From crispy chicken to peach mocktails: Summer’s boldest new food and drink trends are here
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If your usual lunch order is starting to feel a little dull, now’s the perfect time to shake things up.
This summer, restaurants and cafés across the country are launching inventive new menu items—from crispy chicken and nostalgic desserts to colorful mocktails and BBQ feasts.
Whether you’re craving something comforting, adventurous, or just a bit refreshing, America’s summer menus are packed with flavors that are anything but boring.
These new offerings reflect both seasonal creativity and a growing appetite for bold, feel-good food.
It’s clear that dining out this summer is as much about fun and flavor as it is about trying something new!
Crispy chicken gets a flavorful twist
Crispy chicken is having a big moment.
Taco Bell is joining the trend with new Crispy Chicken Strips, marinated in a jalapeño-buttermilk blend and coated with crunchy tortilla chips and breadcrumbs.
They’re available in tacos, burritos, or served on their own—and each option comes with flavorful toppings like purple cabbage, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and your choice of Spicy Ranchero or Avocado Ranch sauce.
It’s a fresh spin on a classic comfort food—and one that’s designed to please everyone from curious foodies to loyal fast-food fans!
Also read: Discover the Party Dishes Dietitians Swear By for Winning Over Any Crowd!
Mocktails make mornings a little brighter
Refreshing non-alcoholic beverages are stealing the spotlight this summer.
Einstein Bros. Bagels has rolled out a line of colorful Morning Mocktails that pair perfectly with their breakfast offerings.
Flavors include the Bros. Bay Breeze (cranberry, lemonade, and passion fruit), Passion Fruit Sunrise, Dragon Fruit Lemon Drop, and the Energy Spritz—with a touch of Monster Energy for an early-morning boost.
For a limited time, a bagel and mocktail combo is just $5.99.
Peet’s Coffee is leaning into peach as its seasonal highlight with drinks like the Sparkling Peach Chill Brew and Sparkling Peach Matcha.
Their Mocktail Bar Menu includes creative drinks such as the Baridi Mule (cold brew, ginger beer, mint, and lime), Peet’s on the Beach (black tea, pineapple juice, and peach), and the Hula Brew (pineapple juice, orgeat syrup, and cold brew).
Food items like the Bacon Cheddar Brioche and Grilled Cheese Croissant round out the summer café experience.
Also read: Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Mocktail
Nostalgic drinks and playful sweets
If you haven’t tried a dirty soda yet, Ziggi’s Coffee has you covered.
With over 22 combinations, customers can customize sodas with fruit purees, candy toppings, popping boba, and creamy cold foam.
New customers can even get a free 20-ounce dirty soda with their online order.
Souurce: Facebook / Ziggi's Coffee
At Biggby Coffee, you’ll find summer drinks inspired by cozy campfires.
The Campfire Latte and Campfire Crème Freeze feature mocha, toasted marshmallow, and hazelnut, finished with graham cracker crumbs.
Their fruity Runnin’ Wild Berry Mocktail blends Red Bull, lemonade, blackberry, and dragon fruit.
Snack-wise, they’re offering Pretzel Minis (stuffed with ham or turkey and cheddar) and nostalgic dessert bars like Chocolate Brownie and Marshmallow Treats.
Also read: Trader Joe’s sparkling comeback: The coffee shop dupe returns—for less!
Pistachio flavor pops up everywhere
This year’s standout ingredient? Pistachio.
Paris Baguette is offering sweet and savory items like the Pistachio Supreme Croissant, Pistachio Sweet Cream Cold Brew, and cakes like the Strawberry Pistachio Fraisier and Bombolone.
Their BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese and Pizzetta round out the summer specials.
Nick the Greek is serving up a frozen take on the pistachio trend with its Pistachio Cream “Dubai Chocolate” Froyo, layered with pistachio butter, chocolate shell, and filo crisps—perfect for warm weather and social media-worthy indulgence.
Also read: The sandwich war rages on: Why Popeyes’ latest creation is sparking debates online!
Cool dishes and spicy sides
For those avoiding heavy hot meals, Jinya Ramen Bar is introducing Chilled Tan Tan Men—cold thick noodles in a savory chicken soy broth, topped with crispy pork, bok choy, shredded leek, and chili oil.
Their Buffalo Cauliflower, tossed in house-made Buffalo sauce and served with creamy ranch, makes a great summer side.
Also read: Is your dirty martini a disaster? Here's the secret to perfecting it!
Late-night snacks and hearty BBQ meals
Zaxby’s is extending its evening hours and debuting the Zappetizer Trio—a build-your-own platter with your choice of three snacks (like Fried Pickles, Boneless Wings, or Egg Rolls) and three sauces, all for $9.99. Perfect for a late bite or shared meal.
Logan’s Roadhouse is rolling out its Backyard BBQ Menu, featuring Fried Ribs, Cedar Plank BBQ Chicken, and Smokehouse BBQ Strip.
For larger appetites, the Roadhouse Smokehouse Platter brings together BBQ chicken, grilled sausage, and fried ribs.
