Macaroni ‘n cheese has been America’s sweetheart since 1937. This creamy, cheesy, “carbo loaded” goodness brings back the good ol’ childhood memories of eating Kraft mac ‘n cheese after a long day of kindergarten. Simpler times made more delicious with a warm bowl of noodles and cheese—those were the days. Although plain mac ‘n cheese is good on it’s own, some places do it a little differently. Here are the best places for mac ‘n cheese in every state across the country.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Taco Mama
The Mexican mac ‘n cheese at Taco Mama in Tuscaloosa combines queso fresco (ingenious right?), cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses onto a heaping pile of penne pasta. Move over tacos, this mac is muy bueno.
Anchorage, Alaska: Rustic Goat
The cheddar mac ‘n cheese at Rustic Goat in Anchorage is topped with crispy bacon (don’t worry… no goat in this dish) and red roasted onion.
Phoenix, Arizona: People Pizza Pub
This hot spot in Phoenix has an entire section of their menu dedicated to mac ‘n cheese. Let your imagination run wild because you get to pick from a large list of flavors including blue cheese, smoky paprika, white Parmesan, corn, jalapeño, mushroom and truffle, just to name a few.
Bentonville, Arkansas: William’s Soul Food
Any restaurant that serves mac ‘n cheese as a side with every dish, is considered a win-win.
Los Angeles, California: Joan’s on Third
This “casserole style” mac is not your standard bowl of noodles. Instead, this dish is served as a rectangular block of macaroni ‘n cheese.
Denver, Colorado: Mizuna
After a cold day of skiing on the mountains, there is nothing better than a warm bite of mac ‘n cheese. Mizuna serves a unique dish that incorporates fresh lobster into a decadent mascarpone enriched pasta.
Monroe, Connecticut: MacDaddy’s
Pizza lies on top of crust. Crust is a carb. Pasta is a carb. Therefore, pizza must lie over pasta. I don’t know about you, but this equation seems valid to me. Taking a rebellious route, MacDaddy’s incorporates not only one, but TWO American favorites into one dish: mac ‘n pizza.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: Grandpa Mac
This mac ‘n cheese recipe must be the reason why Grandma married Grandpa. With eight kinds of cheeses, nine types of meat, and 16 additional toppings to choose from, there are approximately 1152 different dishes to order! Challenge: Try each menu combination.
Delray Beach, Florida: Cut 432
Feeling bad and boujee? Cut 432, one of the most high-end steakhouses in Florida, serves a mean mac. The luscious truffle mac ‘n cheese is topped with lobster, making it the perfect meal to make one feel like a princess—not to mention this dish also incorporates indulgent truffle oil.
Buford, Georgia: Mac the Cheese Truck
This mac ‘n cheese is rolling down the street in style—literally. Buford’s infamous Mac the Cheese Truck satisfies the appetites of its customers through its unique incorporation of mac ‘n cheese with other popular foods, such as chicken wings and enchiladas. They even stuff the cheesy goodness into sandwiches, which is why this truck has such a vast following.
Honolulu, Hawaii: 12th Avenue Grill
The perfect combination of both creamy and crunchy. As the Hawaiians say, “ono!” or “delicious!”
Boise, Idaho: Bittercreek Alehouse
PSA to all marathon runners! This is the definition of a “carbo-loaded” meal: mac ‘n cheese topped with fried onion strings. Chow down on this hearty meal the night before the race for guaranteed success.
Great Chicago Area, Illinois: Cheesie’s Pub and Grub
For Northwestern Wildcats, Cheesie’s is basically their home away from their dorm rooms. A hot spot for study dates, as well as late night snacks, Cheesie’s serves up a mean grilled mac ‘n cheese sandwich. Once you’ve had Cheesie’s, there’s no going back—a standard grilled cheese will not fulfil your cravings. Order a side of fried pickles and tater tots while you’re at it. They don’t call it the Freshman 15 for nothing.
Indianapolis, Indiana: Monon Food Company
Those Hoosiers sure know how to whip up a delectable mac. Monon Food Company differentiates its mac from the rest with its incorporation of pork belly and smoked gouda. A good, old fashioned Midwestern meal.
Des Moines, Iowa: The Cheese Shop
Let’s just say that Iowa should be known for more than just cornfields. Seriously, take a look at this mac!
