Ep 8. Not Your Typical Joints

In season 26, episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri explores some unique and unconventional eateries that are not your typical joints. From a chef-driven pizza joint serving up unusual combinations like lemon and garlic to a funky spot featuring a mix of Asian and Southern cuisine, viewers are in for a culinary adventure.

The first stop on the journey takes us to St. Louis, Missouri to check out a pizza place with a twist. Dubbed as a "chef-driven pizza joint," this spot is far from your typical pizza parlor. Guy meets with the head chef and owner to sample some of their out-of-the-box creations like a pizza topped with lemon and garlic. They showcase how they make each pizza with care and attention to detail, including using unique flavor combinations to set themselves apart from other pizza places in the city.

Next, Guy travels to Dallas, Texas to check out a funky restaurant blending Asian and Southern cuisine. The owner and chef show Guy how they use fresh ingredients to make creative dishes like boudin egg rolls and chicken-fried bao buns. This joint is definitely not your typical Asian restaurant, as it offers a fusion experience that blends the best of both Southern and Asian cuisine.

Moving down south, Guy visits a Nashville, Tennessee hot chicken spot that has garnered a big reputation. In this joint, the heat level is discussed as part of the ordering experience, with customers asked to choose between mild, medium, hot, and “shut the cluck up.” This unique joint offers a variety of dishes featuring the famed hot chicken, including chicken nachos and hot chicken biscuits.

The next stop on the journey takes us to Chicago, Illinois to check out a neighborhood pub known for its beer selection and burgers. The owner of this iconic spot shares how they use fresh ingredients to make their burgers, including grinding their own beef in-house. Guy discovers a particular burger that is topped with a secret sauce, bacon and a fried egg, making for a unique take on a classic burger.

The final stop on this episode's journey takes us to Colorado Springs, Colorado to explore a Latin-inspired joint that specializes in street tacos. Guy meets with the chef, who shows him how to make some of the most popular tacos on the menu, including one made with cactus and another with a unique pineapple pork belly. This joint is not your typical taqueria, as it offers a unique Latin-influenced take on tacos coupled with a cozy, casual atmosphere.

Overall, this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives features a trip across the United States to explore some unique and unconventional eateries. From pizza places that use unconventional toppings to joints that merge different cultures’ cuisines, Guy samples some of the most exciting food innovations and trends happening in the culinary world. Fans of the show will not be disappointed as this episode takes them on an unconventional yet satisfying culinary adventure.