I came across this post from The Daily Meal that highlighted what they call the best Nashville restaurants that Guy Fieri has taken his iconic, fabled, hit show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to. That’s not meant to throw shade at The Daily Meal. I’m just saying that I don’t necessarily endorse the list because I haven’t been everywhere on this list. I don’t even know if all of these places are still open in the kill-or-be-killed landscape of the Nashville restaurant scene. It seems like with every new restaurant that opens each month, three more institutions close. Nonetheless, I had to see the full list of where Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives has visited in Tennessee to get a more accurate scope of where this show has been in the Volunteer State. Thankfully, they’re all right there on the Flavortown website.
First of all, did you guys have any idea that this show is still going on and that it’s been running basically non-stop since fucking 2007?!?! That’s SIXTEEN YEARS! Holy shit – talk about a legacy in food, Guy Fieri, the drip God, has it in spades! Second of all, shout out to Phat Bites for making the cut! I’ve seen the little mural they have at the spot before, but never put two and two together. I don’t know – I guess that’s my caveman brain coming out. I just thought maybe they were really big fans of the show and were going for a vibe. I don’t mind outing myself as an idiot. I love Martin’s. I love The Grilled Cheeserie. And, yeah – I love Phat Bites. But, I think my favorite spot on the list of Tennessee joints he’s visited is 55 South down in Franklin. Hell of a meal. Hell of a cocktail. Damn good vibes to chill to – it checks a lot of the boxes without the downtown Nashville fanfare. Also, let me work in my obligatory “R.I.P. to Arnold’s” in this post as well.
Nonetheless, there are way too many spots in Nashville that qualify as a diner, a drive-in, and/or a dive that Guy Fieri has been ignoring for far too long. Personally, I’ve had enough of it. So, I’d like to help him out because I’m sure he doesn’t have an entire production staff that lines up places for him to visit and all. You know what I’m saying? Just doing my part to help the entertainment industry.
My submissions for Nashville area joints for Guy Fieri to take Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives to:
- Dino’s – my review – I’m sorry but no other diner, drive-in, or dive counts until he’s been to Dino’s.
- Brown’s Diner – If Dino’s ain’t the best burger in town, it’s Brown’s.
- Nectar: Urban Cantina – my review – Great vibes and one of the most creative menus in town. It’s not a “dive,” but shit – neither is 55 South, so I think this one will pass.
- Daddy’s Dogs – my review – I don’t know…you guys are familiar with Daddy’s Dogs….doesn’t it seem like the exact type of place that Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives was created to highlight?
- Sir Pizza – my review – Old Nashville knows. The real Nashville knows.
- Applebee’s – my review – Never had a bad meal there.
There you go – that’s like a whole season just in the Nashville area. You’re welcome, Guy. Give me a call next time you’re in town. Thanks.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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