Food Network Almost Famous Beef Tacos

Collage by ABC15/Photos via Barrio Buffet, Tacos Chiwas, Inca's Peruvian Cuisine

PHOENIX — Guy Fieri has been all over the land checking out some of the most unique restaurants, menus, and "dynamite" flavors on his Food Network Goggle box prove, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

His trek for delicious cuisine has brought him to the One thousand Coulee State many times, visiting more than 30 restaurants over the years in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and nigh recently, Tucson.

Mr. Flavortown has tried everything from gas station BBQ to farm-fresh burgers, authentic Italian sausage, broiled ziti pizza, "stakable" chips with shredded beefiness, bacon and mac and cheese, and, of course, gourmet Mexican cuisine. He even tried a spot known for its vegan Mexican dishes, including Jackfruit tacos.

View the map below to see a listing of locations, followed by a brief description of each eatery and what dishes Guy tried or were featured on the bear witness.

CHANDLER

GrubStak (now closed)

GrubStak was a neighborhood eating house in Chandler that specialized in customized gourmet fry dishes, known as "Staks," that were topped with unlike meats, sauces, and toppings. They had a few signature "staks," including Sweet Lou's BBQ, which was waffle fries topped with BBQ pulled pork, Applewood bacon, and coleslaw (or mac and cheese) and their Chilaquiles, which Guy Fieri tried. The restaurant'southward original location -- and the 1 featured on the show -- opened in 2016 in downtown Gilbert, but closed. The eating place opened a 2d location in s Chandler. That location airtight in June 2021 subsequently two years.

The testify too visited Aunt Lena's Creamery in Chandler several years agone. However, that business closed dorsum in 2009, according to local media reports at the time.

GILBERT

Sal's Gilbert Pizza
1150 South. Gilbert Route, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Website

Sal and Grace opened Sal's Gilbert Pizza, a neighborhood Italian eating place in 2006 in Gilbert, Arizona, after moving to Arizona from New York, according to their website. From homemade pizzas, strombolis, and calzones to Italian Antipasto salads and traditional salads, the menu is vast plenty to accept something for anyone. Only, it'southward one of their specialty pizzas that seems to have caught Guy Fieri's eye -- the Baked Ziti Pizza. Just similar it sounds, information technology'southward a pizza topped with Rigatoni pasta, mozzarella and a pink sauce. Guy also tried the Baked Lasagna.

Joe's Farm Grill
3000 Due east Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Website

Joe's Farm Grill is a pop restaurant in Gilbert, Arizona, that is located on the Johnston Family unit Farm. Joe Johnston and his wife opened the restaurant in 2006. Burgers are ane of the signature items, but the carte du jour also has a multifariousness of chicken sandwiches, pan pizzas, and other comfort foods. On Diners, Bulldoze-ins and Dives, Guy Fieri tried the Ahi Tuna Sandwich, Fontina Burger, BBQ Craven Pizza, and a side of onion rings.

Courtesy La Piazza Al Forno

GLENDALE

La Piazza Al Forno/Piazza Romana
5803 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85307 (La Piazza Al Forno)
10210 W McDowell Rd, Suite 120 Avondale, AZ 85392 (Piazza Romana)
Website

Fans of Triple D volition likely remember Justin Piazza, owner of La Piazza Al Forno, from his multiple appearances on Food Network, but even more so, they may besides call up Justin's dad's dance moves. La Piazza Al Forno is an authentic Italian pizzeria in Glendale that specializes in personal Neapolitan pizzas, likewise as other Italian favorites. They offset appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in October 2008. There, Guy Fieri tried Piazza'southward pizzas, also as the Craven Cacciatore. They also appeared on an episode of Triple D Nation and most recently, Takeout: Home Delivery, a testify where Guy Fieri makes a dish at abode using ingredients from by Triple D restaurants. In the years since, Piazza opened Piazza Romano, a smaller joint that specializes in Roman-style rectangular pizzas.

Haus Murphy's
5739 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301
Website

Foodies can take a trip to Federal republic of germany without leaving the Valley of the Sun. Haus Spud's has been part of Historic Downtown Glendale for more than ii decades. It is owned by Brett and Rose Hoffmann. The menu features large Bavarian pretzels, Sauerkraut, Schnitzel, and a variety of German sausages. Guy Fieri tried the Sauerbraten, Pork Schnitzel, and Wiener Schnitzel.

