We are living in a time when everyone is doing everything for the 'gram. Why should eating be any different? After weeks of extensive research, I've picked a place in every state to get a photo of not just your food, but of the #views, too. It was extreeeeemely hard to narrow it down to one place per state, so are y'all ready for the best views for your Instagram?
#SpoonTip: All these pictures are taken directly from Instagram, so you can get an idea of what you'd be working with.
Alabama: 360 Grille
Starting us off on a solid note, the 360 Grille is located in Florence, on the top floor of the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. It has awesome views of the city of Florence and the Tennessee River. Plus, it rotates... so there's that.
Alaska: Seven Glaciers
Seven Glaciers is located in the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood (about 42 miles outside of Anchorage). It's literally at the top of a mountain, so you have to take a tram to actually get to the restaurant. It's pretty expensive, but I mean, you're in Alaska, so why not ball out?
Arizona: Grand Canyon Lodge
As you can see, this place is located next to the Grand Canyon on the North Rim. The place itself is on the more rustic side, but this is probably one of the more jaw-dropping views on this list. It's the Grand freakin' Canyon.
Arkansas: Cliff House Restaurant
The Cliff House Restaurant, located in Jasper, overlooks what locals call the "Arkansas Grand Canyon," which is the deepest valley in the state. This place isn't for the faint of heart, as it is built into the side of a mountain and balanced on what appears to be stilts. But a great Insta takes commitment, so it's really up to you.
California: View 202
California is not exactly a state lacking in beautiful views, but View 202 legitimately lives up to its name. Overlooking the Sacramento River in Redding, this place also has a dope brunch (can you say ricotta doughnut holes?), so either way it's worth the drive.
Colorado: Flagstaff House
Duh, it's Colorado, so you knew I was going to pick some place with an amazing view of the Rocky Mountains. The Flagstaff House also has an indoor seating area with a wall of windows, so even during a fierce Colorado winter, you'll still be able to enjoy the view.
Connecticut: The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood
Cheers, everyone! Their website states, "The only thing better than the view is the food," and I'd have to agree. Their menu is filled with classic New England seafood faves, and you get a beautiful view of the Long Island Sound from this Norwalk staple. It's also connected to the Rowayton Seafood Fish Market, so you can take the goodness home with you.
Delware: Catch 54
This Selbyville fave was recently named the best waterfront restaurant in the state of Delaware, and a quick glance at the location on Insta definitely supports that. A running theme of this post will be waterfront/seafood restaurants (sunsets on the water are like no other), but Catch 54 is a stand-out for sure.
Florida: Louie's Backyard
It would seem pretty difficult to pick just one beautiful ocean front restaurant in Florida, but picking this Key West local favorite was easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. Louie's is seafood with a Caribbean flair, with a café if you want more of a small-plates, wine bar vibe. Luckily, Louie's was relatively spared during Irma, so hopefully it will be up and running again soon. Find out what you can do to help here.
Georgia: The Sun Dial
Located on the 73rd floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Sundial definitely succeeds in the views department. It has a sick view of the Atlanta skyline, and a solid brunch, lunch, and dinner menu.
Hawaii: The Rim
Anyone could tell you that Hawaii is full of restaurants that will provide you with a breathtaking view of the ocean. However, when deciding what to pick for Hawaii, I decided that a restaurant with a literal view of an active volcano is the craziest place on this list. Located on the Big Island, the Halemaumau Crater will provide an unforgettable backdrop to your mimosas.
Idaho: Dockside
This hidden(ish) gem located in the Coeur d'Alene Resort has a great dessert menu filled with ice cream sundaes, and a breathtaking lake view. Especially during the fall, you'll be able to see the leaves change color through the giant floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room.
Illinois: Cité
Another amazing view of a city skyline, Cité is located on the top floor of the Lake Point Tower. Honestly, this picture basically speaks for itself. Chicago has the advantage of being a city with a beautiful skyline right next to Lake Michigan. Views. For. Days.
Indiana: Overlook Restaurant
One of the more casual entries on this list, Overlook has a rustic picnic vibe going on. But these views of the Ohio River from a bluff in Leavenworth are unbeatable. Enjoy some cobbler and watch the barges float on down the river.
Iowa: Steventon's
Another awesome river view (this time of the Mississippi River from Le Claire). Steventon's is a great spot to go to on a more ~special~ occasion, and their bananas foster is to die for.
Kansas: The Nest on Ninth
The Nest on Ninth is unique to this list, since it's approximately one block away from the University of Kansas. Basically, you get dope views of the campus, plus it's a solid place to kick back and enjoy a beer while watching a football game. Located in Lawrence on top of the Oread Hotel, the Nest is not to be missed.
Kentucky: Rivue Restaurant and Lounge
Rivue is located on the top floor of the Galt House Hotel, smack in the middle of downtown Louisville. It's another revolving restaurant, so you get views of both the Ohio River and the city itself. Their Sunday brunch is an epic buffet and definitely worth a visit while visiting the Derby City.
