Guy Fieri’s Favorite Restaurant Picks Across All 50 States
Guy Fieri has traveled to every corner of America, hunting down the most amazing food spots for his hit show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
From smoky barbecue joints to creative fusion kitchens, he’s found incredible restaurants that serve up flavors you won’t forget.
Whether you’re planning a road trip or just dreaming about your next meal, these handpicked favorites from all 50 states will make your mouth water and your travel list grow.
1. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Alabama
Memphis-style dry ribs meet Alabama’s famous white sauce at this legendary barbecue spot that’s been smoking meats to perfection for generations.
The tangy, mayo-based white sauce is a regional specialty that’ll change how you think about barbecue forever. Smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, every bite transports you straight to barbecue heaven.
Guy couldn’t get enough of the unique sauce that sets this place apart from every other barbecue joint in America.
Located in Decatur, Alabama.
2. The Cookie Jar – Alaska
Fairbanks locals have been flocking to this cozy spot since forever, craving the kind of home-cooked comfort food that warms you up on those freezing Alaska days.
Homemade pies tower high with flaky crusts, cinnamon rolls are bigger than your head, and the meatloaf tastes like grandma’s secret recipe.
Guy loved how every dish felt like a warm hug from the kitchen, made with love and zero shortcuts.
Located in Fairbanks, Alaska.
3. The Breadfruit & Rum Bar – Arizona
Phoenix might be in the desert, but this Caribbean gem brings island vibes and bold tropical flavors to Arizona like nobody’s business.
Jerk chicken sizzles with spicy heat, and the rum selection could make any pirate jealous. Every dish bursts with authentic island ingredients and cooking techniques that transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean.
Guy was blown away by how vibrant and authentic everything tasted, even thousands of miles from the islands.
Located in Phoenix, Arizona.
4. Bruno’s Little Italy – Arkansas
Classic Italian-American cooking gets serious respect at this Little Rock favorite, where recipes have been passed down through generations and the atmosphere feels like family.
Red sauce simmers for hours, pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, and every dish honors traditional Italian-American techniques.
Guy appreciated how the restaurant keeps authentic flavors alive while making everyone feel welcome at the table.
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
5. Duarte’s Tavern – California
Since 1894, this historic tavern has been serving up California coastal cuisine that showcases the freshest seafood the Pacific has to offer.
The crab cioppino is absolutely legendary, loaded with chunks of fresh crab swimming in a rich, tomato-based broth that tastes like the ocean in the best way possible. Every spoonful delivers incredible depth and flavor that only comes from quality ingredients and time-tested recipes.
Guy called it one of the best seafood dishes he’s ever tasted.
Located in Pescadero, California.
6. Dae Gee Korean BBQ – Colorado
All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue means you get to be the chef, grilling marinated meats right at your table until they’re exactly how you like them.
Bulgogi, galbi, and spicy pork belly sizzle away while you chat with friends and pile your plate high. The interactive experience makes dining here feel like a fun party where everyone gets involved in cooking.
Guy loved the hands-on approach and the endless flavor combinations you can create.
Located at various locations in Colorado.
7. Super Duper Weenie – Connecticut
Hot dogs get the gourmet treatment here, elevated way beyond your average ballpark frank with homemade toppings and freshly baked rolls that make all the difference.
Creative topping combinations transform simple hot dogs into flavor bombs that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this classic food.
Guy was seriously impressed by how much care goes into every single hot dog that comes out of this kitchen.
Located in Fairfield, Connecticut.
8. Farmer & The Cow – Delaware
Inventive burgers meet boozy milkshakes at this Wilmington hotspot where creativity and quality ingredients come together in the most delicious ways.
Bold flavor combinations push boundaries while respecting what makes a great burger great in the first place. The whiskey selection is equally impressive, offering options that pair perfectly with your meal.
Guy couldn’t decide what he loved more, the burgers or the shakes, so he just kept eating both.
Located in Wilmington, Delaware.
9. Mrs. Potato – Florida
Brazilian flavors get an American twist at this Orlando gem where everything is made from scratch and creativity runs wild in the kitchen.
Traditional Brazilian ingredients meet American comfort food favorites, creating dishes that are completely unique and totally craveable. The menu changes based on what’s fresh and what the chefs are excited about cooking.
Guy was fascinated by how seamlessly the two cuisines blended together without losing their individual identities.
Located in Orlando, Florida.
10. Hankook Taqueria – Georgia
Korean meets Mexican in the most unexpected and amazing way at this Atlanta fusion spot that Guy called one of the most unique restaurants he’s ever visited.
