There’s a particular type of highway journey that occurs whenever you hit Tennessee. The meals’s trustworthy, the individuals are pleasant, and almost each city hides a bit mom-and-pop joint that deserves consideration.
Over time, I’ve eaten my approach from Memphis to Nashville, Jackson to Chattanooga, hitting as many diners, drive-ins, and deep-fried legends as my abdomen permits. And certain, I’ve additionally stopped at loads of the regional fast-food chains — A&W in Madisonville, Prepare dinner Out in Knoxville and Nashville, Jack within the Field and White Fortress in Nashville, and Krystal in Lakeland. However slightly than lavatory you down with these, I solely included A&W right here because it’s a real drive-in that matches the spirit of this journey.
This isn’t a listicle written from a desk; it’s the true deal, constructed from miles pushed, meals shared, and some grease stains on the itinerary map.
Consuming All Over in Tennessee Places
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
Champy’s Fried Rooster – Chattanooga, TN
We rolled into Chattanooga primarily for the MoonPie Common Retailer, however Champy’s World Well-known Fried Rooster stopped us in our tracks. The country shack-style restaurant virtually shouts Southern consolation earlier than you even place an order.
We began with fried jalapeños, smoked sausage with cheese and pickles, wings, and rooster fingers. All the pieces hit, however these fried jalapeños and smoked sausage stood out. Then got here the recent tamales, true Mississippi Delta-style, identical to those Marcela and I fell in love with in Clarksdale. We even grabbed just a few to go.
The fried rooster was all the pieces you need: crispy, juicy, and completely seasoned. With baked beans and mashed potatoes on the facet, I couldn’t have requested for extra. We one way or the other discovered room for his or her selfmade strawberry cake, which was the perfect candy ending. Champy’s isn’t simply nice fried rooster; it’s an entire Southern expertise.
“Champy’s nails Southern consolation with fried rooster, sizzling tamales, and strawberry cake.”
Champy’s Fried Rooster – Fast Information
📍 526 E ML King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
📞 (423) 752-9198
🌐 champyschicken.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Solar–Thu: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri–Sat: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
MoonPie Common Retailer – Chattanooga, TN
After Champy’s, we made the quick drive to the MoonPie Common Retailer, the final word vacation spot for anybody raised on that marshmallow, graham, and chocolate combo. Inside, the cabinets are filled with each taste of MoonPie, retro candies, snacks, and loads of branded merch.
The spotlight was recognizing the long-lasting MoonPie + RC Cola combo, a real Southern custom printed proper on the packaging. I stocked up, after all.
“MoonPie and RC Cola: a Southern combo that by no means goes out of favor.”
MoonPie Common Retailer – Fast Information
📍 151 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN
📞 (423) 266-4488
🌐 moonpie.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Solar: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
JACKSON, TENNESSEE
Burger Barn – Jackson, TN
Whereas vintage looking in Jackson, Marcela and I stumbled upon Burger Barn, and the hand-painted signal promising “Actual Selfmade Hamburgers” sealed the deal. Orders are taken and picked up on the window, with coated picnic benches for consuming. It’s the old-school setup that makes highway meals really feel proper.
We tried just a few issues: a chili canine (skip it — not selfmade), spicy fries that truly labored, and a big cheeseburger that hit the spot.
Marcela’s “Patty Soften” got here on white bread as a substitute of rye, but it surely nonetheless tasted good. My double-patty cheeseburger had that excellent nook of meat hanging previous the bun, the type of element that makes a burger memorable.
Subsequent time, I’m going for the Chuckwagon Steak Sandwich or the recent wings. Some roadside locations follow you, and Burger Barn was certainly one of them.
Burger Barn – Fast Information
📍 123 Lexington Ave, Jackson, TN
📞 (731) 427-2168
🌐 burgerbarnjackson.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Thu, Sat: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Solar: CLOSED
MADISONVILLE, TENNESSEE
AandW Drive-In – Madisonville, TN
On the highway from Lexington to Atlanta, we pulled into the A&W Drive-In in Madisonville. I had been set on curb service, however as a substitute Marcela and I ordered on the window and located a bench exterior, a traditional road-trip transfer since we share bites to save lots of room for the following cease.