Louisiana: Palmetto's on the Bayou
As someone with a personal connection to New Orleans, I could probably write an entire post just about restaurants with epic views in the Crescent City. So, while debating what to pick for Louisiana, I decided to go a little outside NOLA and down to the bayou in Slidell. Palmetto's is literally plopped in the middle of the swamp, and therefore has all the beautiful trees and Spanish moss and plants that go along with it. Definitely worth the trek outside of New Orleans.
Maine: Jordan Pond House
Located inside Acadia National Park next to, well, Jordan Pond, this place is the ideal stop for afternoon tea while exploring the park. Seriously, they have an afternoon tea option which comes with two popovers of your choice, jam, and butter.
Maryland: Fager's Island Restaurant and Bar
Maryland is a pretty geographically diverse state. My freshman year roommate described it as perfect, because they have cities, farms, mountains, lakes, and the Atlantic Ocean. Fager's Island, situated in Ocean City, is just one of the many restaurants I could have chosen. Also, they have Island Time Tuesday–Sunday with 2-for-1 beers, $5 martinis, and $5 crushes.
Massachusetts: Bistro du Midi
Instead of just going with another rooftop restaurant for Massachusetts, Bistro du Midi is right across the street from the Boston Public Garden. No matter what season, you'll always be guaranteed a beautiful view of the park. Also, their cocktail menu will have you drooling.
Michigan: Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant
In the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, in Holland, there is a place right on Lake Macatawa with $3 Bud Lights, $3.50 glasses of wine, and $2 french fries. This place is Boatwerks. Need I say more?
Minnesota: Union Rooftop
The Union Rooftop has the only year-round glass enclosed, heated rooftop in the state of Minnesota. This rooftop is in the Downtown West neighborhood of Minneapolis and, get this, has four types of hash browns (including creamed spinach and lobster). There is legitimately nothing else you could want.
Mississippi: Anthony's Under the Oaks
Also known as Anthony's Steak and Seafood, this place's two names pretty much encompass the overall feel of the place– a seafood and steak restaurant underneath the live oaks in Ocean Springs. Throw in a waterfront view of the Old Fort Bayou, and it's an Insta-worthy night if I've ever seen one.
Missouri: Kemoll's
Two blocks away from the famous Gateway Arch, Kemoll's is a fine dining experience with an unparalleled view of a St. Louis landmark. It has a classic Italian menu with a couple of more Asian-influenced dishes for good measure. Definitely worth the elevator ride up 42 floors.
Montana: Ptarmigan Room
Inside of the Many Glacier Hotel (the largest hotel in Glacier National Park), there is a place where you can sit and enjoy a beer and an elk sandwich (the most Montana thing I've ever seen on a menu) while looking out at multiple mountains and Swiftcurrent Lake. The Ptarmigan Room is a must-see on any trip to Glacier, and Montana as a whole.
Nebraska: The Nebraska Club
Only a few blocks away from the University of Nebraska's Lincoln campus, the Nebraska Club boasts some dope views of the Lincoln skyline and the state capitol and is insanely exclusive. Founded in 1954, it's the only remaining private dining club in downtown Lincoln today. So, good luck?
Nevada: Top of the World
With a name like Top of the World, how could this view disappoint? On the 106th (oh lord) floor of the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, Top of the World is another rotating restaurant, to make sure you get the full effect of being 106 floors off the ground. Those with vertigo, beware.
New Hampshire: Town Docks Restaurant
On the shores of Meredith Bay, Town Docks is a beach-themed restaurant (complete with a tiki-bar) that is a reasonably priced way to enjoy a sunset. With fish tacos, burgers, and other classics, you'd be hard-pressed to find something wrong with this place.
New Jersey: Liberty House
People forget that you potentially get the best view of the New York City skyline from across the river in Jersey City. Liberty House is a way to convince yourself that NJ can be just as boujee as NYC without having to make the trek across the Hudson River.
New Mexico: The County Line
Right on the outskirts of Albuquerque, there is a little BBQ joint with breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains. They also combine their BBQ with Mexican food as well, so it's as authentically New Mexican as you can possibly get. Also, they ship their ribs using a service called Air Ribs, so sign me the f*** up.
New York: Westlight
This hipster favorite is out in Williamsburg, and I can honestly say that there's not a bad view in the place. Since it's NYC, it's on the pricier side, but after shoving your face for hours at Smorgasburg, chilling out on a rooftop in BK is the perfect way to end your day.
North Carolina: Mountain View Restaurant
Overlooking Pigsah National Forest in Spruce Pine, Mountain View certainly lives up to its name. The Blue Ridge Parkway is full of scenic views, and this is the best place to make a pitstop and really appreciate your surroundings.
North Dakota: Pitchfork Steak Fondue
This place is exactly what it sounds like: they serve you steak on a pitchfork that's been dipped in Western fondue. Out in Medora near the Little Missouri River, Pitchfork Steak Fondue is not just a restaurant with a view, but a cultural experience not to be missed while in North Dakota.
