10 Tennessee Restaurants So Unique They’re Worth Planning A Trip Around

Tennessee isn’t just about country music and smoky mountains – it’s also home to some of the most unforgettable dining experiences you’ll find anywhere. From restaurants tucked inside caves to eateries serving dishes you won’t believe exist, the Volunteer State knows how to surprise your taste buds.

I’ve tracked down ten spots so wildly creative and memorable that they deserve their own road trip, and trust me, you’ll want to visit every single one.

1. The Cavern Restaurant At Sweetwater Valley Farm

Imagine eating your meal surrounded by ancient rock formations while seated comfortably underground. Sweetwater Valley Farm hosts this one-of-a-kind restaurant inside an actual cave, making every bite feel like an adventure.

The menu features Southern comfort food with fresh ingredients, many grown right on the farm. You’ll find the restaurant at 17988 W Lee Hwy, Philadelphia, TN 37846, tucked away in the peaceful countryside.

Reservations fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so plan ahead. The cool cave temperature stays pleasant year-round, creating a naturally air-conditioned dining room that feels magical.

2. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken has become legendary, and Hattie B’s perfected the art of setting your mouth on fire in the best possible way. Their spice levels range from mild to “Shut the Cluck Up,” which only the bravest souls should attempt.

Located at 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, this spot always has a line snaking out the door. The crispy, juicy chicken arrives with tangy slaw and soft white bread to cool the burn.

First-timers should start with medium heat and work their way up. The atmosphere buzzes with energy as everyone shares their spice-level victories and defeats.

3. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

Housed in a renovated 1950s pharmacy building, this Nashville gem serves burgers that’ll make you forget every fast-food chain exists. The vintage décor includes original pharmacy fixtures, giving the space a nostalgic charm that perfectly complements the creative menu.

You’ll discover it at 731 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, where German-style beer garden vibes meet American burger perfection. Their grass-fed beef patties come with inventive toppings like pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes.

The outdoor seating area features picnic tables and string lights, ideal for warm Tennessee evenings.

4. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

What started as a small-town grocery store in 1953 has evolved into a Tennessee institution serving down-home cooking with live music most nights. Walking in feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, if she happened to host bluegrass concerts regularly.

The Leiper’s Fork location at 4142 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064 maintains that authentic country store atmosphere. Slow-smoked barbecue, fried catfish, and homemade desserts dominate the menu, all made from scratch daily.

Local musicians perform on a tiny stage while diners enjoy their meals, creating an intimate experience you won’t forget.

5. Calhoun’s On The River

Perched right on the Tennessee River, Calhoun’s offers breathtaking water views alongside some of the region’s finest barbecue. Watching boats glide by while you dig into fall-off-the-bone ribs creates a dining experience that engages all your senses.

Find this riverside paradise at 400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902, where the outdoor deck becomes prime real estate during sunset. Their signature barbecue sauce has won numerous awards and tastes incredible on everything from pulled pork to smoked wings.

Families love the relaxed atmosphere and generous portions that never disappoint hungry diners.

6. Loveless Cafe

Since 1951, this roadside motel-turned-restaurant has been serving biscuits so good they’ve achieved near-mythical status across the South. People drive hours just to taste those fluffy, buttery rounds of heaven slathered with homemade preserves.

Located at 8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221, the Loveless maintains its vintage charm with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and country memorabilia. Fried chicken, country ham, and scratch-made sides complete the authentic Southern breakfast and lunch experience.

Arrive early on weekends because the wait can stretch over an hour, though browsing their gift shop helps pass the time.

7. Alcenia’s

Owner BJ Chester-Tamayo greets every guest with genuine warmth at this tiny Memphis soul food spot that feels more like visiting a beloved aunt than dining out. The walls burst with colorful decorations, inspirational quotes, and photos documenting decades of happy customers.

You’ll find this treasure at 317 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38105, in downtown’s historic district. Fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and sweet potato pancakes showcase traditional soul food prepared with obvious love and expertise.

Cash-only policy keeps things old-school, so hit the ATM before arriving to this unforgettable Memphis gem.

8. The Lost Sea Restaurant

After touring America’s largest underground lake, refuel at this unique eatery connected to the Lost Sea Adventure attraction. The restaurant theme embraces the cave experience, making your meal feel like part of the subterranean journey.

Situated at 140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, the menu offers classic American fare perfect for hungry explorers. Burgers, sandwiches, and homemade soups provide comfort after walking through cool cave passages and marveling at underground waters.

Combining natural wonder with satisfying food creates a day trip you’ll remember for years, especially when kids are along for the adventure.

9. Blackberry Farm

This luxury resort’s restaurant elevates farm-to-table dining into an art form, with ingredients sourced from their own gardens, dairy, and smokehouse. Every dish tells a story of Appalachian heritage reimagined through modern culinary techniques.

Nestled at 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886 in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, dining here requires deep pockets but delivers unforgettable flavors. Tasting menus change with the seasons, showcasing whatever’s freshest and most inspiring to the talented kitchen team.

Reservations book months ahead, making this a special-occasion destination worth planning your entire Tennessee trip around.

10. Arnold’s Country Kitchen

Cafeteria-style service meets meat-and-three perfection at this Nashville institution that’s been feeding locals since 1982. Jack Arnold runs a tight ship, serving traditional Southern cooking that tastes exactly like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.

Located at 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, this cash-only spot closes when the food runs out, sometimes before the posted hours. Choose your protein and three vegetables from daily-changing options like turnip greens, mac and cheese, and fried okra.

Lunch-only hours and limited seating mean you’ll likely wait, but every minute proves worthwhile when you taste that authentic home cooking.