The 50 Places in the U.S. for the Best Mac and Cheese

10 Apr 2023

What could be better than a hot plate of macaroni and cheese? Any way you slice it, this dish is a favorite of many people. But since each state adds its own variation, we thought it would be fun to explore the best mac and cheese in each state. Read on for a culinary tour of the US if you share our passion for this dish.

Delaware (Rehoboth Beach) — Henlopen City Oyster House

Until recently, the only place you could find mac and cheese was at that soul food or BBQ joint (or in many people's kitchens), but that has changed during the past ten years. In fact, sophisticated eateries and even seafood restaurants offer versions.

This is the place in Delaware where we believe the best mac and cheese is to be found. Henlopen City Oyster House is a fish restaurant located at Rehoboth Beach.

Phoenix, Arizona — Bobby Q

You should stop and enjoy the best mac-n-cheese in Arizona if you're looking for a pure mac-n-cheese and you chance to be going through Phoenix. This dish, which is a must-have for every BBQ, can be challenging or straightforward.

Like the mac and cheese at Bobby Q's, sometimes the simplest things are the best. The straightforward mac and cheese is ideal because the restaurant also serves tasty Tennessee-style barbecue that has been hickory smoked. Do I hear you grumbling in the background?

Johnson, Arkansas — Wright's Barbecue

The meal is ideal for that juicy, rich, and fatty American BBQ, as we have already stated. These eateries serve some of the best mac and cheese, regardless of your preferences.

You must go to Johnson, Arkansas if you're in the Midwest and happen to spend any time in Arkansas. When you get there, go to Wright's Barbecue and get a brisket sandwich and a heaping plate of those delectable cheesy noodles.

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Ginger from Alaska (Anchorage)

You could get a craving for mac and cheese when you're up north in the chilly Alaskan wilderness. This cheese dish has the same warming properties as a hot bowl of soup. Go to Anchorage and eat the Ginger dish if you want to try the most well-known option.

This restaurant offers a gourmet mac and cheese dish with stunning pacific scallops as the lead ingredient. The foundation for a fantastic fish is created when you add that to a basil pine nut crust and three cheeses. The chef tops it with basil and truffle oil to give it a bit extra flavor.

Minnesota (Minneapolis) — Revival 

Mac-n-cheese is available in numerous restaurants across the US, but only a few few are confident enough to call their dish "mac-n-cheese heaven!" If you're in Minneapolis, you can find a location that goes by this name.

You must visit a restaurant named Revival if you want to enter "mac-and-cheese heaven." This variation has wonderful bread crumbs on top and is grilled.

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Georgia (Savannah) — The Ordinary Pub 

One of the culinary hotspots for soul cuisine and traditional southern fare is Georgia. This invariably entails huge heaps of delicious mac and cheese. It would seem pointless to try to find the best in the state, but we did (or at least what we think is the best).

The Ordinary Pub in Savannah is where you should sit down. Don't worry; their mac and cheese is not your typical mac and cheese.

LA, California the LLC Sweet Blessings by Cyler

There are numerous culinary alternatives in California. The cuisine is varied and creative since there are so many wonderful cities. However, there are occasions when the simplest choice is the best. This is especially true if you're seeking out a tasty mac and cheese.

It could seem difficult to chose with so many options, but it really isn't. The tastiest mac and cheese can be found in Los Angeles at a place named Sweet Blessings. There is simply no way you could make a mistake because they have a lot of selections and they are all excellent.

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Montgomery, Alabama — Mrs. B's Home Cooking

In Alabama, there are many eateries that serve delicious mac-and-cheese dishes. There are several restaurants that serve soul food and barbeque that always include pasta on the menu. But if you're seeking for the greatest in the state, Montgomery is where you'll find it.

If you happen to be in this wonderful city, be sure to stop by Mrs. B's Home Cooking and sample the straightforward yet delectable mac and cheese.

Clarkston, Michigan — Union Woodshop

While fancy mac and cheese is lovely, there are times when you just want the standard cheese and noodles. If you're traveling through Michigan and are seeking for anything like this, stop by Clarkson, a charming city.

At the renowned BBQ establishment Union Woodshop, you can get the greatest mac and cheese in Michigan. Even though it isn't a major course, the dish is unquestionably the greatest.

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Mac Nation Cafe in Indian Hills, Colorado

If you want to open a place called Mac Nation Cafe, you better have some amazing mac-and-cheese dishes in the works. This eatery delivers on its promise and provides a wide variety of delicious mac-and-cheese selections.

