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There's no shame in eating and drinking your way across the USA – why wouldn't you? As you make your way from coast to coast, we recommend putting every one of these food and drink sensations on your itinerary.
Classic cheeseburger – Los Angeles
In-N-Out Burger is an American institution that has been serving up made-to-order burgers since 1948, when founder Harry Snyder opened a burger joint in LA County's Baldwin Park. There are more than 300 outlets across five US states, but you can visit a replica of In-N-Out Burger's original drive-through while you're in town.
Clam chowder – San Francisco
Before you make your way inland, head north to San Francisco and go directly to one of the eateries at Fisherman's Wharf. San Fran is known for its hearty clam chowder, made all the more delicious because it's served in a hollowed out loaf of sourdough. Bring. It. On.
Craft beer, gin and wine – Oregon, Washington and California
Don't leave the west coast without exploring the region's ales, gins and wines. While California's Napa Valley produces wine, Seattle and Portland make some of the best boutique beer and gin in the country. Actor Ryan Reynolds co-owns Portland-based Aviation American Gin, so get over there for a tour and tasting.
Tex-Mex – Texas
Some states have wine trails, but Texas has the Rio Grande Valley Taco Trail and it's your job to try at least a few of the places on the map – from breakfast tacos at the humble Ms G's Tacos N' More, to margaritas and chocolate-infused corn tortillas filled with ice-cream at El Santuario Tacos & Cocktails. You'll thank us for this hot tip: when in Texas, wear stretchy pants.
Southern fried chicken – Louisiana
It's no mean feat to come out on top in the fried chicken stakes, but Louisiana has done it. Colonel Sanders founded KFC in this very state with his 11 secret herbs and spices, but southern fried chicken is dished up across the state along with comfort-food classics like collard greens, mac and cheese, and buttermilk biscuits. If you're heading as far south as New Orleans, creole-inspired dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya await.
Bourbon – Kentucky
Kentucky isn't known as the birthplace of bourbon for nothing, and state capital Louisville has got it going on when it comes to distillery tours and tastings, bourbon-based cocktails and bourbon-inspired dishes.
Deep-dish pizza – Chicago
There's pizza and then there's deep-dish pizza and when you eat it in Chicago, it's a decadent affair. A thick, buttery crust (crispy on the outside, doughy in the middle) holds lashings of cheese, meat (usually Italian sausage) and crushed tomatoes. As delicious as it is, eating more than one calorie-laden slice may prove challenging.
Lobster rolls – Maine
You've made it all the way over to the east coast and what better way to celebrate than savouring a succulent lobster roll? These mouth-watering marvels are simply long bread rolls stuffed with lobster meat and mayo. I'll take two.
Hotdogs and bagels – New York City
No trip to the Big Apple is complete without having a cream-cheese-smothered bagel for breakfast. New Yorkers will likely argue about where to get the best bagels, but why not make up your own mind by exploring the bakeries and bagel joints scattered across the city? You'll also want to decide how you like your hot dogs – with or without mustard, ketchup, cheese, chilli, fried onions or relish. Head to Central Park for hot dog stands galore.
