Sometimes eating at a chain is just downright disheartening. We want a bit of sweetness, a kind waitress, a quirky menu. Something that reminds us of life when it wasn’t so dang fast. That’s why we pulled together a list of restaurants in Tennessee you may not know about – but will completely love. They’re rife with the type of food that makes you rub your belly with satisfaction, the type of people that will make you smile. These are the reasons we love Tennessee.
- Parsons Dairy Bar - Parsons
Parsons Dairy Bar - Facebook Owned and operated by the Duke family, you’ll definitely ant to indulge in a “slaw dog.” It’s positively fabulous.
- Becky’s Grill - Maryville
Becky’s Grill - Facebook Owned and operated by Becky and Travis Cable, the spot is cash only and open Wednesday through Saturday. They offer wonderful burgers, great desserts (banana pudding!) and they have a sweet community oriented atmosphere you’ll love.
- Chow Wagon - Milan
Chow Wagon - Facebook The Yard Bird Special is the favorite around here, but everyone is absolutely in love with their fries! This is one small town spot that you don’t want to miss.
- Blue Bird Café - Pulaski
Blue Bird Café - Facebook The breakfast buffet is great, open from 6:30am to 2:00pm, so the cafe serves a killer breakfast and lunch. Plus, look how amazing that looks!
- Burger Barn - Jackson
Burger Barn - Facebook Most folks rave about both their burgers and shakes. You come order at the window, and sit at a picnic table under the canopy. It’s old-fashioned at its best!
- Bell’s Drive-In - Henderson
Bell’s Drive-In - Facebook Their motto is, “The best hamburger this side of Heaven,” and they’re cash only. Which means bring a wad of dough and enjoy a treat from Jesus. You’re welcome.
- Pickwick Catfish Farm - Counce
Pickwick Catfish Farm - Facebook If smoked catfish is one of your favorites, then Pickwick Catfish Farm is where you need to head. Located in Counce, this local favorite is humble but delicious and proffers a meal you’ll never forget.
- City Café - Chattanooga
City Café - Facebook The answer to the “All-American Diner,” City Cafe won’t pop up with just any normal search. It’s a fun experience if you’re in Chattanooga, and gives the town a neat edge on the diner end of things.
- Soda Pop Junction - Lynnville
Soda Pop Junction - Facebook This place is normally packed, because it hints at nostalgia and proffers a menu that appeals to all tastebuds. The burgers are brilliant, and the ice cream parlor combo is amazing when you’re ready for dessert.
- Beacon Light Tea Room - Bon Aqua
Beacon Light Tea Room - Facebook Everyone RAVES about the skillet fried chicken - but your poultry is fried to order, so make sure you come with a bit of time. The food is fabulous - mainly because they know how to cook southern style.
- Jerry’s Sno Cones - Memphis
Jerry’s Sno Cones- Facebook Served through a walk-up window, sweet frozen treats from Jerry’s Sno Cones are perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a moment away from the heat at a local favorite spot.
How many have you been to?
Parsons Dairy Bar - Facebook
Owned and operated by the Duke family, you’ll definitely ant to indulge in a “slaw dog.” It’s positively fabulous.
Becky’s Grill - Facebook
Owned and operated by Becky and Travis Cable, the spot is cash only and open Wednesday through Saturday. They offer wonderful burgers, great desserts (banana pudding!) and they have a sweet community oriented atmosphere you’ll love.
Chow Wagon - Facebook
The Yard Bird Special is the favorite around here, but everyone is absolutely in love with their fries! This is one small town spot that you don’t want to miss.
Blue Bird Café - Facebook
The breakfast buffet is great, open from 6:30am to 2:00pm, so the cafe serves a killer breakfast and lunch. Plus, look how amazing that looks!
Burger Barn - Facebook
Most folks rave about both their burgers and shakes. You come order at the window, and sit at a picnic table under the canopy. It’s old-fashioned at its best!
Bell’s Drive-In - Facebook
Their motto is, “The best hamburger this side of Heaven,” and they’re cash only. Which means bring a wad of dough and enjoy a treat from Jesus. You’re welcome.
Pickwick Catfish Farm - Facebook
If smoked catfish is one of your favorites, then Pickwick Catfish Farm is where you need to head. Located in Counce, this local favorite is humble but delicious and proffers a meal you’ll never forget.
City Café - Facebook
The answer to the “All-American Diner,” City Cafe won’t pop up with just any normal search. It’s a fun experience if you’re in Chattanooga, and gives the town a neat edge on the diner end of things.
Soda Pop Junction - Facebook
This place is normally packed, because it hints at nostalgia and proffers a menu that appeals to all tastebuds. The burgers are brilliant, and the ice cream parlor combo is amazing when you’re ready for dessert.
Beacon Light Tea Room - Facebook
Everyone RAVES about the skillet fried chicken - but your poultry is fried to order, so make sure you come with a bit of time. The food is fabulous - mainly because they know how to cook southern style.
Jerry’s Sno Cones- Facebook
Served through a walk-up window, sweet frozen treats from Jerry’s Sno Cones are perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a moment away from the heat at a local favorite spot.
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