16 Houston restaurants featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’

Guy Fieri and the crew of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” have made plenty of trips to film in the Space City. Here’s where they decided to eat.

“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” has been a staple of the Food Network for nearly 20 years. The show, which follows Guy Fieri traveling around North America in search of tasty and unique cuisine, first aired on April 23, 2007. Fieri has said he has no intention of stopping the show anytime soon; as of this writing, it’s aired more than 530 episodes.

The show regularly highlights Texas restaurants, and Houston is among the cities Fieri and company most often frequent in the Lone Star State. From authentic Mexican to Jamaican to twists on American fare, these are the Houston restaurants featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” 

The Toasted Coconut

Perhaps you’ve cheered on your favorite team at a sports bar or sang your heart out at a karaoke bar. But have you ever embraced island vibes at a beach bar? The Flavor Town car caulked its wagons to float to The Toasted Coconut, inspired by island living. Fieri’s gang name (according to him) is “Dumpling Killer.” Similar enthusiasts will love the Pork Dumplings. And while it might feel like hubris to have a World Famous Cheeseburger on the menu, you’ll understand once you try it. 

1617 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006

Irma’s Original

Guy Fieri and his production crew aren’t the only celebrities visiting Irma’s Original. The restaurant’s walls are lined with autographed photos of other famous folks who have stopped by to chow down. Brownsville-born and now Houston-native Irma Galvan began the restaurant as a sandwich shop before switching to Mexican food. She decorated the restaurant with furniture from her home and hired her kids, and Irma’s has become a fun vibe for the whole family. Be sure to try the restaurant’s famous lemonade, and if the Astros are in town, you’re right down the street from Minute Maid Park.

22 N Chenevert St, Houston, TX 77002

Lankford’s 

Aubrey and Nona Lankford established the mom-and-pop Lankford Grocery & Market in 1937 in the 4th Ward/Freedmen’s Town area. By the early 1980s, their daughter Eydie had taken over, and she was running the show when “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” came to town. Lankford’s grows its own habaneros, and when Fieri tried the Spicy Three-Pepper Firehouse Burger, he said, it was “kind of like licking the volcano in Flavor Town.” Eydie retired in 2021, but Lankford’s is still very much in the family. 

88 Dennis St, Houston, TX 77006

The Red Lion

When you think of a British pub, what comes to mind? A pint of beer, perhaps, or a hearty helping of fish and chips? The Red Lion owner, Craig Mallinson, believes there’s an untapped cuisine, so his pub serves British staples and Indian fare. It makes sense—the British Parliament ruled the Indian subcontinent for 89 years, so the United Kingdom certainly picked up a few menu ideas. The Lamb Shepherd’s Pie is a staple comfort food, and the Chicken Tikka Masala has just the right blend of spices.  

2316 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019

Cozy up in a booth or cheers your fellow seatmate at The Red Lion. (Dylan McEwan)

Be More Pacific

Regularly called the “original Fusion cuisine,” Be More Pacific takes inspiration from a handful of cultures. Specifically (or Pacifically, in this case), you’ll find dishes with Filipino, Spanish, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and American flair. When “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” visited, Fieri tried Kare Kare, a Filipino dish that typically pairs peanut sauce with ox tail. But we’re in Texas, so Be More Pacific replaces the ox with brisket. When you’re done eating, hop into one of the private rooms for a soulful round of karaoke.  

506 Yale St, Ste E, Houston, TX 77007

Kenny & Ziggy’s

Houston has plenty of talent in arenas like BBQ and Mexican cuisine, and Kenny & Ziggy’s ensures the city’s got a top-notch New York-style deli. The family business started in 1927 as The Rialto Deli, the first Jewish Deli on New York’s Broadway. Now, Ziggy Gruber has successfully opened delis in New York, Los Angeles, and Houston, and Kenny & Ziggy’s runs four generations deep. The website is full of wordplay—they schlep nationwide, and they hope you latke what you see. More importantly, the food is geshmak (Yiddish for “tasty”) and massive. Order a corned beef sandwich or lox and bagels, and you’ll be saying, “Hey, I’m walkin’ here!” in no time. Note: New Yorkers do not typically utter that line, but it’s fun to say anyway.

1743 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

Guy Fieri prepares for his next shot while reflecting on some wise words at Kenny & Ziggy’s. (Kenny & Ziggy’s)

Niko Niko’s

Niko Niko’s opened in 1977, with Eleni Fetokakis running it with impressive efficiency. While the restaurant was initially met with skepticism—cowboys and gyros hadn’t traditionally mixed—Niko Niko’s has persevered and even expanded. Today, Eleni’s son Dimitrios runs the business; he’s been involved in some shape or form since he was five years old, peeling potatoes. During his visit, Fieri gave lamb shanks and loukoumades a try, and he offered a simple review: “Wow, dude.” Not in the Houston area? Niko Niko’s has you covered with nationwide shipping. 

