Most Unique Restaurants in the U.S.

Ready to explore some unique restaurants in the US? You can choose from going to an underwater restaurant in Key West or a Wild West-themed restaurant in San Antonio. Read on as we take you out on a culinary journey across the country to showcase the most fun, cool, and quirky restaurants.

Most Unique Restaurants in the U.S.

As we uncover some of the most unique restaurants across the United States, we will find out what each has to offer and the diverse specialties that cater to different tastes and experiences.

From the West Coast to the East Coast, this list of restaurants offers a wide range of locations, showcasing unique concepts and sit-down dining experiences that every food lover should explore.

Tonga Room, San Francisco

This popular restaurant in San Francisco is an underwater-themed restaurant and bar that offers an enchanting atmosphere and delicious food.

The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar is a Polynesian-themed tiki bar located inside the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. This iconic destination has been a staple of the San Francisco nightlife scene for over 75 years and is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique dining experience.

The moment you step inside the Tonga Room, you are transported to a tropical oasis complete with a lagoon, thatched huts, and a rainstorm that hits every 30 minutes. The atmosphere is nostalgic and fun, with live music provided by the house band who play on a floating boat that sails around the lagoon. The menu features Polynesian-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. The Ahi Poké is a popular starter, while the Crab Rangoon and Kung Pao Chicken are great choices for entrees.

The cocktails at the Tonga Room are a standout feature, with the Mai-Tais being the most popular drink on the menu. They are served in a ceramic tiki mug, along with a paper umbrella and slice of pineapple. The overall experience of dining at the Tonga Room is one that is hard to forget, leaving restaurant-goers with feelings of nostalgia for a bygone era.

However, like most popular restaurants, the Tonga Room has mixed reviews on TripAdvisor. Some people find the high-priced drinks to be a turnoff, but for the majority of guests, the uniquely vibrant atmosphere and overall fantastic experience make the extra cost worth it.

In summary, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar is a one-of-a-kind dining destination that offers incredible Polynesian-themed cuisine and cocktails. Whether you're trying to escape the bustling city or simply looking for a unique dining experience, this iconic tiki bar at the Fairmont Hotel is a definite must-visit.

Harvey Washbangers, College Station

Located in College Station, this restaurant offers a Wild West theme that includes live music and American dishes, such as famous Crab Cakes and Fenberry Pye.

When it comes to the best seafood restaurants in Wilmington, College Station Crab Cakes is definitely worth a visit. Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant is known for its unique crab cakes that are unlike any other.

The secret to these crab cakes lies in the ingredients and cooking methods. The chefs at College Station Crab Cakes use only the freshest blue crab meat mixed with a blend of herbs and spices. Instead of using breadcrumbs as a binder, they use a touch of mayonnaise and egg to hold the crab cakes together. The result is a light and airy crab cake that's bursting with flavor. These cakes are then pan-fried to perfection, giving them a golden-brown crust that provides the perfect crunch with each bite.

But, how did College Station Crab Cakes come to be known for their seafood dishes? In the 1980s, the owners started serving up their family recipes to locals in a small diner. Word quickly spread about the delicious seafood offerings, and they eventually moved to their current location. Now, they are known for their fresh seafood dishes, and the College Station Crab Cakes are a standout item on the menu.

Aside from the crab cakes, there are plenty of other mouth-watering seafood options on the menu, including shrimp and grits, seafood pasta, and lobster bisque. However, the restaurant's signature dish is the Cajun Grilled Mahi-Mahi. It's a perfectly cooked piece of grilled mahi-mahi topped with a spicy Cajun butter sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Kimball House, Atlanta

This restaurant in Atlanta offers a wide range of signature dishes and mouth-watering drinks, along with an extensive raw bar.

Albion River Inn Restaurant, Mendocino

Situated on the Mendocino coast, the Albion River Inn Restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean along with amazing cuisine.

Dumpling Time, San Francisco

This Chinese-inspired restaurant offers delicious dumplings and other dishes from handmade noodles to char siu.

Volcano House, Hawaii

This restaurant is located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and provides a unique dining experience along with a fantastic view of the Kilauea Caldera.

Casa Enrique, New York

This Mexican restaurant in Long Island City offers authentic Mexican cuisine from the state of Michoacán, coupled with an elegant dining experience.

The Fenix Company, San Antonio

This pop-up restaurant is located in San Antonio with an American menu that has a unique design.

Cabbage Key, SW Florida's Gulf Coast

Cabbage Key is an iconic safe house located near SW Florida's Gulf Coast. Hidden away deep in the mangrove swamps, Cabbage Key has been a refuge for hundreds of years.

