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.
The Tomato Head
The Tomato Head stands as a testament to an uncompromising commitment to great food. Backed by a talented and dedicated staff that now numbers forty, the Tomato Head continues to improve upon the original concept of a creative and innovative eatery that strives to stimulate your appetite and your mind. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: 8659811080
The Tomato Head, Maryville
The Tomato Head stands as a testament to an uncompromising commitment to great food. Backed by a talented and dedicated staff that now numbers forty, the Tomato Head continues to improve upon the original concept of a creative and innovative eatery that strives to stimulate your appetite and your mind. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Maryville, TN
Phone: 865-981-1080
The Wild Plum Tea Room
The Wild Plum Tea Room is a pleasant surprise tucked in the midst of the fascinating Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Named for the wild plum trees surrounding this charming log building, the Wild Plum seats 32 guests in the dining room and a few more on the screened front porch next to the stream. ...more
Region: Smoky Mountains
City: Gatlinburg, TN
Phone: (865) 436-3808
Thyme Wisper Herb Shop
Located on a high ridge in the midst of a forest in unincorporated Pineview in Perry County and totally off-grid, Thyme Wisper Herb Shop embodies natural living and sustainability. Created by a Master Herbalist and Nutritionist to facilitate teaching people how to live and be healthy, it provides an opportunity to experience a natural, healthy way of living. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Linden, TN
Phone: (615) 337-9791
Time Warp Tea Room
Amidst the melange of motorcycle memorabilia and an antiques decor, Time Warp Tea Room offers a wide selection of gourmet coffee beverages, tea, chai, hot chocolate and smoothies.
Enjoy a bagel or pastry; homemade cookies, tea cakes, and brownies are also scrumptious. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: 865-524-1155
Tinsley-Bible Drug Store & Soda Fountain
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, this popular lunch stop and drug store still has an old-fashioned soda fountain, complete with handmade shakes and the “Bible Burger. ...more
Region: East Tennessee
City: Dandridge, TN
Phone: 865-397-3444
Tipton’s Cafe
This local favorite was a tin shop in 1925 and now serves everything from beef stew to banana pudding. Open 11-2:45 p. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Greeneville, TN
Phone: (423) 639-4201
Tom Thumb Diner
Locals rave about the home-style Thumb Burger. If you like breakfast food, itÂ’s served all day here. ...more
Region: Chattanooga & Southeast
City: Etowah, TN
Phone: 423-263-1150
Tony's Pasta Shop & Trattoria
Settled in the carriage house of a Victorian mansion, Tony’s offers a variety of pastas, made with freshly picked ingredients, and a large beer and wine selection in a casual atmosphere and a large open patio looking over the river.
Enjoy a view of the river from the dining rooms or deck, and walk around the Bluff View Arts District to take in the sites. ...more
Region: Chattanooga & Southeast
City: Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-265-5033
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
World-famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge was named after Tootsie Bess, a singer/comedienne, who purchased it in 1960. A hangout for Nashville's country music crowd, famous early customers were Kris Kristofferson, Faron Young, Willie Nelson, Tom T. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Nashville, TN
Phone: (615) 726-0463
Tributary Restaurant
Variety of delicious dishes including Italian specialties. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Mountain City, TN
Phone: 423-727-4150
Troutdale Bistro
Gourmet Sandwiches, Soups and Entrée Dishes. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Bristol, TN
Phone: 423-989-3663
Troutdale Dining Room
Award-winning, five-star restaurant using fresh, natural, organic, and products from local farms and growers. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Bristol, TN
Phone: 423-968-9099
Tupelo Honey Cafe
Creativity rules at Tupelo Honey Cafe, where the kitchen is filled with from-scratch inventive goodness. Our flavors are on par with the farm-fresh produce we love. ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Knoxville, TN
Phone: (865) 522-0004
Tusculum Eatery
Sandwiches, salads, wraps and delicious desserts. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Tusculum, TN
Phone:
