The best themed restaurants in every state
Dining out has as much to do with atmosphere as food, which is why many restaurants strive to present settings more exciting than a table with chairs. Some eateries, though, go the extra mile, creating a novel theme that can turn an otherwise passe dinner night into an unforgettable experience. The following is a comprehensive list of the best themed restaurants in every state.
Alabama: Dan’s Diner
A popular, retro-style diner located in Summerdale, Alabama. It is widely known for its nostalgic 1950s-style decor, family-friendly atmosphere, and extensive comfort food menu.
Alaska: The Pump House
The Pump House is a Klondike Gold Rush-inspired eatery in Fairbanks that’s decked out with genuine, 19th century antiques. This aesthetic, combined with its fresh Alaskan food, make The Pump House a must-visit in The Last Frontier.
Arizona: The Perch Brewery
The Perch Brewery in Chandler is on a mission. In addition to a full slate of acclaimed food and cocktails, the restaurant is home to over 50 rescued tropical birds. This signature blend of cuisine and conservation makes The Perch Brewery a one-of-a-kind meal stop.
Arkansas: All Aboard Restaurant & Grill
Though the All Aboard Restaurant & Grill isn’t actually in a train car, your food certainly is! This Little Rock restaurant uses a miniature rail network to deliver locally sourced food right to the table, making All Aboard a ride worth experiencing.
California: The Magic Castle
Most restaurants don’t offer fine dining and magic spells in one sitting, but that’s what makes The Magic Castle in Los Angeles stand out as one of California’s most awesome themed restaurants. Whether it’s fine steak or magic shows, The Magic Castle has plenty of novel experiences to offer.
Colorado: The Fort
What started as an adobe-style home in Morrison is now a sprawling pioneer-inspired fortress that serves up meals faithful to that era. The Fort is a must-see for anyone who craves bison, cocktails, frontier history, or all three.
Connecticut: East Side Restaurant
Operating for over 90 years, this festive landmark transports you straight to Germany. The staff is fully dressed in traditional Dirndls and Lederhosen, the ceiling is covered in hanging glass mugs, live music, and authentic German comfort food.
Delaware: Jessop’s Tavern
The building that contains Jessop’s Tavern has stood in New Castle since 1674, and everything from its cuisine to its colorful aesthetic reflects Delaware’s rich colonial heritage. Additionally, its selection of Belgian beers is unparalleled.
Florida: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is a jewel in Disney World’s crown. Visitors can eat classic American fare in a drive-in-style setting that features clips from old sci-fi films. Who knew that monster attacks could be so much fun?
Georgia: Marietta Diner
This isn’t just a diner, it’s a famous Georgia landmark featured on the Food Network. The entire exterior is wrapped in chrome and flashing neon lines, while the interior features vintage jukeboxes and black-and-white details. It serves a lot of breakfast platters options and authentic Greek comfort food.
Hawaii: La Mariana Sailing Club
La Mariana combines the taste of Hawaii with a signature tiki aesthetic. The result is an enviable, delicious shoutout to Hawaii’s storied culture in the heart of Honolulu.
Idaho: Coeur d’Alene Taphouse Unchained
Located in Coeur d’Alene, a city that Barbara Walters once called ” a little slice of Heaven,” Taphouse Unchained serves up plenty of its own heavenly fare. Patrons who visit Taphouse Unchained can craft their own margaritas aboard a stationary, blender-powering bike seat.
Illinois: The Violet Hour Chicago
If you loved the hidden place aspect, this James Beard Award-winning lounge is hidden behind a giant, ever-changing graffiti mural wall in Wicker Park.
Indiana: Firehouse BBQ & Blues
Want some tasty barbecue and live music in the oldest firehouse in town? Richmond’s Firehouse BBQ & Blues has exactly that, with plenty of firehouse flair. Come hungry!
Iowa: Lebowski’s Bar & Grill
Lebowski’s Bar & Grill is an affable hotspot in Robins that serves pub food, trivia and beer all under one roof. What’s more, the restaurant is peppered with homages to The Big Lebowski, giving it comedic flair that you won’t find at any other grill (but that’s just, like, our opinion, man).
Kansas: Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill
Voted “The Best of The Best” by the Hays Daily News just this year, Thirsty’s houses multiple themes within a single location in Hays. Guests can dine under everything from sports memorabilia to retro Hollywood motifs. Thirsty’s cuisine has received favorable reviews as well.
Kentucky: Suplex Tacos
Ashland’s own Suplex Tacos has a signature finishing move: Delicious tacos served up by waitstaff who are dressed as luchadors. Patrons can even don masks themselves if they want to.
