East Nashville
Prepare to go to war for a table, be it the welcoming communal table, the bar or the leafy backyard beer garden. Tattooed staff at this burger bar –…
Must-see restaurants in Tennessee
Downtown & the Gulch
Like its singing counterpart, Adele's is classy, hugely popular and knows how to deliver the goods – in this case, top quality, seasonal, locally sourced…
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…
Nashville
Hurry up and wait for gussied up, gourmet versions of an American classic: the grilled cheese sandwich. It's done up here in versions so satisfying, you…
Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant
Tennessee
This Franklin institution serves up some of the best barbecue around. Order the barbecue platter for a classic 'meat and three', or for something lighter,…
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…
Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House
Tennessee
Massive and delicious Southern meals have been served family style at this classic boardinghouse since 1908. The menu rotates but includes at least two…
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…
Nashville
In a neighborhood dotted with barbecue joints, taquerias and burger spots, Josephine's classy menu and aesthetic sets it apart from the rest. Leather…
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…
East Nashville
Nashvillians come from afar to this bustling neighborhood cafe. Test your knowledge with vintage Trivial Pursuit cards and peruse the menu of morning…
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…
Downtown & the Gulch
Comfort food gets fresh and, dare we say, fancy at this SoBro venture from hometown chef Trey Ciocca. A Southern oasis in the thick of downtown's…
Downtown & the Gulch
Sexy. Sultry. Intimate. What we're trying to say is that this modern sushi lounge has darn good lighting. So we'll forgive the name Virago, which means…
Tennessee
The aroma of fresh bread is a pleasant introduction to this busy bakery, where chattering families, moms with babies and senior couples take a breather…
Nashville
The smell of truffle-oil-fried, hand-cut french fries fills the air of this rustic, wood-adorned restaurant. Local farms provide the building blocks of…
East Nashville
Put your name down for a table and grab a coffee at this popular European-inspired brunch spot. The menu changes seasonally, but expect savory crepes…
Downtown & the Gulch
Once the center of the Nashville lunch counter protests during the Civil Rights movement, this art deco restaurant in the arts district now goes out of…
Nashville
This sunny little taqueria applies local food inspiration to well-loved Mexican staples, offering a menu of soft tacos, salads and enchiladas with a…
Coffee House @ Second & Bridge
Tennessee
Located near Franklin’s historic downtown, this quaint coffee house is a cozy place to grab breakfast, sip java, read the news or work remotely. Peckish?…
Memphis
Vegans and veggies face an uphill battle in Memphis (hell, all over the South…), but this inventive Cooper-Young cafe swims alone in a sea of pulled pork…
Downtown & the Gulch
Open 24 hours, the ground floor serves milkshakes – alcohol optional – and desserts. But as you go up through six (yes, six) floors, the red vinyl seats…
Tennessee
Raw oysters. Bloody Marys in mason jars. And live music on Tuesday nights. Sounds fun, right? And you didn't even know about the gumbo. A member of the…
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…
Nashville
The Drag'n Brunch serves up a side of camp with your panko chicken and waffles at this alternative Asian-fusion restaurant from chef Arnold Myint. Give a…
Nashville
A diverse and unpretentious crowd fills this quaint home that's been converted into a weekend-only brunch cafe. The menu includes several healthy takes on…
Nashville
This bright and airy place in Lenox Village serves the Hogzilla, a breakfast biscuit layered with egg, cheese and pork. And the pork arrives in three…
Memphis
Cheap and flavorful – and at times global – street food is the calling at this ever-evolving Cooper-Young staple, which serves up everything from…
Nashville
Get a slice of Naples in Nashville thanks to DeSano. Communal tables dot the industrial, no-frills space, which is lorded over by three wood-burning ovens…
East Nashville
This Charleston import sits facing East Nashville's Main Street, but it's anything but basic. The industrial space feels intimate, especially when diners…
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…
Memphis
This humble breakfast spot started as a chain out of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district to feed the homeless; today the Memphis location is the last…
Von Elrod's Beer Hall & Kitchen
Nashville
This rambunctious beer hall serves up a decent number of local craft and German-style beers, plus a diverse menu featuring house-made sausages and smoked…
Chattanooga
This upbeat, longtime favorite keeps 'em coming in with gourmet tacos, tasty guacamole and an impressive margarita list. The tacos travel the world,…
East Nashville
East Nashville was previously a donut desert, but this shop is an oasis of brioche and cake donuts. Linger in the mid-century modern decor and hoover up…
Tennessee
With cow portraits on the walls and a painting of the Tennessee flag hanging nearby, this branch of the Southern-based Tupelo Honey chain is embracing its…
Nashville
This Music Row gastropub does everything from Philly cheesesteak egg rolls to lamb vindaloo tacos and salted caramel pork chops, all affordably priced…
Nashville
Pop into this welcoming bagel shop to fuel up for the day or to grab a picnic sandwich. It's jumping in the morning but still efficient. The breads and…
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…
Downtown & the Gulch
A bajo sexto is the big guitar used by mariachi bands. It's a fitting moniker for an Oaxacan taqueria located inside the Country Music Hall of Fame. The…
