If you're in the Smyrna, Tennessee area, one thing you'll find plenty of is fast food restaurants. However, when you've worked with the public for many years, the first thing they'll ask on their way out the door is a lunch recommendation. There are some great, locally owned food places in the Smyrna area, but hands down, my favorite would be Hickory Falls (Hickory Falls Wood-Fired Grille & Bar - Index.html (hickoryfallsrestaurant.com)). Located on the main strip in the town of Smyrna, Hickory Falls is a family owned business in a crowd of chain food establishments. They'll stand out and in the best possible way. Drive by their parking lot on any night of the week and you'll have difficulty finding a place to park. They stay crowded, so get your reservations early. Upon entering the front doors, you're immediately welcomed with dim lighting, friendly hostesses, and the smell of wood-fired, smoked meats. Now, let's talk about the menu. You won't find a bad meal here. My go-to dish that I order every single time are the Tender Beef Medallions. What makes this so special? Two words: garlic butter. That's right, the beef medallions are sauteed in garlic butter. Put way your steak sauce, you won't need it nor will you want it. If you order this dish the way it comes, it's served over mashed potatoes, however, Hickory Falls is known for its mashed sweet potatoes. We've brought their sweet potatoes to family functions in the past and they're always a crowd favorite. Don't sleep on those sweet potatoes! Oh, did I mention that they also serve unlimited warm, homemade, yeast rolls at the table, as well? Be sure to leave room for dessert at the end of your meal. Locals will tell you that the carrot cake is where it's at. It's rich and full of delicious spices topped with an amazing cream cheese icing. It's a huge slice, which makes it a perfect dessert to share or to take some home for later. I can't emphasize enough how much you'll love Hickory Falls. It's a hidden jewel in middle Tennessee that you will want to make a special trip to try. Make those reservations and head on over!
