When you live in the South and face no shortage of barbecue joints, you might think picking a favorite would be difficult — but Sweet P's tops everyone's list. Head to their original location, on Maryville Pike, where they serve up smoky-sweet barbecue and good music. And when you want more than a pulled pork sandwich or some ribs, go for the BBQ plate, loaded with smoked pork or chicken, two sides, and even a bun or corn muffin.

Photos by Popfizz

Place your order at the counter, then pick a table and try to be patient while you wait for your wood-fired pizza to arrive. Hard Knox offers red, white and more creative pies, all with crusts that strike the crisp-chewy ideal. (Appetizers and salads are great, too, but the pizzas are the main event.) Eight-inch pie are available for lunch, but we suggest going with the 12-inch pie no matter the meal — you can always get a to-go box and love yourself for it later.

When the craving for a craft burger strikes, look no further than Stock and Barrel. The restaurant has been pairing quality burgers and fine bourbon in Knoxville's historic Market Square since 2013. The Bison, pictured here, is topped with three kinds of mushrooms, crispy fried onions, garlic aioli and creamy Boursin cheese, and it's just one of the 20 mouthwatering options available. All the beef is locally sourced, the breads are locally made, and Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams provides the bacon, making Stock and Barrel a true neighborhood gem.

Cruze Farm at Asbury sets the scene even before you see the perfectly swirled cones. The year-round location, which opened in Oct. 2017, is housed in a large Queen Anne-style home built in 1893. Order a cone or cup (aptly offered in "calf" and "cow" sizes), or a float, churn or shake from the window, then head for the expansive wraparound porch. The fresh-churned ice creams are made with milk from the Cruze Farm Jersey cows; although the varieties change weekly, each one is exceptionally creamy and soft, and sweet cream, seen here, is always available.

A late brunch with live jazz is always a good idea; a late brunch with live jazz and an internationally inspired bloody mary menu only ups the stakes. Head to the historic Woodruff Building, home of the beautiful Downtown Grill & Brewery, for a one-of-a-kind Sunday brunch that has something for everyone. Peruse a full menu of late-morning favorites, as well as the restaurant's dinner menu, and feel comfortable taking the kids too — the under-12 menu (complete with cereal offerings) is sure to please young diners, who can color while they wait.

This family-owned and -operated steakhouse simply brings it when it comes to rustic and comforting dining — and, you guessed it, juicy hand-cut steaks. Ye Olde Steak House has been a meat lover's dream since 1968 with its menu of Iowa grain-fed beef, including rib-eye, porterhouse and prime rib cuts, grilled and seared within diners' sights. Watch the flames dance from the open-air kitchen and take in the log cabin-inspired walls adorned with memorabilia and photos of famous patrons. If you manage to save room, order a slice of red velvet cake or peanut butter pie from a menu of pies and cakes that's so beloved, patrons order whole versions to go, with a day's notice.

You can't go wrong with the biscuits and gravy at The Tomato Head. While the homegrown restaurant prides itself on innovative cooking, it sticks to tradition when it comes to the fluffy buttermilk biscuits available for brunch. Get a warm biscuit served open faced with buttery, sausage-dotted white gravy poured over the top, or go the extra mile with scrambled eggs, local Cheddar, gravy and your choice of Benton's famous bacon, chorizo, housemade soysage or baked tofu.

Parents of picky eaters, rejoice! Aubrey's offers perfectly seasoned chicken fingers just right for young palates, in addition to other kid faves, including a PB&J, a cheeseburger, and mac and cheese. And with two Knoxville locations, Aubrey's is bound to be nearby no matter where your travels take you. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it easy and enjoyable to satisfy hungry kids, whether you tuck into a booth or put a few tables together to fit your brood.

For a sit-down lunch you can actually enjoy — without extending your lunch break — head to Nick & J's Cafe. The diner setting offers comfy booths as well as counter service, and it's not uncommon for the owner to check in on you midmeal. (They know how to serve up good food and service here.) The extensive menu includes hot soups, cool salads and generous sandwiches and burgers, but for the most bang for your buck, check out the Monday-through-Friday lunch specials. Available on Fridays, this hearty country-style steak with brown gravy, two veggies, and a roll or corn muffin definitely won't leave you hungry. Don't overlook the dessert display as you pay your bill, though; a 99-cent brownie is a sweet deal you can bring back to your desk.

Think date-night dinners require dainty aphrodisiacs? Waive that thought process when you've got a date at Brazeiros on the calendar. In fact, you may want to go ahead and skip breakfast and lunch that day — you'll want plenty of room for the "full experience" menu option at this Brazilian steakhouse. Gaucho chefs serve 15 skewered meats and limitless side dishes tableside, in addition to the extensive salad bar, homemade dessert specialties and after-dinner cocktails.

They had us at "hammocks." For a hip coffee shop that actually cares about its coffee, head to K Brew. At the North Knoxville location, place your order, then grab a hammock chair suspended from the ceiling. When the weather allows, they'll open the wall-length garage-style doors and let the warm East Tennessee sunshine add to the atmosphere as patrons sip Louisville-roasted beans with pastries from Knoxville's own VG's Bakery. If simply drinking coffee isn't enough for you, K Brew offers free classes Tuesday evenings. You'll learn how to brew your best coffee yet, but you'll still be back for a cup of theirs.