Brennen Taylor — Food Creator on YouTube
@brennentaylor — Unknown, United States — 3.8M subscribers
Foodie and Farmer // @ThirteenRanch Instagram: @Brennen Merch: BrennenTaylor.com Tiktok: @BrennenTaylor Snapchat: BrennenTaylor
Restaurant Reviews by Brennen Taylor
Morning Glory Donuts
Unionville, United States — Donuts and breakfast
Morning Glory Donuts is a hidden gem in a small town that looks sketchy on the outside but delivers exceptional quality food and warm hospitality. The donuts are remarkably fluffy and fresh with creative flavors, and the homemade biscuits are tasty despite not being freshly made when visited. The reviewer highly recommends the spot and praises owner Rosco for being a genuinely funny and kind person.
The Breakfast Shop
Lewisburg, United States — American Diner
This hidden gem local diner in Lewisburg had potential but fell short of expectations. While the gravy was excellent and portions were generous, the hash browns lacked crispiness and the burger meat was bland and underseasoned. The food felt decent but unmemorable without that special something that makes a diner stand out.
Mini Mart
Nashville, United States — Mexican
The reviewers visited Mini Mart deli in Nashville and were blown away by exceptional Mexican food that far exceeded expectations for a convenience store establishment. Despite initial skepticism about items like shrimp at a mini mart, every dish from tostadas to burritos to the specialty chili relleno delivered impressive flavors and fresh ingredients. This hidden gem proved to be one of the best Mexican food spots they've found in Nashville.
Grain and Berry
Nashville, United States — Vegan, Plant-based, Healthy
The reviewers visited Grain and Berry in Nashville to try the viral Caesar wrap and were impressed. The Caesar wrap exceeded their expectations with quality ingredients, proper seasoning, and a satisfying crunch from the croutons. While the plant-based chicken quesadilla had some texture and cheese quality issues, the wrap itself was deemed even better than the original they tried in Florida.
Meridianville Pit Barbecue
Meridianville, United States — Barbecue
Meridianville Pit Barbecue is a 47-year-old barbecue establishment with strong meat offerings, particularly the seasoned half chicken and pulled pork sandwich. While the ribs were unavailable and some menu items like the chili dog disappointed, the authentic Alabama white sauce and quality of their barbecue meats made it worth a visit if passing through the area.
Biscuit Express
Huntsville, United States — American Fast Food
Biscuit Express is a pickup-only fast food spot in Huntsville known for their buttery biscuits and creative dirty soda drinks. While the biscuits themselves are quality, the overall food offerings including the steak bowl and platters fell short of expectations, with limited seasoning and underwhelming meat quality for the $40 price point.
Country Diner
Chapel Hill, United States — Southern comfort food
The reviewers visited a charming country diner in Chapel Hill, Tennessee's smallest town with 1,700 people, and were impressed by the quality of the homemade comfort food. The double bacon cheeseburger stood out with its crispy bacon and grilled onions, while the meat and three plate featuring baked ham, sweet potato casserole, pinto beans, and hot slaw delivered authentic Southern flavors. Despite arriving 15 minutes after breakfast ended, they thoroughly enjoyed the lunch offerings and confirmed it as likely the best food spot in town.
Tootses
Not specified, United States — American casual dining
Tootses is a fun, retro-themed restaurant with an adult Chuck-E-Cheese vibe and arcade games, but the quality is inconsistent. While appetizers and fried items like the fried pickles and onion rings are excellent with perfectly light, crispy batters, the main dishes like the Reuben, burger, and Philly cheese steak are underwhelming with dry meat and lack of flavor.
Gregory's Beach Grove Country Store
Beach Grove, United States — American Country Store / Barbecue
Brennen Taylor and his brother Jake visit Gregory's Beach Grove Country Store, a charming establishment that looks like an old gas station meets barn, and are impressed by the quality of their breakfast and lunch offerings. The pulled pork sandwich stands out with its perfectly golden bun and succulent meat, while the biscuits and gravy, sausage, and fried onion rings all exceed expectations. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making this a highly recommended spot for authentic Tennessee country store dining.
