These 10 Amazing Tennessee Restaurants Are Loaded With Local History
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Meghan Kraft
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Tennessee is proud of its history, and their love of state is not hard to find. You’ll see it splashed across Memphis and Nashville, stretching up into the east Tennessee mountains and filling the rivers of Chattanooga. With that history comes story, and with every story comes a good meal. Or so we think. If you’re looking to enjoy a bite of history while in Tennessee, then we’ve found a restaurant for you.
Capitol Grille opened in 1910, it's one of the oldest and most beautiful restaurants in the whole of Nashville. It sits regally near capitol hill, which means you'll be in the heart of downtown AND close to all the action. Even the food has history -- all of the vegetables are from nearby historic Glen Leven Farm. (231 6th Ave N)
Built in 1919, the Arcade Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Memphis. Located in downtown Memphis, just a few blocks from Beale Street, it's still owned by the Zepatos family nearly 100 years later (and still serving up their all-day breakfast, too!). (540 S Main Street)
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The Smith House has enough history to write a book of its own. It housed Union soldiers in the Civil War, it is the last standing grand town house in downtown Nashville, and it is the filming location of Allison Krauss and Brad Paisley's "Whiskey Lullaby" music video. The Smith family has owned the house since 2005, opening the restaurant after spending a few years fully restoring the house. (167 Rosa L Parks Blvd)
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Memphis's oldest barbecue restaurant opened in 1922 when Leonard Heuberger started selling his barbecue sandwiches for 5 cents apiece. Elvis himself was even known as a regular! That's quite the story, you know...(5465 Fox Plaza Drive)
Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville has operated out of the same storefront since 1939. It was originally opened as a grocery, but has since evolved into a diner-esque eatery that gives Nashville a sweet (quite literally) place to spend Saturday brunch or a weekday date night. We'd recommend their milkshakes - they're delicious! (2111 Elliston Place)
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Iconic amongst Tennesseans and tourists alike, the colloquially known Rendezvous has been a west Tennessee tradition since 1948. It helped to put Memphis on the map, and it has since become known as the pork barbecue capitol of the world. Not too shabby, hey? (52 S 2nd Street)
Zarzour's has been a Chattanooga staple for years, welcoming families and lovers and best friends through its doors for generations. The spot has been owned by the same family since its opening in 1918, making this delicious restaurant a place for the ages - and the history books. Take note: there's an ever-changing menu, so no visit will be the same. (1627 Rossville Avenue)
Bistro at the Bijou is the best place to sit down for dinner if you're attending a show at the theater next door, and its almost singlehandedly preserved the age-old class of fine dining in Knoxville. It opened in 1980 and has continuously served a seasonal menu that delights the senses. (807 S Gay Street)
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Wally's has served the greater Chattanooga area since 1937, giving the locally owned diner eighty years of great food and good memories. Come here for a great meat and three or to relive your favorite childhood memories - this is one Tennessee gem we hope to visit forever. (1600 McCallie Avenue)
Officially the oldest restaurant in the state, Varallo's opened in 1907 and continues to serve the public with hours that only span weekdays and meals that run the tastebud gamut. Come here if you're looking for the best kind of comfort food with a no-frills atmosphere. Here, it's the food that shines. (264 4th Ave N)
Hey Tennessee – speak up! We’ve covered our largest cities, but is there a historic restaurant in your home town? Tell us all about it in the comments!
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