Louisiana: The Cajun Village
This collection of restored, authentic 19th-century Acadian cabins is nestled under giant, live oaks. It features a massive general store, specialized boutique shops, and a live alligator pond right on the property.
Maine: Silly’s
With a name like Silly’s, it’s a safe bet that this eatery is one of Portland’s quirkiest restaurants. Everything about Silly’s, from its eclectic decor to its fresh food, has kept it on Maine foodies’ maps since 1988.
Maryland: The Papermoon Diner
The Papermoon Diner in Baltimore looks and feels like the world’s most colorful toy closet, providing a vivd atmosphere that guests can eat local favorites (like deep-fried ravioli) to. The Papermoon Diner effortlessly combines vibrant colors and delicious food, making it a go-to culinary novelty.
Massachusetts: Miracle of Science Bar & Grill
The Miracle of Science began as an experiment in Cambridge that combined quality food with a warm, neighborly atmosphere. Today, that experiment has yielded one of Massachusetts’ quirkiest eateries, complete with a menu that is its own periodic table.
Michigan: Bavarian Inn
Between its German aesthetic and waitstaff dressed in period attire, the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth is a restaurant that doesn’t lack for inspiration or atmosphere. Additionally, there’s no better setting for the restaurant’s high-end Bavarian cuisine.
Minnesota: The News Room
This journalism-themed restaurant in Minneapolis isn’t actually full of reporters — rather, visitors to The News Room can expect to enjoy food and cocktails while surrounded by iconic headlines. The News Room‘s novel theme makes it Minnesota’s biggest scoop.
Mississippi: Ground Zero Blues Club
Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale is a popular haunt for local musicians, as well as tourists who are seeking regional culinary favorites. The club is covered wall-to-wall in musical memorabilia and, true to its name, serves as the epicenter of the annual Juke Joint blues festival.
Missouri: Hook and Ladder Pizza Company
No restaurant adores firefighting quite like the Hook and Ladder Pizza Company. The entire establishment is adorned with firefighting memorabilia, its waitstaff are volunteer firefighters and its pizza packs its own hot flavor. The Hook and Ladder Pizza Company is located in Hollister.
Montana: Charlie Russell’s Chew Choo
Charlie Russell’s Chew Choo in Lewistown doesn’t stop at being train themed. Guests board a literal locomotive to enjoy the sights and flavors of Montana at the same time. This makes Charlie Russell’s Chew Choo one of the yummiest rides around.
Nebraska: Sgt. Peffer’s Cafe Italian
Most Omaha diners probably don’t associate Italian cuisine with the Beatles, but they will after seeing Sgt. Peffer’s curious blend of both. The restaurant offers guests the opportunity to eat acclaimed Italian food under the shadow of Beatles memorabilia eight days a week.
Nevada: Capo’s Speakeasy
Given Vegas’s mob roots, it’s probably not surprising that one of Nevada’s best themed restaurants resembles a Mafia don’s private drinkery. Capo’s Speakeasy serves up both food and liquor in a lavish setting that looks right out of Boardwalk Empire. Bootleggers take note.
New Hampshire: The Sunrise Shack
Rustic roadside favorite located right in the same town. It is incredibly cozy, welcoming, and popular with travelers exploring the Mt. Washington Valley.
New Jersey: The Mad Hatter
A vibrant, high-energy restaurant features whimsical decor inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. It sits right on the oceanfront, serving up creative dishes and multicolored specialty cocktails.
New Mexico: Vernon’s Speakeasy
Despite being both out of the way and protected by a password, Vernon’s Speakeasy is the toast of New Mexico. This mob-themed eatery in Albuquerque has won numerous local accolades for its food, atmosphere and service. Bada bing!
New York: Beetle House
A year-round tribute to all things dark and whimsical, inspired heavily by Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Sweeney Todd.
American comfort food with quirky names like the “Edward Burger Hands” and smoking, neon-colored cocktails.
North Carolina: Spencer’s Tavern at The Colonial Inn
Located inside a meticulously restored, historic 1838 boutique hotel. It perfectly replicates the quaint, upscale-casual colonial vibe with immense historic charm.
North Dakota: Space Aliens Grill & Bar
The Space Aliens Grill & Baris worth getting beamed up to. In addition to an impressive slate of beer and barbeque, the restaurant also features a full arcade and other entertainments that all sport an extraterrestrial theme. The Space Aliens Bar & Grill features locations in Bismarck and Fargo, as well as in Albertville, Minnesota.
Ohio: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant
Schmidt’s doesn’t stop at bringing quality German food to Columbus — the restaurant’s banquet rooms bear a strong Bavarian theme that lend the restaurant its Tutonic vibe. Schmidt’s also sells many of its foods for guests to take home and brings its fare to local events whenever possible.
