14 Tennessee Soul Food Restaurants That Are The Real Deal According To Locals

Soul food is more than just a meal in Tennessee it’s a way of life that brings people together around tables filled with fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread made from scratch.

Locals know exactly where to find the most authentic flavors, passed down through generations and cooked with love in kitchens across the state.

I’ve gathered the best spots where you can taste real Tennessee soul food, recommended by the people who eat there regularly.

Get ready to discover restaurants that serve up comfort, tradition, and unforgettable flavors in every bite.

1. The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant

Walking into a place that’s been serving soul food since 1946 feels like stepping back in time.

Located at 998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126, this restaurant has fed everyone from Martin Luther King Jr. to Elvis Presley, and the walls seem to hold every story.

I love that the recipes haven’t changed much over the decades.

You’ll find fried catfish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, cornbread that crumbles perfectly, and buttered corn that tastes like summer.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making you feel like part of the family.

With over 1,500 reviews giving it 4.5 stars, locals clearly trust this spot for authentic soul food done right.

2. Arnold’s Country Kitchen

Winning a James Beard Award isn’t easy, but this cafeteria-style gem earned that honor by keeping things simple and delicious.

You’ll find it at 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, where the line often stretches out the door during lunch hours.

The meat-and-three format lets you pick one main dish and three sides from a rotating selection that changes daily.

Roast beef melts in your mouth, mac and cheese comes extra creamy, and the banana pudding has a cult following.

I appreciate how they serve food cafeteria-style because you can see everything before choosing.

The bustling atmosphere adds to the experience, with conversations and laughter filling the dining room.

3. Monell’s

Eating at communal tables with strangers might sound awkward, but it’s actually one of the most fun dining experiences you’ll have.

Located at 1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, this restaurant serves everything family-style, meaning big bowls and platters get passed around the table.

Fried chicken arrives golden and perfectly seasoned, country ham brings that salty-sweet flavor, and slow-cooked vegetables taste like your grandmother made them.

The 4.8-star rating from over 7,500 reviews speaks volumes about quality.

I find that sharing food with others creates instant connections and conversations.

You’ll leave with a full belly and maybe even some new friends who love soul food as much as you do.

4. The Loveless Cafe

Since 1951, biscuits made from scratch have been the star attraction at this Nashville institution.

You’ll find the cafe at 8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221, tucked away but worth the drive for breakfast or lunch.

Those biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and served warm with homemade preserves that change with the seasons.

Country ham and red-eye gravy complete the classic Southern breakfast experience.

I think the secret is in the simple preparation methods that haven’t changed in over 70 years.

With 4.6 stars from more than 12,500 reviews, this place clearly delivers consistency.

The rustic atmosphere makes you feel like you’re visiting a country farmhouse where hospitality matters as much as the food.

5. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack South

Hot chicken isn’t just food in Nashville it’s a cultural phenomenon that started right here.

Located at 5814 Nolensville Pk #110, Nashville, TN 37211, this spot is credited with making Nashville hot chicken famous worldwide.

You can choose your heat level from mild to extra hot, though I recommend starting mild if you’re not used to serious spice.

The chicken gets marinated, fried, and then coated with a cayenne paste that brings the heat.

Pickles and white bread come on the side to help cool down your mouth between bites.

With over 4,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, both tourists and locals line up here regularly.

6. H&T’s Home Cooking

Hattie and Thomas Palin opened their restaurant in 2005 with one goal: serving the kind of food that makes you feel at home.

You’ll find their place at 2264 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217, where the menu features hearty soul food staples done right.

Meatloaf comes thick and savory, fried catfish has that perfect crunch, and shrimp and cheese grits combine creamy and savory flavors beautifully. The fried chicken is seasoned well and cooked until the skin gets crispy.

I appreciate restaurants that focus on doing classics well rather than trying to be fancy.

With 4.2 stars from over 760 reviews, locals clearly return here regularly for reliable comfort food.

7. Alcenia’s

Personality and flavor come together in this Memphis soul food spot that feels like eating in someone’s living room.

Located at 317 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38105, the restaurant sits in the heart of downtown where locals go for authentic home cooking.

The owner greets guests with warmth and often shares stories about the recipes passed down through her family.

Fried green tomatoes, catfish, and chicken and waffles are menu favorites that keep people coming back.

I love how the walls are covered with colorful decorations and soul music plays in the background.

