The South’s Best Fall Foodie Cities
Let’s face it, a large majority of travel can come down to food. One great meal – or even a really bad one- can cast a shadow on the entire trip. Discovering local joints, getting great local recommendations, and trying the city's favorite restaurants are always great but what if the whole city seems to revolve around food there are so many options that it's almost impossible to have a bad meal? In no particular order, the current foodie cities are worth eating your way through.
Nashville, Tennessee
No longer just Music City Nashville has become one of the culinary hot spots for all things new and for seasoned chefs to open new restaurants. Beginning with breakfast and starting at the most obvious and one of the more storied, Loveless Café has been open since 1951 and is known for the fresh, fluffy, and fabulous biscuits. Set close to the impressive Natchez Trace it is the perfect out-of-town breakfast spot. Next up is Pancake Pantry, set mere steps from Vanderbilt University's Campus there areas you guessed it- a ton of pancake options. Try the sweet potato pancakes- they are just about perfect. Moving towards lunch going to Nashville without hitting a meat-and-three is almost a crime. There are some new(er) places like Monnell’s which is a little more upscale, Southern fair while Arnold’s Country Kitchen is the real-deal meat-and-three from its cafeteria-style sections to its cinder block exterior. Or go completely off theme and try the delicious gourmet Mexican fare at Mas Tacos. No stranger to awards Nashville is home to James Beard winners and nominees. Dinner can range from delicious burgers and beers at the divey Brown’s Diner, to spectacular Indian at Chauhan’s Ale & Maslas House, or try squid ink pasta at the trendy and chic Rolf & Daughters – a contender for a James Beard in 2022.
Birmingham, Alabama
Tucked in the mountains of middle Alabama the Birmingham food scene is almost like a hidden secret; never too busy and not too many people from out of town. With a plethora of amazing places, it’s a wonder this smaller city has managed to keep itself from getting too big for its britches. Breakfast at The Fig Tree sets the stage for a lovely southern meal. A twist on the current farm-to-table trend, it is intimate and charming. The perfect brunch spot for friends or a romantic weekend. When in Alabama BBQ must be had and Dreamland is just the place to make that happen. Created by a man nicknamed "Big Daddy" there is almost no need to describe the melt-in-your-mouth meat. However, one cannot head to Birmingham without hitting the local favorite Hot and Hot Fish Club. Located in the creative Pepper Place, this joint packs a delicious punch. Chic and urban yet warm and welcoming not at all pretentious and the food combines French Southern and California cuisines. A long-standing staple in town for a reason. The up-and-coming location to note is Automatic Seafood and Oyster, Chef Adam Evans is nominated for a James Beard this year as Best Chef in the South. With an upscale and metropolitan feel, the elevated taste of the Gulf-based Sea fare is highlighted.
Charlotte, North Carolina
A city is a food city before the mass consider it one that's the peak time to visit when reservations are still able to be made, restaurants are on the smaller side and the chef can exit the kitchen and wander among patrons. That's where Charlotte's food scene is right now. For something a little more casual, local brewery Sycamore Brewing is a family-owned brewery with a wonderful beer garden. Not in the mood for beer, they also serve wine and have “Food Truck Fridays”. From there the elevated food scene can take over – in the best way possible! The Asbury is a fantastic brunch spot located in the Dunhill Hotel with fresh, southern fair and a dang good burger as well. Farm to table it has the classic and modern staples diners crave along with some new twists and turns. Halcyon Flavors from the Earth at The Mint Museum focuses on local and artisanal farms, dairies, and also wine. The focus is entirely seasonal. Looking for something cutting edge and a little bit of the talk of the town? Look no further than Leach & Louise with a James Beard 2022Best Chef of the Southeast nominee at the helm. The focus is on Mississippi River Valley foodways and really gives the diner a taste of the region.
Atlanta, Georgia
Arguably the largest metropolis in the South it seems that Atlanta could almost be beyond its peak. Not the case, with a ton of places to eat there is something new at every pass. With two locations Alma Cocina is a great mix of Mexican and Latin American food. The strikingly authentic yet contemporary décor is chic and perfectly matches the flavors you are soon to taste. With bright, fresh ingredients it will soon be the Mexican you crave. Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar is close enough to the airport that it should be the first stop in town and probably your last stop headed out of town. Set in a contemporary and lively location the vibe is understated but lovely. With an undercurrent of energy, the staff is attentive and friendly. Known for southern favorites the she-crab soup, fried corn, and sweet potato muffins are some favorites. Such a great atmosphere it might seem other customers are overly friendly, but nope, it's just employees hanging out off the clock. Named after the former stockyards that were once so large, that they were an entire block, Miller Union is a wonderful combination of what some would call rustic and modern. Falling along with the rustic approach the chef chooses the menu in the farmstead-style of cooking with seasonal ingredients driving the menu. Chef Satterfield was also named by the James Beard Foundation as "Best Chef: Southeast" in 2017. There are cuisines types and levels for all in Atlanta, and no one of them will disappoint.
Greenville, South Carolina
Jianna is inspired by Italian Cuisine this Osteria is one to try. Modern Italian at its best each dish is executed to have a wow factor that makes it just a bit more. While the menu is astounding it is limited but that's not a bad thing unless they've run out of what you want. Promising probably one of the most diverse menus diners have ever seen, Saskatoon, has kangaroo, elk, buffalo, antelope, alligator, and ostrich on the menu! Boasting an impressive wine list, the restaurant itself feels like a cozy, warm, and well-appointed lodge. Beautiful wood and regal tapestry-like fabrics adorn the space. Sassafras Southern Bistro is about as classic as they come. With a southern eclectic feel to the menu, it's a great place for any type of group, lunch, or couple. Perfect for a quick happy hour cocktail and appetizer or a celebratory meal, the food will be delicious and the waitstaff exceptional.
With many more places, we could have listed there is no lacking of food in somewhere as diverse and culturally in touch as the South. And any city with a bit of research is sure to be a foodie city!