MESA

Aloha Kitchen
2950 S. Alma School Road, Mesa, AZ 85210
Website

Those looking for a taste of the Hawaiian Islands should probably make a trip to Aloha Kitchen in Mesa, Arizona. Lynn Tso and her husband have owned the small mom-and-pop restaurant for nearly iii decades. During his visit, Guy Fieri tried the Manapua, a barbecue pork bun, and the Kalbi, which are Korean-style short ribs. They likewise accept a teriyaki craven plate, chicken katsu plate, and Bulgogi plate, each served with scoops of rice, macaroni salad, or a tossed salad. They also take noodle dishes, spam musubi, and other dishes.

Republica Empanada
204 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
Website

Republica Empanada is a restaurant in downtown Mesa that specializes in South American-style empanadas, which are essentially pastries that are blimp with sweet or savory fillings. Diners will observe more than 20 kinds of empanadas on the menu. They also have a variety of rice dishes, appetizers, salads, and tortas on the menu. Guy tried the Arroz con Pollo and the Cubano Empanada, which is filled with Pernil, ham, mozzarella, and dill pickle.

PHOENIX

Tacos Chiwas
1923 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006
2160 North Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
127 W Chief St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Website

Armando Hernandez and his wife, Nadia Holguin, opened their restaurant, Taco Chiwas, in 2016. It quickly became a fan favorite, was highlighted in local publications, and caught the involvement of Triple D and Guy Fieri. The eatery specializes in street tacos, burritos, and gorditas, a pastry filled with meat, cheese, and other toppings. Fieri tried the Barbacoa tacos and the Deshebrada Roja Gorditas. They have since expanded with a 2nd location in Chandler and a third in downtown Mesa.

The Wild Thaiger
2631 N. Primal Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website

The Wild Thaiger is a Thai-Asian restaurant located in central Phoenix. Information technology is owned past chef Olashawn Hasadinratana-Weaver. One of the dishes that Guy Fieri tried was the Dragon Eggs. Weaver opened a second concept called Little Thaiger, simply that location has since closed, information technology appears.

Tortas Chano
39510 N Daisy Mountain Drive, Anthem, AZ 85086
Website

Tortas Chano, formerly known equally Roberto's Authentic Mexican Food when information technology was on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, is a Mexican restaurant located in Anthem, a community north of Phoenix. The eating house has been in business since the 1990s, according to its website. The carte du jour features a diversity of Mexican cuisine. Guy tried the carne asada, the salsa, and the al pastor.

The Duce
525 South. Cardinal Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website

The Duce is a unique spot in downtown Phoenix's Warehouse Commune. In its heyday (the 1920s), it was a produce commune near downtown's train depot. Today, owners Steve and Andi take resurrected the past and brought it into the nowadays. Within the warehouse, you lot'll find a wrestling band, an old-timey soda fountain, games, a vintage vesture shop, dance floor and trailer. Guy tried the Beer Tin can Chicken, the mac & cheese muffins, and the s'mores cheesecake.

St. Francis (new ownership)
111 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Website

St. Francis is an urban neighborhood eatery in Phoenix. Local restauranteur Aaron Chamberlin and his brother, Dave Chamberlin, opened the eatery in 2009. They sold it to new owners in 2018. When information technology was featured on Triple D, Guy Fieri tried the Pig Dip, the Moroccan Meatballs, and the Rustic Iron Skillet Pancake. According to a contempo online carte du jour, information technology appears that the Pig Dip, now called The Famous Grunter Dip, and the Moroccan Meatballs (same proper noun) remain on the menu. Chamberlin also owns Phoenix Public Market Cafe and Taco Chelo, both in Phoenix. His brother owns Ghost Ranch in Tempe.

Paradise Valley Burger Co
4001 East. Bell Route, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Website

One look at Paradise Valley Burger Co.'s Instagram account and yous'll know what to expect from this Phoenix burger joint -- interesting and creative burger combinations, and in that location are new specials every week. Owner Brett Shapiro opened his burger concept in 2011. On the evidence, Guy Fieri tried the State Fried Burger, lightly fried beef, jalapeno/thyme reduction, lettuce, tomato, and fried onion, and the Paradise Valley Burger, which is beef lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickled onion, and grand Island dressing. Since the evidence, Shapiro as well opened a pizza concept, Paradise Valley Pizza Company.

La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop
1919 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006
5932 Westward. Glendale Avenue, Glendale AZ 85301
Website

La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop, equally its proper noun suggests, specializes in street tacos bringing together flavors from all parts of Mexico. "We relish Mexican flavors with a dash of our family's own special character," the restaurant says on its website. Two of the dishes that were highlighted on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives were the Nogada Taco and the Oaxacan Black Mole Chicken. They take 2 locations in Phoenix and Glendale. A third was open in Flagstaff, only that location appears to have closed.

