Guy Fieri knows where to find the good stuff. These 9 North Carolina american spots all earned a feature on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — and they’re still open, still slinging it, and still highly rated. From Asheville, Atlantic Beach, Charlotte and beyond, here are the ones worth the drive, ranked by the reviews.
1. Pinky’s Westside Grill (Charlotte)
American, Burger, Chicken, Sandwich, Vegan/Vegetarian · $ · 4.5★ (7,385 Google reviews)
Pinky’s Westside Grill earned its spot on the show for American classics that regulars rave about, and the 4.5-star average from 7,385 reviewers backs it up.
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Featured on Triple D (2 times):
• Season 22, Episode 10 — “Racing Through Charlotte” (May 1, 2015)
• Season 32, Episode 6 — “Takeout: Funky Finds in 'da House” (May 22, 2020)
Address: 1600 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208
Phone: +1 704-332-0402
Website: www.eatatpinkys.com
See the full Pinky’s Westside Grill listing →
2. Copper Penny (Wilmington)
American, Pizza · $$ · 4.6★ (4,030 Google reviews)
Known for American classics, Copper Penny still draws a crowd — a 4.6-star rating from 4,030 diners says the hype is real.
Featured on Triple D: Season 28, Episode 8 — “Pizza, Pork and Peru” (April 6, 2018)
Address: 109 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: +1 910-762-1373
Website: www.copperpennync.com
See the full Copper Penny listing →
3. Amos Mosquito’s (Atlantic Beach)
American, Seafood, Southern · $$ · 4.7★ (2,706 Google reviews)
The American classics at Amos Mosquito’s clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.7-star rating across 2,706 Google reviews.
Featured on Triple D: Season 36, Episode 3 — “Eastern Southern” (September 30, 2022)
Address: 703 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
Phone: +1 252-247-6222
Website: www.amosmosquitos.com
See the full Amos Mosquito’s listing →
4. Fork-n-Cork (Wilmington)
American, Breakfast · $$ · 4.5★ (2,625 Google reviews)
Fork-n-Cork is one of the area’s go-to spots for American classics, with a strong 4.5 stars from 2,625 reviews.
Featured on Triple D: Season 28, Episode 10 — “Grab and Grub” (May 4, 2018)
Address: 122 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: +1 910-228-5247
See the full Fork-n-Cork listing →
5. 300 East (Charlotte)
American · $$ · 4.5★ (1,918 Google reviews)
A longtime local favorite for American classics, 300 East keeps a 4.5-star rating across 1,918 Google reviews — proof the love didn’t fade after the cameras left.
Featured on Triple D: Season 22, Episode 11 — “Indulgent Dishes” (May 22, 2015)
Address: 300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: +1 704-332-6507
Website: 300east.net
See the full 300 East listing →
6. Dish (Charlotte)
American, Southern · $ · 4.4★ (1,880 Google reviews)
Dish earned its spot on the show for American classics that regulars rave about, and the 4.4-star average from 1,880 reviewers backs it up.
Featured on Triple D: Season 8, Episode 8 — “Comfort Food Classics” (February 22, 2010)
Address: 1220 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: +1 704-344-0343
Website: eatatdish.com
See the full Dish listing →
7. South 21 Drive-In (Charlotte)
American, Burger · $ · 4.6★ (1,647 Google reviews)
Known for American classics, South 21 Drive-In still draws a crowd — a 4.6-star rating from 1,647 diners says the hype is real.
Featured on Triple D: Season 8, Episode 6 — “By Request” (February 8, 2010)
Address: 3101 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: +1 704-377-4509
Website: south21drivein.net
See the full South 21 Drive-In listing →
8. The Penguin (Charlotte)
American, Burger, Sandwich · $$ · 4.5★ (1,106 Google reviews)
The American classics at The Penguin clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.5-star rating across 1,106 Google reviews.
Featured on Triple D: Season 1, Episode 3 — “Blue Plate Special” (May 7, 2007)
Address: 1531 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: +1 704-444-0603
Website: thepenguindrivein.com/utm_sourcegbmutm_mediumlinkutm_campaigngbm
See the full The Penguin listing →
9. Huli Sue’s (Asheville)
American, Seafood, BBQ, Sandwich, Southern, Hawaiian, Dessert · $$ · 4.8★ (956 Google reviews)
Huli Sue’s is one of the area’s go-to spots for American classics, with a strong 4.8 stars from 956 reviews.
Featured on Triple D: Season 43, Episode 2 — “Southern, Sweets, and Spam” (January 30, 2026)
Address: 1 Page Ave Suite 150, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: +1 828-505-0397
Website: www.hulisuesbbq.com
See the full Huli Sue’s listing →