Kimchi tacos, bulgogi burritos, and Korean fried chicken quesadillas sound wild, but they work incredibly well together. The bold flavors from both cuisines complement each other perfectly, creating something entirely new and exciting.
Guy couldn’t stop raving about how innovative and delicious every single bite was.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia.
11. Rainbow Drive-In – Hawaii
Since 1961, locals have been lining up for classic Hawaiian plate lunches that define comfort food on the islands.
Generous portions of rice, macaroni salad, and your choice of meat make every plate lunch feel like a celebration of Hawaiian food culture. The recipes haven’t changed much over the decades because when something’s this good, you don’t mess with it.
Guy loved the authentic local vibe and how the food represents real Hawaiian home cooking.
Located in Honolulu, Hawaii.
12. Jimmy’s Down the Street – Idaho
Giant, fluffy pancakes are the star of the show at this family-run diner that’s been feeding Coeur d’Alene locals the kind of breakfast that keeps you full all day.
Classic American comfort food is made with care and generous portions that show the family behind it really wants you to leave happy and satisfied. Everything from the hash browns to the omelets tastes like home.
Guy was amazed by how light and fluffy those massive pancakes were.
Located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
13. Cozy Dog Drive In – Illinois
Since 1949, this nostalgic drive-in has been serving up “cozy dogs,” which are basically hot dogs on a stick coated in cornmeal batter and fried to golden perfection.
The retro atmosphere takes you back to a simpler time when drive-ins ruled and everyone loved a good corn dog. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
Guy appreciated the history and how the recipe hasn’t changed in over 70 years.
Located in Springfield, Illinois.
14. Triple XXX Family Restaurant – Indiana
Indiana’s oldest drive-in has been slinging burgers and sparkling root beer since the 1920s, making it a true slice of American dining history.
Burgers made with ground sirloin taste richer and more flavorful than your typical fast-food patty, and the house-made root beer is perfectly fizzy and sweet. The vintage atmosphere makes every visit feel special, like you’re part of something bigger than just a meal.
Guy loved the old-school vibe and the quality ingredients.
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana.
15. Mi Patria – Iowa
Authentic Ecuadorian cuisine brings the flavors of South America straight to Des Moines, introducing Iowans to dishes they might never have tried before.
Savory stews simmer with rich spices, and perfectly fried plantains are sweet, crispy, and addictive. Every dish represents traditional Ecuadorian cooking techniques and ingredients that tell a story of culture and family.
Guy was thrilled to discover such authentic international flavors in the heart of the Midwest.
Located in Des Moines, Iowa.
16. Woodyard Bar-B-Que – Kansas
Located in a former lumberyard, this rustic barbecue spot uses various woods to smoke meats, creating uniquely complex flavors that barbecue purists dream about.
Different woods impart different flavors, so the pitmasters here are like artists choosing their palette. The authentic atmosphere and dedication to traditional smoking methods make every bite taste like real Kansas City barbecue.
Guy loved the rustic setting and how serious they are about their wood selection.
Located in Kansas City, Kansas.
17. The Table – Kentucky
More than just a restaurant, this community-focused café operates on a pay-what-you-can model, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious, farm-to-table food regardless of their financial situation.
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients go into every dish, and the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming to all. It’s a place where food brings people together and nobody goes hungry.
Guy was moved by the mission and impressed by how good the food was.
Located in Louisville, Kentucky.
18. The Joint – Louisiana
Tucked away in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, this barbecue joint serves up slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket that hold their own in a city famous for incredible food.
The meat is tender, smoky, and full of flavor, proving that barbecue can absolutely compete with all the other amazing cuisines New Orleans is known for.
Guy was impressed that barbecue this good exists in a city dominated by Creole and Cajun cooking.
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana.
19. Becky’s Diner – Maine
Open 24/7 on the Portland waterfront, this classic diner serves fresh seafood and hearty breakfast platters any time of day or night.
Whether you’re craving lobster rolls at midnight or a massive stack of pancakes at dawn, Becky’s has you covered with classic American diner fare. The waterfront location adds to the charm, making every meal feel like a true Maine experience.
Guy loved that you could get amazing seafood at any hour of the day.
Located in Portland, Maine.
20. Broadway Diner – Maryland
This quintessential East Coast diner serves up a massive menu that includes both Greek specialties and classic American comfort food, giving you almost too many delicious choices.
From moussaka to meatloaf, everything is made with care and attention to detail. The Greek influence adds an interesting twist to typical diner fare, making it stand out from other Baltimore breakfast spots.
Guy appreciated the variety and how well both cuisines were executed under one roof.
Located in Baltimore, Maryland.
