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Eat Your Way Through Rutherford County: Take a Big Bite of the Flavors of Rutherford County

This summer, visit Rutherford County to taste flavorful international dishes and experience one-of-a-kind community events centered around our delicious cuisine!

by Rutherford County, TN CVB Staff

May 08, 2024

This summer, visit Rutherford County to taste flavorful international dishes and experience one-of-a-kind community events centered around our delicious cuisine!

Dive into the Food Scene, Local and International

The local restaurant scene in Rutherford County offers a vibrant mix of flavors, showcasing the rich diversity of culinary traditions from around the globe. From hometown favorites like The Alley on Main to international delights, there's something to tantalize every palate.

Boro Kabob, established in 2021, takes pride in offering a fusion of Turkish, Persian, and Middle Eastern cuisine, providing guests with a taste of international flavors right here in Rutherford County. The Clay Pit Indian Cuisine, serving the community since 2006, specializes in authentic Northern Indian curries and freshly baked bread. Owner Max Patel expressed their commitment to fresh food, explaining that they use exclusively homemade ingredients and bake their naan in an on-site clay oven to guarantee authenticity.

For a tasty Indian food option in Smyrna, check out The Curry House Restaurant, with deliciously authentic cuisine and vegan options.

Hopping over to another continent, the Parthenon Grille brings a blend of Greek history and culinary expertise to the table, offering an extensive wine selection alongside traditional Greek dishes. A family-run establishment for over three decades, the Parthenon Grille is based on intergenerational love for and knowledge of wine and authentic Greek cuisine, which you’ll feel as soon as you walk in.

Head over to LaVergne, Tennessee for Jamaican representation at Kool Runnings Jamaican Cuisine. Serving as a gathering place for the community in LaVergne and the hub for dishes like oxtail, jerk wings, fried tilapia and more, a meal at Kool Runnings is an experience you won’t want to miss.

For those craving Asian delights, Arisu Korean BBQ & Tofu, Bonchon Murfreesboro and Cup Pop Korean Restaurant are go-to spots, each offering their own unique twist on Korean comfort food. Arisu Korean BBQ and Tofu is known for its flexibility, offering the perfect space for a leisurely dinner with loved ones, a quick lunch catch-up with friends, or a solo meal at the bar. At Bonchon, their one mission is to share the joy of Korean comfort food around the world, even in Middle Tennessee. If you just can’t get enough of Korean food, head over to Cup Pop Korean Restaurant to experience all the cultural taste of Korea in a cup!

Whether you're in the mood for homely Thai cuisine at Thida Thai Restaurant or craving the vibrant flavors of Filipino dishes at Maemax Market & Filipino Restaurant, Rutherford County’s restaurant scene promises an unforgettable culinary journey through Asia.

Take a Culinary Tour Across Mexico

Rutherford County’s love for Mexican cuisine shines in the array of vibrant flavors and cultural experiences offered by its local taquerías and restaurants. 

Carmen’s Taqueria has been a beloved fixture since 2009, serving up authentic Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients and timeless recipes. From breakfast delights to sizzling fajitas and tantalizing tacos, there's something to satisfy every craving. Plus, guests can enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday evening, adding a lively ambiance to their dining experience!

Las Fiestas in Eagleville offers a mouth watering menu of Mexican dishes while embodying community spirit. From supporting local schools to being a cherished gathering spot for families, Las Fiestas does it all. 

Mexico Tipico, born from a humble food truck in Nashville in 2017, now boasts a bustling restaurant serving up a feast of traditional Mexican favorites. With dishes like Quesadillas, Tacos de Birria and Consome, Menudo, Caldo de gallina, tacos al carbón, torta de tamal, you’ll feel like you stepped out of Rutherford County and straight into the heart of Mexico. 

Mexiven tantalizes taste buds with a diverse menu featuring fresh and flavorful dishes, while West 22 Tacos, led by Mexican-born executive chef Austin Garcia, infuses traditional Mexican fare with local influences, creating a culinary journey worth savoring. 

For a delicious option in Smyrna, check out Camino Real. Guests are invited to embark on a flavorful adventure through Mexico's diverse regional cuisines, complemented by handcrafted margaritas and specialty cocktails. While on your tour of Mexican cuisine in Smyrna, be sure to also check out the Margarita House, known for their daily specials and the exciting flavors of their margaritas! 

In Rockvale, try the family owned restaurant, La Esquina! La Esquina has a wide variety of Mexican dishes and is currently in the running for the title of “Best Mexican Restaurant in Rutherford County.” Visit them and try their delicious cuisine to decide whether they deserve to win the Rutherford County Food Battle. 

With each bite, Rutherford County’s Mexican restaurants invite diners to savor the rich tapestry of flavors and the vibrant culture of Mexico.

Flavorful Events for the Community

The summer in Rutherford County is buzzing with excitement in anticipation of a season packed full of community events.

From 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm on July 13th, Oakland’s Mansion will open their lawn to host their annual fundraiser, Taste of Rutherford. This highly anticipated fundraising event is a summer staple, enticing attendees with a tantalizing array of culinary delights from over 20 of Rutherford County's most renowned restaurants. Guests will enjoy the craft beer garden, curated by the Mid-State Brew Crew, and live music performed by The O’Donnells.

