Alabama, known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and mouth-watering Southern cuisine, has been a favorite among foodies and travelers alike. The state’s diverse culinary scene has been showcased on the popular Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where host Guy Fieri explores the best eats across America. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Alabama restaurants that have been featured on the show, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them stand out.
A Brief History of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Before we dive into the Alabama restaurants that have been featured on the show, let’s take a brief look at the history of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The show first premiered in 2007 and has since become one of the most popular food shows on television. Host Guy Fieri, a chef and food enthusiast, travels across the country in his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, visiting local eateries and sampling their signature dishes.
What Makes a Restaurant a Triple D Favorite?
So, what makes a restaurant a Triple D favorite? According to Guy Fieri, it’s all about the food, the atmosphere, and the people. He looks for restaurants that serve up creative, delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. He also wants to see a restaurant that’s passionate about its food and its community. Whether it’s a dive bar serving up classic burgers and fries or a family-owned eatery dishing out traditional Southern comfort food, Guy Fieri is always on the lookout for restaurants that are doing something unique and special.
Alabama Restaurants Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, let’s take a look at the Alabama restaurants that have been featured on the show.
The Bright Star Restaurant
Located in Bessemer, Alabama, The Bright Star Restaurant is a Birmingham institution that has been serving up classic Southern cuisine since 1907. This family-owned eatery has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives not once, but twice, and it’s easy to see why. Their menu features a range of Southern favorites, including fried catfish, hushpuppies, and fried green tomatoes.
| Restaurant Name | Location | Featured Dish |
|---|---|---|
| The Bright Star Restaurant | Bessemer, AL | Fried Catfish |
Saw’s BBQ
Saw’s BBQ is a Birmingham favorite that has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This casual barbecue joint serves up a range of delicious meats, including pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. But what really sets Saw’s apart is its creative sides, including a tangy barbecue sauce and a refreshing coleslaw made with red cabbage.
The Loveless Cafe
Located in Florence, Alabama, The Loveless Cafe is a beloved institution that has been serving up classic Southern comfort food since 1951. This family-owned eatery has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and it’s easy to see why. Their menu features a range of Southern favorites, including fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes.
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q is a Decatur, Alabama, institution that has been serving up delicious barbecue since 1925. This family-owned eatery has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and it’s easy to see why. Their menu features a range of barbecue favorites, including pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, all smoked to perfection over hickory wood.
Dreamland BBQ
Dreamland BBQ is a Tuscaloosa, Alabama, favorite that has been serving up delicious barbecue since 1958. This casual barbecue joint has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and it’s easy to see why. Their menu features a range of barbecue favorites, including ribs, sausage, and chicken, all smoked to perfection over hickory wood.
Other Alabama Restaurants Worth Visiting
While these restaurants have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, there are many other Alabama eateries worth visiting. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Irondale Cafe: Located in Irondale, Alabama, this beloved cafe has been serving up classic Southern comfort food since 1906. Their menu features a range of Southern favorites, including fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes.
- Demetri’s BBQ: Located in Homewood, Alabama, this casual barbecue joint serves up a range of delicious meats, including pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. But what really sets Demetri’s apart is its creative sides, including a tangy barbecue sauce and a refreshing coleslaw made with red cabbage.
Conclusion
Alabama’s culinary scene is a diverse and vibrant one, with a range of delicious restaurants serving up everything from classic Southern comfort food to creative barbecue. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just someone who loves good food, there’s something for everyone in the Yellowhammer State. So why not start planning your next culinary adventure today? With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and mouth-watering cuisine, Alabama is the perfect destination for anyone who loves food.
What is Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is a popular American food reality television series that premiered in 2007. The show is hosted by Guy Fieri, who travels across the United States in a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, sampling the local cuisine and meeting the chefs and owners of various restaurants, diners, and eateries.
The show focuses on comfort food, street food, and other local specialties, often featuring unique and quirky eateries that are off the beaten path. Each episode typically features three to four restaurants, and Guy Fieri samples a variety of dishes at each location, often providing his own commentary and reactions to the food.
Which Alabama restaurants have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Several Alabama restaurants have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives over the years. Some of the restaurants that have been featured on the show include Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham, The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, and Callaghan’s Irish Social Club in Mobile.
These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from traditional Southern barbecue to seafood and Irish pub fare. Each restaurant has its own unique character and history, and they have all been recognized for their delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
What is Saw’s BBQ known for?
Saw’s BBQ is a popular barbecue joint in Birmingham, Alabama, that has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The restaurant is known for its tender and flavorful barbecue, which is smoked to perfection over hickory wood.
Saw’s BBQ offers a range of barbecue favorites, including pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, as well as some more unique items like barbecue-stuffed baked potatoes and smoked chicken wings. The restaurant has received rave reviews from customers and critics alike, and it is widely regarded as one of the best barbecue joints in the state.
What is The Bright Star Restaurant known for?
The Bright Star Restaurant is a historic restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama, that has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The restaurant is known for its traditional Southern cuisine, including seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes.
The Bright Star Restaurant has been in operation since 1907, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the state. The restaurant is located in a historic building and features a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with white tablecloths and a large wooden bar. The restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a James Beard America’s Classics award.
What is Callaghan’s Irish Social Club known for?
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club is a popular Irish pub in Mobile, Alabama, that has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The restaurant is known for its traditional Irish cuisine, including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips.
Callaghan’s Irish Social Club is a cozy and welcoming pub that features a large wooden bar and a warm atmosphere. The restaurant has a wide selection of beers and whiskeys, and it hosts live music events and other activities throughout the year. The restaurant has received rave reviews from customers and critics alike, and it is widely regarded as one of the best Irish pubs in the state.
How can I find more information about the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
There are several ways to find more information about the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The show’s website features a list of all the restaurants that have been featured on the show, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and websites.
You can also find more information about the restaurants on review websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor, which feature customer reviews and ratings. Additionally, many of the restaurants have their own social media accounts, where they post updates and photos of their food and events.
Can I visit the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Yes, you can visit the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The show features real restaurants that are open to the public, and many of them have become popular tourist destinations as a result of their appearance on the show.
However, it’s worth noting that some of the restaurants may be busy or have long wait times, especially if they have been featured on the show recently. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website to confirm their hours and availability before planning a visit.