5 Tennessee Steakhouses Tourists Line Up For & 5 That Locals Say Truly Shine
There’s something about Tennessee that makes a steak taste better. Maybe it’s the smoky mountain air drifting through Gatlinburg, the neon glow of Broadway in Nashville, or the quiet hum of conversation in a Franklin dining room.
Across the Volunteer State, steakhouses aren’t just places to eat—they’re stages where tradition, indulgence, and Southern hospitality all come together on one plate.
From glitzy, celebrity-loved spots where tourists happily wait in line, to unassuming gems cherished by locals for generations, Tennessee’s steakhouse scene tells its story bite by bite.
These are the places where sizzling ribeyes meet fine bourbon, where the salad bar is as legendary as the steak itself, and where every meal feels like a celebration of Southern life.
1. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse: Where Nashville’s Elite Meet
Holy cow—literally! The first time I walked into Jeff Ruby’s downtown Nashville location, my jaw dropped faster than a hot knife through butter. The glamorous chandeliers and plush red booths screamed luxury, but it was the dry-aged steaks that stole the show.
Tourists flock here for the celebrity sightings (I once spotted Keith Urban at the bar) and the legendary Steak Collinsworth—a masterpiece topped with king crab and asparagus. The live music adds that perfect Nashville touch without being too touristy.
Fair warning: your wallet will feel significantly lighter after dining here, but those USDA Prime cuts are worth every penny. Pro tip: make reservations weeks in advance, especially during CMA Fest when wait times can stretch longer than a country ballad.
2. STK Nashville: Steakhouse Meets Nightclub
Confession time: I once danced between tables at STK after my second martini! This isn’t your grandpa’s steakhouse—it’s where carnivores come to party. The DJ booth nestled between dining areas keeps the energy high while servers deliver sizzling plates of beef perfection.
Located in the Gulch, STK attracts selfie-taking tourists who can’t get enough of the dramatic dry ice presentations and Instagram-worthy cocktails. The wagyu flatiron with truffle butter nearly made me propose to my waiter last visit.
Don’t miss their famous parmesan truffle fries that somehow stay crispy throughout your entire meal (sorcery, I tell you!). While prices might make your eyes water, the people-watching alone justifies the splurge. Bonus: celebrities often pop in after performances downtown, making dinner and a show a real possibility!
3. The Peddler Steakhouse: Gatlinburg’s Rustic Gem
Nestled alongside a mountain stream in Gatlinburg, The Peddler had me at hello with its converted 1958 cabin vibes. Tourists fresh from Smoky Mountain hikes line up outside this rustic hideaway, drawn by tales of steaks cut tableside from a rolling meat cart (yes, you actually pick your own cut!).
The stone fireplace crackled welcomingly during my winter visit, creating the perfect backdrop for their signature ribeye. What really sets this place apart is the salad bar—not typically something I’d rave about, but their homemade ranch dressing is liquid gold.
Every table offers views of either the Little Pigeon River or lush forest scenes. After a day of dodging crowds on Gatlinburg’s main strip, The Peddler’s peaceful setting and hearty portions feel like a warm mountain hug. Reservations? Absolutely necessary.
4. Sperry’s: Nashville’s Old-School Steakhouse Legend
My grandpa first took me to Sperry’s Belle Meade location when I was twelve, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Operating since 1974, this Nashville institution feels like stepping into a time machine with its dark wood paneling and vintage hunting-lodge aesthetic.
While tourists occasionally discover this gem, it’s primarily packed with locals celebrating anniversaries or closing business deals. The bananas foster prepared tableside never fails to elicit oohs and aahs from nearby tables. Their prime rib has ruined all other prime ribs for me—perfectly pink and served with horseradish that clears your sinuses in the most delightful way.
The Cool Springs location attracts a slightly younger crowd but maintains the same dedication to quality. Don’t skip the gooey, cheesy spinach rockefeller—it might not be fancy, but it’s comfort food perfection alongside a perfectly cooked filet.
5. Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse: Nashville’s Century-Old Tradition
Stepping through the doors of Jimmy Kelly’s Victorian mansion is like entering a time warp to 1934! This Nashville stalwart has served sizzling steaks to everyone from country music legends to visiting presidents. Tourists often discover it through concierge recommendations at downtown hotels.
The creaky hardwood floors and intimate dining rooms create an atmosphere that’s impossible to manufacture in newer establishments. During my last visit, I overheard a server explaining to wide-eyed visitors how the restaurant survived prohibition by operating as a “private club” with secret passwords (wink, wink).