Summer sides include Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad, and Potato Salad.
At Smokey Bones, the Bones Big Duo lets you pair an appetizer—like Mini Mag-Nachos or Fried Pickles—with an entrée such as BBQ Chicken or Pulled Pork Sammies for $14.99.
Also read: Jessica Simpson shares bizarre wellness habit—and it’s not what you think…
Global flavors meet classic comfort
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay adds a Mediterranean touch with the Greektown Burger, topped with Greek yogurt sauce, tomato, cucumber, and feta.
For dessert, the Blueberry Cheesecake Milkshake delivers rich summer sweetness.
Pincho offers Latin-inspired flavor with its Cuban Frita Smash Burger, made with a marinated Angus patty, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, potato sticks, and crema on a brioche bun.
Hawaiian Bros brings tropical flair with three wraps: the Molokai Mac Wrap, Huli Huli Wrap, and Pacific Island Wrap, each offering a mix of chicken, rice, fruit, and crisp veggies—all priced under $8.
Also read: Shoppers are raving about this must-try dessert—but is it worth the hype?
Desserts with a summery twist
Jimmy John’s is getting a head start on 2025 with its new Lemon Sunshine Cookie, a bright lemon treat dotted with white chocolate chips.
At IHOP, June’s Pancake of the Month is Cookie Butter—stacked with cookie pieces, topped with Biscoff Cookie Butter, whipped cream, and cookie crumbles.
You can enjoy it with the full breakfast combo of eggs, hash browns, and meat for a filling start to your day!
With bold flavors, fun drinks, and comfort foods getting creative upgrades, there’s something new for everyone this season.
Whether you’re curious about pistachio, excited to try a dirty soda, or just in the mood for a good burger, America’s summer menus are full of tasty surprises!
Read next: Transform your dessert game with this incredible new mug cake trick!
Have you spotted a fun new food or drink in your neighborhood this summer? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear what you’re trying!
This summer, restaurants and cafés across the country are launching inventive new menu items—from crispy chicken and nostalgic desserts to colorful mocktails and BBQ feasts.
Whether you’re craving something comforting, adventurous, or just a bit refreshing, America’s summer menus are packed with flavors that are anything but boring.
These new offerings reflect both seasonal creativity and a growing appetite for bold, feel-good food.
It’s clear that dining out this summer is as much about fun and flavor as it is about trying something new!
Restaurants and cafés across the US are rolling out bold new food and drink items for the summer season. Image Source: Pexels / Helena Lopes.
Crispy chicken gets a flavorful twist
Crispy chicken is having a big moment.
Taco Bell is joining the trend with new Crispy Chicken Strips, marinated in a jalapeño-buttermilk blend and coated with crunchy tortilla chips and breadcrumbs.
Taco Bell’s new Crispy Chicken Strips, marinated and coated for extra crunch, are a bold addition to this summer’s menu lineup. Image Source: Taco Bell.
They’re available in tacos, burritos, or served on their own—and each option comes with flavorful toppings like purple cabbage, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and your choice of Spicy Ranchero or Avocado Ranch sauce.
It’s a fresh spin on a classic comfort food—and one that’s designed to please everyone from curious foodies to loyal fast-food fans!
Also read: Discover the Party Dishes Dietitians Swear By for Winning Over Any Crowd!
Mocktails make mornings a little brighter
Refreshing non-alcoholic beverages are stealing the spotlight this summer.
Einstein Bros. Bagels has rolled out a line of colorful Morning Mocktails that pair perfectly with their breakfast offerings.
Einstein Bros. Bagels adds a refreshing twist to breakfast with its new line of vibrant, juice-based Morning Mocktails. Image Source: Threads / einsteinbros.
Flavors include the Bros. Bay Breeze (cranberry, lemonade, and passion fruit), Passion Fruit Sunrise, Dragon Fruit Lemon Drop, and the Energy Spritz—with a touch of Monster Energy for an early-morning boost.
For a limited time, a bagel and mocktail combo is just $5.99.
Peet’s Coffee is leaning into peach as its seasonal highlight with drinks like the Sparkling Peach Chill Brew and Sparkling Peach Matcha.
Peet’s Coffee embraces summer with tropical-inspired mocktails like the Baridi Mule and Sparkling Peach Chill Brew. Image Source: Peet's Coffee.
Their Mocktail Bar Menu includes creative drinks such as the Baridi Mule (cold brew, ginger beer, mint, and lime), Peet’s on the Beach (black tea, pineapple juice, and peach), and the Hula Brew (pineapple juice, orgeat syrup, and cold brew).
Food items like the Bacon Cheddar Brioche and Grilled Cheese Croissant round out the summer café experience.
Also read: Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Mocktail
Nostalgic drinks and playful sweets
If you haven’t tried a dirty soda yet, Ziggi’s Coffee has you covered.
With over 22 combinations, customers can customize sodas with fruit purees, candy toppings, popping boba, and creamy cold foam.
New customers can even get a free 20-ounce dirty soda with their online order.