Tickets for this extravaganza are $50 per person for entry, while VIP tickets are available for $100, with specialty drinks included. Secure your spot at this culinary celebration by purchasing your tickets at the Mainstreet Murfreesboro website. Follow Taste of Rutherford for more information and a glimpse of last year's mouthwatering festivities.

In the late summer, join us to indulge in a peachy paradise from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm August 10, at the 3rd Annual Peach Cobbler Festival! With over 100 vendors, food trucks, and endless fun, this event promises to be a peach lover's dream come true. Dive into a peach cobbler taste testing for just $5, and cast your votes for your favorite cobbler creation. Best of all, admission is completely free, so come join us, rain or shine, for a day filled with peachy delights and unforgettable memories.

Then, on September 7th as the summer leaves us and the temperature starts to cool again, join us outdoors one more time for the Middle Tennessee Fried Pickle Festival. With over 150 arts & crafts vendors, boutiques, and food trucks, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this spectacular event. But that's not all – get ready for even more fun with a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and of course, TONS of fried pickles to satisfy your cravings. With vendors coming from all over the surrounding states, you can expect a diverse array of goods and goodies to explore. Best of all, admission and parking are completely free, so gather the family and join us for a day of unforgettable fun and festivities!

In Rutherford County, we sure know how to have fun as a community and make sure we do it with stomachs full of delicious local and international foods!

Surround Yourself With Food and Friends

Whether you’re coming to treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind dinner, attend a Rutherford County festival, or both, we want to see you this summer! Visit us to sample great flavors of international restaurants and participate in community events designed for all.

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ALLEY ON MAIN

223 West Main Street

The Alley was born from a love of food and family. From our hand cut steaks to the homemade desserts, everything that comes from our kitchen is specially made for the family that sits at our table.

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THE CLAY PIT

1312 NW Broad St.

The Clay Pit is a locally owned Indian restaurant that uses a clay oven for baking naan and other traditional Indian cuisine.

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THE CURRY HOUSE RESTAURANT

669 President Pl

The Curry House has taken traditional Indian street dishes and turned them into a gourmet delight, including the presentation; adding a dash of elegance to the meal with crisp table cloths, crystal chandeliers, and silk drapings.

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PARTHENON GRILLE

1962 South Church Street

Discover a fresh, yet traditional, selection of Greek entrees as well as pastas, veal & poultry that are prepared with only the finest quality produce & tender meats at Parthenon Grille! Family owned and operated for over 32 years!

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KOOL RUNNINGS JAMAICAN CUISINE

5238 Murfreesboro Rd

The best tasting Jamaican cuisine in Tennessee with favorites like oxtail, jerk wings, jerk chicken and curry!

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Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken

1718 Memorial Blvd

WE SET OUT TO SHARE THE JOY OF HAND-BATTERED, DOUBLE-FRIED, CRAZY CRISPY KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN AROUND THE WORLD. CRUNCH OUT LOUD!

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CUP POP KOREAN BBQ

2832 Middle Tennessee Blvd.

All the cultural taste of Korea in a cup!

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THIDA THAI RESTAURANT

10644 Cedar Grove Road

Relaxed Thai eatery featuring traditional dishes & a sushi bar, along with beer & wine.

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MAEMAX MARKET & FILIPINO RESTAURANT

3016 W Nir Shreibman Blvd

Try the Fried Lumpia and Famous Sisig & Halo-halo!

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CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

206 W. Northfield Blvd

Looking for a great Mexican restaurant? Carmen’s Taqueria has wonderful food, friendly employees, and live music!

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LAS FIESTAS

158 S Main St

With excellent salsa, carne asada, steak burritos and more, Las Fiestas is worth the drive to Eagleville!

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MEXICO TIPICO

2021 S Church St

Experience the best Mexican dishes like Quesadillas, Tacos de Birria y Consome, Menudo, Típicos platillos mexicanos, Caldo de gallina, Tacos al carbón, torta de tamal and many more!

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MEXIVEN

1706 Bradyville Pike

Mexiven serves a wide array of fresh food – tacos, fajitas mix, carne asada, house salad, mexiven eggs, torta pollo, torta jamon, and carnitas plate (fried pork chunk). Mexiven uses the freshest ingredients in preparing our food to provide the best quality and taste.

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WEST 22 TACOS

2108 Medical Center Parkway

Step into Murfreesboro’s Best Taco Spot! Originally from Mexico, executive chef Austin Garcia had a dream to one day open his very own restaurant. After moving to Tennessee he began his journey. His family and daughters are now proud to see his dream a reality in Murfreesboro, TN. #1 Mexican Food in Town!

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CAMINO REAL -SMYRNA

408 Sam Ridley Pkwy W

Check out Camino Real for great food, daily specials, and fun times!

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MARGARITA HOUSE MEXICAN RESTAURANT – SMYRNA

145 N Lowry St

Locally owned Mexican restaurant, established in 2006, in the heart of Smyrna!

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