Funky breweries, food trucks, cozy cafés—find our favorite Tennessee foodie & boozy guides below!
Nashville is gearing up for a delicious 2026, and you can practically taste the excitement. From legendary pit-smoked brisket to artful sushi and smart, seasonal Southern fare, the lineup is stacked with reasons to plan your next night out. Whether you chase bold flavors, crave casual comfort, or want a polished dining room that feels…
You came here for burgers that actually live up to the hype, not tourist traps. Tennessee delivers the kind of patties that make you pause mid conversation because the bite is that good. From roadside classics to beer garden hangouts and high energy spots piled high with extras, every pick on this list earns its…
Tennessee knows how to do comfort food right, and some restaurants have been perfecting their craft for generations. From smoky barbecue joints to cozy diners serving biscuits made from scratch, these spots refuse to trade tradition for trends. Walking into these eateries feels like stepping back in time, where recipes are passed down, not printed…
Chasing brisket that tastes like it came from a backyard pit with a well worn smoker and a seasoned hand? Tennessee delivers, from tiny towns where the smoke drifts over two lane roads to bustling Nashville blocks where lines form before lunch. You will find slices with honest bark, rendered fat, and that gentle tug…
Nashville, get ready for serious smoke. Terry Black’s Barbecue is setting up in Germantown with its biggest location yet, landing at 1220 Rosa L Parks Blvd by Summer 2026. Imagine an expansive patio, an outdoor bar and beer garden, and a dedicated stage built for live sets under the Tennessee sky. If you love legendary…
You want vegan desserts that go beyond good and land straight in crave worthy, and Tennessee is absolutely delivering. From Nashville staples to Murfreesboro gems, these spots stack flavor, texture, and creativity without compromising on plant based values. Expect silky custards, ooey gooey rolls, and cookies that crisp and chew in all the right places….
If the smell of hickory smoke makes you hungry before you even see a menu, this list is your roadmap. Tennessee’s pitmasters turn patience, hardwood, and tradition into plates you will think about for days. From bustling Nashville rooms to quiet small town counters, each stop brings its own rhythm, rubs, and stories worth savoring….
Nashville is preparing to say goodbye to a beloved cornerstone of East Nashville dining. Margot Café & Bar has announced plans to close after more than two decades of rustic French and Italian cooking that defined Five Points. With a 4.7 star reputation and a fiercely loyal following, this seasonal, locally sourced bistro shaped countless…
If a crackly crust and tender crumb make your day, Tennessee has a road trip’s worth of sourdough stops worth planning around. These bakeries champion long fermentation, simple ingredients, and methods that let grain flavor sing. You will find everything from rustic country loaves to modern spins that still honor tradition, plus cozy cafes where…
Saying goodbye to a favorite restaurant hits harder than we expect. These Tennessee spots were more than places to eat, they were where first dates stumbled into laughter, friendships toasted milestones, and weeknights turned into small celebrations. In 2025, a surprising wave of closures left empty corners and neon signs going dark, especially around Nashville….
Some burgers are good, and some become legends. Dyer’s Burgers on Beale Street is the kind you plan a trip around, the kind that makes you text friends mid-bite. This historic Memphis diner deep-fries its patties in century-seasoned grease, and the flavor tells a story you can taste. Come hungry, bring curiosity, and prepare to…
Tennessee food culture runs deep, with recipes handed down through generations and flavors that stick with you long after the last bite. From fiery fried chicken to creamy desserts that melt in your mouth, these dishes tell the story of family dinners, Sunday suppers, and local diners that have fed communities for decades. Tennesseans don’t…
Nashville, get ready for a crispy, cheesy arrival. Prince Street Pizza is bringing its cult favorite square slices and classic pies to Fifth + Broadway in early 2026. You have probably seen those pepperoni cups glistening online, and soon you can grab them right in the heart of downtown. Here is everything you need to…
Eating well in Tennessee does not have to mean skipping flavor or fun. These spots keep the vibe casual, the plates colorful, and the ingredients wholesome without leaning preachy. You will find bowls, brunches, and plant-forward comfort food that satisfy cravings while still leaving you energized for the day. If you are looking to make…
Craving a scoop that loves your stomach back? Tennessee’s dairy-free scene is rich with creamy textures, bold flavors, and joyful shops that make dessert feel like a full-on treat-yourself moment. From Nashville to Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, you will find inventive pairings, silky plant-based bases, and over-the-top creations that do not compromise on taste. This…
