The Best Diners, Drive Ins, And Dives Restaurant In Every State, According To Mashed

Editor's note: The restaurant selections in this article are based on the opinions of the Mashed editorial team. They have not been selected by Guy Fieri. 

There's a solid chance any time you turn on Food Network that you're gonna see Guy Fieri and his spiky hair headed to Flavortown on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The show has filmed nearly 40 seasons, and that means visiting more than 1,250 restaurants around the country along the way (via dinersdriveinsandivelocations.com). So it's safe to say that Guy Fieri has seen — and tasted — it all. And you can taste it all too, if you've got a big appetite and you're willing to do some traveling. 

But where to start? A thousand restaurants is a lot to swallow, but what if you aim for, say, 50 of Fieri's best stops? Well, Mashed has done all the work for you. We've gone across the map, state by state, to round up the tastiest and most "funkalicious" food destinations featured on Triple-D. Here are the best Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives restaurants in every state, according to Mashed.

Nestled on the coast of Southwestern Alabama is the small town of Fairhope, Alabama. There you'll find waterfront restaurant Sunset Pointe, run by a man known as "Panini Pete" who brought in Guy Fieri not to taste his sandwiches, but his fresh and delicious seafood creations – and we can't help but agree with hat decision. Relax in the casual atmosphere, gaze out at the ocean view, and be sure to check out the Eastern Shore Bouillabaisse, loaded with gulf coast shrimp, mussels, and leeks; and the Gulf Snapper Throats bathed in garlic butter. We promise, you won't find better seafood in the entire state.

Next time you find yourself in Alaska, escape the cold and grab yourself a treat at The Cookie Jar, a 30-year-old Fairbanks institution. While The Cookie Jar started out as a small bakery, it's beloved for so much more than its sweet treats. Guy Fieri gave the Prime Rib with Au Jus a try (via Food Network), but if you ask us, you can't miss out on the homemade cinnamon rolls. They're made with a secret ingredient (potato flakes), and they're a fan favorite. No matter what you order, you won't be disappointed. 

If you like creative, gourmet, and seriously loaded burgers, then you have to check out Paradise Valley Burger Company in Phoenix, Arizona. Besides hosting Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, you've also seen this joint on Man vs. Food ... oh, and it was also named the best burger in Arizona by the Travel Channel. Need we say more? Fieri chowed down on the Country Fried Burger and the Booze Burger (smothered in green chili, bacon, vodka cream sauce... wow). But the restaurant is also known for its Brûlée Burger that's served on a burnt sugar bun.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, Root Cafe is doing more than just serving up good food. The restaurant is committed to sourcing 100 percent of its meat, eggs, and bread, plus much of its produce and other ingredients from small, local farmers and producers — which is one of the reason's we're adding it to this list. Beyond that, Root Cafe is involved in a number of local community organizations. Enjoy the Old World Style Bratwurst, which Guy Fieri tried on the show, or the Pimento Cheeseburger for a little kick, and leave happy knowing you supported a business with a cause.

Guy Fieri loves to eat in California, and he's been to nearly 200 diners, drive-ins and dives in the state. But one of our favorite spots he's visited is a family-owned restaurant in Pescadero called Duarte's Tavern. If you wanna eat the same thing Guy did, go for the Crab Cioppino, and a local favorite, the Abalone Sandwich (via Food Network).

Serving up understated, outspoken Chinese street food in Boulder and Denver, Colorado is the unassuming eatery known as Zoe Ma Ma. In this star location run by chef and mother Anna Zoe, guests can get their fill on family recipes like Ma Ma's potstickers and Ma Ma's Famous Chicken Noodle Soup. Make sure you try the pork steamed buns and the Za Jiang Mian noodle dish, which are just some of the offerings that Guy Fieri sampled on his stop (via Food Network).

