About CHUG and CHOW: America's Tucked-Away Eateries and Watering Holes
Based on his popular book, author and bon vivant Todd Newton uncovers America’s timeworn dive bars, roadside diners, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants locals keep secret. From speakeasies hidden behind laundromats to BBQ joints that’ll ruin you for the rest, this food and travel podcast is your guide to eating and drinking your way across the USA. With Todd’s signature storytelling flair, each episode serves up cross-country flavor that will transform your next trip into a mouthwatering mission. Subscribe now and discover the spots every traveling foodie dreams of. Visit chugandchow.com.
Arizona's Last Frontier Saloon: 110 Years of Wild West Fun at Crown King Saloon
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 owner Lorrie Wyatt to uncover the incredible story of how entrepreneur Tom Anderson literally moved this two-story wooden establishment piece by piece from the ghost town of Oro Belle to Crown King in 1916. Discover how this former brothel and mining camp watering hole became the beating heart of a community that once boasted multiple saloons, Chinese restaurants, and a post office serving the lucrative Crowned King Mine.
From the legendary "Burro" John Revello who ran the original establishment in the 1890s to the mysterious ghost named Leatherbelly who allegedly haunts room number 7, this episode explores how authentic Western hospitality survived Arizona's dangerous Apache territory days and Prohibition era. Learn why this mountain retreat attracts Phoenix locals fleeing 115-degree desert heat for craft beer, hearty burgers, and genuine frontier atmosphere you simply can't manufacture.
What You'll Discover:
The wild story of "Murphy's Impossible Railroad" that served the area from 1904-1926
Why this 133-person mountain community represents the last of America's authentic mining town culture
Insider tips for navigating the challenging dirt road access (high-clearance vehicles recommended!)
The role saloons played in Arizona's 1800s frontier mining boom
Crown King Saloon, 7219 Main St, Crown King, AZ 86343
Subscribe to Chug & Chow for more authentic American eateries that locals rave about, and grab The Tattooed Traveler's book on Amazon for your complete guide to off-the-radar culinary adventures.
10 Dec 2025
Wild West Brothel to Burger Joint: Sip n Spin in Historic Hays, Kansas
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.
Explore the fascinating dual history of Hays, from its violent Wild West days when saloons and brothels lined the streets, to its transformation by Volga German immigrants who built the beautiful limestone churches that still stand today. Discover historical artifacts uncovered in the building, learn the stories behind Eric's signature menu items, and find out why this authentic Kansas town attracts food lovers and history buffs alike.
Whether you're planning a Kansas road trip, love American frontier history, or just want to hear about incredible small-town restaurants where the owner cooks your meal himself, this episode delivers unforgettable stories and mouth-watering descriptions that'll have you craving both the food and the experience.
Visit chugandchow.com for more information and to order your copy of Todd's book.
3 Dec 2025
Michigan Sweetness: Inside Van’s Pastry Shoppe, a Century of Flavor in Grand Rapids
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 lingered.
The Tattooed Traveler explores the rich history of Grand Rapids—from its furniture-making roots to its current status as a Midwest cultural hub—before sitting down with Dawn, a longtime Van’s employee whose familiar face has become part of the daily ritual for locals.
Discover what makes Van’s an enduring favorite, how its team keeps old-world traditions alive, and why some flavors never go out of style. Plus, don't miss out on how every purchase of the Chug and Chow book helps provide meals to food-insecure families across the U.S.
Subscribe, share, and chow down with us—because this is one story you can practically smell through your speakers.
Who has been a guest on CHUG and CHOW: America's Tucked-Away Eateries and Watering Holes
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Cathy Burke
Billy Kramer
Christine Zullo
Dave Saunders
Brad Halsten
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
92
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact CHUG and CHOW: America's Tucked-Away Eateries and Watering Holes
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of CHUG and CHOW: America's Tucked-Away Eateries and Watering Holes?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
