At this eatery they're serving over 2000 burgers a week with a gourmet twist. The barbecue sauce in the half-pound Western Burger with pepper Jack, bacon, onion strings and jalapenos was the "kicker" according to Guy. He also enjoyed the venison and bison burger with a side of spicy fried pickles.
For more than 80 years, Tufano's Vernon Park Tap has been dishing out old-school Italian dishes. The James Beard award and solid Chicago fan base prove the quality of their classic dishes. The way Guy sees it, their signature lemon chicken is nothing short of a "bodacious bird."
The award-winning Thee Pitts Again in Glendale, Ariz., has barbecuing accolades stacked over and under the fridge. On Triple D, Guy loved the low-and-slow smoking technique for the succulent pulled pork. As Guy also learned, the technique makes for super tender turkey and catfish, too.
Don't judge a book by its cover at this 80-year-old joint serving classic burgers, steaks and pasta dishes. Try the best-selling Whiskey Shrimp that Guy called "dynamite." Surf 'n' turf lovers should indulge in the conch and filet mignon duo that’s got a bit of Cajun spice.
The Rock Cafe was literally built from rocks used for Route 66. And although the restaurant opened in 1939, the menu reflects a modern take on roadside eats. Guy could "seriously put down" more than one Buffalo Burger, but then he’d miss out on the famous Alligator Burger and German Spaetzle.
Open since 1984, Ritz Diner is the quintessential New Jersey joint. Popular eats include the Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich, the steak sandwich, and the matzo ball. Guy recommends ending your meal with a slice of tasty apple pie. Any of the daily-baked desserts will make for a sweet finish.
Described by its culinary team as “rock 'n' roll and tattoos,” The Original Dinerant offers a modern take on '50s and '60s diners by way of amped-up American favorites featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Creative riffs on the classics include a cheese-smothered beef slider patty served between two piping-hot halves of a glazed housemade doughnut. Another standout is the chicken and waffles that Guy called a “contender for the title.” Jalapeno-and-cheddar-studded buttermilk waffles come heaped with crisp chicken confit and drenched in smoked maple syrup.
The Madison Diner on Bainbridge Island, Wash., is an actual New Jersey diner that was shipped all the way to Washington. So it makes sense that the menu includes East Coast diner favorites with a West Coast twist. Check out the Atlantic Salmon Hash and the Guy-approved Chorizo Scramble.
Everything at this Big Easy spot comes out of the smoker, from racks of ribs, pork butt and brisket sandwiches to Cajun sausage and even salad dressing. Guy calls their special North Carolina-style sauce, made with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, pepper and cayenne, "an orchestra of flavor."
Here's a first - Triple D meets tofu (awesome!). The Fly Trap "finer diner" keeps it classic with their gingerbread waffles, but isn't afraid to travel to the Far East. Trade your greasy spoon for chopsticks and get down with their Asian-inspired tofu fried rice and the fattest pho bowl in town.
Part cafe, part local market, this Key Largo restaurant offers fresh seafood for dining in and takeout. Both Bobby and Guy are fans of the Matecumbe. This house specialty features locally caught fish that’s topped with a salsa made from lemon, tomatoes, onions and capers, then quickly baked in a searing-hot convection oven. This simple approach results in a “delicate, tender” dish, Guy says.
This chili and sandwich shop has been around for more than 100 years and they're famous for their two-time state of Oklahoma championship chili recipe. Try it in a classic bowl, the chili dog dinner or the chili burrito with ranchero sauce.
What else can you ask for besides a music venue with homemade food? Guy says "they don't skimp on the goodness at this pub-grub joint," and would you want them to? This is where you want to go to hear music, have a meatloaf sandwich and have a good night.
Guy calls Tee Off Bar & Grill a "five-star dive bar." The husband-and-wife-owned spot is known for high-end, homemade dishes like Double Pork Chops With Apricot Relish and Deep-Fried Sweet Corn, but it's their signature dish, Paul's Crafty Mac N Cheese, that has Guy promising to come back for more.
Tecolote Cafe takes chiles seriously and guarantees theirs are straight from Santa Fe, N.M. The peppers make up the signature sauce Guy called "a hot tub in Flavortown." Here's a tip: If you want to sound like a local, order the Huevos Yucatecos "Christmas" style, with both red and green salsa.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.