6 Cozy Places to Eat in Tennessee

Pair wood-fired pizza with your wine at Lookout Winery in Guild, about 17 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, where you can take in the views of three states from their heated balcony. Order a flight of wines like the Michele Moscato or Pinto Grigio which pairs with the vegetarian pizza topped with green peppers, mushrooms and black olives. The Roma with its toppings of fire roasted red peppers, sausage and fresh mushrooms pairs with the Antonio Riesling, Peitro Pinot Noir and the Gaetano Gewurtztraminer. Whichever wines you choose, you can be sure your pizza will be a great compliment.

• Parking Information: Guests can utilize the convenient on-site parking lot located directly at the winery.
• Accessibility Options: The facility is designed to be wheelchair accessible, including the balcony area.
• Operation Hours: They are open Tuesday through Sunday, beginning service at 11:00 AM.
• Special Highlights: The restaurant offers a unique experience where diners can enjoy wood-fired pizza while taking in views of three different states.

Italian fine dining in the heart of Nashville with an exposition kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven can be found at Trattoria Il Mulino. Rich leather booths and intimate tables invite you to enjoy locally sourced food made from scratch, including mozzarella cheese, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine and local craft beer list. Reserve a table to enjoy ricotta meatballs, gnocchi, filet mignon, grilled asparagus and roasted fingerling potatoes.

• Parking Information: While on-site parking is not available, the restaurant provides valet services and is located near several public parking garages in downtown Nashville.
• Accessibility Options: As it is located within the Hilton Downtown Nashville, the restaurant is fully ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible.
• Operation Hours: Lunch is served daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with dinner service starting at 5:00 PM and running until 10:00 PM (11:00 PM on weekends).
• Special Highlights: This high-end Italian eatery offers an intimate atmosphere with an exposition kitchen and leather booths for a refined, cozy dining experience.

Venture to The Mad Herbalist, a shop with a log cabin feel with its hard wood floors and woodstove fireplace. Upstairs, you’ll find plush pillows and window seating, a perfect spot to curl up with an array of teas to sample. House tea brews include the Frosted Flora with its rosemary, lemon rind, peppermint, chamomile and lemongrass notes; lavender mocha featuring black tea, lavender flowers, orange peels, blue cornflowers, vanilla and cracked coffee with cacao nibs; and Sweet Cinders – smoked lapsang tea with cedar, balsam, fir and vanilla notes.

• Parking Information: Guests can find designated on-site parking at this charming Madison Street property.
• Accessibility Options: The main floor of the cabin is accessible, though the lounge area with plush window seating is located on the second floor.
• Operation Hours: This tea lounge and café is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Special Highlights: This cozy restaurant is set in a rustic log cabin and features a woodstove fireplace where guests can sample custom-blended herbal teas.

The Bar-B-Q Shop is a Memphis staple, voted No. 1 Ribs in America by the Food Network's Top Five Restaurants. Known for their real-pit barbecue and old-fashioned barbecue sauces, you'll savor every bite and want seconds. Sink your teeth into fall-off-the-bone ribs, barbecue pork, beef and turkey sandwiches, unique barbecue spaghetti, Kielbasa Polish sausage and made-from-scratch sides like Cole slaw, onion rings, potato salad, beans and more.

• Parking Information: Visitors can utilize street parking or validated parking in the surrounding Midtown area.
• Accessibility Options: The restaurant is ground-level and fully accessible for guests with mobility needs.
• Operation Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM; hours are subject to change, so calling ahead is recommended.
• Special Highlights: This staple is famous for its unique barbecue spaghetti and authentic pit-cooked meats.

Upon entering White Squirrel Winery, you’re surrounded by rich wood details, a stunning chandelier and wine varieties like muscadine, Moscato, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Take a seat in front of the fireplace with a full wine tasting and cheese plate to enjoy the vineyard scenery.

• Parking Information: Ample farm-style parking is available directly on the property for visitors to the tasting room and vineyard.
• Accessibility Options: The tasting room and main building are wheelchair accessible, featuring wide entries and open floor plans.
• Operation Hours: The tasting room is open Friday (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM), Saturday (1:00 PM – 6:00 PM), and Sunday (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
• Special Highlights: It is one of the premier restaurants with fireplaces where you can enjoy a full wine flight and cheese plate while surrounded by rich wood details and vineyard views.

Famous Charles Vergos' Rendezvous is a barbecue must-visit when in Memphis. Order up a full slab of charbroiled pork ribs and sides like potato salad, baked beans or mustard vinegar-based slaw to warm up from your outdoor adventures. Other barbecue favorites like beef brisket, pulled chicken, pork shoulder sandwiches and lamb riblets are also on the menu. 

• Parking Information: Valet parking is available nearby for $12, and several parking garages are located within one block of the famous alley entrance.
• Accessibility Options: Although located in a basement, the restaurant is fully accessible via an elevator; guests should alert the staff upon arrival for assistance.
• Operation Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Special Highlights: This legendary spot offers a unique, subterranean atmosphere and is world-famous for its charcoal-fired dry-rub ribs and iconic Memphis BBQ heritage.

Explore even more places in Tennessee to cozy up and stay awhile.