The Best Mac 'n Cheese in Every State

Mobile, Alabama

One Yelp reviewer said, “The name says it all and does not disappoint.” This barbecue joint has some of the most tender meat in the game that pairs just perfectly with their ultra-creamy mac ‘n cheese side. meatboss.com

Anchorage, Alaska

Who knew you could find the creamiest scallop mac-and-cheese you’ve ever had in an Alaskan restaurant with an Asian twist? Not us! But the customers just rave about the dish, so it must be true. gingeralaska.com

Phoenix, Arizona

This upscale restaurant has a menu full of decadent dishes such as braised beef short ribs with red pepper grits and apple cider-glazed pork osso bucco, but a popular standout is the grilled beef medallions with white truffle mac-n-cheese. rusconiskitchen.com

Little Rock, Arkansas

This restaurant specializes in comfort food with New Orleans-style flair, and its buttermilk fried chicken with mac-and-cheese and slow-cooked collards are a customer favorite. maddiesplacelr.com

Lake Elsinore, California

This homecookin’ joint helps you get some Southern staples on the West Coast. You can’t go wrong with the classic fried catfish with their creamy mac ‘n cheese, collard greens, and fried okra.

Denver, Colorado

This Kansas City-style barbecue joint takes comfort food seriously, and one look at the menu makes our stomachs growl. The brisket, pulled pork, and chopped chicken are as good on a sandwich as served on their own. It wouldn’t be a West Coast barbecue spot without the very popular kale salad (we won’t judge), but the mac-and-cheese is just delicious. kitchentablebbq.com

New Haven, Connecticut

This hole-in-the-wall family-style restaurant is owned by an Alabama native, so we’re confident she knows what she’s doing with some mac ‘n cheese. Recipes straight from her mama’s kitchen make up the menu, and you can go the easy route and order the “church plate” that comes complete with the meat of your choice and four hearty Southern sides, such as the creamy mac ‘n cheese. sandrasnextgeneration.com

Washington, D.C.

You get to start with the duck fat fries no matter what at this upscale D.C. restaurant, which get some major bonus points! Rub elbows with the D.C. crowd over oak-fired filet and mouthwatering Wagyu burgers with a side of mac-and-cheese (served in a mini cast-iron skillet) at this Pennsylvania Avenue spot. bourbonsteakdc.com

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

This one’s for true mac-and-cheese enthusiasts. It has an impressive selection of specialty mac-and-cheese dishes, but you can make your own too! Choose from a wide selection of pastas, cheese sauces, meats, veggies, and herbs to make the perfect mac & cheese for you. Added bonus: there are gluten-free and vegan options that make sure no one is left out. The “Eastern Shore” dish is speckled with decadent crab meat, making it an customer favorite. grandpamac.com

Miami, Florida

We love a good hotdog, so we know topping a gourmet dog with creamy mac-and-cheese is just a step towards Heaven. This specialty hot dog restaurant features some truly amazing hot dog creations, but “The Mac” is topped with mac-and-cheese, more Parmesan cheese, and toasted garlic croutons. We’ll take two! sweetdogs.net

Augusta, Georgia

Reviewers rave about the lasagna-style smoked Gouda mac-and-cheese at this laidback tavern. It’s traditionally served with a melt-in-your-mouth braised pork shoulder and vinegar-braised collards, but we recommend getting it as a side no matter what! froghollowtavern.com

Lahaina, Hawaii

One customer said of Leoda’s, “It’s a gem, a diamond, a jewel of the island.” This small café on the road to Lahaina is known for amazing sandwiches, delicious homemade pies, savory pot pies, and a great staff. The baked mac-and-cheese is a must-get side. leodas.com

Boise, Idaho

Idaho residents can get their Southern barbecue fix at this spot that started as a food truck. From the BBQ nachos to the meat sampler, with sides like peppery mac & cheese and country beans (with vegan options!), this barbecue joint will leave you full and happy. Consider getting the Bigfoot sandwich if you’re really hungry—made up of thick slices of grilled Hawaiian bread filled with pulled pork, mac ‘n cheese, and barbecue sauce. bbq4life.net

Chicago, Illinois

This Windy City restaurant puts a hip spin on a traditional steakhouse with a dimly lit, vintage-style atmosphere and indulgent dishes like short rib stroganoff, a classic ribeye, and truffle mac & cheese. Listen to lively jazz and slide into a red leather banquette for a great dinner experience. bavetteschicago.com

Indianapolis, Indiana

Many people head here for the fried chicken, but keep coming back for the amazing sides that go along with it! The homemade spoonbread, five-cheese baked mac ‘n cheese, and sweet potato crock are the crowd favorites by far. theeagleotr.com

Des Moines, Iowa

This quaint little shop is a cheese lover’s paradise with delicious cheese plates, grilled cheeses, mac-and-cheeses, and a vast charcuterie selection. The baked mac & cheese is creamy, bubbly, and oh-so-good. thecheeseshopdsm.com

Shawnee, Kansas

Everything at this barbecue joint looks too good to pick from, but a safe bet lies in the Lil’ Juicy sandwich, Burnt Ends platter, and a hearty side of the mac and cheese. blindboxbbq.com

