Girl trips for foodies are my thing, okay? Like, I’m sitting here in my tiny Brooklyn apartment, crumbs from last night’s bodega empanada still on my shirt, dreaming about the next culinary adventure with my girls. The kind where you’re elbow-deep in a pile of ribs, laughing so hard you snort sauce, and nobody judges because you’re all in it together. I’ve messed up plenty—booked a dud restaurant once in Austin that had us eating overpriced kale like sad rabbits—but those flops taught me what makes a foodie trip epic. Here’s my raw, unfiltered take on the top 10 girl trips for foodies who live to eat, straight from my heart (and stomach).
Why Foodie Girl Trips Are the Best Kind of Chaos
Foodie travel isn’t just about eating—it’s about the vibe, the stories, the way you bond over a perfect dumpling or a disastrous attempt to split a check. I remember this one time in New Orleans, my girls and I got lost trying to find a hole-in-the-wall beignet spot. We ended up sweaty, cranky, and covered in powdered sugar, but that first bite? Heaven. It’s the kind of chaos that makes gastronomic girl trips unforgettable. You need destinations where the food’s worth the hype, the atmosphere’s electric, and you can laugh at your own screw-ups.
My Top 10 Picks for Girl Trips for Foodies
Here’s the deal: these spots aren’t just about food—they’re about the whole damn experience. I’ve cried over spicy noodles, spilled wine on my favorite jeans, and learned the hard way that “reservation recommended” is code for “you’re not getting in.” These are my top 10 foodie destinations for a girls’ getaway, based on my own messy adventures across the US.
1. New Orleans, LA: Beignets, Gumbo, and All the Jazz
New Orleans is the queen of food-focused vacations. I dragged my girls to Café du Monde at 2 a.m., and we were a sticky, sugary mess by dawn. The gumbo at Dooky Chase’s? Life-changing. Pro tip: skip the tourist traps on Bourbon Street and hunt for local spots like Willie Mae’s Scotch House for fried chicken that’ll make you cry happy tears. Check out Eater’s NOLA guide for the latest hot spots.
2. Austin, TX: Tacos and BBQ Worth Fighting For
Austin’s food truck scene is unreal. I once waited 45 minutes for a brisket taco from Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The vibe’s chill, the food’s bold, and you can hit up South Congress for quirky desserts after. Mistake I made? Not pacing myself—don’t try to hit five food trucks in one day. Visit Austin has solid recs.
3. Portland, OR: Weird, Wonderful, and Food Truck Heaven
Portland’s got this quirky foodie soul that I’m obsessed with. My girls and I hit a food cart pod and ended up arguing over who got the last bite of a kimchi quesadilla. It’s affordable, eclectic, and perfect for culinary adventures. Pro tip: bring stretchy pants and check Food Carts Portland for the best pods.
4. Charleston, SC: Southern Comfort with a Side of Charm
Charleston’s food scene is like a warm hug from your grandma, but with better shrimp and grits. I embarrassed myself at Husk by dropping a biscuit in my lap, but that Lowcountry cuisine was worth it. Hit FIG for a fancy night out, but don’t skip the street vendors for BBQ. Charleston’s tourism site has great itineraries.
5. San Francisco, CA: Dim Sum and Sourdough Dreams
San Francisco’s food scene is a love letter to diversity. My girls and I got lost in Chinatown, stuffing our faces with dim sum at Yank Sing. The sourdough at Tartine? I’m still dreaming about it. Warning: parking’s a nightmare, so Uber it. SF Eater is your go-to for updates.
6. Nashville, TN: Hot Chicken and Honky-Tonk Vibes
Nashville’s hot chicken is no joke—I cried actual tears at Prince’s, and not just from the spice. Pair it with live music and whiskey, and you’ve got a girls’ getaway for the books. I learned the hard way to order “mild” unless you’re a spice queen. Check Visit Music City for foodie events.
7. Chicago, IL: Deep-Dish Drama and Michelin Stars
Chicago’s food scene is a rollercoaster. My girls and I fought over the last slice of Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza, and I’m not proud of it. For fancy vibes, Alinea’s a bucket-list spot, but I loved the dive bars in Wicker Park too. Choose Chicago has solid recs.
8. Miami, FL: Cuban Sandwiches and Oceanfront Feasts
Miami’s food is as vibrant as its nightlife. I spilled a Cuban sandwich from Versailles all over my shirt, but that mojo pork was worth the stain. Hit South Beach for cocktails and empanadas. Miami and Beaches has foodie guides galore.
9. Seattle, WA: Seafood and Coffee for Days
Seattle’s Pike Place Market is foodie heaven. I dropped a clam chowder sample on my shoes, but the fresh oysters at Matt’s in the Market made up for it. Pair it with coffee from Le Panier, and you’re set. Visit Seattle has the latest foodie spots.
10. Savannah, GA: Soul Food and Sweet Tea Bliss
Savannah’s food scene is all heart. My girls and I devoured shrimp and grits at The Grey, and I’m still not over it. The sweet tea? Dangerously addictive. Wander the historic district for dessert spots. Visit Savannah is a great resource.
Tips for Planning Your Foodie Girls’ Getaway
- Book early, but stay flexible: I screwed up by not reserving a spot at a hot Nashville joint, and we ended up eating gas station snacks. Check OpenTable for bookings.
- Mix high-end and hole-in-the-wall: The best gastronomic girl trips balance Michelin-star vibes with street food chaos.
- Pack for spills: Trust me, I’ve ruined three shirts on these trips. Bring a stain stick.
- Don’t overplan: Leave room for spontaneous food cart discoveries or late-night diner runs.
Wrapping Up My Foodie Rant
Look, girl trips for foodies are about chasing flavors, making memories, and laughing at your own dumb mistakes—like when I tried to “taste” a ghost pepper sauce in Austin and regretted my entire life. These destinations are my love letter to food and friendship, written from my crumb-covered couch in Brooklyn. Got a favorite foodie spot? Drop it in the comments—I’m always down for a new adventure.
Outbound Links
Eater’s NOLA Guide
Visit Austin
Food Carts Portland
Charleston’s Tourism Site
SF Eater
Visit Music City
Choose Chicago
Miami and Beaches
Visit Seattle
Visit Savannah
OpenTable
