CHUG and CHOW: America's Tucked-Away Eateries and Watering Holes

Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he navigates rugged mountain switchbacks to reach Arizona's oldest continuously operating saloon. Deep in the Bradshaw Mountains at 6,000 feet elevation, the Crown King Saloon has been serving miners, locals, and adventurous travelers since the 1890s – making it a 110-year survivor of boom-and-bust mining cycles. In this episode, Todd speaks with o...

Award-winning host and author Todd Newton travels to Hays, Kansas—once home to Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Calamity Jane—to discover Sip n Spin, a restaurant with an incredible backstory. Owner and chef Eric Shuette shares how this historic building evolved from frontier-era rumors to laundromat to beloved local eatery, all while serving up legendary burgers and world-famous wings. Ex...

In this episode, award-winning host and author Todd Newton rolls into Grand Rapids, Michigan, to visit a bakery that’s been serving up scratch-made pastries and hometown warmth since 1924— Van’s Pastry Shoppe . From Dutch krakelingen to fresh-pulled cinnamon twists, Van’s isn’t just a place to grab a coffee and donut—it’s a community cornerstone where generations have gathered, laughed, and linger...

Step into a wonderland where 2,000+ candy varieties meet vintage vinyl records, classic pinball machines, and authentic Hollywood memorabilia! Award-winning host and author of CHUG & CHOW Todd Newton speaks one-on-one with the King of Candy Aaron Wojtkiewicz, owner of Hollywood Candy in Omaha's historic Old Market district. Discover rare international sweets, nostalgic childhood favorites, and...

Sink your teeth into a slice of Americana in this mouthwatering episode of CHUG & CHOW! Join award-winning host and bon vivant Todd Newton as he travels to Johnstown, Pennsylvania—a resilient city brimming with tradition—to experience Coney Island Hot Dogs, a legendary eatery known for its zesty chili dogs, nostalgic charm, and family roots. Discover the fascinating journey of the Coney dog, f...

Join award-winning host and author of CHUG & CHOW Todd Newton for a wild ride down to Natchez, Mississippi, where the mighty Mississippi River meets 200 years of untamed history at Under The Hill Saloon. This legendary watering hole has been serving drinks since the 1800s when rough-and-tumble "Kaintuck" rivermen would pull their flatboats up to the notorious landing known as "Under the Hill"...

Join The Tattooed Traveler and CHUG & CHOW author Todd Newton as he journeys to Bayou La Batre, Alabama's "Seafood Capital," where Captain Frank's Smoke Shack serves mouthwatering barbecue just steps from the Mississippi Sound. This tiny shack, barely bigger than a shotgun house, has become legendary for its fall-off-the-bone ribs and award-winning BBQ. Join us as we explore the fascinating Fr...

In this flavorful episode of  CHUG & CHOW , award-winning host and author  Todd Newton  sits down with  Terry Toler , proud owner of the legendary  Frostop in LaPlace, Louisiana . Together, they dive into the rich history of this beloved roadside eatery, discuss the story behind its iconic spinning root beer mug sign, and uncover the secret to the one-of-a-kind  Frostop root beer  that has ear...

Join award-winning host and author of CHUG & CHOW Todd Newton as he sails past the tourist traps and drops anchor in  Big Pine Key, Florida , home to the quirky, historic, and delicious  No Name Pub . Since 1931, this Keys icon has worn many hats—a grocery store, bait shop, rumored bordello, and now one of Florida’s most legendary dive bars and eateries. In this episode, The Tattooed Traveler...

Award-winning host and author of CHUG & CHOW Todd Newton ventures into California's San Bernardino Mountains to discover why Grizzly Manor Cafe has been Big Bear Lake's breakfast destination since 1982. Join Todd as he speaks with owner Mary Worthington over legendary pancakes the size of dinner plates and cinnamon rolls that have achieved mythical status among locals and visitors alike. In th...

Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton on this flavorful episode of  Chug & Chow  as he takes you to the heart of Tucson, Arizona, to visit the legendary  El Charro Café . Established in 1922, El Charro Café is not only the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson but also a beloved institution with over a century of rich culinary history and authentic Sonoran flavors. Todd speaks with  Ray...

Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he travels to Wheeling, West Virginia, for a taste of history at Coleman’s Fish Market—a beloved institution renowned for its legendary simple fish sandwich. Established decades ago and now operated by third-generation owner Joe Coleman, this local favorite has been serving up fresh, lightly battered fish on a soft bun with minimal toppings, lettin...

