Top 7 restaurants in Tennessee for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

Understanding Tennessee's restaurant landscape through data-driven analysis reveals critical insights for business professionals selecting dining venues. With the state's dynamic culinary scene shaped by 144 million annual visitors and evolving food trends, identifying establishments that balance professional ambiance with regional authenticity becomes essential for successful client meetings and corporate entertaining.

Understanding Tennessee restaurant industry

Tennessee's restaurant industry generates $21.9 billion in annual sales while supporting 336,000 jobs across the state. The sector encompasses 19,031 restaurants and cafes, with Davidson County leading at 2,739 establishments. This economic ecosystem benefits from Tennessee's 7.23 million residents and record tourism spending of $30.6 billion in 2023. The state's culinary landscape increasingly embraces farm-to-table concepts and plant-based options, particularly in urban centers like Nashville where hot chicken remains an iconic specialty. Each dollar spent in Tennessee restaurants generates $2.24 in statewide economic activity, demonstrating the sector's multiplier effect on local economies.

Top 7 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on corporate spending data from Tennessee businesses, these seven establishments consistently rank as premier destinations for professional dining. The selection spans from luxury farm-to-table experiences to iconic cultural institutions, reflecting the diversity of business entertainment needs across the state. Southall Farm & Inn, The Twelve Thirty Club, and Chief's on Broadway lead the rankings for upscale client dinners.

Southall Farm & Inn

Southall Farm & Inn represents Tennessee's pinnacle of agricultural luxury dining across its 325-acre Franklin property. This sophisticated resort seamlessly integrates active farming operations with refined hospitality, featuring hydroponic greenhouses, heritage orchards, and on-site apiaries that supply its restaurants.

Notable facts: Opened in 2023 after seven years of development by founder Paul Mishkin, the property operates under the culinary direction of former Hermitage Hotel executive chef Tyler Brown. The resort includes a Monticello-style kitchen garden, certified cannery, and demonstration kitchen where guests observe farm-to-fork preparation techniques. Its commitment to hyper-seasonal cuisine means menus evolve daily based on harvest availability.

Signature dishes:

• Heirloom tomato tasting with house-made preserves
• Heritage pork with orchard fruit compote
• Honey-infused desserts from on-site apiaries

Best for: Executive retreats and high-stakes client entertainment requiring privacy and sophistication. The property's multiple dining venues accommodate everything from intimate negotiations in private dining rooms to larger corporate events in the demonstration kitchen. The serene agricultural setting provides ideal conditions for extended business discussions away from urban distractions.

The Twelve Thirty Club

The Twelve Thirty Club elevates Nashville's entertainment district through its $25 million transformation of a historic building into a sophisticated multi-level dining and music venue. This collaboration between restaurateur Sam Fox and Justin Timberlake creates distinct experiences across 30,000 square feet.

Notable facts: Launched in 2022, the venue features three meticulously designed levels including the upscale Supper Club, a honky-tonk floor, and rooftop bar. The Art Deco-inspired interiors showcase crescent-shaped leather booths, zinc-detailed bars with emerald tiles, and hand-painted forest murals beneath antique chandeliers. The venue regularly hosts celebrity events and album release parties, establishing itself as Nashville's premier see-and-be-seen destination.

Signature dishes:

• Dry-aged ribeye with black truffle butter
• Hot honey-glazed quail with cornbread pudding
• Artisanal cheese cart with seasonal accompaniments

Best for: Impressing out-of-town clients and celebrating major deals in Nashville's most glamorous setting. The multiple concept levels allow business groups to transition from formal dining in the Supper Club to casual networking on the rooftop, accommodating various stages of relationship building. The venue's celebrity cachet adds memorable flair to corporate entertainment.

Tootsies Orchid Lounge

Tootsies Orchid Lounge stands as Nashville's most authentic honky-tonk experience, offering corporate groups genuine Music City culture in its legendary purple-painted establishment. This historic venue has hosted country music icons since 1960 while maintaining its unpretentious charm.

Notable facts: Founded by Hattie Louise "Tootsie" Bess adjacent to the Ryman Auditorium, the venue launched careers of Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline through impromptu performances. Current stars like Keith Urban and Taylor Swift continue performing unannounced sets. The multi-level bar attracts over a million annual visitors, with memorabilia-covered walls documenting six decades of country music history.

Signature dishes:

• Nashville hot chicken tenders with pickles
• Fried bologna sandwiches with mustard
• Pimento cheese fries with jalapeños

Best for: Informal team-building events and entertaining clients seeking authentic Nashville experiences. The casual atmosphere breaks down corporate barriers through shared musical experiences and simple Southern fare. Live country music performances create natural conversation starters while the venue's legendary status provides built-in entertainment value for visiting business associates.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel offers reliable Southern hospitality across 41 Tennessee locations, providing consistent dining experiences for business travelers and local corporate meetings. This Lebanon-headquartered chain maintains deep regional roots while delivering predictable quality.

Notable facts: Founded in 1969 by Dan Evins as a gasoline sales strategy, Cracker Barrel evolved into a cultural institution serving over 11 million orders of Chicken n' Dumplins annually. The distinctive country store concept features rocking chairs, peg games, and Americana memorabilia. Tennessee locations often display local artifacts, reinforcing community connections while maintaining the brand's standardized comfort food approach.

