The U.S. is home to dozens of great food spots that have gained fame or notoriety through TV shows over the years. For homey cooking and diner food, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” has been crowning comfort food spots for over 15 years. You may recognize these 5 must-visit Pennsylvania restaurants from TV, all of which have been featured on this show or a similar program.
From diner breakfast classics to regional Pennsylvania staples like cheesesteaks and pierogies, a wide range of cuisine can be found at these spots, all of which are deeply connected to the state of Pennsylvania. Many of the places on this list are in or around Philadelphia, which is considered one of the most underrated foodie destinations in America, according to travelers. Some of these spots are trendy city eateries, and others have to be reached in the surrounding suburbs or countryside, but all have been made famous on the Food Network. Below are our picks.
Daddypops — Hatboro, PA
In downtown Hatboro, PA, about an hour north of Philadelphia, Daddypops Diner has been operating in town since 1987. For over 30 years, the beloved neighborhood spot has been serving breakfast and other classic diner food. In 2024, Daddypops was named one of the best restaurants in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, maintaining its reputation for having great food years after it was featured on television. The diner was shown on an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” back in 2008, cementing it not only as a great place for locals but a diner that brings in folks from out of town, and even out of state.
Like any diner, breakfast is Daddypops’ specialty. Their episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” focused primarily on the diner’s scrapple, a Pennsylvania specialty made from fried pork scraps, flour, and spices, and breakfast potatoes. If you like Daddypops scrapple, you’ll find it at many local institutions, including America’s largest buffet, located in an underrated Pennsylvania town full of rich history. Reportedly, Daddypops goes through around 200 pounds of potatoes each day. Guy Fieri said of the diner: “It’s a neighborhood institution filled with regulars who know exactly what they want.” If this is the vibe you want in your diner, Daddypops is a well-loved spot to try.
South Philadelphia Tap Room — Philadelphia, PA
Located on Mifflin Street in South Philly, the South Philadelphia Tap Room opened in 2003. A decade later, in 2013, Guy Fieri hit it up in an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Still going strong in the same neighborhood today, this spot is open every day of the week and has both indoor and outdoor seating. In the episode “Traditional Gone Wild,” Fieri tried South Philadelphia Tap Room’s deep-fried PB&J and tacos…