10 Regional American Foods to Try This July

Whether you're in Cincinnati or Central Texas, the United States of America is a veritable chest of gastronomic treasures just waiting to be discovered. A few of our favorite local specialties are right this way.

I like to tell friends they haven't really eaten a hot dog until they've eaten it "dragged through the garden" Chicago-style: all-beef Vienna hot dog, steamed poppy seed bun, mustard, onion, emerald green relish, pickle, tomato wedges, celery salt, and a sport pepper. My favorite comes from the legendary folks at Superdawg.

Make It at Home: Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

Cincinnatians take the motto "have it your way" to the next level. Here in Queen City, hungry diners can have their chili two-way (spaghetti and chili), three-way (spaghetti, chili, cheddar cheese), four-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese, and onions or beans), or five-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans). The gut-busting dish was created in 1922 by Tom and John Kiradjieff, owners of the now-famous Empress Chili.

Make It at Home: Cincinnati-Style Chili

Think doughnuts are the best? You might think again once you've tried beignets, a specialty of New Orleans. Nobody is more famous for making these deep-fried, sugar-dusted pillows of goodness than Café du Monde, located in the city's French Quarter.

Make It at Home: Beignets

Cheesesteaks have become known across the country, but a legitimate, authentic version must be made from thinly-sliced chipped steak, come on a long, skinny Philadelphia roll, and should be covered "wit wiz" — Cheez Whiz, that is. Sought-after steak sandwich destinations include Tony Luke's, Pat's King of Steaks, and Geno's.

Make It at Home: Philadelphia Cheesesteaks

The undisputed destination for tacos de pescado is San Diego, because of its proximity to Baja California, the region of Mexico where this handheld meal was first created. Head to the original, Rubio's, for a taste of battered, fried fish, dressed with cabbage and sauce on a tortilla.

Make It at Home: Fried Fish Tacos

You haven't had a true pastrami sandwich unless you've taken a bite of one at an old-fashioned New York delicatessen like Katz's on the Lower East Side. There, the beef brisket is brined, spiced, gently smoked, and then hand-sliced for unctuous pastrami perfection.

Make It at Home: Pastrami Sandwiches

Who has the best pizza in America? That's disputable, but Chicago has a contender with its deep dish pizza. Invented at the famed Pizzeria Uno, the style means an inches-high, parbaked crust made with olive oil and cornmeal and alternating servings of puréed tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and layers of Italian sausage.

Make It at Home: Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

I've never been to Missouri, but I'm willing to make the trek to try their gooey butter cake, a St. Louis specialty. It's described as tasting both bready and pecan pie-like and typically served for breakfast. Dessert for breakfast? Count me in!

Make It at Home: Butter Cakes

Check out more good stuff from POPSUGAR:

8 National Road-Trip Food Stops Worth Braking For

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Taste the States: 50 Iconic American Foods From A to Z