21. Cutty’s – Massachusetts
High-quality ingredients come together to create some of the best sandwiches around at this Brookline favorite where simple combinations become unforgettable.
Every ingredient is chosen carefully, from the bread to the meats to the spreads, ensuring that each element contributes to the overall deliciousness. The focus on quality over quantity means every sandwich is a masterpiece.
Guy called these some of the best sandwiches he’s ever eaten, which is saying a lot.
Located in Brookline, Massachusetts.
22. The Fly Trap – Michigan
Innovative dishes like the Red Chili Salmon Burger and gingerbread waffle make this Ferndale favorite a destination for adventurous eaters who want something totally different.
Creative flavor combinations push boundaries while still tasting absolutely delicious, proving that weird can definitely work when it’s done right. The menu constantly evolves, keeping regular customers excited to see what’s new.
Guy was blown away by how unique and tasty everything was, especially that salmon burger.
Located in Ferndale, Michigan.
23. Al’s Breakfast – Minnesota
This tiny, 14-stool diner has been a Minneapolis legend for over 70 years, serving up delicious breakfast classics in the coziest, most intimate setting imaginable.
The narrow counter means you’re sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers who quickly become friends over perfectly cooked eggs and crispy hash browns. There’s something magical about eating breakfast in such a small, historic space.
Guy loved the old-school charm and how the tiny space creates such a unique dining experience.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
24. Memphis Barbecue Company – Mississippi
Championship-level barbecue comes to the masses at this Horn Lake spot where perfectly smoked meats and tangy sauces represent the best of Memphis-style barbecue traditions.
Competition-quality techniques mean every rack of ribs and every brisket is cooked with precision and care. The tangy, tomato-based sauce is the perfect complement to the smoky meat.
Guy recognized immediately that these pitmasters know exactly what they’re doing and have the awards to prove it.
Located in Horn Lake, Mississippi.
25. The Shaved Duck Smokehouse – Missouri
Barbecue meets soul food at this St. Louis favorite where dishes like smothered fries topped with pulled pork and cheese sauce take comfort food to ridiculous new heights.
The combination of smoky barbecue and rich soul food flavors creates something truly special that you won’t find anywhere else. Every dish is indulgent, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Guy couldn’t believe how amazing those smothered fries tasted with all that pulled pork and cheese on top.
Located in St. Louis, Missouri.
26. Roost Fried Chicken – Montana
Nashville-style hot chicken makes its way to Montana at this Bozeman spot where perfectly crispy fried chicken comes with varying levels of spice to match your heat tolerance.
From mild to mouth-burning hot, the spice levels let everyone enjoy this Southern specialty at their own comfort level. The chicken stays crispy even under all that spicy coating, which is the mark of truly great fried chicken.
Guy tested his limits with the spicier options and loved every sweaty, delicious minute of it.
Located in Bozeman, Montana.
27. Block 16 – Nebraska
Farm-to-table meets gourmet street food at this Omaha eatery where creative sandwiches and burgers feature an ever-changing menu based on what’s fresh and seasonal.
The chefs take street food seriously, elevating it with high-quality local ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Nothing stays the same for too long, which means regular customers always have something new to try.
Guy was impressed by the creativity and how they make street food feel upscale without being pretentious.
Located in Omaha, Nebraska.
28. John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill – Nevada
This butcher shop and barbecue joint serves up some of the best barbecue in Las Vegas, which is saying something in a city filled with celebrity chef restaurants.
Tender brisket and slow-smoked ribs prove that you don’t need a fancy dining room to serve incredible food. The butcher shop connection means the meat quality is always top-notch.
Guy loved finding such authentic barbecue in a city known more for buffets and steakhouses than smokehouses.
Located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
29. Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. – New Hampshire
House-brewed beers and delicious barbecue make this North Conway spot popular with both locals and tourists looking for a winning combination of flavors.
The beers are crafted on-site and pair perfectly with the smoky meats coming out of the kitchen. The mountain lodge atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking or skiing.
Guy appreciated how well the barbecue and beer complemented each other, creating a complete dining experience.
Located in North Conway, New Hampshire.
30. The Grilled Cheese and Crabcake Co. – New Jersey
Stellar grilled cheese sandwiches and creamy crabcakes are the stars at this family-owned New Jersey favorite that takes comfort food seriously.
The grilled cheese options go way beyond basic, featuring creative ingredient combinations that still honor what makes grilled cheese great. The crabcakes are packed with sweet lump crab meat and minimal filler.
Guy couldn’t decide which he loved more, so he just ordered both and regretted nothing.
Located in Somers Point, New Jersey.
31. Joseph’s Culinary Pub – New Mexico
Sophisticated takes on pub classics get infused with global and Southwestern flavors at this Santa Fe spot that offers upscale dining at comfortable prices.
