Where to Eat & Drink in the Tri-Cities & Beyond

Nashville might be famous for hot chicken and honky-tonks, but tucked away on Charlotte Avenue is a restaurant that transports you straight to Italy without needing a passport. PennePazze Nashville has quickly become the go-to spot for authentic Italian cuisine, earning a near-perfect rating from thousands of happy diners. From wood-fired pizzas to fresh handmade …

Tennessee has earned its reputation as the birthplace of hot chicken, and locals know exactly where to find the best crispy, spicy, and satisfying fried chicken around. Whether you crave tongue-scorching heat or perfectly seasoned comfort food, these 13 chicken chains have become the trusted favorites that Tennesseans return to time and again. 1. Gus’s …

Tucked away on the legendary Beale Street in Memphis sits a bar unlike any other in Tennessee. Silky O’Sullivan’s has been drawing crowds for decades, but not just for its drinks or live music. The real stars here are a group of goats that climb a tower in the outdoor patio and have developed quite …

Tennessee has become a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more delicious than in its international markets. From Nashville to Memphis and everywhere in between, these massive grocery stores bring authentic ingredients from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond right to your neighborhood. Whether you’re craving Vietnamese noodles, Indian spices, or Middle …

Tucked away on the shores of Reelfoot Lake in Hornbeak, Tennessee, Blue Bank Fish House & Grill offers more than just a meal—it delivers an unforgettable lakeside experience. With over a century of history, stunning cypress-studded views, and mouthwatering Southern cuisine, this hidden gem has earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful dining …

Tennessee knows how to fry catfish right. After visiting 13 different restaurants across the state, I found eight places that truly stood out from the crowd. These spots serve up crispy, golden fillets that make you understand why Southerners take their catfish so seriously. 1. Soul Fish Cafe (Memphis) Memphis locals will tell you that …

Tucked away on a quiet country road in Rockvale, Tennessee, sits a little cafe that has people driving from all over just to get a taste of homemade comfort food. The Fried Tater Cafe has become famous for its crispy fried taters and sweet fried pies that remind folks of grandma’s cooking. What makes this …

Tennessee has always been a place where tradition matters, especially when it comes to food. Across the state, there are restaurants that have been serving the same recipes and keeping the same welcoming spirit for decades, some even for over a century. These places don’t chase trends or shortcuts—they stick to what works, using old …

Tucked away on South Lowry Street in Smyrna, Tennessee, sits a small roadside burger stand that’s become a local legend. Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers draws crowds daily with its crispy smash burgers, creamy frozen custard, and classic drive-in charm. This modest spot proves that great food doesn’t need fancy dining rooms or complicated menus—just fresh …

Tennessee knows how to do comfort food right, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its love for the chili dog. From Nashville food trucks to small-town diners, these spots have turned a simple hot dog into something worth driving across the state for. Whether you like yours piled high with homemade chili or …

Tennessee is home to some of the best barbecue in America, with smokehouses scattered across the state serving up everything from dry-rub ribs to whole-hog pulled pork. I visited a dozen different BBQ joints from Memphis to the Smoky Mountains, tasting my way through tender brisket, smoky sauces, and pit-cooked perfection. After all that eating, …

Spring in Tennessee brings warm sunshine, blooming flowers, and the perfect weather for eating outside. Whether you’re craving tacos by the river or fresh seafood with a view, the state has amazing restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food under the open sky. These ten spots offer beautiful patios that make every meal feel like …

Finding fresh, high-quality seafood in a landlocked state might seem challenging, but Tennessee has surprised seafood lovers with some truly exceptional markets. From Nashville to small towns across the state, dedicated vendors bring the freshest Gulf catches and premium selections right to your neighborhood. Whether you’re craving succulent shrimp, sweet crab legs, or perfectly fresh …

Tennessee has some amazing diners that look and feel just like they did decades ago. Walking into these restaurants is like traveling back in time to when jukeboxes played rock and roll, chrome sparkled everywhere, and milkshakes were the coolest treat around. Whether you love classic burgers, fluffy pancakes, or just want to experience what …

Just outside Nashville in the charming town of Nolensville sits a restaurant that has locals and visitors talking. Wabash Southern Kitchen serves up comfort food with a creative twist that keeps people coming back for more. From oversized cinnamon rolls to perfectly seasoned fried chicken, this cozy spot has earned its reputation as one of …

