Funky breweries, food trucks, cozy cafés—find our favorite Tennessee foodie & boozy guides below!
Tennessee has a rich food history that goes back generations. Across the state, from Memphis to Nashville to the Smoky Mountains, some restaurants have been feeding families for over a century. These historic dining spots serve more than just meals—they offer a taste of the past, with recipes, traditions, and stories that have been passed…
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Summertown, Tennessee, a modest roadside shack is making serious waves in the barbecue world. Shaffer Farms Custom Meat has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond its rural location, with BBQ enthusiasts claiming it serves the most authentic Texas-style barbecue outside the Lone Star State itself. With a…
Tennessee might not touch the ocean, but that hasn’t stopped the Volunteer State from becoming home to some seriously impressive all-you-can-eat seafood destinations. From the shores of Reelfoot Lake to the tourist buzz of Pigeon Forge and the neighborhoods of Nashville, locals have their favorite spots where platters keep coming and the sweet tea never…
Tucked away in the small town of Belvidere, Tennessee, Swiss Pantry has become a destination worth the drive. Every first and third Saturday of the month, travelers from across the state and beyond make special trips just to get their hands on the bakery’s famous giant donuts. With a loyal following, this family-owned gem offers…
Tennessee has a rich tradition of diners that refuse to follow modern trends. These classic spots still serve home-cooked meals the way they did decades ago, with no shortcuts or fancy updates. From biscuits made by hand each morning to burgers fried in century-old grease, these diners keep the past alive in every bite. Locals…
Perched high on the Cumberland Plateau in Monteagle, Tennessee, sits a restaurant that transports diners far beyond the ordinary dining experience. High Point Restaurant occupies a historic 1929 mansion with a fascinating past, rumored connections to Al Capone, and an atmosphere that makes every visit feel like stepping into a different era. From the moment…
Tennessee is famous for barbecue, but the biggest names aren’t always the best, according to people who live there. Locals have their own favorite spots that serve incredible smoked meats without all the hype and long tourist lines. These hidden gems and neighborhood favorites offer authentic flavors, family recipes, and the kind of barbecue that…
Winchester, Tennessee might seem like an unlikely spot for authentic New York-style pizza, but one chef is changing that perception. A Hell’s Kitchen-trained culinary expert decided to bring the real flavors of New York Italian cuisine to this small Southern town, and locals couldn’t be happier. Piezan Pizzeria Italiano has become the go-to destination for…
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…
Tucked away in the small town of Tiptonville, Tennessee, sits a legendary restaurant that has been serving up mouthwatering catfish since 1921. Boyette’s Dining Room isn’t fancy or trendy, but it doesn’t need to be. People travel from all over the country, and even from other nations, just to taste their famous family-style catfish and…
Tucked along West Main Street in Lebanon, Tennessee, sits a diner that refuses to let go of the past. Snow White Drive In has been serving burgers, shakes, and nostalgia since the 1950s, making it one of the state’s most authentic time capsules. Whether you pull up for carhop service or grab a seat at…
Gas stations in Tennessee have quietly become some of the best places to grab a hot meal on the road. From fresh barbecue to homemade pizza, these pit stops are serving up food that rivals actual restaurants. I spent weeks traveling across the state, sampling everything from breakfast biscuits to loaded hot dogs, and I…
Walking into Mission BBQ in Nashville isn’t just about grabbing a plate of smoky ribs or tender brisket. Every single day at exactly noon, the entire restaurant comes to a complete stop for something pretty special. Staff and customers alike pause their conversations, put down their forks, and stand together as the National Anthem fills…
Tennessee has a rich tradition of family dining spots that have stood the test of time. These beloved restaurants aren’t just about the food—they’re about memories, laughter, and the comfort of sharing a meal across generations. From old-school diners to legendary barbecue joints, these eight places have become part of family traditions, where grandparents once…
Tennessee knows a thing or two about good food, and burgers are no exception. While national chains have their place, locals across the Volunteer State will tell you the real magic happens at independent burger spots that have been perfecting their craft for years. From Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville, these seven joints serve up…
