RANKED: 50 Best Guy Fieri–Approved Restaurants By State
Guy Fieri doesn’t just chase bold flavor—he hunts it down. From back-alley burger joints to old-school diners slinging gravy-smothered classics, the man knows how to sniff out real-deal food that sticks with you.
These 50 spots, one from every state, got his stamp of approval—and after tasting a few myself, I totally get it.
If road-tripping your way through Flavortown sounds like a dream, start your engine here.
1. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur, Alabama
Step inside and you’re hit with the scent of smoke, vinegar, and nostalgia. The white sauce—creamy, tangy, and just a little peppery—puts this place in its own BBQ category.
Their pulled chicken is legendary, but honestly, the smoked turkey sandwich is just as unforgettable.
2. The Cookie Jar – Fairbanks, Alaska
Homemade pies the size of your face, warm cinnamon rolls that defy gravity, and meatloaf that tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s.
This cozy cabin-style spot makes you forget you’re in the middle of Alaska. I still dream about their sourdough pancakes on cold mornings.
3. Matt’s Big Breakfast – Phoenix, Arizona
The griddle sizzles and the smell of bacon and eggs lingers in the air like a warm blanket.
Matt’s serves old-school breakfasts with serious soul—try the salami scramble or their griddled hash browns that crisp on the edges like no other. It’s a morning worth waking up for.
4. The Root Cafe – Little Rock, Arkansas
Everything’s fresh, local, and bursting with flavor. I had a pimento cheese sandwich that made me re-evaluate all past sandwiches.
Even the side salad had a house-made vinaigrette so good I tried to recreate it at home. Southern hospitality lives here—and it’s served on a plate.
5. Pizzaiolo – Oakland, California
Wood-fired pizza with a crust that sings when you bite in. Their seasonal toppings change the game—once I had one with lemon zest, ricotta, and spicy greens, and I haven’t shut up about it since.
The vibe? Casual, cool, and packed with flavor that never tries too hard.
6. Steuben’s – Denver, Colorado
Retro booths, boozy milkshakes, and fried chicken that cracks like a potato chip. Steuben’s is the kind of place where you order one thing, then immediately regret not ordering five more.
Bonus points for their green chile cheese fries, which deserve their own fan club.
7. O’Rourke’s Diner – Middletown, Connecticut
It looks like your average chrome-topped diner, but the food is anything but basic. Their corned beef hash is slow-cooked, house-made magic, and the Irish soda bread French toast?
It’s basically dessert you can eat before noon without judgment. The chef’s energy is contagious.
8. Farmer & The Cow – Wilmington, Delaware
Burgers here are towering works of art—messy, juicy, and perfectly seared. They pair craft beer with thick milkshakes and locally sourced beef.
I tried the “Cash Cow,” stacked with bacon, cheddar, and a secret sauce that had me licking the wrapper.
9. Metro Diner – Jacksonville, Florida
Chicken and waffles served with strawberry butter and syrup that’s borderline sinful. Portions are Florida-big, and the coffee never stops flowing.
I once had a meatloaf sandwich here that hugged my soul. It’s hearty, homey, and exactly what Guy would call “off the hook.”
10. The Varsity – Atlanta, Georgia
You don’t just eat here—you experience it. “What’ll ya have?” echoes through the retro space as you inhale the scent of chili, onions, and fried pies.
Their slaw dogs and orange shakes are Atlanta icons, and the fried peach pie? It tastes like summer and mischief.
11. Rainbow Drive-In – Honolulu, Hawaii
Plate lunch perfection with rice, mac salad, and your choice of meat—usually smothered in gravy or shining with teriyaki glaze.
The loco moco is a must: beef patty, fried egg, and brown gravy over rice. Eat it with sandy toes and salty hair, and you’ve hit peak Hawaii.
