These are some of the region’s most iconic spots.
Some might say legendary means white tablecloths and an expert wine list, like at Berns in Tampa.
Others might picture aniconic barbecue joint, like Arthur Bryants in Kansas City.
Credit:CHRIS GRANGER
Hospitality is keythe best places always remember their regulars, while making newcomers feel right at home.
History matters, too.Cattlemens Steakhousein Oklahoma opened in 1910 and still serves up prime cuts cooked over charcoal.
The Blue Bonnet Cafe inMarble Falls, Texashas been making pies since 1929.
Credit:Blue Bonnet Cafe
(Fun fact: The Blue Bonnet is named not for the flower but for old-timey ladies headwear.)
Choose from 15 options, from fruit filled to luxurious creams and meringues.
Youre guaranteed to find one youll love.
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Maybe its how the menu invites you to choose your own meaty adventure.
Instead, theyve focused on successfully passing culinary knowledge and business acumen down by the generation.
Also be ready to make some new friends.
Credit:Art Meripol/Southern Living
Seating options include one big table inside and a long picnic table outside.
When you get to the counter, there arent many decisions to make.
Youre getting one thing: chopped pork.
Credit:David Roseberry
And, for over a century, it has been more than enough.
But that didnt last.
Soon after opening, plate lunches took over in popularity.
Credit:Sean Kelley Photography
Martin’s Tavern
Sean Kelley Photography
Washington, D.C.
But if youre picturing a highfalutin place with impossible-to-snag reservations, think again.
(Thats why the back room is called the Dugout.)
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards
One of those tales is that this is where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier.
Order the Traditional Oyster Stew and Shepherds Pie, and thank us later.
What you find inside is a little quieter, a bit softer, but no less impactful.
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The restaurant has been serving up meals made with love ever since Albertha Grant first opened it in 1981.
Saturdays bring seafood specials like garlic crab and fried fish.
Theheaping plates of soul fooddraw crowds from all walks of life.
Some things you just cherish too much to let disappear.
This cozy space initially housed the Crowell-Berryhill Store when the building first opened in 1897.
One night, Prince came home late after obviously having seen another lover.
Credit:CHRIS GRANGER
A classic recipe was born, and the Nashville restaurant followed soon after in 1936.
Spice levels range from Plain (for the spice-averse) to XXX Hot.
The chicken is served atop a bed of red-stained white bread with a couple of pickle slices for tang.
Credit: Hermanos Photo
Generations have found joy in a freshly scooped cone or cup of their favorite variety.
Founded in 1933 by Flossie and Jack Fry, it was originally a place where sportsmen congregated.
But Jacks legend lives on in vintage photos around the low-lit, intimate space.
Credit:Photo: Chris Witzke/Courtesy of Jack Fry’s
Bacchanalia
Courtesy of Star Provisions
Atlanta, Georgia
Evolution is a constant atBacchanalia.
(The restaurant is now in its third locale.)
At Bacchanalia, the menu focuses on organic ingredients within a contemporary, four-course tasting menu.
Credit:Courtesy of Star Provisions
It doesnt hurt that Harrisons wine selections always hit the mark.
After years of excellence, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2023.
It all began when Arthur Bryant visited a restaurant belonging to his brother, Charlie, and never left.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
After Charlies retirement in 1946, Bryant stepped in to take the reins.
For decades since, the staff has served everyone from Kansas City locals to presidents and celebrities.
This is a spot steeped in equal parts tradition and house-made barbecue sauce.
Credit:Courtesy Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Courtesy Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cattlemens Steakhouseis steeped in history.
It survived the Great Depression and Prohibition, staying open late and serving its own home brew.
Freys loss was his gain, and Cattlemens grew its footprint under Wades management.
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All these years later, Cattlemens menu remains as good as its lore.
House-made rolls, oversize croutons, and signature salad dressing pair perfectly.
Eventually they expanded into the whole building.
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Not in the mood to get your hands dirty?
But that doesnt mean the place hasnt changed since then.
Teixidos big reputation for hospitality.
Credit:Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti
Its fair to say that Tweel found quite a bit more than that.
In 1938, he bought a dairy store, and he and Rahall were soon slinging burgers and milkshakes.
What also hasnt changed?
Credit:Riverside Lunch/Facebook
What makes this exceptional?
Whether youre a regular or a first-timer, this place feels instantly nostalgic.