Tennessee’s food truck scene brings incredible flavors right to your neighborhood, offering everything from smoky barbecue to authentic international cuisine. These mobile kitchens have transformed parking lots and street corners into culinary destinations where creativity meets convenience. Whether you’re craving tacos with a twist or traditional Southern comfort food, the Volunteer State’s rolling restaurants deliver …

Tennessee might be famous for barbecue and hot chicken, but the state’s hot dog scene deserves some serious attention too. From Nashville’s creative food trucks to small-town stands that have been serving the same perfect recipe for decades, these spots prove you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something amazing. Whether you like yours loaded …

Tucked away in the small town of Cross Plains, Tennessee, Thomas Drugs is a living piece of history that has been delighting customers for nearly a century. This isn’t just any pharmacy—it’s a place where you can fill a prescription, grab a hand-mixed milkshake, and step back in time all at once. With its original …

Forget those boring chain restaurants with their reheated eggs and rubbery pancakes. Tennessee is packed with local spots serving up incredible breakfasts that will blow your taste buds away for less than nine bucks. These restaurants cook everything from scratch, pile your plate high with real food, and treat you like family from the moment …

Tennessee knows how to do breakfast right, and some of the best morning meals come from the smallest, most unexpected places. Hidden across the state are quirky diners and roadside cafes where you can order pancakes at midnight or country ham at dinnertime. These spots prove that the best comfort food often comes from the …

Tucked away in Manchester, Tennessee, Jiffy Burger serves up more than just classic burgers and fries. This roadside gem has been delighting locals and travelers alike for decades with its authentic 1950s carhop service and vintage diner atmosphere. If you’re craving a taste of old-school Americana complete with checkerboard floors, nostalgic memorabilia, and food delivered …

Tennessee has always been serious about its barbecue, and some restaurants have been perfecting their craft for nearly a century. These old-school spots aren’t chasing trends or reinventing recipes—they’re sticking with what works. From smoky pulled pork to tangy sauces passed down through generations, these eight eateries prove that when you’ve got a great BBQ …

There’s something magical about a perfectly made biscuit in the Smoky Mountains. After visiting a dozen breakfast spots across Tennessee’s mountain towns, I learned that not all biscuits are created equal. Some were dry and disappointing, but seven stood out as absolutely worth your time and appetite. These are the ones that made me understand …

Tennessee might be famous for hot chicken and barbecue, but the state has quietly become a surprising pizza destination. From Memphis to the Smoky Mountains, relaxed pizzerias are serving up pies that rival anything you’d find in bigger cities. Whether you’re craving New York-style thin crust or thick, chewy slices piled high with toppings, these …

Tucked away in Millington, Tennessee, the Shelby Forest General Store has been flipping burgers and serving up nostalgia since the 1930s. Locals and travelers alike make the trek to this charming spot for one reason: a cheeseburger so good, it’s earned legendary status across the state. With its weathered wooden walls, friendly owners, and a …

Tennessee has a burger scene that brings together old-school charm and mouthwatering flavors without emptying your wallet. From Nashville’s bustling streets to small-town gems tucked away in the hills, these classic joints prove that great burgers don’t need fancy prices. Whether you’re craving a no-frills patty or something with a creative twist, these spots deliver …

Tucked away in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Mama’s Farmhouse serves up Southern comfort food with a twist—there’s no menu to order from. Instead, servers bring heaping bowls of home-cooked favorites straight to your table, family-style, and you can eat as much as you want. This beloved spot even won a People’s Choice Award for its famous …

Tennessee highways hide some of the most delicious food you’ll ever taste, served at quirky stops that locals have loved for generations. These aren’t fancy restaurants with white tablecloths—they’re the kind of places where the menu is handwritten, the portions are huge, and everyone knows the owner’s name. Get ready to discover nine spots that …

Tucked away in McMinnville, Tennessee, there’s a little spot where the smell of fried bologna fills the air and the coffee’s always fresh. Depot Bottom Old Country Store sits inside an old train depot, serving up breakfast and lunch plates that taste like something your grandma would make. People drive from all over just to …

Tennessee’s meat-and-three restaurants represent more than just a place to grab lunch. These humble diners serve up Southern comfort food the way grandma made it, with one meat and three vegetables piled high on your plate. What makes them truly special is that many have been run by the same families for decades, passing down …