Standing at Ease- A Primer for Clarksville’s Culinary Trail

Tennessee’s fifth largest city, Clarksville has a diverse culinary scene full of flavors, traditions and cultures. From classic favorites to budding trendsetters, you’ll want to dine at these restaurants when you're in the city.

Looking Glass Restaurant and Bakery

Mack and Linda Eddington first opened the Looking Glass Restaurant and Bakery, a European-style eatery, in 1998 as a coffeehouse with an artful eye. Today, the veteran family-owned restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a special event space and top-notch bakery to boot. Linda’s artwork adorns every nook and cranny. So, be sure to take your time soaking up the colorful scenery over piping hot biscuits and gravy or you can savor a slice of red velvet cake in the beautiful courtyard. Looking Glass Restaurant and Bakery is located at 329 Warfield Blvd H, Clarksville, TN 37043.

Smokin Chikin

Traveling the globe, Roger Kahn and Mohsun Ghias, along with their wives, Sarika and Oneeba, brought home the international fusion cuisine they love so much to their rotisserie off Exit 1. There’s no mistaking the aromas of curry, tamarind and fresh herbs wafting as you step up to Smokin Chikin's flame-kissed counter of their fast casual restaurant. Whether you prefer original recipe or a palate of global sauces, make sure to “let your tastebuds travel the world,” as Kahn suggests.  And, don’t forget the sides. You can thank us later. Smokin Chikin is located at 1820 Tiny Town Rd Suite A, Clarksville, TN 37042.

Roll’d Creamery

Sometimes a soldier’s career gets cut short—Kevin Goyoco can tell you a thing or two. When he was medically discharged after five years of service, his wife, Lena (still in service) encouraged him to save his severance for something big. Goyoco took her advice and “rolled” with his new ice cream shop, Roll'd Creamery. Collaborating with other local food entrepreneurs, he developed flagship recipes along with a rotating seasonal menu of frozen tasty treats. House-made batter is poured onto a frozen surface, then toppings are smeared and rolled. He swears it’s only 6 ounces of batter, but you may want to share several signature desserts like “Oreo Crack” and “Bad and Boujee.” Roll'd Creamery is located at 1715 Wilma Rudolph Blvd D, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Silke’s Old World Breads

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh-baked bread. German native, Silke Tyler agrees. She and her husband, Tim, have baked traditional German breads and pastries in their vintage bakery, Silke's Old World Breads, since 2000. Here they cherish the time-honored tradition of hand-shaped and made-from-scratch recipes to “nourish you on all levels.” There’s a deli, cafe and carry-out along with a full-scale wholesale delivery service which even offers gluten-free options. You’ll definitely enjoy a Grüß Gott! after a trip to Silke’s. Silke's Old World Breads is located at 1214 A College St, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Beachaven Vineyards and Winery

Since the days of Prohibition, Tennessee vineyards were sourced for “sacramental and medicinal” purposes only. In the late 1970s, Judge William O. Beach championed legislation that would change the course for Tennessee vintners forever. By the 1980s, he and his son-in-law Edward Cooke had planted a large commercial vineyard. Today, Edward and his wife Louisa continue the Judge’s legacy by producing an array of wines made with Tennessee fruit at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery. Close to half of their wine grapes are from local Tennessee farms, as well as Washington and California regions— three varietals are grown on-site (Catawba, Sunbelt and Seyval Blanc.) Beachaven Winery is located at 1100 Dunlop Ln, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Plumb Line Coffee

Simply steps away from the campus of Austin Peay State University, Bill and Jen Parker prefer to study coffee beans. Using Clarksville’s first and only Synesso Hydra Espresso machine, Plumb Line Coffee also offers pour overs and house syrups. Even if crafted coffee isn’t your taste, you can sip on Piper and Leaf tea, snack on local baked goods, pull up a seat and get caught up on those emails with lightning-fast Wi-Fi, or just take in the modern vibe of this new Clarksville original. Plumb Line Coffee is located at 124 University Ave, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Old Glory Distilling Company

What happens when a couple of brothers grow up in Clarksville around such verdant roots? Matt and Wes Cunningham believe their respect of the spirits industry at Old Glory Distilling Co. is a testament to their surroundings and upbringing. Using non-GMO, Tennessee corn, and other regional grains, they distill spirits for the finest shine, vodka, rum and whiskey ever to pass your lips. This small batch, artisan distillery actually sits on a former grain field and uses the same sugar maple charcoal filter for all of their spirits. One of Old Glory’s barkeeps can mix you a cocktail before taking one of the daily tours. Old Glory Distillery is located at 451 Alfred Thun Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Gingham Cafe

