Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

This trip, Guy's finding real deal authentic eats in unusual spots. In St. Louis, the n'awlins roadhouse serving up rice and beans, cajun potstickers and a pulled pork pasta. And in Syracuse, N.Y., the tiny Mediterranean cafe crankin' out first-class falafel and baklava.

Pastabilities (Syracuse, N.Y.) • The Brine and Bottle (Nags Head, N.C.) This trip, Guy's visiting restaurants with a definite direction. In Syracuse, the longtime pasta institution makin' a tomato sauce just for dipping, wicked-spicy chicken riggies, and duck and cheese pizza. And in Nags Head, the local food-focused joint using funky techniques on deep fried pickles and soft-shell crab.

Funk-n-Waffles (Syracuse, N.Y.) • La Isla (Hoboken, N.J.) • Cravings (Duck, N.C.). This trip, Guy's honing in on spots doing it different. In Syracuse, the basement joint rockin' out waffles with their fried chicken, and a full-blown Thanksgiving dinner any time of year. In Hoboken, the Cuban spot goin' deep into the repertoire with a salt cured beef dish and all kinds of classic Cuban appetizers. And in North Carolina, the gas station turned gourmet seafood stand grillin' up scallops and packin' a crab boil to-go.

This trip, Guy's meeting up with credible combos. In Brooklyn, N.Y., the barbecue joint mashin' up a variety of styles for their unique wings and their big time beef ribs. And in Manteo, N.C., the husband and wife tag-teaming in the kitchen to deliver on soft shell crab quesadilla, tuna tacos, and shrimp and chorizo.

This trip, Guy's warming up with some standout specialties. In Brooklyn, N.Y., the mom and pop diner flipping a skillet apple waffle with pancetta and deep-frying breakfast empanadas. In Olympia, Wash., the brew house cranking out crab cannelloni and bangers and mash. And in Grandy, N.C., the farm to table German joint rolling out the ruebens and a cheesy baked potato soup.

This trip, Guy's takin' a spin through the town favorites. In Chatham, N.J., the real deal Italian joint bakin' up some righteous fried chicken, arancini balls, and the decadent sacred swine sandwich. And in Olympia, Wash., the homestyle spot cranking out creole oyster benedict, a colorful winter squash and apple hash and a unique blueberry crunch roller.