Tennessee has plenty of chain steakhouses, but the ones worth driving for usually sit off the main highway in small towns you might otherwise skip. These are the family-run spots where the recipes have not changed much and the regulars know exactly what they want before they sit down.
Some started as gas stations or general stores, and others have been grilling in the same building for generations. What ties them together is loyalty, the kind that keeps parking lots full on weeknights and packed on weekends.
If you love a good steak with a side of small-town history, this list is built for your next road trip across Tennessee. Grab a napkin and start planning your route.
1. The Cozy Corner Restaurant, Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is famous for ribs, but the steak scene in its neighborhood spots deserves attention too. Local counter-style eateries here have long focused on straightforward, well-cooked plates rather than flashy presentation…