Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee is home to some of the best breakfast spots in the South, and exploring them makes any road trip unforgettable. From Nashville’s famous biscuit joints to cozy mountain diners in the Smokies, every meal tells a story of tradition and flavor. Whether you crave fluffy pancakes, country ham with red-eye gravy, or hot biscuits straight from the oven, the Volunteer State has it all. Buckle up and get ready to discover where locals and travelers alike start their mornings right.
1. Loveless Cafe — Nashville (Bellevue)
Since opening its doors in 1951, this legendary roadside cafe has earned a reputation for serving some of the most authentic Southern breakfasts in Tennessee. Visitors travel from all over just to taste the world-famous hot biscuits served with country ham and red-eye gravy.
Each biscuit is made from scratch using a closely guarded recipe that has been passed down through generations. The red-eye gravy, made from coffee and ham drippings, adds a bold kick that pairs perfectly with fluffy eggs and grits.
Open daily starting at 7 or 8 on weekends, the cafe often has a wait, but the experience is worth every minute spent outside.
2. Pancake Pantry — Nashville (Hillsboro Village & Downtown)
A line snaking down the sidewalk is the usual sight at this Nashville institution, and for good reason. Since 1961, the Pancake Pantry has been flipping up some of the fluffiest, most creative pancakes in the state, with over 23 varieties to choose from.
From classic buttermilk to wild blueberry and Caribbean, every stack comes with a side of nostalgia and comfort. Waffles, eggs, and a full breakfast menu ensure everyone leaves happy.
Both locations serve breakfast all day—Hillsboro Village from 6 am to 3 pm, and Downtown from 6 am to 2 pm. Expect a wait, especially on weekends, but trust that it moves quickly.
3. Pancake Pantry — Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg’s Pancake Pantry holds the title of Tennessee’s first pancake specialty restaurant, and it has been delighting visitors since its opening. Open daily from 7 am to 3 pm, this spot is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
With 24 kinds of pancakes on the menu, choices range from sweet potato to German chocolate, each one cooked to golden perfection. Classic country sides like bacon, sausage, and grits round out the hearty plates.
Families love the cozy atmosphere and generous portions that fuel a full day of hiking or sightseeing. It’s a tradition many return to year after year.
4. Biscuit Love — Nashville (The Gulch)
What started as a beloved food truck has grown into one of Nashville’s hottest breakfast destinations. Biscuit Love in The Gulch draws crowds daily for inventive takes on Southern classics, all served in a bright, welcoming space.
The star of the menu is the Bonut—a biscuit dough donut topped with lemon mascarpone and blueberry compote that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Biscuits and gravy come loaded with sausage or mushroom gravy, while shrimp and grits offer a savory, coastal twist.
Open every day from 7 am to 3 pm, the restaurant fills up fast. Arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table.
5. Monell’s — Nashville (Germantown)
Breakfast at Monell’s feels like Sunday morning at your grandmother’s house, except the table is shared with friendly strangers. This Germantown gem serves family-style country breakfasts and brunches seven days a week, with dishes passed around communal tables.
Expect platters piled high with fluffy biscuits, skillet-fried chicken, cheesy casseroles, and creamy gravy. Everything is made from scratch, and the portions are more than generous.
Sharing a meal with others creates a warm, welcoming vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. Monell’s proves that good food tastes even better when enjoyed together, making it a Nashville tradition worth experiencing.
6. Nashville Biscuit House — Nashville (East)
Sometimes the best breakfasts come from the most unassuming places. Nashville Biscuit House is a no-frills, all-day breakfast standby that has earned a loyal following for its fluffy biscuits and hearty platters.
The menu is straightforward but satisfying, featuring eggs cooked to order, crispy bacon, sausage gravy, and hash browns. Each biscuit is baked fresh and served piping hot, perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying with a pat of butter.
Currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the restaurant posts updated hours online. It’s a spot where you can count on good food, fast service, and friendly faces behind the counter.
7. The Pfunky Griddle — Nashville (Berry Hill)
Ever wanted to flip your own pancakes without cleaning up the mess? The Pfunky Griddle makes that dream come true with built-in griddles at every table, letting you cook breakfast your way.
Choose from a variety of batters, including gluten-free options, and add mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or bacon. The staff provides all the tools and tips you need, making it fun for kids and adults alike.
Open weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm and weekends from 7 am to 2 pm, this Berry Hill spot is perfect for families or anyone looking for a playful breakfast experience.
8. The Arcade Restaurant — Memphis (South Main)
Step into Memphis’ oldest cafe, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to 1919. The Arcade Restaurant has been serving breakfast all day for over a century, keeping its vintage charm and timeless menu intact.
Country plates loaded with eggs, bacon, biscuits, and grits are customer favorites, but the real claim to fame is Elvis Presley’s beloved peanut butter and banana sandwich. Fans still order it in his honor.
Located on South Main, the Arcade is a piece of living history where every booth has a story. Whether you’re fueling up for Beale Street or just craving a classic breakfast, this spot delivers.
