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“Hidden gems” in every state according to Yelp Elites

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Lena Mobin
Haleiwa Joe’s At Haiku Gardens

Do you love going off the beaten path to find underrated places and spaces? Do you look forward to being the person who knows about the best local spots before anyone else? Sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences can be found where you least expect it. That’s where “hidden gems” come in, and this list has plenty of them. Whether you’re looking for a new local haunt to impress your friends, or a charming hidden spot to surprise your significant other with, this list has it all. 

To help you discover the best kept secrets in every state, we’ve scoured the internet and consulted with the most reliable locals we know, Yelp Elites. These experienced explorers have seen it all – from the trendy hotspots to the hole-in-the-wall establishments that you won’t find in any guidebook. If you’re ready to go beyond the obvious and discover the quirky, the unusual, and the downright delightful, read on for our list of the best hidden gems in each state according to Elites. 

If you’re a self-proclaimed expert on the best hidden gems in your area, you should nominate yourself for the Yelp Elite Squad! As a Yelp Elite, you’ll have access to exclusive events, swag, and opportunities to share your local knowledge with your community.

Nominate yourself for the Elite Squad

Alabama (Gulf Shores): Crico’s Pizza & Subs

Alaska (Anchorage): Jinmi Korean Restaurant

Arizona (Mesa): Board & Batten

Arkansas (Bentonville): The Tree House

California (San Gabriel): Yama Seafood

Colorado (Denver): Milk Tea People

Connecticut (Bridgeport): Harborview Market

DC (Washington): Wunder Garten at Noma

Delaware (Rehoboth Beach): Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill

Florida (Fort Lauderdale): Wine Garden

The Pink Door (Seattle), Yama Seafood (San Gabriel), Wine Garden (Fort Lauderdale)

Georgia (Atlanta): Local Three

Hawaii (Kaneohe): Haleiwa Joe’s At Haiku Gardens

Idaho (Coeur D’alene): The Garnet Cafe

Illinois (Morton Grove): Boba Burger

Indiana (Indianapolis): Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden

Iowa (North Liberty): Mosley’s Barbeque and Provisions

Kansas (Shawnee): Drastic Measures

Kentucky (Louisville): The Cafe

Louisiana (New Orleans): Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

Maine (Portland): Bunker Brewing

The Tree House (Bentonville), Henley on Grace (Richmond), Tomi Jazz (New York)

Maryland (Baltimore): 1157 Bar and Kitchen

Massachusetts (Cambridge): Alive & Kicking Lobsters

Michigan (Southfield): Culinary Combo Bakery

Minnesota (Saint Paul): Holman’s Table

Mississippi (Biloxi): Le Cafe Beignet

Missouri (Maryland Heights): The Foundry Bakery

Montana (Kalispell): The Knead Cafe

Nebraska (Bellevue): John’s Grecian Delight

Nevada (Las Vegas): Secret Pizza

New Hampshire (Sugar Hill): Polly’s Pancake Parlor

PePeRo (Matthews/Charlotte), The Spotted Owl (Cleveland), Alive & Kicking Lobsters (Cambridge)

New Jersey (Atlantic City): Gilchrist Restaurant

New Mexico (Los Ranchos): Vernon’s Speakeasy

New York (New York): Tomi Jazz

North Carolina (Matthews/Charlotte): PePeRo

North Dakota (Fargo): Youngblood Coffee Roasters

Ohio (Cleveland): The Spotted Owl

Oklahoma (Oklahoma City): The Hamilton Supperette and Lounge

Oregon (Portland): Always Spring Restaurant

Pennsylvania (Elkins Park): Chef Vargas

Rhode Island (Newport): The Newport Lobster Shack


Youngblood Coffee Roasters (Fargo), Jinmi Korean Restaurant (Anchorage), The Garnet Cafe (Coeur D’alene)

South Carolina (Johns Island): The Southern General

South Dakota (Watertown): Downtown Sushi

Tennessee (Nashville): King Market

Texas (Austin): Vic & Al’s

Utah (Salt Lake City): Veneto Ristorante Italiano

Vermont (Waterbury): Blackback Pub

Virginia (Richmond): Henley on Grace

Washington (Seattle): The Pink Door

West Virginia (Morgantown): The Wine Bar at Vintner Valley

Wisconsin (Wauwatosa): Ono Kine Grindz

Wyoming (Jackson Hole): Bin22

The Hamilton Supperette (Oklahoma City), Vernon’s Speakeasy (Los Ranchos), Secret Pizza (Las Vegas)

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably making some plans to visit these secret local spots. You can find more hidden gems by doing a search on Yelp.

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