Georgia restaurants Guy Fieri visited on Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'

World-renowned chef and TV personality Guy Fieri has put a spotlight on more than 1,000 restaurants across the U.S. with his hit Food Network series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Over the last 45 seasons, the “Mayor of Flavortown” has seen it all and eaten it all from taco/bao bun fusions in Alaska to a doughnut and chicken tender sandwich in Florida.

Fieri highlights places that truly have something special to offer, whether it’s the food, the atmosphere, the people or a combination of the three. Many of these hot spots have been in Georgia. Here’s a rundown of those that are still open, what makes them tick, and what happened when Fieri came for a visit:

Del Sur Artisan Eats

321 Mallery St, St Simons Island

It all started when two friends, Hernan Stutzer of Argentina and Alberto Llano of Colombia, met and trained at the world-famous Le Cordon Bleu. They took those cultures, combined them, and showcased them at Del Sur Artisan Eats in Miami, eventually moving it to the Georgia coast. During the "Harty Handfuls" episode, the owners got to demonstrate their indoor, open-flame tool which they used to make slow-cooked short ribs with chimichurri and malbec sea salt. Fieri ate it up.

"It's delicious," he said. "You get a good amount of smoke, the way the veggies are done, the chimichurri, the pineapple, making the malbec sea salt. Wow, I'm full on cave man!"

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Yakitori Jinbei

2421 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna

Nestled into a humble strip mall outside Marietta is Yakitori Jinbei, the home of well-loved and unique Korean delicacies. Chef Jae Choi started it as a test kitchen, but soon needed to expand so he could make more creative dishes from katsu curry ramen to Korean fried chicken. When it was featured on the "'Round the World Roundup" episode, Fieri brought along another celebrity chef: G. Garvin, executive producer of "City Eats: Atlanta," who was friends with Choi.

"It's got the amazing sushi. It's got ramen, all different kinds of ramen," Garvin said as he walked into the restaurant with Fieri. "The broth is amazing. It's the Asian chicken wings. You got to see what this guy's doing here."

LowCountry Steak

1010 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta

Garvin has his own restaurant in Atlanta: LowCountry Steak. It's all about "New Southern Cuisine" bringing unique flair to classic southern favorites. There are five different cuts of steak in addition to other main courses, appetizers, and sides. When he visited in the "Smokin' Southern Decadence" episode, Fieri was floored by the flavors of the lobster mac and cheese as well as the doughnut bread pudding. Another big fan and guest on the show was Faizon Love.

"I've had everything on this menu twice," he said.

Wrecking Bar Brewpub

 292 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta

Atlanta is home to a ton of restaurants, but not many are housed in a Victorian-style building. Wrecking Bar Brewpub is located in the former home of Victor Hugo Kriegshaber, a major driver for Atlanta's development in the early 20th century. The Wrecking Bar crew cleaned up the old mansion, restoring it to its former glory. They also turned some space in the back into a modern dining room and kitchen pumping out honey-chili roasted chicken, bison frites and more. On the "Finger Lickin' Food," Fieri was head over heels for the pastrami before it could even be made into a sandwich.

"The pastrami bark on that is out of bounds," he said. "Right amount of smoke. I mean, that is legit."

When it's time to wash it down, Wrecking Bar brews its own beers and whiskey from its seven-barrel system offering a variety of drinks and cocktails.

Buttermilk Kitchen

4225 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta

Not many restaurants can say they have a "Chopped" champion, but Buttermilk Kitchen can. Owner and chef Suzanne Vizethann came out on top during the "Ladies First!" episode, and those award-winning skills are on display with her restaurant's farm-to-table southern cooking. On the "From Biscuits to Brisket" episode, Fieri tried the chicken biscuit and said it was spot-on. Atlanta native and former All-Pro running back Jamal Lewis also made an appearance, but it definitely wasn't his first time at the Buttermilk Kitchen.

"It took me all the way back down to south Georgia to Grandma's house," Lewis said.

The restaurant was in two other episodes including Triple D's "Rockstar Chefs" special.

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Three Locations in Atlanta

"From Biscuits to Brisket" featured another Georgia hot spot: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Founded by a pair of Texas twins, the three-restaurant chain takes inspiration from the brothers' past and present homes to make very singular dishes like chicken fried ribs. The brisket is another staple, being made from certified Angus beef smoked for 10 to 12 hours and added to chili, Texas fries, and burgers. Fieri met the Fox Bros at the recommendation of "Top Gear" host Rutledge Wood who came along for the ride and had a hard time putting anything down.

