Diners & Dives
Experienced travelers know that the best food is often found in the most unassuming places, like roadside diners and humble dives. Sink your teeth into some everyday dishes that will make your mouth water.
Like buried treasure, it can take some time to find those hidden culinary gems. But it's an unsurpassed pleasure to find those plain little diners and hole-in-the-wall dives that offer one-of-a-kind taste treats.
These are the places with the local following, where folks gather to relax and enjoy both the food and the companyóplaces like Rotiers, Couser's or the Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Big Fatty's and Litton's in Knoxville, or the Southern Star in Chattanooga, where the blue plate specials can make you weep for joy. Or Chandler's in Knoxville, where the beans, greens and broasted chicken will put a smile on your face that lasts all day. Visit Good Dog in Chattanooga's Northshore area, or Brooks Shaw's Country Store in Jackson for some down-home cookin' to get you through the day.
Dyer's Burgers
Dyer's Burgers began in 1912, with the late Elmer "Doc" Dyer's secret cooking process--the legacy of which continues to this day. The burgers--single, double or triple--are legendary. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: (901) 527-3937
Dyer's on Beale
Great food & live music in the heart of famous Beale Street. Southern food with daily meat-and-three blue plate specials, a large selection of home-cooked vegetables, along with a full dinner menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, BBQ and more. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 901-525-3711
Fish House
Get a filet or whole fish with a salad bar at this popular Parsons weekend spot. Open Thurs. ...more
Region: Middle Tennessee
City: Parsons, TN
Phone: 731-847-3261
Fitz's Family Steakhouse
For lunch, this is a great place to discover the traditional meat and three and to hear the latest town news. At night, try one of their steak or fish dinners. ...more
Region: Upper Cumberland
City: Erin, TN
Phone: 888-341-7898
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-873-4497
Forbus General Store
Built in 1892 and nestled in a charming corner of Hwy 127, this is a great spot to taste some decadent, chewy homemade fudge. The store is known for the “Pig” in the back--it’s the name of a card game played daily
by locals. ...more
Region: East Tennessee
City: Pall Mall, TN
Phone: 931-879-5427
Frank Allen’s Market
Housed in a gas station on the side of the road, Frank Allen’s Market serves up great food fresh from the griddle for breakfast and lunch. Specialties include slaw dogs (a favorite of hometown girl Dolly Parton – she even talked about it in a recent Southern Living) and hamburgers (in fact, they’ve been voted best in town 8 years in a row). ...more
Region: Smoky Mountains
City: Sevierville, TN
Phone: (865) 453-3617
Gabby's Burgers & Fries
Nashville Scene readers named this the Best Burger in Nashville; dont miss the homemade French fries, sweet potato fries and more. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-733-3119
General Jackson Showboat
Take a musical journey with us as we cruise the Cumberland River. Join us as we explore the history of country music through the songs that gave a voice to America. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-458-3900
Good Dog
Good Dog stands out for both its food and its funky atmosphere. This North Shore restaurant has a distinctive look and taste. ...more
Region: Chattanooga & Southeast
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423.475.6175
Granny's Kitchen
Stop in for classic homemade Southern cooking that has the locals raving. ...more
Region: Middle Tennessee
City: Parsons, TN
Phone: 731-847-7400
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Known for its unbeatable fried chicken and one-of-a-kind spice. Be sure to take in this Memphis-area original. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Mason, TN
Phone: 901-527-4877
Hannah's Cafe
Menu items are "made from scratch," with daily lunch specials, carryouts.
Open Monday-Saturday for breakfast & lunch. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: White Pine, TN
Phone: 865-674-6745
Hard Rock Cafe Memphis
Located on historic Beale Street in the heart of the downtown entertainment district in Memphis, home of the blues and the birthplace of rock 'n roll.
Sunday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am-1 am. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 901-529-0007
Hawg-N-Dawg
Inspired by yesterday’s diners… soda fountains, good food and memories of simpler times. You will feel at home while savoring a great meal – at a reasonable price – in a clean, warm and inviting atmosphere. ...more
Region: East Tennessee
City: Erwin, TN
Phone: 423-743-9600
