10 Restaurants Everyone in Tennessee Should Visit at Least Once

Tennessee has some of the most unforgettable food in the South. From sizzling hot chicken in Nashville to slow-smoked ribs in Memphis, the state is packed with legendary spots that locals have loved for generations.

Whether you’re craving home-style catfish by the lake or a perfectly charred steak in a vintage dining room, these restaurants offer more than just a meal—they deliver experiences you’ll remember long after the last bite.

1. The Loveless Cafe (Nashville)

Walk into The Loveless Cafe and you’ll smell those famous biscuits before you even sit down. This Nashville landmark has been feeding hungry travelers since 1951, and not much has changed—which is exactly how fans like it. Country ham, red-eye gravy, and preserves made fresh daily are what keep people coming back year after year.

The biscuits alone are worth the trip. Fluffy, buttery, and served piping hot, they pair perfectly with everything on the menu. Lines can get long, especially on weekends, but nobody seems to mind the wait.

2. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack (Nashville)

If you want to taste the original Nashville hot chicken, this is where it all started. Prince’s has been frying up dangerously spicy chicken since the 1930s, and the recipe hasn’t changed. The heat is real—even the mild version packs a punch that’ll make you reach for your drink more than once.

Order at the counter, grab a seat, and prepare yourself. The chicken comes on white bread with pickles to help cool things down, but honestly, nothing really tames that fire. First-timers should start with mild or medium unless they’re truly fearless.

3. Central BBQ (Memphis)

Memphis takes its barbecue seriously, and Central BBQ is proof of that dedication. Ribs here are fall-off-the-bone tender with a smoky flavor that lingers long after you finish eating. Pulled pork is another standout, piled high and seasoned just right without drowning in sauce.

Locals will tell you this is some of the best barbecue in the state, and they’re not exaggerating.

The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, perfect for families or groups looking to share a few platters. Don’t skip the sides—mac and cheese and baked beans are both excellent.

4. Boyette’s Dining Room (Tiptonville)

Tucked near Reelfoot Lake, Boyette’s serves up catfish the old-fashioned way—family-style, all-you-can-eat, and absolutely delicious. People drive from all over West Tennessee just to sit down at one of these tables and dig in. The fish is lightly breaded, fried golden brown, and served alongside hushpuppies, slaw, and all the fixings you could want.

This isn’t fancy dining; it’s honest, home-cooked food that feels like Sunday dinner at your grandma’s house. The portions are generous, the staff is friendly, and the vibe is pure Southern hospitality.

5. Calhoun’s on the River (Knoxville)

Ribs and a river view—that’s the winning combination at Calhoun’s on the River. Located right on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, this spot has been a local favorite for decades. The ribs are smoky, tender, and slathered in a sauce that’s tangy without being too sweet.

Whether you sit inside or out on the deck, the setting makes every meal feel a little more special.

Families love this place for its relaxed vibe and kid-friendly menu. The portions are hearty, and the service is consistently solid. If you’re visiting Knoxville and want classic Tennessee barbecue with a scenic backdrop, Calhoun’s checks every box without trying too hard.

6. High Point Restaurant (Monteagle)

Perched high on the Cumberland Plateau, High Point Restaurant offers more than just a meal—it delivers an experience. The views alone are breathtaking, stretching out over rolling hills and valleys that seem to go on forever. But the food holds its own too, with refined Southern dishes that highlight local ingredients and traditional flavors done with a modern touch.

This is the kind of place you choose for anniversaries, special occasions, or when you just want to treat yourself right. The atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy, and the menu changes with the seasons. If you’re driving through Monteagle, make time to stop here. You won’t forget it.

7. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Nashville)

Hattie B’s brought Nashville hot chicken to the masses, and they’ve done it without sacrificing quality or flavor. With heat levels ranging from mild to “Shut the Cluck Up,” there’s something here for everyone—even people who can’t handle much spice. The chicken is juicy, perfectly fried, and coated in a spice blend that’s both addictive and intense.

Lines can stretch out the door, especially during lunch and dinner rushes, but the wait is part of the experience. Grab some sides like pimento mac and cheese or baked beans to balance out the heat.

8. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Memphis)

Hidden down an alley in downtown Memphis, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous has been serving legendary dry-rub ribs since 1948. Unlike most Memphis barbecue joints that rely on sauce, Rendezvous lets the rub do all the talking—and it speaks volumes. The ribs are charcoal-grilled, seasoned with a secret spice blend, and served with a side of history that you can practically taste in every bite.

The basement dining room is covered in photos, signs, and memorabilia from decades of satisfied customers. It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s absolutely authentic.

9. Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint (Nashville)

Sometimes you just need a really good burger, and Jack Brown’s delivers exactly that. No frills, no pretense—just juicy, flavorful burgers that have earned a cult following across Tennessee. The menu is simple but creative, with options like the Greg Brady (bacon, American cheese, grilled onions) that keep people coming back week after week.

Pair your burger with one of the many craft beers on tap, and you’ve got yourself a perfect meal.

10. Ye Olde Steak House (Knoxville)

Step into Ye Olde Steak House and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the 1970s—and that’s exactly the charm. This Knoxville institution has been serving up perfectly cooked steaks in a no-nonsense atmosphere since 1968. The decor hasn’t changed much, the menu is straightforward, and the focus is entirely on delivering a great piece of meat cooked exactly how you want it.

Regulars love the consistency and the old-school vibe that’s impossible to fake. If you’re tired of trendy restaurants that try too hard, this throwback steakhouse is a refreshing change.