Utah, a state known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant culinary scene. From hearty comfort food to innovative takes on classic dishes, the Beehive State offers something for every palate. And if you’re a fan of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” you’re in luck! Several Utah restaurants have earned the coveted Triple-D stamp of approval, showcasing their unique flavors and passionate chefs to a national audience. This article delves into the details of these Flavortown-approved establishments, giving you a guide to experiencing the best of Utah’s culinary offerings, as featured on the popular Food Network show.
Exploring Utah’s Triple-D Hotspots
“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” has a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, and Utah is no exception. The restaurants featured on the show represent a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences, all united by a commitment to quality ingredients and flavorful dishes. Each restaurant has a unique story, a passionate team, and a signature dish that caught Guy Fieri’s attention. Let’s explore the restaurants that brought Flavortown to Utah.
The Lucky 13 Bar & Grill: Burgers Beyond Belief
Located in Salt Lake City, The Lucky 13 Bar & Grill is a haven for burger enthusiasts. This unassuming spot has gained a loyal following for its colossal, juicy burgers stacked high with creative toppings. Their focus is on quality ingredients, cooked perfectly, and assembled with flair.
The Appeal: What sets Lucky 13 apart is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their patties are made from high-quality beef, and their toppings are both inventive and delicious. They don’t skimp on portion sizes either. You’ll definitely need two hands to tackle one of these burgers.
Signature Dishes: The Lucky 13 Burger is a classic for a reason, but for the adventurous, the Celestial Burger, piled high with roasted peppers, pepper jack cheese, and a creamy sauce, is a must-try. Don’t forget the fries, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Why Guy Fieri Visited: Guy was impressed by the sheer size and flavor of Lucky 13’s burgers. He appreciated the attention to detail and the creative combinations of toppings that elevated these burgers beyond the ordinary.
Red Iguana: A Taste of Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Red Iguana is a Salt Lake City institution, renowned for its authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up traditional dishes for decades, earning a dedicated following for its rich moles and vibrant flavors.
The Appeal: Red Iguana prides itself on using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients to create an authentic Mexican dining experience. Their moles, complex sauces made with chilies, spices, and chocolate, are a particular highlight. The restaurant can get extremely busy, testament to the quality of food.
Signature Dishes: The moles are the star of the show here. Try the Mole Negro, a rich and complex sauce with hints of chocolate, or the Mole Poblano, a classic mole with a blend of chilies and spices. The cochinita pibil, slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote, is another must-try.
Why Guy Fieri Visited: Guy was drawn to Red Iguana’s authentic flavors and dedication to traditional Mexican cooking. He was particularly impressed by the complexity and depth of flavor in their moles. He lauded the restaurant for its commitment to quality and its ability to transport diners to Mexico with every bite.
Crown Burger: Pastrami Perfection
Crown Burger, another Salt Lake City staple, is famous for its signature dish: the Crown Burger, a cheeseburger topped with thinly sliced pastrami. This unique combination might sound unusual, but it’s a local favorite and a testament to Utah’s distinctive culinary identity.
The Appeal: Crown Burger offers a simple, no-frills dining experience focused on quality ingredients and generous portions. Their pastrami is tender and flavorful, and the combination with the juicy burger and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
Signature Dishes: The Crown Burger is the undisputed star of the menu. The combination of the juicy burger, melted cheese, and thinly sliced pastrami is a flavor explosion in every bite. They also serve classic diner fare like fries, onion rings, and milkshakes.
Why Guy Fieri Visited: Guy was intrigued by the unique combination of pastrami and burger. He appreciated the simplicity of the dish and the quality of the ingredients. He recognized the Crown Burger as a quintessential Utah dish and a testament to the state’s culinary creativity.
Ruth’s Diner: A Mountain Retreat with Delicious Food
Nestled in Emigration Canyon just outside of Salt Lake City, Ruth’s Diner offers stunning mountain views and delicious comfort food. This historic diner has been serving up hearty meals since 1930, making it a local landmark and a popular destination for tourists.
The Appeal: Ruth’s Diner combines stunning scenery with classic diner fare. Their menu features hearty breakfasts, comforting lunches, and satisfying dinners, all made with fresh ingredients and a touch of nostalgia. The beautiful setting is as much of a draw as the food itself.
