A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
It’s no mystery that Tennessee is home to some of the most creative and unique restaurants in the U.S. From hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints to award-winning bistros, the sheer number of dining options is impressive. Nowhere is that truer than in Clarksville, Tennessee, one of the most popular foodie towns in the state. Sure, you’ll find traditional Southern eats here, but you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a diverse array of international fare. Curious to learn more? Below you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Clarksville to fuel a true culinary adventure.
Less than an hour north of bustling Nashville, Clarksville is a foodie destination in its own right. With new restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and breweries popping up on every corner plus those that have been around for decades, a trip to this exciting destination is bound to be food-packed. So if you're planning a trip to Clarksville in the near future, be sure to bring your appetite! Below you'll find just a handful of some must-try eateries in town.
There's a slice of Hawaiian paradise waiting for you to discover in middle Tennessee. Kimo's Hawaiian Grill offers an authentic cultural experience where food and family are celebrated fully. From Kalbi Beef to Kimo's Barbecue Chicken, Garlic Shrimp, and a variety of house burgers, each dish is infused with spices and flavor. And just wait 'til you see the drink menu! Whether you visit for a full meal or are stopping by for Wednesday Trivia Night, you'll be glad you discovered this gem.
Egyptian and Mediterranean fare can be enjoyed at the delightful King Tut Coffee and Grill. If it's your first visit, be sure to try one of the signature dishes: Stuffed Cabbage Leaves, Bachamel, Stuffed Zucchini, or a traditional Egyptian dish known as Hawawshi. Or, if you're stopping by for a snack, you'll want to sample their famous Hibiscus tea, Turkish coffee, and perhaps indulge in some Egyptian rice pudding.
Located on University Avenue, Kings Bluff Brewery uses award-winning recipes to create some of the tastiest craft beer in the region. You'll find a variety of pilsners, ales, and IPAs on tap, but you'll also find some great food. That's because Kings Bluff Brewery often partners with local Clarksville restaurants, such as Zander's Woodfire Pizza, Linell's, Driving You Donuts, and more. Stay up-to-date on events when you follow Kings Bluff Brewery on Facebook.
Some of the best seafood in Clarksville can be found at Storming Crab. The motto at this local institution is "Sit down, bib up, and get ready for some deliciously messy Cajun food!" Diners can select their seafood combo — which might include crawfish, shrimp, sausage, clams, and even an entire lobster — and then get to work. You can also order up a fried basket filled with fried gator, hushpuppies, calamari, or fried shrimp. Learn more about what makes Storming Crab such a fun Clarksville experience.
Looking for some plant-based dining in Clarksville? The Mad Herbalist has just what you're looking for. With a focus on fresh and local ingredients, this cafe is part eatery and part tea lounge. Both food and drink menus rotate seasonally, but you can look forward to delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, and dips.
To get a sense of the tight-knit Clarksville community, head to Yada on Franklin for an excellent cup of coffee, fresh made pasta and pizzas, or perhaps even a creative cocktail. Specializing in tapas made with lots of love, this restaurant is your go-to spot for sharing a meal with friends or family.
If you're craving fresh sushi, you'll want to plan a visit to the most popular spot in town: Kohana Sushi & Ramen. This upscale restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes with a modern and creative twist. With the highest-quality fish and ingredients, the results are truly delicious! Try a specialty sushi roll, bowl of ramen, and finish it all off with an ice-cold Sapporo beer. And if you've saved room for dessert, try the Banana Tempura or Cookie Dough Wontons!
If you're in the mood for an excellent steak, Edward's Steakhouse promises some of the best you've ever tasted. A great option for a romantic evening out, Edward's offers a relaxed atmosphere with a lengthy wine list, live piano music on the weekends, and, of course, mouthwatering entrees in generous portions. One of the specialties here is the Hot Bacon Glazed Prime Rib.
Nestled right alongside the Cumberland River, The Catfish House is a favorite in the region. This family-owned gem is relaxing, scenic, and welcoming. They still hand-bread all their catfish and make pies and sides fresh every day. Served family-style with specialties like fried okra, white beans, and secret-recipe hush puppies means saving room for homemade chess or coconut cream pie can be a challenge – but one you’ll want to attempt!
Last, but certainly not least, Madeleine's Place is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. This French bakery specializes in croissants, cakes, and baked goods, but the truth is, you really never know what kind of goodies await. That's because Madeleine's Place is always trying something new, whether it's a mini Oreo Cheesecake or fresh Strawberry Crepes. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.
Have you dined in Clarksville, Tennessee lately? What was your favorite restaurant? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! For more information, be sure to check out the official Visit Clarksville website.