Tennessee is so beautiful this time of the year, the sun is shining and there’s just a slight breeze sweeping the state. The weather calls for any and all activities to be enjoyed outside! Which of course is why we put together a list of ten of the best river and lakeside restaurants in Tennessee. These spots not only have amazing food and drink, but provide you with a stunning view to relax by as you eat. Order your favorite meal, sip on something sweet or strong and just tune out the outside world for a little bit. A lakeside meal is the perfect way to take a break.

  1. Papa Turney’s BBQ - Hermitage

Papa Turney’s BBQ - Facebook

Papa Turney’s BBQ - Facebook Papap Turneys BBQ is known for its hickory smoked bbq and kind staff. Locally owned and casual, this is the kind of spot where you meet friends, make friends, and indulge in spades of comfort food. Papa Turney’s Old Fashion BBQ, 3979 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA

  1. Cherokee Steak House & Marina - Lebanon

Cherokee Steak House & Marina - Facebook

Cherokee Steak House & Marina - Facebook Located just a hot second outside of Nashville, this casual Tennessee steakhouse operates on a BYOB rule. Order from their expansive seafood menu, or enjoy a decadent house-cut steak. This spot has been operating since 1958, and we completely understand why it’s been around for so long. 450 Cherokee Dock Rd, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA

  1. The Rudder at Anchor High Marina - Hendersonville

The Rudder at Anchor High Marina - Facebook

The Rudder - Facebook There’s really nowhere else in the Nashville area that you can enjoy a tiki bar alongside live music. The Rudder is a relaxed, all-American eatery that boasts gorgeous waterside reviews. You’ll love to spend some quality time with friends or family here, working your way through the tiki bar’s creative drink menu. 126 River Rd, Hendersonville, TN 37075, USA

  1. Calhoun’s on the River - Knoxville

Calhoun’s on the River - Facebook Although Calhoun’s is a chain, alongside the river in Knoxville is the best place to visit. Make sure to get a plate or bbq or a burger while you’re here - it’s their specialty! Calhoun’s On The River, 400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

  1. Jacob Myers Restaurant on the River - Dayton

Jacob Myer’s Restaurant on the River - Facebook

tntroutmtnman - TripAdvisor Jacob Meyers is the kind of spot you visit if you’d rather have a low-key, casual meal with traditional American menu options. Located just a hot second from Point Park, Jacob Myers is a classy spot with the best kind of meals for solid prices. Jacob Myers Restaurant on the River, 185 Chickamauga Dr, Dayton, TN 37321, USA

  1. Dockside Cafe - Harrison

Dockside Cafe - Facebook

Dockside Cafe - Facebook Great food and kind folks run the Dockside Cafe, which is all you really need if you have a Saturday afternoon to spare. We’d recommend the grilled shrimp and a long moment spent out on their deck. Isn’t that view absolutely breathtaking? 7855 Bay Marina Circle, Harrison, TN 37341

  1. Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill - Soddy Daisy

Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill - Facebook

Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill - Facebook Steve’s Landing has been beloved by locals since it opened in 1996, and has made a name for itself with a casual, family-friendly space and the best catfish in the city. You can park your car - or your boat! - and enjoy an evening amongst beloved friends and family. 1145 Poling Cir, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379, USA

  1. Tanasi Bar and Grill - Loudon

Tanasi Bar and Grill - Facebook Tansai Bar and Grill looks out over Tellico Lake, and offers up a stunning marina view as well as the opportunity to hit the golf course once you’ve finished. Upscale but affordable, this is a comfy spot that will keep your stomach - and your wallet - full. Tanasi Bar & Grill, 450 Clubhouse Point, Loudon, TN 37774, USA

Which of these river and lakeside restaurants in Tennessee are you most excited to make the visit to? And who are you bringing along to share the fun with? If you’re looking for more magical adventures then this Tennessee forest retreat might be right up your alley.

Papa Turney’s BBQ - Facebook

Papap Turneys BBQ is known for its hickory smoked bbq and kind staff. Locally owned and casual, this is the kind of spot where you meet friends, make friends, and indulge in spades of comfort food.

