I still remember the first time I walked into a meat-and-three cafeteria in Tennessee and discovered that the real magic wasn’t in the main dish—it was in the sides.
While everyone else argued over fried chicken or pot roast, I couldn’t take my eyes off the creamy mac-n-cheese, slow-cooked turnip greens, and banana pudding that shimmered like gold behind the glass.
These unpretentious cafeterias have turned simple vegetables and comfort classics into pure Southern art, proving that flavor doesn’t need flash. In Tennessee, the sides aren’t supporting acts—they’re the reason you line up, tray in hand, again and again.
1. Wendell Smith’s Restaurant — Nashville
Some people order meat at Wendell Smith’s, but the smart ones know to go straight for the veggie plates that could feed a small army. This Nashville institution takes pride in offering sides so good they deserve their own fan club. Open Monday through Saturday, it’s become a ritual for locals who plan their weeks around the daily specials…