1. Voodoo Doughnut – Portland, Oregon
Voodoo Doughnut is a legend at this point, and their “Maple Bacon Bar” might be their most infamous creation. It’s a yeast doughnut slathered in maple glaze and crowned with two thick-cut slices of crispy bacon. It looks like a dare, but the combo of salty, smoky, and sweet is mind-blowingly good. It’s a reminder that breakfast should always be this bold.
The vibe at Voodoo is punk-rock-meets-pastry-case, and their menu reflects it, according to John Patrick Pullen from Travel Portland. They’re not afraid to get weird—think Tang-topped doughnuts and cereal-covered options. But the Maple Bacon Bar has stood the test of time because the flavors just work. It’s the gateway doughnut for skeptics.
2. The Meatball Shop – New York City, New York
They’re known for their custom meatball menu, but the standout here is the “Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Blue Cheese Yogurt.” It takes everything you love about Buffalo wings and repackages it in tender, juicy meatballs. The heat is there, balanced beautifully by the tang of the yogurt sauce. It’s one of those things that sounds like a stretch—but totally delivers.
This spot thrives on fun, no-fuss comfort food with a twist, according to Luke Fortney from Eater. The meatball-centric menu allows for unexpected flavor combos without pretension. The Buffalo Chicken version works because it nails the classic bar-food vibe in a totally new format. You’ll want to eat them by the dozen.
3. Gourdough’s – Austin, Texas
This place is all about over-the-top doughnut creations, and their “Mother Clucker” is legendary. It’s a massive fried chicken breast served on a doughnut and drizzled with honey butter. The doughnut is just sweet enough, making the savory-sweet mix genuinely addictive. It’s messy, bold, and unforgettable.
Gourdough’s is a food truck turned Austin institution for good reason, according to Jenna Scatena from Condé Nast Traveler. Their menu reads like a sugar-fueled fever dream, but the execution is shockingly on point. The fried chicken is perfectly crispy and well-seasoned, not just a novelty. If you’re in Austin, you have to try it.
4. Shopsin’s – New York City, New York
Shopsin’s is a Lower East Side institution known for its sprawling, eccentric menu and unapologetically quirky vibe. One of their most talked-about dishes is “Slutty Cakes”—peanut butter-stuffed pancakes that are as indulgent as they sound. The menu spans nearly 900 items, including creations like “Blisters on My Sisters” (a spicy huevos rancheros riff) and “Mac & Cheese Pancakes.” It’s chaotic, creative, and oddly comforting.
The late Kenny Shopsin, the diner’s founder, was famous for his no-nonsense attitude and strict rules—like refusing to seat parties larger than four. But behind the gruffness was a culinary mind that thrived on playful experimentation, according to Helen Rosner from The New Yorker. Now run by his family, Shopsin’s continues to serve up dishes that defy logic but deliver on flavor. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving something truly offbeat and delicious.
5. The Doughnut Project – New York City, New York
The “Everything Doughnut” at The Doughnut Project takes inspiration from the everything bagel and runs wild with it. Topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and sea salt, it’s a flavor bomb—especially when paired with their subtly sweet cream cheese glaze. It’s disorienting at first bite, but the balance between savory and sweet wins over skeptics quickly. It’s the kind of culinary curveball that keeps NYC’s food scene fresh.
The bakery itself is known for pushing boundaries with their doughnut flavors. They’ve also had hits like a beet glaze with ricotta whip and olive oil. The Everything Doughnut, though, is a regular fan favorite because it surprises without overwhelming. It’s not just weird—it’s weird with intention.
6. Pêche – New Orleans, Louisiana
Pêche, a seafood-forward spot in the Big Easy, serves something called “catfish with chili broth and crispy rice”—and it’s not what you’d expect. The fish is perfectly flaky, but the real star is the chili broth, which is spicy, tangy, and packed with umami. Toss in the crispy puffed rice, and you’ve got a dish that crackles, literally, as you eat it. It’s a weird mix of textures and temperatures that somehow feels totally cohesive.
Pêche is known for taking rustic seafood dishes and adding unexpected finesse. This dish is a staple because it captures Southern comfort while playing with Asian and Latin influences. The crunchy rice and spicy broth elevate the humble catfish into something you’d rave about. It’s comfort food with a cerebral twist—and it works.