Souurce: Facebook / Ziggi's Coffee
At Biggby Coffee, you’ll find summer drinks inspired by cozy campfires.
The Campfire Latte and Campfire Crème Freeze feature mocha, toasted marshmallow, and hazelnut, finished with graham cracker crumbs.
Their fruity Runnin’ Wild Berry Mocktail blends Red Bull, lemonade, blackberry, and dragon fruit.
Snack-wise, they’re offering Pretzel Minis (stuffed with ham or turkey and cheddar) and nostalgic dessert bars like Chocolate Brownie and Marshmallow Treats.
Biggby Coffee’s Runnin’ Wild Berry Mocktail and savory Pretzel Minis bring bold flavor and fun to their summer menu lineup. Image Source: Facebook / Biggby Coffee - 706 Bloomfield Rd., Bardstown, KY.
Also read: Trader Joe’s sparkling comeback: The coffee shop dupe returns—for less!
Pistachio flavor pops up everywhere
This year’s standout ingredient? Pistachio.
Paris Baguette is offering sweet and savory items like the Pistachio Supreme Croissant, Pistachio Sweet Cream Cold Brew, and cakes like the Strawberry Pistachio Fraisier and Bombolone.
Their BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese and Pizzetta round out the summer specials.
Nick the Greek is serving up a frozen take on the pistachio trend with its Pistachio Cream “Dubai Chocolate” Froyo, layered with pistachio butter, chocolate shell, and filo crisps—perfect for warm weather and social media-worthy indulgence.
Also read: The sandwich war rages on: Why Popeyes’ latest creation is sparking debates online!
Cool dishes and spicy sides
For those avoiding heavy hot meals, Jinya Ramen Bar is introducing Chilled Tan Tan Men—cold thick noodles in a savory chicken soy broth, topped with crispy pork, bok choy, shredded leek, and chili oil.
Their Buffalo Cauliflower, tossed in house-made Buffalo sauce and served with creamy ranch, makes a great summer side.
Jinya Ramen Bar’s Chilled Tan Tan Men offers a cool, savory take on traditional ramen—perfect for hot summer days. Image Source: Instagram / pat_cobe.
Also read: Is your dirty martini a disaster? Here's the secret to perfecting it!
Late-night snacks and hearty BBQ meals
Zaxby’s is extending its evening hours and debuting the Zappetizer Trio—a build-your-own platter with your choice of three snacks (like Fried Pickles, Boneless Wings, or Egg Rolls) and three sauces, all for $9.99. Perfect for a late bite or shared meal.
Logan’s Roadhouse is rolling out its Backyard BBQ Menu, featuring Fried Ribs, Cedar Plank BBQ Chicken, and Smokehouse BBQ Strip.
For larger appetites, the Roadhouse Smokehouse Platter brings together BBQ chicken, grilled sausage, and fried ribs.
Summer sides include Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad, and Potato Salad.
At Smokey Bones, the Bones Big Duo lets you pair an appetizer—like Mini Mag-Nachos or Fried Pickles—with an entrée such as BBQ Chicken or Pulled Pork Sammies for $14.99.
Also read: Jessica Simpson shares bizarre wellness habit—and it’s not what you think…
Global flavors meet classic comfort
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay adds a Mediterranean touch with the Greektown Burger, topped with Greek yogurt sauce, tomato, cucumber, and feta.
For dessert, the Blueberry Cheesecake Milkshake delivers rich summer sweetness.
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay puts a Mediterranean spin on summer with the flavorful Greektown Burger. Image Source: Instagram / bobbysburgers.
Pincho offers Latin-inspired flavor with its Cuban Frita Smash Burger, made with a marinated Angus patty, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, potato sticks, and crema on a brioche bun.
Hawaiian Bros brings tropical flair with three wraps: the Molokai Mac Wrap, Huli Huli Wrap, and Pacific Island Wrap, each offering a mix of chicken, rice, fruit, and crisp veggies—all priced under $8.
Also read: Shoppers are raving about this must-try dessert—but is it worth the hype?
Desserts with a summery twist
Jimmy John’s is getting a head start on 2025 with its new Lemon Sunshine Cookie, a bright lemon treat dotted with white chocolate chips.
At IHOP, June’s Pancake of the Month is Cookie Butter—stacked with cookie pieces, topped with Biscoff Cookie Butter, whipped cream, and cookie crumbles.
You can enjoy it with the full breakfast combo of eggs, hash browns, and meat for a filling start to your day!
Jimmy John’s Lemon Sunshine Cookie brings a bright burst of lemon and white chocolate to kick off summer on a sweet note. Image Source: Facebook / Jimmy John's.
With bold flavors, fun drinks, and comfort foods getting creative upgrades, there’s something new for everyone this season.
Whether you’re curious about pistachio, excited to try a dirty soda, or just in the mood for a good burger, America’s summer menus are full of tasty surprises!
Read next: Transform your dessert game with this incredible new mug cake trick!
Have you spotted a fun new food or drink in your neighborhood this summer? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear what you’re trying!