We saved it easy: a Papa Burger, fries, and the inevitable root beer float. The Papa Burger, with two patties stacked with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and A&W’s Papa Sauce, was satisfying, served on a toasted, fluffy bun. The fries vanished shortly after a dunk in ketchup.
And the foundation beer float? Nonetheless unbeatable. A&W’s house-made root beer paired with vanilla smooth serve is as excellent because it will get, definitely worth the cease each time.
“Nothing beats an A&W Root Beer Float on a highway journey.”
A&W Drive-in (Madisonville) – Fast Information
A&W Drive-in (Madisonville) – Fast Information
📍 3989 US-411, Madisonville, TN 37354
📞 (423) 442-2128
🌐 awrestaurants.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Solar: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Dixie Queen – Memphis, TN
Typically the most effective highway meals finds come from merely driving round after dropping Marcela off at an vintage store. That’s how I ended up at Dixie Queen, a Memphis establishment since 1949 with over a dozen places. Open 24 hours, it’s consolation meals whenever you want it most, and generally, that’s after midnight.
I hit the drive-thru for a double cheeseburger, ham and cheese sandwich, and crinkle-cut fries. The fries have been erratically seasoned in one of the simplest ways. The ham and cheese got here on toasted bread and was as satisfying as late-night quick meals will get. The burger? Easy, strong, and completely high-quality for the worth. Dixie Queen is aware of what it’s and does it effectively.
Later that evening, I doubled again by means of supply for a smoked sausage, chili canine, and cheesesteak. The sausage with onions and mustard was my choose of the bunch, simply the proper of greasy and smoky. And a enjoyable truth: Elvis himself as soon as stopped at Dixie Queen for milkshakes again in 1963.
“Dixie Queen hits that late-night candy spot the place consolation meets nostalgia.”
Dixie Queen – Fast Information
📍 1884 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN
📞 (901) 321-5185
🌐 dixie-queen.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
Dyer’s Burgers – Memphis, TN
After breakfast and a spin previous Solar Studio, we landed at Dyer’s Burgers on Beale Avenue, a Memphis icon that’s been round since 1912. The key? They nonetheless cook dinner their burgers in the identical “magic grease” used since opening day. When Dyer’s relocated years in the past, police actually escorted the grease to its new dwelling. Whether or not that “similar grease” story is 100% true or not, I select to imagine it.
The fries are hand-cut and shine in chili-cheese type, and the Southern-fried rooster tenders are strong crowd-pleasers, excellent with honey mustard. However the motive you’re right here is the burger: a single with cheese, mustard, onion, and pickle, deep-fried to type an ideal crust and not using a hint of grease. It’s a kind of burgers that reminds you why you fell in love with burgers within the first place.
“Dyer’s deep-fried burger is proof that legends are born in grease.”
Dyer’s – Fast Information
📍 205 Beale St, Memphis, TN
📞 (901) 527-3937
🌐 dyersonbeale.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Solar–Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Gibson’s Donuts – Memphis, TN
I didn’t precisely plan my Gibson’s Donuts go to the precise approach. Normally, I’d sit down with a sizzling espresso and work by means of a few donuts like knowledgeable. As a substitute, we have been already full after a breakfast at Blue Plate Café (R.I.P.), adopted by a second “mild meal” at Dyer’s. So, we packed up a field of donuts to go, one other for my huge apple fritter, and another for a jelly-stuffed log.
Again on the resort, issues bought out of hand. I dared my buddy Ed to take down 4 jelly donuts in a single sitting. He accepted. It didn’t finish effectively. I used to be half tempted to name a priest for final rites.
The maple bacon donut was all the pieces I hoped it will be. The cream cheese–frosted purple velvet seemed good, however my consideration was locked on the apple fritter, that’s my weak point. I didn’t need to find yourself like Ed, so I stayed disciplined…largely.
