Clarksville, Tennessee, is a foodie’s dream, offering a mix of Southern charm, creative eats, and unforgettable dining experiences. At Legends Smokehouse & Grill, I discovered their famous “Ooey Gooey,” a sweet-and-savory twist on barbecue that’s as unique as it is delicious.
For a slower pace, I found myself at The Mad Herbalist, tucked inside a repurposed log cabin surrounded by greenery. This tranquil spot offers tea flights and seasonal small plates, making it a haven for tea lovers and adventurous eaters alike. Meanwhile, downtown Clarksville buzzes with energy at places like Strawberry Alley Ale Works, where hearty dishes meet expertly brewed craft beers.

No foodie adventure is complete without a little indulgence, and Clarksville’s bakeries rise to the occasion. A standout was The Amsterdam Local Café, where I found yummy pastries and rich coffee reminiscent of European café culture.
For fans of regional spirits, Old Glory Distilling Co. impressed with handcrafted whiskeys, and Beachaven Winery offered a chance to sip local wines in a picturesque picnic setting. With every bite and sip, Clarksville left me intrigued and inspired by the blend of tradition and creativity that defines its dining scene.
The Mad Herbalist

Tucked away in a cozy, repurposed log cabin, The Mad Herbalist offers a serene escape in the midst of Clarksville. Known for its creative tea flights and artisanal menu, this café invites you to slow down and savor the flavors of the season. Whether you’re enjoying their roast tomato-burrata toasted focaccia or sampling a signature blend of loose-leaf tea, every visit feels like a delightful discovery.

This is strictly a brunch, lunch, or tea eatery. Its hours are 11 am—3 pm, Thursday through Sunday, with brunch served only on Sundays. We had some delicious appetizers with our unique flights of tea. Choose your combination of flavors, then pick some up on the way out! This a great souvenir and gift.
Yada on Franklin

In downtown Clarksville, Yada on Franklin specializes in Italian-inspired dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This restaurant is a gem! Recently featured on the Food Network #BestBiteInTown, featuring (my all time favorite dessert) Tiramisu!
Their Signature Salad with Shrimp is a fan favorite, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp over crisp greens. It’s a great choice for a casual yet refined dining experience.

Spacious with a private dining room, we enjoyed a great lunch here. The variety of food was really good, and as l walked by during dinner service, it was hopping! I would recommend a wood fire pizza or Signature Shrimp Salad and an old-fashioned cream ale.
Strawberry Alley Ale Works

Located a quick walk from our hotel, Strawberry Alley Ale Works was the perfect place to watch a game. Ideal for those hubbies who don’t enjoy shopping but enjoy a good burger, this lively brewery and restaurant is a local favorite for its craft beers and inventive menu.

The Beer Cheese Bacon Burger pairs perfectly with their house brews, offering a true taste of Clarksville’s understated dining scene. The Shrimp and Grits and the Chicken Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese looked very appealing! The spacious interior and rooftop patio are bonuses for group outings.

You can also stop by Upstairs a taproom with a full bar and games like wall scrabble, Jenga, corn hole, darts, and shuffleboard. There is Trivia on Thursdays and Singo (singing bingo???), on Wednesday nights.
The Amsterdam Local Cafe

European cafés inspire this cozy spot and serve fresh pastries, sandwiches, and exceptional coffee. Their Dutch-inspired dishes, make The Amsterdam Local Café an excellent place for breakfast or a quick lunch in a welcoming atmosphere.

I enjoyed my large Euro Plate with Scottish smoked salmon (an additional cost). It came with toasted sourdough bread, assorted cheese, avocado, fruits, and salad. It was very filling! The Burrata Toast was also very appealing. With seasonal specialty teas and coffee, this is a great place to relax and enjoy a healthy meal.
The decor is impressive, with a bicycle hanging from the ceiling in the front sitting area (see gallery above). There is also a small area where you can find local products from preserves to ceramics, teas to BBQ sauce – something for everyone!
Legends Smokehouse & Grill

The reason you eat at a family-owned business is that (1) you are supporting a local business, (2) the food is usually fantastic, and (3) you need to spread the word about this ‘hidden gem.’ It may not be hidden from locals, but I guarantee you will miss out if you are a visitor to Clarksville and don’t venture far from the downtown core.


What started as a food truck business has grown into two locations (and more on the way), in addition to the food truck and catering options. If you are seeking southern BBQ and smokehouse ribs and burgers, in Clarksville, TN, Legends Smokehouse & Grill is your one-stop shop for all sorts of comfort food. For foodies seeking something different, there are food combinations you know about and others you had no idea were a good idea, but they are. Chef Kevin placed many of these delights on a hidden menu (you need to ask about).

Legends has 14 signature BBQ sauces, including bourbon-based peach, tangy blueberry, and smokin’ hot pineapple habanero. There are also sweet sauces for dessert lovers. Their signature sauce, which has cocoa as one of its secret ingredients, is absolutely delicious 😋.