Kansas City, Kansas: The Westside Local
White cheddar mac baked with bread crumbs for a light crunch. The Westside Local is doing something correctly—this dish keeps the people coming back for more.
South Elkhorn, Kentucky: Ramsey’s Diner
When in the South, one must take a detour to Ramsey’s Diner for an authentic “finger lickin’ good” Southern meal. This diner’s mac ‘n cheese is a perfect side for any menu item.
Chalmette, Louisiana: Rocky & Carlo’s
NOLA is surely known for more than its beignets. At first glance, this mac looks like a plate of cheesy fries, but I’m definitely not complaining.
Portland, Maine: The Front Room
Contrary to popular belief, Maine serves more than just lobster bisque. Under this cheesy indulgence lies roasted vegetables and hot dog. It’s like getting three meals in one spoonful!
Baltimore, Maryland: Sobo Cafe
In the hometown of the famous musical “Hairspray,” this mac would definitely be approved by Amber Von Tussle, Penny Pingleton, and Link Larkin.
Boston, Massachusetts: Mmmac n’ Cheese
Mmmmm. This hot spot makes mac ‘n cheese fast, portable, and delicious. It’s a win-win!
Flint, Michigan: Table & Tap
This dish is made with not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE cheeses: Pinconning, Vermont cheddar, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack. The fun doesn’t stop there, as Table & Tap goes on to top the mac with crispy bread crumbs and their BBQ rub. It’s meal that transforms the Midwest into the South.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Mesa Pizza
Food like this makes me truly proud to be an American living in the 21st century. Combining mac ‘n cheese with pizza… Need I say more? This trend is definitely capturing a pizza my heart.
Flora, Mississippi: The Gathering at Livingston Mercantile
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I PEEP MAC ‘N CHEESE. Cheesy and gooey, mac ‘n cheese is the perfect side to a Southern meal.
Grove, Missouri: Steve’s Hot Dogs
Mac ‘n cheese on a hot dog? Sign me up! The best part about this hot dog stand is that it’s located on Macaroni Street.
Missoula, Montana: The Thomas Meagher Bar
While shells are usually found on the ocean coast, this spot in Montana is serving up a mean plate of shells—macaroni shells.
Omaha, Nebraska: Marks Bistro
Voted the best mac ‘n cheese in Nebraska, this dish does not disappoint. Al dente pasta smothered in a indulgent cheese sauce and topped with bread crumbs exceeds the mac standards of creaminess and crunchiness.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Truffles N Bacon Café
This is definitely Not Yo Mama’s Burger. (Well, actually, it is. That’s its name on the menu.) What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Manchester, New Hampshire: Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese
Whoever Mr. Mac is, I need to befriend him ASAP because he knows how to whip up a mean macaroni. With each mac baked in an individual skillet with lots of love, these flavors are guaranteed to fulfil your cravings. From Chicken Bacon Ranch to Philly Cheesesteak to Scampi mac, Mr. Mac is the king of the world and we are all just living in it.
Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey: The Flaky Tart
No one would ever guess that a tiny bakeshop would be able to whip up the greatest mac ‘n cheese in New Jersey. Macaroni in a creamy white sauce with crushed croutons is sure to satisfy your savory craving in a bakery full of sweets (But honestly, who would EVER be disappointed in a bakeshop?).
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Flying Star Café
Mac ‘n cheese for breakfast? Count me in! This dish is definitely the brightest star at Flying Star Café. The mac is bathed in sharp cheddar and topped with English turkey sausage, pico de gallo, and, of course, a fried egg. This is why breakfast is the best meal of the day!
New York, New York: The Smith
I mean, look. Is this not what dreams are made of ? *cue Lizzie McGuire* You know this is legit because even Oprah has tried to recreate the recipe!
Charlotte, North Carolina: Midwood Smokehouse
Peep the mac ‘n cheese. Down in the South, no one messes with simple, creamy mac ‘n cheese, especially when it’s served with the best BBQ in North Carolina.
Bismark, North Dakota: Humpback Sally’s
It might be a small plate tavern, but this dish packs big flavor. Take the Cowboy Mac ‘n Cheese— you might want to order two.
