When it comes to classic American comfort foods, few dishes are more iconic than the cheesesteak, pizza, wings, burgers, and tacos. These foods have become ingrained in American culture and are loved nationwide for their simplicity, affordability, and deliciousness. In this guide, we will explore the origins and evolution of each dish, highlight some of the best and most famous purveyors across the country, and provide tips for how to enjoy them like a pro. Strap in for an in-depth look at five of America’s most beloved comfort foods.

Cheesesteaks

Let’s start in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the cheesesteak. Originating in the early 20th century, the cheesesteak is a sandwich consisting of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll. While its exact origins are debated, most accounts credit hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri with creating the first cheesesteak in the 1930s at his snack stand in South Philadelphia.

The classic Philly cheesesteak uses just a few simple ingredients – thinly sliced ribeye steak, Cheez Whiz (yes, really), and an Amoroso’s hoagie roll. Variations now include different types of cheese like American, provolone, or whiz. The steak is sautéed with onions and seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic. It’s then piled high onto the hoagie roll and served hot and messy.

Of course, no discussion of cheesesteaks is complete without mentioning Philly’s most famous purveyors. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks sit directly across the street from each other in South Philly and have been embroiled in a friendly rivalry for decades. Both claim to have invented the cheesesteak and both are worth visiting just for the experience. Another top choice is Jim’s Steaks, which has several locations around the city serving cheesesteaks with thin-sliced ribeye. No matter where you get one, be sure to order it “wit” or “witout” onions based on your preference. And don’t forget the cheese – whiz is classic but provolone is also delicious. Wash it all down with an ice cold beer for maximum enjoyment.

Pizza

Next up is America’s favorite food – pizza. While pizza traces its origins back to ancient times in Italy, it was immigrant entrepreneurs in New York City who helped popularize it in the United States in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. Some of the first pizzerias opened in Manhattan’s Little Italy neighborhood, owned by Italian Americans like Gennaro Lombardi who opened the famous Pizza Gennaro in 1905.

New York-style pizza is still considered the gold standard by many. It’s characterized by a thin, crisp crust that’s slightly charred on the bottom and edges. Popular toppings include fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. Some iconic NYC pizzerias include John’s of Bleecker Street and Lombardi’s in Manhattan, which both claim to have served the first pies in the city. In Brooklyn, go to Di Fara Pizza for crazy-good slices or get a whole pie from Grimaldi’s or L&B Spumoni Gardens.

Chicago also developed its own unique deep-dish style in the 1920s. Dense, thick-crusted pies are loaded with cheese then topped with extra sauce. Famous spots like Pizzeria Uno, Gino’s East, and Lou Malnati’s offer delicious takes on the Chicago pie. And of course, pizza has since spread across the entire country, with regional variations like California-style (thin crust with gourmet toppings) and Detroit-style (square pan pies with caramelized cheese edges). Wherever you get your slice, pizza is an American classic.

Wings

Moving right along to one of America’s favorite bar foods and game day snacks – chicken wings. While their exact origins are unclear, Buffalo, New York is universally recognized as the birthplace of chicken wings as we know them today. The story goes that in 1964, Teressa Bellissimo of the Anchor Bar deep fried chicken wings and tossed them in her homemade hot sauce for her son and his friends as a late night snack. The rest is history.

Traditional Buffalo wings are always deep fried then tossed in a cayenne pepper-vinegar sauce. The heat can vary significantly from mild to nuclear. Blue cheese dressing is typically served alongside for cooling down spicy mouths. Some of Buffalo’s most famous wing purveyors include Duff’s Famous Wings, Bar-Bill Tavern, and the Anchor Bar itself.

From their humble beginnings in Buffalo, wings have since exploded in popularity nationwide. Many cities and regions now have their own signature wing sauces beyond Buffalo-style too. In Kansas City, wings are tossed in sweet and smoky sauces. Nashville hot chicken wings pack serious heat. And Asian-style wings topped with teriyaki or Korean BBQ sauces have also become hugely popular. However you prefer them – naked, breaded, or boneless – wings are a staple of American tailgates, sports bars, and backyard parties everywhere.

Burgers

No list of classic American comfort foods would be complete without the burger. While debates rage on about who invented the hamburger, most historians trace the sandwich’s origins to late 19th century Hamburg, Germany where immigrant cooks brought the concept of a cooked ground beef patty between two slices of bread to America. From there, burgers exploded in popularity in the early 20th century as affordable, portable fast food.

Today, burgers have evolved into true American culinary art. The all-beef patty is topped with countless combinations of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, special sauces, and more. Regional burger styles abound as well – from New England’s well-dressed burgers slathered in condiments to West Coast’s California burger topped with avocado.

Some of the most famous burger joints across the country include In-N-Out on the West Coast known for its “animal style” burgers, Shake Shack which started as a NYC hot dog cart and now has a cult following, and the original Five Guys locations in the Washington, D.C. area which serve burgers packed with fresh toppings. Of course, hometown burger spots are treasured in communities everywhere. As long as it’s made with care, quality ingredients, and piled high, the burger is truly one of America’s most beloved foods.

Tacos

Last but not least, let’s talk tacos – another globally popular food with roots deeply ingrained in American culture, especially in the Southwest. While tacos originated in Mexico, immigrant communities helped establish them as a staple food in California, Texas, and beyond.

Traditional tacos are made with soft corn or flour tortillas wrapped around fillings like shredded beef or chicken, cheese, cilantro, onion, and salsa. Hard shell tacos topped with ground beef and cheese became popular in Americanized versions as well. Of course, tacos are one of the most customizable foods – you can fill them with anything from carnitas and fish to veggies and Korean BBQ.

Must-visit taco destinations include Los Angeles (check out places like Guerrilla Tacos and HomeState for gourmet, fusion styles), San Diego (try fish tacos along the coast or Birrieria Tijuana for goat birria), Austin (Tacodeli and Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ are local favorites), and Al Pastor Papi in NYC which pays homage to the pork taco’s origins. Wherever you find tacos, their simplicity and versatility have made them a truly beloved American food.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, cheesesteaks, pizza, wings, burgers, and tacos represent quintessential American comfort foods that have become ingrained in our culture. From food carts and hole-in-the-wall joints to national fast food chains, these dishes are beloved for their affordability, portability, and deliciousness. Regional variations have developed across the country as immigrant communities introduced and adapted recipes to local tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick, cheap meal or celebrating with friends and family, these foods will always hit the spot. And while debates may rage on about the “best” versions, the beauty of these classics lies in their customizability. So enjoy them however you like – with or without onions, spicy or mild, dressed to the nines or naked – and raise a glass to the iconic American comfort foods that bring us all together. Dig in!