Guy Fieri’s Favorite 20 Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives
Guy Fieri has traveled thousands of miles to uncover the boldest bites and biggest flavors in America. From smoky BBQ joints to tucked-away taco spots, his show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has introduced fans to some unforgettable eats.
These 20 restaurants aren’t just one-time features—they’re spots Guy keeps raving about, and fans keep visiting. Whether you’re hitting the road or building a foodie bucket list, these flavor-packed joints are worth the detour. Buckle up—Flavortown is calling.
1. The Bagel Deli & Restaurant – Denver, CO
This family-run Jewish deli serves matzo ball soup, sky-high pastrami sandwiches, and killer knishes. Guy called it a real-deal deli with soul.
Try the lox and bagel platter or a corned beef Reuben slathered with spicy mustard. It’s East Coast flavor in the heart of Colorado.
2. Joe Squared – Baltimore, MD
Square pizza with a coal-fired crust meets unexpected toppings like goat cheese, bacon, and scallions. The crust crackles but stays soft inside.
Known for hand-crafted pies and house-made risotto, it’s where artisan cooking meets neighborhood cool. Baltimore pride baked into every slice.
3. Grinders – Kansas City, MO
This punk rock pizza joint throws down giant slices topped with everything from tater tots to cheesesteaks. The vibe is loud and fearless.
Guy couldn’t stop raving about the chili bomb pizza and death wings. It’s a wild mashup of flavor and fun with KC attitude.
4. The Blue Door Pub – St. Paul, MN
Famous for their “Blucy” burger—cheese-stuffed, seared, and bursting with molten flavor. The combo of beef and blue cheese is a knockout.
From house-made tots to creative bar snacks, it’s dive-bar comfort turned gourmet. Small joint, big burger energy.
5. Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor, TX
Thick-cut brisket with a peppery bark, juicy sausage links, and walls stained with years of smoke. This is Texas barbecue royalty.
Guy loved the smoky depth and simple seasoning. It’s a meaty temple where flavor speaks louder than sauce.
6. Pizzeria Luigi – San Diego, CA
New York–style pies served West Coast–style—crispy, foldable slices loaded with toppings. Guy praised the handmade dough and generous flavor.
Order a slice of “The Bronx” or anything with spicy sausage. This pizzeria brings big city bite to beach town chill.
7. Al’s Breakfast – Minneapolis, MN
Tiny, narrow, and packed with locals, this breakfast counter dishes up short-order magic like blueberry pancakes and eggs Benedict.
Guy called it the smallest diner with the biggest flavor. Sit shoulder-to-shoulder and enjoy a true slice of Americana.
8. South 21 Drive-In – Charlotte, NC
Old-school carhop service and golden onion rings set the scene. Their Super Boy burger—double patty, mustard, slaw—is legendary.
The menu is straight out of the ’50s and still going strong. Grab a shake and park—it’s nostalgia you can taste.
9. Lucky’s Cafe – Cleveland, OH
Farm-to-table brunch before it was trendy. The biscuits and gravy are rich and herb-flecked, with a creaminess Guy called “next level.”
From house-cured bacon to scratch-made granola, every bite feels homemade. Cozy and creative with serious flavor cred.
10. Broiler Bay – Bellevue, WA
A no-frills burger shack with hand-cut fries and a cult-favorite tartar sauce. The fish and chips are thick, crispy, and wildly addictive.
Guy praised the freshness and crunch factor. It’s seaside flavor from a roadside grill with hometown charm.
11. Big Star Sandwich – Vancouver, BC
Canadian deli magic where brisket meets horseradish mayo on house-baked bread. Sandwiches are stacked, saucy, and served with swagger.
The “Breaky Brisket” was Guy’s jam. It’s proof that sometimes all you need is bread, beef, and boldness.
12. La Carreta – Miami, FL
A Cuban institution serving mojo pork, plantains, and pressed sandwiches with pickles and Swiss cheese. The flavors are bright, tangy, and soulful.
Guy couldn’t get enough of the ropa vieja. It’s a taste of Havana with a Miami beat.
13. The Shed – Ocean Springs, MS
Built from scrap wood and full of bluesy vibes, this BBQ spot does pulled pork, ribs, and brisket with smoky finesse.
Their house sauce is tangy, and the meat falls apart at first bite. Guy called it funky, fun, and full of fire.
14. Memphis Taproom – Philadelphia, PA
Craft beer meets clever pub grub in this edgy Philly hangout. The vegan “Pulled Pork” sandwich made from jackfruit wowed even meat lovers.
Guy flipped for the beer-battered pickles and creative menu. It’s gastropub meets neighborhood dive with flair.
15. MEAT Eatery & Taproom – Islamorada, FL
This Florida Keys spot serves house-ground burgers and duck fat fries that are crisp and golden. The chorizo-stuffed burger had Guy speechless.
With bacon relish and signature sauces, everything on the menu is crafted with care. Small place, big burger flavor.
16. Smitty’s Market – Lockhart, TX
Brisket and sausages smoked in historic pits where the fire never goes out. The meat is carved right in front of you.
Skip the sauce—it’s not needed. Guy called it one of the best BBQ experiences in the country.
17. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack – Atlanta, GA
Sticky ribs, blues music, and sides like baked beans and slaw served in a laid-back shack. The ribs are lacquered in sweet-spicy sauce.
Guy loved the rhythm, flavor, and vibe. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and the food speaks loud.
18. Maui Brick Oven – Kihei, HI
Gluten-free and island-inspired, this Hawaiian spot makes pizza and fried chicken that surprise with bold flavor and texture.
Guy was wowed by the coconut milk sauces and crisp crusts. A tropical take on comfort food done right.
19. Hodad’s – San Diego, CA
Towering burgers, surfboards on the wall, and lines out the door. Their bacon cheeseburger is layered with crunch, juice, and salt in every bite.
The atmosphere is as wild as the food. Guy crowned it a Flavortown essential for burger lovers.
20. Big Jim’s – Pittsburgh, PA
Hidden in a residential neighborhood, Big Jim’s slings meatball hoagies, spaghetti platters, and Pittsburgh-style comfort. The portions are massive.
Guy couldn’t stop talking about the veal parm sandwich. It’s like eating at your Italian uncle’s place—if he owned a diner.