1

Wild Alaskan salmon sandwich

Image: Thomas Mertens

In Alaska, the sandwich of choice comes straight from its icy waters . The wild Alaskan salmon sandwich features freshly caught salmon, often grilled or lightly smoked, served on hearty bread with crisp lettuce, tomato, and a tangy dill sauce.

2

Frybread "Navajo Taco"

Image: Bob LaCour

Tacos with a twist: Arizona’s beloved frybread "Navajo taco" is a sort of open-faced sandwich. A variety of taco fillings served on pillowy frybread ; golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside.

It’s generously topped with seasoned ground beef or shredded meat, beans, lettuce, cheese, and sometimes salsa or sour cream.

3

Deep-Fried catfish sandwich

Image: Jonathan Borba

In Arkansas, a true taste of home often comes between two buttered buns. The deep-fried catfish sandwich features flaky catfish fillets, breaded in cornmeal and fried to a golden crisp. It usually contains a smear of tartar sauce, a few pickles, and maybe some shredded lettuce.

4

Italian Beef Sandwich

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Chicagoans take their beef seriously, and nothing embodies the city’s flavor like the Italian beef sandwich. Thinly sliced roast beef is simmered in its own seasoned jus, piled high on an Italian-style roll, and often topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.

5

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Image: Jacinto Diego

Indiana’s pride comes between two buns: the legendary pork tenderloin sandwich. This oversized, breaded, and deep-fried pork cutlet, often wider than the bun itself, is served with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

6

Hot Brown

Image: Natalia Gusakova

The Hot Brown is Louisville’s indulgent favorite. This open-faced marvel layers roasted turkey and crisp bacon atop toasted bread , smothered in creamy Mornay sauce, and baked until golden. It was created in 1926 at the Brown Hotel, designed as a late-night supper for hotel guests.

7

Jucy Lucy

Image: Juan Santos

Burgers count! Minneapolis is home to a burger with a deliciously molten secret: the Jucy Lucy. This cheese-stuffed masterpiece hides gooey American cheese inside two patties of seasoned beef. Today, it’s a must-try for any visitor seeking a twist on a classic American burger.

8

Pastrami Sandwich

Image: Akhil Pawar

Few sandwiches are as iconic as New York’s pastrami on rye, and Katz’s Delicatessen is the reigning champion. Brined, smoked, and expertly sliced pastrami piled high on fresh rye bread , often with mustard, has been a favorite since the deli opened in 1888.

9

The Elvis Sandwich

Image: Dexter McQueen

Tennessee claims a sweet-and-savory creation forever linked to its most famous son: Elvis Presley. The Elvis sandwich combines peanut butter, banana, and crispy bacon . Would you like to try it?

10

Lobster Roll

Image: Jesse

This one was an easy choice: no Maine culinary list is complete without the lobster roll. Bursting with fresh, tender lobster meat lightly dressed in butter or mayo and nestled into a soft, toasted roll, this sandwich is a staple of seaside shacks .

1

A Presidential curse

For almost 140 years, U.S. presidents elected in years ending in zero died while in office. It happened to William Henry Harrison (1840), Abraham Lincoln (1860), James A. Garfield (1880), William McKinley (1900), Warren G. Harding (1920), Franklin D. Roosevelt (1940), and John F. Kennedy in 1960 . Ronald Reagan, elected in 1980 , broke the curse by surviving an assassination attempt.

2

Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet

In the year Mark Twain was born, 1835, Halley’s Comet passed by Earth. The great writer famously predicted he’d "go out with it" as well . Indeed, he passed away in 1910, the next time the comet appeared.

3

Jefferson and Adams

A patriotic yet somber coincidence, indeed. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third U.S. presidents, both died on July 4, 1826 —exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

4

Hoover Dam’s first and last casualties

The construction of the Hoover Dam was a long and difficult process, claiming over 100 lives. The first person to die was J.G. Tierney , and the last recorded death was his son , Patrick Tierney.

5

Lincoln and Kennedy

Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy were elected 100 years apart (1860 and 1960). Both suffered fatal head wounds and were succeeded by presidents named Johnson. Their assassins each had three names: John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald. Both were assassinated on a Friday while sitting next to their wives at the time that it happened.

6

Charles Francis Coghlan’s last journey

Actor Charles Francis Coghlan died in Texas in 1899. But his casket was lost at sea during a hurricane. Eight years later, his coffin washed ashore near his birthplace in Prince Edward Island, Canada, more than 3,000 miles away.

7

The Titanic coincidence

A few years before the Titanic sank, Morgan Robertson wrote a short book called Futility , about a massive "unsinkable" ship called the Titan that hit an iceberg and sank. The tale describes a ship with a similar size and a similar lack of lifeboats to the famous vessel.

8

Dennis the Menace

Two comic strips featuring a character named Dennis the Menace debuted in British and American outlets, respectively, on March 12, 1961—only a few hours apart. However, the two creators did not know each other and had no idea of the other’s work.

