Chasing down the destinations you see on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is already a solid way to level up any road trip, but for players who never pass up a chance to roll the dice or grab a joystick, the quest gets even better. These Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives alumni pair their crave-worthy burgers, dogs, and bar bites with a bonus round of classic board games and vintage arcade machines. Grab your game face, roll the dice, and get ready to play—and eat—your way through a high-score list of flavor.
The Vortex Bar & Grill — Atlanta, GA
Known for monster burgers and irreverent décor, The Vortex has been an Atlanta landmark since long before Guy Fieri swung through on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Beyond the skull-shaped front entrance lies a Galaga/Ms. Pac-Man cocktail table that fuels good-natured high-score battles while you wait for your order. Between the arcade nostalgia and the no-nonsense comfort food, it’s easy to lose track of both time and remaining credits.
The Tamale Place — Indianapolis, IN
Opened by Angela and Vicki Castañeda, The Tamale Place hand-rolls masa pockets so popular that they sell out by mid-afternoon. Its counter-service format and communal picnic tables make it easy to spread out a quick card game before heading three miles downtown to Gen Con, the nation’s largest tabletop gathering. Fuel up on freshly steamed goodness, then draft your next deck with renewed energy.
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Comet Ping Pong — Washington, DC
Comet Ping Pong landed on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” for its naturally leavened dough and creative toppings, but the fun doesn’t stop at the pizza ovens. A side room hosts a clutch of late-’70s pinball tables and a few stand-up classics, echoing the venue’s anything-goes spirit (yes, there’s still ping-pong, too). Grab a slice, drop a quarter, and let the silver ball ricochet while your pie cools to that perfect first-bite temperature.
The Nook — Saint Paul, MN
Guy fell hard for The Nook’s famed Juicy Nookie burgers during his visit—and gamers fall for the adjoining RanHam Bowling Center, where the bar extension houses vintage arcade cabinets. After polishing off a cheese-lava burger, head downstairs to the game room to tackle Donkey Kong or try your hand at an old-school pinball score. It’s the ultimate Midwestern mash-up of comfort food and cartridge-era fun.
Pine State Biscuits — Portland, OR
What began as a farmers-market stand is now a biscuit empire beloved for creative fillings and rivers of gravy. Located minutes from Portland’s Guardian Games megastore, Pine State lets you carb-load before a marathon miniatures skirmish. The line moves fast, and the sturdy biscuits travel well—ideal provisions for your next campaign.
Jack’s Cosmic Dogs — Mount Pleasant, SC
Jack’s groovy, space-age shack lit up Guy’s taste buds with its snappy all-beef franks and signature “cosmic” mustard. In the dining area, a tabletop arcade (complete with Space Invaders, naturally) keeps kids and grown-up gamers entertained between bites. The combination of throwback décor, fizzy milkshakes, and 8-bit beeps makes the place feel like a lunch counter orbiting in a neon galaxy.
Coop’s Place — New Orleans, LA
Coop’s earned its French-Quarter cred—and a stop on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives—with no-frills Cajun classics served late into the night. Tucked near the front door is a battered Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga combo that stays busy while locals wait for rabbit jambalaya or fried chicken. It’s proof that in New Orleans, you can chase ghosts on screen, then chase them with hot sauce all in the same bar stool.
Sam LaGrassa’s — Boston, MA
Downtown Boston’s legendary weekday-only deli dishes skyscraper sandwiches that satisfy even the hungriest D&D party. It’s quick counter service means you’ll be back at Boston’s many board-game cafés before the lunch rush finishes. The generous portions practically beg to be split with fellow adventurers.