Try These 11 Restaurants To Taste The Local Flavor Of Tennessee
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Meghan Kraft
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When it comes to food, Tennesseans know what they’re doing. The rich history of the state has provided us with a whole smattering of different foods that are uniquely Tennessean. From biscuits to country ham to Memphis-style barbecue, there’s just so much to eat in order to get the true local flavor of Tennessee. So, we compiled this bucket list of the best spots in the state for some of the most iconic Tennessee foods, and you really need to visit them ASAP.
Just a short drive outside of Chattanooga, the Countryside Cafe serves up all the Southern classics, but what you really need to try here is their famous banana pudding. 8223 Mahan Gap Rd.
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Arnold's in Nashville is known for their around-the-building lines and their iconic meat-and-threes (yes, mac-n-cheese counts as a vegetable). Be sure to get there early for lunch! 605 8th Ave S.
Right on the banks of the Tennessee River in Shiloh, the Catfish Hotel serves up the best catfish in the state. It's a little off the beaten path, but it's definitely worthy of a pilgrimage. 1140 Hagy Ln.
Rendezvous in Memphis is known for their uniquely Memphis-style barbecue, specifically their ribs. It's almost literally a hole in the wall in downtown, but you'll want to make sure you visit. 52 S 2nd St.
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Just outside of Nashville is the world-famous Loveless Cafe. And when you go to Loveless, you NEED to get their biscuits. There's no better example of this iconic Tennessee staple anywhere in the state. 8400 TN-100.
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Right outside the FedEx Forum, Bleu is a nice restaurant, but their best dish isn't one of their entrees. It's the decadent mac and cheese that they serve as a side. 221 South B.B. King Boulevard.
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While the Goo Goo Shop isn't really a restaurant, there's nothing more Tennessee than a Goo Goo cluster, the world's first combination candy bar. Wander off Broadway in downtown for this not-so-hidden gem. 116 3rd Ave S.
First things first: No, Sugar's Ribs doesn't serve goat. But they do have the best cornbread in the state, and the goats love it, too! Order some extra so you can feed the restaurant's pet goats that roam the lawn outside. 2450 15th Ave.
Market Square in Knoxville is worth visiting just for the energy of the city's center, but the fried pickles at the Stock & Barrel make this one of the best spots in Knoxville. 35 Market Square.
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Way up in the eastern-most corner of Tennessee, Shirley's Home Cooking is the epitome of Southern cooking. They serve up some of the best country ham you'll find anywhere, and it's well worth the trip. 3266 US-321.
With multiple locations around Nashville now, there's no reason to not visit Hattie B's the next time you're in town to get some of their world-famous hot chicken. For fewer lines, head to their West Nashville location. 5209 Charlotte Ave.
In addition to our food, Tennessee is also known for its stunning beauty, and these hiking trails around the state show it off best.
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