Papa Turney’s Old Fashion BBQ, 3979 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA

Cherokee Steak House & Marina - Facebook

Located just a hot second outside of Nashville, this casual Tennessee steakhouse operates on a BYOB rule. Order from their expansive seafood menu, or enjoy a decadent house-cut steak. This spot has been operating since 1958, and we completely understand why it’s been around for so long.

450 Cherokee Dock Rd, Lebanon, TN 37087, USA

The Rudder at Anchor High Marina - Facebook

The Rudder - Facebook

There’s really nowhere else in the Nashville area that you can enjoy a tiki bar alongside live music. The Rudder is a relaxed, all-American eatery that boasts gorgeous waterside reviews. You’ll love to spend some quality time with friends or family here, working your way through the tiki bar’s creative drink menu.

126 River Rd, Hendersonville, TN 37075, USA

Calhoun’s on the River - Facebook

Although Calhoun’s is a chain, alongside the river in Knoxville is the best place to visit. Make sure to get a plate or bbq or a burger while you’re here - it’s their specialty!

Calhoun’s On The River, 400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

Jacob Myer’s Restaurant on the River - Facebook

tntroutmtnman - TripAdvisor

Jacob Meyers is the kind of spot you visit if you’d rather have a low-key, casual meal with traditional American menu options. Located just a hot second from Point Park, Jacob Myers is a classy spot with the best kind of meals for solid prices.

Jacob Myers Restaurant on the River, 185 Chickamauga Dr, Dayton, TN 37321, USA

Dockside Cafe - Facebook

Great food and kind folks run the Dockside Cafe, which is all you really need if you have a Saturday afternoon to spare. We’d recommend the grilled shrimp and a long moment spent out on their deck. Isn’t that view absolutely breathtaking?

7855 Bay Marina Circle, Harrison, TN 37341

Steve’s Landing Waterfront Grill - Facebook

Steve’s Landing has been beloved by locals since it opened in 1996, and has made a name for itself with a casual, family-friendly space and the best catfish in the city. You can park your car - or your boat! - and enjoy an evening amongst beloved friends and family.

1145 Poling Cir, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379, USA

Tanasi Bar and Grill - Facebook

Tansai Bar and Grill looks out over Tellico Lake, and offers up a stunning marina view as well as the opportunity to hit the golf course once you’ve finished. Upscale but affordable, this is a comfy spot that will keep your stomach - and your wallet - full.

Tanasi Bar & Grill, 450 Clubhouse Point, Loudon, TN 37774, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Lakeside Restaurants In Tennessee June 23, 2022 Sara Dager What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Tennessee?  Tennessee has so much fantastic dining that is can almost be mind boggling. The Volunteer State is known for killer barbecue, scrumptious fried pie, and the always refreshing sweet tea, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t great at almost every kind of food. With so many options to eat out, it can be easy to stick to those most known and beloved spots, but there are a lot of hidden gem restaurants in Tennessee just waiting to be discovered. You can eat delightful Mediterranean at Red Meze or scarf down Tennessee classics at Sling Shot Charlie’s. Another great resources for lesser known spots to eat in the state is our list of hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee. What are the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee?  The natural beauty of Tennessee is pretty hard to match, and luckily, there is a lot of it that welcomes you to swim, boat, fish, and more. There are so many beautiful lakes in Tennessee and they are all well worth a visit. The man-made Boone Lake in Northeastern Tennessee is known for dreamy sunsets, stellar swimming, and gorgeous autumn leaves. Or maybe fall for Norris Lake in Andersonville, the mountain views will take your breath away and the water is some of the clearest in the state. If you are looking for a place to take a more private dip, check out our list of hidden lakes in Tennessee. Which restaurants have the best patios in Tennessee? With all there is to see in Tennessee, it makes sense that you might want to eat your meals outside so you don’t miss a second of the views. Well you’re in luck because there are a ton of restaurants with patios in Tennessee. If you want a low key spot to hang with friends you can enjoy live music with your drinks and appetizers at Fat Bottom Brewing in Nashville. Or perhaps you want something a little more upscale, then Rumors with its fairy lights and fantastic wine list is likely right up your alley. And if your crew is a fan of a fantastic taco eaten on a patio, then you’ll definitely want to make a visit to Mas Tacos Por Favor which is recommended to have some of the best tacos in Tennessee.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Lakeside Restaurants In Tennessee

