Tennessee’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as its musical heritage, offering a plethora of dining and nightlife experiences that cater to a wide array of tastes. From traditional Southern fare to innovative fusion cuisines, and from historic honky-tonks to chic rooftop bars, the Volunteer State has something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of some of the top restaurants and bars across Tennessee, complete with links to their official websites for more information.​

Nashville: The Heartbeat of Music City

Restaurants:

• Etch: A globally-inspired restaurant by award-winning chef Deb Paquette, Etch offers an eclectic menu that incorporates innovative dishes inspired by various regions of the world. ​etchrestaurant.com
• The Catbird Seat: An intimate dining experience where guests are seated around an open kitchen, allowing for an interactive meal as chefs prepare a multi-course tasting menu.​
• Loveless Cafe: Known for its Southern cooking, especially its biscuits, fruit preserves, country ham, and red-eye gravy, Loveless Cafe has been a Nashville staple since 1951. ​en.wikipedia.org

Bars:

• Robert’s Western World: Arguably the best bar on Broadway, this honky-tonk epitomizes authenticity and a good time, offering live country music and a classic Nashville experience. ​southernliving.com+5robertswesternworld.com+5whiskeyriversaloon.com+5
• PROOF Nashville: Located in the Gulch, PROOF offers 270-degree views, sharable plates, bespoke cocktails, and live music, making it a vibrant rooftop bar and restaurant. ​proofnashville.com
• Nashville Underground: With four rooftop bars, bowling, arcade games, and live DJs every weekend, Nashville Underground provides a dynamic nightlife experience. ​nashunderground.com

Memphis: The Home of Blues and Barbecue

Restaurants:

• Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: Renowned for its spicy fried chicken, Gus’s offers a simple yet delectable menu that has garnered a cult following.​
• The Rendezvous: A legendary spot known for its Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs, this restaurant has been serving locals and tourists since 1948.​southernliving.com

Bars:

• Beale Street: While not a single bar, this historic street is lined with numerous blues clubs and bars, each offering live music and a vibrant atmosphere.​

Knoxville: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Restaurants:

• J.C. Holdway: Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Joseph Lenn, this restaurant offers wood-fired Appalachian dining with dishes like smoked trout dip and pork osso buco. ​amsterdamfoodie.nl
• Kefi: A modern Greek restaurant specializing in cocktails and small sharing plates, Kefi offers dishes like pastitsio and flaming saganaki cheese. ​amsterdamfoodie.nl

Bars:

• Preservation Pub: Located in Market Square, this bar offers a vast selection of beers, live music, and a lively rooftop garden.​

Chattanooga: Scenic City Bites and Sips

Restaurants:

• St. John’s Restaurant: Offering a fine dining experience with a menu that changes daily, focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.​
• Alleia: An Italian restaurant blending rustic flavors with Southern influences, known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.​

Bars:

• The Flying Squirrel: A bar and restaurant offering craft cocktails, a rotating beer selection, and a menu of small plates in a unique architectural setting.​

Gatlinburg: Gateway to the Smokies

Restaurants:

• The Buckhorn Inn: Offers a three-course dinner in a cozy, intimate setting with meals such as paella and garlic chicken. ​axios.com
• The Greenbrier Restaurant: Serves upscale dishes like beef tartare and “Nashville hot oysters,” along with a range of craft cocktails. ​axios.com

Bars:

• Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery: Offers tastings of their wide variety of moonshines, often accompanied by live bluegrass music.​

Tennessee’s rich culinary and nightlife scenes ensure that whether you’re in the bustling streets of Nashville or the scenic vistas of Gatlinburg, there’s always a place to enjoy great food and vibrant entertainment.