12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Tennessee, One For Each Month Of The Year
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 bucket-list 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.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
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.
Bell Buckle Cafe in Tennessee is known for its homey, small-town feel, and you can capitalize on the full experience by visiting the town's main cafe on the square. Expect filling, wholesome meals, and red and white checked tablecloths that will make you feel like you're with family.
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.
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!
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.
Another incredible Italian spot, Emilia is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The restaurant focuses on simple, seasonal cuisine made by hand daily. Housemade pastas are perfectly paired with choice wines, and the eatery is located right in the heart of Market Square.
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.
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!).
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
Address: Tennessee, USA