Therefore, you ought to definitely stop and have a look if you find yourself in or close to Indian Hills. But don't limit yourself to one! An excellent choice is something they term a "mac-n-cheese flight." This is the best option because you can test three different things instead of just one! Score!

Bully's Restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi

You can be certain that the food you order will be real and delicious if you go to a soul food restaurant and see items like oxtail on the menu. It will undoubtedly contain some ooey, homemade mac and cheese.

If you're in Mississippi, you should pass through Jackson and eat at Bully's. Simply some good old fashioned mac and cheese served with some traditional soul food dishes like collard greens and fried chicken, there are no frills in this dish.

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New Haven, Connecticut — Sandra's Next Generation

Every soul food restaurant in the country serves mac and cheese as a standard dish. The meal is simple, but because each restaurant or home adds its own twist, it may also be quite complex. Nothing beats a generous serving of the cheesy delight with some fried chicken or catfish and greens.

When you go there to eat the best mac and cheese in Connecticut, you'll get that. This can be found in a little establishment named Sandra's Next Generation in New Haven.

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Illinois (Chicago) — Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf 

What goes better with steak than some cheesy noodles? Bavette's Bar and Boeuf Steakhouses in Chicago are among the best in the Midwest. The best mac and cheese in Illinois may be found at a restaurant called Bavette's Bar and Boeuf in the Windy City.

This eatery flips the conventional recipe on its head by using white cheddar and adding a little truffle oil as a final touch.

Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese in Idaho (Coeur d'Alene)

The majority of people immediately think of potatoes when they think about Idaho. Yes, the starch plays a significant role in the state's cuisine, but so does mac & cheese. Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese, a restaurant with some cheese knowledge, serves the state's best mac and cheese.

This Coeur d'Alene eatery serves mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwiches. But in addition to their fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches, they also serve great mac and cheese.

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Miami, Florida — Sweet Dogs

There is a lot more to mac and cheese than first appears. Restaurants and chefs have started to be a little more inventive with the meal as a result. You might occasionally desire to try something new. If you're looking for that and you're in Miami, Florida, you should go to Sweet Dogs.

You can choose to order mac & cheese as a side dish or, if you're feeling brave, try the delectable cuisine on a hot dog. You will nevertheless be consuming the finest mac and cheese Florida has to offer.

Kula Bistro in Hawaii

Seafood and mac & cheese appear to be one of the most popular cuisine pairings in the world. It follows that it is not surprising that this variant is the most distinctive in the large island state of Hawaii.

This combo appears as an appetizer in Kula. The mac and cheese at Kula Bistro is by far the greatest, even if it comes in a smaller serving. It is decadent and delectable because it is baked with succulent fresh lobster.

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Hammerheads in Louisville, Kentucky

When it comes to a dish that is a mainstay of American cuisine, you sometimes need to look outside the box to stand out. Fortunately, there are chefs and culinary pioneers who do just that in the Bluegrass State.

However, even with innovation, if you don't have a strong foundation, you won't succeed. Fortunately, they were aware of this over at Hammerheads in Louisville. Their oozy mac and cheese balls made our list because of this.

The Eagle, Indiana (Indianapolis)

Indianapolis may be well-known for the annual major auto race, but it also has a respectable cuisine scene. So it's understandable that there aren't many places to get mac and cheese in that wonderful metropolis. But in the eyes of many, The Eagle is where you can find the best.

Delicious bread crumbs are sprinkled on top of the mac and cheese and then it is broiled to achieve a wonderful brown crispy top. Sounds very amazing, no? Therefore, if you ever find yourself in Indianapolis, stop by and eat one of these mouthwatering dishes.

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Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Kansas City

One of the various varieties of BBQ is specifically associated with the wonderful state of Kansas. Given that, it is only reasonable to believe that the state also produces excellent mac and cheese.

But Kansas City, the birthplace of the BBQ style, is by far the best. Get a serving of this cheesy meal, in particular, at the renown Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.

New Orleans, Louisiana — Sweet Soulfood

Okay, when it comes to delicious soul cuisine, Louisiana is in the middle of it. It follows that there will be some strong rivals when discussing mac and cheese. There are several mac-and-cheese types to try while in Louisiana, ranging from traditional to more contemporary versions.