Signature Dishes: Their Mile High Biscuits and Gravy are a breakfast staple. Fluffy, homemade biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy are the perfect way to start the day. For lunch or dinner, try the meatloaf or the chicken pot pie, both classic comfort food dishes done right.
Why Guy Fieri Visited: Guy was charmed by Ruth’s Diner’s historic setting and its commitment to classic comfort food. He appreciated the generous portions and the focus on quality ingredients. He recognized Ruth’s Diner as a quintessential American diner with a unique Utah twist.
Hires Big H: Classic Drive-In Nostalgia
Hires Big H is a classic drive-in restaurant in Salt Lake City, offering a taste of nostalgia with its carhop service, classic burgers, and homemade root beer. This local institution has been serving up delicious food and fond memories for generations.
The Appeal: Hires Big H is all about nostalgia and classic drive-in fare. Their menu features burgers, fries, onion rings, and of course, their famous homemade root beer. The carhop service adds to the retro charm, making it a fun and unique dining experience.
Signature Dishes: The Big H Burger is their signature burger, a classic cheeseburger with all the fixings. The onion rings are crispy and golden brown, and the root beer is sweet and refreshing. Don’t forget to try a shake or malt for a complete drive-in experience.
Why Guy Fieri Visited: Guy was drawn to Hires Big H’s classic drive-in atmosphere and its commitment to serving up delicious, nostalgic food. He appreciated the homemade root beer and the classic burger and fries. He recognized Hires Big H as a beloved local institution and a true taste of Americana.
The Impact of Triple-D on Utah Restaurants
Being featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” can have a significant impact on a restaurant’s popularity and success. The exposure to a national audience can lead to a surge in business, increased recognition, and a boost in morale for the staff.
A Surge in Popularity
The “Triple-D effect” is real. Restaurants featured on the show often experience a significant increase in customer traffic, both from locals and tourists eager to try the dishes that Guy Fieri raved about. This increased exposure can lead to long lines and busy nights, but it also provides a valuable opportunity to showcase their food and build a loyal following.
Increased Recognition and Credibility
Being featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” lends a certain level of credibility to a restaurant. It signifies that the restaurant has been vetted and approved by a respected culinary expert, which can be a powerful marketing tool. The show’s endorsement can also help restaurants attract new customers and stand out from the competition.
Boost in Staff Morale
The recognition that comes with being featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” can also be a significant morale booster for the restaurant’s staff. It’s a validation of their hard work and dedication, and it can create a sense of pride and accomplishment. This can lead to improved teamwork, increased motivation, and a better overall dining experience for customers.
Planning Your Utah Triple-D Culinary Adventure
If you’re planning a trip to Utah and want to experience the restaurants featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” here are a few tips to help you make the most of your culinary adventure.
Research and Plan Ahead
Before you go, take some time to research each restaurant and decide which ones you want to visit. Check their websites for hours of operation, menus, and directions. Consider making reservations, especially during peak season or on weekends.
Be Prepared for Crowds
As mentioned earlier, restaurants featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” can be quite popular, so be prepared for crowds and potential wait times. Try visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
Try the Signature Dishes
When you visit a “Triple-D” restaurant, be sure to try the dishes that were featured on the show. These are the dishes that caught Guy Fieri’s attention and are often considered the restaurant’s signature offerings.
Explore Beyond Triple-D
While the “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” restaurants are definitely worth a visit, don’t be afraid to explore other culinary gems in Utah. The state has a diverse and vibrant food scene with plenty of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Utah’s culinary landscape offers a delightful blend of comfort food, international flavors, and innovative creations. The restaurants featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” represent some of the best that the state has to offer, and they’re well worth a visit for any food lover. So, pack your appetite and get ready to experience Flavortown in the Beehive State.
What makes a restaurant a likely candidate to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives?
A restaurant that gets featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, often abbreviated as DDD, generally possesses a few key ingredients. First and foremost, it needs to offer unique, flavorful food that stands out from the crowd. This could mean a family recipe passed down for generations, a creative twist on a classic dish, or a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Furthermore, the restaurant typically boasts a strong sense of identity and personality, often reflected in its decor, atmosphere, and the passionate individuals behind the counter.
