10 Unique American Restaurants Redefining Comfort Food

Source: Jetsetter

Duck Duck Goat - Chicago, IL

Helmed by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, Duck Duck Goat is a delightful foray into creative Chinese-American cuisine. The restaurant's innovative take on the classic Peking duck – served with a selection of house-made condiments and a stack of fluffy bao buns – has quickly become a crowd favorite.

State Bird Provisions - San Francisco, CA

This Michelin-starred establishment in San Francisco is known for its quirky, ever-evolving menu. Their twist on the humble fried chicken – quail, to be exact – served with an array of eclectic toppings, such as kimchi or Parmesan, redefines comfort with a gourmet touch.

Señor Bear - Denver, CO

Señor Bear specializes in Latin American cuisine with a unique twist. Their pan-Latin menu features dishes like the "Cubano" empanada, filled with smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and a tangy mustard aioli. This culinary innovation gives a whole new meaning to comfort food.

Cosme - New York, New York

This upscale Mexican restaurant in Manhattan, led by Chef Enrique Olvera, offers a fresh take on Mexican cuisine. The star of the show is the Duck Carnitas, a dish that takes the classic carnitas concept and elevates it with slow-cooked duck, served with warm tortillas and salsa.

JuneBaby - Seattle, WA

This Southern eatery, headed by James Beard Award-winning chef Edouardo Jordan, is known for its authentic and innovative approach to Southern cuisine. Dishes like the "Oxtail Soup" and "Momma Jordan's Lasagna" redefine traditional comfort food with a personal touch.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya - Austin, Texas

This Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant in Austin serves up a mashup of Texas barbecue and Japanese flavors. Their Smoked Brisket Ramen, with tender slices of smoked brisket, marinated bamboo, and a soy-marinated egg, offers a unique twist on two comfort food classics.

Butcher & Bee - Charleston, SC

This Charleston hotspot is known for its Middle Eastern-inspired comfort dishes. The Whipped Feta with fermented honey and black pepper is a crowd favorite, providing a comforting blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Bestia - Los Angeles, CA

This Italian restaurant in LA's Arts District has garnered a cult following for its unique take on Italian comfort food. Their Bone Marrow Spinach Gnocchetti, a hearty pasta dish with creamy bone marrow, crispy breadcrumbs, and aged balsamic, is a perfect example of comfort food done differently.

Hai Hai - Minneapolis, MN

The bright, flavorful meals at this Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant elevate traditional comfort fare to new heights. One of their best dishes is the Balinese Chicken Thigh, which comes with coconut rice, pungent pickles, and a sweet soy sauce.

Hot Lola's - Arlington, VA

Hot Lola's takes the traditional chicken sandwich and gives it a Sichuan twist, making it irresistible to eat more than one. Their Szechuan Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a flavour explosion that refreshes the palate with a side of slaw and pickles.

These ten eateries are at the forefront of a movement to reinvent comfort cuisine by using unexpected flavours, ingredients, and preparation methods. They show that comfort food may come in every form, from any culture, and yet provide the same sensation of warmth and familiarity. So the next time you're feeling down, try something new; you never know what kind of tasty treats you could find!