As you drive down the highways and byways of life (where exactly ARE these byways, ahem, by the way?), your hunger pangs might lead you to those big corporate chain restaurants, yes. But you will be remiss if you do not stop at the off-the-beaten-path LOCAL eateries along the way.

When I'm traveling, I always look for local joints first. That's where I'll find heart and soul and, very often, regional flavor. And, yes, just plain old good food.

Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
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FAT DADDY'S GRILL & CHILL

When you've driven down Highway 66 in southern Indiana between Evansville and Tell City, there's no way you haven't seen Fat Daddy's Grill & Chill. I have, but until Thursday, May 5th, I'd never had time to stop in.

Well, this Thursday, we MADE the time, and it was a great decision. We came hungry, but we did NOT leave hungry. Tina, the owner, trotted out a variety of house specialties and they were amazing. Fat Daddy's Grill & Chill finding its place on the Tri-State Bucket List was LONG overdue.

THE DELICACIES AT FAT DADDY'S

 

The Grandview Melt is a take on the classic patty melt, and I will "take" this one over all the others every time.

Ash/Townsquare Media
Ash/Townsquare Media
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The appetizers--not that we ate anything in ORDER--were fried green beans and breaded cauliflower. And while I don't like ranch dressing, it's a must here.

Ash/Townsquare Media
Ash/Townsquare Media
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And this isn't just any old slaw dog, as you will see in the video below.

Ash/Townsquare Media
Ash/Townsquare Media
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Finally, as you saw, the special of the day on Thursday is pulled pork nachos. A lot of great flavors come together in this one.

Ash/Townsquare Media
Ash/Townsquare Media
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JOIN US FOR A VISIT TO FAT DADDY'S GRILL & CHILL

Here's our visit to Fat Daddy's Grill & Chill:

THE TRI-STATE BUCKET LIST -- IT ALL BEGAN IN ISLAND, KENTUCKY

We began our Tri-State Bucket List series at the Island Dairy-Freeze--a popular destination with which Tina is quite familiar.

And that one coupled with Fat Daddy's Grill & Chill is why these kinds of places are so special. The menus are unique and the staffs are some of the nicest people we've ever met.

It pays to hit the back roads when you're traveling, but sometimes we don't have that kind of time and we NEED the interstates. But if you DO have the time, your trip will be doubly rewarding.

The Fabulous Food Haul at Schnitzelbank in Jasper

That it took me until 2021 to visit Schnitzelbank in Jasper will have to be a future episode of Unsolved Mysteries. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this tri-state icon and the actual FEAST within.

The Food and Atmosphere at Hawesville's Riverview Restaurant

Riverview Restaurant has been in Hawesville since the 60s. But it has a new owner in 2021 and big changes are coming to the tiny restaurant. We got to go in and sample some of their offerings and check out the incredible view. Oh, and the homemade pie... is... delightful! It's definitely worth a trip to Hawesville to check out this amazing eatery! Visit them on Facebook or just stop in at 2220 Indian Lake Dr, Hawesville, KY, and enjoy.

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Whether you're craving a burrito, taco, nachos, chimichanga, enchilada, or a margarita, these are the best places to get them according to residents.

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