If you’re a foodie in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a fan of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, you’re in for a treat! Guy Fieri has visited the Queen City multiple times, highlighting some of the best local restaurants that serve up mouthwatering comfort food, Southern classics, and unique eats. Whether you’re looking for the best barbecue, burgers, or international flavors, this guide covers all the must-visit spots featured on the Food Network hit show.
Here’s a complete list of restaurants in Charlotte that have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Each of these spots earned a place on the show thanks to their unique flavors, scratch-made dishes, and one-of-a-kind charm.
What Did Guy Fieri Eat?: Triple “G” Burger, Corn Dog Shrimp
Episode: Racing Through Charlotte
Original Air Date: May 1, 2015
Notes: Pinky’s Westside Grill has a second location in Huntersville, NC.
Special Dishes: Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Southern Fried Chicken
Episode: BBQ
Original Air Date: May 28, 2007
Notes: Aired on the 5th episode of Triple D’s very first season.
Special Dishes: Chicken and Dumplings, Salmon Patties, Shrimp and Grits
Episode: Comfort Food Classics
Original Air Date: February 22, 2010
Special Dishes: Boiled Whole Turkey, Split Pea Soup
Episode: Fresh And Funky
Original Air Date: March 29, 2010
Special Dishes: Super Boy (Burger with Two Patties, Coleslaw and Chili), Fish O Burger, Onion Rings, Golden Southern Fried Chicken
Episode: By Request
Original Air Date: February 8, 2010
Special Dishes: Pimento Burger Fried, Sweet Potato Brie Burger
Episode: Beef, Lamb and Pig
Original Air Date: February 17, 2017
Notes: Bang Bang Burgers has a second location in Charlotte’s South End.
Special Dishes: Piroska, Grilled Fungi Pizza
Episode: Intercontinental Flavorfest
Original Air Date: June 5, 2015
Special Dishes: Hot Lap Sandwich, The Concord
Episode: Racing Through Charlotte
Original Air Date: May 1, 2015
Special Dishes: Chana Masala Tacos, Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders
Episode: Racing Through Charlotte
Original Air Date: May 1, 2015
Special Dishes: Soul Roll, Shrimp and Grits
Episode: A Bowlful of Soup
Original Air Date: July 17, 2015
Special Dishes: Lamb Ragout, Ice Cream Sandwich
Episode: Indulgent Dishes
Original Air Date: May 22, 2015
Special Dishes: Fish Tacos, Mango BBQ Mahi Mahi Tacos
Episode: Bringin’ It Home
Original Air Date: May 17, 2010
Notes: Cabo Fish Taco has additional locations in Ballantyne, Blacksburg, VA, and Richmond, VA.
Special Dishes: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Episode: Swiss, Sandwiches and Sausage
Original Air Date: February 10, 2017
Notes: Papi Queso originally operated out of a food truck when it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. They now have a permanent location inside Optimist Hall.
Special Dishes: Chaobao Taco, Improper Charcuterie
Episode: Beef, Lamb and Pig
Original Air Date: February 17, 2017
Notes: The Improper Pig permanently closed their original location that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on August 1, 2019. They moved to a new location in Rea Farms and opened another location in Fort Mill, SC.
Special Dishes: Burger, Burger, Burger (Sliders), Duck Confit Flatbread
Episode: From North to South America
Original Air Date: March 31, 2017
Notes: Heist Brewery has an additional location in Charlotte called Barrel Arts, but they do not serve the same menu.
Penguin Drive-In (Permanently Closed)
Special Dishes: Fried Pickles, Corn Dogs, Pimento Grilled Cheese
Episode: Blue Plate Special
Original Air Date: May 7, 2007
Notes: Penguin Drive-In was the first Charlotte restaurant to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, airing on the 3rd episode of Triple D’s very first season. Unfortunately, they permanently closed their doors in July 2014.
In September 2022, Penguin Drive-In reopened in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte under new ownership. While the rest of the menu had changed, they continue to feature the fried pickles and the original Penguin sauce recipe featured on Triple D.
JJ’s Red Hots (Permanently Closed)
What Did Guy Fieri Eat?: Kasekreiner, Chili Cheese Coney
Episode: Swiss, Sandwiches and Sausage
Original Air Date: February 10, 2017
Notes: JJ’s Red Hots permanently closed its restaurant on March 16, 2025. They continue to operate their food truck, which you can find at events listed on their social media accounts.
Jake’s Good Eats (Permanently Closed)
What Did Guy Fieri Eat?: Maple-Glazed Pork Chop, Venison Quesadilla
Episode: Grilled, Smoked And Sauced
Original Air Date: May 31, 2010
Notes: Jake’s Good Eats is permanently closed.
Krazy Fish (Permanently Closed)
Special Dishes: Blackened Tuna Tacos, Seafood Creole
Episode: Indulgent Dishes
Original Air Date: May 22, 2015
Notes: Krazy Fish permanently closed in early 2022.
Fud at Salud (Permanently Closed)
Special Dishes: Waffle-Wiches
Episode: Not Your Typical Joints
Original Air Date: March 24, 2017
Notes: Fud at Salud permanently closed in January 2018.
Plan Your Own Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Tour in Charlotte, North Carolina
If you’re a Triple D fan, why not embark on a self-guided tour of Guy Fieri’s favorite restaurants in Charlotte? Grab a friend, plan your route, and experience the best eats the city has to offer.
- Always double-check restaurant hours and peak dining times before visiting.
- Bring an appetite, portions are generous!
- Take pictures and share your experience using hashtags like #TripleDLife and #TripleDLifeCharlotte.
Final Thoughts
Charlotte is a hidden gem for food lovers, and thanks to Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, we know exactly where to find the best eats in town. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Queen City, these Guy Fieri-approved spots should be at the top of your foodie bucket list.
