Local Legends

Cruise down Main Streets all across America with Guy Fieri as he visits some of the most-legendary establishments of Flavortown. These locales have been around for decades, and they're all famous for out-of-this-world specialties.

Since DeFalco's Italian Eatery, Grocery & Deli opened up in 1972, it's been using recipes that have been in the family for more than a century. Some of the specialties include the Il Purista: a cold sandwich with prosciutto, house-made fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, in-house roasted red peppers, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar on fresh bread. Also try the Roman Centurion calzone (featuring that same delicious fresh cheese and soppressata) and the house-made Italian sausages. Guy calls the food here "too legit to quit."

Jimmy's Down the Street has been a steadfast corner of Coeur d'Alene in Idaho for more than 50 years, even if the owners have changed. It's a '50s diner described by locals as a town hall with comfort food. When Guy tried the famous Pecan Rolls, he could barely find time to speak while quickly eating one but managed to say: "There's such great texture to the dough. It's almost like candy on the outside." If you prefer something savory, try the biscuits and gravy.

Generations of folks in Topeka, Kan., come together to eat at Bobo's Drive In. Since 1953, Bobo's has been doing all the classics. This drive-in's specialty is homemade apple pie. Guy says, "Nobody's making apple pie like Jo Mendoza." He even calculated how many pies she's made during her tenure at Bobo's (195,000!). Come for the drive-in experience, a cheeseburger and a deliciously flaky slice of pie.

Locals consider Tommy's Joynt an oasis for meat lovers, where you can get your fill of roast beef, pastrami, brisket, ham, corned beef or turkey. They must be doing something right, because this locale's been open since 1947 and is now run by the original owner's grandchildren.

Brooklyn legend Defonte's Sandwich Shop opened up in 1922 when the original Defonte bought the corner storefront as a favor to someone for $100. His sandwiches quickly became well-known throughout the city. This place is still going hard, and it's one of the places that Guy thinks of when he looks for that "classic Italian corner deli." Today, locals love the roast beef au jus and the fried eggplant sandwiches topped with fresh mozzarella made in-house.

Louisiana-born Chef Darrell M. Breaux found his passion while being a chef in the U.S. Navy, and then he took his Cajun hometown cuisine to Nashville. After 30 years of serving Nashville residents, it's clear that Bro's is the place to go for a big batch of crawfish or gumbo. Guy was so obsessed with Bro's smokehouse where they make their own sausages that he asked to be locked inside.

Geraci's Restaurant has been serving up delicious pizza since 1956. This family-run joint was passed down from the original owners to the kids, and it's beloved by Cleveland locals for its classic homey Italian food. The secret to the famous meatballs goes way back for at least three generations.

Driving down Main Street in Norman, Okla., you'll most certainly pull into a place known simply as The Diner. Guy was amazed that this cozy, funky location has been a restaurant since 1890. No matter what's been there, it's been a local favorite. The Diner was rescued from going under in the 1980s when two regulars decided to buy it. When Guy tried The Diner's award-winning chili, it was easy to see why the eatery was worth saving.

Open since 1977, Big Jim's is the quintessential Pittsburgh dive that serves old-school Italian dishes from baked ziti to lasagna and hand-stuffed shells. Guy is a fan of the Veal Cutlet ala Parmigiana, and he claims: "When you look up 'ridiculous' in the dictionary, that sandwich is right there. Everything is tender and delicious."