San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Fat Tummy Empanadas

Chef Gustavo Plache and Norah Saleh, a husband and wife team from Argentina, are churning out their signature “fat tummy” empanadas in San Antonio. These extra-large hot dough pockets are filled with all kinds of savory and sweet ingredients. “You’re the example of the America story,” said Guy. “That’s why we do Triple-D.”

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Wrigleyville Grill

Diners head to Wrigleyville for a legit taste of Chicago in San Antonio. Chef Demetrios Tingas, aka Jimmy, spent 41 years in Chicago and brought his hometown staples with him when he moved south. “That’s as close as it is to the original,” Guy said between bites of the Famous Italian Beef.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Dignowity Meats

Dignowity Meats is what happens when an East Coast boy falls in love with barbecue but misses his classic deli sandwiches. Chef Andrew Samia merges these two into his Burnt End Melt. Guy called the combo of hickory smoked prime angus brisket, mac and cheese, sliced pear and cheddar cheese, “a lethal weapon.” “You’d have to register this in Flavortown,” he mused.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

crushcraft Thai Eats

For a passport to Thailand in Texas head to Jack Nuchjasem’s CrushCraft. Chef Nuchjasem is channeling the flavors he loved growing up near Bangkok into his authentic dishes. “That’s one of the best curries I have ever had,” Guy said after tasting the Green Thai Curry.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Whistle Britches

Chef Omar Flores is dishing out comfort food with a Southern spin and making some seriously crispy fried chicken at Whistle Britches. The Hot Dang is their Nashville-style hot chicken served on thick Texas toast, with cool dill ranch and house-made pickles. Their chicken and waffles are served with a drizzle of jalapeno hot honey, house-made sausage gravy and a wedge of watermelon. “That’s wrong in so many ways that it makes it right,” Guy said of the dish.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

One90 Smoked Meats

Guy’s been to more BBQ joints than most people so when one impresses him it’s worth trying. Chef and Owner Kyle St. Clair’s brisket was so tender that Guy remarked, “You don’t even need a knife; you can cut that with a bad look.” Have it on the Spicy Brisket Sandwich which is layered on a brioche bun with a roasted poblano, in-house smoked cheddar, pickles and red onion.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Nora Restaurant and Bar

Chef Matt Pikar’s restaurant is the first Afghan place Guy has visited on DDD. The cuisine is redolent of spices like turmeric, cardamom and saffron. Guy loved the tender lamb shanks served over fragrant basmati rice and topped with raisins, carrots, pistachios and slivered almonds. The Kofta Chalao, Afghan meatballs, were another feast of spice and flavor.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Tacos Mariachi

Chef Jesus Carmona is serving up real-deal Tijuana street tacos and more in Dallas. His grilled octopus tacos are topped with a spicy pesto salsa and cooled with avocado and cheese. The chef was inspired to make his signature Mole Fries by a vendor selling potato chips dipped in mole. His version substitutes crispy fries topped with house-made mole, crema fresca and cotija cheese. “I came here for tacos, I’ll come back for the fritas,” gushed Guy.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Tutta's Pizza

At Tutta’s there’s a pizza for every appetite but they’re known for their smoked-meat topped creations. The Texan features smoked brisket topped with their house-made barbeque sauce, red onions, pepperoncini peppers and melted mozzarella cheese.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

La Panadería

This bakery in San Antonio aims to transport you back to Mexico City circa 1950. The Mexico City-raised owners Jose Cáceres and David Cáceres are cranking out authentic bread and pastries like Guy has never had. Guy’s sons join him to make the bakery’s best seller, the Tequila-Almond Croissants.

Houston, TX

restaurants

Cuchara Restaurant

Guy wasn’t prepared for the depth of authenticity he would experience at Cuchara. The real-deal Mexican flavors and attention to detail permeated every dish. He raved about the four-color handmade tortillas and the tacos chelo, potato-stuffed tacos topped with tangy green salsa, calling them “one of the top 10 tacos” he has ever had. He left calling it “an outrageous experience.”

