10 Tennessee Steakhouses Loved By Locals For Legendary Cuts And Unforgettable Flavor
Tennessee is famous for whiskey and country music, but locals know the real gems are its incredible steakhouses.
Across Nashville, Memphis, and beyond, talented chefs craft mouthwatering cuts that keep diners coming back again and again.
Pull up a chair, sharpen your steak knife, and get ready to explore the juiciest, most flavor-packed steaks the Volunteer State has to offer!
1. Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill – Franklin
Right in charming Franklin, this upscale gem offers a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere with stone walls and warm lighting.
Steaks arrive sizzling with a legendary coffee rub that locals swear by. Regulars rave about the hand-cut filet mignon and complimentary sourdough bread with honey butter that starts every meal on a high note.
2. Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House – Memphis
Since 1977, this Memphis institution has been the go-to celebration spot for generations of local families.
What began as a small house transformed into a maze of elegant dining rooms where prime beef is aged and cut in-house daily. Savvy diners know to request the secret off-menu bacon-wrapped filet with bleu cheese for an unforgettable meal.
3. Porch and Parlor – Memphis
Sophisticated yet approachable, this Memphis hotspot combines Southern hospitality with culinary artistry.
Located in the trendy Overton Square area, chefs dry-age premium cuts in-house using Himalayan salt blocks. Adventurous eaters shouldn’t miss the bone marrow appetizer followed by a perfectly charred ribeye, a combination that has local food critics singing praises.
4. Hermitage Steak House – Hermitage
Family-owned for over 40 years, this unpretentious treasure keeps locals returning with generous portions and old-school charm.
Vintage wood paneling and checkered tablecloths set the scene for perfectly aged steaks cooked over an open flame. Regulars know to save room for the legendary homemade cheesecake that’s been made from the same recipe since opening day.
5. Edward’s Steakhouse – Clarksville
Housed in a beautifully restored 1800s building, Edward’s combines historic charm with mouthwatering steaks that keep Clarksville residents coming back weekly.
Original brick walls and hardwood floors create an intimate atmosphere where prime cuts are hand-selected and seasoned with a closely guarded family recipe. Locals recommend pairing your steak with their famous twice-baked potato.
6. Char Restaurant – Nashville
Blending Southern classics with steakhouse traditions, Char offers a fresh take on the typical meat-lover’s paradise.
Regulars skip the menu and ask about the daily dry-aged special, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables from nearby farms.
7. Saltgrass Steak House – Nashville
Drawing inspiration from Texas cattle drives along the Salt Grass Trail, this Nashville favorite delivers hearty, flavorful steaks in a rustic setting.
Every cut is seasoned with a signature seven-spice blend and topped with garlic butter that slowly melts into the meat. Smart diners know to order the Texas-sized onion rings that arrive stacked high like a golden tower.
8. Kayne Prime – Nashville
Sleek and sophisticated, this Gulch district gem represents Nashville’s evolution into a culinary destination.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame city views while innovative chefs prepare wagyu beef with molecular gastronomy techniques. Insiders whisper about the cream corn brûlée side dish: a sweet-savory masterpiece that perfectly complements their exceptional Japanese A5 wagyu.
9. The Southern Steak & Oyster – Nashville
Buzzing with energy, this downtown Nashville hotspot marries land and sea in a celebration of Southern cuisine.
Open kitchen flames dance as chefs grill thick-cut steaks sourced from nearby farms. Music City locals recommend grabbing a seat at the bar where friendly staff serve up “The Belle,” a 16-ounce bone-in filet that rivals any steak in town.
10. Sullivan’s Steakhouse – Memphis
Jazz music fills the air at this sophisticated Memphis establishment where old-world service meets contemporary steakhouse fare.
White-jacketed servers expertly navigate between tables, delivering hand-cut steaks with theatrical flair. Memphians in the know order the Bourbon Peppercorn Filet, a buttery-soft cut enhanced with a sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes.