Karen's Custard and Burger Spot
Smyrna, United States — American Burgers and Custard
Karen's Custard and Burger Spot in Smyrna is a Tennessee gem that rivals major chains like In-N-Out with its perfectly executed smash burgers. The double cheeseburgers feature crispy, thin patties that hold toppings together exceptionally well, paired with excellent strawberry lemon custard. The restaurant maintains impressively fast service despite constantly packed drive-thru lines.
Chattahoochee Food Works
Atlanta, United States — Food Hall - Multiple Cuisines (Korean, American, Barbecue, Southern)
A $100 challenge at Chattahoochee Food Works food hall in Atlanta showcases multiple excellent vendors including a Korean breakfast burrito spot, Philly G Steaks, barbecue ribs, and Farm Girl with a standout smoked turkey leg. Each dish impressed with quality ingredients and skillful preparation, delivering outstanding value and making the reviewers extremely happy with their Atlanta food hall experience.
Barbecue Caboose Cafe
Lynchburg, United States — American Barbecue
Barbecue Caboose Cafe in Lynchburg is a cute, aesthetically pleasing restaurant that serves as a tourist stop near Jack Daniels Distillery, but the food is consistently disappointing. Nearly every dish was poorly executed, dry, or mushy, with the chicken sandwich being nearly inedible and ribs lacking any real flavor or texture.
OX2 Buns and Noodles
Chattanooga, United States — Chinese, Asian
OX2 Buns and Noodles is a viral TikTok sensation that delivers authentic, hand-made Asian cuisine with exceptional flavors. The scallion pancake beef rolls and dumplings are standout dishes with fresh ingredients and housemade broths. Despite being located in a shopping center, this spot offers restaurant-quality food that rivals downtown establishments.
Mexico Topico
Murfreesboro, United States — Mexican
Mexico Topico is a busy Mexican restaurant that offers creative and unique dishes with generous portions. While the ceviche was overly tomato-heavy, the standout items like the al pastor pizza and shrimp tacos delivered bold flavors and interesting preparations that justified the packed parking lot and long lines.
Bojangles
Nashville, United States — Fast Food / Fried Chicken
The reviewers visited Bojangles in Tennessee and tried their new chicken rippers and fish sandwich, both of which exceeded expectations with fresh, made-to-order quality and superior taste compared to competitors like Chick-fil-A. They praised the crispy chicken, melted cheese, and tangy sauces, even declaring the fish sandwich better than similar offerings from other chains.
La Victoria
Dallas, United States — Mexican
La Victoria is an authentic Mexican breakfast burrito spot in Dallas that has gone viral for good reason. The reviewers sampled multiple signature burritos including Don's Delight, Zach Attack, Lance, and Mini Beef, all made with fresh ingredients and grilled to perfection. They praised the made-to-order guacamole, flavorful homemade salsa, and the fact that you can grab quality breakfast burritos for just $6 each.
Rock House Deli
Wartrace, United States — Deli, Sandwiches, Salads
Rock House Deli is a charming, homemade-style sandwich shop in the tiny town of Wartrace, Tennessee that exceeded expectations. The Reuben features perfectly toasted rye bread with juicy pastrami and quality toppings, while the chicken salad impressed with fresh mixed greens and house-made dressing. Despite a mediocre chili and a mayo-heavy special sandwich, this small-town deli proved to be a hidden gem worth visiting.
Kimchi Red
Atlanta, United States — Korean fried chicken
Kimchi Red, owned by rapper Sexy Red, lives up to its viral reputation with standout dishes like the spicy pork chicken sandwich and the unique kimchi red with crispy noodles. While the honey butter chicken disappointed with muted flavors and lack of crunch, the restaurant's bold flavors and generous portions justify its 400,000-plus likes and number-one fried chicken ranking.
Pope's Cafe
Shelbyville, United States — American Country/Southern
Pope's Cafe is a historic country diner in Shelbyville that has been serving since 1941 with classic breakfast and lunch options. The reviewers were impressed by the hand-sliced potato fries, affordable ribeye steak, and flavorful jalapeno burger, though the country fried steak fell short on taste.