It's far away from South America, but Connecticut is home to some amazing Venezelan food, thanks to Valencia Luncheria. This restaurant, tucked away in Norwalk, is run by a passionate and highly seasoned chef and is known for its wide variety of unique arepas and empanadas, along with a variety of other classic Latin dishes. Guy Fieri tried out the roasted pork arepa (via Food Network), but we've got our eye on their Nutella and peanut butter empanada. If you're looking for a great brunch spot in Connecticut, this is our pick.

Farmer & the Cow in Wilmington, Delaware has become a local favorite for its over-the-top approach to casual pub fare — and it's our pick for the state, too. The restaurant is known for its fully loaded and very extra gourmet burgers, the creative shakes (like one made with cereal), and an expansive bar menu. And despite its name, Farmer & the Cow is serving up more than just bovine bites. One of the more beloved menu items, and one that was served to Guy Fieri, is a burger called That'll Do Pig (via Food Network). It's piled high with bacon done three different ways, plus cheese, special sauce, and even tater tots. The deep fried Chicken Skins are another hit here. Oh, and did we mention that Farmer & the Cow serves up the only bacon flight in the state of Delaware (via Only in Your State)?

The story behind Se7en Bites in Orlando is an inspiring one: The chef and owner dreamed up the idea after a health issue redefined how she ate. Now, after nearly 15 years in business, Se7en bites has continued to grow, wowing Florida residents and catching the attention of the press throughout its existence. The restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2017, and in 2019, it was named one of the "Essential 28 Restaurants in Orlando" by Eater. 

On any given day, expect to wait in a line that spills out the front doors (but don't worry, they say it goes fast). The food is made in house at all times, and the owners suggest coming early for your favorites, because once they run out of something, it's gone. And you can bet that happens often for the signature menu items featured on Triple-D, including the scratch-made Chicken Pot Pie and a mouthwatering concoction known as the Vanilla Bean Bacon Bourbon Moonpie.

When you think of the best food in Georgia, a lot of southern and soul food probably comes to mind. But when you're in the Peach State, you'll be missing out if you don't check out the barbecue scene. Particularly, you have to try Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. The restaurant is the product of the homesickness of twin brothers from Texas, who missed their native barbecue when they picked up and moved to Atlanta.

Today, Fox Bros. is considered an institution in Atlanta, and a must-visit barbecue destination in the southeast, having gained both local accolades and national attention. And it's such a favorite, it's been featured on several episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Specialties we think you should try out include the Chicken Fried Ribs, served with house-made white BBQ sauce, and the Fox Bros. "Burger," which is essentially a chopped brisket sandwich loaded up with the most incredible toppings, including pimiento cheese and peppered bacon.

Guy Fieri and his red Camaro have been to dozens of restaurants across Hawaii, but it turns out one of the best diners, drive-ins and dives on the islands is actually just a humble yellow food truck. But while Mike's Huli Chicken may come in a small package, the little truck is serving up big flavors. 

At Mike's Huli Chicken, whole birds are brined, coated in spices, and slow-roasted in a custom oven over local Hawaiian wood. And the result, in our opinion, is nothing short of magic. Besides their signature chicken, be sure to also try out the "sweet and smoky" Char Siu Pork.

If you've never been, you should definitely plan a trip to beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The town is situated on a scenic lake surrounded by forests and mountains on the western edge of the state, and it's home to a plethora of cute shops and good local eats. One of those is long-standing breakfast and lunch spot Jimmy's Down the Street. The restaurant embodies the exact casual, familiar vibe that its name implies, and serves up made-from-scratch comfort food favorites. Standout dishes include the Chicken and Dumplings and a huge, gooey Caramel Pecan Roll – both of which you just can't miss.