Oklahoma: Pops
Located outside of Arcadia and in Nichols Hills, Pops is a restaurant with a fizzing soda theme. Visitors have the pick of over 700 soda varieties, as well as world-class cheeseburgers. Pops‘ flagship store near Arcadia features a giant, neon soda bottle to make its profile unmistakable.
Oregon: Oberon’s Restaurant & Bar
Oberon’s Restaurant and Bar in Ashland takes a page from Shakespeare. It features lavish decorations inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while its cuisine is an eclectic mix of modern and Renaissance food. Oberon’s is also one of Ashland’s busiest live music venues.
Pennsylvania: DJ’s Taste of The 50’s
DJ’s checkered floors, chrome barstools and booth seating give this Lancaster restaurant its titular 1950’s vibe. DJ’s menu also reflects the diner era with its wide selection of classic Americana food and occasional specials.
Rhode Island: Ogie’s Trailer Park
Ogie’s Trailer Park is Providence’s own retro-themed haunt. Ogie’s serves up a massive selection of beers and yummy food in a festive kitchen setting that even includes its own tiki bar.
South Carolina: The Chemist
The Chemist’s waitstaff may spend more time blending cocktails than creating chemical reactions, but that’s OK. This Myrtle Beach hot spot exhibits a love for science through its cleverly named cocktails and such decorations as periodic table motifs. Its food is a novel southern experiment that everyone, chemist or not, should conduct the first chance that they get.
South Dakota: Ruby House Restaurant
Located just 12 miles down the road near Mount Rushmore, this heavily themed restaurant replicates a luxurious 19th-century frontier territory saloon. The walls are covered in antique firearms, historic photos, and Victorian-era decor, with servers in period-accurate attire.
Tennessee: Aquarium Restaurant
Sharks are surprisingly friendly dining companions, at least if Nashville’s Aquarium Restaurant is any indication. Guests can eat steak, seafood and everything in between while sitting next to large aquariums. It’s quite the floor show.
Texas: The Magic Time Machine
Located in Dallas and San Antonio, the Magic Time Machine has been taking visitors on kaleidoscopic dinner trips for over 40 years. No two seating areas are quite the same, and are as likely to exhibit a high-fantasy motif as they are science fiction memorabilia. The Magic Time Machine‘s signature steaks are worthy of excitement, too.
Utah: Campfire Lounge
No state does the great outdoors quite like Utah, so it follows that one of its most awesome themed restaurants is all about sitting around the campfire. The Campire Lounge in Salt Lake City serves up delicious food that’s fire-toasted and even served in hot foil packets. The restaurant’s camping memorabilia rounds out the mountain vibe that the Beehive State is known for.
Vermont: The Hog Wallow Tavern
Tucked away near the base of the Big Cottonwood Canyon, this historic, rustic bar offers the ultimate mountain-lodge atmosphere. It features a massive, shaded outdoor patio with stone fireplaces and fire pits.
Virginia: Havana 59
True to its name, Richmond’s Havana 59 takes diners back to the sights, sounds and tastes of 1959 Havana, Cuba. Its palm trees and plaster walls lend credence to its Cuban theme, as does its delicious food.
Washington: The Octopus Bar
Though technically a bar, this octopus-themed hangout in Seattle also serves up fresh food, including a “bait bucket” of layered beans, cheese and chicken. Additionally, Seattle Seahawks fans shouldn’t miss out on The Octopus Bar’s blue-and-lime-green “hawkshots.”
West Virginia: Hillbilly Hot Dogs
Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage is a curio of a restaurant that lovingly embraces even the harshest stereotypes of rural America. The restaurant features an on-site “Weddin’” chapel, as well as a school bus-turned-dining room. The restaurant’s titular hot dogs are quite a backwoods feast.
Wisconsin: Safehouse Milwaukee
Known as “Milwaukee’s iconic spy restaurant & night spot,” the SafeHouse doesn’t look like much on the outside, but that’s intentional (it’s a spy-themed restaurant, after all). Once you’re in, prepare for intrigue … and delicious tater tots.
Wyoming: The Luxury Diner
Ever have pecan pancakes with candied bananas and a bourbon-and-cream-cheese drizzle in an old Cheyenne trolley car? Well here’s your chance. According to The Luxury Diner’s website, “Legend has it, the Luxury Dining Car was an operating trolley car on the streets of Cheyenne from 1894 to 1912. It has been operating as a working diner at this location since 1926 and has been the Luxury Diner since 1964.”
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