Pull up a seat and prepare for a showstopper! On this episode of CHUG & CHOW, award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton heads to the heart of Portland, Oregon, to experience the legendary Spanish Coffee at Huber’s—where every glass is a performance and every sip is steeped in tradition. The Tattooed Traveler speaks with owner James Louie to explore the captivating history behind Port...

Get ready to bite into the bold flavors and creative spirit of Syracuse, NY. In this episode of CHUG & CHOW, award-winning host and bon vivant Todd Newton spotlights Funk N Waffles—an iconic eatery serving up wild waffle creations, unforgettable live music, and a vibe that’s as unique as the city itself. Todd speaks with owner Adam Gold to uncover how a college party idea grew into Syracuse’s...

Get ready for a wild ride on this episode of CHUG & CHOW with award-winning host Todd Newton. The Tattooed Traveler takes you to Asheville, North Carolina, to explore Fleetwood’s Rock n Roll Wedding Chapel—a one-of-a-kind hotspot where you can sip craft cocktails, catch live bands, shop for vintage threads, and even tie the knot, all under one legendary roof. Todd speaks with co-owner Mary Kel...

Sink your teeth into the bold, juicy world of Lucy’s Big Burgers—Abilene’s local legend where classic diner vibes meet Texas-sized flavor. In this episode, award-winning host and author of CHUG & CHOW Todd Newton speaks with owner Robert Graven to get the story behind this beloved burger joint, their secret to perfect patties, and savors every crispy fry and creamy milkshake. Whether you’re a...

Join award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton as he takes you on a mouthwatering journey to Nashville's legendary Silver Sands Cafe, where three generations of the Vaughn family have been serving up authentic soul food with unmatched heart and flavor for over 75 years. This hidden gem tucked away in Music City has been quietly perfecting their craft while the tourist crowds flock elsewh...

Discover California's sweetest century-old secret on Highway 111! Join us as we explore Shields Date Garden in Indio, CA – a family oasis serving legendary date shakes since 1924. This ultimate California road trip destination combines exotic Medjool dates, vintage roadside Americana, and the most famous fruit education film you've never heard of. From the Coachella Valley's date farming history t...

In this sizzling episode of  CHUG & CHOW , we hit the griddle with a Fort Wayne institution— Powers Hamburgers . Since 1940, this humble spot has been flipping mouthwatering sliders and serving up nostalgia one bite at a time. Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he dives into the rich history of Fort Wayne, explores what makes Powers so beloved, and chats with owner Alex Richards...

In this mouthwatering episode of  CHUG & CHOW , we take you on a road trip down the iconic  Overseas Highway  to the sun-soaked shores of  Key Largo, Florida —the “Diving Capital of the World” and gateway to the  Florida Keys . But we’re not here for tourist traps. We’re here for a legendary local landmark:  Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen . For nearly  50 years , this cozy eatery has been serving up conch...

Journey to Zanesville, Ohio, where Tom's Ice Cream Bowl has been serving hand-churned perfection since 1948. In this mouthwatering episode of CHUG & CHOW, we sit down with owner Joe Baker—great-grandson of ice cream pioneer F.E. Hemmer, who started Zanesville's frozen dessert dynasty in 1887. Discover how this family's DNA literally contains the secret to exceptional ice cream, why Joe still m...

On this delicious episode of  CHUG & CHOW , award-winning host and author Todd Newton takes you to the historic town of  Kimmswick, Missouri , home of the legendary  Levee High Apple Pie  at  The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery . Meet owner  Kim Byerly , the heart and soul behind this towering dessert sensation that’s been featured on Food Network and The Travel Channel. Learn how a small-tow...

Get ready to discover Portland, Maine's most divine delight! In this episode of CHUG & CHOW, we dive deep into the sweet, savory world of The Holy Donut. Join award-winning host and author Todd Newton as he uncovers the inspiring story of single mom Leigh Kellis and how her unique potato donut recipe blossomed into a beloved family business. Learn what makes potato donuts so incredibly lig...

Join award-winning host and traveling foodie Todd Newton as he trades the glittering Vegas Strip for something far more intoxicating – the shadowy, bamboo-wrapped world of Frankie's Tiki Room! In this tropical escape from the desert, Todd speaks with legendary owner P. Moss to uncover the secrets behind one of Las Vegas's most beloved neighborhood bars. Discover how this windowless Polynes...

On this episode of  CHUG & CHOW , host and bon vivant Todd Newton rolls into Grand Forks, North Dakota, to uncover the heart and soul behind one of America’s great hidden breakfast gems— Darcy’s Café . From towering omelets to caramel rolls that defy gravity, owner Michelle Hajicek shares why locals and road-trippers alike swear by this small-town classic. Plus, learn a bit of Grand Forks hist...