Sweet Tennessee is a hotbed of culinary artistry and southern heart. It’s here that you’ll find delicious meals paired with kind southern hospitality, where your family’s biscuit recipe is better than any restaurant and everyone is welcomed home with open arms and open hearts. If you’re looking for a classic Tennessee eating experience, then these seven restaurants are perfect for every need.
- Biscuits - The Loveless Cafe
Loveless Cafe - Facebook
Loveless Cafe - Facebook The Loveless Cafe has long been known for its secret biscuit recipe and it plays to dual audiences, both tourists and locals when it comes to low-key obsession. This Nashville classic is perfect for a buttery, flaky biscuit paired with all sorts of breakfast fare. (8400 TN-100, Nashville)
- Hot Chicken - Prince’s Hot Chicken
Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook
Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook Hot chicken rocketed to the nation’s attention in the last few years but it really is a Nashville classic. Prince’s was the first hot chicken restaurant of its kind, and the low-key restaurant is great for newbies and Nashville homebodies. (Various locations, Nashville)
- Banana Pudding - The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe
The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe - Facebook
The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe - Facebook This Tennessee hole-in-the-wall claims to serve the best banana pudding in the state, and we really can’t argue. The fluffy, creamy, perfect confection is best enjoyed alongside one of the bbq plates offered at the Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe as well. (4001 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga)
- Fried Catfish - Chandler’s Deli
Chandler’s Deli - Facebook This Knoxville classic serves fried catfish all day long, and it’s become known as a cult favorite in the area. Don’t be fooled by the no-frills atmosphere. Here in Tennessee the locals don’t pander towards social media photo opportunities. It’s all about the food, and leaving full and happy. (3101 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville)
- BBQ - Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que
Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que - Facebook
Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que - Facebook You’ll most likely hear about folks clambering for bbq from Nashville or Memphis, but Chattanooga sure knows how to serve up a meat ’n three that’ll leave you full and happy. Only twenty people can sit at the Hickory Pit at a time, but the 14-hour smoked meat is well worth it every time. (5611 Ringgold Road, Chattanooga)
- Fried Chicken - Monell’s Dining & Catering
Monell’s - Facebook
Monell’s - Facebook Monell’s has multiple locations throughout Nashville, and they’re great if you’re looking for a meal served family style with crispy, crunchy fried chicken as the main event. (Various locations, Nashville)
- Chess Pie - Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop - Facebook Tennessee is home to multiple Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop locations, and folks are thankful for the southern favorite because it means a true chess pie indulgence isn’t too far away. (Various Locations)
While you’re eating your way through Tennessee, make sure to take a look at this incredible forgotten gravesite.
Loveless Cafe - Facebook
The Loveless Cafe has long been known for its secret biscuit recipe and it plays to dual audiences, both tourists and locals when it comes to low-key obsession. This Nashville classic is perfect for a buttery, flaky biscuit paired with all sorts of breakfast fare. (8400 TN-100, Nashville)
Prince’s Hot Chicken - Facebook
Hot chicken rocketed to the nation’s attention in the last few years but it really is a Nashville classic. Prince’s was the first hot chicken restaurant of its kind, and the low-key restaurant is great for newbies and Nashville homebodies. (Various locations, Nashville)
The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe - Facebook
This Tennessee hole-in-the-wall claims to serve the best banana pudding in the state, and we really can’t argue. The fluffy, creamy, perfect confection is best enjoyed alongside one of the bbq plates offered at the Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe as well. (4001 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga)
Chandler’s Deli - Facebook
This Knoxville classic serves fried catfish all day long, and it’s become known as a cult favorite in the area. Don’t be fooled by the no-frills atmosphere. Here in Tennessee the locals don’t pander towards social media photo opportunities. It’s all about the food, and leaving full and happy. (3101 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville)
Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que - Facebook
You’ll most likely hear about folks clambering for bbq from Nashville or Memphis, but Chattanooga sure knows how to serve up a meat ’n three that’ll leave you full and happy. Only twenty people can sit at the Hickory Pit at a time, but the 14-hour smoked meat is well worth it every time. (5611 Ringgold Road, Chattanooga)
Monell’s - Facebook
Monell’s has multiple locations throughout Nashville, and they’re great if you’re looking for a meal served family style with crispy, crunchy fried chicken as the main event. (Various locations, Nashville)
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop - Facebook
Tennessee is home to multiple Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop locations, and folks are thankful for the southern favorite because it means a true chess pie indulgence isn’t too far away. (Various Locations)
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