Favorite California Eateries on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives That Are Open for Takeout
January 14, 2021
No matter your opinion or your feelings about Guy Fieri (who’s actually a top-notch guy), you have to admit—the guy knows good food. His show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is known for scoping out some of the most delicious eateries in the U.S. for their mouthwatering and often gluttonous dishes. One of his favorite places to chow down happens to be the West Coast and there are hundreds of restaurants, diners, and cafes with insanely delicious food.
Dining and travel are obviously a little different right now, but thankfully, many of these famous establishments are still serving takeout (or offering limited dine-in). So the next time you’re sick of cooking at home, head out to one of these crazy yummy eateries in California that are fully Guy Fieri-approved.
OB Noodle House – San Diego
Opened and run by the duo brother team Steve and Kyle, the OB Noodle House is a staple in San Diego and they’re still serving up fresh, tasty noodles for takeout (limited dining may be available). Some of Guy’s favorite recommendations are Pho, spicy garlic wings, homemade sausage, and fried rice.
Squeeze Burger – Sacramento Area
If you caught the episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives when Guy Fieri was in Sacramento, chances are, you were drooling at the sight of the Squeeze Burger (originally and endearingly known as The Squeeze Inn). They aren’t serving up just any old cheeseburger at Squeeze Burger. Oh, no. Here, they are the home of the famous “Cheese Skirt”. They overload the burger with so much cheese that it melts onto the griddle, forming the aptly-named cheese skirt. Right now, you can still stop by and pick one up to-go at one of their 9 locations in the Sacramento area.
Rocco’s Cafe – San Francisco
A San Francisco local favorite since 1990, Rocco’s Cafe is one of the best little finds in the city. Family-owned from the get-go, Rocco’s most famous dish is their Bolognese and Clams as well as the mouthwatering and moist Famous Chicken Marsala—both of which (and all of their items) were made with love on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The menu is huge and they’re serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner for takeout or delivery.
Baby Blues BBQ – Venice
Authentic Southern-BBQ is being cooked up in the L.A. area at Baby Blues BBQ—and Guy Fieri is a mega-fan. You wouldn’t think that Venice would be a location to scope out some crazy-good BBQ, but as Guy would say, it’s the “real deal”. Order online for takeout menu items like Memphis-style ribs, Texas-style brisket, smoked chicken, pulled pork, and, of course, classic sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, and creamed spinach.
Lito’s Mexican Restaurant – Santa Barbara
Guy Fieri went nuts over the Pork Posole at Lito’s Mexican Restaurant in Santa Barbara—and you can pick it up for dinner tonight. One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara, Lito’s offers traditional food using recipes that go back over four decades. It’s not just the pozole that’s incredible—other favorites include carnitas, breakfast burritos, fish tacos, and tortas.
Wilma and Frieda – Palm Desert
Whipping up some of the most divine brunch dishes you’ve ever tasted, Wilma and Frieda is normally packed with a wait out the door. Thankfully, you can still order their extraordinary dishes for takeout. If you asked Guy Fieri, he’d most definitely suggest ordering their famous, signature Griddled Meatloaf and Eggs or Short Ribs Benedict. Of course, there are plenty of sweet options too like the Churro Waffle or Blackberry Custard French Toast, as well as lunch options like the Tarragon Chicken Sandwich or Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Athena’s Greek Cafe – Bakersfield
This is about as real as it gets when it comes to Greek food without actually being in the Mediterranean—Athena’s Greek Cafe. Specializing in hearty, homestyle entrees and super yummy baked goods, Athena’s has all the Greek classics you know and love. When Guy Fieri stopped for a visit, he swooned over their beef-stuffed cabbage leaves in lemon sauce, but they also have gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, rack of lamb, pitas, Greek burgers, and more. Don’t forget to pick up a slice of baklava for dessert when you place your order.
Señor Sisig – San Francisco
If you’re looking for totally unique cuisine with major flavor explosions (as Guy would say), Señor Sisig is your spot. At this food truck, which has become a local favorite, you’ll find a Filipino, Latin, and Chinese fusion in the form of burritos, tacos, loaded fries, nachos, and more. And, of course, the Filipino classic dish—sisig (a dish made with either pork, chicken, or tofu, which you can add to any and all of the above-mentioned items). As for Guy’s favorite? He says the tacos are full of "salty, spicy goodness." You can order online for pickup or delivery.
Bon appétit!
Written by Ashley Brewer for Knockaround.
