CHATTANOOGA
Alleia
James Beard Award-winning chef Daniel Lindley does rustic, homey Italian in an artful environment.
25 E. Main St., Chattanooga. 423-305-6990, alleiarestaurant.com.
KNOXVILLE
OliBea
The locally sourced menu at this neighborhood breakfast joint ranges from homemade cinnamon rolls to an omelet with smoked trout.
119 S. Central St., Knoxville. 865-200-5450, olibea.net.
MASON, TENN.
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Although Atlanta now has it's own Gus’s, it’s the original location that started the fervor surrounding battered yard bird fried in peanut oil.
505 Highway 70, Mason, Tenn. 901-294-2028, gusfriedchicken.com, @GusFriedChicken.
MEMPHIS
Cozy Corner
Memphians regularly battle over which barbecue is best. Yet, there’s no denying Cozy’s trademark barbecue Cornish hens. Ribs, sliced pork and beef and bologna sandwiches also lure the faithful.
726 N. Parkway, Memphis. 901-527-9158, cozycornerbbq.com.
Dyer’s Burgers
The grease-laden burgers at Dyer’s remain the stuff of Beale Street legend. Some go all out for the Triple Triple, with three patties and a trio of different cheeses.
205 Beale St., Memphis. 901-527-3937, dyersonbeale.com.
Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous
Highly touted barbecue brisket, ribs and more served in a charmingly retro setting.
52 S. 2nd St., Memphis. 901-523-2746, hogsfly.com, @Rendezvous_Ribs.
NASHVILLE
The Catbird Seat
If you’re lucky enough to score a reservation, the ever-changing menu is prepared right before your eyes as you sit at the u-shaped bar. Choices could include steak tartare, grilled lettuce with caviar and tiny lemon cake.
1711 Division St., Nashville. 615-810- 8200, thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
The Southern delicacy of deep-fried poultry gets amped up with spice at this divey delight.
123 Ewing Drive, Nashville. 615-226-9442, facebook.com/pages/Princes-Hot-Chicken/166097846802728.
WALLAND, TENN.
The Barn at Blackberry Farm
Its wood-burning oven, on-site garden and housemade honey and cheese help characterize what it calls “foothills cuisine.” Call it upscale country, as foie gras often nestles next to blueberries.
1471 W. Millers Cove Road, Walland, Tenn. 1-800-557-8864, blackberryfarm.com.
