Restaurants

A gas station’s cafe may be the last place you’d expect to fill up on gourmet eats, but that’s what you’ll find here. Guy Fieri is a fan of the bread pudding served with a scratch-made cognac sauce, while Jeff Mauro favors a spicier treat: a Bloody Mary garnished with fried chicken, bacon and more.

For a taste of the East Coast in the midst of Texas, head to this circa-1940s diner that was transported here from New York. In addition to serving Texas classics, including biscuits and gravy, owner Rich Risbon is slinging East Coast staples such as Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Risbon offers a traditional take on the sandwich (think mounds of thinly sliced sauteed beef, grilled onions and melty slices of white American cheese), as well as beyond-basic riffs: There's even a pizza version slathered in marinara sauce.

Third-generation pitmaster Wayne Mueller starts lighting the fires and loading the meats as early as 3 a.m. at this joint. Such dedication pays off: The brisket is so juicy that no sauce is needed, and the monstrous beef ribs feature a thick, peppery crust that gives way to tender, luscious meat.

Mac & Ernie's in Tarpley, Texas, has the honor of being the first restaurant featured on Triple D. The Cabrito (that's Spanish for little goat) burger is owner Naylene Dillingham's own recipe. Guy was amazed by the chicken-fried lamb chop, proclaiming, ''It may be the best lamb chop I've ever had.''

Chef-Owner Raymond Aker combines two seemingly disparate cuisines — sushi and barbecue — to make distinctive dishes that sing with bold, bright flavors. Take the surf-and-turf roll, for instance. The rice-wrapped roll is stuffed with snow crab, tempura-battered shrimp and avocado, then topped with a hefty slice of smoked brisket and spicy jalapeno slivers. The dish comes drenched in a wasabi-laced dressing that Guy says balances out the flavors. Also try the crisp, golden fries that come heaped with two Korean classics: bulgogi and kimchi.

Diners head to Wrigleyville for a legit taste of Chicago in San Antonio. Chef Demetrios Tingas, aka Jimmy, spent 41 years in Chicago and brought his hometown staples with him when he moved south. “That’s as close as it is to the original,” Guy said between bites of the Famous Italian Beef.

Chef Gustavo Plache and Norah Saleh, a husband and wife team from Argentina, are churning out their signature “fat tummy” empanadas in San Antonio. These extra-large hot dough pockets are filled with all kinds of savory and sweet ingredients. “You’re the example of the America story,” said Guy. “That’s why we do Triple-D.”

Even in a state full of barbecue joints, this one stands out for its Big Mac Daddy. Layer upon layer of pulled pork and brisket are heaped onto a 24-inch bun, then loaded with sausage links, smothered with 2 kinds of sauces and crowned with 4 scoops of meat-studded macaroni and cheese for a seven-pound behemoth.

At this Latin American street food restaurant everything is made to order. Out of the 14 types of empanadas, Guy most enjoyed the chicken poblano, which has a nice flaky crust. He also liked the rich and satisfying chalupa cabra with guava and cream cheese rolls, cilantro, coconut slaw and curry.

As a San Antonio landmark of more than 60 years, the Bun 'N' Barrel knocks old-school classics out of the park. Must-try favorites include the Terrace Burger and the succulent brisket sandwich. Or, if you're Guy, try the "pretty addicting" spicy burger paired with the super fiery Thai chile sauce.

Patrons head to Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen for some of the most-authentic New Orleans cuisine outside of New Orleans. Alice Martinez "Ma Harper", now in her 80s, got into the restaurant business after retiring from the nearby air force base. She learned to cook by feeding her 15 siblings while growing up in New Orleans.

Chef Robert Fleming's light and airy pancakes are "raising the bar on breakfast." The crispy corned beef hash impressed Guy with its "big flavor." The deliciously unique Pfannekuchen is like an apple pie disguised as a pancake. Try the bacon waffles for a savory spin on a breakfast classic.

Guy couldn't stop himself from taking nibbles of Moroccan Bites' dishes. For starters, the fall-apart lamb served on fluffy couscous was playing a "tune called delicious." And don’t forget the Moroccan sausage sandwich made with an earthy spice mix and totally "out-of-bounds" relish.

At this Puerto Rican eatery, Chef Andre Cerbones is cooking up all the classics. Guy's favorite is the mofongo, which is made with mashed plantains, fried pork and a garlic sauce. According to Guy, "there is no way you can't love" the full-flavored ropa vieja with twice-fried plantains either.

After teaching for 25 years, Chef Iris Ornelas followed her passion and opened a restaurant that celebrated her Puerto Rican heritage. Her Caribbean Nachos are made with crispy fried plantains, instead of chips and are topped with roast pork, beans, cheese and chili sauce. Also, try their unique Chuleta Kan-Kan which is an extremely large fried pork chop with the rib attached. Guy had never seen anything like it.