However, there can only be one best, and that will be at a modest restaurant in New Orleans called Sweet Soulfood. Be sure to stop over and sample this delectable delicacy if you're in the bayou area.

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Omaha, Nebraska — Modern Love

In the US, veganism has significantly increased in popularity as a way of life. But you don't have to completely give up mac and cheese just because you can't consume dairy. Actually, all it requires of you is a bit more imagination. Actually, the best mac and cheese in Nebraska belongs to this category.

Even if you're not vegan, you should visit Modern Love in Omaha and sample their take on this traditional dish. They add breaded tofu, roasted cauliflower, kale, and pecans after tossing their noodles in a red pepper cashew cheese. You can even lose track that you are eating a vegan dish because there is so much taste.

Des Moines, Iowa — Cheese Bar

If your road trip takes you to Iowa, the home of the Hawkeyes, you won't be short of fantastic dining alternatives. It comes as no surprise that they offer excellent mac and cheese given their reputation for pork.

The two food options go well together, but if you're more concerned with finding the best mac and cheese, you'll need to stop in Des Moines. Order the three-cheese mac and cheese at the Cheese Bar. We promise that you won't be let down.

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Cloudcroft, New Mexico — Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue

New Mexico is a western state that is well-known for its chiles and claimed extraterrestrial landings, but it is also much more than that. The best mac & cheese in our state can be found there, along with a rather active BBQ scene.

You must stop at Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue if you ever pass through Cloudcroft and are in the mood for some delicious cheese. Since the portions are large, you might even be able to take some home for a snack later.

Located in Kalispell, Montana, The Desoto Grill

Doesn't it sound delicious? Some nicely cooked noodles with cheese and bacon. It does, and it is, but since so few establishments manage to accomplish the combination, when you do, that eatery must be a candidate for making the best mac and cheese.

Therefore, visit The Desoto Grill when you are in Montana. Rich mac and cheese with crunchy bacon is what they serve. It goes without saying that this dish complements their heavily meat-focused menu.

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Nevada — Fox Smokehouse BBQ, Boulder City

Okay, so when you travel to Nevada, you'll undoubtedly visit glamorous Las Vegas's famous Strip. Now, the majority of people undoubtedly believe that this culinary paradise is where you can discover the best mac and cheese in Nevada.

Although they aren't far from the actual recipient of that award, they would be wrong. You can locate a mac-n-cheese that will warm your heart and make you grin about 45 minutes away in the small city of Boulder City. Drive on over to Fox Smokehouse BBQ in Vegas if you're there, and try their mac & cheese. Without a doubt, it will be worthwhile.

Baltimore, Maryland — Thames Street Oyster House

You might eventually find yourself in Maryland if you continue moving southward from Maine. Along with some pretty darn fantastic mac and cheese, you can also discover some incredible seafood there. If you find yourself in Baltimore, make sure to stop and sample the state's best mac & cheese.

The Thames Street Oyster House sells this. A gouda cheese sauce, twisted macaroni noodles, and a small amount of lobster are used to make this mac and cheese, which is regarded as an appetizer.

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Portland, Maine — Five Fifty-Five

The most well-liked seafood in Maine is lobster, which is common throughout the northeastern region of the United States. What would be a better side dish to serve with some fresh, flavorful seafood like this ocean king than some delectable cheesy noodles?

Five Fifty-Five in Portland, Maine, produces the best version of this combination. Their version of this dish incorporates an artisanal cheese blend, black truffles, and a tiny bit of truffle oil. Then lobster poached in butter is placed on top of this. YUM!

Worcester, Massachusetts — Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant

If you don't eat meat, you might discover that you are an expert at mac and cheese. But just a few restaurants, like Worcester, Massachusetts' Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant, make the meal the center of attention.

This mac and cheese is unquestionably the best in the entire state. You won't really care that the dish is on a changing menu once you've had the mac and cheese.

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Kansas City, Missouri — Q39 (Midtown)

If you're seeking for tasty yet straightforward mac and cheese, a short drive through the Midwest may take you to Missouri. Naturally, this calls for you to visit Kansas City and sample the mac & cheese at Q39.

Try the midtown location and have some BBQ chicken with a big helping of Missouri's greatest mac and cheese on the side. It's a neighborhood favorite for good cause. It's ooey, cheesy perfection after all.

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Manchester, New Hampshire — Mr. Mac's

What better location to get the state's best mac and cheese than a restaurant specializing in it? You can do it while you're in New Hampshire, I suppose. There is a place named Mr. Mac's in the lovely city of Manchester.