The portions are generous, and everything tastes like it was made with care and attention to detail.

8. Swett’s Restaurant

Family-owned since 1954, this Nashville restaurant has been serving soul food to multiple generations of loyal customers.

You’ll find it at 2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, where the cafeteria-style setup lets you see all the options before deciding.

The menu rotates daily but always includes classics like fried chicken, pork chops, turnip greens, candied yams, and cornbread dressing.

Everything gets cooked fresh each morning using traditional methods.

I think the longevity of this place proves that good food never goes out of style. The prices remain reasonable, and the portions are filling.

Locals know to arrive early for lunch because popular items sell out quickly when word spreads about what’s cooking that day.

9. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

The name might sound boastful, but the fried chicken here actually lives up to the hype.

Located at 310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103, this restaurant started as a small operation and grew into a beloved Memphis institution.

The chicken gets marinated in a secret spicy recipe before frying, creating a crust that’s both crunchy and flavorful.

It’s not Nashville hot chicken level spicy, but it definitely has a kick that sneaks up on you.

I appreciate that they focus on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than offering a huge menu.

The sides are simple beans, coleslaw, and fries letting the chicken remain the star.

Lines form quickly during meal times, proving locals trust this spot.

10. Bro’s Cajun Cuisine

Cajun flavors and Southern soul food come together at this restaurant that brings Louisiana influence to Tennessee cooking.

You’ll find it at 3214 Whites Creek Pike, Nashville, TN 37207, where the menu blends traditional soul food with Cajun spices and cooking methods.

Fried catfish gets a Cajun seasoning boost, red beans and rice taste authentic, and the gumbo is thick and flavorful.

Collard greens come with a bit of heat, and the cornbread has a slightly sweet taste.

I enjoy how this place offers something a little different while still respecting soul food traditions.

The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed meal.

Locals appreciate the generous portions and reasonable prices that make it easy to feed a family.

11. Ms. Girlee’s

Comfort food reaches new heights at this Memphis spot where every dish tastes like it came from your grandmother’s kitchen.

Located at 2904 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111, the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch with a focus on traditional soul food preparations.

Fried chicken arrives perfectly seasoned, mac and cheese comes extra creamy with a golden top, and green beans are slow-cooked with ham for added flavor.

The cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbles just right.

I think the smaller dining room creates an intimate atmosphere where you can actually taste the care put into each dish.

The staff treats customers like family, remembering regular orders and asking about your day.

Portions are substantial without being overwhelming.

12. Edley’s Bar-B-Que

Barbecue and soul food share a lot of common ground, and this Nashville restaurant celebrates both traditions beautifully.

You’ll find locations throughout Nashville, including 908 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206, where the menu combines smoked meats with classic Southern sides.

Pulled pork and brisket are smoked low and slow, while sides like collard greens, baked beans, and mac and cheese follow traditional soul food recipes. The banana pudding dessert is legendary.

I appreciate how they honor both cooking styles without trying to modernize everything.

The casual atmosphere with wooden tables and bar seating makes it comfortable for any occasion.

Locals come here when they want quality barbecue paired with soul food sides that actually complement the meats.

13. Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish

Heat lovers flock to this Nashville spot that takes spicy chicken seriously and doesn’t apologize for the burn.

Located at 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206, the restaurant offers both chicken and fish with varying levels of spice from mild to extremely hot.

The chicken gets a cayenne-based coating that delivers real heat, not just flavor.

Fish options provide an alternative for people who want soul food without poultry.

I recommend ordering mild first to gauge your tolerance because the hot levels here are no joke.

Traditional sides like baked beans and coleslaw help balance the spice.

Locals know this place doesn’t mess around with their heat levels, so they order accordingly and respect the warning signs posted around the restaurant.

14. Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place

Everything about this restaurant screams comfort, from the name to the food that fills your plate.

You’ll find it at 2701 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208, where the buffet-style setup lets you sample multiple dishes in one visit.

Fried chicken stays crispy, meatloaf comes with rich gravy, and collard greens are cooked with smoked turkey for depth of flavor.

Candied yams bring sweetness, and the cornbread has a perfect texture.

I like that the buffet format allows you to try things you might not normally order.

The casual environment welcomes everyone, from students to families to people grabbing lunch during work breaks.

Locals appreciate the consistent quality and the ability to get a full soul food experience without breaking the bank.