Multiple locations 

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill

Cool Runnings: A fantastic movie and an excellent eatery. As far as we know, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” had nothing to do with the movie, so we’ll focus on the bar and grill. The oxtails are a strong choice for hungry bellies, and the freshness of the handmade juices will make you sigh in delight. Fieri also raved about the Curried Goat, calling it “some of the most tender, flavorful, and balanced curried goat I’ve ever had.” Cool Runnings also makes the much-appreciated move of loading up your plate with sides, including rice, cabbage, and plantains.

8270 W Bellfort Blvd, Houston, TX 77071

Cafe Lili

Cafe Lili was featured on the same episode as Cool Runnings, as Fieri went for an international theme. You could travel approximately 6,759 miles from Jamaica to Lebanon, or take the much easier route of moving about eight miles between these two Houston spots. The family-run Cafe Lili serves up a ton of Middle Eastern plates. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we’ll give a special nod to the Kafta wrap, which pairs quite nicely with a serving of hummus.   

5757 Westheimer Rd #112, Houston, TX 77057 

Cuchara

In Spanish, “cuchara” means spoon. However, no one will care what utensil you use at Cuchara, a Mexican City bistro living in the 1940s brick building that was formerly the Hyde Park Supermarket. Cuchara, the creation of Ana Beaven and Charlie McDaniel, is one of the most vibrant restaurants in Houston—artist Cecilia Beaven decorated the interior with three eye-catching murals. The 4-Corn Tortillas are an explosion of flavor, and Fieri crowned the Tacos Chelo as one of the top ten tacos he’s ever had. Save room for dessert because you can either get a Piña Colada 3 Leches or a cake featuring not tres, not cuatro, but cinco leches.

214 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006

Traveler’s Table

The perfect choice when you’re not craving a particular type of cuisine, Traveler’s Table brings flavors and dishes from around the world. From Soft Shell Crab Pad Thai to Moroccan Lamb Tagine, you could take a culinary trip all in one cozy spot. Order one of the craft cocktails for an extra spark to your meal, and indulge in an incredible array of unique desserts, including Rosewater Panna Cotta and Japanese Sakura Cheesecake.

520 Westheimer Rd, Houston 77006

Whether you visit for brunch or dinner, you will be well-fed at Traveler’s Table. (Kirsten Gilliam)

Weights and Measures

Walking into Weights and Measures is a bit like stepping back into the 1970s but with the culinary creativity of the 2020s. The space, set in a converted warehouse, is more vintage. The menu is full of staples and twists on American delights like Pork Belly Arepa Benedict and Wild Mushroom Bucatini. The pizzas are among the best in the city, and Fieri tackled the Roasted Carrots Pizza. It gave him goosebumps, and he claimed it was among “the top three most unique pizzas I’ve ever had in my life.”

2808 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004 

Original Marini’s Empanada House

Marcello Marini moved from Argentina to Houston in the 1960s, finding work as a broadcaster on KRIV-TV. His wife, Pelusa, began making empanadas and cookies from scratch at home. The treats were originally just for friends. Thankfully, they were an opinionated group. They said her food should be widely shared, and Marini’s Empanada House was born in 1971. A fire destroyed the original location in 1985, but the whole family rolled up their sleeves to restore the business and continues to serve all kinds of goodies. Obviously, the empanadas are the stars, so try one or ten during your visit.

10001 Westheimer Rd, #2570, Houston, TX 77042

The Pit Room

It would be wild if Fieri didn’t visit a BBQ joint during his many visits to Houston. Luckily, he made it to The Pit Room, which serves traditional Texas BBQ with “black pepper, smoke, love, and no sauced meats.” Kingwood native Michael Sambrooks opened The Pit Room and co-owns it with family members; that sense of familial pride is evident in every bite. All the barbecue staples are here, and should you get hungry earlier in the morning, the breakfast tacos are on point. On the “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” appearance, legendary actor Lee Majors tipped his cap to The Pit Room’s food. That’s high praise!

1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006

10301 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024

Houston “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” restaurants that have closed

Sadly, even global exposure via a hit television show isn’t always enough to keep a restaurant in business. A couple of Houston’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” restaurants are no longer around.

Fresco Cafe Italiano

Fresco Cafe Italiano was featured on a 2021 episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Chef Roberto Crescini quickly became a fan favorite. Alas, Fresco Cafe Italiano closed its doors on April 30, 2022. Yet out of the marinara ashes rises a new adventure. Chef Roberto joined forces with Francisco “Paco” Calza to open Davanti Ristorante Italiano later in 2022. Davanti is still going strong (and delicious), a fitting sequel to Fresco Cafe. 

Cafe Pita

Cafe Pita changed ownership after its appearance on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” which saw Fieri eating dishes like Spinach Burek and Sarma. The authentic Bosnian presence seemed to disappear under the new regime. After poor health concerns from patrons, both locations of Cafe Pita shut down.

Have you been to any of the restaurants featured on the show? If not, now’s a great time to change that!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.