"It is the best barbecue in Atlanta, hands down," Wood said.

Indigo Coastal Shanty

1402 Reynolds St, Brunswick

Do you like to eat a little bit of everything? So do the folks at Indigo Coastal Shanty. Owner and chef Judah Lynch doesn't like to color within the lines when it comes to his food, with menu items like a hamburger featuring Indian spices and the "Fisherman's Bowl" which has shrimp and cheese. Fieri was amused and perplexed at the recipes during his visit on the "From the Seas and Overseas" episode, but he couldn't deny the outcome, especially as he devoured the sesame crusted catfish.

"I just gotta keep moving the plate around because I keep digging into flavors," Fieri said. "Dynamite!"

Chazito's Latin Cuisine

2224 Bull St, Savannah and 217 US Highway 80 E, Pooler

Chaz Ortiz, owner of Chazito's Latin Cuisine, was not only on Triple D but another hit Guy Fieri show: "Guy's Grocery Games." Fieri said Ortiz appeared on Triple G twice and the "Mayor of Flavortown" promised to check out his Savannah spot next time he was in the area. The "Sloppy, Saucy and Stuffed" episode was the fulfillment of that promise. What Fieri and Iron Chef Stephanie Izard found was a super colorful restaurant making just as colorful and innovative Puerto Rican food. They had fun smashing plantains for the mofongo burger and an even better time taking a big bite out of it.

"It's definitely not missing flavor," Izard said. "You can taste all of those layers."

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Big Bon Bodega

 2011 Bull St, Savannah

Whether it's bagels in the morning or pizzas in the evening, it's all being made in wood-fired ovens at Big Bon Bodega. Fieri brought Izard to this one too on the "Pick-Me-Ups" episode and the two were fighting for a bite after watching chef and owner Kay Heritage go through the detailed process of making a "Korean Mama." It utilized kimchi, cheese and other fixings on a homemade sesame bagel.

"I wouldn't have thought to put American cheese on this with the cream cheese, but it makes that sort of Philly cheese steak sort of flavor, and then those red onions cut through all that richness," Izard said. "It's amazing."

Golden Isles Olive Oil

1609 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island

Golden Isles has a large and diverse collection of olive oils, wine, and vinegars that guests can sample and buy by the bottle. They are also incorporated into Golden Isles' restaurant where families enjoy soups and sandwiches as well as larger items like the red curry coconut tofu and seared pork ribeye. There are also some dog-friendly dishes. Fieri had something particularly special on the "Bird, Belly and Beef" episode: Chocolate balsamic short ribs.

"When you got yourself a little bit of weather coming through, this is the kind of dish you want to come down and enjoy," Fieri said.

Matthew's Cafeteria

2299 Main St, Tucker

Fieri was looking for "Where the Locals Go" in season three, and Matthew's Cafeteria fits the bill. The family-owned restaurant has been around for about 70 years and has always been a central spot for Tucker residents. On the show, Fieri got a kick out of watching owner Michael Greene use his hands as measuring spoons as he prepared some biscuits and sausage gravy. After he tasted it, Fieri called it one of the hands-down best biscuits and gravy recipes he's ever had.

"That would be good out of a shoe," he said. "When it's done the right way, like that, you don't need anything else."

Matthew's Cafeteria was also showcased in three other Triple D episodes including the "Best from the Road" special.

Marietta Diner

306 Cobb Pkwy SE South, Marietta

It's hard to drive by Marietta Diner and not notice it, and not just because the lights are on 24/7. The place screams 50's Americana with its flashy chrome and neon exterior. But it earned its spot on the "A World of Flavors" episode for its menu which has a little bit of everything like Romanian steak, chicken primavera, and fried mac and cheese balls. The Greek cuisine is one of the stars, and Fieri had to have some, giving high praise to the flavor of the souvlaki and the baked pastichio.

The restaurant was a part of three other Triple D episodes including the "Real-Deal Diners" special.

Silver Skillet

200 14th St NW, Atlanta

Another one of the "Real-Deal Diners" was Silver Skillet. It's been an Atlanta institution since 1956 and the owners have kept the original look, feel, and tastes for decades. On its original Triple D appearance on episode eight of season five, Fieri had the country ham with redeye gravy which is comprised of cola, soy sauce, light brown sugar, paprika and coffee. After having a bite, Fieri picked up the whole plate and said "I'm going to take this in my car."

Silver Skillet is also known for its homemade pies from the lemon ice box and pecan to peach cobbler and banana pudding.