Next time you're in the Chicago area, get your fix of great music and even better food at the legendary Kuma's Corner. The heavy metal-themed burger joint opened its doors in 2005, and since then, it has exploded in popularity for its hardcore sandwich creations. It's infamous Ghost Burger (topped with braised goat shoulder, ghost pepper aioli, aged white cheddar, red wine reduction, and a Communion wafer... you read that right) caused all kinds of uproar, enraging the Catholic Church (via Eater). Time Magazine called it one of the most influential burgers of all time. It's no longer a permanent fixture on the menu, but they do bring it back every now and then. 

With Kuma's Corner earning accolades like Chicago's Best Burger and being named one of the best burger spots in America by Food Network, you really can't go wrong picking anything off their menu.

Indy's Historic Steer-In was in danger of closing after decades of serving homestyle favorites until the Kehrer family bought the place and kept it alive. It still serves massively portioned, often gravy-slathered Midwestern favorites like beef and noodles, a pork tenderloin sandwich, a hot turkey sandwich, fried chicken, and meatloaf with mashed potatoes. The Kehrers also perfected some Italian-inspired dishes. Casey Kehrer showed Guy Fieri how a Steer-In meatball sandwich is made: with a veal-chuck-sausage blend, house-made marinara, and lots of cheese. Those same ingredients factor prominently in the ultra-deep-dish stuffed pizza, with tomato sauce, cheese, and meatballs all tucked into a homemade dough. And since the Steer-In remains a diner at heart, pie is on the menu — it's important to save room for a slice of coconut cream. 

A surprisingly delicious spot can be found hidden away in the Midwest, serving up Caribbean-inspired, Southern-style barbecue. From its location just outside downtown Des Moines, Iowa, Flying Mango offers dishes like Memphis-style and baby back ribs, served with classics like sweet potato pancakes and red beans and rice on the side. But what really gets a lot of attention is the Smoked Catfish Cakes alongside cornbread and collard greens. Flying Mango is so good, we weren't surprised when it was featured again in the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives spinoff, Triple D Nation, according to the Des Moines Register.

Owner and operator Bob Palmgren received formal culinary training in New York and worked in top restaurants there before he realized he wanted to make his barbecue hobby a full-time thing. He moved to Mission, part of the metropolitan Kansas City area, and opened up RJ's Bob-Be-Que Shack after being influenced by its dynamic barbecue tradition. Resembling a roadhouse and standing inside a quiet neighborhood, RJ's offers many regional barbecue standards — thoroughly rubbed, sauced, and long-smoked winners like ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends, and even lamb ribs. He also made logical expansions of the barbecue canon, like deep-fried corn on the cob, brisket soup, and spicy jalapeño pork butt sausages smoked in corn husks.

In Louisville, Kentucky, some of the best food in town can be found in a century-old Victorian home that's been converted into what they call the city's first "bed and beverage," a small inn with a cafe on the first floor that serves up way more than just drinks. Gralehaus has become a local favorite, with its scratch-made menu that offers "southern-style cooking using the rich culinary traditions of Kentucky and memories of mothers' and grandmothers' cooking." Expect comfort food with a twist, like Lamb and Grits, or their take on a cheesy fried bologna sandwich. It also happens to be a favorite hometown haunt of celebrity chef, Damaris Phillips, who joined Fieri in the Gralehaus episode of his program.

When you're in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, by all means, get your fill of gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun favorites. But whatever you do, don't leave without stopping at Turkey and the Wolf. This small, unassuming sandwich shop has garnered some major attention for its eclectic menu of out-of-the-box sandwiches and more. 

Guy Fieri tried Tacos Inauthenticos made with hog's headcheese and the Collard Green Melt, which many claim to be the star of the menu. Turkey and the Wolf was named Bon Appétit's "#1 Best New Restaurant in America" in 2017, arguably because of that Collard Green Melt, which the magazine described as "otherworldly."

In most cases, you may wanna steer clear of diner seafood. But that's likely not the case in Maine, and especially not at the famed Maine Diner. Located on the coast, just north of Portsmouth, this no-frills, family-owned establishment has garnered national attention with home-cooked recipes passed down by the owner's grandmother (via Seacoastonline). There's a lot to choose from on this menu, but make sure to try the  dishes featured on Triple-D: codfish cakes, seafood chowder, and Maine Diner's signature dish, Lobster Pie. They were chosen to serve on the show because they're delicious, and we whole-heartedly agree.

