United States of Food: America’s Most Popular Tastes Identified

It’s finally Summer in Miami — although I’d like to argue that summer really started at some point in February.

With school being on hold, college grads traveling home for a “gap year,” and the lucky few enjoying the glory of Summer Friday, we finally have more time to enjoy the luxury of our very own backyard. Try new foods, try new gyms, shop somewhere different, walk to a park, take a local road trip and explore what your city’s made of.

Oh, you heard me say food and tuned out after that, right? Lucky for you, readers far and wide, Foursquare just shared their interactive Unique Taste Map of the U.S. analyzing data and consolidating it into a graph that you – and that guy from your hometown still trying to become a rap star – will understand.

What does “unique taste” actually mean? Every state is bound by its culture and culinary influences. Most states have popular dishes that others won’t care about elsewhere, or don’t have access to elsewhere (ask Wyoming how often they serve “catch of the day”). So, ladies, gentlemen and foodies, click and indulge in America’s Most Popular Tastes.

Wait, there’s more — you know there’s always more. The interactive map helps guide you to the most popular restaurants (by check-in activity) to find these so-called unique foods.

Florida‘s staple is Conch Fritters and here’s what “survey says…”:

Alabama Jack’s, Key Largo, FL

“PULL YOUR BOAT UP AND TAKE A SEAT. THIS IS A KEYS TRADITION.” – RYAN

BO’s Fish Wagon, Key West, FL

“LOOKS LIKE A HOLE IN THE WALL. BUT VERY GOOD SEAFOOD, NO MATTER WHAT YOU ORDER. CONCH FRITTERS ARE THE BEST. WE COME HERE EVERY TIME WE’RE IN KEY WEST.” – MICHAEL