22 Must-Try Dishes: The Southern Fried & Sweet Tea Puryear Menu Update For 2025

The latest menu update for Southern Fried & Sweet Tea in Puryear, Tennessee, confirms its status as a premier destination for authentic Southern comfort food in 2025. This cozy eatery, which has gained regional recognition for its commitment to hand-cut meats, seasoned buttermilk batter, and homemade sides, continues to draw diners from across Henry County and beyond. The current offerings blend classic, deep-fried perfection with unique, hearty sandwiches and burgers, ensuring every craving for true Southern hospitality is met. As of December 2025, the restaurant maintains its core philosophy of using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in a dining experience that is both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you are stopping in for a quick lunch or a full family dinner, the menu is packed with flavorful, generous portions that embody the spirit of Tennessee cooking.

The Heart of Puryear: Southern Fried & Sweet Tea's Signature Menu Items

Southern Fried & Sweet Tea in Puryear, TN, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary landmark built on a foundation of "love, family, loss, resilience & the passion" for great food, a story even featured on Nashville PBS’s Tennessee Crossroads. The menu is a direct reflection of this passion, focusing on dishes that are battered in a signature seasoned buttermilk mixture and deep-fried to absolute perfection. The menu is thoughtfully divided, offering everything from light bites to full-on Southern feasts. Here is a breakdown of the must-try dishes and categories that define the 2025 menu:

• The Signature Fried Yard Bird Sandwich: Widely touted as a must-try, this dish features a large chicken breast fried to perfection, celebrated for its intense flavor and supreme juiciness. It’s the ultimate expression of their "fried" specialty.
• Southern Fried Country Fried Steak: A classic Southern staple, this dish is a testament to their skill with hand-cut meats, served hot and typically smothered in rich sawmill gravy.
• Pork Tenders: A popular starter or light meal, these are six perfectly seasoned, hand-breaded pork tenders, often served with a side of their famous sawmill gravy for dipping.
• Sweet Tea: No meal is complete without their namesake beverage. The sweet tea is often described as "liquid Southern pride," providing a refreshing, authentic complement to the rich, fried cuisine.

Dinner On a Bun: Burgers and Hearty Sandwiches

The "Dinner On a Bun" section of the menu is where Southern comfort meets contemporary American fare, featuring creative, generously-sized options that go beyond the typical burger. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s ability to infuse classic Southern flavor into diverse sandwich formats.

The standout items in this category include:

• Southwest Burger: A visually appealing and flavorful choice that incorporates a touch of Tex-Mex influence into a classic beef patty.
• Kentucky Lake Cheesesteak: A local favorite, this dish puts a regional spin on the classic cheesesteak, likely featuring hand-cut steak and a generous helping of cheese.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Club: A loaded club sandwich featuring fried chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for a hearty lunch.
• Mushroom Swiss Burger: A classic, savory burger topped with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
• French Dip: A staple sandwich featuring thinly sliced roast beef served on a roll with a side of au jus.

Homemade Sides and The Sweetest Southern Desserts

A true Southern meal is defined as much by its sides as its main course, and Southern Fried & Sweet Tea excels in offering a variety of homemade sides and decadent desserts. The commitment to "Homemade Sides, Sauces & Desserts" is a key part of their culinary identity.

The Essential Southern Sides

While the full list of sides can vary, the restaurant is known for classic Southern accompaniments that perfectly balance the richness of the fried entrees. Expect to find staples like:

• Creamy Coleslaw
• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
• Green Beans
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Fresh-Baked Biscuits
• French Fries

The inclusion of sides like sawmill gravy, which accompanies the Pork Tenders and Country Fried Steak, further emphasizes their commitment to authentic, scratch-made Southern sauces.

Decadent Desserts to Finish Your Meal

To complete the Southern dining experience, the dessert menu features rich, homemade options. The most celebrated dessert is the:

• Pecan Cobbler: A rich, warm, and comforting dessert that is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, perfectly capturing the essence of a Southern kitchen.

Other homemade desserts are often rotated, but all are guaranteed to be a comforting and sweet end to your meal.

Planning Your Visit to Southern Fried & Sweet Tea in Puryear, TN

For those planning to visit this celebrated Puryear, Tennessee establishment, it's helpful to know the operational details and special offerings. The restaurant is an inviting, cozy eatery that embodies genuine Southern charm.

Location and Operating Hours

Southern Fried & Sweet Tea is located in Puryear, TN, and generally operates on the following schedule:

• Days Open: Tuesday through Sunday
• Hours: Typically open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Closed: Mondays

The venue also offers outdoor seating for a pleasant dining experience when the weather is nice.

Special Menu Offerings

The restaurant is dedicated to serving the local community, which is evident in its special menus. They are known to offer a dedicated Senior Menu on specific days and times, often running from Thursday through Saturday between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, sometimes including free coffee for all seniors during those hours. These offerings make it an accessible and welcoming spot for all generations. The enduring popularity of Southern Fried & Sweet Tea is a testament to its fresh, hand-prepared food and its unwavering commitment to Southern culinary traditions. The 2025 menu continues this legacy, offering a mouth-watering array of deep-fried perfection and sweet, comforting classics. If you are traveling through Henry County, Tennessee, this is one dining experience you cannot afford to miss.