When it comes to cuisine, Maryland easily lives up to its Southern roots, thanks to award-winning restaurants like Baltimore's Miss Shirley's Cafe. The destination dining spot has been serving up Southern and Soul food classics like chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, since 2005. And Southern Living dubs it one of the best breakfast spots in the South to boot.

Guy Fieri sampled the Coconut Cream Stuffed French Toast and the Southern Slammer Sandwich, which is loaded with fried green tomato, bacon, avocado and a fried egg. But since you're going to be in Maryland, we also highly recommend the Crab Cake and Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict. Basically, you can't go wrong here — whether you try the dishes from the show or not.

Massachusetts is another state that you'd be remiss to visit without trying the local seafood. The area is known for producing some spectacular shellfish, plus high quality haddock and cod. But the true gem of Massachusetts is New England seafood is lobster. And there are few places to get it that could beat Yankee Lobster. 

The bustling Boston Harbor mainstay is run by a family that's been in the fishing business for generations, specifically within the lobster industry. You can stop in the market for freshly made seafood specialties or buy fresh seafood by the pound to take home. Guy Fieri tried the cod cakes, as well as the lobster mac and cheese, and we'd recommend either of those to a Yankee Lobster newbie.

The gizzard is a tough and rubbery digestive organ found in chickens, and one can find them battered and fried in numerous gas stations and truck stops. Joe's Gizzard City elevates that very humble morsel, making it the focal point of its menu. Once and still a fried chicken joint, Joe's serves up gizzards in several preparations (including inside of an omelet) with many sauce choices, but with the meat pressure-cooked and spiced to make it melt-in-the-mouth tender and flavorful from the start. With so many deep fryers running to cook so many gizzards, Joe's leans into that cooking style, sending into the hot oil things like Oreos, hot dogs, S'mores, cauliflower, Twinkies, olives, and cheeseburgers.

When the Ukrainian-American Kramarczuk family opened the Kramarczuk's Sausage Company seven decades ago, its northeastern Minneapolis neighborhood was home to a large number of Eastern European immigrants. The restaurant, currently run by the third generation of Kramarczuks, remains one of the last and best places in Minneapolis to find historically accurate Eastern European dishes made from scratch. Served cafeteria-style with dozens of options on display dispensed quickly, the menu includes an array of sausages, of course, as well as items like goulash, sauerkraut and ham soup, and baked and boiled cabbage rolls covered in tomato cream sauce. But menu standouts like Polish peasant pie — shepherd's pie with Polish sausage — and Pierogis can't be skipped either.

Who knew that the best of Memphis could be found in Mississippi, but such is the case, thanks to the Memphis Barbecue Company. Located in Horn Lake, a city just near the Mississippi/Tennessee border (and not too far from its namesake town), the barbecue they're serving up is made by World BBQ Champion Melissa Cookston, who's been called the "Winningest Woman in Barbecue." Guy Fieri went all in on the baby back ribs, while the locals love the house-made cheese fritters. Honestly, we don't see the harm in trying both.

After serving as the top chef for the president of Italy, Franco Cupini headed to Kansas City, Missouri, to open his own trattoria to make Italian classics with his own spin. Cupini's creates all the pasta on the premises, including the ultra-thin sheets used to construct a six-layer meat lasagna, and the delicate bites that comprise a chicken and four-cheese tortellini. Abundant salads and creative seafood dishes feature on the Cupini's menu, as does an impressive selection of nine can't-miss dessert cakes. The restaurant makes an amaretto-laced Italian white cream cake, a chocolate chip cannoli, and raspberry, apricot, and orange mousse-based zuccotto.

