The Great Biscuit Revival
From Richmond, VA, to Nashville, TN, cities across the South bring the humble biscuit back to the forefront of our culinary imaginations. Discover new takes on an old-school baking staple below.
From biscuits and gravy to chicken pot pie, traditional American cuisine is full of delicious dishes that prominently favor the humble Southern biscuit.
Though this tasty pastry was briefly going out of style, it’s receiving another fifteen minutes of fame thanks to the efforts of chefs across the South. Let’s explore how cities from Richmond, VA, to Nashville, TN, are reimagining classic comfort food with new takes that honor old-school baking traditions.
1. Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA, is a relative newcomer to the Southern biscuit revival. Still, it has been developing a new reputation as the capital of creative use of everyone’s favorite pastry. Visitors to Richmond’s many superb restaurants will discover innovative twists on traditional Southern recipes.
Wondering where to go for the best biscuit in Richmond, VA? The Fancy Biscuit is famous for its massive biscuit sandwiches, while Early Bird Biscuit Co. is a local favorite, thanks to its selection of buttermilk biscuit toppings. The skillet biscuits at Lunch. | Supper! also deserves a mention.
2. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA, is a big city known for its small-town Southern hospitality. It brings both sensibilities to bear on its contributions to the great biscuit revival. Add a modern foodie edge to the mix, and you get a recipe for the perfect biscuit-based dish.
If you’re visiting Atlanta, don’t forget to check out Home Grown GA’s Comfy Chicken Biscuit, a classic dish beloved by locals and tourists alike. Buttermilk Kitchen is another must-taste restaurant that boasts thick, pillowy ones with farm-to-table seasonal jams.
3. Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC, is one of the most up-and-coming destinations, drawing in visitors and new residents daily. All that new energy has also reinvigorated the Charleston biscuit scene, where fresh takes mix with historic roots to create the perfect blend.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is one of the best-known names in the South for hand-rolled biscuits, and the popular chain started in Charleston. Millers All Day offers a more modern take on the traditional biscuit by incorporating heirloom grains, while Page’s Okra Grill makes Southern-style biscuit sandwiches that are to die for.
4. Nashville, TN
The last stop on our biscuit tour of the South is Nashville, TN. The Music City is quickly developing a name for itself within foodie circles as the Biscuit City, as well. Nashville takes a relatively traditional stance on biscuit-making, showing there’s nothing wrong with embracing tradition.
If you don’t mind braving the lines, Biscuit Love is the go-to spot for biscuit sandwiches in Nashville, with a long list of fan favorites. The final stop on the tour, the Loveless Cafe, has been serving up the same made-from-scratch biscuit recipe since the 1950s, though you’ll have to leave town to enjoy this local favorite.
