How does one quantify a happening culinary scene over a stale one? After all, everyone has their own palate and preferences. One person's deep-fried butter is another's filet mignon.
But we're not here to mince words and stew over technicalities. We're here to make bold, piquant declarations of superiority when it comes to what's on tonight's menu.
Is the West Coast the best coast when it comes to cuisine? Or does the South win the day by relying on copious amounts of butter? And what about the Northeast, home to amazing seafood and locals who will fight you if you criticize their food?
Using a mix of objective research and totally subjective opinions, we've assessed states' signature foods and diversity of offerings to address exactly which state has the best food. Get ready to feel insulted, shocked and maybe a little smug. These are America's best states for delicious dishes.
Nickname: The Prairie State
Statehood: 1818 (21st state)
Population: 12,569,321
Capital: Springfield
Biggest city: Chicago
Our Top 5 countdown begins with the Land of Lincoln and deep-dish pizza. Chicagoans are more serious about their hot dogs than anyone on the planet, but their culinary stylings borrow from the kitchens of Polish, Italian, Mexican, Serbian/Croatian and Pakistani immigrants too. Then there's the Jibarito, which was created at a Puerto Rican restaurant but today appears nowhere on the island and is instead an Illinois favorite.
Need more reason to love this state's culinary offerings? One word: Kronos. The world's largest maker of gyros is headquartered here.
Nickname: The Lone Star State
Statehood: 1845 (28th state)
Population: 29,730,311
Capital: Austin
Biggest city: Houston
Texas is known for its Tex-Mex, a combo that actually works brilliantly, and its cuisine is heavily influenced by the many Czech and German immigrants who call the Lone Star State home. The hamburger was invented here, as was the frozen margarita. (Thanks Texas!)
Better yet, if you can handle 10-gallon hats, line dancing and a thick accent, Texas barbecue is exemplary. And unlike other barbecue capitals, Texas relies on beef for its slooooooow roasting.
Nickname: The Pelican State
Statehood: 1812 (18th state)
Population: 4,627,002
Capital: Baton Rouge
Biggest city: New Orleans
Few places in the world have as serious of food traditions as the Bayou State. And when Creole and Cajun cuisines compete for superiority, everyone wins.
New Orleans is arguably the food capital of America, and it's easy to see why. Gumbo, po' boys, etouffee, jambalaya, red beans and rice, Cafe Du Monde, crawfish - the list could go on for days, just as some of the cooking preparations do.
Eating is an experience in Louisiana, and one meant to be savored.
Nickname: The Empire State
Statehood: 1788 (11th state)
Population: 19,299,981
Capital: Albany
Biggest city: New York
It would be impossible to sum up the Empire State's cuisine in a few sentences, so let's just say that it's a lot more than bagels and pizza. But also, there's no place we'd rather get a bagel or pizza.
New York, thanks to the Big Apple, is one of the most diverse states in the U.S. And diversity in people means diversity in cuisine, which is what makes a food scene memorable. In New York City, you can try ethnic cuisine that it's extremely hard to find anywhere else, from Serbian and Yemeni to Barbadian and Danish.
In fact, New York could've easily been No. 1 on this list if not for the existence of...
Nickname: The Golden State
Statehood: 1850 (31st state)
Population: 39,613,493
Capital: Sacramento
Biggest city: Los Angeles
We chose California for one reason: avocados. Just kidding. We chose it for many reasons, but avocados are the best reason.
Like New York, California's melting pot of cultures (it's the most diverse state in the country) creates a culinary map that spans the entire world.
Plus, the Golden State's agricultural supply is so vast - more than 450 crops! - that it supplies much of the country with its produce, while supporting tons of four-season farmers markets. More almonds are harvested here than anywhere in the world, and oranges grow even in the winter. Take that vitamin D-starved rest of the country!
Want haute cuisine? Try eating in L.A. or San Francisco, where Michelin-starred restaurants abound. More in the mood for cheap and greasy? Head to a taco truck for the best Mexican food north of the border, or order an animal-style burger at In-N-Out, so good you'll want to cry.
This state has it all, honestly. And if you don't agree that it has the best food scene in America, well, you're just plain wrong.