Food Traps - We've all fallen for them; the guidebooks say you must try food places when visiting a particular city. So we join all the other tourists who've read the same guides and wait in long lines for what turns out to be overrated, mediocre, and often overpriced food.
Overhyped Eats: 10 Tourist Traps We've Encountered in Our Travels
Traveling can be an exciting culinary adventure, but sometimes, those hyped-up "must-try" spots leave a bitter taste in your mouth. We've scoured the globe and discovered these 10 overrated food tourist traps that are best avoided:
1. Brooklyn, NY: Steakhouse Showdown
- Overhyped: Peter Luger Steak House
- Why Skip It: While historically significant, many find the steak at Peter Luger overpriced and not significantly better than other options. The hype often exceeds the reality.
- Eat Here Instead: For a classic New York steakhouse experience, try Keens Steakhouse (Manhattan). It boasts a similarly historic atmosphere but with (arguably) more consistent quality and a wider menu. Alternatively, explore a modern steakhouse like St. Anselm (Brooklyn) for a more contemporary take.
2. Paris, France: Ice Cream Illusion
- Overhyped: Berthillon Ice Cream
- Why Skip It: Long lines for what many consider average ice cream. Paris is renowned for pastries and other desserts, not necessarily ice cream.
- Eat Here Instead: Indulge in Parisian specialties! Try a macaron from Pierre Hermé or Ladurée, a crêpe from a street vendor, or a classic pastry from a local pâtisserie.
3. Seattle, WA: Coffee Controversy
- Overhyped: The "Original" Starbucks (Pike Place Market)
- Why Skip It: It's essentially a regular Starbucks with extremely long lines, primarily for the photo opportunity. The coffee is identical to any other location.
- Drink Here Instead: Seattle is a coffee mecca! Explore independent coffee shops like Victrola Coffee Roasters, Espresso Vivace, or Seattle Coffee Works for a truly exceptional Seattle coffee experience.
4. Philadelphia, PA: Cheesesteak Challenge
- Overhyped: Pat's & Geno's Cheesesteaks
- Why Skip It: While iconic, these rival cheesesteak stands are often criticized for tourist-trap prices and inconsistent quality. The lines are almost always long.
- Eat Here Instead: Ask a local! Seriously, every Philadelphian has a favorite. Some highly-regarded alternatives include John's Roast Pork, Dalessandro's Steaks, Jim's Steaks (South Street location), Steve's Prince of Steaks, or Tony Luke's.
5. Singapore: Cocktail Conundrum
- Overhyped: Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel
- Why Skip It: Mass-produced and overpriced version of what was once a handcrafted cocktail.
- Drink Here Instead: Explore Singapore's incredible cocktail scene! Try Atlas Bar (known for its gin collection), Manhattan Bar (often ranked among the world's best), or 28 HongKong Street for innovative cocktails.
6. Los Angeles, CA: Hot Dog Hype
- Overhyped: Pink's Famous Hot Dogs
- Why Skip It: Long waits for often-underwhelming hot dogs. L.A. has a huge food scene beyond this.
- Eat Here Instead: Embrace L.A.'s food truck culture! Find a gourmet hot dog truck (search online for "best hot dog food trucks Los Angeles") or try a classic Dodger Dog at a Dodgers game. For a sit-down option, try Wurstküche for gourmet sausages.
7. St. Louis, MO: Custard Caution
- Overhyped: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard ("Concretes")
- Why Skip It: While a local institution, the flavor is often described as bland compared to other frozen custard or ice cream options. The "concrete" gimmick (serving it upside down) is the main draw.
- Eat Here Instead: Explore other St. Louis frozen custard stands like Mr. Wizard's or Silky's Frozen Custard. Or, try a different St. Louis specialty, like gooey butter cake.
8. Chicago, IL: Pizza Preference (Controversial!)
- Overhyped: Chicago-style Deep-Dish Pizza (Note: This is a deliberately provocative take)
- Why Skip It (For Some): This is highly subjective, as many love deep-dish. However, for those seeking a classic pizza experience, it can be more like a casserole.
- Eat Here Instead: If you must try deep-dish, go to Pequod's Pizza or Lou Malnati's. But for a different Chicago pizza experience, try tavern-style thin crust pizza, a local favorite often overlooked by tourists. Look for neighborhood joints serving this crispy, square-cut style.
9. Cincinnati, OH: Chili Challenge
- Overhyped: Skyline Chili (Chain)
- Why Skip It: Cincinnati chili is a unique regional dish (served over spaghetti, often with cheese and onions). Skyline is the most famous chain, but many locals prefer other options.
- Eat Here Instead: Try Camp Washington Chili, a long-standing, family-run chili parlor often considered more authentic and flavorful. Or, explore other independent chili parlors.
10. Berlin, Germany: Beyond the Beer (A Qualified Take)
- Overhyped: Generic "Berlin Beer"
- Why Skip It (Partially): Germany is known for beer, but Berlin's beer scene is not necessarily the highlight of the city's culinary offerings. Don't limit yourself to just the most readily available options.
- Drink/Eat Here Instead: Explore Berlin's craft beer scene! Look for smaller breweries and pubs offering a wider variety of styles. And definitely try currywurst, a Berlin street food staple (sliced sausage with curry ketchup).
Traveling is about discovering authentic experiences, and that includes food. While iconic tourist spots can be tempting, don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and ask locals for recommendations. By avoiding these overhyped food traps, you'll open yourself up to a world of delicious discoveries and create truly memorable culinary adventures. Use this list as a starting point, and do your own research to find the hidden gems in each city!
By avoiding these overrated tourist traps, you can free up your itinerary and budget for more authentic and enjoyable culinary experiences during your travels. Remember, the best food often lies off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered by curious and adventurous palates.