricultural richness. Whether savored on a sunny afternoon or as a cozy treat, they embody the warmth and simplicity of Vermont life. A must-try for any visitor, Maple Creemees highlight the unique charm of Vermont’s culinary identity.