A Foodie’s Guide to Tennessee: What to Eat and Where
Nashville, famously dubbed Music City, also hums with a culinary rhythm that draws food lovers from far and wide. Head to the Germantown neighborhood, just north of downtown, where you’ll find Arnold’s Country Kitchen. This no-frills meat-and-three spot serves Tennessee’s soul on a plate. Their fried chicken, crispy and golden, pairs beautifully with traditional sides like creamy turnip greens and buttery cornbread. The unpretentious setting and daily-changing sides reflect Nashville’s ever-evolving yet deeply rooted food heritage. Visiting during lunch rush offers a genuine slice of local life, as the line of regulars waiting for a hot meal is a testament to its enduring charm.
Just under two hours east of Nashville lies Gatlinburg, nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beyond its stunning mountain vistas, Gatlinburg boasts The Peddler Steakhouse, a riverside eatery known for its hand-cut steaks and house-ground burger. The restaurant’s rustic ambiance, framed by a flowing creek and views of the surrounding forest, complements its fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After a day hiking the Alum Cave Trail, which offers a moderately challenging 5-mile round trip with unique geological formations and sweeping mountain views, sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled cut here feels like a true Appalachian celebration. Autumn evenings, when the Smokies blaze with fall colors, elevate the experience further.
In Memphis, about 200 miles southwest of Nashville, the soul of barbecue reaches its pinnacle at Central BBQ in the Cooper-Young historic district. Memphis barbecue is distinguished by its dry-rub style and slow smoking over hickory wood, and Central BBQ delivers this tradition with tender ribs and pulled pork that melts on your tongue. The neighborhood itself pulses with creative energy, from vintage shops to indie galleries, making it an inviting place to stroll before or after a hearty meal. A visit here in early spring, when the city’s Beale Street Music Festival ramps up, combines Memphis’s signature sounds with its signature flavors.
Travel eastward to Knoxville, roughly 180 miles east of Memphis, where the Market Square district offers a dynamic food scene rooted in Southern tradition and contemporary twists. At Tupelo Honey, you’ll find a refreshing take on Southern comfort food. Their biscuits, airy and golden, often arrive topped with local honey that contrasts perfectly with savory fried chicken or shrimp and grits. Market Square itself, alive with street performances and bustling farmers’ markets, invites visitors to linger and soak in the vibrant community atmosphere. Late spring or early summer is ideal, when warm evenings extend the outdoor dining experience well into the night.
Johnson City, about 30 miles west of the scenic Appalachian Trail’s Nolichucky River section, offers a gateway to East Tennessee’s mountain flavors. The Main Street area is home to The Getaway, a spot where Appalachian-inspired dishes highlight game meats and wild mushrooms foraged from nearby forests. Their signature venison chili, rich and hearty, connects diners directly to the surrounding landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts might start the day with a paddle on the Nolichucky River, known for its class II and III rapids, then retire to this restaurant for a meal that echoes the rugged terrain. Fall, with its cool but crisp air, makes both the river and the dining experience especially welcoming.
Memphis’s Cooper-Young neighborhood also hosts The Beauty Shop Restaurant, housed in a former 1950s beauty salon. This quirky spot captures Memphis’s flair with dishes like fried green tomatoes topped with shrimp and pimento cheese, blending Southern staples with a contemporary edge. The retro décor, complete with vintage salon chairs, adds an unforgettable atmosphere. Dusk here feels magical as neon lights flicker on and the neighborhood’s artsy vibe takes center stage. A weekend visit during the Cooper-Young Festival offers an extra layer of excitement, melding music, art, and cuisine.
Crossing back to Middle Tennessee, Franklin, a charming town about 20 minutes south of Nashville, offers a taste of Tennessee’s agrarian roots at Gray’s on Main. This historic eatery serves farm-to-table Southern fare in a building dating to the 1800s. Their classic fried chicken embodies simple, honest cooking, using locally raised poultry and seasonal produce. Strolling Franklin’s Main Street before dinner reveals a blend of preserved 19th-century architecture and vibrant boutiques, making it a cultural as well as a culinary destination. Springtime, with its blooming dogwoods, highlights the town’s inviting charm and makes outdoor dining especially pleasant.
Finally, for a sweet finish, venture to Chattanooga in southeastern Tennessee, about two hours southeast of Nashville. Rembrandt’s Coffee House, near the Tennessee Aquarium on the riverfront, offers more than just excellent coffee; their house-baked pecan pie is a local favorite, rich with toasted nuts and a flaky crust. Sitting on the patio overlooking the Tennessee River, you can savor this Southern classic while enjoying views of the Walnut Street Bridge and Lookout Mountain. Early mornings here are serene, the mist lifting off the river as the city wakes, offering a peaceful start to any food-focused exploration.
From smoky barbecue in Memphis to mountain-inspired fare in Johnson City, Tennessee’s food scene is as varied and vibrant as its landscapes. Each town and neighborhood offers a unique lens into the state’s rich culinary traditions, inviting visitors to taste their way through the Volunteer State with every meal.