Their corn pudding side dish is the stuff of local legend—velvety, sweet, and the perfect complement to their signature bone-in ribeye. The mint juleps come in frosty silver cups just like they did decades ago. Pro tip: request a table in the library room for the full old-Nashville experience.
6. Ye Olde Steak House: Knoxville’s Time-Honored Institution
Driving up to Ye Olde Steak House feels like entering a time capsule from 1968! This family-owned Knoxville institution has survived fires, tornados, and countless food trends while stubbornly sticking to what they do best—incredible steaks in an unpretentious setting.
Locals treat this place like their personal dining room, greeting servers by name and rarely consulting the menu. The wood-paneled walls display decades of memories and local sports memorabilia. My first visit coincided with a UT game day, and watching the orange-clad regulars celebrate each touchdown while carving into massive T-bones was peak Tennessee culture.
Their cooking method hasn’t changed in 50+ years: steaks are broiled under intense heat, creating a perfect crust while maintaining juicy centers. The iceberg wedge salad with homemade blue cheese dressing might sound basic, but it’s executed flawlessly. Cash or check only—credit cards are too newfangled for this beloved time warp!
7. The Barn At Blackberry Farm: Walland’s Farm-To-Table Masterpiece
Hold onto your cowboy hats, folks! The Barn at Blackberry Farm isn’t just a steakhouse—it’s a religious experience for meat lovers. Tucked away in the Smoky Mountain foothills, this James Beard Award-winning restaurant sources beef from their own heritage-breed cattle raised right on the property.
Locals save this place for milestone celebrations, while well-heeled tourists plan entire Tennessee vacations around securing a reservation. The soaring timber-frame dining room with views of the misty mountains created the most romantic setting for my anniversary dinner last fall.
Their signature “Blackberry Farm Beef” comes with a story—the server explains the cattle’s lineage, diet, and even name (I’m not kidding). The accompanying vegetables are harvested hours before service from gardens visible from your table. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you need reservations months in advance. And yes, it will ruin other steakhouses for you forever.
8. Kayne Prime: Nashville’s Modern Meat Laboratory
The first time I tried Kayne Prime’s house-made bacon with maple cotton candy, I nearly proposed to the chef on the spot! This sleek Gulch hotspot represents Nashville’s evolution from country music town to cosmopolitan city. Tourists book weeks ahead based on rave online reviews.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of train tracks and city lights, while the interior showcases rich leather, warm woods, and moody lighting. The open kitchen concept lets you watch culinary artists wield blowtorches and smoking guns like scientific instruments. Their wagyu filet with bone marrow butter literally melts in your mouth—no knife required!
What sets Kayne apart is their willingness to experiment. Their cream corn brûlée with vanilla and torched sugar top has sparked countless imitators across the South. The drink program deserves special mention—the sommelier once spent 20 minutes helping me find the perfect obscure red for my wagyu. Worth every penny of its hefty price tag.
9. Cork & Cow: Franklin’s Hidden Spot
Just 20 minutes from Nashville’s tourist hustle, Cork & Cow in historic Franklin is where locals escape for serious steak without the scene. I discovered this charmer while exploring Franklin’s adorable Main Street, drawn in by the intoxicating scent of searing beef and truffle oil.
The intimate brick-walled space buzzes with conversation rather than blaring music. During my first visit, the owner stopped by my table to recommend his favorite bourbon pairing for my filet—a personal touch that’s increasingly rare. Their dry-aging program produces steaks with flavor profiles that change seasonally, reflecting whatever local ingredients inspire the chef.
The “Steak Frites” with herb butter and duck fat fries remains my go-to order, though their bacon-wrapped filet stuffed with blue cheese occasionally tempts me to stray. Local tip: visit on Wednesdays for half-price drink bottles, when Franklin residents pack the bar area three-deep.
10. The Chop House: Chattanooga’s Riverside Meat Paradise
Perched along the Tennessee River with stunning waterfront views, The Chop House became my Chattanooga salvation during a rainy weekend getaway. While tourists crowd the nearby aquarium restaurants, locals pack this spacious steakhouse for serious meat and impressive drink.
The massive stone fireplace dominates the dining room, creating a mountain lodge atmosphere that perfectly suits Chattanooga’s outdoor vibe. Their wet-aging process results in steaks with remarkable tenderness—my tomahawk ribeye (aptly named “The Flintstone”) barely required chewing. The table bread alone deserves special mention—warm sourdough with honey butter that I may have smuggled home in my purse.
What impressed me most was their commitment to perfect temperature—my medium-rare porterhouse arrived exactly medium-rare, a rarity even at high-end establishments. The outdoor patio offers sunset river views that pair beautifully with their extensive bourbon selection. Chattanooga’s best-kept carnivorous secret!