Tennessee – the land of country music and the best kind of southern food you ever had. Over the last year we’ve had the chance to feature quite a few fantastic spots throughout the state, and we’ve included more than 20 great places you simply can’t miss out on. Did your favorite make our list?
- Cootie Brown’s - Johnson City
Cootie Brown’s - Facebook Known for their quirky atmosphere and fun-loving staff, Cootie Brown’s is a local favorite that serves classic American dishes with a side of tie-dye. That’s pretty much as good as it gets, wouldn’t you think? (2715 N Roan St)
- The Loveless Café - Nashville
The Loveless Cafe - Facebook Known for their legendary biscuits, the Loveless Cafe is a bit off the beaten path but never fails to leave you full and happy. Finish off a classic southern breakfast with a side of homemade jam - this is the kind of place you make YOUR place. (8400 Tennessee Highway 100)
- Butchertown Hall - Nashville
Butchertown Hall - Facebook This streamlined and contemporary Nashville eatery is known for its meat-infused dishes and extensive bar. It’s perfect for boozy brunches or full-fat dinners. (1416 4th Ave N)
- The Public House - Chattanooga
The Public House - TripAdvisor The Public House is known for locally sourcing all of their ingredients and treating every customer that walks through their front door like family. It’s here that you’ll have the chance to enjoy the best kind of Chattanooga wedge salad or choose from their extensive bar options. (1110 Market St)
- Pickwick Catfish Farm - Counce
Pickwick Catfish Farm - Facebook The Pickwick Catfish Farm is the best kind of catfish eatery out there. It’s known for its local charm, and it’s here that you can enjoy some fried goodness next to a local. Priceless. (4155 TN-57)
- Hog & Hominy - Memphis
Hog & Hominy - Facebook Known for serving southern-inspired Italian dishes, Hog & Hominy is perfect for that diet cheat day. Their delicious entrees have received rave online reviews and has even been called one of the best dining establishments in Memphis. (707 W Brookhaven Cir)
- Family BBQ - Dickson
Family BBQ - Facebook A clear winner for small-town bbq joints, Family BBQ is tucked back on the farm and has limited hours - but oh my goodness their following. Locals love the place, as do folks that are roadtripping their way across the state. This is the kind of place you don’t miss, folks. (2199 Yellow Creek Rd)
- The Tomato Head - Knoxville
The Tomato Head - TripAdvisor We’re huge fans of The Tomato Head - family friendly, vegetarian friendly carnivore friendly ALL sorts of friendly, this is one low-key eatery that perfect for family and date nights alike. (Various Locations)
- Foglight Foodhouse - Walling
Foglight Foodhouse - Facebook Cajun food in the south? Yep. Yes it’s here in Tennessee and lauded for the restaurants fantastic twist on classic New Orleans-based dishes as well as the fantastic restaurant ambience. (275 Power House Rd)
- The Wild Plum Tea Room - Gatlinburg
The Wild Plum Tea Room - TripAdvisor A Gatlinburg establishment that is styled like that of an old world tea house, their rustic setting and calming atmosphere is the best kind of getaway. (555 Buckhorn Rd)
- City Cafe Diner - Chattanooga
City Cafe Diner - Facebook The quirky City Cafe Diner is the answer to those late night greasy fries cravings and all-day classic Americana lunch needs. (Various)
- Sticky Fingers Ribhouse - Chattanooga
Terry Nelson - Flickr With multiple locations throughout Chattanooga, Sticky Fingers is constantly forgotten as folks rave about Nashville and Memphis - mainly Memphis. Try some new bbq this year! (Various locations)
- Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse - Columbia
Larry Darling - Flickr Sweet Marcy Jo’s is a favorite that’s situationed about 45 minutes outside of Nashville. It’s here that you have the chance to chat one-on-one with your fantastic waitresses and enjoy a plate of biscuits and gravy that will melt in your mouth. (4205 US-431)
- Bell Buckle Cafe - Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle Cafe - TripAdvisor Tiny Bell Buckle is known for their small number of residents and vibrant exemplification of southern hospitality, two of such things that are represented in their tiny Bell Buckle Cafe. Worth the trip, forever worth it for the experience. (16 Railroad Sq E)
