There are several restaurants that I miss from the South. As a foodie myself, I would love to see them make their way into the Midwest, or for some, into Indiana specifically. We could use a few new restaurants in my area.

1. Dreamland BBQ

If you love barbecue and you've never had Dreamland, I highly suggest you add it to your bucket list. I love the atmosphere just as much as I love the food. There is nothing better than a plate of barbecue topped off with a sweet tea.

2. Raising Canes

I think I consistently crave the dipping sauce from Canes. It's always compared to Zaxby's, but the sauce at Raising Canes is what makes this an easy choice over the other. I always get the Box combo. It's basically chicken fingers, seasoned fries, Texas toast, and coleslaw, but you can substitute the coleslaw for more fries or bread. It's not necessarily fast food, but maybe only one step above; however, it is open super late which makes it the best meal for a roadtrip or for a midnight craving.

3. Glorybound Gyros

So, everyone friends with me knows I love hummus. They have a hummus menu of numerous different kinds, and I appreciate it. The hummus comes with pita bread and then the gyros are also to-die for. I always get the chicken one, but I know people who really like the traditional gyro if that is what you're into. I think about this place and I know I will need to return someday.

4. Hattie B's Hot Chicken

This is your stereotypical southern fried chicken restaurant, but it's better than stereotypical. They always have a huge line outside their restaurants so brace yourself or arrive early. You pick the chicken, how you want it seasoned, and a couple sides like pimento mac n cheese, potato salad, fries, coleslaw, etc. Also, I highly recommend their sweet tea. It is so good and also addictive. My family has been to the one in Nashville and Birmingham because we just love it so much.

5. Cookout

This is also a place open late at night for all your cravings. And, if you're balling on a budget, this is your new favorite place. You can pick like three or four "meals" for literally $5. It is quite amazing. They have a list of sides and meal options and I wouldn't say it's high quality food, but more like an advanced fast food place. They also have a menu of milkshakes, which is commonly what people remember them for.

6. Chicken Salad Chick

I love chicken salad and found this to be such a quaint little place to go. You can pick from various kinds of chicken salad and it's actually very good. Don't hate it until you've tried it. Also as a side, I highly recommend the grape salad.

7. The Avenue Pub

I put this one primarily for their jalapeno dip. Oh my. I typically do not like spicy food but this is so worth it.

If you're ever beyond the Mason Dixon, be sure to look out for these places and give them a try. One day, I hope these places can make their way up North.