Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives New York Restaurants You Can Still Eat At Today
Guy Fieri’s culinary road trip through America’s most mouthwatering joints has put countless hidden gems on the map.
I’ve spent years tracking down these flavor-packed spots, and New York’s Triple D locations hold a special place in my heart (and stomach).
Last summer, I embarked on my own Flavortown adventure across the Empire State, sampling everything from perfect pastrami to mind-blowing pizza.
Here are ten Guy-approved New York eateries where you can still grab a bite of that Triple D magic today.
Pies ‘N’ Thighs: Southern Comfort In Brooklyn
Walking into Pies ‘n’ Thighs feels like teleporting straight to a Southern grandma’s kitchen—if grandma had cool tattoos and lived under the Williamsburg Bridge! The fried chicken here changed my life, no exaggeration. Crispy, perfectly seasoned crust giving way to juicy meat that practically falls off the bone.
Their signature chicken biscuit sandwich is what caught Guy’s attention, and for good reason. Slathered with hot sauce and honey butter, it’s the perfect sweet-spicy-savory combo that’ll make you want to slap the table.
Don’t sleep on their namesake pies either! The banana cream pie haunts my dreams in the best possible way. Cash-only at their takeout window, but trust me—you’ll want to grab a seat inside to fully experience the magic.
John’s Of Bleecker Street: Pizza Perfection Since 1929
Holy moly, the coal-fired magic happening at John’s of Bleecker Street is something you’ve gotta experience firsthand! When Guy visited, he couldn’t stop raving about their crispy-yet-chewy crust, and neither could I when I finally made my pilgrimage last fall.
The ancient brick ovens (dating back to 1929!) create this incredible smoky char you just can’t replicate at home. No slices here, folks—whole pies only, which forces you to commit to your topping choices, but trust me, you’ll demolish the entire thing.
My server told me celebrities regularly sneak in for incognito pizza fixes. The worn wooden booths covered in decades of carved initials tell their own delicious history. Pro tip: go mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid the notorious lines!
Mama’s Food Shop: East Village Comfort Food Heaven
Remember when Guy flipped for Mama’s meatloaf? I literally scheduled my entire New York trip around visiting this East Village institution! The homestyle cooking here transported me straight back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s table—except Mama’s portions are twice as generous.
Their fried chicken arrives steaming hot with that perfect crackling skin that makes your eyes roll back. The mac and cheese should be illegal—velvety, gooey, and topped with a golden-brown crust that I may have fought my friend for. No judgment zone here!
The cafeteria-style service keeps things moving, but nobody rushes you once you’re seated. Grab a mismatched chair at one of their communal tables and prepare for strangers to become friends as you all bond over the ridiculous deliciousness on your plates.
Defonte’s Sandwich Shop: Brooklyn’s Sandwich Legends
Sandwiches are serious business at Defonte’s, where the guys behind the counter have biceps the size of my thighs from lifting these monster creations all day! Family-owned since 1922, this Red Hook institution makes me weak in the knees just thinking about their Nicky Special—fried eggplant, provolone, ham, salami, and the works.
My first bite sent me into such a food trance that I completely tuned out my chatty companion for a solid five minutes. Sorry, not sorry! The bread alone deserves its own fan club—crusty outside, pillowy inside, and somehow magically engineered to hold up against the mountain of fillings.
Guy raved about their potato and egg sandwich, which sounds weird until you try it. Then you’ll understand why construction workers line up here every morning. Cash only, and worth every penny of the ATM fee I had to pay!
The Redhead: Southern-Inspired East Village Spot
The Redhead’s bacon peanut brittle was what initially caught Guy’s eye, but their buttermilk fried chicken stole the show on my visit! Tucked away on an unassuming East Village block, this gastropub serves Southern comfort food with a sophisticated twist that’ll knock your socks off.
My server—sporting more tattoos than visible skin—recommended their shrimp and grits, which arrived swimming in a spicy tomato broth that had me sopping up every last drop with cornbread. The cocktail menu deserves its own round of applause, especially their bourbon concoctions that pair perfectly with the rich food.
The dimly lit, brick-walled space gets packed with locals by 7pm, creating this perfect buzz of conversation and clinking glasses. Reservations aren’t accepted, so I’d suggest arriving early or be prepared to wait at the bar—which honestly isn’t a hardship given their mixology skills!
