Georgia restaurants that Guy Fieri has 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:

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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 had more space to make his 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."

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 while turning some space in the back into a modern dining 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.

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 sea food 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.

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 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."

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.

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 almost 70 years and has always been a central spot for the city of Tucker. 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 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 episodes including the "Best from the Road" special.

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 Iron Chef Stephanie 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" featuring 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."

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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 their own spin on them with dedicated time, energy and fresh ingredients. Fieri marveled at how much went into their 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."

The Colonnade

1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta

Though its home has moved around, at almost a century-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.

Hankook Taqueria

1341 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta and 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 carried over to the plate when he called the Korean fried chicken taco "a jam band" of flavor and the loaded bulgogi fries a "powerhouse."

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."

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. The Mayor of Flavortown was also taken aback by the taste of the flatbread.

"This ain't your mama's shrimp toast," he 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 means of the restaurant means "Beer Belly," and as such, they always have a steady supply of rotating beer to pair with any meal.

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).

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Rreal Tacos

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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."

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 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 about how you do it," Fieri told him.

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.

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Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

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"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 used in chili, Texas fries, burgers and more. 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.

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 turned it all into the sensational 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" of 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 Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives