Canada's Best Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: (Part 3: The Atlantic)

It's the last leg of our journey to find the best Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in Canada and this time we're going into a region discovered during the time of the vikings. The oldest part of Canada and the one with the most opportunity to establish quality family-run businesses that serve good food and keep the beer taps flowing. One of the best things about Atlantic Canada is its great seafood, and as you read through these picks, you'll see a strong influence from the catch of the day.

So how aboot it, eh? Blast that Celtic music and join us at the dock for some top-notch grub.

Pit-stop, next right...
Prince Edward Island

Diner: Starlite Dine and Dairy Bar- This Summerside spot features a 50s-style atmosphere and true home cooking with a juke box at every table, it's the type of dining experience people say you want to take in and enjoy slowly. Along with the burgers and fries come those traditional Atlantic seafood platters the region is known for, but the real standouts are the ice cream and shakes. Some patron's swear that both are "the best in the province" and they've been pleasing customers since 1959.

Drive-in: Gillis Drive-in - While a few holdouts claim it "isn't as good as it was in the 80s when so-and-so ran it" most people can't get enough of this place in Montague. First of all, this drive-in is one of only a few that still understands the blinkers flashing a Morse code of curbside service. It's also got the old school pedigree of being around since 1965 and has the fresh food to back it up. Though the wait is long that's because this place is popular enough to be backed up everyday of the summer. People who call the island home, make Gillis their first stop when they return. Usually for the Bowser Special: one hot hamburger with fries (extra gravy) and a chocolate shake. It's cheap too. Hurry though, it's only open until the first week of September

Dive: Gahan House Brewery - I admit I'm cheating here. This is far from a dive in the dingy, puke-on-the-floor sense, but it has two out of the three things I look for in any dive bar -- character and decent beer. (I couldn't find a true dive anywhere in this province, truth be told). This place resides in one of the oldest buildings in Charlottetown. It's the 19th century house of John Gahan, grocer and tea and wine merchant. In 1997, the owners saw the light and started brewing their own beer. They offer a variety of tastes from 1772 India Pale Ale and Island Red Amber to Sir John A's Honey Wheat Ale and Harvest Gold Pale Ale. Plus, their pub fare is fast eclipsing the ale with Brown Bag Haddock, PEI Mussels, Island Beef and bread baked with their Honey Wheat Ale. Don't worry, after a few decades of age and rot, Gahan will become a legendary hole in the wall too.

New Brunswick

Diner: Sunshine Diner - There must be hundreds of diners around the world with The Sunshine's name and countless more in popular culture, but the consensus seems to be that the one in Fredericton features the province's best breakfast, especially notable for its pancakes. Some people also set aside the French toast as well, but all the hearty portions are available for under $10 and are reportedly served fast, hot and with a smile.

Drive-in: The Big D - Built-in the days when ladies in roller skates would skate you your meal, this place in Bathurst still takes orders from your car and the natives are coming back from afar for one thing -- the Danny Burger. This cheeseburger platter features "the sauce of the gods" a ketchup based special sauce with dry mustard, onions, green peppers and tomatoes served with fries and coleslaw. It may sound weird, but the New Brunswickians swear by it.

Dive: The Hilltop Pub - A renovation can't save this place from its dive reputation. Daily drink and meal deals along with an affordable buffet keep the bar flies circling this Fredericton hangout. The Hilltop also reigns supreme as the best steakhouse in the province and is known for its succulent prime rib. Plus their ribs are award-winning for three straight years, guaranteeing you'll leave the Hilltop full. Saturdays they bring in a DJ for flavour and make sure the Hilltop is hoppin'.

Nova Scotia

Diner: Johnny's Snack Bar - On weekends, this cash-only hidden gem right across from The Forum is always packed so deep that the guys sitting at the counter have to press their knees into the metal. Serving comfort food the way mom used to make, this diner is 50s in style, but remains unpretentious and has the old school vibe without hitting you over the head with it. Regional delicacies are here too, like the Atlantic clams. It's run by a Greek family and with such a spate of Greek family-run eateries in Halifax, you know they have the formula for success.

Drive-In: Joe Chow's Drive-In - Not all diners have to limit themselves to burgers and fries. Joe Chow's fuses traditional Canadian cuisine with classic Cantonese. This is where you'll find Chinese food that just isn't served anymore in this health conscious world. Forget Szechuan, give me some egg rolls with a gloppy sweet and sour glaze. How about a huge bowl of wonton or sweet and sour soup to go with that sizzling patty on a bun? You'll get it here, along with Chinese stalwarts like sweet and sour pork and ginger beef. The seats are a little cramped and the decor needs work, but who cares. This was a style that was once all over 1960s Chinatowns, but is now a lost art.

Dive: The Split Crow - A True Canadian legend, Halifax's Spilt Crow is one of the oldest bars in the country. It goes back all the way to 1749 when Governor Cornwallis granted New Scotland's (Nova Scotia's first name) first liquor license to John Shippey. He called it The Spread Eagle, after the sign he took from the German coat of arms. Soon sailors, mariners and travelers were using it as their second home -- affectionately calling it, The Split Crow. 'If these walls could talk,' should be an expression that's earned, and the walls of The Split Crow have the gift for gab. The history books say it all: "They were given comfortable lodgings, food and generous mugs of grog. In the tradition of the day, music was played, ladies entertained, politics were discussed and inevitably, fights broke out. One of these fights resulted in the first ever murder charged in Nova Scotia." Two hundred and fifty years later, the music still plays and the beer still flows, but now they have better security.

Newfoundland

Diner: Fog City Diner - This St. John's eatery is said to be the only place in the province you can get real poutine with real cheese curds. They're also known across the land for their Bayman Burger. Besides that, the fries are unlimited and a movie ticket can be had with your order. The service is always prompt and friendly and the food gets to you fast, even though the place is often packed. To many, this place is backing up its movie ticket gimmick with great food and expeditious service.

Drive-in: Hiscock's Drive-In - Husband and wife team Wallace and Flo Hiscock started this drive-in in Grand Falls-Windsor 48 years ago when they expanded their candy and convenience store into a restaurant. However, it wasn't until they started making wedge fries in 1970s that things really started taking off. Inspired by university students who wanted to take the spiced wedges back to school, the frozen version is now available in grocery stores across the country and Wal-Marts in Atlantic Canada. They also spread the wedge fries gospel at summer festivals across the province.

Dive: Trapper John's - Everyone who comes to Newfoundland wants that authentic newfie experience and I'm here to say you'll get it here. Named 'Best Dive Bar in Canada' by Askmen.com, Trapper John's makes sure tourists are indoctrinated in the right way by getting 'Screeched In' -- named for the ungodly scream they emit when they down the island's home brewed rum in one gulp. If you're up to the challenge, follow in the footsteps of celebs like Guy Lafleur and try it for yourself. If that weren't enough, there's a maritime museum on site and partying at Trapper John's often includes a live Celtic soundtrack on Friday and Saturday nights.

We made it! All the way across the country from West to East crowning Canada's best diners, drive-ins and dives because Guy Fieri won't. But we know we can't please everyone and we missed the territories all together because they're not along the Trans-Canada Highway and are largely missed on a cross-Canada roadtrip. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some great places in Nunavut, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. If we missed the boat on anything in the Atlantic region or you want to suggest a place from the territories, please put the place and why you like it down in the comments field. If we get a big enough response, we may do a reader's choice version of this series.