- Old Delina Country Store - Cornersville
Old Delina Country Store - Facebook As one of the oldest surviving country stores in the state, Old Delina Country Store is known for their shelves of goods as well as their small restaurant. This is quite the experience if you’re looking for a fantastic meat-and-three option. (4397 John Barnes Rd)
- Corner Pit BBQ - Dellrose
Corner Pitt BBQ - Facebook This tiny bbq joint has five star reviews ALL over the internet, with folks claiming their sauces and perfectly cured meats are positively to die for. (107 Dellrose Rd)
- Aretha Frankenstein’s - Chattanooga
Aretha Frankenstein’s - Facebook Quirky and fun for a weekend brunch, Aretha’s is a popular spot amongst the Chattanooga locals. A funky, vibrant atmosphere serves to provide their all-day diner menu with an infusion of character. Get there early, though - the wait gets crazy! (518 Tremont St)
- The Barn at Blackberry Farm - Walland
The Barn at Blackberry Farm - TripAdvisor Considered one of the best restaurants in the entire STATE, The Barn at Blackberry Farm holds a high price tag but also gives you a high-end experience while tucked away in the Tennessee wilderness. You can’t beat that. You just can’t. (1471 W Millers Cove Rd)
- Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill - Sevierville
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant Have you ever wanted to eat lunch in the middle of an apple orchard? Perfect. Applewood Farmhouse has killer reviews AND the location you’re looking for, so let’s go ahead and scratch that off the bucket list in 2017. (230 Apple Valley Rd)
- Nona Lisa Pizzeria - Watertown
Nona Lisa - Facebook A small town pizzeria with a big city taste, some say that the Nona Lisa Pizzeria (208 E Main St)
- Husk - Nashville
Daniel Zemans - Flickr Husk is known for locally sourcing their ingredients, and has proven to be one of the most trafficked high-end restaurants in Music City. Husk gives southern classics a unique flair, and is great for those of you looking for comfort food with a twist. (37 Rutledge St)
- Soda Pop Junction - Lynnville
Soda Pop Junction - Facebook Soda Pop Junction is the perfect neighborhood hangout for kids and adults alike. Their fabulous diner menu and fun karaoke nights have made it a hot spot across the board. (141 Mill St)
- Gabby’s Burgers & Fries - Nashville
Gabby’s - TripAdvisor Gabby’s has earned quite a cult following, with its stream of interested patrons and greasy, cheesy burgers from heaven. You may have heard of The Pharmacy, but it’s this tiny burger joint that truly takes the Music City cake. (493 Humphreys St)
You have a lot of ground to cover in 2017 – you’d better get started! Make sure to take a deeper look at some of our unique Tennessee restaurants!
Cootie Brown’s - Facebook
Known for their quirky atmosphere and fun-loving staff, Cootie Brown’s is a local favorite that serves classic American dishes with a side of tie-dye. That’s pretty much as good as it gets, wouldn’t you think? (2715 N Roan St)
The Loveless Cafe - Facebook
Known for their legendary biscuits, the Loveless Cafe is a bit off the beaten path but never fails to leave you full and happy. Finish off a classic southern breakfast with a side of homemade jam - this is the kind of place you make YOUR place. (8400 Tennessee Highway 100)
Butchertown Hall - Facebook
This streamlined and contemporary Nashville eatery is known for its meat-infused dishes and extensive bar. It’s perfect for boozy brunches or full-fat dinners. (1416 4th Ave N)
The Public House - TripAdvisor
The Public House is known for locally sourcing all of their ingredients and treating every customer that walks through their front door like family. It’s here that you’ll have the chance to enjoy the best kind of Chattanooga wedge salad or choose from their extensive bar options. (1110 Market St)
Pickwick Catfish Farm - Facebook
The Pickwick Catfish Farm is the best kind of catfish eatery out there. It’s known for its local charm, and it’s here that you can enjoy some fried goodness next to a local. Priceless. (4155 TN-57)
Hog & Hominy - Facebook
Known for serving southern-inspired Italian dishes, Hog & Hominy is perfect for that diet cheat day. Their delicious entrees have received rave online reviews and has even been called one of the best dining establishments in Memphis. (707 W Brookhaven Cir)
