Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 2013 Episode 3 Hometown Haunts
- January 21, 2013
In the third episode of the 2013 season of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a tour of some of the best hometown haunts across America. These are the restaurants that locals swear by, and where regulars are greeted like family.
The first stop on Fieri's journey is a family-owned restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico called The Frontier. This spot has been around since 1971 and is known for their breakfast burritos, which are a New Mexico specialty. The Frontier is open 24 hours a day, so no matter when you're craving a delicious breakfast, you can find it here.
Next up, Fieri heads to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to visit John's Roast Pork. This tiny counter-serve spot has been around since 1930 and is famous for their roast pork sandwiches, which are made with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone cheese, and broccoli rabe on a seeded roll. Fieri can't get enough of these sandwiches, and it's easy to see why they've been a Philly institution for so long.
Moving on to Richmond, Virginia, Fieri stops in at Mama J's Kitchen. This soul food spot has been serving up delicious Southern dishes since 2009, and it's become a staple in the community. Mama J's is known for their fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Everything here is made from scratch and with love, and it's clear that the regulars keep coming back for the home-cooked flavors.
Heading to the Lone Star State, Fieri stops in at El Tipico in San Antonio, Texas. This Mexican restaurant has been family-owned since 1968 and is known for their carne guisada, a slow-cooked beef stew with gravy. Fieri also tries their homemade flour tortillas and their famous albondigas soup, which is made with meatballs and vegetables in a delicious tomato-based broth.
In St. Louis, Missouri, Fieri visits Hodak's Restaurant and Bar, which has been around since 1962. This spot is known for their fried chicken, which is breaded and seasoned to perfection. Fieri also tries their fried fish, homemade mashed potatoes, and green beans. Hodak's has been a fixture in the community for over 50 years, and it's clear that they've perfected their comfort food offerings over the years.
The final stop on Fieri's journey is in Cleveland, Ohio at a Polish restaurant called Sokolowski's University Inn. This spot has been family-owned since 1923 and is known for their pierogies, which are handmade with love. Fieri also tries their stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, and potato pancakes. Everything here is made from scratch with traditional Polish ingredients, and it's clear that this spot has been a Cleveland favorite for generations.
Overall, this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives showcases some of the best hometown haunts across the country. From family-owned Mexican joints to soul food spots to classic Polish restaurants, these spots are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Fieri's enthusiasm for these restaurants is infectious, and viewers will be left craving their signature dishes by the end of the episode.