12 Unique Restaurants In Tennessee That Will Give You an Unforgettable Dining Experience
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on September 30, 2022(Originally published September 25, 2022)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
If you’re looking for someplace crazy cool and exciting to eat while you’re in Tennessee, then we have quite the treat for you! From cafeteria-style southern food to burgers and bourbon, the Volunteer State has you covered. Take a look at 12 unique dining options In Tennessee!
12) The Catbird Seat - Nashville
The Catbird Seat, 1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
The u-shaped dining counter seats nine, and your meal is prepared right in front of you. The Catbird Seat is a premier new Tennessee restaurant that takes reservations months in advance. Why? Because you simply can't experience luxury like this anywhere else.
11) Dyer's Burgers - Memphis
Dyer's Burgers, 205 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
If you're looking for a trip back to the fifties, then you'll want to grab a bite at Dyer's Burgers. The fun diner style is like a blast to the past, and you can get a deep-fried burger the same way it was served at opening in 1912. We approve.
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10) Interstate BBQ - Memphis
Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que, 2265 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38109, USA
The year 1978 saw the birth of this fantastic BBQ joint, a Memphis necessity that has grown into a well-worn legend. The bologna is to die for and the storefront is located inside a converted grocery store. Neat, hey? Make sure you visit the Interstate BBQ website for any more information.
Editors Note: Unfortunately King Tut's Grill has gone the way of the pharaoh in which it gets its name and this establishment is closed permanently.
The decor at Tut's Grill is, well ... unique. To say the least. If you're looking for a crazy atmosphere and a couple of stories to tell your friends, then we've found just the place for you.
8) The Patterson House - Nashville
The Patterson House, 1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Modeled after an old-time speakeasy, the shadowed Patterson House is sure to serve up a drink that'll whet your whistle. The wait can get a bit tricky, but once they lead you past the heavy curtain into the dining area? You'll never want to leave. Make sure to visit The Patterson House website for any more information.
7) Pfunky Griddle - Nashville
The Pfunky Griddle, 2800 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Because why wouldn't you want to make your own pancakes? At The Pfunky Griddle, you get to choose from a plethora of toppings AND fry them on your own griddle. We call that a YES.
Named the #3 best new restaurant by Bon Appetit magazine in 2013, this trendy hipster spot specializes in upscale 'peasant' food. It's not your normal meat and potatoes kind of menu, though - Rolf & Daughters is stunningly designed with brick and wood accents.
Editors Note: Unfortunately like many of the great iron horses of the past, this pizza car is no longer in operation and the restaurant is closed.
Take a ride on the Chattanooga Choo Choo and indulge in a meal at the Silver Diner. Have you ever eaten on a train in this river city? We bet not. Come on ova'.
3) The Smiling Elephant - Nashville
The Smiling Elephant, 2213 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Voted one of the best Thai restaurants in Nashville, you'll get to enjoy a fantastic meal in a cool room that looks AND feels like it has been transported from Thailand. Take a look at the intricate wood designs on the walls and soak in the authentic cultural atmosphere. For more information please visit The Smiling Elephant website.
2) The Stock and Barrel - Knoxville
Stock & Barrel, 901 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
The farm-to-table trend is going strong here, where you can experience a truly rustic vibe accentuated by their tagline, 'burgers and bourbon.' We get it. We're going. Make sure to visit The Stock and Barrel website for any more information.
1) Swett's - Nashville
Swett's, 2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, USA
Cafeteria-style comfort food serves up a unique dining experience and the best calorie-laden fried chicken you've ever had the pleasure of tasting. Put a little meat on your bones in a place that transports you back to the nostalgic feel of high school. Please check out Swett's website for any more information.
What do you think of unique dining in Tennessee? These twelves spots are exactly where you’d want to take those out-of-town guests. Traditional? Nope. Exciting? Most definitely. Let us know where you’ve been in the comments below!
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More to Explore
Unique Dining In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|September 30, 2022
What are some more unique dining options in Tennessee?
We certainly have a lot of interesting dining experiences here in Tennessee. If you want to dive into the culinary arts, then this great state is a wonderful place to do it. So, here are a few more suggestions for you ...
The Liquor Store is a hip breakfast place that took an old liquor store and repurposed it into one of the coolest diners around. Tropical themes and great food put this restaurant high on anyone's bucket list. The Pearl Diver is a great lounge bar with an amazing vibe. It feels like you have walked off the streets of the music city and have stepped into a beachfront restaurant on a Pacific island. The Bar-B-Q Shop in Memphis may not look unique per se, but they created the BBQ Spaghetti and it is an interesting flavor everyone who likes smoked meats should try. Since everyone loves lists, our last recommendation is a list of 11 more unique restaurants and dining experiences.