Tortilleria Nixtamal: Queens’ Authentic Mexican Marvel
“You haven’t had a real tortilla until you’ve been to Nixtamal,” Guy declared on his visit, and boy, was he right! This Corona, Queens treasure makes their corn tortillas from scratch daily—I watched them grinding the corn through the kitchen window, completely mesmerized by the process.
Their tacos al pastor feature pork so tender and flavorful it nearly brought tears to my eyes. The meat is carved right off a vertical spit, topped with fresh pineapple, and nestled in those heavenly fresh tortillas. My mouth waters just remembering it!
The pozole—a traditional Mexican soup—comes loaded with hominy and your choice of meat in a rich, red chile broth that warms you from the inside out. The no-frills storefront might not look impressive from outside, but the line of locals waiting patiently tells you everything you need to know about this place.
Katz’s Delicatessen: Lower East Side Pastrami Paradise
Stepping into Katz’s feels like walking onto a movie set—partly because it actually was one in “When Harry Met Sally”! When Guy featured this iconic deli, he focused on their legendary hand-carved pastrami, which takes a full month to cure before it reaches your plate. Mind-blowing!
The ordering system initially confused me—they hand you a ticket upon entry that you absolutely must not lose unless you want to pay a hefty fine. The sandwich artists behind the counter slice the meat so generously they offer samples while you wait. I nearly fainted from happiness at my first taste.
The sandwich itself? Skyscraper-tall, impossibly juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Their house-made mustard cuts through the richness perfectly. Yes, it’s pricey at over $20 for a sandwich, and yes, it’s crawling with tourists, but some clichés exist for a reason—this place is the real deal!
Jimmy’s Diner: Williamsburg’s Retro Breakfast Champion
The moment I walked into Jimmy’s Diner, the smell of sizzling bacon transported me to breakfast heaven! This unassuming Williamsburg joint might look like any other greasy spoon, but their “Chicken & Waffles with Bourbon Maple Butter” that Guy raved about is nothing short of revolutionary.
Last Saturday morning, nursing a slight hangover (don’t judge!), I discovered their secret hangover cure—the Frito Pie Breakfast Bowl. Picture this: eggs, chili, cheese, and Fritos all mingling together in perfect harmony. The waitress called me “hon” and kept my coffee cup perpetually full without me having to ask once.
The vintage booths have that perfect worn-in feel, and the jukebox in the corner played Dolly Parton as I devoured my breakfast. Cash only, open until 4pm daily, and absolutely worth setting an alarm for, even on weekends.
Pepperoncini Sotto: Staten Island’s Hidden Italian Treasure
“Take the ferry to flavor town!” became my motto after discovering Pepperoncini Sotto on Staten Island. When Guy visited, he couldn’t stop praising their homemade pastas, and now I understand why—they’re so fresh they were likely made minutes before hitting my plate!
The cavatelli with broccoli rabe and sausage made me momentarily forget my name. Each piece of pasta has this perfect little ridge that cradles the garlicky sauce. The owner, Vinny, personally delivered my veal saltimbocca, proudly explaining how his grandmother’s recipe hasn’t changed in 60 years.
This basement-level gem feels like dining in someone’s home—if that someone happened to be an Italian nonna with serious cooking skills. The walls are covered with family photos and vintage Italian posters. Reservations essential on weekends, and come hungry—portions are Staten Island-sized!
The Bagel Store: Brooklyn’s Rainbow Bagel Innovator
Bagels are serious business in New York, but The Bagel Store in Williamsburg takes them to a whole new psychedelic level! Their famous rainbow bagels—which literally stopped Guy in his tracks during filming—look like Play-Doh sculptures made edible through some sort of culinary wizardry.
During my visit, I watched the owner, Scot, hand-rolling these colorful creations with the precision of a surgeon. Despite the Instagram fame, these aren’t just gimmicky eye candy—they taste absolutely legit! The texture is perfect: chewy interior with that signature crisp exterior that makes New York bagels the world’s best.
Beyond the rainbow varieties, their everything bagel with scallion cream cheese nearly made me propose marriage to the sandwich maker. Fair warning: weekend lines can stretch around the block, but watching the rainbow-making process through the kitchen window makes the wait part of the experience!