Guy Fieri has been to literally hundreds of restaurants around the country for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but this place is one of our favorites. If you're ever anywhere near Bozeman, Montana, you really should stop, solely to get a taste of the Po Campo Chimichanga at Storm Castle Cafe. It's stuffed with carnitas, country potatoes, and cheese, and then deep fried. Have you ever heard of a more mouthwatering breakfast dish? If you're not into deep-fried breakfasts, we'd recommend their farm-to-table take on a Monte Cristo, which uses ham right from their farm.

Big Mama's Kitchen in Omaha, Nebraska has been putting a whole lot of soul into their soul food for more than 40 years, after starting as a catering company and opening a full-fledged restaurant in 2007. Big Mama served Guy Fieri her oven-fried chicken made with a special rub she learned from her grandmother, and that's the dish every first-time visitor should order. Big Mama herself passed away in 2018, and her family continues to carry on her culinary legacy for destination diners and locals alike.

When in Vegas, you can bet on getting an incredible meal at John Mull's Road Kill Grill. Don't be fooled by the name — this family barbecue business has been smoking high-quality meats for more than three decades, and doing it right. Guy Fieri tried the 16-hour cured, applewood-smoked, house-made sausage hot links, but we really must recommend the pulled pork and mac 'n' cheese.

Hidden away in Raymond, New Hampshire is the aptly named Tuckaway Tavern, and it's a must-try if you can make it to the Northeast and looking for a hearty meal. You could try steak tips from their award-winning butchery or feast on one of their burgers, which have been named the best in the state by Yankee Magazine. Guy Fieri tried a Tuckaway specialty, Chili and Cheese Corn Holes. They're basically mini meat and cheese corn dog bites, and we're already craving them.

You can get some delicious, homemade diner classics in New Jersey at Johnny Prince's Bayway Diner in Linden. It's a casual joint serving up well known diner staples, but locals call it "a special place." During your visit, we advise you go big on the Monster Burger, stacked with bacon, cheese, and huge onion rings, or the Philly Cheese Steak.

There are countless wonderful and authentic, chili-forward small restaurants in Santa Fe, but there's nothing anywhere in the city (or New Mexico) quite like Jambo Café. Chef and proprietor Ahmed Obo grew up on an island off the coast of Kenya, and his menu recreates his best-remembered childhood dishes. Officially an African and Caribbean restaurant, Jambo Café's signature dish is the mahi-mahi — wild-caught fish with a sweet, spicy, and flavorful spice rub that's steamed inside of a banana leaf, topped with a tamarind mango sauce, and served with sautéed bok choy and wild black rice. The as-prepared-on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" Caribbean goat stew utilizes a more traditional preparation, but it's just one more highlight of this small, cozy space full of African art and sculpture.

In all honesty, it was harder for us to choose the best featured restaurant in New York compared to several other states. There's just a lot of good food to be found, especially in New York City. But one restaurant in particular stood out among the rest, and not just for its catchy name, but also its scratch-made, Southern food done right.

Time Out New York says "Pies 'n' Thighs in Brooklyn feels as authentic as any venerable Dixieland food shack." The unique creations at Pies 'N' Thighs have been featured by numerous foodie publications, including Eater, Bon Appétit, and more. And they are racking up accolades along the way, already having been awarded Best Donuts and Best Biscuits in New York, along with recognition for some of the Best Apple Pie and Best Fried Chicken in the country. If you want to order what Guy Fieri did, try the chicken and waffles, pulled pork sandwich, or Pecan Crunch donut.

Simple, affordable and delicious. That's the kind of experience you're in for at the Copper Penny in the beachside town of Wilmington, North Carolina. The menu offers no-frills, upscale pub food, with a selection of burgers and sandwiches, not to mention some award-winning chicken wings. The local favorite is their take on a chicken Philly cheesesteak called the 109 Chesnut Chicken Sandwich, but you really can't miss the Homemade Beer-Battered Onion Rings. Another Philly-inspired specialty you've gotta try is the Hot Roasted Pork Sandwich. 