June 23, 2022

Sara Dager

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Tennessee?  Tennessee has so much fantastic dining that is can almost be mind boggling. The Volunteer State is known for killer barbecue, scrumptious fried pie, and the always refreshing sweet tea, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t great at almost every kind of food. With so many options to eat out, it can be easy to stick to those most known and beloved spots, but there are a lot of hidden gem restaurants in Tennessee just waiting to be discovered. You can eat delightful Mediterranean at Red Meze or scarf down Tennessee classics at Sling Shot Charlie’s. Another great resources for lesser known spots to eat in the state is our list of hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee. What are the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee?  The natural beauty of Tennessee is pretty hard to match, and luckily, there is a lot of it that welcomes you to swim, boat, fish, and more. There are so many beautiful lakes in Tennessee and they are all well worth a visit. The man-made Boone Lake in Northeastern Tennessee is known for dreamy sunsets, stellar swimming, and gorgeous autumn leaves. Or maybe fall for Norris Lake in Andersonville, the mountain views will take your breath away and the water is some of the clearest in the state. If you are looking for a place to take a more private dip, check out our list of hidden lakes in Tennessee. Which restaurants have the best patios in Tennessee? With all there is to see in Tennessee, it makes sense that you might want to eat your meals outside so you don’t miss a second of the views. Well you’re in luck because there are a ton of restaurants with patios in Tennessee. If you want a low key spot to hang with friends you can enjoy live music with your drinks and appetizers at Fat Bottom Brewing in Nashville. Or perhaps you want something a little more upscale, then Rumors with its fairy lights and fantastic wine list is likely right up your alley. And if your crew is a fan of a fantastic taco eaten on a patio, then you’ll definitely want to make a visit to Mas Tacos Por Favor which is recommended to have some of the best tacos in Tennessee.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Tennessee has so much fantastic dining that is can almost be mind boggling. The Volunteer State is known for killer barbecue, scrumptious fried pie, and the always refreshing sweet tea, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t great at almost every kind of food. With so many options to eat out, it can be easy to stick to those most known and beloved spots, but there are a lot of hidden gem restaurants in Tennessee just waiting to be discovered. You can eat delightful Mediterranean at Red Meze or scarf down Tennessee classics at Sling Shot Charlie’s. Another great resources for lesser known spots to eat in the state is our list of hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee? 

The natural beauty of Tennessee is pretty hard to match, and luckily, there is a lot of it that welcomes you to swim, boat, fish, and more. There are so many beautiful lakes in Tennessee and they are all well worth a visit. The man-made Boone Lake in Northeastern Tennessee is known for dreamy sunsets, stellar swimming, and gorgeous autumn leaves. Or maybe fall for Norris Lake in Andersonville, the mountain views will take your breath away and the water is some of the clearest in the state. If you are looking for a place to take a more private dip, check out our list of hidden lakes in Tennessee.

Which restaurants have the best patios in Tennessee?

With all there is to see in Tennessee, it makes sense that you might want to eat your meals outside so you don’t miss a second of the views. Well you’re in luck because there are a ton of restaurants with patios in Tennessee. If you want a low key spot to hang with friends you can enjoy live music with your drinks and appetizers at Fat Bottom Brewing in Nashville. Or perhaps you want something a little more upscale, then Rumors with its fairy lights and fantastic wine list is likely right up your alley. And if your crew is a fan of a fantastic taco eaten on a patio, then you’ll definitely want to make a visit to Mas Tacos Por Favor which is recommended to have some of the best tacos in Tennessee.