Tennessee has a plethora of family-friendly restaurants with unique themes that make dining out a memorable, fun experience for kids and parents.
These five restaurants are praised for their creative atmospheres, themed decor and kid-friendly menu items, which makes them some of the most perfect spots for families to enjoy a bite in the state.
Here’s our list:
1. Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Café (Pigeon Forge)
What to know: Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe serves breakfast and lunch and provides families with an upbeat, entertaining atmosphere. Its singing, dancing animatronic chickens are guaranteed to be a hit with the kids, along with the playful decor.
What to eat: Here you can enjoy a large, Southern-style breakfast, with a menu that serves classics like pancakes, biscuits and gravy and omelets, making it the perfect place for families to start their day.
Location: 2785 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2. Mel’s Classic Diner (Pigeon Forge)
What to know: At Mel’s Classic Diner you have the chance to step back in time. This 1950s-themed restaurant offers a nostalgic experience with all of the original aspects of a retro diner. There’s music coming from the jukebox, checkered floors and bright neon lights that everyone in the family can appreciate.
What to eat: You can enjoy classic comfort food here, including burgers, hot dogs and delicious milkshakes. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and a kids menu, all of which are served all day long. At Mel’s Diner not only will you leave full, but with their friendly servers, you also may leave with a friend.
Location: 119 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. to midnight
3. The Beauty Shop (Memphis)
What to know: The Beauty Shop is one of the most unique, historical dining experiences in Tennessee. This restaurant is set up in what used to be a beauty salon that Priscilla Presley used to get her hair done in. The restaurant keeps this theme alive with their vintage salon chairs that are used as dining seats.
What to eat: Their large brunch, dinner and lunch menus offer several Southern-inspired dishes, including banana pancakes and shrimp and grits. There are also fun sandwiches, like their jerk fish club or short rib burger. A vast selection of cocktails are available for parents too, and mocktails for the kids. 20 percent gratuity is added to all checks, so keep that in mind.
Location: 966 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday – Thursday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
4. Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina (Gatlinburg)
What to know: Loco Burro is a colorful Tex-Mex restaurant that is known for its rooftop dining area and mechanical donkey ride, which kids love. The restaurant’s vibrant decor and lively mariachi music make it an exciting spot for families to visit with their little ones, along with the rooftop seating, which has a gorgeous view of downtown Gatlinburg.
What to eat: The menu includes an array of delicious, Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, fajitas and nachos, and also includes plenty of kid-friendly options. Shareable options are available too, with things like locos nachos and la fiesta sampler dish.
Location: 735 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
5. Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill (Memphis)
What to know: Uncle Buck’s is one of the most unique dining experiences in Tennessee and is known for its ocean-themed decor and menu items. This restaurant is home to a 13,000-gallon aquarium that is filled to the brim with exotic fish, which creates an immersive underwater experience for guests.
What to eat: In addition to the classic seafood menu options, like fish and chips, Uncle Buck’s also has various American dishes that are suitable for kids of all ages. With burgers, pizza, salads and onion rings, this menu is a crowd pleaser. The venue also includes a bowling alley, which adds another element of entertainment for families to enjoy.
Location: 1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
6. Game Point at Bongo East (Nashville)
What to know: This restaurant is Nashville’s first board game café and features a curated library of over 400 games. Game Coaches are also available to help families learn new games. Lastly, there’s a retail section for families to take home their favorites games.
What to eat: Their all-day breakfast menu includes bagels, oatmeal, and grilled cheese, along with lunch options like sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Coffee, local craft beer, and specialty drinks are also available for parents to enjoy.
Location: 107 S. 11th Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Open daily: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden (Nashville)
What to know: This cozy, tree-filled beer garden in East Nashville has a nostalgic soda shop theme and a menu that puts unique spins on classic American dishes. The outdoor space is perfect for families to relax, and the milkshakes are the ideal dessert.
What to eat: Fresh, locally sourced burgers and hotdogs with unique toppings, plus old-fashioned phosphates and handmade sodas with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. The milkshake menu is a must-try for kids, along with the kid’s menu, which features cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and more.
Location: 731 McFerrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Daily: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
8. The Wild Plum (Gatlinburg)
What to know: This charming, Austrian-style tearoom nestled in the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community will give you amazing food and great service. Set in a rustic log cabin, this cozy spot offers fresh, homemade dishes with a welcoming, dog-friendly outdoor patio.
What to eat: Daily chef specials, seafood dishes, sandwiches, salads and the famous chicken salad. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available with a 48-hour advance request. Pair your meal with tea, wine, or beer and don’t miss out on the delicious house-made desserts.
Location: 555 Buckhorn Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Hours: Closed for the season. Expected to reopen mid-March 2025, so make your reservations in advance.
Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9. Rock N Roll Sushi (Murfreesboro)
What to know: Rock N Roll Roll Sushi is unlike any other restaurant, this high-energy, rock ‘n’ roll-themed sushi spot is where bold flavors meet classic rock vibes. From the moment you walk in, you’re placed in in a concert-like atmosphere with music, visuals and even an impressively designed bathroom.
What to eat: Signature sushi rolls, filet and shrimp hibachi and house-made ginger dressing. The fried rice is another must-try, along with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth steaks. The meal also comes with your choice of a soup or salad—both of which are worth trying.
Location: 3053 Medical Center Pkwy Ste D, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Hours:
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
10. Henley (Nashville)
What to know: This hidden gem nestled inside Henley restaurant offers an experiential tasting menu with creative, seasonal dishes, along with classic breakfast and lunch items. The space is designed for immersive dining, which makes it the perfect, unique experience for adventurous families.
What to eat: Breakfast favorites like Nashville Hot Shrimp & Grits, Pork Belly Biscuits, and Smoked Bacon Queso Tots. The dinner menu features modern twists on regional favorites, like Sweet Potato & Pimento Biscuits, Creste di Gallo, Scallop Fettucine and Chicken Leg Confit, with an option for a curated drink pairing.
Location: 2023 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Dinner: Sunday – Thursday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Bar open late