Nestled between Pine and Randall Islands, the island of Cabbage Key appears to be completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of mainland living. A few homes exist on the island, with the largest being a five-room inn overlooking the bay.

Visitors to Cabbage Key often stay at this inn, as it provides access to both land and sea activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and bird watching. At night one can also appreciate starlit skies while sitting back with friends or family around a bonfire. Cabbage Key is an idyllic safehouse offering visitors an opportunity to reconnect with nature and get away from it all.

Special Mentions

Now that we have taken a sneak peek into our ultimate list, let's dive straight into some of the special mentions of restaurants offering unique experiences. Add these unforgettable experiences to your list today!

Underwater Restaurant at the JW Marriott Hotel Resort & Spa Hill Country

The Underwater Restaurant at the JW Marriott Hotel Resort & Spa Hill Country provides guests with a truly unique dining experience unlike any other. As the name suggests, this restaurant is located underwater and offers diners stunning views of the hotel's private lagoon. The restaurant's design is modern and sleek, adding to its appeal.

In terms of menu offerings, they feature a range of high-quality dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Seafood is the focus here, with fresh catches prepared in a variety of styles. From tender scallops to succulent lobster, the menu offers a range of dishes that make the most of the surrounding water.

In addition to providing an exceptional dining experience, the Underwater Restaurant at JW Marriott Hotel Resort & Spa Hill Country also offers educational opportunities. Guests can learn about the local marine life that inhabits the lagoon and the surrounding area. The staff is knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and is happy to share their insights with diners.

Finally, the restaurant hosts special events throughout the year. These may include themed evenings, private dinners, or holiday celebrations. Guests who are interested in attending a special event at the Underwater Restaurant at JW Marriott Hotel Resort & Spa Hill Country are encouraged to book in advance.

Delicious Food and Wild West-themed Restaurants in Raleigh

North Carolina is known for its Southern charm, but one restaurant in Raleigh adds a twist to the cuisine with a wild west theme. The Longbranch Saloon, named after the iconic Western TV show, is a unique dining establishment that offers a delicious and memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.

The menu at Longbranch Saloon is filled with classic Western-style dishes, including smoked brisket, pulled pork, and fried chicken. However, what sets this restaurant apart is the attention to detail and quality of the food. The meats are ethically sourced and smoked in-house using a blend of hickory and mesquite wood, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes that are hard to beat.

One dish that stands out among the rest is the Longbranch Burger, a juicy beef patty topped with bacon, avocado, and chipotle aioli. This dish has earned the restaurant numerous accolades and is a must-try for anyone dining at Longbranch Saloon.

Aside from the food, the restaurant's interior design also contributes to the wild west theme. The walls are adorned with vintage cowboy hats and framed posters of classic western films, while the bar boasts a wide selection of whiskey and specialty cocktails.

(Up next:8 Themed Restaurants And Bars You Have To See To Believe)

360-degree Views from the Roof Top Café at Lighthouse Court Hotel

The Roof Top Café at Lighthouse Court Hotel in Key West, FL, offers an unforgettable dining experience with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The restaurant's location in the heart of Key West's historic district provides a beautiful backdrop featuring the city's iconic architecture and the Gulf of Mexico.

The restaurant's layout features an open-air deck and indoor seating area that provides unobstructed views of the sunset over Key West Harbor, and it's the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a night out with friends. The Roof Top Café serves up a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. From delicious seafood like their famous Crab Cakes to Italian Pasta and authentic Mexican Tortillas, the restaurant is sure to have something for everyone.

One of the unique selling points of the Roof Top Café is the live music that visitors can enjoy while they dine. Local musicians perform every day, and their tunes pair perfectly with the beautiful views and delicious food. The restaurant is also known for its incredible cocktail selection, making it an excellent place to enjoy a drink and take in the beautiful scenery.

For visitors planning to dine at the Roof Top Café, it's important to make reservations in advance, especially if you're looking to enjoy a sunset dinner. As the restaurant is highly popular and offers limited seating, booking ahead is necessary to secure the best seats.

Pro tip: If you want to enjoy the best views, be sure to make a reservation for an outdoor table well in advance. With its unparalleled views, incredible food, live music, and exciting atmosphere, the Roof Top Café at Lighthouse Court Hotel is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Key West.

(See more: 5 Of The Most Interesting Food Museums In The United States)

These unique restaurants would really elevate your overall culinary experiences in the US. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, locally-sourced ingredients, or a unique design, these restaurants will not disappoint. These special restaurants in the U.S. exemplify the perfect blend of ambiance, signature dishes, and outstanding service, making them a unique dining experience for everyone!