Tennessee may be known for southern comfort fare and bbq, but we also have some of the most fun and quirky places to eat in the nation. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for diving goats or a Mexican taco stand – we have something for everyone. These 11 eateries are found in the four major cities across the state, but please leave us your favorite small town joints in the comments below! We can’t wait to try them out.
- Silky O’Sullivan’s - Memphis
Silky O’Sullivan’s - Facebook
Silky O’Sullivan’s - Facebook Silky O’Sullivan’s is located in a building that is over 100-years old, a historic space that offers up a delicious meat-centric menu and pet goats. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself! (183 Beale Street)
- The Catbird Seat - Nashville
The Catbird Seat - Facebook The Catbird Seat made a name for itself with its u-shaped kitchen where your meal is made right in front of you, with only a few guests given reservations for every meal. It’s known as one of the top restaurants to try in the state, and has been featured by publications like The New York Times. (1711 Division Street)
- Stock & Barrel - Knoxville
Stock & Barrel - Facebook
Timothy T - TripAdvisor Stylish and stunning, Stock & Barrel is a farm-to-table restaurant that has an impressive bourbon selection and the best cheeseburger in the area. (35 Market Square)
- Athens Family Restaurant - Nashville
Athens Family Restaurant - Google
Athens Family Restaurant - Facebook Open 24 hours a day, Athen’s Family Restaurant is a low-key diner that offers a menu that oscillates from baklava to omelettes. It’s a fun, family-operated restaurant that truly gives you a taste of Nashville once-upon-a-time. (2526 Franklin Pike)
- King Tut’s Grill - Knoxville
TNmilt - TripAdvisor King Tut’s Grill is a quirky mom-and-pop restaurant that serves meals with American, Greek and Egyptian roots. The space is small - only upping the atmospheric experience - and one of the best family owned restaurants on the east side of the state. (4132 Martin Mill Pike)
- Pfunky Griddle - Nashville
Pfunky Griddle - Facebook
Pfunky Griddle - Facebook The Pfunky Griddle may be a chain, but here you can make your own breakfast on grills that sit smack dab in the middle of your table. From pancakes to breakfast potatoes, you won’t leave hungry! Or without an epic experience. (2800 Bransford Avenue)
- Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill - Memphis
Nicolas Henderson - Flickr
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid - Facebook Uncle Buck’s is located in the heart of the Memphis Pyramid, a stunning structure that houses the city’s Bass Pro Shop location. You can go bowling underwater and order a side of fries while you’re at it! (1 Bass Pro Drive)
- Soccer Taco - Knoxville
Soccer Taco - Facebook
Soccer Taco - Facebook Soccer Taco brings the festivities of Mexico to the heart of Tennessee, with margaritas and chips served up in spades. We’re big fans of the nachos, but you obviously have to load up on some tacos - they’re downright dreamy. (Various Locations)
- Sugar’s Ribs - Chattanooga
Sugar’s Ribs - Facebook
Sugar’s Ribs - Facebook Sugar’s Ribs is one of the best bbq spots in the state, and the Chattanooga location also boasts one of the best VIEWS in the state. You can order up a side of pulled pork while falling in love with the expansive views outside. (2450 15th Avenue)
- Dyer’s Burgers - Memphis
Dyer’s Burgers - Facebook
Dyer’s Burgers - Facebook The world famous Dyer’s Burger is fried up in Memphis, a popular diner that has used the same grease for over a century to give your meal that extra pop of flavor. (205 Beale Street)
- Mas Tacos Por Favor - Nashville
Mas Tacos Por Favor - Facebook
Mas Tacos Por Favor - Facebook Mas Tacos serves up a delicious taco for $3, and the no-frills restaurant is full of local character. The space was just recently expanded to include a gorgeous bar and larger eating space. (732 McFerrin Avenue)
You can continue to explore Tennessee with this short hike that offers up 360-degree views – it’s perfect after a heavy meal!
Silky O’Sullivan’s - Facebook
Silky O’Sullivan’s is located in a building that is over 100-years old, a historic space that offers up a delicious meat-centric menu and pet goats. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself! (183 Beale Street)
The Catbird Seat - Facebook
The Catbird Seat made a name for itself with its u-shaped kitchen where your meal is made right in front of you, with only a few guests given reservations for every meal. It’s known as one of the top restaurants to try in the state, and has been featured by publications like The New York Times. (1711 Division Street)
Stock & Barrel - Facebook
Timothy T - TripAdvisor
Stylish and stunning, Stock & Barrel is a farm-to-table restaurant that has an impressive bourbon selection and the best cheeseburger in the area. (35 Market Square)
Athens Family Restaurant - Google
Athens Family Restaurant - Facebook
Open 24 hours a day, Athen’s Family Restaurant is a low-key diner that offers a menu that oscillates from baklava to omelettes. It’s a fun, family-operated restaurant that truly gives you a taste of Nashville once-upon-a-time. (2526 Franklin Pike)
TNmilt - TripAdvisor
King Tut’s Grill is a quirky mom-and-pop restaurant that serves meals with American, Greek and Egyptian roots. The space is small - only upping the atmospheric experience - and one of the best family owned restaurants on the east side of the state. (4132 Martin Mill Pike)
Pfunky Griddle - Facebook
The Pfunky Griddle may be a chain, but here you can make your own breakfast on grills that sit smack dab in the middle of your table. From pancakes to breakfast potatoes, you won’t leave hungry! Or without an epic experience. (2800 Bransford Avenue)
Nicolas Henderson - Flickr
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid - Facebook
Uncle Buck’s is located in the heart of the Memphis Pyramid, a stunning structure that houses the city’s Bass Pro Shop location. You can go bowling underwater and order a side of fries while you’re at it! (1 Bass Pro Drive)
Soccer Taco - Facebook
Soccer Taco brings the festivities of Mexico to the heart of Tennessee, with margaritas and chips served up in spades. We’re big fans of the nachos, but you obviously have to load up on some tacos - they’re downright dreamy. (Various Locations)
Sugar’s Ribs - Facebook
Sugar’s Ribs is one of the best bbq spots in the state, and the Chattanooga location also boasts one of the best VIEWS in the state. You can order up a side of pulled pork while falling in love with the expansive views outside. (2450 15th Avenue)
Dyer’s Burgers - Facebook
The world famous Dyer’s Burger is fried up in Memphis, a popular diner that has used the same grease for over a century to give your meal that extra pop of flavor. (205 Beale Street)
Mas Tacos Por Favor - Facebook
Mas Tacos serves up a delicious taco for $3, and the no-frills restaurant is full of local character. The space was just recently expanded to include a gorgeous bar and larger eating space. (732 McFerrin Avenue)
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