Have you ever wondered where culinary curiosity could lead if it took a cross-country road trip? In Season 8, Episode 11 of “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” Guy Fieri embarked on yet another flavorful journey to uncover hidden gems in the world of comfort food. From the quirky roadside shanties to quaint neighborhood cafes, this episode highlights eateries that go beyond serving food—they create an experience. Each stop offers more than just a meal; it’s about memories, culture, and unique twists on traditional dishes. Throughout the episode, fans of the show got to see Guy savor dishes that bring people back through their doors again and again. It’s all about the authentic tastes, the personal stories, and yes, the sensational flavors that keep hearts and bellies full.
Blue Moon Café
Address: 1621 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231
A Baltimore Brunch Haven
Tucked away in the lively Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore, the Blue Moon Café is a quaint bistro that has been serving up breakfast fare with a twist since 1996. Owned and operated by Sarah Simington, the café has become a local favorite, boasting a cozy and eclectic vibe where vintage decor meets vibrant colors. Known for its creative approach to conventional breakfast classics, Blue Moon brings comfort food to an art form.
Guy Fieri’s Picks
Dishes Tried:
- Cap’n Crunch French Toast: This dish takes the quintessential French toast and mashes it with childhood favorites by using Cap’n Crunch cereal as the secret ingredient for the coating. It’s a playful dish that explodes with texture and flavor.
- Sweet Baby Jesus: A savory masterpiece featuring hash browns smothered in melted cheese, topped with lump crab meat, tomatoes, and eggs. It’s a decadent morning indulgence tied together with a hollandaise sauce that leaves diners in awe.
- The Colossal Sandwich: Layers of sausage, eggs, and cheese between perfectly toasted bread, creating a behemoth of a breakfast sandwich that’s both satisfying and heartwarming.
Status: Open
Al’s Breakfast
Address: 413 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Minneapolis’s Historic Breakfast Bar
Nestled in the quirky Dinkytown area of Minneapolis, Al’s Breakfast offers a unique dining experience—if you can squeeze in. This narrow eatery has been around since 1950 and is known for having only 14 stools. Its compact nature fosters a communal dining experience, where personalities and aromas intermingle just as easily as the busy line cooks prepare their beloved breakfast creations.
Guy Fieri’s Picks
Dishes Tried:
- Walnut Waffle: A simple but extraordinary plate, this waffle boasts the nuttiness of walnuts mixed into a batter that creates a crunchy but fluffy texture that keeps the locals returning.
- Jose: A savory blend of hash browns, cheese, and green chili sauce, “Jose” is one of those dishes that bridges the gap between breakfast and lunch with ease and no shortage of flavor.
- Blueberry Pancakes: Overflowing with fresh blueberries, the pancake’s light and fluffy character is enhanced by swirls of sweet syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, offering a comforting start to anyone’s day.
Status: Open
Hodad’s
Address: 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
A Burger Joint with Serious Street Cred
Located in Sunny San Diego’s Ocean Beach neighborhood, Hodad’s is the kind of place that has burgers down to a science—or perhaps an art. Mike Hardin, the charismatic owner known as “Bossman,” helped elevate the mom-and-pop burger shop into an iconic and much-lauded destination. The atmosphere is as laid-back as its beachside location, with surfboards and bumper stickers plastered throughout to set the scene.
Guy Fieri’s Picks
Dishes Tried:
- Double Bacon Cheeseburger: A towering creation that’s as mesmerizing as it is delicious. With house-made patties, crispy bacon, and melted cheese nestled between soft buns, it’s a spectacle of flavors.
- Onion Rings: The perfect sidekick to any burger, these onion rings are battered to perfection, boasting unparalleled crunch and irresistible savoriness.
- Chocolate Malt: A rich, creamy classic shake that offers nostalgia and decadence in every sip, much like how the entire vibe of Hodad’s serves up classic Americana with each meal.
Status: Open