Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee serves up some of the best comfort food in America, from crispy fried chicken to smoky barbecue that melts in your mouth. Every corner of the state has restaurants with deep roots, loyal fans, and dishes that have been perfected over decades.
Whether you are rolling through Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or Knoxville, these iconic spots will give you a true taste of Tennessee culture and hospitality.
1. The Loveless Cafe (Nashville)
Tucked along Highway 100, this roadside gem has been feeding hungry travelers since 1951. The smell of fresh biscuits baking in the kitchen hits you the moment you walk through the door, and the cozy country vibe makes you feel right at home.
Their biscuits are the stuff of legend, served warm with house-made preserves that come in flavors like blackberry and peach. Pair them with crispy fried chicken or salty country ham for the full Southern breakfast experience.
The portions are generous, so come with an appetite.
Weekends draw serious crowds, with lines snaking out the door by mid-morning. Arriving early helps you skip the wait and snag a table without stress.
The Loveless is more than a meal; it is a Tennessee tradition worth every minute.
2. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack (Nashville)
This is where Nashville hot chicken was born, and locals will tell you no one does it quite like Prince’s. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and the spice blend remains a closely guarded family secret.
Each piece of chicken is fried to perfection, then coated in a fiery cayenne paste that brings serious heat.
You can choose your spice level, but even the mild version packs more punch than most places’ medium. Dark meat tends to stay juicier under all that spice, so thighs and drumsticks are popular picks.
Classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw help cool things down between bites.
If you are new to hot chicken, start cautious. The heat builds with every bite, and there is no shame in playing it safe your first time around.
3. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Nashville)
Hattie B’s took Nashville hot chicken from local secret to national sensation, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. The menu is straightforward: choose your protein, pick your heat level, and load up on Southern sides.
The bright, casual atmosphere makes it approachable for first-timers who might be intimidated by the grittier hot chicken joints.
Their hot chicken sandwich is a crowd favorite, with juicy meat, tangy slaw, and pickles all tucked into a soft bun. Tenders work great if you want to sample different heat levels without committing to a whole piece.
The pimento mac and cheese is a perfect creamy counterbalance to the spice.
Midday on weekdays offers the shortest wait times, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to avoid the dinner rush.
4. Arnold’s Country Kitchen (Nashville)
Step inside Arnold’s and you will find a cafeteria-style setup that has not changed much since 1982. The daily menu is written on a chalkboard, and you point to what looks good as you move down the line.
Despite the humble presentation, this spot earned MICHELIN recognition for its outstanding meat-and-three comfort food.
The rotating menu means you never know exactly what will be available, but everything is made from scratch and tastes like a home-cooked meal from your grandmother’s kitchen. The cornbread is crumbly and slightly sweet, and the vegetables are seasoned just right.
Save room for a slice of pie because the desserts here are legendary.
Arnold’s only serves lunch, so do not show up for dinner expecting to get a table. Arrive hungry and ready to make some tough choices at the chalkboard.
5. Monell’s (Nashville, Germantown)
Forget picking a table just for your group; at Monell’s, you sit family-style with whoever else walks in. Strangers become dining companions as platters of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and seasonal vegetables get passed around the table.
It is a throwback to a time when meals brought people together, and the experience feels refreshingly personal.
There is no menu to stress over because the food just keeps coming until everyone is stuffed. The communal setup works beautifully for groups, but solo diners also enjoy the chance to chat with locals and fellow travelers.
Conversations flow as easily as the sweet tea.
If you are shy about meeting new people, this might push you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. Monell’s is about connection as much as it is about the food.
6. Peg Leg Porker (Nashville)
Peg Leg Porker is the brainchild of pitmaster Carey Bringle, who smokes some of the finest ribs in Nashville. The restaurant has a laid-back vibe with picnic tables and a menu that focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well.
Ribs are the star here, especially the dry-rubbed version that lets the smoky pork flavor shine through.
Pulled pork is another solid choice, tender and flavorful without drowning in sauce. The sides hold their own, but save a little room for the banana pudding because it is the perfect sweet finish after all that savory smoke.
If you are planning a barbecue crawl, consider splitting portions so you can try more spots.
Nashville has no shortage of barbecue joints, but Peg Leg Porker consistently ranks among the top for good reason. The quality speaks for itself.
7. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Memphis)
Hidden down an alley in downtown Memphis, Rendezvous has been a rite of passage since 1948. You descend into a basement dining room filled with vintage signs, checkered tablecloths, and the unmistakable aroma of slow-cooked pork.
The atmosphere is part dive bar, part family restaurant, and entirely Memphis.
