The Most Historic Diner in Tennessee

Since 1967.

Name: The Chef
Address: 126 Keith St SW, Cleveland, TN 37311, Cleveland, TN
Telephone: (423) 478-2668
Rating: 4.3

Flame-broiled burgers, scratch-made biscuits, and the original Hot Slaw, served in Cleveland every day since 1967.

See the menu

The Chef

The Last Burger Chef Standing

We are the last original Burger Chef building in the country, open every single day since 1967 and never once closed. The burgers still come off the original flame-broiler, the biscuits are baked from scratch, and the Hot Slaw is now the official state food of Tennessee.

Our story →

In the Spotlight

More Than a Diner

Featured in the New York Times

Our Hot Slaw ran as a recipe in the New York Times, carrying a Cleveland tradition to kitchens across the country.

Tennessee's First State Food

In 2024 Hot Slaw, the recipe we have served since the Burger Chef days, became the first official state food of Tennessee.

The Last Original Burger Chef

Built in 1967, ours is the only original Burger Chef building in the country that has never closed its doors.

Praised by Atlas Obscura

National food writers have traced the story of Tennessee hot slaw straight back to our counter.

What Folks Keep Coming Back For

Sausage Biscuit

2.65

Sausage & Egg Biscuit

3.15

Bacon Biscuit

3.29

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

4.25

Drop In

Around the Old Diner

From Google

What People Say

★★★★★ 4.3 from 686 Google reviews

★★★★★

Ordered for the first time, can confirm it's the best breakfast in Cleveland! The value is insane, the biscuits are delicious, the apple turnover is balanced and fresh.

Tori Clark

★★★★★

The Chef is a staple in Cleveland, and for good reason! The friendly staff make you feel like family and the food is great! The handpies are to die for. My personal breakfast favorite is the chicken biscuits and gravy. If you like hot slaw this is the place to grab some of that too!

Erica Smith

★★★★★

Awesome to be still in business. I drove 50 minutes to try out. Food tasted great, prices were modest to comparative businesses, and employees were super nice. Will be a consistent stop for me when looking for a road trip.

Hal Bergeron

★★★★★

The food is really good, they are quick on preparing the food, they make the best egg, bacon, tomato and lettuce sandwich. It's very affordable.

Eric Martin

★★★★★

OMG the homemade fried apple pies are the bomb diggity, think of Country Grandma! The Chef is a chill, laid-back quaint little place that offers diner style eats. The service is great. You are met with smiling faces greeting you as you walk in.

Susanne Denson

★★★★★

Never a poor experience at The Chef. Polite, prompt and delightful service. With that comes the delicious food that will keep you coming back for more.

Josh Higgins

Hours

When We Are Open

Mon	6 AM to 1:30 PM
Tue	6 AM to 2 PM
Wed	6 AM to 2 PM
Thu	6 AM to 2 PM
Fri	6 AM to 2 PM
Sat	6 AM to 2 PM
Sun	Closed

Find Us

Where We Are

126 Keith St SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2668

Free Welcome Gift

A Free Homemade Apple Turnover, On Us

Join the The Chef list and get a free Homemade Apple Turnover. We email your coupon about 24 hours after you sign up, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Limit one per guest. By signing up you agree to the Offer Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive our emails.