9. Brother Juniper’s — Memphis (U of M)
Award-winning and made from scratch, Brother Juniper’s has been a Memphis breakfast treasure for years. Located near the University of Memphis, this cozy spot draws students, families, and food lovers with its creative, hearty menu.
Open-face omelets are fluffy and loaded with fresh ingredients, while the cinnamon-roll pancakes are a sweet indulgence that tastes like dessert for breakfast. Biscuits and gravy, grits, and other Southern staples round out the offerings.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with friendly service that makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place where every dish is made with care and attention to detail.
10. Staks Kitchen — Memphis (East Memphis)
Staks Kitchen brings a modern twist to classic Southern breakfast favorites. Located on Poplar Avenue in East Memphis, this pancake house serves up specialty stacks alongside traditional staples like biscuits and gravy and creamy grits.
The pancake menu is creative and colorful, with options like red velvet, s’mores, and lemon blueberry. Each stack is fluffy, flavorful, and generously portioned.
Open from morning to mid-afternoon, Staks is a great spot for families or brunch with friends. The vibe is casual and upbeat, with a menu that balances comfort food with a little bit of flair.
11. Pete’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop — Knoxville (Downtown)
Pete’s has been a Knoxville staple for decades, serving up classic diner breakfasts that never go out of style. Open daily from around 6:30 or 7 am to 2 pm, this downtown spot is where locals come for no-nonsense, delicious food.
The menu covers all the basics—eggs cooked any way you like, crispy bacon, sausage, hash browns, and toast. The coffee is strong, the portions are generous, and the prices are fair.
With its retro charm and friendly service, Pete’s feels like a step back in time. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why simple, well-made food is always the best choice.
12. Bluegrass Grill — Chattanooga (Southside)
Bluegrass Grill has earned a devoted following in Chattanooga for its scratch-made biscuits, creamy grits, and daily-baked breads. This family-owned spot on the Southside feels like home, with warm hospitality and food made with love.
Every dish is prepared fresh, from the flaky biscuits to the perfectly seasoned eggs. The grits are stone-ground and buttery, while the breads—baked in-house every morning—add a special touch to any meal.
Open Tuesday through Saturday mornings until 2 pm, Bluegrass Grill is a local treasure. It’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and newcomers quickly become fans.
13. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp — Gatlinburg
Fuel up for a day in the Smokies at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, where hearty portions and mountain charm go hand in hand. Open daily from 7 am to 1 pm, this Gatlinburg favorite serves up griddle cakes, giant cinnamon rolls, and country platters that stick to your ribs.
The cinnamon rolls are legendary—massive, gooey, and topped with sweet icing. Pancakes come in stacks so tall they’re almost a challenge, while eggs, bacon, and sausage are cooked to perfection.
The rustic, cabin-style atmosphere adds to the experience, making you feel like you’re deep in the mountains even before you hit the trails.
14. Log Cabin Pancake House — Gatlinburg
A Gatlinburg landmark since the 1970s, the Log Cabin Pancake House serves breakfast in a setting as charming as the food itself. Built from real logs, the restaurant captures the spirit of the Smokies with rustic decor and mountain views.
Pancakes are the star here, available in a variety of flavors, but the menu also features crepes, biscuits and gravy, and other breakfast classics. Everything is made fresh and served hot.
Open generally from 7 am to 2 pm, the Log Cabin is a favorite among families and tourists looking for a cozy, authentic mountain breakfast. It’s a tradition many visitors return to year after year.
15. The Old Mill Restaurant — Pigeon Forge
Breakfast at The Old Mill feels like stepping into a piece of Tennessee history. Located in a historic mill complex in Pigeon Forge, this restaurant serves country breakfasts with a side of Smokies charm and tradition.
Sorghum syrup—a regional specialty—is drizzled over fluffy pancakes and biscuits, adding a sweet, earthy flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Eggs, bacon, sausage, and grits round out the hearty plates.
The setting is as memorable as the food, with the old mill wheel still turning outside. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the Pigeon Forge area and craving a true taste of the mountains.
16. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant — Sevierville
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant kicks off every meal with their famous apple fritters and Applewood Julep, setting the tone for a breakfast you won’t soon forget. Located in Sevierville, this spot is beloved for its country cooking and warm hospitality.
The breakfast menu features all the Southern staples—eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and gravy—plus unique touches like apple butter made from local fruit. The fritters are sweet, soft, and addictive, served fresh to every table.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Applewood is perfect for fueling up before exploring the Smokies. The farmhouse setting and friendly service make it feel like visiting family in the mountains.
17. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant — Franklin
Puckett’s in Franklin is more than just a breakfast spot—it’s a community gathering place with live-music vibes and award-winning food. Voted Best Breakfast in Williamson County in 2025, this roadhouse-style restaurant serves up Southern comfort with a side of Tennessee hospitality.
The breakfast menu features everything from biscuits and gravy to hearty omelets and country ham plates. Each dish is made with care and served in generous portions.
The rustic decor, friendly staff, and occasional live music create a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely morning meal. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Puckett’s is a Franklin favorite you can’t miss.