You can choose from a variety of options at this restaurant, and all of them are excellent choices. Whatever food you choose, it will be served to you in a cast iron pan, bursting with deliciousness, and it will be scrumptious.

Tops Diner, East Newark, New Jersey

Diners are like mac and cheese; they are a mainstay of American cuisine. The result of their meeting is FIREWORKS! The tastiest mac and cheese in New Jersey may be found here.

A restaurant named Tops Diner is located in East Newark, and both their mac and cheese and the diner experience are elevated there. You receive a sizable helping of mac and cheese with small pieces of lobster when you order it. Just thinking about it makes us hungry.

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The Fork 'N' Cork in Wilmington, North Carolina

The classic ways to serve mac and cheese are in a skillet or on a platter. However, in certain regions in North Carolina, things are done a little differently and you get your mac and cheese in a large bowl.

Right about now, that sounds wonderful! You can find The Fork 'N' Cork in Wilmington if that's what you're looking for and you want to sample the best mac 'n' cheese in North Carolina.

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Pepe's Place in New Rochelle, New York

With a wide variety of options and cuisines, New York is one of the major culinary hotspots in the US. Sometimes all you want to do is relax and eat a traditional American supper. This will probably involve mac and cheese.

But despite the fact that many people might favor New York City, New Rochelle actually has the state's greatest mac and cheese. You may get aged cheddar mac and cheese that is simply to die for at Pepe's Place.

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Fargo, North Dakota — Würst Bier Hall

We are confident that German food is not typically one of the cuisines that comes to mind when you think of mac and cheese. But don't be fooled by this food. Spaetzle is the only food that can be compared to mac and cheese.

Therefore, be sure to check out Würst Bier Hall if you're in Fargo and want to sample a distinctive variation on mac and cheese — as well as the best mac and cheese in the state. The noodles in the traditional German meal are covered in white cheese, creating a delectable twist on the dish.

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Cincinnati, Ohio — The Eagle

The Eagle in Cincinnati, Ohio, albeit not in the south, specializes in this regional cuisine and does so exceptionally well. For this reason, if you're in Ohio, you should drop by and enjoy their version of mac & cheese.

Five different varieties of cheese are used, and garlic breadcrumbs are then sprinkled on top. The dish is given a gorgeously crisp top when all of this is done in the broiler. The flavor is truly unrivaled.

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Screen Door, Portland, Oregon

Oregon is a lovely state with many breathtaking sights to view. It also boasts a fantastic dining scene with a wide variety of alternatives. Check out Screen Door in Portland if you're looking for some tasty, home-cooked southern cuisine.

The best mac-n-cheese in the state can be found here; this version employs five different kinds of cheese and is then covered with additional cheese before being roasted to perfection. There just isn't a contest. It's delectable and, to put it bluntly, the greatest in Oregon.

Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) — Barclay Prime

Although mac and cheese is fantastic, there are occasions when you want a little something extra. When that happens, you go looking for an elevated choice, and Barclay Prime in Philadelphia is the best option available.

Without a doubt, their mac and cheese is the greatest in the state. You receive a bowl of mac and cheese that is not only decadent and velvety, but also contains truffles. Additionally, they don't serve little portions either.

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The Loaded Bowl in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City)

You might be surprised to learn that Oklahoma is home to some of the best vegan cuisine in the country. You might be surprised to learn that one of the many vegan eateries in this state serves the state's best mac and cheese.

There are several different mac-and-cheese options at The Loaded Bowl in Oklahoma City. Your taste buds will be blown if you try the "Down Home Bowl." You may feel good while enjoying this mouthwatering mac and cheese because all of the food is environmentally friendly.

Halls Chophouse in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, is home to numerous excellent dining establishments, many of which focus on southern regional food. Additionally, a lot of these gourmet dining places benefit from the city's availability of fresh seafood.

Because of this, you have a wide range of choices while seeking for the state's greatest mac and cheese. The winner, though, is unquestionably Halls Chophouse's lobster mac & cheese.

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Murphy's Pub in Rapid City, South Dakota

Nowadays, mac and cheese can serve as the main course. The days of setting this delectable treat aside are long gone. Having said that, be sure to locate Murphy's Pub if you want to savor a delectable entree of mac and cheese while you are in Rapid City.

