Great Cities for Your Favorite Foods

From Ribs and Tamales to Sushi and Jambalaya

Do you have a favorite food you love so much you could eat it every day? Why not plan a trip to a new destination where you can actually do it? From pizza and puffy tacos to gumbo and gourmet sandwiches, the team at Joe’s Airport Parking has created a unique menu of interesting cities that are also famous for certain types of foods.

Pizza – New Haven, CT

Chicago has its deep dish and New York has its big foldable slices, but New Haven is the original home of the “apizza” style with a thin, charred crust, simple yet bold toppings and coal-oven baking. This regional fare offers a perfect crispy-yet-chewy bite and unique flavors that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. Must-try spots include Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza and Modern Apizza.

BBQ – Memphis, TN

Kansas City is renowned for its versatility in crafting sweet and smoky sauces, but Memphis is the home of dry-rub BBQ. Many establishments focus on pork ribs and pulled pork with a strong tradition of dry-rub seasoning and tangy, vinegar-based sauces. Must-try joints include Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous for dry ribs, Payne’s Bar-B-Que for their pulled pork sandwiches with mustard slaw, and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (for something different).

Sushi – Seattle, WA

What do you get when you cross fresh Pacific Northwest fish and Japanese tradition? Direct access to pristine seafood like wild salmon, geoduck and uni. And being Seattle, many local sushi chefs not only focus on local sourcing but sustainability. Maneki is one of the city’s most historic and beloved Japanese restaurants, Sushi Kashiba is owned by Shiro Kashiba—a disciple of Jiro Ono—and the Sugo Hand Roll Bar is a trendy fave for casual sushi rolls.

Tex-Mex – San Antonio, TX

As the birthplace of Texas and home of The Alamo, San Antonio is where Tex-Mex began. Iconic dishes like chili con carne and puffy tacos originated here and the city embraces old-school Tex-Mex with pride. Other signature dishes include enchiladas, tamales and amazing Tex-Mex breakfast plates. Local staples like Los Barrios, La Fogata and Rosario’s are always a good choice, Ray’s Drive Inn is home of the original puffy taco, and the festive vibes at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería are available 24 hours a day.

Cajun – Lafayette, LA

The line between Creole and Cajun can blur in this region and Lafayette blends the best of both worlds—including rich sauces, gulf seafood and French-rooted dishes with a certain rural rusticity. Popular dishes include Creole boudin, seafood gumbo and sauce piquante. Locals and tourists alike rave about the fare at Prejean’s, the Blue Dog Café and Bon Temps Grill (“Where Creole meets Cajun soul”).

Italian – Philadelphia, PA

When we say “Philly” you probably think “cheesesteak,” but its strong Italian immigrant history make it an excellent destination for Italian food lovers. South Philly is filled with old-school Italian markets, bakeries and some of the best pasta in the country. Vetri Cucina features award-winning menus, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant is the oldest in America and the historic Italian Market neighborhood is full of outstanding butchers, bakers and cheese shops.

Gourmet Sandwiches – Portland

New York is home to hundreds of great delis and New Orleans invented the muffaletta, but Portland’s sandwich shops offer a unique experience—blending creativity with local, fresh ingredients. Favorites like Lardo serve hearty, inventive sandwiches stacked with house-cured meats and bold flavors, while the Grilled Cheese Grill offers comforting classics with a twist. From artisanal breads to unexpected combos, Portland’s sandwich scene is vibrant, varied and adventurous.

Mmmmmm… aren’t you hungry? These are just a handful of destinations waiting to serve up a satisfying foodie experience. A quick online search is bound to uncover many more.

But if you want to avoid unexpected indigestion, remember to reserve a safe, hassle-free parking space with Joe’s Airport Parking. We book up fast during busy travel seasons, so we suggest you book now.