Trash Dogs
New York, United States — Hot dogs / Street Food
Trash Dogs is a hidden gem hot dog stand in New York that exceeded expectations with creative, flavorful offerings. The owner makes everything from scratch with all-beef products and housemade sauces, delivering standout items like the Hot Cheetos dog and Dorito dog that rival ballpark hot dogs but with superior flavor complexity.
Hutchkins Barbecue
McKenna, United States — Barbecue
Hutchkins Barbecue in McKenna, Texas is a famous barbecue spot known for its Texas Twinkie and impressive meats. While the brisket burnt ends and signature Texas Twinkie were outstanding, the overall experience felt underwhelming given the high prices and viral reputation, with some dishes like the jalapeno sausage and pork ribs failing to impress.
Glades Diner
Gladesville, United States — American Diner
Glades Diner is a charming small-town diner located off Interstate 840 in Gladesville, Tennessee, serving classic comfort food. The standout items were the crispy buffalo wings and unique Philly cheese steak on sourdough toast, while the pot roast was tender but needed better sides. Overall a solid dining experience with no major complaints.
Porky's Pit Barbecue
Manchester, United States — Barbecue
Porky's Pit Barbecue is a highway-side barbecue spot that doesn't look like much from the outside but delivers exceptional pulled pork sandwiches and smoked meats. Despite initial skepticism about the presentation, the juicy pork and well-balanced sauce proved this is a hidden gem worth the visit.
Common John Brewery
Manchester, United States — American Breakfast / Brewery
Common John Brewery in Manchester offers a unique brewery experience with exceptional breakfast service starting at 8 a.m. The chicken tender waffle with hot honey and everything bagel sandwich showcased fresh, quality ingredients and careful preparation, though the loaded biscuits and gravy felt overstuffed. The outdoor venue with live music and games creates an inviting summer atmosphere that would attract crowds.
China Spring
Smyrna, United States — Chinese
China Spring is a surprisingly clean and well-maintained Chinese restaurant that delivers fresh, hot food despite having zero customers. The reviewers were impressed with nearly every dish, from the tender beef stick appetizers to the perfectly crispy fried chicken that beats KFC, making it a mystery why this restaurant remains empty.
El Patron
Murfreesboro, United States — Mexican
El Patron is a Mexican fast food restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that impressed the reviewer with its extensive menu and quick service. The food arrived rapidly and looked good for a fast food establishment, featuring items like chimichanga, fajitas, and pizzeria.
Mountain Goat Market
Monteagle, United States — Cafe/Sandwiches/Pizza
Mountain Goat Market in Monteagle is a casual cafe that exceeded expectations with high-quality sandwiches and pizza. The pesto sandwich was creamy and delicious, the Reuben featured phenomenal sauerkraut and sauce, and the buffalo chicken flatbread pizza had perfect seasoning and crust. The reviewers praised the freshness and quality of all items and expressed they would visit weekly.
Betty's Parkway
Columbia, United States — American Steakhouse
Betty's Parkway is a hidden gem steakhouse in Columbia featuring exceptional 16 oz ribeye steaks cooked in Betty's homemade recipe with a delicious marinade that elevates the natural beef flavor. The restaurant also serves outstanding fried green tomatoes and a massive mushroom Swiss burger, all at reasonable prices around $35 for the steak, with a charming riverside view despite its unassuming exterior.
Legend
Laverne, United States — Southern Soul Food
Legend is a hidden gem food truck parked outside a car lot in Laverne, Tennessee, featuring Southern soul food inspired by Memphis legends. The whiting fish sandwich impressed with two perfectly breaded and seasoned fillets, while the Philly cheese egg rolls delivered that greasy, concocted food truck experience. The smash burger, though heavily peppered with char, offered great smoky flavor from open grill cooking.
Granny Soul Food
Clarksville, United States — Soul Food
Granny Soul Food in Clarksville delivers authentic, flavorful soul food despite the misleading fast food label and slow service. The jumbo wings with house-made sauce and hand-breaded fried fish are standouts, though the burger was underwhelming and the 17-minute wait contradicts fast food standards.
