Local Favorites
Every community has a local favorite: a one-of-a-kind place where locals gather for a special dish, a certain atmosphere, or a chance to catch up with friends and neighbors over good food.
Like the folks on that television classic "Cheers," we all like to stop at a place "where everybody knows your name." Those local favorites have become more than restaurants. They are extensions of home, where someone is always glad you stopped by. That's just how Tennessee's own Cracker Barrel got started.
The interstate system was young, in the late 1960s, when Dan Evins cogitated on how to keep the real flavor of America available to folks on the road. To Evins, mealtime was that connection between the comfort of made-from-scratch food and time to enjoy catching up--with family, with friends or just with your own thoughts. That first Cracker Barrel Old Country Store opened in 1969 on the outskirts of Lebanon. Standards were firm: cornbread came from cornmeal, not a mix; prices could not "break" people; and, fortunately, the people who worked there made sure a trip to Cracker Barrel was like a friendly visit to a neighbor's home. Soon, people were lined up for turnip greens, biscuits and gravy and the good things served at Cracker Barrel.
Local favorites keep people coming back. Ruby Tuesday was founded on the campus of the University of Tennessee by Sandy Beall, who had a vision of food and drinks handcrafted, made fresh with quality ingredients and full of flavor, served by friendly people.
Not all local favorites have grown to cover the state. Many remain what they have always been: a neighborhood eatery with a reputation for good food and friendly service.
Capture vintage classic at Memphis' Arcade Restaurant, located in the middle of the historic district. Charming Fountain City, in North Knoxville, sees Litton's Market, Restaurant & Bakery spin platters of mouth-watering burgers, chili dogs, key lime pie, red velvet cake and more, while locals gather in a back room to discuss "the truth according to Litton's." An institution in Nashville, Monell's family-style hospitality serves up the finest fried chicken, cornbread, green beans, sweet tea, catfish--and the desserts are something else.
Paulette's Restaurant
The famous fine dining restaurant voted "most romantic" many times, Paulette's has offered the best in fine European cuisine for more than 30 years. Old-world European style in the vibrant midtown are of Memphis. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Memphis, TN
Phone: 901-726-5128
Peddler Steakhouse
Literally built upon tradition, the Peddler Steakhouse building is constructed around the C. Earl Ogle cabin, the home of a descendant of one of Gatlinburg’s first pioneer families. ...more
Region: Smoky Mountains
City: Gatlinburg, TN
Phone: 865-436-5794
Peerless Restaurant
“A Cut Above. ” 89-year-old restaurant with the finest steaks, seafood, Grecian salads, homemade dressings and desserts. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Johnson City, TN
Phone: 423-282-4224
Petunia’s Silver Jalapeno
Get a great fish taco and more in this cute silver airstream diner. Seating is limited, but the menu is full of flavor at this outdoor- dining eatery. ...more
Region: Chattanooga & Southeast
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-785-7578
Pig N Whistle
Pig N Whistle is home to great Memphis-style ribs and barbecue. Known for their distinctive and extensive barbecue menu, Pig N Whistle offers ribs, in slabs & half-slabs, done right with your choice of "wet, dry or muddy" treatment. ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Bartlett, TN
Phone: 901-386-3300
Pirate's Lair
This New Orleans-themed eatery with spicy Cajun dishes and live piano music is sure to add a kick to your step. ...more
Region: Middle Tennessee
City: Clifton, TN
Phone: 931-676-6972
Pizza Cottage
Old family recipes, great sauce and perfect crust make Pizza Cottage a place to go back to again and again. A Morristown tradition since 1974, Pizza Cottage is open 6 days a week serving the best pizza in town. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Morristown, TN
Phone: 423-587-2377
Pizza Kitchen
Fun, family friendly restaurant with interesting pizzas beyond the usual pepperoni and cheese options. Live music on the weekends. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: 865-531-1422
Pizza Palace
This drive-in, featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," is a Knoxville institution.
In 1961, three brothers from Greece opened the Pizza Palace for business. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: (615) 524-4388
Poor Richard’s Campus
Great deli-sandwiches, delicious four-layer-cakes with the best ever sweet iced tea. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Johnson City, TN
Phone:
Prince's Chicken Shack
When you step into Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, your decision is not what to order, but how to order it. Mild, medium, hot and extra hot. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-226-9442
Pro Anglers Shop
Stop here for great food, fuel and bass tackle. ...more
Region: East Tennessee
City: Lafollette, TN
Phone: 423-562-0122
Puckett's Grocery
Reservations accepted for weekend performances. ...more
Region:
City: Leiper's Fork, TN
Phone: (615) 794-1308
Purple Cow
Noted for their steak bombs and garbage fries, and incredible cheesecake. Sounds like an adventure. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Kingsport, TN
Phone: 423-245-1707
Quality Drug Store
Take a short drive to the small town of Friendship and you'll take a step
back in time. This old-fashioned drug store and malt shop offers more than just ice cream; try a club sandwich or BLT, made-to-order just as you like it. ...more
Region: West Tennessee
City: Friendship, TN
Phone: 731-677-2155