The dry-rub ribs are what made this place famous, seasoned with a secret spice blend and cooked over charcoal until the meat pulls away from the bone. Unlike saucy Memphis barbecue, these ribs let the rub do all the talking.
The tangy, slightly spicy flavor is addictive, and you will find yourself licking your fingers between bites.
Rendezvous sits within walking distance of Beale Street and other downtown attractions, making it an easy stop before or after exploring the city. Just follow the alley and trust the process.
8. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Memphis)
Gus’s has earned a cult following for fried chicken that is crispy, spicy, and impossibly juicy. The downtown Memphis location draws a steady stream of visitors who have heard the hype and want to see if it lives up to expectations.
Spoiler alert: it does.
The chicken is marinated, battered, and fried until the crust shatters with every bite. There is a peppery kick that sneaks up on you, but it is not overwhelmingly hot like Nashville-style chicken.
Dark meat fans are in for a treat because thighs and drumsticks stay incredibly moist under that crunchy coating. Sides are simple but solid, with options like coleslaw, beans, and mac and cheese.
Keep your order straightforward and let the chicken be the star. Gus’s does one thing better than almost anyone, and there is no need to overthink it.
9. Central BBQ (Memphis)
Central BBQ has won enough awards to fill a trophy case, and their consistent quality makes them a safe bet for first-time visitors. With multiple locations around Memphis, you are never too far from a plate of smoky, tender barbecue.
The menu covers all the classics, from ribs to pulled pork to brisket, and everything is cooked low and slow over hardwood.
If you cannot decide what to order, the sampler platter lets you try a little bit of everything. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the pulled pork is juicy with a subtle smoke ring.
Sauce is served on the side, so you can control how much sweetness or tang you want.
Central BBQ is visitor-friendly without sacrificing authenticity, making it a great introduction to Memphis-style barbecue. You will leave satisfied and already planning your next visit.
10. Payne’s Bar-B-Que (Memphis)
Payne’s is the definition of old-school Memphis barbecue, run by the same family for generations. There are no frills here, just a small counter, a smoker out back, and a menu that focuses on what they do best.
The chopped pork sandwich is the one everyone talks about, piled high with tender, smoky meat and a tangy sauce that soaks into the soft white bun.
This is not a place for a long, leisurely meal. You order at the counter, grab your sandwich, and enjoy every messy, delicious bite.
The simplicity is part of the charm, and the flavor speaks for itself. Payne’s keeps things straightforward, from the menu to the hours.
Before you make the trip, double-check their hours because they are not always open late or on certain days. A little planning ensures you do not miss out.
11. Sugar’s Ribs (Chattanooga)
Sugar’s Ribs has been a Chattanooga favorite for years, offering solid barbecue in a city better known for its scenic views than its food scene. The ribs are the main attraction, slow-cooked until the meat pulls away easily and coated in a sauce that balances sweet and smoky flavors.
Classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread round out the meal nicely.
The location makes it easy to work into a day of exploring Chattanooga’s outdoor attractions. Whether you are coming down from Lookout Mountain or strolling along the riverfront, Sugar’s is a convenient and satisfying stop.
The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it feel welcoming to both locals and visitors.
If you are building a full Chattanooga itinerary, slot Sugar’s in around lunchtime or early dinner. It pairs perfectly with a day of hiking, sightseeing, and soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
12. Yassin’s Falafel House (Knoxville)
Yassin’s Falafel House brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to Knoxville with a welcoming spirit that has earned it a loyal following. Owner Yassin Terou is known for his hospitality, often greeting customers personally and making everyone feel like family.
The menu is built around falafel, but there are plenty of other options like shawarma, hummus, and fresh salads.
The falafel itself is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with herbs and spices. You can order it in a wrap, on a plate, or as part of a combo with multiple sauces and toppings.
The tahini sauce is creamy and garlicky, and the hot sauce adds a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Check their website before visiting because construction in downtown Knoxville has occasionally affected their setup. Yassin’s remains a Knoxville gem worth seeking out.
13. Calhoun’s On the River (Knoxville)
Calhoun’s has been a Knoxville institution since 1988, perched right on the Tennessee River with views that make every meal feel special. The waterfront location is the main draw, especially when the weather is nice and you can sit outside watching boats drift by.
The menu leans heavily on barbecue, with ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken all making regular appearances.
The food is solid without being groundbreaking, but the setting elevates the whole experience. Order something you can eat slowly, like a rack of ribs or a sampler platter, so you have an excuse to linger and enjoy the view.
On University of Tennessee game days, the place fills up fast with fans decked out in orange.
If there is a big UT event happening, plan to arrive a little earlier than usual to snag a good table. The energy is electric, and the river views never get old.
