This Tiny Cafe In Tennessee Is Hidden In The Hills And Has Everything Your Heart Desires
By Meghan Kraft|Published April 11, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Shelbyville is home to roughly 20,000 folks in Bedford County, Tennessee, and has been a part of the state since its official incorporation in 1819. Historic and known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful, rural location, Shelbyville is one of the lesser-known gems in the Volunteer State. Tucked away on the town’s public square you will find Pope’s Cafe, an American-centric restaurant that serves vegetarian-friendly meals as well as one of the best burgers in the state. Though it may be hidden in the hills of Tennessee, Pope’s Cafe is worth a reconnaissance mission.
Shelbyville may just seem like a "passing through" kind of town, but the small-town diner known as Pope’s Café gives you more than ample reason to stop. It is lauded for its delicious burgers, but visitors rave about everything from the country ham sandwich to buttered apples and chicken and dumplings.
Inside you will find a simple, nostalgic atmosphere honed by a long bar for sitting and red vinyl chairs. The checkered floor adds a cheeky element, and there’s nothing quite like pulling up a seat and sipping on a cold Coca-Cola through a straw. You may just feel like you’ve slipped backward in time.
There’s that famous burger! All the buns are fresh and soft, and the burgers are hand-patted and grilled to order. A good topping of American cheese and a side of fries really round out the lunchtime experience! You can choose to enjoy your meal on-site or to-go, but we have a feeling you aren’t going to want to wait to enjoy a lunch like this one.
Expect a menu full of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. You can add fries for a mere $3.15 to any order, and the hamburger steak dinner is also a favorite. Snag the fried bologna sandwich if you’re feeling something different, and the daily specials make it easy to switch up your meal.
The staff is kind and thoughtful, and you may just be encouraged to try one of the cafe's freshly baked pies. The mile-high meringue on the chocolate pie is dreamy!
You can visit Pope's Cafe from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
You can learn more about Pope’s Cafe on its official Facebook page. This neat little eatery is a great spot to visit, and one of its homemade burgers may just hit the spot.
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