• Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by exploring destinations where food, drink and local traditions tell the delicious stories that define the nation.
• Discover Hilton hotels connected to iconic American dishes, regional culinary heritage and beloved drinking rituals.
• Whether sipping on bourbon in Kentucky or snacking on a refreshing Waldorf salad in New York, these culinary creations are beloved throughout the U.S. and beyond.

For many travelers, sampling the authentic cuisine of a destination is the main attraction. In the U.S., regional flavors draw people in from near and far to sip and savor at homespun restaurants and bespoke bars where recipes have been passed down through generations. This special kind of Americana embraces regional ingredients and cultural pastimes, offering foodies a mouth-watering chance to learn about the nation’s culinary traditions.
 
From tantalizing bourbon and tropical cocktails to legendary desserts and even refreshingly healthy fare, American ingenuity has given birth to some amazing gastronomic creations. And Hilton hotels throughout the United States have played an important role in the history of many favorite dishes. There’s no better way to celebrate the Semiquincentennial than by heading to these crave-worthy hotspots, each bursting with delicious stories travelers can really sink their teeth into.

Indulge in the Birthplace of an American Dessert in Chicago, Illinois

America’s culinary history is filled with iconic dishes, but few have achieved the universal appeal of the beloved brownie. At Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, guests can connect with the sweet origins of this tempting treat.

The story dates back to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, when a cake-like chocolate dessert was reportedly created specifically for attendees seeking a portable confection that could fit in boxed lunches. As a result, chefs created a dense, fudgy chocolate treat topped with walnuts and an apricot glaze. This delicious delicacy soon became a staple in homes everywhere.

More than a century later, Palmer House, the original home of this concoction, continues to celebrate its connection to this culinary milestone. The brownie remains one of the hotel’s most popular confections, and guests can savor this famous recipe while enjoying the grandeur and hospitality that have made the hotel a Chicago icon for generations.

Raise a Glass to the Origins of the Piña Colada in San Juan, Puerto Rico

For those dreaming of sandy beaches, sun-soaked adventures and ice-cold liquid refreshment served with a side of sea views, there’s nothing that delights the taste buds more than a tropical cocktail. And at Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, thirsty travelers will find just what they crave, as it’s the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved beverages, the piña colada.

Created at the hotel in 1954, this refreshing blend of rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream quickly became synonymous with island-time leisure and vacation culture. Over the decades, it has evolved into an American-Caribbean classic, enjoyed everywhere from beach bars to backyard celebrations. It’s so beloved that it even became the official beverage of Puerto Rico in 1978.

Today, guests can order this legendary cocktail where it all began, while taking in panoramic ocean views both inside and along the outdoor terrace at Caribar as they enjoy the very best of Puerto Rican hospitality.

Savor the Flavors of a Storied Sports Legacy in Auburn, Alabama

Is there anything more uniquely American than rallying behind a favorite college football team? This adored sport (and the rivalries it inspires) is deeply woven into the country’s culture, and in Auburn, Alabama, this passion comes to life at Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL. The hotel is inspired by local traditions and team spirit, with Tigers memorabilia and creative interiors that reflect the essence of this energetic college town.

Here, guests can embrace the frenetic energy and nostalgia of game-day excitement while paying tribute to one of Auburn’s most legendary athletes, Bo Jackson. The hotel is home to Bo’s Beans Coffee Shop, named in honor of the sports icon whose achievements on both the football field and baseball diamond helped cement his place in American sports history.

Just upstairs, War Eagle Supper Club offers a modern revival of an Auburn institution. On select days, this reimagined rooftop bar and restaurant serves the original Supper Club’s famed pizza recipe, paired with a lively atmosphere that nods to its storied past. The experience is rounded out with a tribute to the club’s iconic “Slush Bus,” reimagined as a playful design element inspired by its original role in safely transporting patrons back to campus.

Whether visiting during football season or simply exploring the town’s uniquely divey corners, travelers will fall in love with this American destination fueled by sports and a rousing sense of community pride.

Experience a Legendary Culinary Experience in New York City

Waldorf Astoria New York is an icon in its own right. This timeless, Art Deco beauty has been a beacon of glamour and American aspiration for generations. But this premier hotel is also home to a legacy that’s helped shape the nation’s dining, as it’s revered as the birthplace of the namesake Waldorf salad.

Created in 1896, the original Waldorf salad consisted simply of diced apples, chopped celery and mayonnaise. However, in the years since, the popularity of this delicious dish has evolved to incorporate a variety of 20th-century additions, including everything from nuts and grapes to hearty proteins like chicken or turkey. It’s a culinary hit that’s become a staple of fine dining menus, but the hotel’s influence extends far beyond a single recipe.

Throughout its storied history, Waldorf Astoria has helped shape dining trends, hospitality standards and culinary traditions that continue to inspire chefs and restaurants around the world. As the recently redesigned property enters a new chapter, it remains one of the country’s leading gastronomic destinations. The Waldorf Salad has also received an exciting update by Chef Michael Anthony, breathing new life into the iconic creation while honoring its rich heritage. The reimagined salad at Lex Yard invites diners to savor a modern expression of one of the hotel’s most enduring culinary contributions.

Sip Louisville’s Signature Cocktail in Kentucky Bourbon Country

Whiskey is a global phenomenon that’s enjoyed in every corner of the world. Scotland, Japan, Ireland and Canada each have their own twist on this stylish sip, but only America holds the bragging rights when it comes to crafting bourbon. And nowhere is this sweeter take on this classic spirit more profound than in Kentucky.

Whiskey lovers from around the globe head for Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail to sample this illustrious taste of Americana. Amid it all is Louisville, where bourbon is ingrained in the regional identity. And at The Seelbach Hilton Louisville, guests can experience that heritage as they imbibe a very special cocktail.

Created in the early twentieth century, the Seelbach Cocktail combines bourbon, sparkling wine and bitters into a sophisticated drink that has become synonymous with Louisville’s cocktail culture. Today, the tradition lives on at the historic Old Seelbach Bar, where travelers can enjoy this signature beverage in the very place that helped make it famous.

Savor the Flavors of America

Local dining has always been one of the most powerful ways to tell the story of a place. And as America marks 250 years of history, these Hilton hotels offer travelers a chance to experience the nation’s story through the dishes, drinks and traditions that continue to bring people together in meaningful (and delicious) ways.

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