Quzelo
Los Angeles, United States — Guatemalan
Quzelo is a hidden Guatemalan restaurant inside a sketchy mini mart that delivers surprisingly delicious food despite its questionable appearance and cleanliness issues. The meat dishes, particularly the burrito and tacos, feature incredibly flavorful and tender meat with good seasoning. The reviewer recommends ordering without excessive lettuce and being prepared for a unique, funky atmosphere.
Fat Cat
Dallas, United States — Seafood, Southern Fried
Fat Cat is a newly opened catfish specialty restaurant in a converted building with a rustic, sketchy appearance. Despite its rough exterior and limited menu, the fried catfish and okra impress with excellent seasoning and quality batter, though the limited sauce portions and slimy fish texture are minor drawbacks.
Dolly Parton's Tennessian Travel Center
Cornersville, United States — Southern/Barbecue
Brennen Taylor reviews Dolly Parton's newly opened Tennessian Travel Center in Cornersville, Tennessee. While the facility is impressive and beautifully designed with amenities like showers and laundry, the food quality is disappointing across both grab-and-go and buffet options. The reviewer concludes it's more of a tourist attraction than a practical alternative to Buc-ee's, with dry meats, bland preparation, and inconsistent quality that doesn't match the hype.
Kasa Mexicana
Shelbyville, United States — Mexican-Peruvian Fusion
Kasa Mexicana is a Techmex fusion restaurant in Shelbyville that exceeded expectations with fresh, high-quality Mexican and Peruvian-inspired dishes. The fajita nachos, highly recommended by a local, featured tender grilled chicken and flavorful queso that required no additional salsa. Every dish tasted freshly made with distinct flavor profiles, exceptional ingredients, and attentive service that included complimentary fusion dishes to showcase the restaurant's authentic offerings.
Monty's Burritos
Dallas, United States — Mexican/Burritos
Monty's Burritos is an exceptional gas station burrito spot in Dallas that has won best burrito awards twice. The reviewers were impressed by the fresh homemade tortillas, quality meat options like barbacoa and brisket, and quick service, though some items were slightly dry and add-ons were pricey.
Rodeo Goat
Dallas, United States — Burgers
Rodeo Goat lives up to its 8,600+ five-star reviews with exceptional burgers made from meat ground fresh hourly. The restaurant offers both classic and creative signature options, with highlights including the Dadbod burger with fried mac and cheese and the Bodacious with jalapeños and aioli. While the bread is notably dense and ketchup isn't provided tableside, the high-quality meat and flavorful preparation justify its popularity.
Market and Grill
Summertown, United States — American Barbecue
Market and Grill in Summertown serves decent barbecue and comfort food at an affordable price of $30 per plate, but the execution falls short with dry chicken and mediocre burgers. While the chili and sauce have merit and portions are filling, the overall experience is forgettable and unlikely to warrant a return visit.
Meyer's Front Porch
Hendersonville, United States — American breakfast and sandwiches
Meyer's Front Porch is a drive-thru quick-service restaurant in Hendersonville that exceeded expectations with high-quality brisket sandwiches and sides. Despite initial skepticism about the fast-food aesthetic, the food arrived quickly and tasted significantly better than typical chain breakfast and lunch options. The biscuit and gravy stood out as the best item, with tender, juicy brisket and phenomenal gravy.
Daddy's Convenience Store
Dallas, United States — American comfort food, breakfast, fried food
Daddy's Convenience Store is a local Dallas staple that has been operating for 18 years, serving home-cooked style breakfast and lunch items at budget-friendly prices. The reviewer praised the fresh, well-prepared food including buttery pancakes, crispy fried chicken, and properly battered fish sandwich, while noting that some items lacked seasoning and condiments. Despite the sketchy exterior appearance, the staff was exceptionally kind and the food was delicious and authentic.
