Must-see restaurants in East Tennessee

  • Balter Beerworks

    Knoxville

    From the communal tables on the patio to the standing-room-only bar to the buzzing dining room, this convivial joint – a former gas station – exudes a…

  • JC Holdway

    Knoxville

    You'll want to reserve ahead for the privilege of noshing on James Beard Award–winning chef Joseph Lenn's modern Appalachian comfort cuisine. Lenn, who…

  • Stock & Barrel

    Knoxville

    Carnivores, welcome to your happy place. The locally sourced and all-natural burgers here groan under decadent toppings such as fried eggs, pimiento…

  • Pal's Sudden Service

    East Tennessee

    While you're still laughing about the name, the speedy team at this outpost of the popular Tri-Cities drive-through chain will have your burger and …

  • Wild Plum Tea Room

    East Tennessee

    This cozy cottage of homemade deliciousness is well worth the 7-mile drive from downtown. The interior is slightly dainty but not too froufrou, and…

  • Local Goat

    East Tennessee

    Don't let the bland corporate exterior fool you. The scratch-made fare inside this busy restaurant is locally sourced and delicious. At lunch burgers get…

  • St John's Meeting Place

    Chattanooga

    The culinary anchor of Chattanooga's Southside is widely considered the city's best night out. It's Johnny Cash black (black-granite floor, black-glass…

  • Crockett's Breakfast Camp

    East Tennessee

    The hearty breakfasts are fit for mountain men – and flip-flop-wearing tourists – at this faux mountain camp, which is named for Tennessee frontiersman…

  • Aretha Frankenstein's

    Chattanooga

    A skeleton riding a skateboard doubles as the chandelier. Old concert posters cover the walls – can you spot Sleater-Kinney? You might see discarded…

  • Yassin's Falafel House

    Knoxville

    Syrian refugee Yassin is a true American success story: he and his wildly popular falafel house have been embraced by Knoxville. The food is fantastic,…

  • Appalachian Bistro

    East Tennessee

    Appalachian standbys such as fresh veggies, seasonal-berry jams and creamy grits enhance a globally inspired menu of seafood and farm fare, all whipped up…

  • Cootie Brown's

    East Tennessee

    With its bright colors and industrial decor, the dining room here resembles the garage of a mad mechanic. Make that a beloved mad mechanic. Cooties has…

  • Bluegrass Grill

    Chattanooga

    Warm hospitality and simple food done right keep this unassuming spot filled with a diverse range of diners, even on a cold and rainy Tuesday. Breakfast…

  • Urban Stack

    Chattanooga

    Perfection? The medium-rare guacamole cheeseburger slathered with a fine chipotle aioli and topped with bacon. And hey, fried chickpeas, why you got to…

  • Flying Squirrel

    Chattanooga

    A neighbor to the South's hippest hostel (same owners), Flying Squirrel is at its heart a very cool bar (21 and over only, except for Sunday brunch), but…

  • Wild Love Bakehouse

    Knoxville

    This scrumptious bakery in happening Happy Holler in North Knoxville sources milk, eggs, cheese and other ingredients from a chalkboard list of local…

  • SoKno Taco Cantina

    Knoxville

    After barreling down the Devils Racetrack in the nearby Urban Wilderness, refuel with a slew of flavor-packed street tacos at SoKno. The pollo is so good…

  • Oli Bea

    Knoxville

    It's worth sleeping in Knoxville just to wake to the rich, Mexicanized farm-to-table Southern fare at this morning stop in Old City. You'll find gussied…

  • Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain

    Knoxville

    An old-school soda fountain with a 21st-century sense of fun, this kid-friendly spot mixes its sundaes and shakes with modern favorites like Nutella and…

  • Pottery House Cafe & Grille

    East Tennessee

    Part of the Old Mill shopping and dining complex beside Patriot Park, this bustling spot churns out a solid lineup of American fare, with appealing…

  • Clumpies Ice Cream

    Chattanooga

    Spare, welcoming Clumpies scoops homemade small-batch ice cream that's oh-so-good. Take your pick of classics such as chocolate and vanilla, or get wild…

  • White Duck Taco Shop

    East Tennessee

    The Johnson City location of the Asheville-based taco chain sits inside the revamped Tweetsie Railroad Depot. With Johnny Cash on the speakers, Yee-Haw…

  • Le Noir

    East Tennessee

    If you're heading west from Cades Cove along US 321, pop into this cozy Belgian diner for a croque monsieur (toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich) or one of…

  • Peddler Steakhouse

    East Tennessee

    In a large, rustic lodge with exposed timbers and native stone fireplaces, this always-packed spot is loved for its dripping hunks of prime rib, grilled…

  • Taco Mamacita

    Chattanooga

    This upbeat, longtime favorite keeps 'em coming in with gourmet tacos, tasty guacamole and an impressive margarita list. The tacos travel the world,…

  • Burger Master Drive-In

    East Tennessee

    After a strenuous hike in Cades Cove, there's no better place to reward yourself than this A-frame burger shack, also known for its ice cream. If it's…

  • Smokin' Pig BBQ

    East Tennessee

    Go with the pulled-pork sandwich with two sides and a drink. It's only $7 and you'll get a delicious sandwich piled high with minced pork barbecue. It…

  • Myrtle's Chicken + Beer

    Knoxville

    Fried chicken and beer – a winning combination. And especially so at Myrtle's, where you can season that crispy goodness as hot as you like, from mild to…

  • Milk & Honey

    Chattanooga

    This black-and-white-checked cafe is a revolving door of folks breezing in for coffee drinks, light breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, fancy sweets and…

  • Poynor's Pommes Frites

    East Tennessee

    Ooohhhh, these fries are good: hot, crispy and served with one of 25 sauces. You won't want to share them after you taste the first one. Solid bratwursts…

  • French Market Creperie

    Knoxville

    The line starts early on Sunday mornings at this neat and narrow cafe, where the crepes come savory or sweet. Your sweet choices include Nutella, s'mores…

  • Pancake Pantry

    East Tennessee

    Gatlinburg has a thing for pancakes, and this is the place that started it all. The Pantry’s secret is simple: real butter, honest-to-goodness fresh…

  • Three Jimmys

    East Tennessee

    Escape the tourist hordes on the main drag and grab a bite at this locals' favorite with friendly waitstaff ('Here's your menu, baby…') and a long list of…

  • Tomato Head

    Knoxville

    Fresh and local is the mantra at this Market Sq stalwart, which serves solid, if not mind-blowing, pizzas. Bright and spare with loads of tables, the…

  • Litton's

    Knoxville

    Founded as a market in 1946, this neighborhood gathering place in North Knoxville added a restaurant and bakery over the years. Today, folks fill the…

  • Terminal Brewhouse

    Chattanooga

    Looking for a local pint, hearty bar fare, welcoming staff and some historic atmosphere? This pub's for you. It's next door to the Chattanooga Choo Choo…

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