Justin Fantl

Japan is not the only country that builds vending machines for that which should not be vended. Surprisingly fancy food dispensers are cropping up across the US, selling gourmet edibles more often served in cafés and restaurants. Here’s where to find tasty treats, vended free of human interaction.

Cupcakes Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, etc.

To avoid damaging its delicate treats, the Sprinkles bakery chain created a cupcake ATM with a robotic arm to deliver the sweets upright. The touchscreen displays photos of the options (red velvet!). Employees restock frequently, so the cakes are always fresh.

Burritos Los Angeles

Heating up a frozen burrito is a losing proposition. Plus, it takes five minutes. So the Box Brands built a machine that can steam a refrigerated burrito in 60 seconds flat. Stocked daily in five flavors—including free-range chicken, roasted potato, and shredded beef—with sour cream and guacamole on the side.

Salads Chicago

The Farmer’s Fridge offers choices like antioxidant salad and cauli­flower fried rice in jars. Daily restocking keeps veggies fresh, as does ingredient stacking; tomatoes sit against hearty carrots, protecting delicate lettuce. An elevator moves each jar out of the machine so nothing gets tossed.

Caviar Los Angeles

At any given moment, the self-serve dispenser in front of Beverly Hills Caviar might have as much as $50,000 worth of fish eggs inside, all controlled for temperature, moisture, lighting, and oxygen level. Hundred-dollar bills accepted; mother-of-pearl spoon not included in purchase.