9

Jim Lewis and Jim Springer

Identical twin brothers separated at birth , Jim Lewis and Jim Springer, were reunited at age 39 and discovered many coincidences: both married women named Linda , divorced, and then remarried women named Betty. Both had dogs named Toy and drove the same model of car. Both grew up with an adopted brother named Larry and had sons whom they named James Allan.

10

Disney magic

A soon-to-be-married couple, Alex and Donna , were looking through old photos to include in their wedding video. They found one photo of Donna posing on a childhood trip to Disney World in 1980. And in the background, they spotted Alex being pushed in a stroller by his father.

11

Moped meets taxi, twice

In 1975, 17-year-old Erskine Lawrence Ebbin was struck by a taxi in Bermuda while riding his moped. A year later, his brother Neville , also 17 at the time, was riding the same moped when he was struck by the same taxi —with the same passenger—on the same street.

12

Lightning strike survivor

Being hit by lightning is an extremely rare occurrence. Park ranger Roy Sullivan was struck not once, but seven times between 1942 and 1977 —and survived them all. The strikes hit him in a fire tower, in his truck, in his yard, while patrolling, and more. His unusual record earned him the nickname "Human Lightning Rod."

1

Tipping is expected, not optional

In the U.S., leaving a tip is considered part of the cost of the meal, not a bonus . Diners typically add 15 to 20 percent to the bill, especially in full-service restaurants.

This practice exists because many servers earn lower base wages and depend on tips. In many other countries, service charges are already included in the bill, making the American system feel unusual or even confusing.

2

Free refills are the norm

Many American restaurants offer unlimited refills on soft drinks, iced tea, and coffee . Once you order a beverage, it often keeps coming at no extra cost.

Elsewhere, each drink is typically billed separately, and refills are rarely free. For visitors to the U.S., this can feel surprisingly generous compared to their dining experiences at home.

3

Ice comes with everything

In the U.S., drinks are often served filled with ice, whether it’s soda, water, or even juice . It’s considered a refreshing standard, especially in warmer climates.

In many other countries, ice is used sparingly or avoided altogether. Some people prefer drinks at room temperature, making the American preference for ice stand out immediately.

4

Portions are huge

American restaurant portions are known for their size. Many meals are large enough to serve more than one person or to provide leftovers for later .

In contrast, other countries tend to serve smaller, more balanced portions. The American approach reflects a culture of abundance, but it can be unexpected for first-time visitors.

5

Taking leftovers home is typical

Asking for a take-home container, also known as a "doggy bag," is a normal part of dining in the U.S. Restaurants are prepared for it, and many people expect to leave with leftovers.

In some countries, this practice is less common or even discouraged. The American "doggy bag" reflects both larger portion sizes and a practical approach to reducing food waste.

6

Waiters check in frequently

In the U.S., servers often return to the table several times during a meal . They may ask how everything tastes, refill drinks, or check whether anything else is needed.

While meant to be attentive, this can feel intrusive to foreign visitors. In many other cultures, less interruption is preferred, and diners typically signal the server only when necessary.

7

Customizing your order is normal

In the U.S., it's common to request changes to a dish, such as removing ingredients or adding extras . Restaurants are usually flexible and expect these requests.

In other parts of the world, altering a menu item may be frowned upon. The American habit reflects a strong emphasis on personal choice and individual preferences.

8

Tap water is served automatically

In American restaurants, a glass of tap water is often brought to the table without being requested . It is typically free and refilled throughout the meal.

In many other countries, bottled water is the default and must be ordered separately.

9

Meals tend to move quickly

Dining in the U.S. often follows a faster pace. Food arrives quickly, and the bill may be brought shortly after the meal is finished .

In contrast, in many other cultures, meals are meant to be long, relaxed experiences. The American approach reflects efficiency and a faster daily rhythm.

10

Splitting the bill is common

In the U.S., restaurants commonly allow separate checks , making it easy for each person to pay their share. This is especially helpful in group settings.

In many other countries, splitting the bill can be more complicated or is actively discouraged. The American system emphasizes convenience and individual responsibility at the table.

11

Sweet foods are common at breakfast

Breakfast in the U.S. often includes sweet items such as pancakes, waffles, pastries, or cereal, alongside eggs, bacon, and toast. Syrup and sugar are common additions at the start of the day.

In many other countries, breakfasts tend to be exclusively savory, featuring foods like bread, cheese, or eggs. The American preference for sweetness can feel like a treat to visitors.

12

Dining is generally casual

While there are many exceptions at five-star, fine dining establishments, American dining culture is typically relaxed, with fewer formal rules about dress or behavior . People often eat out in casual clothing and informal settings.

In other countries, meals, especially dinner, can be more formal events. The American style reflects a focus on comfort rather than tradition.