If you’re a fan of Food Network or just a devotee of spiky-haired, goatee-clad television hosts, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” It’s been a staple of the channel since 2007 and boasts more than 400 episodes, with restaurateur Guy Fieri traveling the country to film casual spots with delicious food.
Fieri has stopped in Fort Worth before, dining at the original Fred’s Texas Cafe on Currie Street — which closed in 2021, but is still serving juicy burgers and chicken-fried steak at its Camp Bowie location — in Season 6. Plus, he’s toured 19 other regional restaurants, but none with a Fort Worth address.
City Editor Kate, here — it’s not unusual to find me at Fred’s on a Friday night attempting to eat an entire chicken-fried steak.
Photo by @fredstexascafe
So we’d like to propose that the “King of Flavortown” make his triumphant return to Panther City and try out well-loved restaurants recommended by our readers. If you’re reading this, Food Network, you’re welcome.
After nearly 150 recommendations, here are the top five spots to film Triple D.
Our mouths are watering already.
Photo by @___gustos
Gusto’s Burgers, 1229 7th Ave.
Started as a food truck, the restaurant serves up signature smash burgers, pressed to a crisp and dripping with melty cheese. Level up your meal with an order of salty tater tots.
JD’s Hamburgers, 9901 Camp Bowie West Blvd.
Choose from a rotating menu of burger specials served on a sweet sourdough bun with a side of hand-cut or sweet potato fries. We’d suggest Preston’s Pico & Pig with cream cheese, bacon, and pico de gallo or an elote burger topped with peppery street corn.
It may be 6 a.m., but we could really go for a sandwich from JD’s Hamburgers right now.
Photo by @libsters.life
Paris Coffee Shop, 704 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth’s oldest restaurant may have recently undergone a renovation, but it never wavered on tried-and-true staples like French toast, chicken fried steak, and hand-dipped ice cream sundaes.
Nicky D’s, 1605 Hwy 1187, Crowley
The former gas station is ready to fuel you up with a “legendary” chicken fried steak sandwich made with a 9-oz sirloin and a hand-spun malt.
Carshon’s Delicatessen, 3133 Cleburne Rd.
Cowtown’s only kosher deli has been family-owned and operated since it opened in 1928. Stop by for the “Rachel,” a grilled corned beef and turkey sandwich with melted Swiss, cole slaw, and Russian dressing on fresh rye bread.