The state's greatest mac and cheese can be found at this bar. This spaghetti has a flavorful texture and is made with a combination of bleu, parmesan, ac, and cheddar.

Rhode Island (Newport) — Winner Winner 

There is only one restaurant in Rhode Island that we think you should visit if you want to sample delicious mac & cheese and some excellent fried chicken. Winner Winner is a restaurant in Newport that serves delicious mac & cheese.

It's easy to do, but so satisfying. You won't have any trouble finishing the best mac and cheese in Rhode Island if you stop here. It has a breadcrumb topping and is made with white cheese.

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Texas (Dallas) — Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill

You might assume that since there are so many BBQ restaurants in Texas that one of them would provide the best mac & cheese, but you'd be wrong. The posh Dallas restaurant Kenny's Wood Fired Grill has the greatest mac and cheese in the region.

This restaurant's cooks prepare its mac and cheese in a slightly unique way. They employ smoked gouda and include cured ham and truffle oil. 

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Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Melrose in Tennessee (Nashville)

We can only presume that you've heard of Nashville Hot Chicken if you're familiar with Nashville cuisine. A bowl of good cheese mac 'n cheese is the ideal accompaniment to this tasty and spicy dish. It should come as no surprise that the city is home to some of the state's best mac and cheese.

Take a seat at Hattie B's and sample their pimento mac and cheese if that's what you're after.

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Repeal Bourbons and Burgers in Virginia (Virginia Beach)

Without making a pit stop in Virginia Beach, no trip to the state would be complete. This city is beautiful all year round and has a ton of fantastic restaurants. You might be craving a classic hamburger. Repeal Bourbons and Burgers is an excellent spot to eat in that case.

They also just so happen to be the home of the state’s best mac-n-cheese. A cheese sauce that has been infused with garlic in their recipe gives it a distinctive touch.

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Wood Shop BBQ in Seattle and Washington

You'll probably stop in Seattle if you're traveling through Washington state. We advise you to swing by Wood Shop BBQ while you're there and sample some of their mouthwatering grills. Don't forget to get their mac and cheese, too.

If you're in the mood for something a little more adventurous, order their mac-and-cheese balls. Whatever you decide, just keep in mind that the mac and cheese you're eating is the greatest in the state.

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Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen in Draper, Utah

Macaroni and cheese is typically kept fairly simple at BBQ joints, but not when you order this delectable side dish from Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen in Draper, Utah. The tastiest mac and cheese in the state is only a short trip from Salt Lake City's downtown.

There are several choices, but we advise "The Big Cheddar." It's loaded with cheddar, bacon, shrimp, and other ingredients. It makes sense, doesn't it?

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The Vermont Country Deli is in Vermont (Brattleboro)

When you've had your fill of fancy mac and cheese, you might want to switch back to the tried-and-true recipe. The Vermont Country Deli in Brattleboro has as its motto that sometimes keeping things simple is the best course of action.

This meal employs the iconic Vermont cheddar to distinguish itself from other choices in the state while remaining straightforward and cheesy. You'll know you're in for something amazing as soon as you notice the top, which is golden and crispy.

Charleston, West Virginia – Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill

If you order the mac and cheese at Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill in Charleston, West Virginia, you'll be getting back-to-basics. However, that doesn't imply that the mac and cheese is flavorless. In fact, it complements the rest of the menu pretty nicely, and you could find that it's what you remember the most.

Because of this, it has earned the reputation as the state's best mac and cheese. This cheesy meal, served in a bowl with saucy BBQ, has the ideal balance of crunchy and gooey ingredients.

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Sweet Melissa's, Wyoming (Laramie)

Sweet Melissa's in Laramie, Wyoming, is a great option for your eating needs if you want mac and cheese but aren't sure if you want to go classic or spice it up a little. Everyone may enjoy mac and cheese at this eatery in Wyoming, including your vegan buddies.

In addition to serving the best mac-n-cheese in the state, the menu alternatives make this business the go-to place. So be sure to pop in once, twice, or even three times if you chance to be in Laramie.

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Wisconsin (Wisconsin Dells) — Macaroni and Cheese Shop

In Wisconsin, cheese is a way of life, so it could be challenging to see the forest for the trees. The best mac 'n cheese in the state, according to our research, is located in Wisconsin Dells, a stunning city.

The restaurant is called Macaroni and Cheese Sho, and it won't let you down. No one of the many possibilities will actually make you wish you had gone somewhere else to satisfy your mac and cheese need.

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