12. Boise Fry Company – Boise, Idaho
Fries are the star here—crispy, hand-cut, and made from every potato under the sun. They come with dipping sauces that range from classic ketchup to blueberry ketchup (trust me).
Burgers are a bonus, but the fries? They’re the reason people dream about Idaho.
13. Kuma’s Corner – Chicago, Illinois
Kuma’s Corner in Chicago is a burger bar with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. Known for its gourmet burgers and edgy decor, it’s a spot that stands out in the Windy City. Each burger is named after a heavy metal band, adding to the unique vibe. It’s a must-visit for music and burger lovers alike.
14. Triple XXX Family Restaurant – West Lafayette, Indiana
Heavy metal and juicy burgers collide at this Chicago legend. Loud music, even louder flavor—every burger is stacked with toppings named after bands.
The Slayer burger (chili, cheese, fries, onions) is a glorious mess that demands both hands and zero shame.
15. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – Des Moines, Iowa
Where else can you get a burger called “The Walking Ched,” stuffed with mac & cheese and cheddar cheese buns?
The place leans into horror, but the food is pure crave. Milkshakes here come boozy and bold—try the cereal milk one for full nostalgia overload.
16. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que – Kansas City, Kansas
Once a gas station, now a BBQ shrine. The brisket is smoked low and slow, with bark so perfect it could have its own zip code.
Burnt ends are the move—tender, caramelized cubes of meat candy. You’ll want to bottle the aroma and wear it as cologne.
17. The Brown Hotel – Louisville, Kentucky
Birthplace of the iconic Hot Brown—a baked, open-faced turkey sandwich covered in Mornay sauce and broiled until bubbling. It’s rich, decadent, and deeply Kentucky.
The setting is old-school Southern charm with white tablecloths and bourbon nearby. I waddled out in the best way possible.
18. Cochon – New Orleans, Louisiana
Rustic Cajun soul food made with fire and love. Their wood-fired oysters, pork cheeks, and rabbit with dumplings feel like stories on a plate. Every bite tells you you’re in Louisiana.
Come hungry and leave speechless, with maybe a bag of cracklins for the road.
19. The Holy Donut – Portland, Maine
Potato donuts sound weird until you taste one. Dense, moist, and wildly flavorful. Flavors rotate (maple bacon, dark chocolate sea salt, lemon), and every one is a tiny miracle.
I bought a dozen “for later” and they didn’t last the car ride.
20. Chaps Pit Beef – Baltimore, Maryland
Pit beef is Baltimore’s answer to barbecue—roasted over charcoal, thinly sliced, and served rare. Chaps does it right, stacked high on a soft roll with horseradish and tiger sauce.
The smoke clings to your clothes in the best way. If you’re a meat lover, this is sacred ground.
21. Mike’s Pastry – Boston, Massachusetts
A North End cannoli institution with a line out the door and powdered sugar in the air. The ricotta filling is light but rich, with hints of vanilla or chocolate depending on your pick.
I got three different kinds and swore I’d share. I didn’t.
22. Slows Bar BQ – Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s barbecue scene punches above its weight, and Slows proves it. Their brisket is juicy with a killer bark, and the mac & cheese could win awards.
Don’t miss the Yardbird sandwich—it’s smoky, sweet, and crunchy all at once. You’ll need a nap afterward.
23. The Blue Door Pub – St. Paul, Minnesota
Home of the “Blucy,” a burger stuffed with molten blue cheese that oozes when you bite in. They have a dozen variations and each one’s a delight.
The tots are crisped to perfection and best dipped in one of their spicy house sauces.
24. The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint – Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Rusty tin roof, live blues, and ribs so tender they barely hold their shape. It’s smoky, loud, and dripping with Delta soul. You’ll eat with your hands and leave with sauce on your face.
Guy called it “down-home BBQ heaven,” and he wasn’t wrong.
25. Pappy’s Smokehouse – St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis ribs dry-rubbed and smoked over apple and cherry wood until they fall apart in your fingers. No sauce needed, but they’ve got options if you’re into that.
