*** (3 stars)
This place serves a pretty good hamburger, with all the fixings I like on it. I would have liked a bun the held up a bit better, but it was tasty. We really liked the fried okra and onion ring sides. The service was fine. We visited after our Jack Daniels Distillery tour, and it was one of the least crowded places to eat.
Lynchburg Cafe
177 Main St
Lynchburg, TN 37352
**** (4 stars)
There's a nice sidewalk eating area at the sandwich shop and deli. I really liked my Reuben sandwich; the pastrami in it was the leanest, and most succulent I've ever had. Home made chips were pretty good, but the warm potato salad is probably a better option. The burger was just okay. I you don't want rare be sure to specify, as it is so thick it's hard to get the center cooked.
The whiskey list–a somewhat unexpected element–is extensive and very interesting. I really enjoyed the Port Barrel aged Chattanooga whiskey.
Main Street Meats
217 E Main St
Chattanooga, TN 37408
***** (5 stars)
Barcelona offers a very nice selection of traditional and modern tapas in a bustling indoor or more chill outdoor patio setting. The Mussels Diablo and the chickpea and spinach dish were two standouts. The back of the menu includes a nice selection of wines by the bottle and glass, but be sure to checkout the full wine list for a much more extensive variety. Santo Assyrtiko from Santorini went particularly well with the food, and it's my favorite of all Assyrtikos.
Service was great, and they're open late.
Barcelona Wine Bar
1200 Villa Pl
Nashville, TN 37212
***** (5 stars)
This seems to be Nashville’s definitive hot chicken. It’s certainly very busy, so plan to go at a weird time to avoid long lines.
The half chicken with two sides is a great deal, and plenty for two people to share. I recommend getting medium spicy, even if you like hot food, because anything spicier and you will not be able to taste the chicken at all. Medium is plenty spicy.
If you prefer something a bit less messy and easier to handle, the chicken sandwich is a great choice. It comes with one side, and the components of the sandwich cool the chicken off a bit.
For sides we tried black-eyed peas, krinkle fries, and coleslaw, and all were excellent.
There’s a nice outdoor seating area. Service is friendly.
Hot Hattie B’S Chicken – Nashville
112 19th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203
https://www.yelp.com/biz/hot-hattie-bs-chicken-nashville-nashville
*** (3 stars)
Very friendly service is the highlight here. The breakfast menu features many varieties of eggs Benedict. The ones with tomato were the best as they cut the richness the "hash" was just very salty pulled pork and large crunch's of potato. The vanilla spiced latte was excellent.
Ruby Sunshine
405 Market St
Chattanooga, TN 37402
***** (5 stars)
Intimate, clubby space with a great menu and impressive cocktails! The service was very friendly. Great relaxed atmosphere. Everything we had was delicious, from charcuterie plate to Ceasar salad to filet. The Pineapple Express cocktail, their own creation, is one of the best cocktails I've ever had, not too sweet due to the inclusion of Amaro. I'm so glad we decided to dine here rather than in Market Square!
The Drawing Room
531 Henley St
Knoxville, TN 37902
***** (5 stars)
Excellent spot with a large open air eating area under cover.
The pizza was terrific, with a thin crust and just the right amount of chew.
The Little Debbie Harry desert was fantastic, a great combination of hot and cold, crisp and chewy, bitter and sweet.
Very extensive selection of Amaros.
Argosy
470 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
**** (4 stars)
This place is certainly aptly named, as it’s hard to pin down the cuisine. On the one hand a lot of items are Peruvian influenced, but Mexico and New Orleans are also amply represented.
The Peruvian Lettuce Wraps came with minced chicken filling. Combined with the lettuce, there wasn’t a lot of flavor, but eaten straight, the minced chicken had a delightful flavor imparted–I think–by yellow Peruvian peppers.
“Peruvian” guacamole was good, and essential just guacamole, except for the inclusion of plantain chips.
Opinions were split on the Savory Monkey Bread. It was okay, but not a lot of cheese flavor.
Wood Fires Steak Skewers were the biggest disappointment. Not a lot of steak, and not really the claimed rib eye quality. In fact, when the server placed it down she said “skirt steak” which is more what it tasted like. The accompanying confusion potatoes were quite good, though.
Shrimp Po’boy sandwich was wholly authentic, and as good as any I’ve had in New Orleans.
The house margaritas are good, as is the “Ranch Water” which is substantially less sweet.
The place is large, but very busy, so go at an odd time or with a reservation.
Great large outside area for dogs.
State Of Confusion
301 E Main St
Chattanooga, TN 37408
**** (4 stars)
SOS has a dramatic and beautiful interior design, and a very pleasant outside patio. I like the emphasis on classic tiki drinks, which are well-prepared, served in traditional glassware, and nicely garnished. The menu gives a brief historical note for each drink. There is also an extensive Rum list.
The food is less impressive than the drinks. I suggest sticking with the Cauliflower Bang Bang appetizer, and having dinner elsewhere.
Service was friendly and fast.
The SOS Tiki Bar
340 Church St
Decatur, GA 30030
***** (5 stars)
What a great variety of Asian foods, all on the longest menu I've ever seen. This menu is a book!, literally.
The garlic noodles with crab were a standout, but my absolute favorite was the crispy bar sandwich with lemon grass pork. It was essentially the best banh mi I've ever had. I almost ordered a six pack to go!
Nice outside eating area (although the road is noisy) and friendly service.
Food Terminal
1000 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318