All the pieces about Gibson’s feels proper: the individuals are pleasant, the donuts are classics finished proper, and the vibe is what each donut store ought to have. Subsequent time I’m in Memphis, I’ll sit down, sip my espresso, and do it correctly. And sure, they’re open till midnight every single day.
“Gibson’s Donuts is the type of place each city needs it had: traditional, pleasant, and at all times open.”
Gibson’s Donuts – Fast Information
📍 760 Mount Moriah Rd, Memphis, TN
📞 (901) 682-8200
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Each Day: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Gus’s World Well-known Fried Rooster – Memphis, TN
Once I talked about Memphis on Instagram, one title dominated the feedback: Gus’s World Well-known Fried Rooster. I assumed it was a vacationer lure, however after a little bit of digging (and consuming), I can affirm it’s the true deal.
I began with nice fried pickles and moved on to fried inexperienced tomatoes that didn’t do a lot for me. However the principle occasion, Gus’s fried rooster, erased any doubts. It arrived sizzling from the fryer, with an unmistakable kick that retains you reaching for extra. I went for 2 rooster breasts and a wing — all chicken, all unbelievable. The fries leaned salty, however they did their job.
And since self-control isn’t my robust swimsuit, I capped it off with a fried apple pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Candy, flaky, and what you want after spicy fried rooster. Gus’s is actually world well-known.
“Spicy, crispy, and definitely worth the hype, Gus’s is Memphis fried rooster royalty.”
Gus’s World Well-known Fried Rooster – Fast Information
📍 310 S Entrance St, Memphis, TN
📞 (901) 527-4877
🌐 gusfriedchicken.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Solar–Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tops Bar-B-Q – Memphis, TN
Based in 1952, Tops Bar-B-Q is a kind of Memphis spots that’s been quietly perfecting its craft for many years. They smoke their meats with hickory wooden, and whereas most folk go for the barbecue, I used to be there for the burger.
I ordered a easy quarter-pound cheeseburger with simply cheese, no extras. The patty had that unmistakable hickory smoke taste, the cheese was melted excellent, and the bun was smooth and squishy. It tasted like a yard cookout, the type that brings again nice reminiscences.
Tops is perhaps recognized for its pulled pork, however don’t sleep on that burger. It’s humble, smoky, and flat-out satisfying.
Tops Bar-B-Q – Fast Information
📍 3353 Summer season Ave, Memphis, TN
📞 (901) 452-5616
🌐 topsbarbq.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Each Day: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
After rolling by means of Memphis, it was time to level the Beastmobile towards Music Metropolis — Nashville — the place the donuts are traditional, the rooster is fiery, and even high-quality eating hides a burger price chasing.
Fox’s Donut Den – Nashville, TN
Fox’s Donut Den has been a Nashville staple for the reason that Seventies, and from the road out the door, it’s clear the locals understand it. I’m not a fan of ready, however this one was price it. As soon as inside, I grabbed a cheddar sausage kolache, principally a super-sized pig in a blanket, and it hit the spot.
Then got here the true take a look at: the apple fritter. If a donut store can nail that, I’m offered. Fox’s model was crispy, sticky, and completely candy. I adopted it with just a few classics like glazed, cinnamon sugar, Bavarian cream, and an old school cake donut: no cereal-covered creations right here, simply conventional donuts finished proper.
“Fox’s Donut Den proves classics beat gimmicks, one traditional at a time.
Fox’s Donut Den – Fast Information
📍 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN
📞 (615) 385-1021
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Fri: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat–Solar: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Hattie B’s – Nashville, TN
In the event you’re chasing Nashville sizzling rooster, Hattie B’s is unavoidable. With Prince’s closed throughout my go to, this was my probability to see what the hype was about, and the road out the door at 11 AM stated lots. After a fast detour to their second location on the time, we have been in enterprise.
Marcela went mild-medium together with her rooster and waffles, whereas I went full warmth with a big white (two breasts and a wing) plus three tenders in Shut The Cluck Up!!! The rooster was juicy and filled with taste. “Sizzling” hit that excellent steadiness of burn and pleasure. “Shut The Cluck Up,” then again, almost took me out as my scalp was sweating and my mouth was on fireplace.