Signature dishes:

• Chicken n' Dumplins simmered in broth
• Southern fried chicken with sawmill gravy
• Grandma's Sampler breakfast platter

Best for: Early morning business meetings and casual lunch discussions requiring familiar, non-intimidating environments. The family-friendly atmosphere and generous portions facilitate relaxed conversations while highway-adjacent locations provide convenient access for traveling executives. Consistent service standards ensure predictable experiences crucial for risk-averse business dining.

Nashville Underground

Nashville Underground commands Lower Broadway with 40,000 square feet of entertainment space across four levels, offering versatile venues for corporate events of any scale. This DeGraw brothers venture combines dining, music, and activities under one roof.

Notable facts: Opened in January 2018, the complex features three performance stages, arcade games, mechanical bull, and Nashville's highest rooftop bar. The venue's proprietary 29°F draft system delivers "the coldest beer in Music City" while industrial-chic design by MJM Architects creates distinct atmospheres across each level. Daily live music performances and capacity for 1,500 guests establish it as Broadway's largest entertainment destination.

Signature dishes:

• Spicy blackened Caesar salad with grilled chicken
• Nashville hot chicken sliders with dill pickles
• Lynne's truffle mac and cheese

Best for: Large corporate gatherings and team celebrations requiring high-energy environments. The multi-level layout accommodates groups seeking different experiences simultaneously, from ground-floor honky-tonk atmosphere to panoramic rooftop views. The venue's size and variety make it ideal for company parties where diverse preferences need accommodation within a single location.

Tin Roof

Tin Roof maintains its musician-friendly ethos across multiple Tennessee locations while serving elevated bar food that exceeds typical pub fare. The original Demonbreun Street venue remains a Midtown Nashville institution supporting local artists.

Notable facts: Since opening in 2002 near Music Row, Tin Roof cultivated loyal followings for its award-winning cheese dip and honey-hot wings. The "Where Everybody is Somebody" philosophy manifests through community events and musician support initiatives. Two entertainment zones—main stage and Green Room with DJs—provide options for different group dynamics while memorabilia celebrates Nashville's musical heritage.

Signature dishes:

• Award-winning white cheese dip with jalapeños
• Honey-hot wings with blue cheese
• BBQ chicken tenders with bacon and cheddar

Best for: After-work gatherings and casual client entertainment in relaxed settings. The venue's generous portions and late-night service accommodate extended business discussions while live music provides ambient energy without overwhelming conversation. Multiple bar areas allow groups to find appropriate noise levels for their needs.

Chief's on Broadway

Chief's on Broadway brings James Beard Award-winning barbecue to Nashville's entertainment district through country star Eric Church's six-story venue. Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ anchors the culinary program with authentic pit-smoked meats.

Notable facts: Opened in 2023 at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, the complex dedicates its fifth and sixth floors to Hell of a Q restaurant with panoramic downtown views. Ground-level walk-up windows serve barbecue from breakfast through late night. Church's personal memorabilia and custom audio systems create immersive environments while Scott's South Carolina smoking techniques distinguish the menu from typical Nashville barbecue.

Signature dishes:

• Whole-hog pulled pork sandwiches
• Smoked brisket with Alabama white sauce
• BBQ nachos with smoked turkey and pickled onions

Best for: Lunch meetings and informal dinners where authentic barbecue creates common ground. The venue's celebrity ownership and award-winning cuisine provide conversation starters while multiple service formats—from quick walk-up windows to full-service dining with views—accommodate varying time constraints and formality levels. The combination of premium barbecue and entertainment options suits diverse business dining needs.

Tips for business dining in Tennessee's restaurant scene

Tennessee's business dining culture blends Southern hospitality with increasing sophistication, particularly in Nashville's rapidly evolving culinary landscape. Make reservations at least 48 hours ahead for upscale venues like Southall Farm & Inn and The Twelve Thirty Club, especially during major events like CMA Fest or NFL games when corporate entertainment peaks. Consider that many Nashville establishments feature live music after 8 PM, which can overwhelm conversation—schedule important discussions for earlier dinner slots or choose upper-floor dining rooms that buffer sound.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact dining experiences across Tennessee. Spring and fall bring ideal weather for rooftop venues and outdoor seating, while summer humidity makes climate-controlled spaces preferable for formal meetings. Local specialties like hot chicken may prove challenging for unaccustomed palates—guide visiting clients toward milder menu options unless they express adventurous preferences. Many establishments now offer excellent plant-based alternatives reflecting Nashville's growing health-conscious demographic.

Understanding regional dining customs enhances business relationships. Tennessee professionals appreciate punctuality but won't rush meals—budget 90 minutes minimum for lunch meetings and two hours for dinners. Bourbon and whiskey knowledge carries cultural currency; venues like The Twelve Thirty Club offer extensive selections worth exploring with clients. For maximum flexibility, choose establishments with multiple dining areas like Nashville Underground or Chief's on Broadway, allowing groups to transition between formal dining and casual networking spaces as relationships develop throughout the evening.