Location: Carthage
Countries
Carthage Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Carthage
Carthage is a town in and the county seat of Smith County, Tennessee, United States; it is part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,306 at the 2010 census. It is located on the Cumberland River, which was important to its early development. It is likely best known as the hometown of former Vice President and Senator Al Gore of the Democratic Party and his father, Senator Albert Gore, Sr. The younger Gore announced his 1988 and 2000 presidential bids, as well as his 1992 vice-presidential bid, from the steps of the Smith County Courthouse.
1. El Rey
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By QuickWhitTravel - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Everyone seems to want to go here, but I can't quite figure out why. It's dirty, the food is no good, and service is always poor.
2. Timberloft Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By R-Margaret - Lebanon, Tennessee
Everything about the restaurant was great. Food, Service and price ! I had a loaded, BBQ potato as was getting over a virus. Others got ribs, seafood plate , Hamburger and forgot the other plate ! Everyone was so pleased with the food and our waitress arrived frequently enough for us to be happy eaters ! Only downside was that suddenly the music was turned up so loud we could not talk. Took it as a hint to leave, but was only 8 pm. That was sad as we were celebrating a special birthday.
3. Timberloft Lakeside
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By abigail29
Beautiful sunset reflecting on the water, friendly servers, and relaxing feel on the deck. Great place to sit and relax with a glass of wine, but they don't serve wine.
The food was average, the type you can get at any local sports grill.
Not a place I would choose to revisit.
4. Cornerstone Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By gratefulgma
Happened upon this friendly and reasonably priced country diner on our way home from Nashville. What a delight to find a fresh salad bar, friendly waitstaff and a cook who came out to see how I wanted my grilled catfish prepared. The yummy jack cheese and pico topping made it delightful and my husband's fried catfish with hand dipped cornmeal batter was delicious, as well. His 2 sides, fried okra and yellow squash, were such generous servings that neither one of us could finish! If you are looking for a good homecooked meal & great service & don't mind dated decor, Cornerstone Cafe is for you.
5. Ebel's Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By eroomtc - Tennessee
Ebel's Tavern is located in the basement of old newspaper office in downtown carthage. It is nice to have a spot to have a cold beer and sandwich in this quaint river town. My lady and I had the Ruben with fries and dill pucks appetizer. Both were excellent.
Prices are reasonable. While only saw beer on the menu I was told a full bar is coming.
6. Brenda's Restaurant (closed sat. sun)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By besosparatodos - New Bern, North Carolina
Everything was great. The prices were reasonable, Food was Great and atmosphere was awesome. Very Comfortable.
7. El Corral Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By TravelBugTennessee - Tennessee
Traveling down I-40 in between Nashville and Knoxville, we stopped at Hess to fill up and noticed a Mexican restaurant behind the Arby's.
Parking lot seemed busy, even around 2pm on Sunday so we took a chance.
Glad we did!
Extensive menu, decided on Taco Salad and Enchiladas Suizas.
Chips and salsa were quite good, with the chips even served warm.
Our meals were served rapidly and were delicious and plentiful.
Atmosphere was pleasant enough with a nod to Mexican "themes" and fun music. Could've done without the big TV so common these days, but that's just us.
Though busy with a number of families and friends dining, service remained good.
Would definitely eat here again when passing through.
8. Waffle House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By queenkirby - Gordonsville, Tennessee
The place is very clean, fast service, it is your typical Waffle House...Food is good! Our order was exactly like we ordered. We did not have a wait but if you go late on Friday night, Saturday night or Saturday morning then they usually have a wait.
9. The Candy Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Margaret P
A great place to go and enjoy the treats from the past. With a variety of candies and sweets from the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's thru today, this quaint shop also offers Ice cream, Sno-cones, Cotton Candy, Fresh and Iced Coffees, Tea, Popcorn, Balloons, and Gifts. Something for all the family, not to mention excellent service and atmosphere. The past is closer than you think.
10. Bellacino's Pizza & Grinder
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By robert w - Alexandria, Tennessee
Bellacinos recently opened in Gordonsville at exit 258 behind Arby's. It had been a while since I'd been to Bellacinos and I'd forgotten how good it is. Their grinders are oven baked and delicious. They make a very good lasagna as well. Their pizzas are good too but are not my favorite menu item. I'm making myself hungry just writing this. It may be time to make a run over to Bellacinos.
