These 15 Restaurants Are What Tennessee Cuisine Is All About
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Tennessee is known for its phenomenal southern culture and down home hospitality, but even better? Our food. Our fried chicken and our biscuits, grits and cheesy macaronis. Here in Tennessee, indulgence is king and we found fifteen restaurants scattered across the state that are phenomenal for delicious evenings and brunches alike. If you think we missed one (we’re human, after all!), make sure to leave your favorite place to eat in the comments below.
Tupelo Honey may be a chain, but it's a REALLY good one. They serve up an all day menu that consists of southern comfort food and an inventive list of craft cocktails and beer. (1 Market Square)
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Monell's has a few locations in Nashville, but each of them carry the fun, family-style aesthetic that keeps us coming back for more. We're a big fan of their space in Germantown, where southern classics are served on communal tables in a historic, Victorian-style house. (1235 6th Ave N)
Jackie's Dream has been listed as some of the best soul food in Knoxville over and over and over again. Why? Their menu is simple and classic, serving up a solid thrust of nostalgia alongside their macaroni and cheese. (2223 McCalla Avenue)
This family-owned locale serves up some pretty dang delicious bbq on a strict weekend schedule. You'll have to plan a visit to the farm, but it will make for a meal you won't forget. Plus, you get to enjoy it in the beauty of Middle Tennessee nature. (2199 Yellow Creek Road)
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This sweet little down-home eatery is family-owned and bursts with locals on the weekends. Come for the biscuits and gravy, stay for the community. This is Tennessee at its best. (4205 US-431)
Considered a, "downtown dive," Sweet P's is a no-frills eatery that has captured the heart of many an East Tennessean. You're served solid southern fare on paper plates, and there's nothing' better. (3725 Maryville Pike)
Although Maple Street Biscuit company is technically a chain, we're a big fan of the fact we can indulge in multiple places. The Chattanooga location is our favorite, serving up a homey aesthetic alongside field-to-fork menu options.
Hog & Hominy serves up classic Italian fare with a southern twist, a perfectly creative menu that has captured the heart of Memphis. Their cocktails are also pretty fantastic, so don't miss out! (707 W Brookhaven Circle)
Arnold's Country Kitchen serves southern fare - the ol' meat and three - in a cafeteria-setting with a no-frills space. Located right downtown, this is a fabulous spot for a quick lunch or family time out. (605 8th Ave S)
Quick fried chicken is never a bad thing, and this southern chain is available from Mississippi to Alabama to Georgia to Tennessee. It's nice to be able to visit a place you can find all over, and the Chattanooga location is pretty awesome. (Various Locations)
Authentic southern food with a neat vibe? You've got Soul Fish Cafe down to the minute and you can indulge all over the city of Memphis. Score! (Various Locations)
Brown's Diner is a sweet spot tucked away just off the 440 highway, and it's great for burgers or chicken or a solid basket of fries. It's a family-run establishment that has been serving the city since 1927. (2102 Blair Blvd)
Soul food is king at Alcenia's, the Memphis based restaurant that serves up brunch in high color and emphasizes family and southern hospitality above all else. (317 N Main Street)
Everything is classic here at Bea's, a low-key eatery that serves up all-you-can-eat southern food in a family-style environment. The aesthetic is chill and the people are kind and you leave 100% full every single time. (4500 Dodds Avenue)
Everything is locally sourced at Husk Nashville, a gorgeous space located in a historic home just south of Broadway. It's known as some of the best southern food in the city. Perfect for date night, this is a top notch restaurant. (37 Rutledge Street)
PS – Do you happen to know the highest road in Tennessee? You can drive it yourself!
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