Craving slow-smoked flavor without compromising your halal standards? Tennessee delivers, especially around Nashville, with spots that blend Southern barbecue soul and Middle Eastern warmth. From smoky brisket vibes to Uzbek comfort plates and Kurdish grills, you will find generous portions, rich spices, and plenty of char-kissed goodness. Consider this your friendly roadmap to halal-friendly barbecue-adjacent…
If a dining room could hand you a house key, Harper’s in Nashville would. The moment you slide into a booth, the glow, the smiles, and that first pop of champagne whisper you are exactly where you should be. This steak house blends celebration energy with living room comfort, and it shows in every detail,…
Tennessee might not have ocean waves lapping at its borders, but that hasn’t stopped it from serving up some seriously impressive seafood. From Nashville to the Smoky Mountains, talented chefs and passionate restaurant owners have made it their mission to bring the freshest catches inland. Whether you’re craving buttery crab legs, crispy fried catfish, or…
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Summertown, Tennessee, there’s a roadside stop that’s turning heads and winning hearts across the state. Shaffer Farms Texas Bar-B-Q has earned a reputation for serving brisket so tender and flavorful that BBQ fans drive hours just to get a taste. With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating from nearly 700…
Tennessee has always been a place where food and family go hand in hand. Across the state, you’ll find restaurants that have been serving up delicious meals for decades, creating traditions that span generations. These family-owned spots aren’t just about great food—they’re about the stories, the warmth, and the sense of home that keep people…
Tucked on the Cumberland Plateau, Lunch in Sewanee proves a tiny mountain town can punch far above its weight. You walk in for coffee and a pastry, then stay for sandwiches, frittatas, and creative plates that change weekly. Local ingredients, warm hospitality, and a genuinely quirky atmosphere make it feel like a friend’s thoughtfully curated…
You hear the buzz long before you taste the cornbread. At The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, the line wraps around like a theme park ride, but every step builds the anticipation. Classic Southern plates, stream views, and those legendary corn fritters make the clock fade into background noise. If you crave generous portions,…
Tennessee has always been a state rich in culinary tradition, and today, some of its most exciting restaurants are led by talented female chefs and entrepreneurs. These women bring creativity, passion, and bold flavors to every dish they serve, creating dining experiences that locals and visitors rave about. From innovative New American cuisine to authentic…
Step inside Ye Olde Steak House and you will feel Knoxville history in every timbered wall and sizzling plate. This family-owned, no-frills chophouse has been flame-grilling legends since 1968, and the aroma alone could convince you to stay. The menu is straightforward, the service warm, and the steaks speak for themselves without fancy gimmicks. If…
If your cravings point south and your compass says Tennessee, you are in for a crispy, peppery road trip. From no-frills shacks to chef-driven hotspots, locals know exactly where the crunch is golden and the heat lands just right. Consider this your insider map to eight beloved fried chicken spots that deliver juicy meat, shattering…
Craving flaky croissants and crusty loaves that transport you to Europe without leaving Tennessee? You are in the right place. These bakeries channel Parisian patisseries, Transylvanian family recipes, and old-world techniques into buttery pastries, elegant tartlets, and soulful breads. Follow your nose and let this list map out a delicious tour that feels like a…
Tucked on East Main in Henderson, Snookum’s Steakhouse keeps it simple and lets the flavor do the talking. You walk in for a no-frills meal and leave plotting your next visit, already craving that char-kissed steak. With a small-town heartbeat and a loyal crowd, this spot turns lunch hours into rituals and Saturday nights into…
Craving a burger that tastes like a time machine back to pure Americana? At THE DINER in Sevierville, the chrome glints, the jukebox whispers, and the cheeseburger comes out sizzling like a small miracle. You get classic flavor with a next-level twist, from buttery buns to perfectly seasoned patties. Stick around and you will discover…
Nashville is more than honky tonks and hot chicken. It is a full-on flavor capital where chefs riff on Southern roots with daring technique, seasonal bounty, and plenty of personality. If you love eating your way through a city, these award-winning spots will turn your itinerary into a delicious treasure hunt. Book a table, bring…
Memphis does dinner and a show like nowhere else. If you crave smoky ribs, buttery shrimp and grits, or crispy catfish while a guitar solo ripples through the room, you are in the right city. These spots pair plate-licking comfort with live tunes that keep the night humming from first bite to last chord. Come…