It’s not every day that you see your favorite local places on the big screen in movies or TV shows, even when you know they’re definitely star worthy and more than red-carpet capable. That’s why it is special when these star-studded gems finally get the recognition they deserve in historical documentaries, travel channels, and restaurant shows like Guy Fieri’s popular TV series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show on the Food Network. During each episode, Guy takes a cross-country road trip to visit some of America’s classic “greasy spoon” restaurants. With so many delicious and diverse food options in the South Sound, it’s no surprise that several of our own homegrown restaurants have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to make audiences’ mouths water all across the globe!
Southern Kitchen
1716 6th Avenue, Tacoma
253.627.4282
Guy Fieri himself deemed the dense cornbread stuffing the star of Tacoma’s beloved Southern Kitchen during the “Homestyle” episode in season six of Diners Drive-Ins & Dives. For over 40 years, this restaurant has brought all the taste of southern comfort north with menu favorites featuring some of the best soul food, such as southern fried chicken, peach cobbler, and catfish. The award-winning restaurant is already listed in Northwest’s Best Places and The Best Restaurants in America. Fresh ingredients and sourcing local products whenever possible make the food even more wholesome and delicious. Even Kevin Hart has graced Southern Kitchen with his presence, meeting restaurant owner Gloria who has been happily filling customers’ bellies with Southern comfort since 1981.
Bruno’s European Restaurant
10902 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood
253.719.7181
Fieri found out the meaning of the saying “Die Liebe Geht Durch Den Magen,” which translated means “The love goes through the stomach,” during his “Eurocentric” episode in season 16 when he visited Bruno’s European Restaurant in Lakewood. The family-run European restaurant is become a local favorite thanks to its excellent meals featuring delicious, authentic German and Polish cuisine. Upon entering the establishment, you’ll feel transported across the globe to these countries, where friendly waitpeople are ready to greet you in authentic German attire. At Bruno’s, you’ll find famous soups, classic entrees, an amazing assortment of desserts, and a beer and wine menu that is second to none under one roof!
Crockett’s Public House
118 E Steward Avenue, Puyallup
253.466.3075
The former feed store transformed into one of the hottest pubs, Crockett’s Public House, in Puyallup, was visited by Fieri during the “Decadent Dishes” episode in season 16. Owner Shaun Brobak named the restaurant after early pioneer settler Hugh Crocket who donated the land the restaurant now sits on in the mid-1880s so that the city would build an episcopal church. Since its remodel and opening, the restaurant has won several awards, including the Best of Showcase Magazine Award from 2016 to 2022 Readers’ Poll, the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Puyallup Chamber of Commerce 2014-2015, and the 2015 Rising Star Award as well as Restaurant of the Year in 2015 designed by the Puyallup Chamber of Commerce also. Guy and his crew loved Crockett’s menu, especially the fired grilled artichokes and public house meatballs.
Crown Bar
2705 6th Avenue, Tacoma
253.272.4177
In the episode “Hittin the Grill” in season 16, Guy and his crew placed a visit to Crown Bar in Tacoma. There, he found that the little bar had all the same charisma, charm, and stock of the real pub the bar is based on in Ireland. The key difference between the two is the Middle East cuisine spicing things up on the menu. Favorites include the roasted beet salad, which is light and refreshing and the tasty Moroccan Beef Kabob. Stop in at Crown Bar and have a drink with them in the heart of 6th Avenue!
Dirty Oscar’s Annex
2309 6th Avenue, Tacoma
253.572.0588
Also, along the heart of 6th Avenue, Dirty Oscar’s Annex was paid a visit by the crew of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives in season 17’s “Tacos and Tots” episode. At the time of the episode, the great new eatery was taking over as the neighborhood pub to go to, as it was a wonderful place to get your fill of both solids and liquids! Whether you’re looking to enjoy some gourmet American food or try some authentic moonshine, this is definitely the place you’re looking for. Some of the most popular items on the Annex’s menu are their finger foods, perfect for snacking on with your drinks. Favorites of Guy’s were the Tasso Tacos and handmade parmesan “tater” tots. No matter what you choose to sample off the menu, you can’t go wrong here as they were voted “Best Bar Food” in Tacoma by the Weekly Volcano.
