Is there anything better than waking up late and kicking off the day with a delicious brunch? Relax over a mimosa or cup of coffee and catch up with friends over a hearty meal. If you’re looking for a good brunch spot to try while you’re in town, here are a few Tennessee restaurants serving up midmorning fare.
West
Sunrise Memphis
This cheery, quick-serve diner is a popular spot in Memphis. The rustic plank walls and multicolored furniture create a fun vibe, and the delicious food will keep you coming back. “The Kitchen Sink” is a favorite, and comes with everything you could ever want in a breakfast meal: bacon, a biscuit, eggs, grits, hash browns and sausage. For a breakfast sandwich with a kick, try The Rooster—crispy fried chicken, house-made pickles and Tabasco honey on a buttermilk biscuit. For a morning kick, check out the bloody mary bar.
Martin Coffeehouse
Located in historic downtown Martin, this coffee shop is comfortable and inviting. With the recent addition of the Lindell Street Bakery in the same building, this spot is great for a casual brunch with friends. Try the Good Morning Martin Muffin or a breakfast burrito. Also, don’t miss out on the specialty lattes, mochas and macchiatos. All of the coffee is organic and fair trade-certified, and 10 cents from every cup sold goes to support literacy projects in Kenya and Nepal. If coffee isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The coffeehouse also offers hot cocoa, four types of lemonade and imported Nepali teas.
Middle
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
A Leiper’s Fork historic landmark founded in the 1950s, Puckett’s Grocery once served as a general store, gas station and neighborhood hangout. Today, it’s known as “a restaurant pretending to be a grocery store,” according to owner Andy Marshall, and it serves up a laid-back brunch experience with local flair. The restaurant also features live music almost every day, and its stage has seen Wynonna Judd, Tanya Tucker, Phil Everly and many more hit songwriters.
Marche Artisan Foods
Marché Artisan Foods is a European-style eatery in Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood. Everything is made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, so its menu changes according to what’s in season. The restaurant has been featured in Bon Appétit magazine, The New York Times, HuffPost and several other publications for its authentic French-inspired food. It also specializes in pastries and other baked goods, so you’ll want to try a croissant while you wait for your meal to arrive. Check out the gourmet market and pick up some local treats to take home.
East
Aretha Frankensteins
With a skateboarding skeleton that doubles as a chandelier and old concert posters that cover the walls, Aretha Frankensteins is one of Chattanooga’s most fascinating restaurants. While its décor makes for a unique dining experience, its food makes it unforgettable. Aretha’s is famous for its thick pancakes, stuffed Breakfast Burrito and Shrimp & Grits that are so good, you’ll dream of them until your next visit. Spread the homemade apple butter on moist, fluffy biscuits to compliment your experience. Seating can be limited, especially on the weekends, so get there early.
Ugly Mug Coffee
If you’re craving tasty breakfast sandwiches and Instagrammable lattes, check out this Lenoir City coffeehouse. Ugly Mug roasts its own coffee, and it’s all ethically sourced to support the farmers who grow it. Try the Blue Suede Macchiato, its signature blend with the flavor of caramel, toasted macaroon and a hint of its secret ingredient. The pastries are also a great choice, especially the Buttermoon Pound Cake.
If you’re looking for a leisurely meal with friends or a quick stop to fuel up before exploring Tennessee, the brunch scene is alive and well across the state. Come try all the delicious food that can only be “Made in Tennessee.”