Sundae Cafe

304 1st St, Tybee Island

What started as an ice cream shop is now a fine dining destination. On the "South and South of the Border" episode, Fieri got a first hand look at how Sundae Cafe takes Southern classics and puts its own spin on them with dedicated time, energy and fresh ingredients. Fieri marveled at how much went into the grilled cheese which included fried chicken, pork belly, collard greens and more.

"The fried chicken is spot on, the pork belly is so tender and delicious," he said. "It's outstanding. I mean, really a great sandwich."

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Dulce Dough Bakery

1624 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island

At the start of the "From Spicy to Sticky" episode, Fieri said he's not a big fan of desserts, but he had to make an exception for Dulce Dough. The decor and ambiance is very quaint and poppy, creating a vibe reminiscent of a grandmother's house. The food is similarly sweet with a selection of doughnuts that are handmade, complex, and packed full of flavor. Fieri couldn't get enough of the pecan sticky bun.

"I'm going to be so loaded up on sugar, I'm going to push the car down the street here," he said with a mouth full of doughnut."

The General Muir

1540 Avenue Pl, Atlanta and 6405 Blue Stone Rd, Sandy Springs

There are some very strong Jewish roots at the General Muir. It was named after the boat that brought the grandparents and mother of co-owner Jennifer Johnson to New York after surviving the Holocaust. The restaurant's aesthetics and menu are modern-American while drawing from the classic New York Jewish Deli model. This spot was another recommendation to Fieri from Garvin. When they visited on the "Beef It Up" episode, they were both blown away by the smoked hash as well as the bagels and lox co-owner Ben Johnson made.

"You guys have not only brought an original taste, but you brought the original attitude about how you do it," Fieri said. "Outstanding!"

Rreal Tacos

Three Locations in Atlanta

When Fieri visited Rreal Tacos on the "Handy Helpings" episode, he couldn't decide whether he was more impressed by the tacos or the passion and expertise of its owner and chef. Adrian Villareal was trained in Michelin-quality cooking at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and he took those skills and blended them with his Mexican roots to make delicious tacos full of authentic ingredients down to the homemade tortillas. Fieri couldn't keep his hands off the Chicken a la Veracruzan and the al pastor.

"It's all real-deal Mexican flavors with ridiculous gringo portions," he said. "If you want authentic flavors done right, these are your tacos."

The Garage at Victory North

2605 Whitaker St, Savannah

Most garages improve cars, but the Garage at Victory North upgrades and shines up plates of soul food. On the "Down South & South of the Border" episode, chef and owner Todd Harris explained how they work with local farms to provide their meats and produce, and he uses them to give classic dishes an upscale twist. To demonstrate, Harris made some blue crab flatbread, during which he fermented some corn in salt water, something Fieri said he had never seen before. He was also taken aback by the taste of the flatbread.

"This ain't your mama's shrimp toast," Fieri said. "It's silky. It's creamy. It's salty. It's funky....That has so much more depth than I anticipated. Delicious dish."

Pijiu Belly

678 10th St NW, Atlanta

The Shou siblings have a multicultural background after being born and raised in South Korea to Chinese parents, and Lenny Shou working at a Chinese restaurant in Indiana. Six years later, they opened Pijiu Belly in Atlanta, and those multicultural notes are on every plate. One particularly beloved dish is the crispy braised pork belly sandwich which is smothered in a peach hoisin sauce. Fieri tried it alongside two former Atlanta Falcons on the "Belly, Beef and Bratwurst" episode.

"The texture, the crunchiness, the flavor, it's unmatched," said former guard Brandon Fusco.

The name of the restaurant means "Beer Belly," and as such, they always have a steady supply of rotating beer to pair with any meal.

Porch

549 Ocean Blvd, St Simons Island

Want Nashville chicken but don't want to go all the way to Tennessee? Porch has plenty of it at different heat levels which are served straight up and as a sandwich or wrap. They are all served in a relaxed spot with fun indoor and outdoor areas. Fieri had the "Houseclucker" sandwich including homemade pimento cheese during the "Soup, Sandwiches and Seafood" episode.

"This is all authentic, all done correctly," Fieri said. "That's good some good sting to it. It's tender, it's moist, it's got great crunch."

The restaurant also helps a worthy cause as many who work there are in recovery, including the owners.

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Folk Art

465 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta

For those who like a sandwich so thick it could be the whole meal, visit Folk Art. Located in Inman Park and Decatur, it's a popular neighborhood spot in both places with a colorful menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The sandwiches are not for the feint of the heart from the Triple D meatball burger featuring three patties and marinara to the "Bad to the Bone" with pulled pork, cole slaw and provolone. Fieri sampled both on the "Tri-Continent Cuisine" episode and described how unfriendly they are to swimsuit-season (in a good way).