Louisville, Kentucky

This modern gastropub and smokehouse boasts some tender barbecue, savory sides, and out-there standout dishes such as a venison burger, crispy soft-shell crab sandwich, and—our personal favorite—crispy mac-and-cheese balls. These fried bites of goodness are filled with creamy mac & cheese and topped with a Hollandaise sauce. If you want some more cheesy deliciousness, get the smoked mac & cheese side dish. louisvillehammerheads.com

New Orleans, Louisiana

Cochon Butcher is always a go-to for us—the atmosphere is great, and the food is even better. To cover your bases, order their Muffaletta sandwich with a side of mac-n-cheese and marinated Brussels sprouts. You will not be disappointed! cochonbutcher.com

Bar Harbor, Maine

You can’t get mac & cheese in Maine without expecting it to be speckled with the freshest lobster you can find—everyone else’s needs to watch out! sidestreetbarharbor.com

Baltimore, Maryland

This seafood restaurant isn’t a dive by any means, but it still serves up the freshest seafood in Baltimore. Consider starting with a selection of raw oysters or the tangy ceviche. The lobster mac-and-cheese is lauded by reviewers, but there’s some other steadfast seafood pasta options like the Atlantic bluefish and bouillabaisse to get that creamy pasta fix! thamesstreetoysterhouse.com

Worcester, Massachusetts

It’s a pretty big deal if you can find an impressive vegan mac-and-cheese, and this restaurant has done it. Just check the reviews and watch the praise roll in for this vegetarian spot’s hearty portion sizes and plates that let you sample a bit of everything! belmontvegetarian.com

Clarkston, Michigan

The Union Mac & Cheese is an entity in its own right at this barbecue spot, with plenty of Vermont sharp cheddar, penne rigate, béchamel, Parmesan, and perfectly baked cheesy top crust. (Add some ham if you want!). Get this dish for the table with any assortment of mouth-watering smoked meats. unionwoodshop.com

Minneapolis, Minnesota

You’re going to need the cheesy baked mac & cheese to balance the crispy, juicy, amazing hot chicken at Revival. If you’re not in the mood for fried chicken, we hear the burger is to-die-for. Either way, their crowd-pleasing mac & cheese will hit the spot. (Maybe get some hushpuppies too, though.) revivalfriedchicken.com

Saint Louis, Missouri

This smokehouse boasts too many slow-cooked delicious dishes to choose from, but some standouts are the pulled pork, Tri-Tip sandwich, and chili mac (the traditional mac & cheese topped with chili and topped with white cheddar and green onions). You can get their decadent mac & cheese as a side to any dish too! theshavedduck.com

Jackson, Mississippi

This soul food restaurant is about as Southern and as famous as it gets in Mississippi. Served on old-school lunch trays, these home-cooked meals cover all of your bases from beef tips over rice to fried smothered pork chops. Pick from a wide selection of Southern sides, like their mac ‘n cheese that tastes just like your grandmother’s.

Kalispell, Montana

There’s a whole section on their menu for “DeSoto Macs.” Choose form traditional, jalapeno, smoky bacon, and spicy hot link, but the smoky bacon mac is very popular with reviewers. Pair it with any of the smoked platters, and throw in an order of Frito pie for us! desotogrill.com

Omaha, Nebraska

One reviewer said, “I might consider visiting Omaha again just because of this restaurant.” This seafood restaurant stands out with its beignet-style hushpuppies with jalapeno jam, the very popular blackened grouper with dirty rice, and—of course—its hearty baked mac & cheese. Sub it in with any dish (we heard the staff is more than accommodating!). plankseafood.com

Boulder City, Nevada

This joint is simple, but delicious. The meat is tender and melts in your mouth, the mac & cheese is ultra creamy, and the Tri-Tip sandwich is apparently a must-order. It’s presented in a no-fuss way that makes it seem all the more authentic. foxsmokehousebbq.com

Manchester, New Hampshire

You read that right; this place is dedicated to mac & cheese. Each mac-and-cheese dish is made to order and completely customizable, even if choosing one of their 20 specialty mac & cheeses. The Lobstah, the Jalapeno Popper Mac, and the Carbonara are some customer favorites. mr-macs.com

East Newark, New Jersey

Like any old-fashioned diner, Tops Diner features a menu full of expected and unexpected items all mixed together, including their popular lobster mac & cheese and Disco Fries. thetopsdiner.com

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Go for the brews, stay longer for the food. This brewery offers Southern-style comfort food to soak up their micro-brewed beers. Get some fried pickles, chicken and waffles, and a side of mac & cheese for your group—you’ll want to try the rest of the menu next! nexusbrewery.com

New Rochelle, New York

This is a multi-cultural soul food restaurant that combines traditional comfort dishes with exotic flavors, such as an Indian BBQ Chicken Platter and NY Fried Chicken with Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Tahitian Vanilla Bean Yams. It might take you a minute to wrap your head around it, but reviewers assure us that it’s going to be worth it! thepepesplace.com

Charlotte, North Carolina

Served on old-fashioned charming china, the mouth-watering barbecue plates and home-cooked sides make this joint a must-go in Charlotte. Take your pick of the smoked meats, add on your sides (mac & cheese and baked beans, we say), and chow down. midwoodsmokehouse.com

Fargo, North Dakota

This German-style pub gives you all of the best German dishes, such as currywurst, schnitzel, Bavarian pretzels, and Bratwursts. Order the spaetzle mac & cheese with your choice of sausage, and throw in an order of fried cheese curds for extra cheesiness (that you obviously need…). wurstfargo.com

Cincinnati, Ohio

The homemade spoonbread, five-cheese baked mac ‘n cheese, and sweet potato crock are the crowd favorites by far at this food and beer hall known for its fried chicken. theeagleotr.com

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This all-vegan restaurant makes cheesy pastas so good that people don’t realize they’re eating vegan mac & cheese! The most popular is the Down Home Bowl, which is filled with mac & cheese, chopped barbecue, and grilled veggies. theloadedbowlokc.com

Portland, Oregon

This Creole-style restaurant is known for its weekend brunch and dinner. Hushpuppies, gumbo, po’boys, and fried chicken make perfect pairings with their bubbly, creamy mac ‘n cheese side dish. screendoorrestaurant.com

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

At Lucky’s, you have to try one of their “Mak & Cheese” dishes, whether it’s the Original, Cajun Chicken, Bacon & Tomato, or (the very popular) Buffalo Chicken. The Mak & Cheese used to be a secret menu item, but by popular demand, Lucky’s officially added it for everyone to try. The Scorpion Dog and Mak Attack Burger also come with Mak & Cheese piled on top. luckyslastchance.com

Warren, Rhode Island

Chomp Kitchen follows a refined comfort food approach with its many burgers and sandwiches. The Mac & Cheeseburger is one of the menu’s most popular choices, topped with a hearty amount of the house mac & cheese and a little red pepper jam to finish it off. chompri.com

Charleston, South Carolina

Known for its true Southern hospitality and impeccable service, this family-owned steakhouse offers the best steaks you can get, which tend to go perfectly with their fan-favorite lobster mac-and-cheese and pancetta-roasted Brussels sprouts. hallschophouse.com

Rapid City, South Dakota

You don’t walk in here if you’re on a diet, that’s for sure. This pub & grill gives you indulgent, comfort food perfect for a rainy day (or any day). Fried pickles, Beer Cheese soup, shepherd’s pie, and five decadent variations of their four-cheese mac ‘n cheese dish (pulled pork, buffalo chicken, sausage and peppers, bacon, and sautéed onion and tomato) all make for a satisfying meal. murphyspubandgrill.com

Nashville, Tennessee

All we need to say about this joint is Hot Chicken Mac & Cheese. That’s what you have to order, and that’s what you’re guaranteed to come back for. stillerynashville.com

Dallas, Texas

This restaurant is modeled after a 1940s Chicago-style chophouse and has classic American food with a twist. Many reviewers recommend getting the super tender beef short rib with a side of the Adult Mac ‘n Cheese that looks about as creamy as it gets with smoked gouda, ham, and truffle oil. kennyswoodfiredgrill.com

Salt Lake City, Utah

This barbecue joint is all about the slow cookin’. We could easily make a plate just from the epic sides, such as the fried okra, smoked baked beans, mac & cheese, and hushpuppies—but we’ll throw in some pulled pork for good measure. randrbbq.net

Brattleboro, Vermont

You order this mac & cheese by the pound at this charming deli, and it gets scooped right from fresh-baked dishes that are coming out hot all day. There are different specialty variations of the mac & cheese, depending when you go, such as tomato-basil, pulled pork, jalapeno, or bacon. Finish your meal with one of their homemade cookies (they’re easily as big as your head!). vermontcountrydeli.com

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This popular burger spot is a go-to for locals and visitors of Virginia Beach alike. The truffle mac ‘n cheese is one of the most ordered dishes, as long as it’s paired with one of the gourmet burgers! repealvb.com

Seattle, Washington

Von’s makes its pasta in-house with sourdough for a truly unique taste, and its Sourdough Mac & Four Cheeses is a must-get while in Seattle! You pretty much can’t go wrong with everything else on the downright delicious menu, so make sure to order an assortment to try. vons1000spirits.com

Charleston, West Virginia

We can’t love the name of this restaurant any better. It started with the owner selling mouthwatering barbecue and ribs on the side of the road in Charleston, and now has grown to two restaurants and two food trucks serving that same food. It’s a no-nonsense type of cuisine, so order up a plate of ribs with mac ‘n cheese and collards to keep it simple and tasty. dem2brosgrill.com

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

This was a competitive one, thanks to this cheese-centric state and its many impressive options. But this mac & cheese specialty shop topped the list with its crazy mac & cheese creations, such as Loaded Baked Potato Mac, Memphis Mac, Hangover Mac, and Popeye Mac. macandcheeseshop.com

Evansville, Wyoming

This spot is located in an old gas station, and (for us down in the South, at least) we know that means it has to be good. The side of mac & cheese comes in its own little glass jar to allow some serious scraping of every last bit.