When you’re in Tennessee, it can be easy to be distracted by the bright lights and loud music of Lower Broadway in Nashville or Beale Street in Memphis, but there’s a quieter side of the state that most Tennesseans experience every day. And if you’re wondering where those every day Tennesseans go out to eat, look no further. We’ve found these 15 small Tennessee restaurants that you simply must visit if you consider yourself a true Tennessean.

Jack of Hearts BBQ - Facebook

As if this brisket chili cheeseburger wasn’t enough to get you to visit, the rest of their menu looks just as good. 5343 Main St.

Family BBQ - Facebook

Family BBQ may be small and out of the way, but this spot serves up some of the best in the state. They’re only open Friday and Saturday, so time it right. 2199 Yellow Creek Rd.

Gabby’s Burgers & Fries - Nashville

Gabby’s Burgers & Fries - Facebook

Gabby’s is pretty small when it comes to Nashville spots, but the consistent line out the door says it all. Ask for the secret menu. 493 Humphreys St.

Soda Pop Junction - Facebook

Between Columbia and Pulaski, Lynnville’s Soda Pop Junction serves up some of the best burgers and shakes in the state. 141 Mill St.

Wayne Thume - Flickr

The Bell Buckle Cafe - Facebook

The small town of Bell Buckle is most known for its annual RC Cola and Moon Pie festival, but be sure to stop by this Southern classic while you’re there. 16 Railroad Sq.

Gabriel’s Pizza - Facebook

Gabriel’s is a perfect example of an incredible small-town pizza spot. Their bbq chicken pizza is to-die-for. 2625 Keith St NW.

Old Delina Country Store - Facebook

This general store in Petersburg has everything you could need and then some. Plus they serve up a mean meat-and-three. 4397 John Barnes Rd.

Foglight Foodhouse - Facebook

Foglight has been hiding on the backs of the Caney Fork River for over 20 years, serving up great food with incredible service. 275 Powerhouse Rd.

Pickwick Catfish Farm - Facebook

The restaurant at Pickwick Catfish Farm is only open Thursday through Sunday, but the wait is worth it. They’ve been serving it for over 40 years, so they’re doing something right. 4145 Hwy. 57.

Corner Pit BBQ - Facebook

Corner Pit BBQ has been serving up barbecue the right way since 1965, and it’s finger-lickin’ good. Find out why people come here from all over the state. 107 Dellrose Rd.

Pie Sensations - Facebook

This dessert-only spot on the square in Columbia serves up some of the best pie in the state. 26 Public Sq.

Cootie Brown’s Johnson City - Facebook

Cootie Brown’s is the place to go when you’re looking for something a little more ecclectic. 2715 N Roan St.

Brent Moore - Flickr

Thomas Drugs in Cross Plains is like looking back in time to an old-fashioned small town pharmacy. Plus, they still serve up authentic soda fountain drinks. 7802 Highway 25 E.

Blue Ribbon Cafe - Facebook

While Blue Ribbon Cafe has great meat-and-three options, they’re known for their desserts. So be sure to save room! 9705 Dayton Pike.

Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse - Facebook

Marcy Jo’s - Facebook

Marcy Jo’s in Columbia is where the best in Southern hospitality is paired with the best in Southern cooking. It’s everything you want in a small town restaurant. 4205 Highway 431.

After you’ve had your fill of the best food Tennessee has to offer, work it off on this natural bridge hiking trail.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.