Regional U.S. Restaurants Draw Renewed Attention

Tennessee’s Loveless Cafe near Nashville draws about half a million diners a year for its fried chicken and serves up to 10,000 biscuits daily, earning national accolades. Lexington, Kentucky’s dining scene is expanding with diverse newcomers and late‑night options — from Yemeni‑style Shibam Coffee and hand‑pulled Lanzhou noodles to new bakeries, hot‑dog stands and an upcoming downtown fine‑dining venue. Food Network’s Diners, Drive‑Ins & Dives highlighted Hong’s Chinese Dumplings in Burlington, Vermont, lauded for its dumpling sauce and limited weekend hours, and Boston’s Dirty Water Dough Company, known for eclectic pizza toppings and two locations. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice named Trattoria Amalfi in Mystic, Connecticut a top hidden‑gem restaurant for handmade pastas and fresh seafood, with Nashville’s 1 Kitchen ranked No. 1. In Winston‑Salem, 6th and Vine celebrated 20 years as an Arts District staple, adapting through the pandemic and remaining popular for brunch and live music.