With signature sandwiches, the Ooey Gooey, Mr. Nasty, and Apple Bottom as creative as theirs names, you will want to taste these magical creations by Chef (and owner) Kevin Smith.
Order the Mamba Burger a not-so-secret-secret on the secret menu. The Mamba Burger was featured on the Food Networks’s Best Bite in Town! This delicious burger is dedicated to legendary Kobe Bryant. It is loaded with bacon, brisket, Colby cheese, and a homemade blueberry BBQ sauce.
There is also a fine selection of desserts (banana pudding, banana/oreo pudding, and other crazy combinations), including a dessert taco that will have you silently thanking your lucky stars for finding this place. Be forewarned these are pretty generous portions for you to enjoy!
Old Glory Distilling Co.

While primarily known for its handcrafted spirits, Old Glory Distilling Co. also features a lunch and dinner menu of light bites that pair well with their signature cocktails. The distillery tour and tasting experience are must-dos for fans of craft beverages.

The tour is very informative and teaches you about Tennessee whiskey and bourbon. There are strict state guidelines to make one or the other, and these rules must be adhered to, or they cannot call it a Tennessee spirit!
Fun Facts: Three key components to be considered a Tennessee Whiskey, it must be made in the state of Tennessee, have a minimum of 51% corn mash (most are 70%) and be filtered in a sugar maple charcoal barrel.
Not a fan of whiskey or bourbon, Old Glory Distilling also offers different types of spirits (vodka, gin, and smooth shine). With interesting mixed cocktails, you can sample or mix one of the lemonade recipes at home. Pick up the ingredients at the gift shop where you’ll find spirits, funky t-shirts and barware.



After the distillery tour, we had dinner, which included Southern comfort food specials. The Prime Rib Eggrolls were delish, as were the BBQ nachos. The Southern Crispy Chicken was crazy good on those fluffy mashed potatoes. There is both indoor and outdoor seating as well as Adirondack chairs near a fire pit.
The best part was the live music. The musician did not take a break the entire time we ate; it was ALL very good. That’s the thing about Tennessee, you are bound to hear great music wherever you go – so many talented singers and muscisians everywhere. This is a great place to bring the family together, with a large outdoor area for the kids to enjoy. I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
Beachaven Winery

If you enjoy wine, the Beachaven Winery is the stop for you. It has an extensive selection of award-winning wines. There are a few areas where you can sample the wines. This winery is open all year round. Indeed, having wine and a picnic during the summer has its appeal. Wine Flights are $12 each and include four 3 oz samples of the wines of your choice. A wine tour is guided and takes you around the property and vineyards, with a sample of wines at the end of the tour.

There are food trucks that come on the weekends during the season (May-October), you are welcome to use the picnic tables and listen to live music. Once again, another great place to relax and enjoy a drink and a meal in Clarksville, TN.
The Mailroom

More on the sophisticated, wine-bar/craft cocktail side, The Mailroom is housed in a historic former post office; this restaurant blends modern cuisine with vintage charm. Their locally inspired dishes, like their Bone-in Pork Chop, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cowboy, or Korean Burger, reflect their menu’s Southern roots while staying contemporary. The industrial-chic décor adds to its charm – it’s a great place for a late-night cocktail on the patio.

Dock 17 Burgers, Brews & Brunch
The biggest draw to Dock 17 is the live music and games area. This is a restaurant with an adjacent entertainment area (including go-karts, a carousel, mini-golf, bowling, a large arcade, and two-story laser tag arena). But let’s talk about the food at Dock 17 because this post is all about where to eat in Clarksville, TN.

There is a large bar with 21 custom drafts beer/cocktail options and an eating area with a stage where live music is played throughout the evening. Our large group was easily accommodated, and everyone picked something different. We had the dry rub baby back ribs, corn cobettes, and garlic parmesan fries as side dishes.
Someone else ordered the filet mignon with the special steak butter, seasonal veggies, and loaded mashed potatoes. The Chipoltle Fiesta Salad had grilled chicken, fried tortilla chips, pico de gallo salsa, and avocado – all delicious meals.

After dinner, we headed to City Forum, played some arcade games, watched people race go-karts, and took pictures of the carousel (because it was not working on the night we attended). This is a great place to bring the family for a date night!

Overall, there are plenty of places to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks. Whether you are looking for a quick meal or a full-fledged evening of entertainment, any foodie will find something appetizing in Clarksville, Tennessee!

More posts on Clarksville and Franklin, TN
- Tennessee Travel Guide: Don’t Miss The Last Train to Clarksville, TN
- Top Reasons to Visit the Customs House Museum in Clarksville, TN
- Battle of Franklin – Three Historic Sites Not to Miss in Franklin, TN

Disclosure: I was a guest of Visit ClarksvilleTN as part of a media trip. I visited these establishments and other attractions. All my opinions are my own.
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.