DFW Lavanderia
Dallas, United States — Mexican
DFW Lavanderia is an unusual fusion of a laundromat and Mexican food restaurant in Dallas that offers surprisingly high-quality tacos and authentic Mexican cuisine. The carne asada tacos with grilled onions and handmade tortillas were standouts, though the chile chiles lacked eggs and the burrito was overly creamy. Overall a solid 73-78 rating with recommendations to stick to the tacos.
Hob Bros
Dallas, United States — Hawaiian
Hob Bros is an impressive Hawaiian fast food spot in Dallas that exceeded expectations with authentic flavors and quality preparation. The grilled chicken and luau pork were incredibly juicy and flavorful, delivered fast in custom boxes with a clean, well-themed restaurant setup.
Amish Country Smokehouse
Ethridge, United States — Barbecue
The reviewers visited Amish Country Smokehouse in Ethridge, Tennessee and found the smoked barbecue surprisingly good despite the restaurant not actually being Amish-owned or staffed. The brisket, ribs, and chicken were all well-smoked and flavorful with reasonable pricing, though the establishment was criticized for capitalizing on the Amish name purely for tourism rather than being an authentic Amish operation.
Yorkshire Deli
Tennessee, United States — British
The Yorkshire Deli is a charming British farm-to-table restaurant in rural Tennessee run by British expats who transitioned from the music industry. The reviewer thoroughly enjoyed authentic British dishes including a standout Scottish egg, traditional full fry up, and tea with crumpets, while appreciating the peaceful countryside setting with free-roaming chickens and farm vegetables.
Fatty Maddie's Pizza Truck
San Diego, United States — Pizza
Fatty Maddie's Pizza Truck delivers impressive New York-style pizza from a mobile setup in San Diego. The owner, who has been making pizza for 14 years and operating the truck for 9, hand-tosses dough and makes everything from scratch including his own sauce. Both the simple pepperoni and specialty buffalo chicken with bacon pizzas impressed with perfect crust texture, quality ingredients, and authentic flavor.
Coffee Beans
Shelbyville, United States — American Breakfast/Coffee Shop
Coffee Beans in Shelbyville is a charming coffee shop with a modern farmhouse aesthetic that offers far more than just coffee. The reviewer discovered genuinely delicious gourmet coffee options and surprisingly impressive breakfast dishes, with the banana foster French toast and breakfast quesadilla standing out as highlights. While some items like the breakfast wrap fell flat, the overall experience and fresh quality of food made it a pleasant hidden gem worth revisiting.
Nick's Grill
Pulaski, United States — American Burger/Sandwich
Nick's Grill is a restaurant attached to a Motel 6 in Pulaski, Tennessee that serves creative sandwiches and loaded fries with impressive homemade sauces. The standout items are the Dirty Cowboy burger and Triple Cheese Philly Cheesesteak, which deliver bold, complex flavors that exceed expectations for a motel restaurant. While some dishes like the mushroom burger and Euro were underwhelming compared to the exceptional sandwiches, the overall experience showcases an owner passionate about creating unique flavor combinations.
City Barbecue
Murfreesboro, United States — Barbecue
City Barbecue in Murfreesboro, Tennessee just opened and impressed the reviewers with authentic Texas-style barbecue smoked on-site. The jumbo wings, pulled pork, brisket, and cornbread were exceptional, though the ribs were slightly underwhelming. The restaurant offers a genuine barbecue experience with open kitchen visibility and creative menu items like the More Cowbell sandwich.
Mr. Whizz's Kitchen
Not specified, United States — Mediterranean, Halal Fast Food
Mr. Whizz's Kitchen is a hidden gem halal food counter inside a convenience store that delivers surprisingly excellent Mediterranean-inspired fast food. The reviewer was impressed by the quality of the Philly quesadilla, triple smash burger, and mixed burrito, praising the secret Mr. Whiz sauce and proper food execution despite the sketchy location.
Rusty Spur
Pulaski, United States — Steakhouse, American
The Rusty Spur is a family-operated log cabin steakhouse in Pulaski, Tennessee with a charming western vibe and genuinely friendly service. While the jalapeno shrimp poppers and burger were excellent, the steak's heavy A1 marinade and boxed mashed potatoes suggested room for improvement in a restaurant claiming steakhouse expertise.
