Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Nashville
The “hot” in the title means more than fresh from the fryer. It also refers to the spice level that tops off at “damn hot” and “shut the cluck up.” But chicken also comes with no heat for the faint of palate and plenty of classic sides. Don’t be surprised to find a 30-minute wait at peak times.
112 19th Ave. S., Nashville, Tenn. 615-678-4794, hattieb.com.
Capriccio Grill, Peabody Hotel, Memphis
Sunday brunch is an event at this historic hotel, where the buffet groans under the weight of smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, waffles, prime rib and Champagne. Before you enjoy the selection, head to the red carpet in the lobby at 11 a.m. and watch the famous Peabody Ducks take a stroll to the fountain.
149 Union Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 901-529-4000, peabodymemphis.com.
Loveless Cafe, Nashville
Known for serving traditional Southern comfort fare for 65 years, this casual eatery dishes up chicken entrees that are fried, smothered with gravy or dipped in a peach barbecue sauce, as well as ribs and beef brisket, all dished with sides such as creamed corn, fried okra and slaw. And every order comes with the cafe’s famously light biscuits.
8400 Tenn. 100, Nashville, Tenn. 615-646-9700, lovelesscafe.com, @lovelesscafe.
Gourmet and Company, Johnson City
Duck, short ribs, filet and trout are among the entrees paired with local vegetables and fruits by Johnson & Wales grad and Johnson City native John Bryant. He’s also making his own s’mores, ice cream and upside-down pear tart, so leave room for the sweet stuff.
214 E. Mountcastle Drive, Johnson City, Tenn. 423-929-9007, Gourmetandcompany.com.
Stir, Chattanooga
It’s not just the soups, burgers and desserts that are made from scratch here; even the purified-water ice is hand-cut for each cocktail. This seasonally focused eatery prides itself on having a menu packed with ingredients grown in a 100-mile radius of town. The renovated space, with oversized windows and original wood and brick, is also worth a visit, even if it’s just to sip bourbon at the bar, since it’s part of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo complex.
1444 Market St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-531-7847, stirchattanooga.com, @STIRChattanooga.
Hog and Hominy, Memphis
The name suggests a Southern slant, but the menu of this white-framed casual eatery takes an Italian approach. Look for pork belly on the pizza, short ribs served with green tomatoes and biscuit gnocchi.
707 W. Brookhaven Circle, Memphis, Tenn. 901-207-7396, hogandhominy.com, @hogandhominy.
Knox Mason, Knoxville
Chef Matt Gallaher likes to keep things “hyperlocal,” so look for the contributions of nearby farms on every plate. Start with classic favorites — deviled eggs, country ham croquettes, pork rinds — but save room for the cornmeal-crusted catfish, filet with basil butter, pork with Benton’s bacon chutney and a skillet of brioche rolls made with pork fat.
131 S. Gay St., Knoxville, Tenn. 865-544-2004, knoxmason.com.
Cork and Cow, Franklin
It may sound super-casual, but this upscale steakhouse is anything but. Expect attentive service, hand-crafted cocktails, an extensive wine list and cow in a range of cuts and sizes. Have yours finished to perfection with black truffle butter, a classic bearnaise or a Gorgonzola-horseradish crust.
403 Main St., Franklin, Tenn. 615-538-6021, corkandcow.com, @CorkandCow.
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