Diners Drive-Ins And Dives Locations

The “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” Food Network show is hosted by the colorful cookbook author and restaurateur, Guy Fieri. The "road trip" feel of the cable show appeals to everyone from baby boomers to Gen Xers, hightlighting  popular casual restaurant destinations across the U.S.  From greasy spoons to roadside snack shacks and sports bars, the show features many of the best and most delightful, yet nationally unknown smaller eating establishments.

1. Al's Breakfast - Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the narrowest restaurant in the city, the ten foot wide Dinkytown area dive is located near Minnesota’s bustling University. Generations of local students and residents have sat upon the well-worn seats, including local notable celebrities like humorist, writer and broadcaster, Garrison Keillor. Despite the fact that founder Rick Nelson died in 2003, Al's Breakfast, known for its ample sized portions, will forever be considered significant by Minnesotans and visitors alike.
    
2. Rosie's Diner  - Rockford, Michigan. The “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” series featured Rosie’s dining car, which opened originally in the 1940s. At that time, it started in Little Ferry, New Jersey, but was known as the Silver Dollar Diner. It was renamed “Rosie’s” after the popular Bounty paper towels commercials made it famous. Featuring well-made breakfasts, lunches and dinners, the restaurant was sold to a Michigan artist who had it moved to where it is now. There is a restaurant chain featuring the same foods in the Denver region.
    
3. Mo Gridder's  - New York City. This popular barbecue joint in the Big Apple is associated with an auto repair shop, also owned by Fred Donnelly. The food quality of this “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” restaurant has all the standard barbecue fare. Having been featured in magazines and on television shows, Mo Gridder's was also featured on Baron Ambrosia's Bronx Flavor on the Hunt's Point episode.
    
4. Gott's Roadside - Northern California. As a roadside stand, this family-owned restaurant features fast food that is prepared with exotic ingredients from local farmers. All food is cooked to-order and includes the regular burgers, shakes and fries, plus some salads, They also have an interesting seasonal special like the “Seoul” pork burger in addition to a B.L.T. served with heirloom tomatoes. This is what makes the "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" location so memorable.
    
5. Barbecue King Drive-In - Charlotte, North Carolina. This down and dirty town staple, featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,”  includes a 1950s throw back to curb service. The most distinctive physical thing about eating here is that orders are placed on the squawk box. The food can be surprising as well, with an unusually prepared Barbecue Chicken, which is fried and then dipped in sauce. The BBQ ribs are considered outstanding. Definitely worth a visit if you can brave the neighborhood.