Houston, TX

restaurants

Cool Runnings

Chef-Owner Terron Henry delivers an authentic taste of his native Jamaica with spice-laden dishes that sing with traditional island flavors. Guy said the curried goat will make a convert out of anyone. “That is some of the most tender, flavorful and balanced curried goat I’ve ever had,” Guy declared after tucking into the meat. Henry marinates the goat with a heat-packed blend of housemade wet jerk and Madras curry powder, then cooks the meat in a seasoned curry sauce studded with carrots, onions and potatoes. A trio of sides (rice, cabbage and plantains) round out the plate. The exquisitely seasoned oxtails are another popular pick.

Houston, TX

restaurants

The Original Marini's Empanada House

Husband-and-wife team Marcello and Pelusa Marini have perfected the art of the fried pastries that are a staple of their home country. They opened their first restaurant back in 1971 after immigrating to the United States from Argentina, and continue to draw the crowds today with their homemade empanadas. The menu is crowded with dozens of options stuffed with fillings both sweet and savory, but for a taste of an Argentinean classic, Guy recommends the beef gaucho empanada. The ground beef is artfully seasoned, layered with olives and then enveloped in a light and airy dough before being plunged into the deep fryer.

Spring, TX

restaurants

Q-Shi BBQ & Sushi

Chef-Owner Raymond Aker combines two seemingly disparate cuisines — sushi and barbecue — to make distinctive dishes that sing with bold, bright flavors. Take the surf-and-turf roll, for instance. The rice-wrapped roll is stuffed with snow crab, tempura-battered shrimp and avocado, then topped with a hefty slice of smoked brisket and spicy jalapeno slivers. The dish comes drenched in a wasabi-laced dressing that Guy says balances out the flavors. Also try the crisp, golden fries that come heaped with two Korean classics: bulgogi and kimchi.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Smoke Shack BBQ

Even in a state full of barbecue joints, this one stands out for its Big Mac Daddy. Layer upon layer of pulled pork and brisket are heaped onto a 24-inch bun, then loaded with sausage links, smothered with 2 kinds of sauces and crowned with 4 scoops of meat-studded macaroni and cheese for a seven-pound behemoth.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

Valentina's manages to excel at both classic barbecue meats and Mexican staples like carnitas and fajitas. Make it there before 11 a.m. to enjoy The Real Deal Holyfield, one of the city's most-decadent culinary experiences and one that’s likely to knock you out for the rest of your day. The fried egg, beans, potato, bacon and tomato-serrano salsa are a meal unto themselves, but the dish enters a new realm of gluttony with a thick slice of fatty brisket.

Arlington, TX

restaurants

Prince Lebanese Grill

Prince Lebanese Grill channels the flavors of the Mediterranean, with familiar classics such as falafel, shawarma and tabbouleh, and some things you may have never tried before. You must get the Middle Eastern Breakfast Pizza made with za'atar — a spice blend pesto pasted on a warmed pita.

Houston, TX

restaurants

Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen

If you're looking for a great sandwich, swing by Kenny & Ziggy's, the New York-style deli that's making all the classics. You'll find Yiddish favorites such as Mishmosh soup and 10-ounce pastrami sandwiches, plus the eight-decker mother of all deli sandwiches called The Zellagabetsky.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Maria's Taco Xpress

To taste the funky and weird side of Austin, Rachael gets a local tip to visit Maria's Taco Xpress with its bright murals and good cheap eats. Rachael ordered the popular migas breakfast tacos, but for dinner, it's all about the pollo guisado chicken tacos made with a smoky chipotle sauce.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana

The pizza at Dough Pizzeria Napoletana is so authentic, owner Doug Horn even has the L'Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana certificate to prove he serves bona fide Neapolitan pizza. Guy's visit was a lesson in "mega awesome," starting with the handmade mozzarella and the irresistible prosciutto.

