Memphis
Tucked in its own namesake alleyway off Monroe Ave, this subterranean institution sells an astonishing 5 tons of its exquisite dry-rubbed ribs weekly. The…
Must-see restaurants in Tennessee
Tennessee
This branch of the Dyer's burger restaurant serves patties just like those at the mother ship, which opened in 1912. They say that the 100-year-old grease…
Tennessee
This drugstore turned restaurant has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Dine on the 1st floor among vintage mirrors and photos from the 1940s or…
Downtown & the Gulch
In a renovated 19th-century hotel in the heart of downtown, this clubby bistro has gleaming parquet floors, white tablecloths and a mahogany bar…
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…
East Nashville
The cocktails pack a punch at this dark and intimate noodle house inspired by a Japanese izakaya, or neighborhood pub. Dishes arrive quickly and most are…
Nashville
Offering fresh oysters, po'boys, crab cakes and Creole gumbo, Saltine's seafood-heavy menu certainly aims to please. The maritime decor extends throughout…
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…
Memphis
Set in an old silent-movie theater near Beale St, with pre-talkie black-and-whites strobing in the handsome dark-wood dining room, Majestic serves classic…
Nashville
We saw bluegrass crooner Alison Krauss heading into this tiny natural foods market, a place stuffed tight with local jams, honeys and herbs. You'll also…
Nashville
For late-night eats, this is your spot. Staff is encouraged to share recipes and create classic American comfort food just they way their mommas did. Try…
Memphis
Slouch in a torn vinyl booth and devour an entire barbecued Cornish game hen ($11.75), the house specialty at this recently renovated cult favorite. Ribs…
Nashville
The patio is the place to be at this bustling neighborhood joint with A/C. Friendly and efficient staff keep the tasty margaritas and the innovative tacos…
East Nashville
Quick and easy, this VW bus turned hot-dog stand in Five Points slings beef, turkey or vegetarian tubular products drowned in indulgent toppings (go for…
East Nashville
Thicker, smoother and more packed with goodness than any other ice-cream shop in town. How to choose: Toffee Loaded Coffee? Chocolate with Cinnamon and…
East Nashville
To build your own hearty and healthy salad, take a trip around the well-stocked hot- and cold-salad bars ($8.99 per pound) at this popular natural grocery…
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…
Nashville
For 50-plus years, crowds have been lining up around the block for tall stacks of pancakes done up every which way at this iconic breakfast joint. A bit…
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…
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…
Nashville
A Hillsboro institution, known for excellent coffees and breakfasts, as well as an affordable menu of salads and sandwiches. It's generally packed, yet…
Tennessee
The fish and chips come highly recommended at this Scottish pub serving craft beer, good bar food and single malts. Tips and tax included in the prices.
Nashville
This venerable eatery has served fountain Cokes and meat-and-threes to Vandy students since the 1930s, and the decor hasn't changed much since.
Memphis
A cute cinderblock cafe in the Cooper-Young neighborhood, known for delectable po'boys, fried-fish plates and some rather indulgent cakes.
Downtown & the Gulch
Biscuit Love's gluttonous gourmet takes on the Southern biscuit and gravy experience have been a Nashville standard since 2012, and long lines regularly…
Nashville
Make them an offer they can't refuse: a gangster-themed pizza joint and bar serving hot and sloppy New York–style pies and cold beer until 3am. Fill up on…
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…
Memphis
Step inside this ultra-retro diner, Memphis' oldest, and wander to the Elvis booth, strategically located near the rear exit. The King used to sit here…
Nashville
Sometimes you just need an unpretentious place to hang with friends and cheer on your team over a burger and a cold beer. Welcome to ML Rose, where the…
Memphis
This is the purveyor of one of America's best burgers, according to both Esquire and Playboy. Spatula-flattened meat is submerged in bubbling grease that…
Nashville
Fenwick's 300? The name gives a nod to Kevin Bacon's character in the movie Diner, as well as a perfect score in bowling. Appropriate since this spiffy…
Nashville
Ever dreamed of eating a bowl of noodles next to a stuffed Hello Kitty doll? Well, lucky you, Meet Noodles has all the stuffed dolls and noodles you can…
Nashville
This mini-cafeteria keeps it old school, offering meat-and-threes (one meat, three sides) daily. Beyond that, a surprise favorite is the healthy-ish goat…
Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant
Downtown & the Gulch
Big families and hungover bachelorettes ease into the day at this hoppin' joint, where biscuits and gravy, slow-smoked barbecue, eggs Benedict and fine…
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…
East Nashville
Every city has a version of the fun-loving Rosepepper. There's a cactus emblazoned on the menu, and free chips and salsa on the table. The fare is…
Downtown & the Gulch
Like any self-respecting organic market, the parking lot here is atrocious. Once parked, step inside this Gulch grocery store for pre-made sandwiches and…
Nashville
This place delivers fast, cheap and delicious grub to suit almost anyone, including vegetarians and vegans. Anyone, that is, who has a penchant for a hot…
Nashville
Mexican sisters Norma and Irma dish up a rainbow selection of ice pops from their simple shop located at the bottom end of 12th Ave South. All ingredients…
Nashville
Longtime Nashvillians swear by this always busy Greek diner, where the gyros and souvlaki will have you yelling yasou...or at least asking for another…
