Tennessee takes its steak seriously, and a great ribeye can turn an ordinary evening into a reason to gas up the car. From the white-linen dining rooms of Memphis to a river-view spot in Gatlinburg, these seven steakhouses each cook up a ribeye that keeps people coming back.
Some grill over real oak wood, others age their beef for weeks, and a few pair the beef with live music or candlelit views. Whether you live down the road or an hour away, this is a list built for anyone who thinks a well-seasoned cut of beef is worth planning a whole trip around.
Save it, share it, and pick the drive that fits your next celebration or weekend outing.
1. Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House, Memphis, TN
A Memphis institution built around prime beef, Folk’s Folly serves its steaks in a refined, white-linen setting complete with a piano bar. The ribeye here is the headliner, cooked in butter and known for coming to the table tender and full of flavor.
Beyond the beef, the menu leans into Southern comfort and seafood. You can start with catfish beignets or she-crab soup, then round out the plate with southern cooked green beans, garlic scallop potatoes, or crisp colossal onion rings.
The mood is upscale and a little romantic, which makes it a natural pick for a special dinner. Reservations are recommended, and valet parking is available along with free lots and street spots.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 PM and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. Expect the busiest crowds on Friday and Saturday evenings, with Monday nights being the quietest.
You can reach them at 901-762-8200.
Find it at 551 S Mendenhall Rd.
2. The Peddler Steakhouse, Gatlinburg, TN
Set along River Road in the heart of Gatlinburg, The Peddler pairs hand-cut steaks with a candlelit river view that makes it a favorite for anniversaries. The woodsy setting fits its mountain-town location, and the ribeye earns high praise for coming out tender and juicy.
What sets this place apart is the big salad bar, which lets you build a fresh start before your steak arrives. The kitchen also grills chicken and trout for anyone who wants something other than beef.
Save room for dessert, because the lineup includes peanut butter mud pie, hot blackberry cobbler, and New York cheesecake. The atmosphere works for both families and couples, with a kids’ menu on hand.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 PM, Saturday from 4:30 to 10 PM, and Sunday from 5 to 9 PM. There is usually a wait, so reservations are recommended.
The number is 865-436-5794, and you will find it at 820 River Rd.
3. Alamo Steakhouse, Pigeon Forge, TN
Oak wood does the heavy lifting at Alamo Steakhouse, a casual Pigeon Forge chophouse that grills Angus steaks over real fire. The 20 ounce bone-in ribeye is the signature move, coming out juicy with a wood-smoke flavor that stands on its own without sauce.
Portion sizes here run generous, and the menu stretches well beyond beef with seafood and chicken specialties. Sides and starters keep it hearty, from Texas taters and French fries to French onion soup, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and a classic wedge salad.
Right on the Parkway, it is easy to reach and easy to park at, with plenty of spaces available. Note that reservations are not accepted, so plan for a wait during peak times.
Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 3 to 9 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Fridays and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
Call 865-908-9998 or stop by at 3050 Parkway.
4. Bridgeman’s Chophouse, Chattanooga, TN
Dry-aged beef is the calling card at Bridgeman’s Chophouse, a polished downtown Chattanooga spot known for prime steaks and a notable wine list. The 20 ounce bone-in wet-aged ribeye lands as one of the best steaks around, and the dry-aged cuts add even more depth of flavor.
The menu reaches for a special-occasion feel with a chilled seafood tower, lobster bisque, seared scallops, and a center cut filet. Sides like smoked cheddar mashed potatoes keep things comfortable without losing the upscale edge.
Live music and an elegant setting make it a go-to for celebrations, and the room is welcoming to families and groups alike. One thing to plan for: this is dine-in only, with no takeout or delivery.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM and Friday through Sunday with later weekend close times. Valet parking is offered alongside on-site and street options.
Reach them at 423-643-1240, located at 107 W M.L.K.
Blvd.
5. Connors Steak & Seafood, Knoxville, TN
Out in the Turkey Creek area of Knoxville, Connors Steak & Seafood brings an old-school steakhouse feel with aged beef cooked over a wood-fired grill. The dry-aged ribeye is a standout, delivering rich flavor and a solid sear, while the butter-rubbed sirloin comes paired with a loaded baked potato.
The warm room, complete with a fireplace, leans toward date-night territory without feeling stuffy. Staff are known for being attentive, and the kitchen handles a range of cuts from filet mignon to New York strip.
Seafood and starters round things out with lobster dip, lobster bisque, blue point oysters, fried green tomatoes, and truffle deviled eggs. There is also a signature prime rib for anyone who wants a change from the ribeye.
Open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, with later Friday and Saturday hours and a Sunday close at 10 PM. Weekends and Sunday afternoons get busy.
Call 865-966-0933 or visit 10915 Turkey Dr.
6. Serrato’s Steakhouse, Franklin, TN
Middle Tennessee diners looking for a hand-cut ribeye often point toward Serrato’s in Franklin, an upscale spot where steaks and lobster share the spotlight. The ribeye comes perfectly cooked and tender, and truffle butter is a smart add-on if you want to dress it up.
Portions and prices tend to land in a friendly range, which makes it a comfortable pick for a birthday dinner or a night out. The steak salad, built with ribeye slices, is a lighter option that still delivers on flavor.
The broader menu includes filet mignon, pork chops, calamari, and crab bisque, plus sides like garlic mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome on the patio.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday until 10 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest.
Reservations are recommended. Call 615-472-8222 or head to 3046 Columbia Ave, Suite 102.
7. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse – Nashville, Nashville, TN
Downtown Nashville gets its handcrafted steak fix at Jeff Ruby’s, a stylish, upscale spot where the blackened ribeye is seasoned to perfection. The 22 ounce bone-in aged ribeye is the showstopper, and even the blackened seasoning stays smooth rather than overpowering.
The energy here sets it apart from quieter steakhouses, with live music and a lively bar area that draws a fun crowd. Signature dishes like Steak Collinsworth and the Music City Roll give the menu a local personality.
Save space for dessert, because the ricotta donuts and Jeff Ruby’s own cheesecake are part of the appeal. Oysters Rockefeller and a classic Caesar make good openers before the beef arrives.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 11 PM, and Sunday from 4:30 to 9 PM. Reservations are required and there is usually a wait, with valet parking available.
Call 615-434-4300 or find it at 300 4th Ave N.
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