9 Unusual Tennessee Restaurants That Serve Meals You’ll Be Talking About For Years
Tennessee isn’t just about hot chicken and barbecue, though we do those pretty well, if I say so myself. I’ve spent years exploring the Volunteer State’s dining scene, and I’ve discovered some truly wild spots that serve food you won’t find anywhere else.
From restaurants in converted gas stations to places serving soul food recipes passed down through generations, these eateries offer experiences that stick with you long after the last bite. Get ready to add some seriously unique spots to your Tennessee food bucket list.
1. The Four Way
Memphis soul food doesn’t get more authentic than this legendary spot. I still remember my first visit—walking through those doors felt like stepping into someone’s grandmother’s kitchen, except way bigger and filled with the most incredible aromas.
The fried chicken here is so crispy it practically sings, and the mac and cheese? Forget about it. They’ve been serving the same recipes since 1946, and honestly, why mess with perfection?
What makes this place truly special is the history soaked into every corner. Civil rights leaders ate here during the movement, and you can still feel that powerful legacy. The collard greens are cooked low and slow, just like they should be, and the cornbread is sweet enough to be dessert.
2. Payne’s Bar-B-Q
Tucked away in a tiny building that looks like a strong wind might knock it over, Payne’s serves what many consider the best barbecue sandwich in Tennessee. The food is ordered at a counter inside the small dining space, just like the old-school barbecue joints of the past.
The chopped pork sandwich is legendary for good reason. They pile the meat so high you’ll need both hands and maybe a prayer to keep it together. The tangy sauce has just enough vinegar kick to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
I once drove two hours just for one sandwich, and I’d do it again tomorrow. The slaw is crunchy and fresh, providing the perfect contrast to that tender, smoky pork.
3. Culture + Co.
Ever wonder what happens when Southern comfort meets global flavors? Culture + Co. answers that question with style. Instead of serving fusion-style hot dishes, this spot is actually known for its conveyor-belt delivery of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, one of the first concepts of its kind in the U.S.
Their menu changes with the seasons, but one thing stays constant: creativity. You’ll find rotating cheese plates, spreads, and small pairings rather than full entrées. The chefs here aren’t afraid to experiment, and that boldness pays off big time.
The atmosphere matches the food—eclectic, welcoming, and just a little bit funky. You might find yourself eating next to artists, musicians, or just regular folks who appreciate good food.
4. Tailor Nashville
Japanese precision meets Southern hospitality in this Nashville gem that redefines what fusion can be. Tailor is a South Asian American tasting-menu restaurant where the chef presents each course with the story behind it.
Picture this: sushi rolls with pimento cheese, or ramen with country ham. Sounds weird, right? But Tailor’s real menu features dishes inspired by the chef’s Indian/South Asian heritage—think spice-driven courses served family-style to the whole room at once. I was skeptical at first, but one bite of their hot chicken karaage changed my mind completely.
The presentation alone is worth the visit—each plate looks like edible art. The service is impeccable, and the sake selection could make a sommelier weep with joy. They’ve managed to honor both traditions while creating something entirely new and exciting.
5. Edessa Restaurant
Finding authentic Middle Eastern food in Tennessee might seem unlikely, but Edessa proves that great cuisine knows no borders. Edessa actually specializes in Kurdish and Turkish cuisine, serving huge platters of kebabs, fresh-baked Kurdish bread, and classics like lentil soup, baba ganoush, and kunafa.
The hummus here is so smooth and creamy, it makes store-bought versions taste like cardboard. Fresh pita bread arrives warm, perfect for scooping up every last bit of baba ganoush and tabbouleh. Their mixed kebab platters are the real standout, seasoned with regional spices from Kurdistan and Anatolia.
The owners treat everyone like family, often coming to tables to chat and make sure you’re enjoying everything. It’s this personal touch that turns a meal into an experience.
6. The Horn
Walking into The Horn feels like entering your coolest friend’s basement—if that friend happened to be an incredible chef. But The Horn is actually a Somali café known for sambusas, spiced Somali chai, and sweet pastries rather than burgers or eclectic vintage décor.
Their must-try items are the crispy beef sambusas and creamy chai that Nashville locals rave about.
The vibe here is relaxed and fun, with staff who genuinely seem to enjoy what they’re doing. Live music often fills the space, adding another layer to the already memorable atmosphere.
7. Silver Sands Cafe
The real Silver Sands is a historic Nashville soul-food cafeteria serving smothered pork chops, fried chicken, salmon croquettes, greens, and hot-water cornbread.
The must-try dishes are their rotating steam-table specials, especially the fried chicken and mac & cheese. The key lime pie tastes like it came straight from the Florida Keys.
The casual atmosphere encourages you to slow down and savor your meal. Flip-flops are totally acceptable here, which tells you everything you need to know about the laid-back vibe.
8. Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Café
Frizzle Chicken is actually a family-friendly Pigeon Forge breakfast spot famous for its 100+ singing animatronic chickens.
Everything here tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s, assuming your grandma was a culinary genius.Their real specialties are oversized pancakes, omelets, and chicken-and-waffles. They grow their own vegetables, so the sides are just as impressive as the main courses.
Eating here feels like being welcomed into someone’s home, complete with mismatched chairs and family photos on the walls.
9. High Point Restaurant
While it’s not perched on a dramatic peak, High Point sits in a historic 1929 Tudor-style home with local lore tying it to Al Capone, offering upscale Southern and steakhouse dishes.
Their menu focuses on steaks, seafood, and traditional fine-dining entrées rather than experimental dishes like duck confit with glaze.
Sunset reservations book up fast, and for good reason. Watching the sky change colors while enjoying exceptional food creates memories that last way longer than the meal itself.