7. The Rabbit Hole – Louisville, Kentucky
At The Rabbit Hole, they serve up peanut butter and jalapeño jelly fried chicken. The dish takes a Southern classic and flips it upside down with spicy-sweet flair. The peanut butter is silky and savory, while the jalapeño jelly delivers a bright, fiery punch. It’s not just quirky—it’s craveable.
This is the kind of dish you try on a whim and end up daydreaming about for weeks. The chef leans heavily into comfort food remixes, and this one is a hit. It speaks to the region’s deep roots in fried chicken but isn’t afraid to push boundaries. If you like spicy and unexpected, this is a must-try.
8. Dirt Candy – New York City, New York
Dirt Candy’s “Broccoli Dogs” sound like a punishment, but they’re actually a revelation. The smoked broccoli is charred just right and served in a bun with mustard barbecue sauce, fried onions, and house pickles. It mimics the hot dog experience without pretending to be meat. You’ll be shocked by how satisfying it is.
Chef Amanda Cohen has made a name for herself reimagining vegetables in bold, surprising ways. Her broccoli dogs are a standout not because they imitate, but because they celebrate. They have texture, complexity, and a charred umami punch that feels indulgent. Even carnivores have been converted.
9. Chomp Kitchen and Drinks – Warren, Rhode Island
The “Mac and Cheese Burger” at Chomp is a glorious, calorie-packed Frankenstein’s monster. It’s a juicy burger sandwiched between deep-fried mac and cheese “buns.” That’s right—the bread is replaced by crispy, gooey slabs of mac. It’s excessive, but gloriously so.
You’d think it would fall apart or be too heavy, but the construction is surprisingly sturdy. The flavors are nostalgic and indulgent in the best possible way. Chomp knows its audience and leans into comfort food with flair. This dish is both wild and wildly satisfying.
10. Jekyll & Hyde Club – New York City, New York
This haunted-themed restaurant serves a “Brain Burger” that comes topped with spaghetti, marinara, and mozzarella cheese. It’s made to look like brains spilling out of a skull, but thankfully tastes far better than it sounds. Think of it like a meatball sub meets a burger, with over-the-top horror aesthetics. It’s a kitschy experience that actually delivers on flavor.
While the ambiance leans campy and theatrical, the food here surprises with how well it’s executed. The Brain Burger has developed a bit of a cult following. It’s silly, messy, and strangely comforting. You’ll be laughing while licking your fingers clean.
11. Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Here, you’ll find “Tachos,” which are tater tot nachos stacked with cheese, jalapeños, olives, and house-made queso. It’s stoner food elevated to tiki-bar status, and it works way better than you’d think. The tots hold up well under the toppings, and the textures hit all the right notes. It’s comfort food with flair—and surprisingly addictive.
The kitschy décor makes it feel like you’re eating inside a retro jungle cruise. The menu leans indulgent and playful, and the Tachos fit that bill perfectly. They’re the kind of dish you order for the joke and finish because they’re legitimately delicious. You’ll wonder why more places haven’t done this.
12. Kuma’s Corner – Chicago, Illinois
Kuma’s is a heavy-metal burger joint that isn’t afraid to get intense. One of their wildest offerings was the “Ghost Burger,” topped with a communion wafer and red wine reduction. Yes, that sparked some controversy—but it was actually a well-balanced and juicy burger. The reduction adds richness, while the wafer adds crunch and irony.
The burger world is full of crazy ideas, but Kuma’s always manages to make it work. Their unapologetically bold flavors and edgy branding have earned them a cult following. While the Ghost Burger was a limited-time offering, their menu continues to feature inventive pairings. They don’t just shock—they deliver.
13. Le Pigeon – Portland, Oregon
Foie gras profiteroles may not sound like comfort food, but they’re one of Le Pigeon’s most loved dishes. Instead of ice cream, these cream puffs are filled with rich, savory foie and topped with caramel sauce. The result is an elegant, deeply flavorful dessert that walks the line between sweet and umami. It’s weird, it’s luxurious, and it totally works.
Le Pigeon has long been known for its avant-garde, French-meets-American menu. This dish is a prime example of their creativity—it sounds over-the-top but somehow makes perfect sense. The foie melts into the pastry in a way that’s indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of dish that challenges expectations—and wins.
