Tennesseans are known for their southern palate. We have some of the most iconic restaurants in the region, and hey - they definitely deserve the hype. We've found 10 eateries that have made the news lately, and we think they're pretty great for breakfast, lunch OR dinner.

Yes, you'll see that most of the restaurants featured are from our three main cities - but that's because news crews have yet to delve REAL deep and hit our small towns. Leave your iconic Tennessee hot spots in the comments; we want to visit the restaurants that make this stunning state home.

10. Tootsie's Orchid Lounge - Nashville

Located in an alley and on the main Broadway strip not far from the Ryman, historic Tootsie's is a quintessential honkytonk that serves as a touristy watering hole and local treasure. (422 Broadway)

9. Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous - Memphis

Memphis is known for their fantastic barbeque, and it's Rendezvous that has made quite the name for itaself. The bbq pulled pork sandwich is a fan favorite, and the restaurant has been featured on, "Man vs. Food" and "Best Thing I Ever Ate" on the Food Network. (52 S 2ND Street)

8. Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Nashville

Although most Nashvillians will cry out in outrage that Prince's Hot Chicken isn't on our list, it's Hattie B's that is known from one side of the state to the other. Hattie B's has moved itself into a very solid chain, serving happy patrons and catering events throughout the whole of the city. (Various Locations)

7. Sweet P's BBQ - Knoxville

Slow-smoked bbq and a get 'er done kind of atmosphere make Sweet P's an easy lunch or simple dinner out. You'll be served on paper plates, but this Knoxville soul house is the backyard bbq joint that gives Tennessee life. (3725 Maryville Pike)

6. Siler's Old Time BBQ - Henderson

Siler's is an all-time, down home bbq joint - one that truly makes Tennessee proud. It is well-known for cooking whole hogs on site, making this a stop you can't refuse if you're ever out in Henderson. (6060 Highway 100 E.)

5. Rolf & Daughters - Nashville

Rolf & Daughters has come to be one of the most lauded and - shall we say it? - Instagrammed restaurants in the Nashville area. It's one of the newcomers, an industrial space in Germantown that places a southern twist on classic Italian fare in a way that has come to represent a new age of Tennessee foodies. (700 Taylor Street)

4. Family BBQ - Dickson

This is one of the sweetest spots in Tennessee, a little known bbq joint that has since come to represent our small town restauranteurs. Open only during the weekends, the Family BBQ is a place that is definitely worth the visit. (2199 Yellow Creek Rd)

3. Alcenia's - Memphis

Known for delicious and homemade preserves, Alcenia's is a colorful Memphis spot that breathes new life into Saturday brunch. There's a reason the locals laud the popular place! (317 N Main Street)

2. Pancake Pantry - Nashville

There are now multiple locations of the famed Pancake Pantry, but it's the restaurant in Hillsboro Village that is the most iconic. Grab a heavy mug of coffee and cream and dig in to a stack of sweet potato pancakes - they're the specialty! Make sure to come in early though, if you can. The crowds that gather are almost as legendary as the stacks themselves! (1796 21st Ave S)

1. Loveless Café - Nashville

Loveless Café has been over and over voted one of the most iconic restaurants in Tennessee, as well as the south. The café has been in operation since 1951, and their cloth-covered tables and secret biscuit recipe are just as red, white and blue as the Volunteer State itself. (8400 Tennessee Highway 100)

Do you agree? How many have you been to? After you eat, make sure to head off on one of these fun and inexpensive Tennessee vacations - you'll be fueled up and ready to go!