Pandemic closures have been particularly tough on the restaurant business. The National Restaurant Association estimates roughly 110,000 restaurants have shuttered either temporarily and permanently as patrons ate at home to avoid COVID-19. (These are the saddest restaurant closings of 2020.)
Most states have lifted pandemic-inspired restaurant restrictions, however, and diners are venturing forth again. According to a Morning Consult poll this month, 70% of diners say they now feel comfortable eating in restaurants, though outdoor dining remains preferable to indoor.Â
The review site Yelp asked its users, in December, to send in lists of the eating places they most looked forward to patronizing again in 2021. 24/7 Tempo is showcasing their top 25 choices. (For more dining-out recommendations, see this list of the one can’t-miss restaurant in every state.)
Click here to see America’s best places to eat in 2021, according to Yelp
Yelp’s list of the top places to eat in 2021 is based on thousands of suggestions sent into the site in response to their request in December for users to name the restaurants they most looked forward to visiting as pandemic restrictions are lifted this year. The choices, according to Yelp, are “representative of the uniqueness of our community and…powered by the people.”
This isn’t a roster of Michelin-starred establishments or trendy hangouts. The places listed here serve everything from Ethiopian fare to sushi, pasta to barbecue. A hot dog joint, a saloon, an ice cream parlor, and a coffee shop made the list. And the No. 1 most anticipated restaurant is a women-owned vegan cafĂ©. If this list shows anything, it’s that American diners have wide-ranging tastes.Â
Source: Photo by Linda T. via Yelp
25. Pho Haus
> Location: Denver, Colorado
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Source: Photo by Jorge Alberto P. via Yelp
24. Chris’s Ice Cream
> Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Source: Photo by Vanny C. via Yelp
23. Los Andes Restaurant
> Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Source: Photo by Marissa G. via Yelp
22. Café La Maude
> Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Source: Photo by Moku Roots via Yelp
21. Moku Roots
> Location: Lahaina (Maui), Hawaii
Source: Photo by Karla M. via Yelp
20. Cutbow Coffee Roastology
> Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Source: Photo by The Pasta Shop via Yelp
19. The Pasta Shop
> Location: Denville, New Jersey
Source: Photo by Amanda H. via Yelp
18. Wright’s Barbecue
> Location: Johnson, Arkansas
Source: Photo by Angela C. via Yelp
17. Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina
> Location: Henderson, Nevada
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Source: Photo by Chris H. via Yelp
16. Tacos Doña Lena
> Location: Houston, Texas
Source: Photo by Aditi D. via Yelp
15. Tasty Pizza
> Location: Omaha, Nebraska
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Source: Photo by Tiffany Z. via Yelp
14. Sushi J
> Location: Bellevue, Washington
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Photo by Amy L. via Yelp
13. La Finca Bowls
> Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Source: Photo by Blake R. via Yelp
12. Jack of Cups Saloon
> Location: Folly Beach, South Carolina
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Source: Photo by Nova Kitchen & Bar via Yelp
11. Nova Kitchen & Bar
> Location: Garden Grove, California
Source: Photo by Kenty C. via Yelp
10. Enat Ethiopian Restaurant
> Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
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Source: Photo by James L. via Yelp
9. Intentional Food Cafe and Market
> Location: Mesa, Arizona
Source: Photo by Song Z. via Yelp
8. 1618 Asian Fusion
> Location: Austin, Texas
Source: Photo by Leah L. via Yelp
7. Halls Chophouse
> Location: Charleston, South Carolina
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Source: Photo by Alejandro B. via Yelp
6. Arun’s Indian Kitchen
> Location: Coral Springs, Florida
Source: Photo by Rochelle M. via Yelp
5. Simon’s Hot Dogs
> Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
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Source: Photo by Michelle H. via Yelp
4. Heat Da Spot
> Location: Washington, D.C.
Source: Photo by Local Expedition Wood Fired Grill via Yelp
3. Local Expedition Wood Fired Grill
> Location: Alpharetta, Georgia
Source: Photo by Mazra via Yelp
2. Mazra
> Location: San Bruno, California
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Source: Photo by Storm D. via Yelp
1. Kelley Farm Kitchen
> Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
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