Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken
Sure, you can bite into Champy’s bird in Athens. However, it all started in Chattanooga, where the popular fried poultry first took flight.
526 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Chattanooga. 423-752-9198, champyschicken.com, @champysofficial.
Easy Bistro and Bar
Chef Erik Niel zaps his creations with French and New Orleans-style sensibilities. The raw bar and weekend brunches are popular.
203 Broad St., Chattanooga. 423-266-1121, easybistro.com, @easybistro.
Stock & Barrel
Specializing in the three B’s — that would be burgers, bourbon and beer — this spot goes gourmet with duck confit fries and imaginative creations between its buns.
35 Market Square, Knoxville. 865-766-2075, thestockandbarrel.com, @KnoxStockBarrel.
The Tomato Head
Its pizza, burritos, quesadillas, sandwiches and salads garner a strong following. Vegan options keep veg heads happy.
12 Market Square, Knoxville. 865-637-4067, thetomatohead.com, @thetomatohead.
Imagine Vegan Cafe
Finding a vegan oasis in the middle of the Southern fried Memphis landscape may sound challenging. Yet this converted house pulls it off. You can even get your barbecue fix with a meat substitute.
2299 Young Ave., Memphis. 901-654-3455, imaginevegancafe.com, @ImagineVegan.
Westy’s
This no-frills eatery and watering hole serves comfort food near the Memphis Pyramid. Warm the tummy with its signature tamales and chase them with a slice of hot fudge pie.
346 N. Main St., Memphis. 901-543-3278, westysmemphis.com.
Etch
The acclaimed kitchen produces American foodie fare, including cobia and grilled lamb loin at dinner. The devoted swear by its roasted cauliflower.
303 Demonbreun St., Nashville. 615-522-0685, etchrestaurant.com, @etchrestaurant.
Loveless Cafe
This place serves copious breakfast platters, including its famed country ham, while dinner selections star cozy Southern signatures. If you have to wait, the gift shops offer distractions in the form of trinkets, food items and other souvenirs.
8400 Highway 100, Nashville. 615-646-9700, lovelesscafe.com, @LovelessCafe.
Monell’s Dining & Catering
Dig into family-style Southern grub — think fried chicken, cheese grits and more — at communal tables located inside historic digs.
1235 6th Ave. N., Nashville. 615-248-4747, monellstn.com, @tnmonells.
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