The 10 best restaurants in the US with the longest lines
Since kindergarten, teachers have taught us to queue well. As kids, we lined up for the swings, and now we're lining up at the hottest restaurants, hoping to get a taste of the food. Have you ever wondered why some places have lines that can stretch for two or three hours, sometimes even around the corner? Let's take a look at the top ten restaurants in the United States and find out why they're worth the wait!
1. Oklahoma Joe's, Kansas
You might think a gas station barbecue joint isn't much to write home about, but if you think about it, the line outside the place, which opens at 10 a.m. and lasts until closing, is a surefire way to get some seriously delicious barbecue.
This small Kansas joint, located at the Shamrock gas station on West 47th Avenue, consistently makes local and national lists of "best barbecue." In an article in Men's Health magazine, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain even listed the restaurant on his bucket list, saying he must visit it before he dies. Many people have taken his words to heart.
2. Mussel & Burger Bar, Louisville, Kentucky
The chalk lines outside this restaurant are no gimmick, as the seafood and steak here are truly excellent. The menu offers a wide variety, from a $9 (55 RMB) patty on a bun to a $22 (135 RMB) steak president with foie gras. There are seven varieties to choose from, including curried mussels and Greek mussels with feta and black olives. This perfect combination of steak and mussels is perhaps why many tourists are willing to wait in lines for up to two hours.
3. Hot Doug's, Chicago
With this restaurant closing on October 4th, the lines outside have been reportedly four hours long. You heard right! This hot dog restaurant doesn't just sell hot dogs; it also offers Polish sausages and spicy smoked sausages like The Bo Derek. These classic sausages are delicious, wholesome, and under $3. Don't hesitate; the long lines are sure to whet your appetite.
4. Regina Pizzeria, Boston
This place has been a tradition of waiting in line since 1926. Their thin, large, and flaky pies are renowned, earning them a loyal following. Considering they've been building a customer base since 1926, it's no surprise that the lines are long. It's said that queuing at the Regina location brings good luck. This Italian-inspired fare is incredibly popular, and the wait for a table or takeout can be at least an hour. Some hungry patrons have even waited in stormy weather.
5. Franklin Barbecue Austin, Texas
President Obama recently dined here, but the point is, his visits to this restaurant are not uncommon; people are surprised that he actually cut in line. People start lining up two hours before opening just to get their hands on the delicious pizza and bacon, because they close if they sell out that day's supply, so get in early if you want to buy in.
6. Shake Shack, New York
Waiting in line at this place is a must-do in New York City. In Manhattan, you'd think burgers were a dime a dozen for the price of a dime, but Danny Meyer's Shake Shack has that uncanny power that keeps people waiting around the corner, even if the wait lasts more than 40 minutes. For their 10th anniversary, Shake Shack offered a limited-edition burger and broke their record for the longest line in history.
7. State Bird Provisions, San Francisco
To get their famous quail, you'll need to make a reservation 60 days in advance or try your luck at lining up. However, even though you can reserve a spot at this modern American restaurant 60 days in advance, it can sell out quickly. So, if you want to get your hands on some authentic roasted quail, be prepared to wait in line for two hours.
8. Oddfellows Dallas
Located on Bishop Art Street, where lines often stretch for at least two hours to get their signature buffalo mac and cheese, the restaurant has created a "No Wait" app that lets its loyal fans queue online while they shop around the area in real life.
9. Pink's Hot Dogs, Los Angeles
Angelenos are used to waiting for transportation, so they don't mind lining up at this delicious hot dog stand. Having experienced the gridlock on the 405 Freeway west of Los Angeles, California, heading towards San Diego, most people wouldn't want to stand in line for two hours just to get a hot dog, but the hot dogs here are truly mouth-watering. Since 1939, their enticements, whether with French fries, onion rings, or their bacon and cheese hot dogs, have become a local legend.
10. Jestine's Kitchen, Charleston, South Carolina
Believe it or not, the lines at Jestine's Kitchen are just that long. Their down-home cooking style means long lines for a table, and locals and tourists alike flock to the place. Wait times can range from an hour to over, but that doesn't stop people from wanting to try this Southern-style fare. Known for their fried chicken, gumbo, and cola cakes, they're definitely worth a try!