Your cross-country Diners, Drive-ins and Dives road trip might slow down a little bit when you reach the state of North Dakota, where Guy Fieri has only made it to two restaurants. But don't let that fool you — there is delicious food to be had, especially if you make it to Fargo. That's where you'll find local hangout Pounds doing its own thing, and doing it well. The Pounds menu is an eclectic blend of burgers and bar food plus loaded mac and cheese combos, alongside healthy superfood bowls. Indulge on the BBQ Porker loaded mac and cheese.

Lucky's Cafe in Cleveland is a farm-to-table as it gets. Not only are many of the ingredients used locally sourced, but they grow much of their own produce in a garden that's right out back. Locals love the quality of the fresh ingredients, which you can taste in each and every dish. It's been called one of the best brunches you can get in Cleveland (via Cleveland). The Reuben sandwich, scratch-made start to finish (we're talking homemade sourdough bread, homemade thousand island dressing, you get the idea), is a local favorite. And celebrity chef Michael Simon swears by the biscuits and gravy at this joint.

If you want to get your hands on what's been dubbed the best burger in Oklahoma City, and maybe even the whole state, then head over to Nic's Grill and get in the inevitable line that will be spilling out the door of this tiny, no-frills joint. Once you do get up to the counter, do yourself a favor and try out the Onion Burger, a local favorite in Oklahoma. Nic's version starts with a whopping half pound of beef, which is piled up with onions and served with a basket of fries — and a fork. 

For some of the best seafood you can find in the Pacific Northwest, check out Fisherman's Market in Eugene, Oregon. The restaurant and fish market is run by a long-time commercial fisherman from Alaska and serves up some of the freshest seafood you can find in the region. And when we say fresh, we literally mean live. Fisherman's Market is the only live crab seafood restaurant in Eugene, and it also happens to be one of the largest Dungeness crab retailers in the whole state. So obviously, when you visit, don't skip the crab dinner. Another can't miss dish? The Cajun Crawfish Pie, also known as creamy, tender and succulent comfort food wrapped in a flaky crust and served alongside flaky, smoked salmon.

In the middle of bustling downtown Philly, a husband-and-wife duo are making a name for themselves with their quirky, signature, "Southern Jewish" cooking style at Honey's Sit 'N Eat. With a menu offering classics like chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy alongside traditional matzo ball soup and challah french toast, there's something for everyone here. 

When Guy Fieri rolled through in 2011, they decided to serve him their next-level take on old-school frito pie, two ways — and we were seriously impressed. There was the brisket Frito pie, made with meat cooked for five hours before it's sliced and pan fried. And one of their former legendary top sellers was a chicken chili Frito pie. It's no longer a permanent menu fixture, but it seems like they bring it back sometimes, so keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Italian Corner in East Providence, Rhode Island is as authentic as it gets when it comes to Italian Delis. Right when you walk in, the massive display of deli meats should give it away. And then there's the "pasta room" in the back, where fresh noodle creations are being made everyday. Not to mention the fact that the recipes, the equipment, the ingredients, and even the chef himself, are all straight from Italy. Get your hands on some handmade tortellini doused in Bolognese sauce if you can. 

You probably already know you can expect great comfort food in South Carolina. Might we suggest getting it at Early Bird Diner in Charleston? You'll want to try out their version of chicken and waffles first. It may not be the most original dish, but it's something you won't want to miss. Another top seller on the menu is the fried pork chop with a homemade pepper jelly.

