Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Season 9 Episode 7 Comfort Food With Attitude

Comfort food can be a bowl of mac and cheese or a platter of fried chicken, but when paired with attitude, the result can be a game-changer. Host Guy Fieri travels to some of America's most beloved eateries that pack a punch when it comes to flavor and attitude in this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, season 9, episode 7.

Guy starts his search in St. Louis, Missouri, at a retro diner called Crown Candy Kitchen. Established over 100 years ago, they are known for their sweet treats, but Guy is on the hunt for savory dishes. He finds exactly what he came for in their Crown Burger, an oversized sandwich made with an entire pound of beef and layered with bacon, cheese, and plenty of attitude.

Next up, Guy heads to Sante Fe, New Mexico, to check out Jambo Cafe, a colorful and vibrant eatery that offers African, Caribbean, and Southwestern cuisine. Chef Ahmed Obo shares his love for bold seasonings and flavors in his dishes, and Guy gets a taste of that in the Jambo Hapa, a combination of African curry and Southwestern chili. The dish is topped with a crispy, herb-infused flatbread and packs a punch with every bite.

Guy then travels to Baltimore, Maryland, to visit Heavy Seas Alehouse, a craft brewery that doubles as a restaurant. They are famous for their beer, but their comfort food dishes are equally impressive. Guy tries their jumbo lump crab cakes, which are made with some attitude by using whole pieces of crab rather than the typical minced version. Served with a side of Old Bay fries, Heavy Seas Alehouse shows why their food is just as important as their beers.

In Lexington, Kentucky, Guy visits Ramsay's Diner, a family-owned spot that serves traditional Southern food with a twist. Guy tries their take on the classic Kentucky dish, hot brown, which is made with a blend of turkey, cream sauce, and bacon layered over thick Texas toast. Ramsay's version adds a fried egg on top and gives the dish some attitude that makes it stand out.

Lastly, Guy travels to San Antonio, Texas, to check out Mama Lee's Soul Food, a restaurant known for their authentic Southern-style dishes. Mama Lee's attitude is reflected in her Sweet and Spicy Love Fried Chicken, which is coated in a mixture of honey and hot sauce before being fried for extra crunch. The chicken is paired with sides like collard greens and mac and cheese, making it a true comfort food meal.

Throughout the episode, Guy showcases the different ways that attitude can elevate classic comfort food dishes. Whether it's using bold seasonings or unapologetically large portions, these eateries show that adding some personality can take a dish from good to great.