11 Tennessee Breakfast Spots Everyone’s Raving About (And Locals Can’t Get Enough)
Tennessee knows how to do breakfast right, and the proof is in the biscuits, pancakes, and Southern comfort served up at some of the state’s most beloved morning spots.
From Nashville’s bustling brunch scene to Memphis’s cozy neighborhood joints, these eleven restaurants have earned a reputation that stretches far beyond state lines.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these breakfast havens are worth waking up early for.
1. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Gatlinburg’s Crockett’s Breakfast Camp brings the mountain adventure to your breakfast plate with a rustic, cabin-style atmosphere that feels like camping without the bugs. This spot serves up massive portions of traditional Southern breakfast favorites that’ll fuel you for a full day of hiking in the Smokies.
Their signature campfire pancakes are legendary, and the friendly staff treats everyone like family. Expect a wait during peak tourist season, but the line moves surprisingly fast.
Locals swear by the hearty skillets loaded with eggs, potatoes, and all the fixings you can imagine.
2. The Pancake Pantry
Since 1961, this Nashville institution has been flipping flapjacks and creating breakfast memories on Hillsboro Village’s charming streets. The Pancake Pantry holds the crown as Nashville’s oldest pancake house and one of Tennessee’s most iconic breakfast spots, and their twenty-three varieties of pancakes prove they’ve mastered the art.
Sweet potato pancakes steal the show with their unique Southern twist that tourists and locals alike crave year-round. The cozy interior and vintage charm transport you back to simpler times when breakfast was the day’s most important meal.
Be prepared for weekend lines that wrap around the block, but trust us, those fluffy stacks are absolutely worth every minute.
3. Biscuit Love
Nashville’s Biscuit Love started as a food truck and exploded into one of the city’s hottest breakfast destinations, proving that buttermilk biscuits can change lives. Their scratch-made biscuits arrive hot and fluffy, ready to cradle creative fillings that push Southern cuisine into exciting new territory.
The Princess biscuit with fried chicken, aged cheddar, and sausage gravy has achieved cult status among brunch enthusiasts. Farm-fresh ingredients and inventive menu items keep this spot packed from opening until closing.
Their East Nashville and Gulch locations both offer the same incredible quality that made them famous citywide.
4. Big Bad Breakfast
Chef John Currence brought his award-winning Southern breakfast vision from Oxford, Mississippi, to Tennessee, and breakfast lovers rejoiced with forks raised high. Big Bad Breakfast now operates in Chattanooga, Franklin, and Nashville, celebrating the morning meal with serious culinary chops while maintaining a fun, laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.
Their biscuits and gravy earn rave reviews, but don’t sleep on the creative omelets and perfectly seasoned hash browns. Fresh-squeezed juices and strong coffee complement every dish beautifully.
The Chattanooga, Franklin, and Nashville locations have become weekend rituals for families and friends seeking quality breakfast in a relaxed setting.
5. The Butter Milk Ranch
Tucked away in Nashville, The Butter Milk Ranch blends Southern comfort with modern flair, dishing out brunch favorites that keep crowds coming back week after week. This chef-driven bakery and restaurant, part of Nashville’s Fresh Hospitality group, focuses on scratch-made comfort food elevated to artful presentation.
Their chicken and waffles combination hits that perfect sweet-and-savory balance that keeps customers coming back week after week. Generous portions and reasonable prices make this spot a favorite among budget-conscious students and families alike.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere feels like home, even if it’s your first visit to Tennessee.
6. Sky Blue Café
East Nashville’s Sky Blue Café serves up breakfast with a healthy twist, proving that nutritious morning meals can taste absolutely incredible and satisfy your cravings. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients shine in every dish, from colorful veggie scrambles to protein-packed breakfast bowls.
Their avocado toast reaches legendary status with perfectly ripe avocados, heirloom tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic that elevates this trendy dish. Vegan and vegetarian options abound, making this spot inclusive for all dietary preferences.
The small, eclectic space and friendly service create a relaxed East Nashville atmosphere that locals adore.
7. Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant
Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant in Pigeon Forge brings authentic farm-to-table breakfast to life with dishes that taste like they came straight from a Tennessee homestead. This charming spot sources ingredients from local farms, ensuring freshness and supporting the community with every plate served.
Their country ham and red-eye gravy represents true Southern breakfast tradition executed to perfection. Homemade biscuits baked fresh daily provide the foundation for countless delicious combinations.
The rustic farmhouse décor and friendly small-town service transport diners to a simpler time when meals meant something special.
8. Lil’ Black Bear Café
Pigeon Forge’s Lil’ Black Bear Café combines quirky charm with seriously delicious breakfast creations that surprise and delight first-time visitors and regulars alike. This locally owned treasure fills its menu with creative twists on classic breakfast items that showcase culinary imagination.
Their stuffed French toast varieties push boundaries while respecting breakfast traditions that Southerners hold dear. Friendly baristas craft excellent coffee drinks that pair perfectly with every sweet or savory option.
The eclectic décor and welcoming community vibe make this café feel like Pigeon Forge’s best-kept secret, though word is definitely spreading fast.
9. Sunrise Memphis
Sunrise Memphis brightens mornings with globally inspired breakfast dishes that break free from traditional Southern fare while still honoring regional flavors. This innovative spot attracts adventurous eaters looking to expand their breakfast horizons beyond bacon and eggs.
Their shakshuka brings Middle Eastern flair to Memphis mornings with perfectly poached eggs nestled in spiced tomato sauce. Creative smoothie bowls and artisan toast options satisfy health-conscious diners seeking Instagram-worthy meals.
The modern, minimalist space and knowledgeable staff create an upscale breakfast experience without pretentious attitudes or sky-high prices.
10. Brother Juniper’s
Memphis’s Brother Juniper’s has been serving exceptional breakfast since 1979, earning its reputation as one of the city’s most beloved morning destinations. Named after a Franciscan friar known for his generosity, this restaurant lives up to its namesake with abundant portions and heartfelt hospitality.
Their cinnamon rolls alone justify the trip, arriving warm and gooey with cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. Traditional Southern breakfast plates satisfy hearty appetites, while lighter options cater to various preferences.
The unpretentious atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers to business executives seeking honest, delicious food.
11. Midtown Café
Nashville’s Midtown Café brings upscale breakfast to Memphis without the stuffiness, creating a refined yet relaxed atmosphere that appeals to discerning diners. This neighborhood favorite balances sophistication with Southern warmth, making special occasions and casual weekends equally memorable.
Their eggs benedict variations showcase culinary creativity while maintaining the classic elegance this dish deserves. Seasonal menu changes keep regular customers excited about returning to discover new flavor combinations.
Impeccable service and attention to detail elevate the entire breakfast experience, proving that mornings can be both delicious and elegant in Memphis.