Beyond just the food, DDD aims to showcase the stories and the people that make these establishments special. Guy Fieri, the show’s host, is known for connecting with the owners and staff, highlighting their dedication and the history of the restaurant. A compelling narrative, coupled with mouthwatering food, creates the perfect recipe for a memorable DDD episode, drawing in viewers and potential customers alike.
Where in Utah are the majority of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” featured restaurants located?
While “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” has ventured into various parts of Utah, a significant concentration of featured restaurants can be found along the Wasatch Front. This area, encompassing cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden, boasts a diverse culinary scene with a strong emphasis on locally-owned and operated businesses. The show’s producers often target this region due to its accessibility and the sheer number of potential candidates for showcasing.
Within the Wasatch Front, Salt Lake City particularly stands out as a hub for DDD-approved establishments. The city’s vibrant food culture and its residents’ willingness to embrace unique dining experiences make it an attractive location for restaurants that want to stand out. This concentration allows for efficient filming and provides viewers with a good variety of options within a relatively small geographic area.
Are “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” restaurants in Utah generally affordable or more on the expensive side?
The price point of restaurants featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in Utah, much like the rest of the country, tends to lean towards the affordable end of the spectrum. The show’s appeal lies in showcasing down-to-earth eateries that offer delicious, home-style cooking without breaking the bank. These are places where you can get a hearty meal at a reasonable price, often reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to providing value for its customers.
While you might occasionally find a slightly higher-end establishment featured, the focus remains on accessibility. DDD is about finding hidden gems that offer great food and a unique experience, not necessarily luxury dining. The emphasis is on quality and flavor, not necessarily on elaborate presentations or expensive ingredients, leading to generally lower prices.
How can I be sure a restaurant featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” is still operating and maintains its quality?
To ensure a “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” featured restaurant in Utah is still open and maintaining its quality, the best approach is to do some research before your visit. Start by checking the restaurant’s website or social media pages for their most up-to-date operating hours, menu, and customer reviews. A quick online search can also reveal recent news articles or blog posts that mention the restaurant and its current status.
In addition to online research, consider reading recent reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor. These reviews can provide valuable insights into the current quality of the food and service. Remember that online reviews are subjective, so it’s best to look for patterns and trends rather than relying on a single opinion. Contacting the restaurant directly by phone or email is also a reliable way to confirm their hours and ask about any recent changes.
What types of cuisine are most commonly featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in Utah?
“Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in Utah showcases a diverse range of cuisines, but certain types tend to be more frequently highlighted. Classic American comfort food, such as burgers, sandwiches, and barbecue, are staples of the show and are often well-represented in the state. You’ll also find a good selection of Mexican and Southwestern-inspired dishes, reflecting the region’s cultural influences.
Beyond these core categories, DDD also seeks out restaurants that offer unique and innovative culinary experiences. This might include ethnic cuisines like Vietnamese or Korean, or establishments that specialize in unique takes on pizza, pasta, or seafood. The common thread is always exceptional flavor, a unique concept, and a compelling story behind the food.
What should I expect in terms of wait times at popular “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” restaurants in Utah?
When visiting popular “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” featured restaurants in Utah, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. The notoriety that comes with being featured on the show often translates to increased customer traffic, especially in the initial months after the episode airs. Weekends and evenings are generally the busiest times, so plan accordingly.
To minimize your wait, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekdays for lunch or early dinner. Some restaurants may offer reservations, which can help you secure a table in advance. If reservations aren’t available, calling ahead to inquire about current wait times can also be a helpful strategy. Patience is key, as the wait is often worth it for the unique culinary experience.
Does Guy Fieri always visit the restaurant himself when filming “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” episodes?
While Guy Fieri is the face of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and is present for most of the filming, there are instances where he might not be physically on location. Due to his busy schedule and the show’s extensive travel requirements, producers and crew members may handle some preliminary scouting and filming. These preliminary shoots help to identify the best aspects of the restaurant and gather background footage.
However, Guy Fieri’s presence is generally considered essential for the main cooking segments and interviews with the owners and staff. His personality and enthusiasm are a major part of the show’s appeal. So, while it’s not guaranteed he’ll be there during every single minute of filming, he’s typically involved in the most crucial parts of the episode.