Fort Worth, TX

restaurants

Chop House Burger

At this burger joint Chef Kenny Mills is cooking up real deal burgers with a twist. The Chop House Burger has a mixed patty of brisket and beef, which Guy claims is "outstanding." Football player Earl Campbell loves the gumbo made with his sausage, crab and crawfish and served over rice.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

The Cove

Most people probably wouldn't expect to find amazing food at a restaurant connected to a car wash and a laundromat, but The Cove in San Antonio is home to some of the best lamb burgers Guy's ever had. Owner Lisa Avestas' fish tacos and mushroom quesadillas are hometown favorites.

Adkins, TX

restaurants

Texas Pride Barbecue

Barbecue joints aren't hard to find in Texas, but San Antonio locals are still willing to drive 20 miles to Adkins to check out Texas Pride Barbecue. Guy recommends their #1 selling smoked brisket, which is made even better with a side of baked beans.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

De Wese's Tip Top Cafe

The Tip Top Cafe in San Antonio hasn't changed the menu much since it first opened over 70 years ago, but that's because there hasn’t been any reason to do so. Guy couldn't stop eating the open-faced roast pork and gravy sandwich, the beef enchiladas and the buttery fried shrimp.

Mansfield, TX

restaurants

Twisted Root Burger Co.

At this eatery they're serving over 2000 burgers a week with a gourmet twist. The barbecue sauce in the half-pound Western Burger with pepper Jack, bacon, onion strings and jalapenos was the "kicker" according to Guy. He also enjoyed the venison and bison burger with a side of spicy fried pickles.

Arlington, TX

restaurants

Taste Of Europe

Where can you "eat while you shop and shop while you eat"? At this Russian comfort food eatery, of course! Chef Irina Pavlova, a Russian native, served Guy potato pancakes with meat inside, which he described as "crispy, creamy and salty." Customers also enjoy the cabbage rolls and Russian sweets.

Houston, TX

restaurants

Red Lion British Pub

Red Lion owner Craig Mallinson says true English pubs should serve the long-ignored U.K. staple: Indian food. As Guy learned, Red Lion caters to both cuisines. Try the tasty chicken tikka masala; if you're still craving the British classics, the lamb shepherd's pie is a perfect dish for a cold day.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Maple & Motor

Owner Jack Perkins is grilling only burgers at his dive, and he is making over 600 a day. The half-pound burger with lettuce, bacon, cheese and jalapenos tantalized Guy's taste buds. Loyal customers enjoy customizing their burgers by adding an extra patty, chili, grilled onions and a fried egg.

Austin, TX

cafe

Magnolia Cafe

Locals can't wait for Magnolia Cafe's giant gingerbread banana pancakes, and lucky for them, they don't have to. Guy loved the menu, packed with everything from chipotle hollandaise sauce on eggs Benedict to jambalaya stuffed in red peppers. As he says, "come back for the food and the funk."

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Louie's

Drop by Louie's to sample the Don, a burger that Guy says is "super-mondo juicy." The fresh-ground Angus patty is basted with a soy-and-garlic-laced secret sauce, layered with Swiss cheese, bacon and jalapeno, then nestled between slices of rye bread. Also try the thin-crust pizza slathered with crushed tomato sauce and topped with Angus beef-and-pork butt sausage, Wisconsin cheese, onions and green peppers.

Arlington, TX

restaurants

Jamaica Gates

Locals flock to this restaurant for its authentic Jamaican home cooking. Guy enjoyed the "delicious heat" found in the curry goat. The goat head soup was "full flavored" and had tender pieces of goat. The savory and slightly spicy stewed and fried whole red snapper is a fan favorite.

Fort Worth, TX

restaurants

Fred's Texas Cafe

At this all-American diner, chef Terry Chandler is serving up classics with a Southwestern spin. Guy could barely take the heat from the seasonal New Mexico green chile and lamb stew. The steak with chipotle brown butter was memorable for its "big flavor." Locals enjoy ordering the cheeseburger.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Foreign & Domestic

At Foreign & Domestic, it's a culinary wedding of flavors. The husband-and-wife duo behind this restaurant have been turning foreign dishes a little domestic and vice versa. The result is a menu with savory, eclectic standouts, like Fideos pasta with eggplant butter or their signature Gruyere Popovers.