The menu shows serious culinary skill while keeping the vibe relaxed and approachable. Green chile makes appearances alongside international ingredients, creating unique flavor profiles that represent Santa Fe’s diverse food culture.
Guy loved how elevated the food was while still feeling like a place you’d want to hang out regularly.
Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
32. Pies ‘n’ Thighs – New York
Southern comfort food shines at this Brooklyn favorite where fried chicken and waffles share menu space with award-winning pies that’ll make you want dessert first.
The fried chicken is perfectly crispy with juicy meat inside, and the waffles are fluffy and slightly sweet. The pies rotate seasonally but are always incredible, with flaky crusts and generous fillings.
Guy declared the fried chicken some of the best he’s had, which is high praise from someone who’s eaten a lot of fried chicken.
Located in Brooklyn, New York.
33. Papi Queso – North Carolina
Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches get seriously creative at this Charlotte spot where inventions like the Spaghetti Melt and mac and cheese-stuffed grilled cheese challenge everything you thought you knew about sandwiches.
The combinations sound crazy but taste absolutely amazing, proving that sometimes the wildest ideas are the best ones. Every sandwich is gooey, indulgent, and completely over-the-top in the best way.
Guy was fascinated by the creativity and couldn’t stop eating.
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
34. Blackbird Woodfire – North Dakota
Quality ingredients and traditional techniques come together at this Fargo pizza spot where a wood-fired oven creates pizzas with that perfect crispy-chewy crust that pizza lovers dream about.
The high heat from the wood fire creates a char and texture that regular ovens just can’t match. Every pizza shows dedication to the craft, from the dough to the toppings.
Guy recognized immediately that these pizza makers understand what makes truly great pizza and execute it perfectly every time.
Located in Fargo, North Dakota.
35. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit – Ohio
What started as a food truck has become a Columbus barbecue institution, serving up championship-quality smoked meats that rival anything you’d find in traditional barbecue regions.
The meats are smoked low and slow until they’re fall-apart tender and packed with smoky flavor. Despite the humble origins, the quality rivals the best barbecue joints in the country.
Guy loved the story and the fact that such incredible barbecue comes from a place you might not expect.
Located at various locations in Ohio.
36. Juniors Roast Beef – Oklahoma
Thinly sliced roast beef piled high on fresh rolls makes this Oklahoma City spot a local legend among sandwich lovers who appreciate simplicity done right.
The beef is tender, juicy, and seasoned perfectly, proving that you don’t need a complicated recipe when your main ingredient is this good. Classic sides like fries and coleslaw round out the meal.
Guy appreciated how they focus on doing one thing really well instead of trying to be everything to everyone.
Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
37. Pine State Biscuits – Oregon
Southern-style biscuits take center stage at this Portland favorite where fluffy, buttery biscuits get topped with everything from fried chicken to gravy to creative breakfast combinations.
The biscuits are made from scratch daily and are so tender they practically melt in your mouth. Whether you go sweet or savory, every biscuit creation is comfort food at its finest.
Guy called these some of the best biscuits outside the South, which made the Portland locals very proud.
Located in Portland, Oregon.
38. Primanti Bros. – Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s most iconic sandwich puts french fries and coleslaw right inside the sandwich, creating a carb-loaded masterpiece that locals swear by and visitors find fascinating.
The combination sounds weird but works incredibly well, with the fries adding crunch and the slaw adding tang and freshness. It’s a Pittsburgh tradition that’s been feeding hungry Steel City workers for generations.
Guy understood immediately why this sandwich is such a beloved local tradition and why people get so passionate about it.
Located at various locations in Pennsylvania.
39. Wright’s Farm Restaurant – Rhode Island
All-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners have made this Rhode Island institution famous, serving up roasted chicken with pasta, salad, and sides until you can’t eat another bite.
The chicken is perfectly roasted with crispy skin and juicy meat, and the family-style service means everyone shares big platters of food. It’s the kind of meal that brings families together around the table.
Guy loved the generous portions and the family atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Located in Harrisville, Rhode Island.
40. Husk Restaurant – South Carolina
Upscale Southern cuisine gets the farm-to-table treatment at this Charleston favorite where Lowcountry ingredients shine in dishes that honor tradition while pushing boundaries.
The menu changes daily based on what’s fresh and local, showcasing the incredible produce and proteins available in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Every dish tells a story of place and tradition.
Guy was impressed by how the restaurant elevates Southern cooking while respecting its roots and traditions.
Located in Charleston, South Carolina.
