You Haven’t Tried True Tennessee Comfort Food Until You’ve Been Here

There's fried chicken, and then there's Tennessee fried chicken, which is really in a league of its own. It's an iconic comfort food in Tennessee, and Gus's Fried Chicken is the place to go for crispy, fried-chicken perfection, served with every delicious side imaginable. Going there is an experience that defines Tennessee dining, in the same vein as other culinary institutions like the Loveless Cafe or Hattie B's Hot Chicken. So let's dive into what makes this place so special.

Why This Spot Serves the Best Comfort Food in Tennessee

Comfort food is, by definition, familiar and delicious. Fried chicken is one of the best examples because, unlike other Tennessee favorites like barbecue or hot chicken, it's all about balance. The spices are subtle, so they won't overpower your meal. But the flavor and texture are simply divine, making this a meal you'll want to come back to time and time again.

What Makes This Restaurant So Special

Before we rave about the menu, let's talk about the history of Gus's and how it became such a Tennessee icon. Gus's Fried Chicken was born about 60 years ago in Mason, Tennessee, when Napoleon “Na” Vanderbilt shared his cooking with the community. His son, Gus, opened a restaurant using his parents' secret fried chicken recipe, and the rest is history. The restaurant has become synonymous with excellent Tennessee fried chicken, although it has locations in other states as well.

Our recommendation, though, is to visit the original spot at 505 U.S. Route 70 in Mason, Tennessee. It's about a 30-mile drive through the country from Memphis, but it's worth every mile to see where this legacy began. Plus, rumor has it that none of the franchise locations has the original top-secret recipe. When you step in, you'll find yourself in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere—the kind of place where the food is the main event, and rightly so.

The Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss at Gus's

You're here for one reason, and one reason alone: the fried chicken! Most people traveling to Gus's have had fried chicken before, so this isn't a novel experience. But time and time again, people swear that it's the best they've ever tried. So what makes it so special? The spice blend, which has a tiny bit of heat to it, plus the freshness of the chicken, and that perfect crisp. One reviewer shared that they've flown into Tennessee five times now simply to dine at Gus's. It's that good.

In addition to the fried chicken, some fan favorites include fried okra, baked beans, fried green tomatoes, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese. And if you've saved room for dessert, you can look forward to an excellent slice of homemade pie.

So the next time you're looking for a truly road-trip-worthy restaurant, you'll be glad you scouted out some of the best comfort food in Tennessee. Just bring your appetite, a sense of adventure, and prepare to be impressed. Looking for something to do after? Head to Memphis and check out this little-known family park in the middle of the city.