I’d stand in line for these again and again—and bring wet wipes for the walk back to the car.
26. Sir Scott’s Oasis Steakhouse – Manhattan, Montana
It’s not flashy, but Sir Scott’s does steak right—thick, juicy, and grilled like the cowboys intended. The baked potatoes come loaded and the rolls arrive warm, fluffy, and ready for butter.
You walk in a stranger and leave feeling like a local. Pure Montana hospitality on a plate.
27. Runza – Lincoln, Nebraska
This fast-food favorite is a Nebraska legend for a reason. Their namesake “Runza” is a pillowy roll stuffed with beef, cabbage, and onions—comfort food with Eastern European roots. It’s hot, savory, and surprisingly addictive.
I had one at a football tailgate and immediately understood the hype.
28. Lotus Of Siam – Las Vegas, Nevada
Hidden in a strip mall but exploding with complex Northern Thai flavor. The crispy duck curry blew my mind—sweet, spicy, and deeply aromatic.
Every dish tastes like it’s been made with care and tradition. Vegas has flashier restaurants, but none more soulful than this.
29. Red Arrow Diner – Manchester, New Hampshire
Open since 1922 and serving sass with every slice of pie. The red vinyl booths and neon signs are pure diner dreamland. I had corned beef hash at midnight and a maple bacon donut for dessert.
The vibe is as vintage as the flavor is bold.
30. White Manna – Hackensack, New Jersey
Tiny burgers cooked on a flat-top griddle and served on soft potato buns with onions and pickles. The grease shines in the best way, and the flavor smacks you with nostalgia.
It’s a no-frills joint with a cult following—and you’ll be part of it after one bite.
31. The Frontier Restaurant – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Green chile flows through this place like lava—fiery, smoky, and impossible to forget. Their cinnamon rolls are the size of steering wheels, and the breakfast burritos could double as dumbbells.
I left covered in chile sauce and completely blissed out.
32. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York
It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s absolutely worth it. The pastrami sandwich is stacked so high you’ll have to unhinge your jaw to get a bite.
Juicy, peppery, and hand-sliced to perfection. “Send a salami to your boy in the army” signs still hang proudly above the chaos.
33. Biscuit Head – Asheville, North Carolina
Flaky biscuits the size of a cat’s head (hence the name) smothered in sausage gravy, pimento cheese, or sweet jam. Their jam bar alone is worth the stop.
I built a breakfast sandwich that required two hands and total silence to enjoy properly.
34. The Toasted Frog – Grand Forks, North Dakota
Elegant meets quirky at this hidden gem. I went for the fried pickles—they’re lightly battered and paired with a spicy dipping sauce that had me licking the ramekin.
The bison burger was lean, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It’s North Dakota’s classiest flavor bomb.
35. Katalina’s – Columbus, Ohio
Their claim to fame? Pancake balls stuffed with Nutella or bacon and served with real maple syrup. Sweet, salty, fluffy heaven.
The cafe is cozy and colorful, and the chorizo breakfast tacos are equally worth your attention. I left full and totally charmed.
36. Nic’s Grill – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The burgers here are so juicy they practically need a life jacket. Cooked on a flattop with caramelized onions and American cheese, they come wrapped in foil and dripping with flavor.
No frills, no pretense—just a line out the door and a burger that could win elections.
37. P’s & Q’s Market – Portland, Oregon
Half market, half kitchen, all incredible. Their sandwiches are stacked with locally sourced meats and pickled everything. I had a pork belly bánh mì that sent me into another dimension.
It’s funky, it’s fresh, and the playlist is as good as the food.
38. Primanti Bros. – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The sandwich comes with fries inside the bun, stacked with coleslaw, tomatoes, and meat of your choice. It’s messy, bold, and totally Pittsburgh.