Fortunately, the pimento mac and cheese and red-skin potato salad cooled issues down. And once I got here again a 12 months later for the recent rooster sandwich, it was each bit as marvelous. For dessert, the banana pudding seals the deal, a candy aid in spite of everything that warmth.
“Hattie B’s turns ache into pleasure and each chunk’s definitely worth the burn.”
Hattie B’s (Nashville) – Fast Information
📍 5209 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN
📞 (615) 576-3900
🌐 hattieb.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Thu: 10:45 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri–Sat: 10:45 AM – 11:00 PM
Solar: 10:45 AM – 10:00 PM
Husk – Nashville, TN
Husk is thought for reimagined Southern classics, however the shock star right here is the burger. Really useful by the workers with virtually comical conviction, it arrives merely: Bear Creek Farm beef, onions griddled into the patty, melted American cheese, and a smooth sesame seed bun. No lettuce, tomato, or pickles, only a deal with high quality and method. The result’s a wonderfully balanced burger with crunchy edges, a juicy heart, and unimaginable taste.
Whereas the burger is the headliner, the menu additionally shines with deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, and different Southern staples. However when you’re solely ordering one factor, observe the locals’ lead: get the burger.
“Husk’s burger is proof that simplicity, finished proper, nonetheless wins.”
Husk (Nashville) – Fast Information
📍 37 Rutledge St, Nashville, TN
📞 (615) 256-6565
🌐 husknashville.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Dinner:
Mon–Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fri–Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
🕒 Brunch:
Sat–Solar: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Peg Leg Porker – Nashville, TN
I had an excellent feeling strolling as much as Peg Leg Porker. The look of the place units the tone earlier than you even step inside. I ordered a full rack of dry rub ribs and tossed in a pork sandwich for good measure. The ribs have been the star, smoky and correctly seasoned. We ended up battling over the pork sandwich, smothered in the home BBQ sauce. It needs to be bottled, and now it’s.
I don’t eat common sushi, however Memphis sushi is extra my type — sliced kielbasa and cheddar cheese dusted with dry rub and served with saltines. The mac & cheese and potato salad have been strong sides, too.
And don’t miss the jalepeno cheddar sausage (yep, “jalepeno,” not jalapeño). It’s a barely spicy must-order that matches proper in with all the pieces else popping out of their kitchen.
“Dry rub ribs that don’t want defending. The sauce seals the deal.”
Peg Leg Porker – Fast Information
📍 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN
📞 (615) 829-6023
🌐 peglegporker.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Tue: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Solar: CLOSED
Mitchell Delicatessen – Nashville, TN
I used to be rolling with the Miami Meat Machine, they usually have been craving sandwiches, so we headed to Mitchell Delicatessen. The rationale this spot made my listing wasn’t simply the meals; it was the draft craft soda system that includes Sprecher drinks. That’s an computerized win in my guide since I’m a large fan.
Whereas the fellas have been nonetheless making up their minds, I went first and ordered the pastrami sandwich. I by no means bought an image of the sandwich itself, solely the wrapped-up model earlier than the BEAST carnage started.
I adopted my patented one-bite, one-sip technique — a chunk of sandwich adopted by a sip of Sprecher. That’s when it occurred: I fell in lust with cream soda.
Mitchell Delicatessen – Fast Information
📍 1306 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN
📞 (615) 262-9862
🌐 mitchelldeli.com
📸 Instagram | Fb
🕒 Hours:
Mon–Solar: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tennessee has a approach of reminding you why you hit the highway within the first place. From smoky ribs and Nashville sizzling rooster to donuts that don’t want a gimmick, it’s a state constructed on taste and delight. Each cease, from mom-and-pop drive-ins to polished eating rooms, had one thing tangible to supply.
If there’s one factor I discovered consuming my approach by means of the Volunteer State, it’s this: the most effective meals right here doesn’t scream for consideration. It simply exhibits up, does its job, and allows you to stroll away full and completely satisfied.