41. Nick’s Hamburger Shop – South Dakota
Since 1929, this Brookings institution has been serving simple burgers topped with onions, proving that sometimes the most basic recipes are the most delicious.
The burgers are small, so most people order several, but they’re packed with flavor and cooked perfectly on a flattop griddle. The vintage atmosphere takes you back to simpler times when burgers were cheap and life was good.
Guy loved the no-frills approach and how the simple burger lets the quality beef shine through.
Located in Brookings, South Dakota.
42. Arnold’s Country Kitchen – Tennessee
Classic Nashville meat-and-three dining means you pick one meat and three sides from a daily menu of Southern comfort food favorites that taste like grandma’s cooking.
Fried chicken, meatloaf, and pot roast share space with sides like mac and cheese, green beans, and cornbread dressing. Everything is made fresh daily with recipes that have been perfected over decades.
Guy called it some of the best Southern comfort food he’s ever eaten, and he’s eaten a lot.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee.
43. Cattleack Barbeque – Texas
Texas barbecue reaches perfection at this Dallas spot where brisket, ribs, and sausage are smoked the traditional Texas way until they’re impossibly tender and flavorful.
The brisket has that perfect smoke ring and bark on the outside while staying juicy inside. They often sell out early because the demand is so high for their championship-quality barbecue.
Guy recognized this as world-class Texas barbecue that stands up to the best in the state, which is the highest compliment possible.
Located in Dallas, Texas.
44. Hires Big H – Utah
Since 1959, this Salt Lake City drive-in has been serving burgers and famous root beer to generations of Utah families who consider it a local treasure.
The root beer is made in-house and is perfectly sweet and creamy, pairing beautifully with their classic American burgers. The drive-in atmosphere brings back memories of simpler times when eating in your car was the coolest thing ever.
Guy loved the vintage vibe and how the restaurant has stayed true to its roots for over 60 years.
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
45. Hen of the Wood – Vermont
Farm-to-table dining showcases the best of Vermont’s seasonal ingredients at this Waterbury restaurant where New England cuisine gets elevated treatment in a rustic yet elegant setting.
Local farms provide most of the ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and represents the flavors of Vermont. The menu changes with the seasons, celebrating what’s available at different times of year.
Guy appreciated the commitment to local sourcing and how the food truly tastes like Vermont on a plate.
Located in Waterbury, Vermont.
46. The Bee & The Biscuit – Virginia
Southern breakfast gets creative at this Richmond spot where biscuits and fried chicken meet innovative breakfast combinations that’ll make you rethink your morning meal options.
The biscuits are fluffy and buttery, perfect vehicles for fried chicken, eggs, and creative toppings. Everything is made from scratch with quality ingredients that show in every bite.
Guy loved how they take Southern breakfast traditions and add just enough creativity to make them exciting without losing their soul.
Located in Richmond, Virginia.
47. Biscuit Bitch – Washington
Southern biscuits meet Seattle sass at this breakfast spot where the attitude is as bold as the flavors and the biscuit sandwiches are absolutely massive.
The menu doesn’t hold back on flavor or portion sizes, piling biscuits high with fried chicken, eggs, gravy, and whatever else sounds good. The irreverent name and vibe make it clear this place doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Guy appreciated the humor and loved how serious they are about making damn good biscuits despite the playful atmosphere.
Located in Seattle, Washington.
48. Hillbilly Hot Dogs – West Virginia
Wild hot dog creations and quirky roadside charm make this West Virginia spot a destination for adventurous eaters who want their hot dogs piled high with unusual toppings.
The menu features dozens of creative hot dog combinations you’d never think of yourself but taste surprisingly amazing together. The roadside location and funky atmosphere add to the experience.
Guy loved the creativity and how they prove hot dogs can be so much more than just ketchup and mustard.
Located in Lesage, West Virginia.
49. Beernsten’s Confectionary – Wisconsin
Since 1932, this old-fashioned ice cream parlor and candy shop has been serving up sweet treats in a vintage atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Homemade ice cream, classic sodas, and handmade candies are made using traditional recipes and methods. The vintage soda fountain and decor are authentic, not recreated, making the nostalgia real.
Guy loved the authentic vintage vibe and how the ice cream tastes just as good as it did decades ago.
Located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
50. The Luxury Diner – Wyoming
Classic American diner fare gets served all day at this Cheyenne institution where breakfast is available anytime and comfort food is taken seriously.
The menu covers all the diner classics from pancakes to burgers to meatloaf, all made with care and generous portions. The atmosphere is pure diner, with booths, a counter, and that welcoming vibe that makes diners special.
Guy appreciated finding such a solid, classic diner in Wyoming that delivers exactly what you want from diner food.
Located in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
