11 Tennessee Spots So Popular, People Drive Miles And Still Wait Hours
Tennessee knows how to keep folks coming back for more.
Whether it’s sizzling hot chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance or fluffy pancakes stacked sky-high, some spots in the Volunteer State have lines that wrap around the block—and people still show up with smiles on their faces.
I’ve waited my fair share of hours for a taste of Tennessee’s finest, and trust me, these places are worth every minute.
1. Prince’s Hot Chicken — Nashville
Spice lovers unite at this legendary Nashville joint where the heat is real and the wait is even longer. Prince’s practically invented hot chicken, and their recipe has been setting mouths on fire since the 1930s. The line snakes out the door most days, but nobody seems to mind when they know what’s waiting inside.
I once stood outside for ninety minutes on a sweltering July afternoon, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The chicken arrives glistening with cayenne-spiked oil, each bite delivering a perfect combo of crunch and fire. You’ll need that white bread and those pickles to cool things down!
Locals and tourists pack this place because authenticity can’t be rushed or replicated.
2. Arnold’s Country Kitchen — Nashville
Meat-and-three heaven exists, and it’s tucked away in a humble building where the lunch rush feels like a family reunion. Arnold’s has been dishing out Southern comfort since 1982, serving up classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and turnip greens that taste like grandma made them. The cafeteria-style setup moves quickly, but you’ll still spend time waiting because everyone in Nashville knows this secret.
My first visit had me standing outside for forty-five minutes, watching office workers and construction crews all mingling together. Once inside, I loaded my tray with three sides and couldn’t decide which was better.
The chocolate pie alone justifies the wait, and the prices won’t break your wallet either.
3. Monell’s — Nashville
Family-style dining reaches peak perfection when strangers become friends over platters of fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. Monell’s serves everything on communal tables, and you’ll pass bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread to folks you just met. The wait can stretch past an hour on weekends, but the experience makes it unforgettable.
I remember sitting next to a couple from California who couldn’t stop raving about the banana pudding. We all laughed, ate way too much, and left feeling like old pals. The Southern hospitality isn’t just a saying here—it’s baked into every dish.
Come hungry, leave happy, and don’t be surprised if you make new friends along the way.
4. Loveless Cafe — Nashville
Biscuits that melt in your mouth and preserves so good you’ll want to take jars home—that’s the Loveless promise. This roadside treasure has been serving travelers since 1951, and the weekend crowds prove its reputation hasn’t faded one bit. Expect lines that wind through the gift shop, but nobody complains when those fluffy biscuits arrive at the table.
My visit last spring had me waiting nearly two hours, but I browsed the jams and jellies while my stomach growled impatiently. When I finally sat down, the country ham and red-eye gravy made every second worthwhile.
5. Pancake Pantry — Nashville
Breakfast fanatics gather before dawn at this Hillsboro Village institution where pancakes reign supreme. The Pancake Pantry opened in 1961 and quickly became Nashville’s go-to spot for morning fuel. Lines form early and stay steady through lunch, with folks clutching coffee cups and chatting about which flavor to order.
I’ve tried the sweet potato pancakes, the Caribbean pancakes with pineapple and coconut, and the classic buttermilk stack—all phenomenal. My record wait time? Ninety minutes on a Saturday, and I regret nothing. The syrup selection alone could keep you busy for weeks.
Pro tip: weekdays are slightly less crazy, but honestly, the wait is part of the tradition now.
6. Elliston Place Soda Shop — Nashville
Step back in time at Nashville’s oldest operating soda shop, where milkshakes are thick and burgers come with a side of nostalgia. Elliston Place has been slinging comfort food since 1939, and the retro vibe keeps both old-timers and young folks streaming through the door. The lunch rush can pack the place, but the vintage booths and friendly service make waiting feel like part of the show.
I ordered a chocolate malt and a cheeseburger during my last visit, and both tasted exactly like they would’ve seventy years ago. The jukebox played oldies while I soaked up the atmosphere.
This place proves that some traditions never go out of style, no matter how long the line gets.
7. Wendell Smith’s Restaurant — Nashville
Soul food done right brings people from every corner of Nashville to this unassuming spot on Jefferson Street. Wendell Smith’s has been feeding hungry folks since 1998, serving up fried catfish, smothered pork chops, and collard greens that’ll make you close your eyes and smile. The lunch crowd packs the place tight, and you might wait a while, but good food takes time.
My coworker dragged me here on a Tuesday, and we stood in line for thirty minutes before grabbing a table. The cornbread was sweet, the greens were perfectly seasoned, and the catfish was crispy perfection.
This restaurant embodies Nashville’s rich culinary history and keeps tradition alive one plate at a time.
8. Dyer’s Burgers — Memphis
Memphis lays claim to one of the wildest burger stories you’ll ever hear, and it all happens at Dyer’s. This joint has been cooking burgers in the same grease since 1912—yes, you read that right—and the flavor is absolutely legendary. The grease gets strained and reused daily, building up layers of taste that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Lines form quickly, especially during lunch and dinner rushes.
I was skeptical until I took my first bite and understood the hype completely. The burger was juicy, flavorful, and unlike anything I’d tasted before. The fries get cooked in that same historic grease, too.
It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s worth every minute of waiting.
9. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken — Memphis
Crispy, spicy, and ridiculously addictive—Gus’s fried chicken has earned its world-famous status one drumstick at a time. Starting as a tiny joint in Mason, Tennessee, Gus’s expanded to Memphis and beyond, but the recipe stayed the same. The chicken arrives piping hot with a peppery kick that sneaks up on you, and the wait times prove people can’t get enough.
I drove an hour to try it after hearing friends rave, and I joined a line that stretched out the door. Thirty minutes later, I was biting into the crunchiest, most flavorful chicken I’d ever experienced. The hot sauce on the table adds extra fire if you’re brave.
Gus’s proves that simple done right beats fancy every single time.
10. The Arcade Restaurant — Memphis
Memphis’s oldest cafe still serves up breakfast and lunch to crowds who appreciate history with their hash browns. The Arcade opened in 1919 and has been a downtown staple ever since, feeding everyone from Elvis Presley to modern-day tourists. The retro atmosphere and classic diner menu keep tables full and waiting times climbing, especially on weekends.
I ordered the sweet potato pancakes with a side of bacon, and everything tasted fresh and satisfying. The black-and-white checkered floor and vintage decor made me feel like I’d stepped into a time machine. Elvis allegedly loved the peanut butter and banana sandwich here.
History, great food, and friendly service make The Arcade a must-visit Memphis landmark.
11. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant — Multiple Locations
Southern comfort meets live music at this Tennessee chain that started as a simple grocery store in 1953. Puckett’s now has locations across the state, each serving up barbecue, fried catfish, and homestyle cooking that draws locals and travelers alike. The combination of great food and nightly live music creates waits that can stretch long, but the atmosphere makes time fly.
I visited the Leiper’s Fork location on a Friday night and waited forty minutes while a bluegrass band warmed up. Once seated, I devoured pulled pork nachos and sweet tea while tapping my feet to the music.
Puckett’s nails the Tennessee experience—good eats, good tunes, and good times all rolled into one spot.