The 10 Best Diners in Tennessee! By
Alli Hill
Baseball, muscle cars, comic book heroes—some things never go out of style, and Tennessee folks agree the classic American diner is one of them. No other type of eatery gives you the combination of down-home cooking with all your favorite foods, a homey ambiance, and a treat-you-like-family mentality. As much as things change, it’s nice to know that some things were meant to stay the same, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at these 10 best diners in Tennessee.
1. Railgarten, Memphis, TN
This place isn’t just a diner, it’s a destination. Situated on a 1.5-acre plot in the heart of the city, Railgarten is part diner, part pong complex, part live music venue, and lots of other surprises hidden throughout. Their diner’s top-notch food makes it a perfect beginning (or end) to a day of play in this railroad shipping container-laden complex. You’ve never experienced anything like it.
2. Sloopy’s, Kingsport, TN
Home of the two-pound burger, Sloopy’s is the reminder we all need that perfection takes time. They’re not fast food by any means, but that’s because they focus on quality over all else, and that’s what keeps their loyal followers coming back for more. They pride themselves on homemade (almost) everything, so make sure you come hungry—you’ll want to devour every bite! If you’re ever in the area, keep a lookout for the classic 1929 Sloopy Mobile.
3. City Cafe Diner, Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN
Reminiscent of the 24-hour 50s-style diner, this retro palace has everything you need for a heaping helping of nostalgia. Start your meal by ordering some tunes on the jukebox, then dive into one of the most diverse menus in the city. And make sure you save room for dessert—their cake selection is out of this world!
4. Sweet Lips Diner, Mosheim, TN
This hometown diner is everything a family-owned business should be: personable, enjoyable, and reasonably priced. They have a rotating menu of meat-and-veggie specials to give you that country cookin’ fix no matter what your appetite craves. From catfish to barbecue to burgers and fries, this is THE place for authentic Tennessee delights.
5. West Street Diner, Germantown, TN
This award-winning restaurant is serving up the best breakfast and lunch in town. A classic checkerboard floor sends visitors on a trip to simpler times where eating out was affordable and food tasted like straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Little nuggets of nostalgia linger on the walls and throughout the restaurant, but you can rest assured the food is as fresh as the day on your calendar.
6. Kokomo’s 50s Diner, Adamsville, TN
Brilliant striped leather booths, classic car shows, checkered sandwich paper, a neon jukebox, and walls adorned with relics of bygone decades— it’s got all the best makings of a memorable diner experience. Fans love this town treasure because of its old-fashioned service that hasn’t been replaced by chain restaurants and corporations. Every meal is made to order to give you the best taste and quality.
7. Lottie’s Diner, Benton, TN
A humble exterior hides one of the most delicious diner experiences you’ll find anywhere. They’re well known for their southern cooking, with their homemade biscuits taking center stage. Guests love coming here because of the consistency in service and food taste, as well as unbeatable prices and portion sizes.
8. Sun Diner, Nashville, TN
Nashville’s favorite 24-hour diner brings out some of the best flavors of the South in this unique experience. Established as a nod to the legends of Sun Records, the diner is equally committed to offering both gourmet diner food and a dose of rock and roll in every meal. Their ambiance lacks for nothing, but you’ll come back again and again to try everything on the all-star menu.
9. Boyette’s Dining Room, Tiptonville, TN
Step inside and you’ll discover why they call it the “dining room”—its semblance to Grandma’s own dining room isn’t easily unseen. People have been known to cross state lines just for a meal here. The menu combines seafood, fried chicken, country dinners, and more into a unique cuisine combination you just can’t find anywhere else.
10. Bobby Gee’s Diner, McKenzie, TN
Decked out in retro from floor to ceiling, you’ll think you’ve stepped straight into a scene from “Grease.” Tennessee comfort food meets the classic 50s-style diner to delight your taste buds, where you can grab a table or belly up to the lunch counter just like the good ol’ days. While you’re waiting for your meal (you won’t be waiting long), there’s plenty of memorabilia decorating the walls you’ll want to explore.