Giuseppe'southward on 28th
2824 E Indian School, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Website

With the signature black and white checkered tiles, Giuseppe'south on 28th is a self-described no-frills, old-school Italian eating house in Phoenix. Chef Richard Block, who studied in Italy and is also a musician, purchased the restaurant in 2002. They were featured on Triple D in 2006. The card features a variety of Italian classics, such as Veal Osso Buco, Suppli di Riso, Bolognese raguChicken or Eggplant Chicken, every bit well as salads, pasta dishes, subs, and, of grade, desserts. On the show, Guy Fieri reportedly said their version of Bolognese ragu was amend than his. He also tried the Pork Shanks and Osso Buco.

Barrio Buffet
2814 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85006
Website

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and her eating place, Barrio Cafe, have been staples of Arizona's dining scene for years. She has been named a semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation's "Best Chef: Southwest" category multiple times. She opened Barrio Buffet in 2002 to elevate Mexican-American culture and showcase authentic Mexican cuisine. During his visit, Guy Fieri tried the Chiles en Nogada, Tilapia, Cochinita Pibil, and the Yucatan Pulled Pork. Esparza opened a 2nd restaurant, Barrio Cafe Gran Reserva, but airtight information technology considering of the pandemic.

Chino Bandido
New building currently under construction
Website

Chino Bandido combines Mexican, Asian, and Jamaican flavors. Owners Frank and Eve Collins opened their restaurant in late 1990. Frank has since passed abroad and Eve is running the performance. Originally, the restaurant was 1,000 square feet and had 16 seats, inspired past the pigsty-in-the-wall-type restaurants the Collins' were inspired past. They expanded over the years adding more infinite and seats. The food combinations are endless. They serve burritos, bowls, and quesadillas. Dishes highlighted on the testify were Pollo Diablo, Jade Blood-red Craven, and Machaca. In 2021, Eve announced she was moving Chino Bandido (thankfully, not far) up the street to a new building that was slightly larger and had a better kitchen for her staff. No opening appointment yet.

Over Easy
Multiple locations
Website

Over Easy is an Arizona-based restaurant concatenation offering modernistic twists on classic breakfast dishes. It was founded in 2008 by celebrity chef Aaron May, who worked at a few local resorts in boondocks, opened a few restaurants, and has appeared quite a few times on various Food Network shows, including Triple D, and Guy's Grocery Games. The concept has since expanded and franchised with multiple locations in Arizona, and a few out of state. On the show, Guy tried the ham steak, chicken-fried steak, and the Assistant-Nut French Toast. They likewise take "Golden Waffle Dogs," which are deep-fried sausage links, kind of like a corn dog. That dish was featured on Food Network'south Best Thing I Ever Ate.

Matt's Big Breakfast
Multiple locations
Website

If you've lived in Phoenix for a while or have visited in the last decade, you've likely heard of, or perhaps received a recommendation to check out, Matt'southward Big Breakfast. Information technology started equally a very pocket-sized diner in 2004 in downtown Phoenix (that's the i Guy Fieri visited on Triple D). In the years since, it has relocated to a larger edifice and expanded with locations in Tempe and Scottsdale, and will before long accept a location in Glendale. It is owned by Matt Pool and his wife. Their carte du jour is focused on local, quality ingredients. The menu has 11 breakfast items on it: a few egg and meat combinations, pancakes, waffles, a scramble, and a burrito. Guy tried the "Chop and Chick," which is two eggs and a skillet-seared Iowa pork rib chop served with toast and potatoes. He besides tried the bacon and waffles.

Los Taquitos Comida Mexicana
Multiple locations
Website

Los Taquitos is a small family-owned and run concatenation of Mexican restaurants in the Phoenix area. The concept started every bit a nutrient cart in 1981 and now the owners' children run the operation using the aforementioned family recipes. Guy Fieri tried a variety of tacos on the show, including the carnitas street taco, something he described as "killer," according to Food Network'due south website. He also tried the Camarones a La Diabla. The menu besides has enchiladas, burritos, bowls, tostadas, and sandwiches.

Thee Pitts Again (Airtight April 2020)
Website

Thee Pitts Again was a charcoal-broil diner in Glendale, Arizona. Cheryl and Roger Wagner launched the business concern in 1979, co-ordinate to their website. Guy Fieri and his Triple D team visited them in 2007. After forty years, the owners closed their Arizona location in April 2020. They have a 2nd location in Colorado that remains open up, according to a Facebook post. Guy tried the BBQ, Cheryl'due south coleslaw and the uncomplicated chili.

