Finding a hole in the wall restaurant is like finding a hunk of gold in the river – it’s an absolute gem, a priceless hidden bit of beauty that is bound to brighten your day. We have ten fabulous restaurants that came highly recommended by many of our favorite Tennessee natives, and we thought you would enjoy them, as well. If you haven’t been already, of course.
Did your favorite hometown restaurant make the list…?
- Barrel House BBQ - Lynchburg
Barrel House BBQ - Facebook Barrelhouse BBQ is right up the road from both the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and the historic Lynchburg town square. They even serve up some of the best barbecue you can find, being ranked in the top 5 in the state just a few years back. It’s definitely off the main drag, but it’s worth the visit. (105 Mechanic St S)
- Moogie’s BBQ - Cookeville
Moogie’s BBQ - Cookeville Moggie’s doesn’t look like much as you’re driving through Cookeville, but this is a spot you must stop at. Their barbecue is top-notch, but the real winner? Their curly fries. And the mural of Ronald Reagan. (79 E Spring St)
Moogie’s BBQ - Cookeville I mean just look at this stuff.
- Willie Mae’s Barbecue - Springfield
Willie Mae’s Barbecue - Facebook Keeping the barbecue train rolling, Willie Mae’s in Springfield is definitely one of the best barbecue joints in the state. They open at 11 am Tuesday through Friday and only stay open until they sell out (4 pm at the latest). Be sure to get there plenty early! (200 E 8th Ave)
Willie Mae’s Barbecue - Facebook Now we understand why they sell out so quickly. This looks incredible!
- Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q - Mason
Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q - Facebook You know Bozo’s is good because it’s possibly the only thing in the town of Mason. This is true, wonderful, down-home barbecue. It’s been around for 95 years, and their ribs are absolutely to-die-for. They only serve the ribs on weekends though, but it’s definitely worth the trip. (342 US-79)
Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q - Facebook They also have great BBQ sandwiches!
- Brooksie’s Barn - Jackson
Brooksie’s Barn - Facebook Brooksie’s in Jackson is known for their all-you-can-eat buffet and their tender, juicy catfish. They even have a drive-thru if you don’t have time to sit down in the restaurant. (561 Oil Well Rd)
Brooksie’s Barn - Facebook Just look at that catfish!
- Shaffer’s Meats - Summertown
Shaffer’s Meats - Facebook The Shaffer Meat Market offers custom meats as well as some really killer barbecue. Located in the country outside of the small town of Summertown, you wouldn’t think much of it, but you need to make the visit! (4 Vaughn Staggs Rd)
Shaffer’s Meats - Facebook Be sure to try out the brisket burger!
- Jacks Creek BBQ - Jacks Creek
Jacks Creek BBQ - Facebook Jacks Creek BBQ in Jacks Creek reminds us that simplicity is almost always the best solution. They serve up some of the best barbecue sandwiches and baked beans you’ll ever have. (10 TN-100)
- Coal Creek Smokehouse - Rocky Top
Coal Creek Smokehouse - Facebook There’s a reason that Rocky Top is home sweet home. The Coal Creek Smokehouse is family-owned and operated, and they serve up some of the best pulled pork BLT’s you’ll ever have. (211 S Main St).
Coal Creek Smokehouse - Facebook These sliders look amazing.
- Fossie’s Bar-B-Que - Dickson
Fossie’s Bar-B-Que - Facebook Fossie’s was opened in 1958 in Dickson and has been known to regularly have country music stars and other celebrities lined up at the window for their delicious barbecue. Just be careful ordering the rib sandwich – they serve it bone-in! (603 E Walnut St)
- Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse and Bakery - Columbia
Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse and Bakery - Facebook Marcy Jo’s in Columbia is known for being the place to go if you’re looking for a good down-home meal. They’re known for their desserts and pastries, so be sure to save room! (4205 US-431)
Escape the city with this beautiful hike – it’s absolutely stunning!
Barrel House BBQ - Facebook
Barrelhouse BBQ is right up the road from both the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and the historic Lynchburg town square. They even serve up some of the best barbecue you can find, being ranked in the top 5 in the state just a few years back. It’s definitely off the main drag, but it’s worth the visit. (105 Mechanic St S)
Moogie’s BBQ - Cookeville
Moggie’s doesn’t look like much as you’re driving through Cookeville, but this is a spot you must stop at. Their barbecue is top-notch, but the real winner? Their curly fries. And the mural of Ronald Reagan. (79 E Spring St)
I mean just look at this stuff.
Willie Mae’s Barbecue - Facebook
Keeping the barbecue train rolling, Willie Mae’s in Springfield is definitely one of the best barbecue joints in the state. They open at 11 am Tuesday through Friday and only stay open until they sell out (4 pm at the latest). Be sure to get there plenty early! (200 E 8th Ave)
Now we understand why they sell out so quickly. This looks incredible!
Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q - Facebook
You know Bozo’s is good because it’s possibly the only thing in the town of Mason. This is true, wonderful, down-home barbecue. It’s been around for 95 years, and their ribs are absolutely to-die-for. They only serve the ribs on weekends though, but it’s definitely worth the trip. (342 US-79)
They also have great BBQ sandwiches!
Brooksie’s Barn - Facebook
Brooksie’s in Jackson is known for their all-you-can-eat buffet and their tender, juicy catfish. They even have a drive-thru if you don’t have time to sit down in the restaurant. (561 Oil Well Rd)
Just look at that catfish!
Shaffer’s Meats - Facebook
The Shaffer Meat Market offers custom meats as well as some really killer barbecue. Located in the country outside of the small town of Summertown, you wouldn’t think much of it, but you need to make the visit! (4 Vaughn Staggs Rd)
Be sure to try out the brisket burger!
Jacks Creek BBQ - Facebook
Jacks Creek BBQ in Jacks Creek reminds us that simplicity is almost always the best solution. They serve up some of the best barbecue sandwiches and baked beans you’ll ever have. (10 TN-100)
Coal Creek Smokehouse - Facebook
There’s a reason that Rocky Top is home sweet home. The Coal Creek Smokehouse is family-owned and operated, and they serve up some of the best pulled pork BLT’s you’ll ever have. (211 S Main St).
These sliders look amazing.
Fossie’s Bar-B-Que - Facebook
Fossie’s was opened in 1958 in Dickson and has been known to regularly have country music stars and other celebrities lined up at the window for their delicious barbecue. Just be careful ordering the rib sandwich – they serve it bone-in! (603 E Walnut St)
Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse and Bakery - Facebook
Marcy Jo’s in Columbia is known for being the place to go if you’re looking for a good down-home meal. They’re known for their desserts and pastries, so be sure to save room! (4205 US-431)
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