Puckett's Restaurant

Puckett's sits right at light #2A on the Parkway, which makes it super convenient but also means you'll hit traffic getting there on weekends. We've eaten there probably a dozen times over the years, and the brisket is consistently good — they smoke it low and slow, and you can taste the difference. The fried green tomatoes can be hit or miss though, sometimes way too salty.

The live music is what keeps us coming back. These aren't your typical restaurant background performers — they set up right in the dining room, maybe 10 feet from your table, and play actual bluegrass and country. It's loud enough to enjoy but you can still have a conversation. Check their calendar though because it's not every night.

Happy hour from 3-6pm Monday through Friday is honestly the best deal on the Parkway. Eight bucks gets you a half-dozen smoked wings or sliders, and the beers are $2 off. We usually hit it around 4pm to beat the dinner crowd and catch some music.

One thing though — don't expect table service. You order at the counter and they bring the food out, which works fine but catches some people off guard. The "Feed The Crew" pack for $55 is perfect if you're feeding a family and want to skip the line entirely. Just call ahead because they don't take OpenTable reservations.

The parking lot fills up fast after 5pm, especially on weekends when the Parkway turns into a parking lot anyway. Get there early or you'll be circling.