SCOTTSDALE

Bootleggers Mod American Smokehouse
7217 E 1st Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Website

Bootleggers Mod American Smokehouse is (yup, y'all guessed it) an American BBQ eating place located in Old Town Scottsdale. It reportedly opened in 2013 and has since expanded with a second restaurant in Phoenix. On the testify, Guy Fieri tried the Kick Dumplings, which accept pork belly & shrimp, mango chipotle sauce, and beet coulis, and the French Dip sandwich. The carte also features burgers, meats, sandwiches, and tacos.

Slanted Rice
6149 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Website

Slanted Rice is a Vietnamese chophouse at The Shops at Hilton Hamlet in Scottsdale. The eatery was featured on Season 27 of Nutrient Network's Diners, Bulldoze-Ins and Dives. Guy Fieri sampled the Crispy Clay Pot Craven and Crispy Pork Egg Rolls. It is owned by Hue Tran & Ty Chu, who also run Rice Paper, Saigon Kitchen, and Poki Bar Central.

The Pollex (formerly Tom'southward Pollex)
9393 East. Bell Route, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Website

The Thumb is another unique joint in Arizona that combines many concepts in one: a gas station, convenience store, market, car wash, and a BBQ eating place. The menu covers a lot of ground. There are breakfast tacos and grits, soups and salads, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, brisket, and condolement sides. Guy tried the half-stack, and the pigs and grits.

Perk Eatery
6501 Due east Greenway Pkwy #159, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Website

Perk Eatery is a family unit-endemic breakfast restaurant in north Scottsdale. Information technology was featured on Diners, Bulldoze-ins and Dives in 2013, where Mr. Flavortown described the restaurant as a "classic Americano with a southwest kick." Some of Perks' specialties include The Cowboy, steak, eggs, and potatoes, Huevos Rancheros, Bacon Breakfast Tacos, and The Outlaw Scramble, which is eggs, chopped ham, bacon, sausage, sauteed onions and green peppers, then topped with Cheddar and a cilantro-jalapeno sauce. Guy tried the breakfast enchiladas and the "Craven on the Insurrection," which is their version of biscuits and gravy.

DeFalco'southward Italian Restaurant
2334 N Scottsdale Rd a133, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Website

DeFalco'due south Italian Eatery is an Italian grocery shop, marketplace and deli all in one. The family-owned business organization'due south roots began in Toronto, Canada, so moved to Michigan, and eventually made its way to Scottsdale in 1972, according to its website. They serve sandwiches, calzones, pizza, pasta and salads. You order at the counter and eat at one of the tables scattered throughout the grocery store or eat outside. They besides have a market with Italian appurtenances, such equally olive oil, pasta sauce, and olives.

Andreoli Italian Grocery
8880 East Vía Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Website

Those looking for a gustation of Italy will want to add Andreoli Italian Grocery to their lists. Owner Giovanni Scorzo and his wife moved to the United states from Italy in 1985 and opened Andreoli's in 2007. It's an Italian market, restaurant, deli, and bakery. Scorzo makes his ain meats, cheese, and bread. On the show, Guy Fieri tried the Prosciutto Sempronio sandwich and the Bollito di Carne.

TEMPE

Back-scratch Corner
1212 E Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281
Website

Curry Corner is a restaurant in Tempe, Arizona, non far from Arizona Country Academy, which specializes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Owner Farah Khalid opened her restaurant in 2000. Guy tried the Tandoori craven tikka, topped with garam masala and the Goat karahi.

The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen
26 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Website

Those with an appetite and a hankering for an over-the-elevation grilled cheese, or only in the mood for some comfort American nutrient, may want to check out The Social club Sasquatch Kitchen in Tempe. The restaurant was founded past Aaron May, who every bit you read before helped create Over Easy, which was also featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." At that place used to be locations in Scottsdale, Arizona and Fort Collins, Colorado. Those have since closed. Information technology was then opened in Tempe back in 2015, co-ordinate to local media reports at that time. The carte du jour features a variety of burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps, sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs and brats. The prove featured the Pork Green Chili and the Habanero Parmesan burger.

TUCSON

Zemam's
2731 W. Broadway, Tucson, AZ
119 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ
Website

Zemam'southward is an Ethiopian restaurant in Tucson, which is about ninety minutes due south of Phoenix. And for those curious, Ethiopia is located in Africa in the Horn of Africa on the far east side of the continent. Amanuel Gebremariam, who came to the U.S. every bit a refugee, opened his restaurant in 1993. In 2004, he opened a second restaurant, chosen Zemam'southward Too!, according to the website. The well-nigh popular dishes are their vegetable and meat platters. "Each one of the dishes is individually its own little song and what comes together is the Ethiopian musical," Guy said, according to Food Network's website. Guy tried the Yedero Wat and Yegomen Alicha.