Family BBQ - Facebook
A clear winner for small-town bbq joints, Family BBQ is tucked back on the farm and has limited hours - but oh my goodness their following. Locals love the place, as do folks that are roadtripping their way across the state. This is the kind of place you don’t miss, folks. (2199 Yellow Creek Rd)
The Tomato Head - TripAdvisor
We’re huge fans of The Tomato Head - family friendly, vegetarian friendly carnivore friendly ALL sorts of friendly, this is one low-key eatery that perfect for family and date nights alike. (Various Locations)
Foglight Foodhouse - Facebook
Cajun food in the south? Yep. Yes it’s here in Tennessee and lauded for the restaurants fantastic twist on classic New Orleans-based dishes as well as the fantastic restaurant ambience. (275 Power House Rd)
The Wild Plum Tea Room - TripAdvisor
A Gatlinburg establishment that is styled like that of an old world tea house, their rustic setting and calming atmosphere is the best kind of getaway. (555 Buckhorn Rd)
City Cafe Diner - Facebook
The quirky City Cafe Diner is the answer to those late night greasy fries cravings and all-day classic Americana lunch needs. (Various)
Terry Nelson - Flickr
With multiple locations throughout Chattanooga, Sticky Fingers is constantly forgotten as folks rave about Nashville and Memphis - mainly Memphis. Try some new bbq this year! (Various locations)
Larry Darling - Flickr
Sweet Marcy Jo’s is a favorite that’s situationed about 45 minutes outside of Nashville. It’s here that you have the chance to chat one-on-one with your fantastic waitresses and enjoy a plate of biscuits and gravy that will melt in your mouth. (4205 US-431)
Bell Buckle Cafe - TripAdvisor
Tiny Bell Buckle is known for their small number of residents and vibrant exemplification of southern hospitality, two of such things that are represented in their tiny Bell Buckle Cafe. Worth the trip, forever worth it for the experience. (16 Railroad Sq E)
Old Delina Country Store - Facebook
As one of the oldest surviving country stores in the state, Old Delina Country Store is known for their shelves of goods as well as their small restaurant. This is quite the experience if you’re looking for a fantastic meat-and-three option. (4397 John Barnes Rd)
Corner Pitt BBQ - Facebook
This tiny bbq joint has five star reviews ALL over the internet, with folks claiming their sauces and perfectly cured meats are positively to die for. (107 Dellrose Rd)
Aretha Frankenstein’s - Facebook
Quirky and fun for a weekend brunch, Aretha’s is a popular spot amongst the Chattanooga locals. A funky, vibrant atmosphere serves to provide their all-day diner menu with an infusion of character. Get there early, though - the wait gets crazy! (518 Tremont St)
The Barn at Blackberry Farm - TripAdvisor
Considered one of the best restaurants in the entire STATE, The Barn at Blackberry Farm holds a high price tag but also gives you a high-end experience while tucked away in the Tennessee wilderness. You can’t beat that. You just can’t. (1471 W Millers Cove Rd)
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
Have you ever wanted to eat lunch in the middle of an apple orchard? Perfect. Applewood Farmhouse has killer reviews AND the location you’re looking for, so let’s go ahead and scratch that off the bucket list in 2017. (230 Apple Valley Rd)
Nona Lisa - Facebook
A small town pizzeria with a big city taste, some say that the Nona Lisa Pizzeria (208 E Main St)
Daniel Zemans - Flickr
Husk is known for locally sourcing their ingredients, and has proven to be one of the most trafficked high-end restaurants in Music City. Husk gives southern classics a unique flair, and is great for those of you looking for comfort food with a twist. (37 Rutledge St)
Soda Pop Junction - Facebook
Soda Pop Junction is the perfect neighborhood hangout for kids and adults alike. Their fabulous diner menu and fun karaoke nights have made it a hot spot across the board. (141 Mill St)
Gabby’s - TripAdvisor
Gabby’s has earned quite a cult following, with its stream of interested patrons and greasy, cheesy burgers from heaven. You may have heard of The Pharmacy, but it’s this tiny burger joint that truly takes the Music City cake. (493 Humphreys St)
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