Watauga, TX

restaurants

Chef Point Bar & Restaurant

A gas station’s cafe may be the last place you’d expect to fill up on gourmet eats, but that’s what you’ll find here. Guy Fieri is a fan of the bread pudding served with a scratch-made cognac sauce, while Jeff Mauro favors a spicier treat: a Bloody Mary garnished with fried chicken, bacon and more.

Houston, TX

restaurants

Cafe Pita +

Visit the "bad boys of Bosnian food" at Cafe Pita and sample some of their favorite Mom-inspired Bosnian recipes, like traditional lamb shank cooked to perfection in a clay pot or sausage on lepinja (Bosnian flat bread) in the mouthwatering Cevap Sandwich.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Avila's

Avila reflects founders Anita and Octavio Avila's Mexican and Texan roots. The menu features specialties like chile relleno, pollo con calabaza -- a Mexican chicken stew with squash and corn -- sauteed pork in cascabel pepper sauce and, of course, the brisket tacos that Guy raved about on Triple D.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Pepe's & Mito's

At this dive, Chef Pedro Rojos is switching things up and serving some dynamite Mex-Tex dishes. The caldo albondigas --- a Mexican meatball soup --- was "outstanding," according to Guy. The beef tacos nortenos had an excellent char that also impressed him. Try ordering the beef enchiladas too.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

El Bohio Restaurant

At this Puerto Rican eatery, Chef Andre Cerbones is cooking up all the classics. Guy's favorite is the mofongo, which is made with mashed plantains, fried pork and a garlic sauce. According to Guy, "there is no way you can't love" the full-flavored ropa vieja with twice-fried plantains either.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Luke's Inside Out

At this food truck, you never know what kind of sandwich you'll get. Guy called the Korean rabbit with rabbit meat, tater tots, kimchi, Sriracha and their secret sauce "the bomb." The shrimp caught Guy's attention with its tasty shrimp patty paired with blue cheese, baby spinach, onions and apples.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Boteco

Fernando Marri recreates the food he ate growing up in Brazil at his food truck in Austin. Diners, like Matthew McConaughey and his Brazilian-born wife, swear by the authenticity. Guy loved the classic Feijoada and homemade Pao De Queijo, “I feel transported to Brazil.”

Austin, TX

restaurants

Green Mesquite BBQ

At Green Mesquite, the BBQ gets its spectacular smoky flavor from the spot's namesake: mesquite wood that is seasoned, or "green." On Triple D, Guy calls the ribs, made with brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, onion and garlic, "awesome." Other faves include brisket, pulled pork and chicken fried steak.

Austin, TX

restaurants

SLAB BBQ & Beer

This barbecue joint is making incredible sandwiches in a 90s, hip hop atmosphere. Here Guy finds the very first rib sandwich in the history of DDD. The McDowell is made with their deboned smoked ribs, their Soul-Glo sauce, pickles and onions. “The angels in Flavortown are crying,” said Guy.

Frisco, TX

restaurants

Cane Rosso

Chef Jay Jerrier ditched the tech industry and followed his dream to make crazy Neapolitan pizzas like the Delia pie, topped with bacon marmalade, roasted grape tomatoes and arugula, that left Guy speechless. Cane Rosso’s most popular pie is The Honey Bastard, which is not even on the menu. This spicy-sweet pie includes mozzarella, hot soppressata, bacon marmalade and habanero-infused honey.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Moroccan Bites Tajine

Guy couldn't stop himself from taking nibbles of Moroccan Bites' dishes. For starters, the fall-apart lamb served on fluffy couscous was playing a "tune called delicious." And don’t forget the Moroccan sausage sandwich made with an earthy spice mix and totally "out-of-bounds" relish.