I went for the capicola and egg—ate it standing up, elbows out, eyes closed. Unforgettable in every way.
39. Olneyville New York System – Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island-style hot wieners topped with mustard, meat sauce, onions, and celery salt. The flavor’s oddly addictive, like a ballpark hot dog’s rebellious cousin.
I ordered two and went back for two more. Bonus points for the retro counter and classic diner feel.
40. Early Bird Diner – Charleston, South Carolina
You walk in for chicken and waffles, and suddenly you’re canceling your dinner plans.
The fried chicken is crunchy, juicy, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, while the waffle is buttery and soft with just the right crisp on the edges. Add honey mustard, and it’s pure Charleston magic.
41. Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. – Custer, South Dakota
Tucked in a quiet mountain town, this spot flips burgers that are straight-up masterpieces.
I ordered the “Hot Granny” with bacon, cream cheese, jalapeños, and sweet-spicy sauce, and it practically glowed with flavor. Buns are baked daily. Fries are hand-cut. The vibe is cozy and wildly satisfying.
42. Arnold’s Country Kitchen – Nashville, Tennessee
A meat-and-three institution with a cafeteria line that wraps around the block. I loaded my tray with roast beef, mac and cheese, green beans, and banana pudding—and nearly cried halfway through.
Everything tastes like it’s been slow-cooked by someone’s Southern grandma. Comfort food royalty.
43. Dae Gee Korean BBQ – San Antonio, Texas
You grill your own meat at the table, and the marinades are next-level. I loved the bulgogi—sweet, garlicky, melt-in-your-mouth beef—and the banchan (side dishes) come fast and furious.
You leave full, smoky, and slightly addicted. This is Texas meets Korea in the best way possible.
44. Red Iguana – Salt Lake City, Utah
Mole is the star here—dark, rich, spicy, and layered with flavor like you wouldn’t believe. I went for the Mole Negro, and it felt like dessert and dinner got married.
The enchiladas are smothered in sauces that take hours to make. It’s bold, cozy, and unforgettable.
45. The Blue Benn Diner – Bennington, Vermont
Inside a vintage dining car, you’ll find classic breakfasts, killer coffee, and surprising specials like tofu scrambles and veggie curries. I had a cinnamon roll pancake that should be illegal.
It’s equal parts old-school and forward-thinking—and the jukebox still works.
46. The Black Sheep – Richmond, Virginia
Subs are the name of the game here, but don’t expect anything ordinary. These “boat-sized” sandwiches come with names like the USS Brooklyn and are stuffed with everything from jerk chicken to pineapple slaw.
I needed both hands, a napkin bib, and a plan for leftovers.
47. Pam’s Kitchen – Seattle, Washington
Trinidadian flavors you don’t find just anywhere—roti, curry goat, jerk chicken, and callaloo that warms your soul.
The doubles (spicy chickpea sandwiches) are soft, spicy, and totally craveable. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to move in and pay rent in plantains.
48. Hillbilly Hot Dogs – Lesage, West Virginia
Part roadside attraction, part carnival for your mouth. I tried a “Homewrecker” dog nearly a foot long, loaded with jalapeños, slaw, nacho cheese, and crushed chips.
Chaos? Yes. Delicious chaos? Absolutely. The vibe is backyard barbecue meets punk rock gas station—and it works.
49. The Old Fashioned – Madison, Wisconsin
Fried cheese curds, beer-battered walleye, and old fashioneds made the real Wisconsin way. I ordered a bratwurst plate that came with kraut, spicy mustard, and a pretzel roll.
The bar’s stocked, the crowd’s lively, and the food is what Midwestern dreams are made of.
50. The Bird – Jackson, Wyoming
A burger joint with a view—and attitude to match. They serve their burgers rare by default and dare you to complain.
I went for the “Big Bird,” stacked with bacon, egg, and cheddar, and barely finished it. The beers are cold, the vibe is rowdy, and the bison burger is unbeatable.