Columbus, Ohio: Hot Chicken Takeover
Hot Chicken Takeover brings Nashville’s mac ‘n cheese to Columbus, Ohio! For all the vegetarians, don’t fret—this mac doesn’t contain chicken.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Iron Star Urban BBQ
This is another BBQ joint serving a hearty dish of mac ‘n cheese. Calling it a “Fancy Mac,” Iron Star Urban BBQ strays from the typical macaroni pasta and instead opts for a unique shape. Best of all, this mac makes the messy ribs look even more delicious.
Portland, Oregon: Of Roots and Blooms
Of Roots and Bloom, a traveling vegan food stand, locally sources all of their ingredients. Their famous Belgium Wit Mac ‘n Cheese is topped with spinach, chives and crushed pretzels. Pasta and pretzels—you knead this!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Dandelion
After a day of roaming the streets of Philadelphia, what’s better than treating yourself to a warm skillet of mac ‘n cheese? Made with English cheddar and hocked ham, the mac ‘n cheese from The Dandelion is surely the cherry on top of a “dandy” day.
Newport, Rhode Island: White Horse Tavern
On the coast of Newport, you know that whatever seafood dish you order is going to be fresh and delicious. And let me tell you, this lobster mac ‘n cheese will not disappoint.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Crave
Voted the best mac ‘n cheese in America by Esquire, this dish is a must-have. The decadent white mac is topped with BBQ pulled pork, giving the dish some subtle Southern flare. You will leave Crave Kitchen craving more, that’s for sure.
Rapid City, South Dakota: The Grilled Cheese Truck
Seriously, this is more proof that you can make ANYTHING, including macaroni ‘n cheese, into a sandwich.
Nashville, Tennessee: The Stillery
This mac ‘n cheese topped with fried chicken is definitely the only ten I see (sorry not sorry).
Austin, Texas: Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Because Jack Allen’s Kitchen locally sources its ingredients and carries a Texan authenticity, this mac ‘n cheese must be healthy enough to be eaten daily, right?
Salt Lake City, Utah: City Cakes & Cafe
In the land of cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, City Cakes & Cafe is coming in clutch with a savory menu item to give your taste buds a break! This mac is made with roasted red peppers, cashews, lemon, and most importantly, love! The mac can be ordered gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, allowing everyone to experience the cheesy goodness.
Waterbury, Vermont: Prohibition Pig
The scenery in Vermont is pretty and all, but I think it’s this mac ‘n cheese that secretly has people coming back. Made with Vermont cheddar and bacon, this dish encapsulates the state of Vermont in a skillet.
Alexandira, Virginia: Cheesetique
A boutique of cheese? Count me in! This specialty shop offers a wide array of over 150 cheeses imported from all around the world. Go on a cheesetastic shopping spree and stay for a bowl of mac at the shop’s restaurant.
Washington DC: Co-Co Sala at the Metro Center
This dish is guaranteed to satisfy both your sweet and savory desires! Co-Co Sala starts off with their homemade batch of cheesy goodness and then tops it with bacon and green chives. But wait, there’s more! The final product is topped with a piece of chocolate-covered bacon, designed to be stirred and melted into the hot mac ‘n cheese. Is this real life?
Seattle, Washington: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Forget the gum wall and come over to The Public Market for some gooey, ooey, oh so cheesy mac ‘n cheese. Artisanal cheese melted down and smothered over warm penne pasta—the holy grail is in the palm of your hands. Have I convinced you yet?
Rockwood, West Virginia: Huntington Ale House
Can’t decide between pizza or pasta? Guess what? You don’t have to! Reason #1,869,023,759 why I love America: pizza mac ‘n cheese.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: MACS Macaroni And Cheese Shop
Home of the Cheeseheads and the infamous Mars Cheese Castle, Wisconsin is definitely killing the cheese game. I don’t know what they’re feeding their cows, but they are doing something right, and I will make it a life goal to discover the secret.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Cafe Genevieve
While Wyoming may be known for having a greater population of bison than people, the state should also be known for this mac ‘n cheese. Ride your fastest horse over to Cafe Genevieve for a warm and hearty bowl mac ‘n cheese.
Sorry for inducing your sudden mac ‘n cheese craving. Ditch the blue box of Kraft that has been sitting in your pantry for the past year, and instead, check out the best mac ‘n cheese hub in your state.