Our infatuation for Guy Fieri goes beyond his loud and charismatic personality—he has an appreciation for food and has shown all of us that the best meal of our life doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With roadside diners and out-of-the-way “dives,” happiness is found in all cuisines and cultures; these are our favorite restaurants from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive Chicago that are so delectable they have Guy Fieri raving about them.
1. Smoque BBQ
Smoque BBQ is constantly ranked among the nation’s best BBQ spots, and Guy Fieri lists this as the real-deal barbecue spot in Chicago. This fusion barbecue joint is known for its powerful flavors that combine and harmonize, making two different kinds of sauce their own way daily. Make sure to add the ribs and brisket to your meal, which made it on the Guy Fieri Chicago restaurant list.
📍3800 N. Pulaski, Chicago
🎬 Season 2, Episode 5
2. bopNgrill
BopNgrill was made for delicious American comfort food, and this joint serves it with a Korean flair. You’ll be devouring their Duxelle Burger in minutes—topped with truffled mushroom duxelles, sun-dried tomato confit, and togarashi mayo. It sent Guy Fieri into burger euphoria.
📍6604 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago
🎬 Season 15, Episode 2
3. Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria
Although Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, that didn’t stop Guy from heading straight to Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria for thin-crust pizza on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Forget Lou Malnati’s and Pequods; their pizza has been winning the hearts of locals for more than 90 years—the guy’s order included the signature Cheese and Egg Pizza.
📍8433 South Pulaski Rd, Chicago
🎬 Season 5, Episode 6
4. Del Seoul
Owned by a brother and sister duo, their inspiration comes from the Korean “street foods” of Chicago, Asia, and Korea. After consuming their innovative food, including the crispy, sweet, tangy K-Town Chicken Wings and the Kalbi Poutine fries, we guarantee you’ll be a repeat customer.
📍2568 N. Clark St, Chicago
🎬 Season 28, Episode 27
5. Kuma’s Corner
After watching this Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Chicago episode, your mouth will be watering. Kuma’s Corner has served some of the best hand-crafted burgers for over 18 years. Order the Mastodon, a beefy patty topped with applewood crispy bacon, cheddar, fizzled onion, and barbecue sauce, or Guy’s choice, the Black Sabbath, a patty with chili, pepper jack, red onion, and blackening spices.
📍2900 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago
🎬 Season 21, Episode 31
6. Rex Italian Foods
Considered “real deal” Italian food, Rex has been the king of the Chicago Italian delis since the 1960s when they started serving their nonna’s recipes. Guy lusted over Sicilian Schiacciata, a pizza sandwich stuffed with ham, pepperoni, peppers, and Mozzarella cheese and served panini style. So, no wonder it made Guy Fieri Chicago Italian restaurant list.
📍4431 N Harlem Ave, Norridge
🎬 Season 15, Episode 1
7. Mfk.
Mfk, an intimate, seafood-focused eatery, is highlighted on a Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Chicago episode for its unbelievable Cataplana. The cuisine leans toward high-quality ingredients inspired by Spain’s Catalan and Basque coastal regions. While the Cataplana is no longer on the menu, order the Boquerones, which includes piperade, fennel, lemon oil, and baguette, for a savory start to your meal.
📍432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago
🎬 Season 28, Episode 30
8. Saucy Porka
Saucy Porka pays homage to the home-style cooking of Latin America and Asian cultures. Their menu offers flavor fusions across cultures, from Mexi Pho to the Chorizo Egg Roll. Order the Asian Style Paella highlighted by Guy Fieri, which includes jasmine rice with Sazón seasoning, Chinese sausage, mild sausage, pork carnitas, edamame, and scallions.
📍335 S Franklin St, Chicago
🎬Season 28, Episode 16
9. Hopleaf Bar
This place goes beyond your average pub food, so no wonder it was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Chicago. This Belgian-focused gastropub is removing fries from its vocabulary. Instead, you can have Loaded Pommes Frites, Charcuterie & Cheese, and a Cheese Plate. However, don’t walk away until you have tried their famous mussels, Belgian-style, and in beer that is sure to delight.
📍 5148 N Clark St, Chicago
🎬 Season 14, Episode 11
10. Chilam Balam
This cozy basement setting has an array of seasonal Mexican dishes with a farm-fresh twist perfect for sharing. Guy mentions the Chicken Flautas with pickled cabbage and homemade queso has the perfect crunch and a mouthful of flavor. Other notable mentions from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Chicago, include the Memelas, which has aged goat cheese, black beans, and pea shoots.
📍3023 N. Broadway St, Chicago
🎬Season 12, Episode 7