Austin, TX

cafe • restaurants

Counter Cafe

A cozy, comfortable diner, Counter Cafe specializes in comfort food like pancakes, burgers and biscuits and gravy. In addition to the classics, the 26-seat eatery offers up scratch-made Curry Chicken Burgers that Guy calls "juicy as can be" and a one-of-a-kind breakfast combo of quail and eggs.

Taylor, TX

restaurants

Louie Mueller Barbecue

Third-generation pitmaster Wayne Mueller starts lighting the fires and loading the meats as early as 3 a.m. at this joint. Such dedication pays off: The brisket is so juicy that no sauce is needed, and the monstrous beef ribs feature a thick, peppery crust that gives way to tender, luscious meat.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Casino El Camino

Guy Fieri calls late night spot Casino El Camino home to "the best burger in town." Juicy and tender, the 12-ounce monsters come topped with everything from cheese and thick-cut bacon to roasted Serrano peppers and Texas-hot buffalo sauce. For a spicy side, pair your burger with Verde Chili Fries.

Houston, TX

restaurants

Irma's Original

This long-time Houston spot serves “real-deal Mexican food,” according to Guy, who tucked into the tamales and chiles rellenos made from owner Irma Galvan’s family recipes. “Light, fluffy (and) super flavorful,” Guy said after taking a bite of the tamales, which come stuffed with succulent morsels of pork smothered in cascabel chile sauce. The chiles rellenos also left him impressed. Galvan makes them the old-fashioned way, which means the poblano peppers come stuffed with a ground meat filling known as picadillo. After they’re stuffed, the peppers are dipped in an airy batter, then fried until a fluffy, crisp coating forms.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Taco Taco Cafe

Owner Helen Velesiotis may be Greek, but she knows how to cook up some "real-deal" Mexican food. Guy was skeptical about trying the Tacos de Lengua, which are beef tongue tacos. But after his first bite he was hooked on the dynamite flavor. Guy also enjoyed the shredded-chicken fried puffy tacos.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Beto's Alt-Mex

At this Latin American street food restaurant everything is made to order. Out of the 14 types of empanadas, Guy most enjoyed the chicken poblano, which has a nice flaky crust. He also liked the rich and satisfying chalupa cabra with guava and cream cheese rolls, cilantro, coconut slaw and curry.

Houston, TX

restaurants

Niko Niko's

At Niko Niko's, Guy calls the flavor-packed leg of lamb with potatoes "one of the most lemon-forward lamb shanks" he's ever had. Other favorite dishes include the classic moussaka and hearty gyros. Be sure to try the pita bread, as this little joint's cranking out 12,000 pitas a day.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen

Patrons head to Ma Harper’s Creole Kitchen for some of the most-authentic New Orleans cuisine outside of New Orleans. Alice Martinez "Ma Harper", now in her 80s, got into the restaurant business after retiring from the nearby air force base. She learned to cook by feeding her 15 siblings while growing up in New Orleans.

College Station, TX

restaurants

Hullabaloo Diner

For a taste of the East Coast in the midst of Texas, head to this circa-1940s diner that was transported here from New York. In addition to serving Texas classics, including biscuits and gravy, owner Rich Risbon is slinging East Coast staples such as Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Risbon offers a traditional take on the sandwich (think mounds of thinly sliced sauteed beef, grilled onions and melty slices of white American cheese), as well as beyond-basic riffs: There's even a pizza version slathered in marinara sauce.

Tarpley, TX

restaurants

Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery

Mac & Ernie's in Tarpley, Texas, has the honor of being the first restaurant featured on Triple D. The Cabrito (that's Spanish for little goat) burger is owner Naylene Dillingham's own recipe. Guy was amazed by the chicken-fried lamb chop, proclaiming, ''It may be the best lamb chop I've ever had.''

Georgetown, TX

cafe • restaurants

Monument Cafe

Matthew McConaughey brought Guy to his favorite cafe that grows its own produce. Guy and Matthew downed the hearty portion of King Ranch chicken casserole and loved its creamy texture. The contrasting flavors of the maple syrup and savory ham thrilled Guy as well in the Pig 'n Waffle.

Richardson, TX

restaurants

Afrah Mediterranean Restaurant and Pastries

This Texas restaurant and pastry shop doesn't whip out the typical Southern fare, but instead a Mediterranean menu which has customers and Guy singing, "shawarma, shawarma, shawarma." But it's not just shawarma that keep customers coming -- Afrah's homemade baklava has them staying for dessert, too.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill y Tapas

After teaching for 25 years, Chef Iris Ornelas followed her passion and opened a restaurant that celebrated her Puerto Rican heritage. Her Caribbean Nachos are made with crispy fried plantains, instead of chips and are topped with roast pork, beans, cheese and chili sauce. Also, try their unique Chuleta Kan-Kan which is an extremely large fried pork chop with the rib attached. Guy had never seen anything like it.

Kemah, TX

restaurants

T-Bone Tom's

They say everything is big in Texas, and T-Bone Tom's Steakhouse is living proof. Guy dropped by Tom's for their giant "Tom's Choice" rib-eye steak, oozing with flavor. Want another choice? Guy loved the juicy handmade sausage and signature deep-fried jalapeno poppers called Armadillo Eggs.

San Antonio, TX

restaurants

The Magnolia Pancake Haus

Chef Robert Fleming's light and airy pancakes are "raising the bar on breakfast." The crispy corned beef hash impressed Guy with its "big flavor." The deliciously unique Pfannekuchen is like an apple pie disguised as a pancake. Try the bacon waffles for a savory spin on a breakfast classic.

Dallas, TX

restaurants

Pecan Lodge

For real deal barbecue, head to this popular spot. Guy adored the smoky brisket and he couldn’t get enough of the slow-smoked pork sandwich. In addition to the ’cue classics of brisket, ribs and pulled pork, the restaurant is renowned for its mac ‘n’ cheese and Aunt Polly’s banana pudding. Locals love the Hot Mess, a sweet potato stuffed with barbacoa, cheese, chipotle cream and butter.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Holy Roller

This rock-and-roll bar serves up brunch and a chill atmosphere all day long. Try the Meatloaf Sandwich made with a unique layer of crispy Parmesan and horseradish sauce. For the adventurous there’s the Monte Bisco, their take on the Monte Cristo, made with house-made biscuits dusted with powdered sugar, sweet tea-brined turkey, bologna, blackberry-thyme jam and aerated Swiss cheese sauce. “It’s a beacon of funk ... but it’s delicious,” said Guy.

Austin, TX

restaurants

Noble Sandwich Co.

This spot takes its sandwiches seriously, as Guy saw firsthand. He tried the duck pastrami and was pleased with how its fatty and smoky flavors balance each other. Another standout is the Noble Pig, starring house-brined ham, pulled pork, bacon and melty provolone piled on bacon-studded bread.

Houston, TX

restaurants

Lankford's Grocery & Market

If you're interested in "licking the volcano out of Flavortown," Guy recommends ordering Lankford's Firehouse Burger basted with cayenne butter and loaded with hot-sauce mustard. Also check out their 12 bold burger specialties and daily lunch specials like the Chicken Fried Steak and Texas Hash.

Austin, TX

restaurants

OneTaco - an urban taqueria

Chef and owner Tony Avila and co-owner Axel Beverido have brought all the best bites from an authentic taco truck to a strip mall in Austin. Guy called their Taco Yucateco, with braised pork, black beans, pickled onions and bittersweet onions, the “real deal.”

Rosenberg, TX

restaurants

Bob's Taco Station

If you're looking for a little spice or a little ice, Bob's Taco Station has got you covered. Since the summer of '91, they've made spicy carne guisada tacos with a sauce Guy called "napalm gravy." For the cooldown, get a "snoball" cone, which comes in more than 35 flavors.