Renee's Organic Oven
7065 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson AZ 85715
Website

Renee's Organic Oven is a Tucson restaurant that uses locally-sourced and organic ingredients and whose menu offers a little bit of everything. Diners will observe customized pizzas, pastas, calzones, salads and sandwiches on the menu. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured The Tailored Tony, organic grass-fed beef in marinara, roasted reddish peppers, basil and mozzarella, and the Spinach "dip" Calzone, creamy spinach and artichoke dip with, baked organic gratis-range craven and house-roasted green chilies.

Inca's Peruvian Cuisine
6878 Due east. Sunrise Dr. Tucson, AZ 85750 #130
Website

Those looking for a sense of taste of South America, specifically Peru, may want to visit Inca's Peruvian Cuisine. The Tucson restaurant is owned by Fatima Campos and was featured on Nutrient Network'south Diners, Drive-In and Dives in 2018. Co-ordinate to Nutrient Network's website, Guy Fieri tried the Seco de Carne con Frijoles, beefiness braised in a cilantro and Peruvian sauce, and Lomo Saltado, strips of marinated beef, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and potatoes.

Rocco'southward Little Chicago
2707 E Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Website

Rocco's Little Chicago is a self-described "casual pizza joint" in Tucson that'south known for its Chicago-way stuffed pizza and Chicago flavors. It has been role of Tucson's food scene since 1998. They have stuffed, sparse, and deep-dish pizzas, also every bit soups, salads, calzones, and pasta. Looking for a grade Italian beef sandwich? No worries, it's on the menu.

Cafe Turmerico
2526 E sixth St., Tucson, AZ 85716
402 E 4th St., Tucson, AZ 85705
1002 W Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85745
Website

Wendy Garcia owns Buffet Tumerico, a vegan Mexican restaurant in Tucson, a metropolis well-nigh 90 minutes south of Phoenix. She showcased her Nopalito tacos, which are made with cactus, salsa, vegetables, and a Korean sauce. Apparently, "the dish was then skillful, Guy had to phone call his mother and tell her about information technology," reads Food Network'south website near the restaurant. Guy also tried the carne asada plate which is made with jackfruit. Cafe Tumerico's menu changes daily. They now take iii locations around Tucson.

Chef Alisah's Eatery
5931 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
Website

Chef Alisah'due south Restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, offers European and Bosnian cuisine. 1 of their specialties is "Cevapi," which is substantially sausage served in pita bread. The carte features a variety of vegetable and meat dishes, and Bosnian versions of pop dishes, such as sausage, goulash, hamburgers, and kebabs.

FLAGSTAFF

Salsa Brava Mexican Grill
2220 E. W. Road 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Website

Restauranteur and chef John Conley opened his Mexican eatery, Salsa Brava Mexican Grill, along the famous Route 66 in Flagstaff more than than three decades agone. Since and so, he has go friends with Guy Fieri. Not merely was Salsa Brava featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, just his other restaurant, Fatty Olives (listed below) was too. Conley has too competed on another 1 of Fieri's shows, Guys Grocery Games (spoiler: he won). Salsa Brava combines Mexican and Southwestern flavors. The card has an array of dishes, including fajitas, tacos, guacamole, enchiladas, burritos, and combo plates. On Triple D, Guy tried the Navajo Taco, tableside guacamole, coconut shrimp, and for dessert, blimp sopapilla.

Fat Olives
2308 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Website

Fatty Olives is an Italian eatery focused on accolade-winning wood-fired and Neopolitan pizzas in Flagstaff. It is owned past Chef John Conley, who as well owns Salsa Brava Mexican Grill. Using a 900-degree oven, its Neopolitan pizzas cook in 90 seconds, co-ordinate to its website. On the evidence, Guy Fieri tried the Belgio Dulce Pizza and the Kenai Pizza.

Brandy's Eating house & Bakery (new buying, rebranded)
1500 Due east Cedar Ave #40, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Website

Brandy's Restaurant has been function of Flagstaff since the 1990s, according to its website. In 2009, it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Guy tried the Southwestern beef and the flat iron steak, according to Food Network's website. Years after the episode aired, the chef reportedly retired and new owners took over and turned the restaurant into a breakfast and lunch spot and a bakery. The items Guy tried are no longer on the menu.

Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This cloth may not be published, circulate, rewritten, or redistributed.

thomsonreck1972.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/flavortown-usa-38-arizona-restaurants-that-have-been-featured-on-diners-drive-ins-and-dives

Share this post