Turn a frown upside down at Gingham Cafe dawned in the brightest shades of daisy. A military wife, former CPA and now cafe owner/caterer, Neisha Wolfe believes in empowering women to become whatever they set their minds. The all-female team doesn’t miss a beat with Southern classics like pretzel salad, spaghetti bake and pimento cheese sandwiches. The GCGC (Gingham Cafe Grilled Cheese) —a grown-up grilled cheese with crispy bacon and Havarti cheese on the inside, crusted with cheddar cheese on the outside is a local favorite, as is the kale salad and homemade desserts. Dine-in, carry-out and catering options are available. Gingham Cafe is located at 1955-C Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37043.

The Catfish House

Clarksville locals have trekked over the Cumberland River and through the woods to The Catfish House since the 70s when Jerry and Carolyn Ellis purchased the Southern staple. Their daughter, Cindy has gladly accepted the catfish crown and is carrying out the Ellis’ legacy. The Catfish House entrees come with a bevy of family-style sides like white beans, Cole slaw and hushpuppies. Still, your server won’t take no for an answer when it comes to the bowl of fried okra greeting your arrival. Speaking of fried, no trip is complete without that crispy, cornmeal battered and fried catfish. Not a fan of fried fare? No worries. There are plenty of choices to make out your dinner. The Catfish House is located at 1461 Zinc Plant Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Miss Lucille’s Marketplace & Cafe

Housed in the old Acme Boot Factory building, Miss Lucille’s Marketplace & Cafe is just the tip of the iceberg of what the Knott family is up to. There’s an eclectic marketplace with more than 200 booths, a coffee shop, a furniture design room and The Belle Hollow — a special event space. Truly a mecca worthy of an entire afternoon’s visit; fuel up at the cafe with shareables like the Smokehouse Nachos. On the lighter side is the Picky Eunice Lettuce Wraps — lettuce, grilled chicken, Mandarin oranges, toasted almond and coconut, carrots, honey curry dressing  and plum wine sauce. The kids’ menu includes a pizza flatbread you’re sure to sneak a bite. Shop a while and swing back in for lattes or maybe something a little stronger. Did someone say mimosas? Miss Lucille's Cafe is located at 2231 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37043.

New Korea Restaurant

As a U.S. Army Base, the Fort Campbell community shares a long-standing history with Korea and other Asian countries. It stands to reason why most any global cuisine imaginable can be found on Fort Campbell Boulevard. New Korea Restaurant is one of the best examples of international fare and is considered the best Korean barbecue stateside by many. While the ambiance may lack a few bells and whistles, take pause and order dinner for two at a hibachi table. Starting with a selection of house kimchi and rice, you’ll feast on marinated meats and vegetables grilled over hot coals table-side by your personal pit master for the evening. If ordering off the menu is a bit intimidating, take a self-guided tour at the buffet. New Korea Restaurant is located at 2030 Fort Campbell Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37042.

Yellowtail Rubota Grill and Sushi

Along a stretch of St. Bethlehem establishments, sits the crisp and modern Yellowtail Rubota Grill and Sushi. Immediately, you’ll feel the hipster vibe with reclaimed wood, Edison lights and American pop serenading your meal. While the sushi is a bit Americanized, you’ll find yourself ordering at least one more roll than planned. Try the White Castle Roll with spicy tuna, spicy crab, white tune, lime, masago and green onion, or get a seared  roll like the Chuck Norris— a surf and turf roll seared to perfection. Yellowtail Rubota Grill and Sushi is located at 2509 Wilma Rudolph Blvd A, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Lindo Veracruz

Coined from their seaport motherland, the brightly colored, family-owned and operated Lindo Veracruz offers pure adventure one dish at a time. Get the day started right with Chiquiliques or Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. You can pair a few street tacos and empañadas for lunch with ice-cold Horchatas or a few Topo Chicos. Not to be missed is the Posole accompanied by all the fixings for supper. It’s the perfect take-out to warm the soul. Lindo Veracruz is located at 1446 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Hungry for more things to do? Check out where to explore in Clarksville.