Established as a butcher shop in 1883, the current owners of Look's Marketplace expanded the space into an imaginatively stocked specialty supermarket and food hall with an on-site coffee shop, brewery, bakery, and ambitious restaurant. The baked goods and house-made meats sold at Look's inform the eatery's offerings, most notably the barbecue selections, like the monumental Porcules (rhymes with "Hercules"). The sandwich consists of freshly made pit sausage, pork shoulder, and pork brisket on ciabatta. And then there's the Guy Fieri-approved Detroit-style pizza, built around a one-of-a-kind crust made with sourdough starter and olive oil, then stuffed with high-end cheese, foraged mushrooms, and multiple meats from the Look's butcher counter.

Nashville, Tennessee may be known for its hot chicken, but it's also home to some amazing Mexican food. Mas Tacos Por Favor has been serving up tacos and more since the 1970s, and the dish to go for is the tamales. Locals love them, but if you do want to go for tacos, try going vegetarian — the quinoa and sweet potato taco is unexpected, but delicious. 

You know what they say about Texas. The barbecue is definitely better, and Pecan Lodge in Dallas has some of the best. The signature dish is beef brisket, of course, and Pecan Lodges smokes theirs for up to 18 hours and serves it with house-made barbecue sauce. This Texas joint is also serving up ribs, pulled pork, and something called the "The Hot Mess," a sweet potato smothered with brisket, chipotle cream cheese and butter.

You know a restaurant that has been around for 90 years has to be delicious. Ruth's Diner, which holds the title of second oldest restaurant in the state of Utah. It's named for the woman who ran it for nearly 60 of those years. The huge menu offers all kinds of comfort food and diner favorites, including "Ruth's Famous Mile High Biscuits." Diners can enjoy it all, along with canyon views and weekly live music (via Zagat).

It gets cold up in Burlington, Vermont. But you can warm up and fill up at Bluebird Barbecue, which has been named the best barbecue in the state by Travel Channel, Thrillist, and more. At Bluebird you'll get more than just pulled pork, ribs, and scratch-made sides — they've also concocted their own fusions like Pit Master Ramen, which is sort of like beef Ramen, but on a new level, with smoked burnt ends, Texas BBQ sauce, and pickled jalapeños.

Perly's Restaurant and Delicatessen in Richmond, Virginia is not like every other Jewish deli you'll find. And yet locals have been loving it for nearly 60 years (via Lonely Planet). They make everything totally from scratch, and offer menu items featuring traditional flavors with unique twists, like their potato and duck pierogis, or the Jewish egg rolls stuffed with corned beef and sauerkraut.

It's true that there are plenty of amazing restaurants serving all kinds of interesting cuisine in Seattle, Washington. But next time you're there, you've gotta hit up a little joint called Mike's Chili Parlor, purely for nostalgic purposes if not for the renown chili. Mike's Chili parlor is as casual as it gets, and also probably just as messy — this place puts chili on pretty much everything.

Perhaps one of the most unique eateries on this entire list is Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, West Virginia. Originally founded by husband and wife Sonny and Sharie Knight from the inside of old school buses in the middle of a makeshift junkyard, Hillbilly Hot Dogs serves seriously outrageous and delicious hot dog combos, like Pine-Appalachian Dog with BBQ sauce, country ham, and crushed pineapple or the Motham Dog, which is deep fried and topped with chili sauce, thousand islands dressing and onion rings. And don't forget the almost one-pound Homewrecker, a deep-fried treat that Guy Fieri tried on the show.

Delta Diner in Mason, Wisconsin (aka the middle of nowhere) is everything you imagine a classic roadside diner should be — from the retro sign out front to the long row of stools at the counter and a menu full of biscuits, pancakes, burgers and malts. Guy Fieri sampled the homemade biscuits with red eye gravy, but we recommend the seafood fritters. 

At the foot of The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, Jackson, Wyoming is a growing destination town in America, thanks to its proximity to nature and its destination-worthy food. It's where you'll find Cafe Genevieve, a quaint and cozy spot serving up refined American fare, like Bison Chili, Tiger Shrimp Hush Puppies, and their now infamous Pig Candy (house-made candied bacon) — perfect for filling up after a long day visiting Old Faithful.