12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Tennessee, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Meghan Kraft
Author
When the new year rolls around you’ll find folks making resolutions for all sorts of things. Whether they’re focusing on personal health or relationships with dear ones, or perhaps a bucket list of fun experiences to enjoy over the next year, it’s always fun to hear how your nearest and dearest plan to use their time. If you find yourself on our side of the world, we’ve put together the best restaurants in Tennessee that you simply can’t miss. Whether you’re a local or visiting, these incredible eateries are a must-try when you’re in the Volunteer State.
1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Henrietta Red is one of Nashville's preeminent eateries; it's an airy, beautifully designed seafood restaurant that utilizes natural light and blonde wood accents to create a beautiful space. Make sure you order the oysters! They're the best in the city.
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Bell Buckle Cafe, 16 Railroad Sq E, TN-269, Bell Buckle, TN 37020, USA
719 S Main St, Mt Pleasant, TN 38474, USA
Small Town Diner in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, focuses on delicious diner food with a southern twist. The breakfast is what most folks rave about, and the French toast will leave you happy and full. The prices are fair and the waitstaff is incredibly kind, making for a great local experience. (Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Small Town Diner is permanently closed)
634 State St, Bristol, TN 37620, USA
If the sight of those bagels doesn't make you hungry, we're not sure what will! Expect homemade cream cheeses, soups, bagels, and sandwiches made fresh daily at Bristol Bagel & Bakery, a local eatery that has managed to steal the breakfast lovin' hearts of the locals. Unless you're here during off-hours, expect a line!
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25 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408, USA
Alleia is located in an old-school brick building that highlights a rustic Italian feel with its artsy interior. Expect Italian pizzas and, of course, homemade pasta on the menu, and you can trust the 1,100+ reviews on Google that call this eatery one of the best in Tennessee. The menu is seasonal, so know that there will be slight alterations over the course of the year, but fresh and flavorful will be available daily.
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16 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Another incredible Italian spot, Emilia is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The restaurant focuses on simple, seasonal cuisine made by hand daily. Housemade pasta are perfectly paired with choice wines, and the eatery is located right in the heart of Market Square.
9182 TN-116, Petros, TN 37845, USA
Perhaps one of the strangest experiences on our list, Warden's Table is a restaurant that's recently opened at the historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. You can pair your tour of the historic prison with a "Killer Baked Potato" or perhaps a sandwich made with pulled pork. Sure, maybe it seems a bit kitschy to eat here, but we think it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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102 Walnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
Whitebird in Chattanooga is a stylish spot that's known for its locally-sourced brunch and location just a stone's throw from the historic Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge. Stylish and stunning, we'd recommend pairing the Appalachia-inspired dishes with a cocktail (or two!).
1216 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA
Wellington's may not look like much from the outside, but it's known for serving up some of the best biscuits in the area. Located in Johnson City, Tennessee, it's a prime spot to stop for breakfast if you find yourself on the eastern side of the state.
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490 1st St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311, USA
Little Diner On 1st focuses on homemade, indulgent American fare in a quaint diner setting. Locally owned and operated, the diner is open early on weekdays and is closed during the weekend. Lunch platters are served with fries or onion rings, and breakfast is served all day long. Snag a ham and cheese omelet or maybe pair two eggs with hashbrowns to start the day out right. Classics like biscuits and gravy and buttermilk pancakes are also available.
109 E 6th St, Columbia, TN 38401, USA
Buck and Board is a charcuterie cafe that's located in Columbia, Tennessee. Small plates and specials are available on the eatery's seasonal menu, and you can also expect everything from a classic cheese and meat board to a bread and butter board. Looking for something a little more indulgent? The chocolate and cheese board is a real dream!
100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
Franklin Mercantile is located just off the main strip in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, and the family-owned eatery has the corner on country-chic design and breakfast! We'd recommend trying the sweet potato pancakes with a steaming mug of coffee, then cap your morning with a walk around Franklin's darling downtown district.
What a solid list! Do you have any favorite eateries that you would add? We’re always looking to learn more about small-town Tennessee and your favorite spots to dine, so make sure you leave your thoughts and recommendations of Tennessee restaurants in the comments below!
Continue the fun with a visit to The Beloved Hole-In-The-Wall That Serves The Arguably Best Burger In All Of Tennessee.
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More to Explore
The Best Food In Tennessee
What are the most iconic foods in Tennessee?
These are the most iconic foods in Tennessee:
- Sweet Potato Pancakes. These delectable treats can be found at the Pancake Pantry in Nashville.
- Hot Chicken. Nashville Hot Chicken is a Tennessee staple and some of the best can be found at Hattie B’s in Nashville
- Fried Pickles. Southern states love their fried foods, and fried pickles have become a local favorite, especially at Gus’s in Memphis.
- GooGoo Cluster. This sweet confection of chocolate-covered peanuts, caramel, and marshmallow nougat is beloved by locals and is found in downtown Nashville.
Learn more about these and a few more of the most iconic foods in Tennessee.
What are the most unique restaurants in Tennessee?
The most unique restaurants in Tennessee include:
- Elliston Place Soda Shop. This 50s diner is an old-fashioned soda fountain and burger joint that still makes its shakes by hand.
- The Catbird Seat. You’ll need reservations far in advance, and you won’t know what you’ll get as the menu is chef-curated for that evening.
- Hugh-Baby’s. This place quickly gained popularity for its delicious burgers and makes a version of the Depression-era slugburger.
- Monell’s. This restaurant has family-style seating all around a big table with home cooking where everyone passes the dishes along to each other.
Discover a few more of the most unique restaurants in Tennessee.
What are the best lakeside restaurants in Tennessee?
Some of the best lakeside restaurants in Tennessee are:
- The Rudder. Located on Anchor High Marina in Hendersonville, this fun tiki-style restaurant and bar has whimsical food and a vast array of cocktails.
- Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill. This restaurant in Soddy Daisy is a local favorite for fresh catfish and you’re welcome to arrive by car or boat.
- Tanasi Bar and Grill. Overlooking Tellico Lake in Loudon, this restaurant serves quality food at affordable prices with a view as good as the food.
- Papa Turney’s BBQ. This casual barbecue spot serves hickory-smoked goodness on the shores of the J Percy Priest Reservoir.
There’s more to find out about the best lakeside restaurants in Tennessee.
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