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DINERS & DIVES: DDR EDITION
Everyone’s (probably) seen the Guy Fieri show where he spotlights different diners, drive-ins, and dives across the country that he loves for one reason or another, usually their signature guilty pleasure dish. Well, we don’t have professional palettes or anything. Still, thanks to photographing 6-8 collections a year in different locations, we find ourselves in some off-the-beaten-paths and have gotten familiar with some fun joints that you might not see on many other lists.
Photograph by Aric Becker Photography
“Look, we’re not James Beard, ok?” laughed Mitchell. “And usually, by the time we get to have an actual sit-down meal, we’re starving. I’m not saying you’re about to have a Michelin-star meal, but what am I saying is that whether it’s the actual food, the ambiance, or a real-fed-up-with-it waitress, these places made an impression on us, and we’d go back. Not all of them are even restaurants, some are different kinds of dives. If you find yourself in these pockets of the world, give it a go.”
CONTINENTAL CLUB, Austin, Texas
Ok, Austin is not really off the beaten path, but this little joint keeps coming to mind because it’s where we shot Midnight Cowboy, and it feels like it shares a lot of the era and essence of Atomic Ranch as well. It’s an unassuming dive bar off S. Congress that’s been around since 1955. With its retro signage, neon lights, and velvet curtains, it boasts a reputation for great music in an intimate setting, and we’re pretty sure there’s still a “Play Nice, Be Free” on the back wall in Sharpie somewhere.
CAFÉ PASQUAL’S, Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Double D Ranch gang has had many a meal at this charming café. Whether we’re finishing up a photoshoot or winding down a day of jewelry shopping, we can always count on Pasqual’s to serve us up some reliably delicious cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. They have great breakfast and lunch, too, by the way – we’re big fans of their Grandma Jenny’s Blintzes! – and if you’re in the mood for a nightcap, Tonic Cocktail next door has a great vibe and great drinks.
RANCH HOUSE, Sanderson, Texas
Folks, if a restaurant doesn’t have a website, you can pretty much guarantee that the food is Grade-A old-fashioned goodness! Y’all might remember this story from the Rhinestone Suits & Cowboy Boots live launch, but we photographed that collection in Sanderson, and had an experience that restaurant scene in the movie Hell or High Water, “What don’t you want?” It was so funny and caught us so off guard – and then the meal was actually so good – that this place earned a spot on our unforgettable list.
KINCAID’S HAMBURGERS, Fort Worth, Texas
Folks native to the DFW are probably going to laugh at us, like “Yeah, everyone knows Kincaid’s has the best burgers!” Well, we’re not DFW natives, and we didn’t, but oh man, now that we’ve had them – we highly recommend you check it out while you’re in town (shopping our Stockyards store, of course!). It’s this darling diner in what used to be a grocery store that dates back to 1946, and it was awarded “Best Burger in America” in 1982. Their origin story is also worth a read.
ROCKIN’ ZEBRA SODA SHOPPE, Canyon, Texas
When we were shooting the Grand Canyon collection in Palo Duro Canyon, we relied on this cute little spot for sustenance for a few days. We’ll be honest, the food is your standard deli sandwiches and salads (which met our needs), but it’s a darling spot to snag a nostalgic milkshake or malt dessert in a charming mid-century soda shoppe vibe. The walls are also decorated with shoppable vintage goods – like lunchboxes and collectible figurines, as well as vintage dishes – and an eccentric selection of candy.
Stop in, check ‘em out… tell ’em we sent ya!
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