12 Humble Little Restaurants In Tennessee That Are So Worth The Visit

When you're in Tennessee, it can be easy to be distracted by the bright lights and loud music of Lower Broadway in Nashville or Beale Street in Memphis. Still, there's a quieter side of the state that most Tennesseans experience every day, especially when it comes to dining. Some of the best small-town restaurants in Tennessee are some of the finest. Check out these 13 hidden gem humble restaurants in Tennessee that you simply must visit if you consider yourself a true volunteer state native.

1. Marcy Jo's - Columbia

Editor's Note: This long-loved little place is now closed down permanently.

Marcy Jo's in Columbia is where the best in Southern hospitality is paired with the best in Southern cooking. It's everything you want in a small-town restaurant in Tennessee. Get more information about what is available from Marcy Jo's.

2. Thomas Drugs Old Fashioned Soda Fountain - Cross Plains

Thomas Drugs in Cross Plains will give you a look back in time with an old-fashioned small-town pharmacy. Plus, they still serve up authentic soda fountain drinks. Learn more about Thomas Drugs.

3. Cootie Brown's - Johnson City

Cootie Brown's is the best small-town restaurant in Tennessee to go when you're looking for something a little more eclectic. Visit the website for Cootie Brown's for the most up-to-date information and menus.

4. Pie Sensations - Columbia

This dessert-only spot on the square in Columbia serves up some of the best pie in the state. Head to the website for Pie Sensations to learn more.

5. Corner Pit BBQ - Bryson

Corner Pit BBQ has been serving up barbecue the right way since 1965, and it's finger-lickin' good. Find out why people come from all over the state to Corner Pit BBQ.

6. Pickwick Catfish Farm - Counce

The restaurant at Pickwick Catfish Farm is only open Thursday through Sunday, but the wait is worth it. They've been serving customers for over 40 years, so they're doing something right at this hidden gem restaurant. Check out more details about Pickwick Catfish Farm on Facebook.

7. Foglight Foodhouse - Walling

One of the best small-town restaurants in Tennessee, Foglight has been hiding on the backs of the Caney Fork River for over 20 years serving up great food with incredible service. Get the most up-to-date information and menus from the website for Foglight Foodhouse.

8. Old Delina Country Store - Comersville

This general store in Comervsille has everything you could need and then some. Plus, this hidden gem serves up a mean meat and three. Find out more about Old Delina Country Store.

9. Gabriel's Pizza - Cleveland

Gabriel's is a perfect example of an incredible small-town pizza spot. Their BBQ chicken pizza is to die for. Learn more about what a visit to Cleveland, Tennessee is all about.

10. Bell Buckle Cafe - Bell Buckle

The small town of Bell Buckle is most known for its annual RC Cola and Moon Pie festival, but be sure to stop by this Southern classic while you're there. It is definitely one of the best small-town restaurants in Tennessee. Read further on about the Bell Buckle Cafe.

11. Soda Pop Junction - Lynnville

Between Columbia and Pulaski, Lynnville's Soda Pop Junction serves up some of the best burgers and shakes in the state. Head to the Facebook page for Soda Pop Junction to learn more.

12. Gabby's Burgers & Fries - Nashville

Gabby's is pretty small when it comes to Nashville spots, but the consistent line out the door says it all. Ask for the secret menu at one of the best small-town restaurants in Tennessee. Learn more about Gabby's Burger & Fries.

13. Family BBQ - Dickson

Family BBQ may be small and out of the way, but this spot serves up some of the best food in the state. They're only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so time getting to this hidden gem right. Head to the Facebook page for Family BBQ to learn more.

What do you think of this list of the best small-town humble restaurants in Tennessee? Did we miss any of your favorites? Tell us in the comments! Also if you are a big fan of the culinary arts then check out this Appalachian cooking class.

After you've had your fill of the best food Tennessee has to offer, work it off on this natural bridge hiking trail.