Rosy's Farmhouse Kitchen
Tracy City, United States — American comfort food
Rosy's Farmhouse Kitchen in Tracy City, Tennessee is an exceptional small-town restaurant run by owner Vana (nicknamed Rosy). The buffalo chicken fries and homemade ranch dressing are standout items that earned high praise, with reviewers calling them some of the best food they've eaten. The restaurant delivers quality, delicious food that makes living in this remote mountain town worthwhile.
Maria's Mexican Restaurant
Charlotte, United States — Mexican
Maria's Mexican Restaurant specializes in viral birria dishes and delivered on the hype with an exceptional pizza that had succulent, perfectly seasoned meat. While some dishes like the grilled cheese and burrito didn't live up to expectations, the standout pizza made the visit worthwhile and showcased quality Mexican food in Charlotte.
Oakhill Gas Station
Charlotte, United States — American comfort food
The reviewer visits Oakhill Gas Station in Charlotte and is pleasantly surprised by the quality of fresh-cooked food made by Christie, the gas station employee. Despite initial skepticism about gas station dining, the buffalo wings, sausage and bacon breakfast wrap, and jalapeno burger all exceed expectations with genuine homemade quality and reasonable pricing.
What a Burger
Mount Pleasant, United States — American burgers and fast casual
What a Burger is a locally-owned gem in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina that serves high-quality fast-casual burgers with creative options like the Boss Burger and Busin Burger. The standout items are the double-fried onion rings and chicken fries, which reviewers praised as better than typical fast food. Despite no drive-thru and longer waits, the quality and generous portions make it worth the visit.
Bondwood Cafe
Jackson, United States — American breakfast diner
Bondwood Cafe is a sketchy-looking breakfast joint in Jackson, Tennessee that surprisingly serves excellent food at dirt-cheap prices. Despite the run-down exterior, dirty bathroom, and cigarette-filled air, the kitchen delivers standout dishes like a perfectly seasoned Philly cheese steak omelette and flaky biscuits with good gravy. The omelette, biscuits, and pancakes were all winners, making it worth a visit for breakfast despite the questionable atmosphere.
Lunch Room
Murphysboro, United States — Southern Soul Food
The reviewers visited Lunch Room in Murphysboro, a cafeteria-style restaurant that has been operating since 1976. While they praised the fried chicken and fried okra, they were disappointed by the pig feet, questionable meatloaf, and strong-smelling fish. Overall, they had a mixed experience and were not enthusiastic about recommending the restaurant.
Rock Island Market
Rock Island, United States — American comfort food
Rock Island Market is a casual gas station restaurant in Tennessee's smallest town that serves simple, quick comfort food. While the roast beef and sides showed promise, most dishes tasted pre-made or store-bought, with inconsistent quality and dry execution that didn't justify the dining experience.
Plantarian
Unknown, United States — Korean
Brennen visits this brand new two-month-old family-owned Korean restaurant and is impressed by the authentic cuisine and attentive service. The standout dish is the spicy squid with its incredible sauce, while the seafood soup broth is described as drinkable. The reviewer appreciated the fresh ingredients and fast service despite some dishes needing accompanying sauces.
Opa Gyro Grill
Nashville, United States — Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern
Opa Gyro Grill, a converted bank with an obsessively clean kitchen, served exceptional gyro sandwiches with fresh, juicy meats. The Philly steak gyro earned a 9/10 rating, while plates were less impressive than the hand-held wraps. Overall a solid 7-7.5/10 with recommendation to order the gyros rather than plates.
Trackside Food Truck Park
Cookeville, United States — Food Truck Park (Honduras, Baked Potato)
This 24-hour food truck challenge in Cookeville features two standout food trucks at Trackside Food Truck Park. The Honduras food truck (Gasolina) serves exceptional fried chicken and fresh Honduran dishes, while the Spuddy Truck offers impressively massive and buttery baked potatoes loaded with quality toppings and meats. Both establishments demonstrate genuine care and quality ingredients that make them highly worth visiting.