It’s not every day that you see your favorite local places featured in movies or TV showcasing just how amazing they are. That’s why it is special when these gems finally get the recognition they deserve in historical documentaries, on travel channels, and on restaurant shows like Guy Fieri’s popular Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. On the Food Network show, Guy takes a cross-country road trip to visit some of America’s classic “greasy spoon” restaurants. With so many delicious food options in the Tri-Cities, it’s no surprise that several local, homegrown restaurants have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to make audiences’ mouths water all across the globe!
Frost Me Sweet Bakery & Bistro
710 The Pkwy, Richland
509.420.4704
Once upon a time, a chef and a baker fell in love, and they combined their 20+ years of restaurant experience and passion for food to build Frost Me Sweet Bakery & Bistro! Featuring gourmet cupcakes and flavors that change daily, Frost Me has become the perfect place to enjoy dinner and dessert. Since its opening, this cozy kitchen has a menu featuring eclectic American cuisine alongside its bakery. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available on the menu.
With tons of hard work going into making their entrees and baked treats from scratch daily, it’s no wonder it ended up on Guy Fieri’s show in season 29, episode “Not Your Everyday Eats.” Not only that, but the owner and baker Megan Savely has also been featured on another Food Network show, Holiday Wars!
Vinny’s Bakery and Café
1107 W Lewis Street, Pasco
509.412.1489
Offering a wide variety of sweet and savory bread, cookies, and yummy desserts in the Tri-Cities community is Vinny’s Bakery. However, that’s not the only thing they’re serving up! Guy and his film crew stopped at the local shop while recording the season 29 episode “Sandwich Showcase” for the bakery’s fantastic assortment of fresh sandwiches that make for some delicious breakfast and lunch options. Not only that, but many of the ingredients, seasonings, and marinades that are used here are specially made in-house, so you’ll always get an original and unique bite no matter what you order. Dig in!
Ethos Bakery & Café
2150 Keene Road, Richland
509.396.9069
Whether you’re in the mood for a meal or a treat, Guy Fieri showcased how you can’t go wrong grabbing some grub at Etho Bakery & Café. Featured on the show’s episode “Burger and Breakfast” in season 29, Guy took a tour of this local gathering place that excels in craft food and beverages, including an extensive collection of gourmet coffee that’s sure to wake you up.
While the pastries baked fresh every day, started before most of us have even gotten out of bed, are impressive, Guy himself couldn’t help but admire the vast selection of artisan bread, and he’s now sure to take a loaf of two home after each visit. Stop in for a visit for an enjoyable brunch in a friendly atmosphere and try some of Guy’s favorites on the menu, including their homemade chips, shrimp and grits, maple pecan donuts, and a nice, warm cappuccino.
Porter’s Real Barbecue
1022 N Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick
509.942.9590
Southern barbecue traveled many a mile to land in Kennewick and was then featured on the episode “Southern to South American” in season 29 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives when the show highlighted Porter’s Real Barbecue. Owner Porter moved back home to the Tri-Cities in 2009 after spending some time in South Carolina. Upon his return, he brought back his wife, Kate and a passion for authentic barbecue.
After spending the next few years searching the Pacific Northwest for those deep South flavors, Porter came up empty-handed. Still, instead of being discouraged, he decided to master the art of southern barbecue himself. This South Carolina girl agrees it’s a one-of-a-kind taste, and we’re sure Porter’s got it mastered after expanding his business to three other locations besides Kennewick — Pasco, Richland, and even Spokane! Anything and everything barbecue flavored are now available at all these locations, with menu items typically being prepared 12 to 14 hours ahead of time so that they are made fresh each day using Porter’s secret, original, and authentic recipes. After all, you can’t rush good barbecue!
Richland’s The Folded Pizza Pie, another local favorite pizza joint, was also featured in the episode “Mega Meat and Sweet Treats” of season 29 and local favorite Barley’s BrewHub in Kennewick during the episode “Belly, Beef and Bratwurst” in season 29. Sadly, both establishments have since closed, with Barley’s BrewHub closing in January 2021 and The Folded Pizza Pie closing in November 2022, respectively. As they were both dear favorites that are sincerely missed by the community, we felt it only right to give them each a shout-out and thank them for their outstanding years of service providing citizens with tasty goodness!
Are there any local restaurants that you’d love to see featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network? If so, email your suggestions to storyideas@tripledinfo.com, and who knows, you might just see your favorite local restaurant next on the show!
