Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Tennessee (Currently Open)
Tennessee is a place where every bite tells a story. From the smoky aroma of Memphis barbecue to the soul-soothing comfort of Nashville hot chicken, this state’s food scene is as rich and rhythmic as its musical heritage. Whether you’re exploring the Appalachian foothills or strolling through Beale Street, Tennessee’s restaurants blend down-home warmth with world-class flavor. Let’s hit the road and explore the top ten most famous restaurants in Tennessee that are currently open — where tradition meets taste in unforgettable ways.
The Loveless Café – Where Southern Hospitality Never Ends (Nashville)
No Tennessee restaurant list would be complete without The Loveless Café, a legendary stop just southwest of Nashville. Since 1951, this classic country café has been serving homemade biscuits, fried chicken, and country ham that keep travelers and locals coming back for more.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by the comforting scent of buttermilk biscuits made from scratch every morning. Pair them with homemade preserves or a plate of crispy fried chicken for the ultimate Southern meal.
Highlights:
Famous for its flaky biscuits and country ham
Charming gift shops and photo ops around the property
Family-friendly and great for Sunday brunch
The Loveless Café embodies old-fashioned Southern hospitality, where meals are meant to be shared, and memories linger long after the last bite.
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Crispy, Spicy, and Iconic (Memphis)
Few dishes scream Tennessee quite like fried chicken, and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken sets the standard. Originating in Mason, Tennessee, Gus’s has become a national sensation, but the Memphis location remains the heart of it all.
Their signature recipe blends spice and soul, producing a golden-brown crust that crackles with every bite. The heat is balanced, the meat is juicy, and the sides — like mac and cheese or baked beans — taste like pure comfort.
Why It’s Famous:
Secret family recipe passed down for generations
Spicy fried chicken that defines Memphis flavor
Down-home atmosphere with no-frills dining charm
If you’re craving authenticity, Gus’s delivers the kind of fried chicken that feels like home, no matter where you’re from.
The Pancake Pantry – Breakfast Royalty in Music City (Nashville)
In the heart of Nashville’s Hillsboro Village, The Pancake Pantry has been flipping flapjacks since 1961. This breakfast hotspot is often lined with hungry patrons waiting to taste its legendary sweet potato pancakes, served with cinnamon cream syrup.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and bustling, filled with chatter from locals, students, and tourists alike. It’s not just breakfast here — it’s a Nashville institution.
What to Try:
Sweet Potato Pancakes with cinnamon syrup
Chocolate Sin Pancakes for dessert lovers
Freshly brewed Tennessee coffee roasted locally
Bring your patience for the line — but rest assured, it’s worth every minute once those pancakes hit your table.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen – A Nashville Meat-and-Three Legend (Nashville)
Arnold’s Country Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a Southern culinary experience. Known for its “meat-and-three” style dining, Arnold’s lets you choose a main dish (like roast beef or fried chicken) and three sides, from mashed potatoes to collard greens.
This humble cafeteria-style eatery has earned national attention, even receiving the James Beard America’s Classics Award.
Signature Experience:
Rotating menu featuring classic Southern dishes
Locally loved and family-run for decades
Affordable, hearty meals in a casual setting
Arnold’s proves that you don’t need fancy plating to deliver unforgettable food — just a lot of heart and a touch of Tennessee soul.
The Rendezvous – A Barbecue Institution Beneath Beale Street (Memphis)
When it comes to barbecue, Memphis reigns supreme — and Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous is the city’s crown jewel. Tucked into an alley near Beale Street, this iconic spot has been smoking ribs since 1948.
The Rendezvous stands out for its dry-rubbed ribs, a Memphis-style specialty. Their secret blend of spices creates a crust that’s smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
Must-Know Facts:
Historic restaurant serving generations of barbecue lovers
Walls lined with Memphis memorabilia
Famous dry-rub ribs and sausage platters
If you love barbecue with history, The Rendezvous offers both — served underground, where the air always smells like hickory smoke and tradition.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – Where Music and Comfort Food Meet (Franklin & Nashville)
What started as a small country store in Leiper’s Fork has grown into one of Tennessee’s most beloved dining experiences. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant blends live music, Southern food, and small-town charm into one unforgettable package.
From pulled pork platters to skillet mac and cheese, Puckett’s is comfort food at its best. Add in live country or blues music, and you’ve got a quintessential Tennessee night out.
Best Features:
Live local music performances nightly
Famous BBQ nachos and meatloaf
Cozy, rustic décor with friendly vibes
Whether you’re visiting the flagship in Franklin or the downtown Nashville location, Puckett’s feels like coming home.
The Catbird Seat – Modern Dining with a Twist (Nashville)
For those seeking something upscale and adventurous, The Catbird Seat redefines fine dining in Tennessee. This intimate, chef-driven restaurant seats guests around an open kitchen, offering a multi-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons.
Each plate is a work of art, combining creativity with local ingredients. Diners interact directly with the chefs, making each experience personal and unique.
Why It’s Special:
Rotating seasonal tasting menu
Interactive dining with chefs
Perfect for foodies and special occasions
It’s an entirely different side of Tennessee dining — elegant, experimental, and unforgettable.
The Arcade Restaurant – A Trip Through Time (Memphis)
Step into The Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’s oldest café, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the 1920s. Founded in 1919, this diner-style restaurant has hosted everyone from Elvis Presley to modern-day travelers craving a hearty breakfast.
The retro booths, neon signs, and friendly service make The Arcade a must-visit for anyone who loves nostalgia mixed with great food.
Fan Favorites:
Elvis Presley’s favorite peanut butter and banana sandwich
Classic Southern breakfast plates
Old-fashioned milkshakes and pies
You can almost hear “Jailhouse Rock” playing as you enjoy a slice of Americana right on South Main Street.
Blackberry Farm – Luxury Farm-to-Table Dining (Walland)
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a destination. This five-star resort’s dining program showcases Tennessee’s finest ingredients with refined Southern elegance.
Guests enjoy meals crafted from locally sourced produce, artisan cheeses, and fresh meats from the farm itself. The result is a culinary experience that’s as luxurious as it is heartfelt.
Highlights Include:
Farm-to-table dining with impeccable presentation
Award-winning wine cellar and seasonal menus
Ideal for romantic getaways or special celebrations
Dining here is a reminder that Tennessee’s culinary roots run deep — from the fields to the fine dining table.
Bluebird Café – Where Music and Meals Inspire Magic (Nashville)
Though best known as a legendary music venue, The Bluebird Café also serves delicious food that keeps guests coming back between acoustic sets. Since opening in 1982, it’s been a launchpad for countless country stars — including Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift — and a cozy spot to enjoy simple, comforting fare.
What to Expect:
Intimate venue with outstanding live performances
Simple menu with sandwiches, salads, and desserts
Family-friendly and steeped in Nashville’s songwriting history
The Bluebird Café blends melody and meal into one unforgettable Nashville evening. You’ll come for the music — but you’ll stay for the soul.
Tennessee’s Culinary Harmony – A Final Thought
From the smoky pits of Memphis to the refined kitchens of the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee’s restaurants tell a story of heritage, heart, and hospitality. Whether you’re digging into ribs at The Rendezvous, sharing biscuits at The Loveless Café, or savoring fine cuisine at Blackberry Farm, each stop reflects a piece of the state’s culture and creativity.
Food in Tennessee isn’t just about flavor — it’s about connection. It brings people together, preserves traditions, and celebrates what makes this state so special. So next time you’re traveling through the Volunteer State, treat yourself to one (or all) of these incredible restaurants that are currently open and thriving.
Come hungry, leave inspired — and experience the true taste of Tennessee.