Local Favorites
Every community has a local favorite: a one-of-a-kind place where locals gather for a special dish, a certain atmosphere, or a chance to catch up with friends and neighbors over good food.
Like the folks on that television classic "Cheers," we all like to stop at a place "where everybody knows your name." Those local favorites have become more than restaurants. They are extensions of home, where someone is always glad you stopped by. That's just how Tennessee's own Cracker Barrel got started.
The interstate system was young, in the late 1960s, when Dan Evins cogitated on how to keep the real flavor of America available to folks on the road. To Evins, mealtime was that connection between the comfort of made-from-scratch food and time to enjoy catching up--with family, with friends or just with your own thoughts. That first Cracker Barrel Old Country Store opened in 1969 on the outskirts of Lebanon. Standards were firm: cornbread came from cornmeal, not a mix; prices could not "break" people; and, fortunately, the people who worked there made sure a trip to Cracker Barrel was like a friendly visit to a neighbor's home. Soon, people were lined up for turnip greens, biscuits and gravy and the good things served at Cracker Barrel.
Local favorites keep people coming back. Ruby Tuesday was founded on the campus of the University of Tennessee by Sandy Beall, who had a vision of food and drinks handcrafted, made fresh with quality ingredients and full of flavor, served by friendly people.
Not all local favorites have grown to cover the state. Many remain what they have always been: a neighborhood eatery with a reputation for good food and friendly service.
Capture vintage classic at Memphis' Arcade Restaurant, located in the middle of the historic district. Charming Fountain City, in North Knoxville, sees Litton's Market, Restaurant & Bakery spin platters of mouth-watering burgers, chili dogs, key lime pie, red velvet cake and more, while locals gather in a back room to discuss "the truth according to Litton's." An institution in Nashville, Monell's family-style hospitality serves up the finest fried chicken, cornbread, green beans, sweet tea, catfish--and the desserts are something else.
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
Hagy's Catfish Hotel
This restaurant, on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River, has been run by generations of the Hagy family and is one of the oldest family- owned restaurants in the country. Step inside to learn more about Mr. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Shiloh, TN
Phone: 731-689-3327
Hancock House
A spacious 15-room colonial revival log inn. Hancock House is a pre-1878 stage coach stop and toll gate house that was known as Avondale Station on the famous Avery Trace. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Gallatin, TN
Phone: 615-452-8431
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
Helen's Bar-B-Q
Owner Helen Turner is one of only a few female pit cooks in the country; she smokes pork shoulders on site and serves them with her famous sauce. Unexpected live music performances have occurred here throughout the years, including a now-famous jam session with bluesman and Brownsville native Yank Rachell in 1996, just months before his death. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Brownsville, TN
Phone: 731-779-3255
Henry Flury & Sons Store
Established in 1905, Flury's is being operated by a third generation of Flurys. Deli style sandwiches and cheeses are offered. ...more
Region: Chattanooga & Southeast
City: Tracy City, TN
Phone: (931) 592-5661
Hillbilly Bob’s BBQ & Catfish
Arrive hungry at this Wild West-looking spot, often noted with five
stars on review sites. ...more
Region: East Tennessee
City: Hampton, TN
Phone: 423-725-3436
Hillbilly Willys Bar-B-Q
The best in fall-off-the bone, Memphis-style barbeque, with hand-pulled pork, beef, chicken, ribs, burgers, and made-from-scratch desserts like derby pie, hillbilly pie, Coke cake, and banana puddin' that's the real deal. ...more
Region: Chattanooga & Southeast
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-821-2272
Hilton's Jacks Creek Bar-B-Q
Traditional Chester County BBQ has been served on this corner as far back as locals can remember. This unassuming spot has even been featured in Southern Living magazine. ...more
Region: West Tennessee
City: Luray, TN
Phone: 731-989-4140
Historic Thomas Drugs
Old-fashioned 1915 drugstore with operating soda fountain offers a variety of medicinal and prescription goods, arts, crafts and gifts.
Stop by the old-fashioned soda fountain and have a lunch of homemade sandwiches, salads, floats, sodas and desserts. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Cross Plains, TN
Phone: 615-654-3877
Hog Heaven
Near Centennial Park. Home of Nashville’s famous White BBQ Sauce. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: (615) 329-1234
Honey's Restaurant
This local favorite diner is home of the Slaw Dog and Slaw Burger.
In business at this very location since 1923, Honey's was started by Weston James Stubblefield. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Fayetteville, TN
Phone: 931-433-1181
Hoskins Drug Store
This authentic soda fountain lunch counter serves plate lunch specials (Thursday is Famous Banana Pudding Day!), full breakfast with biscuits and gravy, home cooked vegetables, and grilled sandwiches, along with fountain specialties such as milkshakes, old-fashioned malts, and banana splits. We also have a full-service pharmacy and a terrific gift shop. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Clinton, TN
Phone: (865) 457-4340
Hotel Walton
This 1904 hotel just off the town square was
named for the original Walton Hotel, built by
the town’s founder. Still in operation, the
Walton was a popular stopover for travelers
on the Cumberland River, and the establishment was known
for its fine food and entertainment. ...more
Region: Upper Cumberland
City: Carthage, TN
Phone: (615) 735-9292
