Essential Guide to American Trade Show City Food

Iconically American Foods to Try in Major Trade Show Cities

Trade shows are exhausting, but beyond the business connections you are sure to make, there is another prize at the end of each day: dinner! Whether you venture into the city where your convention venue is to have a relaxing sit-down dinner, or you order in from a American delivery app like GrubHub, Uber Eats or Doordash, you are sure to be surprised and delighted every day!

Boston

Whether you are exhibiting at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) or the Hynes Convention Center, the one thing to leave your tradeshow booth for: a bowl of hearty clam chowder

• Clam Chowder: A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, and onions.

• Lobster Roll: Fresh lobster meat served in a buttered roll, a true New England delicacy.

• Boston Cream Pie: A delicious dessert made of sponge cake, custard, and chocolate glaze.

  
  

New York

A "New York slice" is larger than what most people expect and a meal in itself. The entire pie can be 18" to 20" or larger. TIP: There are several "Ray's Original Pizza" shops (each with a different owner!) around NYC and at least one near the Hudson Yards and Chelsea neighborhoods near Jakob Javits Convention Center.

• New York-style Pizza: Thin, foldable slices with a crispy crust, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

• Bagels: Chewy, boiled bread rings often topped with cream cheese and lox.

• Pastrami on Rye: A classic deli sandwich piled high with flavorful pastrami.

Chicago

Chicago hot dogs pair nicely with a cold beer!

• Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza: A thick, hearty pizza with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.

• Chicago-style Hot Dog: A steamed, poppy seed bun filled with an all-beef frankfurter and topped with mustard, onions, relish, and more.

• Italian Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced roast beef served in a crusty roll, often dipped in gravy.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas buffets are not known for their elegance, but there is no shortage of delicious food! TIP: Approach the line "tradeshow style": review all the offerings first, then start filling up your plate so you have room for the "treasures" at the end.

• Buffet: Experience extravagant all-you-can-eat buffets featuring a variety of cuisines.

• Fried Chicken: Indulge in crispy fried chicken, often paired with biscuits and gravy.

• Cocktail Shrimp: A classic appetizer served chilled with cocktail sauce, perfect for a Vegas night out.

Los Angeles

In-and-Out Burgers are totally L.A. There are dozens of these fast food places near the Los Angeles Convention Center

• Street Tacos: Flavorful tacos filled with grilled meats, fresh salsa, and avocado, often found at food trucks.

• In-N-Out Burger: A must-try fast-food burger chain known for its fresh ingredients and secret menu.

• California Roll: A sushi roll that combines crab, avocado, and cucumber, symbolizing LA's culinary fusion.

Houston

Texas barbecue is different from Kansas City barbecue, but both are memorable. Ask your co-exhibitors at the George R. Brown Convention Center which they prefer!

• Barbecue: Texas-style brisket, ribs, and sausage, slow-cooked and smoked to perfection.

• Tex-Mex: A delicious blend of Texan and Mexican cuisines, featuring enchiladas, fajitas, and queso.

• Kolaches: Czech pastries filled with fruit or meats, reflecting Houston's diverse heritage.

New Orleans

Before you start your exhibiting day at your trade show booth at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, you may be tempted to eat too many beignets (but take our advice, don't!)

• Gumbo: A rich stew made with a variety of meats, seafood, and okra, seasoned with Cajun spices.

• Beignets: Deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, best enjoyed with a café au lait.

• Jambalaya: A flavorful rice dish with chicken, sausage, and shrimp, seasoned with Creole spices.

Orlando

Though key lime pie is one of the most popular in the USA, it's just fresher and better in Orlando. Enjoy it after your exhibit at Orange County Convention Center.

• Key Lime Pie: A tart and creamy dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.

• Cuban Sandwich: A pressed sandwich filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

• Fried Gator: A unique Southern delicacy, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Miami

Joe's Stone Crab is world-famous, so you have to plan ahead to get a seat after you leave your Miami Beach Convention Center trade exhibit.

• Stone Crab Claws: Fresh crab claws served with a mustard dipping sauce, a Miami staple.

• Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, often served with plantain chips.

• Pastellón: A layered plantain dish, similar to lasagna, filled with ground beef and cheese.