Ohio: Pier W
Pier W in Lakewood, OH boasts a great view of not just Lake Erie, but of Cleveland as well. Add in a brunch buffet that includes a mimosa or a glass of champagne, and it becomes both #views and #foodporn worthy.
Oklahoma: Packard's New American Kitchen
Right in the Midtown area of Oklahoma City, Packard's has a bunch of events during the week that just adds to its awesomeness. For example, every Tuesday is Neighborhood Night, where an entire meal is $10; or Keep It Local Night, where you get a half-priced mac and cheese with a Keep It Local card.
Oregon: Tidal Raves
Ahhh, to be in Oregon and to just have a cliffside restaurant be a casual dining experience. The giant glass walls at Tidal Raves give every diner an unreal view of the cliffs and Depoe Bay that most states just can't compete with.
Pennsylvania: Asiago's Tuscan Italian
To be honest, before researching for this post, I could not have told you where Johnstown was on a map. However, once I saw Instagram after Instagram of this beautiful valley and the Little Conemaugh River, Asiago's shot to the top of my list for Pennsylvania. It's right next to the Johnstown Inclined Plane, the best way to travel up to almost 1,700 feet above sea level. Insane altitude + Italian food = breaking Instagram.
Rhode Island: Coast Guard House
The Coast Guard House in Narragansett has been around since 1945, so you know that this place must be good. Add tasty eats to a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, and you've got yourself an epic Insta just waiting to happen.
South Carolina: The Watch: Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits
It would take effort to find an ugly view while in Charleston, so picking the best definitely took some time. It came to do what it always does: location. The Watch is located in the Restoration Hotel and is at the intersection of the College of Charleston, the French Quarter, and Harleston Village– all great places to be. Whether you start your night off here, or end it, you're right in the middle of everything.
South Dakota: Carver's Cafe
As if I was going to pick anything else in South Dakota to get a view of other than Mt. Rushmore. Carver's Cafe is the only 3-star Certified Green restaurant in SD and boasts some dope homemade ice cream. It's basically a cafeteria, but this is time where the view is more important than the eats.
Tennessee: Calhoun's on the River
Guys, you've heard it here first– Knoxville is underrated. Memphis and Nashville get all the love, while everyone forgets about Knoxville. Also, the type of bridge pictured here is my favorite kind of bridge, so I might be a tad biased. Right on the Tennessee River, Calhoun's is a classic Tennessee BBQ joint that should not be missed (even if you visit their other locations scattered around TN).
Texas: Oasis Texas Brewing Company
My jaw actively dropped when I saw the Instas from Oasis Texas Brewing Company. I would never have guessed that this picture was taken in Austin. Next to the Colorado River, OTXBC is mainly a brewery, but they definitely have a solid lunch menu as well. But heads up, they only serve food from 12-4, Tuesday-Friday.
Utah: The Roof Restaurant
There is nothing in this world that can convince me that Hogwarts hasn't secretly been hiding in Utah this whole time. Like, THAT'S HOGWARTS. Located in Temple Square, The Roof (aptly named) is on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City. It's a buffet, so the food is constantly changing, meaning it's never the same experience twice.
Vermont: The Mill at Simon Pearce
This picture looks straight out of a magazine. From the home goods and kitchenware store Simon Pearce comes this picturesque little place in Quechee that was voted one of America's "Most Romantic Restaurants" by Home and Leisure. There's a waterfall, a covered bridge, hot air balloons! It's too much for one heart to handle.
Virginia: Red's Table
Red's Table seems like my kind of place. It's waterfront (Lake Thoreau), everything is made from local produce and ingredients, and they have something called a bloozeberry pie on their dessert menu that involves blueberries and margarita sorbet. Reston is officially at the top of my travel list.
Washington: SkyCity at the Needle
I honestly don't know if I have the guts to travel 500 feet up to the top of the Space Needle, but this view definitely seems worth it. It's not just a view of the entire Seattle skyline, but it's also a solid view of Elliot Bay and, of course, Mt. Rainier.
West Virginia: Smokey's Steakhouse
The Smokey Mountains definitely do not disappoint. Smokey's Steakhouse sits right at the New River Gorge, next to Adventures on the Gorge– an outdoor adventure resort with lots of white water rafting trips. After a long day of rafting, enjoy a cocktail at Smokey's and watch the fog roll in.
Wisconsin: Fresco
Fresco is on the roof of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, blocks way from the Wisconsin State Capitol building. After looking at actual art, definitely head on up to the roof and try your hand at making your own art. The 'gram is a serious business y'all.
Wyoming: The Granary
Last, but certainly not least, is The Granary in Jackson inside of Spring Creek Ranch. Only a couple of miles away from downtown Jackson, and right smack in the middle of Grand Teton National Park, The Granary has been described as "upscale mountain-man cooking". Color me intrigued.
Fifty states, 50 Insta-worthy views. If anyone's gotten a serious case of wanderlust after reading this, hit me up and we can go on a cross-country road trip.