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 …
Where to Eat & Drink in the Tri-Cities & Beyond
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 …
Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the amazing friendships in your life with good food, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Memphis has some incredible restaurants that are perfect for gathering your crew and enjoying a night out that feels both special and fun. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, shareable tapas, or elegant French cuisine, these spots …
Tucked beside Opryland, Caney Fork River Valley Grille is where Southern comfort and wild game meet under one lively roof. If you have never tried fried alligator, this is the spot that makes first bites feel effortless and exciting. The camping lodge vibe, indoor pond, and friendly servers set the stage for a memorable Nashville …
Tennessee might not be the first place you think of when craving authentic Italian food, but scattered across the state are family-owned pasta houses that have been serving the same beloved recipes for decades. These restaurants have watched the world change around them while keeping their kitchens, menus, and traditions wonderfully frozen in time. Step …
Tucked along Erwin Highway in Chuckey, The Farmer’s Daughter looks like a simple country spot until that first bite tells a bigger story. Families make road trips for skillet comfort, but locals whisper about one dish that steals every table: the mac and cheese. With family style platters, warm service, and a porch that begs …
Road-tripping across Tennessee gets a lot tastier when you veer off for tiny seafood shacks with big personality. These humble spots dish out crispy catfish, saucy boils, and buttered rolls that make detours feel downright necessary. You will find paper-bag perfection, Cajun steam, and mountain-fresh trout, all served with friendly, no-fuss charm. Bring an appetite, …
If your perfect morning involves a steaming mug and a view that makes you forget your phone, Tennessee is about to steal your heart. From misty Smoky Mountain horizons to ridgeline sunsets, these coffee stops turn caffeine runs into mini road trips. You will taste small batch roasts, hear creekside hush, and watch clouds roll …
Tucked along Riverside Drive, Grillshack Fries and Burgers keeps things simple and lets the sizzle do the talking. You will not find fancy decor here, just a screened porch, picnic tables, and the kind of aroma that pulls you from your car. Locals whisper about the fries and swear by the burger’s griddled crust. If …
Some meals are worth missing an exit for, then another, until the road thins to two lanes and the radio becomes your map. Tennessee hides those kinds of places, where the hush of pine trees or the thrum of a river sets the table before you ever sit down. You get crisp chicken that crackles …
If you love honest food that overdelivers, The Butter Milk Ranch in Nashville will steal your weekend plans. This breakfast spot draws lines for a reason, pairing flaky croissants and beignets with hearty steak and eggs that feel straight off a ranch griddle. The vibe is casual, prices are fair, and the portions are generous …
Memphis has long been famous for its blues music and soulful food, but there’s one BBQ spot that stands out above all the rest. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous has been serving up mouthwatering ribs and BBQ since 1948, earning a legendary reputation among locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for the real deal when it …
Tucked away on Lamar Avenue in Memphis sits a barbecue joint that doesn’t look like much from the outside. Payne’s Bar-B-Q operates out of a converted gas station, but locals know this humble spot serves some of the best smoked pork in Tennessee. For over 50 years, this family-run restaurant has been drawing crowds with …
Tennessee knows catfish. All across the state, from Memphis to the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find no-frills restaurants serving up perfectly fried fillets with hushpuppies and sweet tea. These aren’t fancy spots—they’re the kind of places where locals line up every Friday night, where the menu hasn’t changed in decades, and where the fish is always …
Tennessee might be famous for country music and smoky mountains, but hidden throughout the state are charming tea rooms serving delicious brews and tasty treats. From cozy mountain hideaways to elegant downtown spots, these special places offer peaceful escapes where you can sip premium teas and enjoy homemade pastries. Whether you’re a serious tea enthusiast …
Tucked away in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Farmers Family Restaurant has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond its cozy dining room. This all-you-can-eat buffet has become a local legend, drawing families, travelers, and hungry regulars who know exactly what they’re coming for. While the Southern comfort food keeps people coming back, it’s the dessert table that …
Tennessee is known for its music, mountains, and mouthwatering BBQ, but some of its best restaurants offer way more than just great food. Across the state, you’ll find dining spots that turn a simple meal into a full-blown adventure, whether you’re eating beside an aquarium, inside a treehouse, or taking on a burger challenge that’ll …
If you are chasing the kind of biscuit that stops conversation, head to Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken in Memphis. Tucked on Winchester Road near the airport, this down-home spot pairs honey-butter biscuits with legendary sweet-spicy-love chicken. It is humble, affordable, and fiercely local, with 4.4 stars and thousands of fans to prove it. Come hungry, …
You know that feeling when a steak arrives sizzling and the room goes quiet for a second. That is the kind of hush these Tennessee spots inspire, where small town charm and big city technique meet on a hot plate. From cozy corners in Franklin to downtown Nashville legends, these kitchens prove that chains cannot …
Tucked off Park Ave in Lebanon, New Moon BBQ serves smoked classics in a quirky, down-home space that locals swear by. But the real legend here is the fried catfish, golden and crackling with every bite. If you have been chasing a plate that tastes like Tennessee tradition with a little honky-tonk charm, this is …
Tennessee might be famous for hot chicken and barbecue, but there’s a growing scene of authentic German restaurants serving up the real deal. From crispy schnitzels to house-made bratwursts and warm pretzels straight from the oven, these spots bring a taste of Bavaria to the Volunteer State. Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to …
Tucked away in the peaceful town of Townsend, Tennessee, Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe has been serving up homestyle cooking and Southern hospitality since 1992. For over three decades, this beloved spot has drawn locals and travelers alike with its famous fried apple pies, hearty burgers, and that quirky condiment cow named Caroline. Whether …
Tucked away in the small town of Lynchburg, Tennessee, Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant has been serving up authentic Southern cooking since the 1900s. Famous for its family-style dining and incredible fried catfish, this historic boarding house turned restaurant draws visitors from all over the country. Locals and tourists alike agree that if you’re craving traditional …
Craving that perfect crunch that snaps under your teeth and gives way to juicy, seasoned chicken inside? Tennessee does tenders like nowhere else, from fiery Nashville classics to comfort-first Southern plates in small towns. Whether you chase blazing heat or prefer golden, peppery breading that just sings, these spots deliver serious crisp without soggy shortcuts. …
Twenty dollars in Memphis stretches further than you think, especially when you know where to point your appetite. From smoky rib joints to neon lit diners, the city serves big flavor without bruising your wallet. You will find crispy chicken, legendary burgers, and tacos that hit like a hug after a long day. Bring a …
Small towns in Tennessee hide pie secrets you will not forget. From flaky, butter-kissed crusts to silken fillings that whisper of family recipes, these bakeries deliver slices that feel like a warm invitation. You will find classic Southern comfort standing proudly beside playful twists, each one crafted with care and a little local charm. Bring …
Cravings do not care about calorie counts, and tonight, neither should you. Across Tennessee, there are plates piled high with buttery biscuits, lava-hot chicken, and burgers dripping with nostalgia that will make you forget every macro you logged. This is your permission slip to lean in, lick your fingers, and savor the joy that brought …