The heartland isn’t all meat-and-potatoes. Episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives prove that the Midwest can sling seriously briny fare—think smoke-kissed lake fish, crispy shrimp baskets, and deli classics that spend days in a perfectly seasoned bath of salt and spice. Plot a road trip around these stops and bring your appetite for everything cured, pickled, and straight from the sea.
1. Calumet Fisheries — Chicago, IL
Perched by the 95th Street Bridge since 1948, this tiny smokehouse lures loyalists with the aroma of hardwood plumes rolling out of its detached smoker. The Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives crew came for the Chicago history and stayed for fish steeped in brine, then slow-smoked until the edges turn mahogany. A true South-Side landmark—and a delicious reminder that Great Lakes bounty rivals any coastal catch.
2. Troha’s Chicken & Shrimp House — Chicago, IL
What began as a humble tavern in 1917 morphed into a seafood stalwart when the owners discovered Chicagoans’ love for briny crustaceans. Troha’s still marinates its shrimp in a proprietary seasoned brine before a quick swim in the fryer, turning out baskets that made the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode crackle with anticipation. It’s proof you don’t need an ocean view for spot-on seafood.
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3. The Shanty Restaurant — Wadsworth, IL
Half roadhouse, half community hub, The Shanty Restaurant leans heavily on Midwest farm goods but keeps one foot in maritime territory with seafood sourced from both coasts. A quick overnight brine locks in moisture before the kitchen fires up dishes that had Guy raving about its “little shack with big flavor.” Swing in for lake views on the drive, stay for impeccably seasoned shellfish that taste vacation-fresh.
4. Smack Shack — Minneapolis, MN
Before opening multiple storefronts, Smack Shack got its start slinging lobster rolls out of The 1029 Bar’s tiny kitchen. The seafood arrives chilled, takes a dip in a citrusy brine, and is cooked on the griddle or steamer just moments before service. When Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives rolled through, Minneapolis suddenly felt a lot closer to the Atlantic.
5. Shapiro’s Delicatessen — Indianapolis, IN
Open since 1905, Shapiro’s relies on time-honored brining tubs and a meticulous spice blend to turn whole beef briskets into pastrami that defines Midwestern deli culture. Guy Fieri spotlighted the cafeteria-style counter—and the briny perfume of curing meat that greets you long before you grab a tray.
6. Izzy’s — Cincinnati, OH
Founded by Russian immigrant Izzy Kadetz in 1901, this Queen City staple still brines its corned beef for nearly a week, creating the depth of flavor that landed it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Each sandwich arrives with a complimentary pickle—an extra pop of brininess that seals Izzy’s place on this list.
7. Katzinger’s Delicatessen — Columbus, OH
Katzinger’s ferments barrels of cucumbers right on site, pairing them with corned beef, lox, and other preserved goodies. The deli’s appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives highlighted its commitment to traditional brining techniques that yield snappy pickles and deeply seasoned meats—Midwest comfort with a tangy twist.
8. Off the Hook — Oklahoma City, OK
Yes, Oklahoma claims the Great Plains, but its capital also boasts this Southern-leaning seafood joint that Guy visited for a taste of the coast in cattle country. Fish and shellfish are briefly soaked in a spiced brine before being grilled or fried, proving that landlocked states can deliver ocean-fresh flavor when passion and technique align.