Restaurants

The house-cured pastrami at The Oinkster redefines slow fast food says owner Andre Guerrero. Guy couldn't agree more. The signature Oinkster pastrami sandwich was best described as "liqua smoka porka flavor," and with homemade ketchup and perfect onion rings, the meal was totally on-point.

Rudy's is all about creating a welcoming environment where "all walks of life" can feel at home. So far, they haven't failed, with a 20-burger menu and classic breakfast specials. For what Guy might call a hunch-worthy bite, try The Monster Chili Cheeseburger with two patties and scratch-made chili.

This Compton location is closed, but you can still get Bludso's craveworthy 'cue at the Hollywood locale. The joint serves up Texas-style barbecue like the ribs with a side of spicy barbecue sauce that won over Guy Fieri. Owner Kevin Bludso really goes all out at the holidays with deep-fried turkeys injected with a decadent concoction of butter and seasonings, which he refers to as “liquid gold.”

From Scratch is what Guy calls “old school in hyperdrive.” They take classics and inject them with more flavors. For example, the biscuit and gravy consists of a handmade biscuit topped with a sausage patty and gravy. Another must-try is the brisket chili that is both spicy and sweet.

Inspired by DDD, a local guy opened Zobo and Meester’s to feed the hungry mouths around an industrial park. A favorite is the Flame Thrower panini which is a mixture of house-made roast beef and pulled pork spiced up with pepper jack cheese, house-made habanero salsa and jalapenos. On Saturdays only they serve authentic barbecue smoked on site.

For Southern Italian cuisine that will “knock your mama out the rocking chair,” Guy heads to Little Napoli. Enjoy the simplicity of the Baked Cannelloni “Tricolore,” with its blend of sauces, or savor the spicy Il Pescatore “Cioppino Rosso,” featuring fresh seafood and just the right amount of heat.

The chili recipe at this 1950s-style diner is so old that it came with the building when the LoGuercio family bought the place. Laced with beef cracklings and two secret spice blends, this meaty chili tastes extra delicious served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, onions and oyster crackers.

This "real deal barbecue," including oak-grilled tri-tip, chicken and smoky pulled pork, is worth a road trip. 

This 19th-century firehouse serves eclectic dishes, including Basque-style Lamb Tacos with blue cheese, and crispy Popcorn Pork with chipotle dip.

This eclectic Bakersfield restaurant can satisfy multiple cravings with its Mexican, South American and Caribbean dishes, including habanero-spiced fried chicken.

Set just off the Southern Pacific Railroad in East Bakersfield, this local institution has served served excellent Basque dishes since the 1930s. Guy deemed the Fried Garlic Chicken "outstanding," saying it would be the example if he ever served the dish.

This retro diner excels at comfort classics, including chili, biscuits, pancakes and burgers.

Open since 1939, this retro steakhouse serves down-home classics like Chicken Piccata, Stuffed Pork Chops and Lobster Mac & Cheese.

The middle of the desert might not seem like the best place to open a Greek diner, but the Mad Greek Restaurant has been attracting crowds for over 20 years. Chef Larry Dabour uses his grandmother's recipes for specialties like gyros, spanakopita (spinach pie) and shawarma — Guy's favorite.

Tucked into an industrial park near the railroad tracks, this ice cream shop and restaurant serves creative burgers — including a peanut butter-topped burger with bacon jam — and homemade ice cream.