Gaul & Co. Malt House is a corner bar that’s serving up next-level food. Their popular buffalo wings are brined, baked and then fried until crisp and tossed in their house-made sauce. “I’m impressed,” said Guy, who’s had more than a few wings in his travels. The Wit or Witoutski, their take on a Philly cheesesteak, is made with house-made shaved kielbasa and house-made American cheese sauce. “It’s unique. I don’t think I’ve ever had anything like it,” said Guy. “That is a destination sandwich.”
This Philadelphia joint is the perfect place to find good, fast and healthy food. Chef Josh Bullock mashes up creativity, local farm-fresh foods and a healthy attitude with his flavorful dishes that are completely allergen-free and health-conscious, like their Whiskey Cola Chicken with Beets and Sweets. The tender chicken is doused in a sweet and tangy sauce and is served with a side of garlicky greens. “Scratch-made, creative, eclectic," Guy said. "It’s real-deal, man.”
Ena's Caribbean Kitchen is a family-filled Jamaican joint where Island favorite are fired up. Try the authentic jerk chicken or the whole red snapper which is deep fried and served with a vinegary escabeche sauce.
Pierogi Mountain is a dive bar that serves pierogi and comfort food during the day and adds a side of punk rock at night. Vegetarians and vegans are welcome as eight of the nine pierogi offerings are vegetarian or vegan.
Chef and owner Angela Petro brings creativity and fun to the cuisine at Sweet Carrot. The gorgeous Ohio Chicken Meatball sandwich is drizzled with a slightly-sweet, sesame-ginger sauce and topped with house-made spicy, roasted-corn salsa. “I’d order that again for the next five years,” said Guy.
This South Philly neighborhood bar takes the beloved PB&J to the next level by breading it with frosted flakes and then deep-frying it. Guy loved the "big flavor" from the ricotta donuts and was surprised by the "outrageous" taste of the wild boar head cheese tacos with homemade salsa and guacamole.
At The Sidecar Bar & Grille, head chef Brian Lofink put his own spin on New England clam chowder by adding gnocchi to the mix. The result is a dish that left Guy so amazed that he declared it ''literally one of the best gnocchi dishes" ever.
As a lifelong foodie, Mark Bee offers more than just the standard diner fare at his joint. Guy was left impressed by menu items such as duck confit spring rolls and pulled pork empanadas. “That is an orchestra right there; that’s a medley of just great flavor,” Guy said of the empanadas. They start with fresh ham, which is cooked down with a mix of chili powders and spices, then shredded and layered with sweet potatoes; they're finished in a fried dough pocket slicked with a chipotle-honey glaze.
David Flier, a lover of food and a lover of music, combined his loves to create Rockin' Dave's Bagel Bistro & Backstage Lounge. At this friendly, casual dining restaurant, patrons can customize a bagel order, choose from an extensive menu with vegan and gluten-free options or enjoy the surprise monthly special.
Chef Steve Helt serves up familiar Northwestern dishes made with a Southern twist and cocktails. Zydeco's offers a gluten-free menu, so that there is something on the menu for everyone.
You can visit Dump City's restaurant or food cart to try one of their dumpling varieties, including Four Cheese Pizza, vegan Pad Thai and Chinese style Pork.
Junkyard Extreme Burgers and Brats boasts the craziest menu, and it's also the only restaurant in town. The Big Block is their signature burger with 1 pound of meat, bacon, what Guy estimates to be about a cup of cheese, and more. There’s also the fried cheese pizza with four different cheeses.
This funky food truck is known for its meaty sandwiches. Guy calls the Pork on Pork a “monster of a sandwich.” It’s packed with pork and topped with bacon, fries, cilantro slaw and onions. He also raves about the “rich piece of meat” that gives the Meaty Cheesy Goodness grilled cheese its name.
Around the world in 80 bowls: Soup Nation helps diners travel the globe with a rotating menu of more than 80 international soups. From the stocks and broths to the sourdough bread, everything is made from scratch for the rotating menu of nine daily choices, which include gluten-free, vegan and nut-free options.
Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen and BBQ feels more like a party than a restaurant, with live music, good company and better-than-homemade soul food. The classic barbecue meats are exceptional for a restaurant west of the Mississippi, but the off-menu Soul Burger — a smoked pork patty with slaw and fried onions — is completely original.
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.