Tucked away in Nolensville, Tennessee, the Nolensville Feed Mill is more than just a market—it’s a delightful experience that brings Amish country charm right to your doorstep. This cozy spot has become a favorite among locals and travelers alike, offering everything from made-to-order sandwiches to homemade cinnamon rolls that people rave about. Whether you’re hunting…
Valentine’s in Tennessee calls for sparkle, flavor, and a setting where conversation flows as easily as the wine. Whether you are craving skyline views, candlelit romance, or a splashy steakhouse moment, this list curates the state’s most date-ready dining rooms. Expect shareable plates, celebratory cocktails, and service that makes the night feel special without trying…
Craving a steak that tastes like it was cooked just for you, not stamped out by a corporate playbook? These small-town Tennessee gems prove that charm, care, and confident grill work beat chain predictability every time. You will find ribeyes with real char, sides that taste like someone’s proud recipe, and rooms where the staff…
Tucked along the Tennessee River country roads, The Hushpuppy Restaurant keeps things simple and unforgettable. Locals whisper about the frog legs first, then brag about the friendly faces and crispy catfish that follow. You step in for a low-key dinner and leave with a story, a full plate, and a craving that will bring you…
If you crave saucy seafood without the fuss, Juicy Seafood in Smyrna, Tennessee delivers big flavor in a laid back setting. Fans pack the parking lot for steaming boils, fried baskets, and Cajun inspired sides that hit the spot. You will find consistency most days, plus a few quirks that regulars happily overlook for the…
If your taste buds have been craving something bold, this is the nudge you needed. Nashville hot chicken is more than a meal here, it is a rite of passage, and these spots deliver serious crunch with unforgettable heat. You will find smoky spice blends, ultra crispy crusts, and heat levels that range from friendly…
Craving plates that never seem to end and flavors that feel like a hug after a long drive. Tennessee delivers, from Smoky Mountains spreads to small-town classics where second helpings are a given. If you are chasing carved meats, buttery biscuits, sushi boats, or simmering curries, these buffets make miles feel short. Plot a route,…
Tucked away in Lawrence County, Tennessee, Ethridge is a peaceful town where time seems to move at a different pace. Home to one of the largest Amish communities in the South, this small town of around 465 residents offers visitors a rare glimpse into traditional Amish life. But what really draws people from across the…
Valentine’s Day deserves sweets that make you linger, laugh, and maybe plan your next getaway before the last bite. Tennessee delivers the mood, from candlelit cake slices to warm cobblers that taste like home. Map a playful route through Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and beyond, stopping for handcrafted chocolates, nostalgic ice cream, and pastries that look…
Some rooms in Tennessee do not need billboards because the buzz walks in before the host calls your name. These are the places friends whisper about, where reservations feel like winning a tiny lottery and walk-ins become legends. If you crave energy, craft, and the kind of warmth only a perfectly run dining room delivers,…
Memphis knows barbecue, but the city’s burger scene deserves just as much love. While chain restaurants dominate every corner with their predictable menus, local spots across Memphis are flipping patties that’ll make you forget those corporate burgers ever existed. From dive bars serving up no-frills classics to bistros crafting gourmet creations, these seven burger joints…
Ready to loosen your belt a notch and lean into true Southern comfort? Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Pigeon Forge serves bottomless classics with a view over The Island that makes every bite feel like a vacation. You order for the table, then the refills keep coming until you say when. If you love crispy…
Tucked in East Nashville, a quirky vintage VW bus marks a hot dog wonderland you might miss at first glance. Look again and you will spot I Dream of Weenie, a tiny spot with giant flavor and $5.50 classics that punch way above their price. The buns are soft, the snap is real, and the…
Craving dinner with a side of swashbuckling? Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge serves up high-energy acrobatics, sea lion cameos, and stadium seating that pulls you right into the splashy action. From creamy soup and flaky apple turnovers to sword fights and glowing Polynesian fire sequences, it is theatrical chaos in the best…
Tennessee knows how to serve breakfast the old-fashioned way—heaping platters of biscuits and gravy, crispy bacon piled high, and enough comfort food to fuel your whole day. Across the state, a handful of classic restaurants keep these beloved traditions alive with all-you-can-eat spreads that feel like eating at grandma’s house. Get ready to loosen your…