Hankook Taqueria

1341 Collier Rd NW, Atlantaand 4474 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody

Looking for some truly unique culinary combinations? Try the Mexican-Korean fusion food at Hankook Taqueria from the husband-and-wife team of Tomas and Mackenzie Lee. On the "Mega Meat and Sweet Treats" episode, Fieri was dazed but delighted by the concept. That experience culminated in the Korean fried chicken taco and the loaded bulgogi fries which he called "a jam band" of flavor and a "powerhouse," respectively.

Hankook Taqueria also received high praise from "Iron Chef" host Alton Brown on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." During the premier of season four, Brown said their Bibim-Bop is his "favorite all-time food on the cheap."

Sisters of the New South

2605 Skidaway Rd, Savannah

Those that come to Sisters of the New South don't leave hungry. Inside is a cafeteria-style dining experience with a huge variety of Southern delicacies like oxtail, mac and cheese, okra and pork chops. On the "Seafood, Spice and Soul" episode, Fieri's mouth was watering for just about everything, but one of his favorites was the peach cobbler.

"That is about one of the most honest desserts I've had in the last 10 years on Triple D," he said. "The simple biscuit crust, it's a little bit of sugar, a little bit of vanilla, you're highlighting the peach. Outstanding."

Sea Wolf Tybee

106 S Campbell Ave, Tybee Island

Sisters of the New South shared its episode with another Georgia eatery: Sea Wolf Tybee. It's a quirky beach-side bar and restaurant from the disco ball and hot dog decor to the one-of-a-kind menu. Unique variations of oysters, hot dogs and vegan cuisine are rotated in-and-out seasonally. On the "Seafood, Spice and Soul" episode, Fieri attacked the Glizzy, which is an Australian wagyu hotdog topped with homemade chili, chorizo crema and Thomasville Tommy cheddar.

"There's nothing about this dog that I don't love," Fieri said. "That chili, get me a bowl of it, please."

Whatever you order, the bar has plenty of options for washing it down, like the Tom Arnold (part Tom Collins, part Arnold Palmer) and the Five Hour Energy, a tequila twist on the classic Penicillin.

The Colonnade

1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta

Though its home has moved around, at about 100 years old, the Colonnade is one of the oldest restaurants in Atlanta. The menu has remained traditionally southern including their beloved fried chicken, pot roast, chopped sirloin steak and similar savories. But the kitchen has also moved with the times, introducing new and interesting specials. During Fieri's visit on the "Better Than Ever" episode, the Colonnade had more international cuisine including a kangaroo filet which Fieri enjoyed.

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Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours

1133 Huff Rd NW, Atlanta

As its name describes, Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours is all about clever spins on southern staples. Chef Deborah Vantrece is a former flight attendant who took inspiration from her global traveling to craft her eclectic menu featuring papi chulo pasta and frango grilled chicken. On the "Whole Lotta Comfort" episode, Fieri tried the "Southern Seafood Louie Salad" and said he's usually not a fan of cold seafood or salads, but this was a very different experience.

"That is delicious," Fieri told Vantrece after trying it. "It's refined. It's balanced. You perfectly cooked the seafood. Avocado hoecake is a perfect complement. There's not many salads that I would order again. I would order that every time."

Twisted Soul was also highlighted on an early episode of "Carnivorous" on Food Network.

Southern Soul Barbeque

2020 Demere Rd, St Simons Island

Harrison Sapp and Griffin Bufkin took a defunct gas station, about $700, and a smoker and combined them to open Southern Soul Barbeque. They made a name for themselves with their slow-cooked meats, always over wood, and enjoyed in a retro-beach atmosphere. Sapp showed Fieri on the "Old Time Attitude" episode how they learned from Triple D to use a trash bag when mixing up the rub. As Sapp added more sugar and honey to his ribs, Fieri wasn't too sure about all the sweets, until he tasted it.

"It's tender, it's totally cooked right," he told Sapp. "I live in California. I'd weigh a lot more if I lived close to you guys."

Southern Soul was also on Triple D's 2021 "Big-Time Barbecue" special. It and Fox Bros were also among Southern Living's top 50 BBQ joints in the South list.

Did we miss a Georgia restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives? Contact Miguel Legoas at mlegoas@augustachronicle.com.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia restaurants on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives