Arnold's Country Kitchen

Ask anyone where to get an authentic home cooked southern meal in Nashville, and they'll send you to Arnold's. This local gem practically invented the "Meat & 3", a cafeteria style service where you choose a meat and three sides. Options change daily at Arnold's, but generally include fare like candied yams, fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, etc. Upon arrival, grab a tray, and get in line. Staff of varying degrees of surliness will scoop your selections onto styrofoam plates, and a cashier will ring you up at the end. Choose your own cutlery, and find a seat. The restaurant is spacious, with a homey, no frills vibe. All of the food was delicious. Richly seasoned but not overly salty, deep fried but somehow not too heavy or oily. The shrimp were juicy, the mac and cheese creamy with a lovely gouda flavor, the greens were deeply savory. My favorite side dish was the Fried Green Tomatoes, which were lightly breaded, juicy, and tangy. Skip the cornbread, which was bone dry, but do NOT skip dessert. The Spicy Chocolate Pie was among the best pies I've ever had. It tasted of semisweet chocolate ganache, with a wonderfully bright heat from what I presume to be cayenne pepper. Apparently Arnold's has plans to close soon after 42 years of business, so eat here while you can.

I visited Arnold's Country Kitchen on Monday, October 14, 2024, around 1 PM. The place was busy, as it's a popular spot in downtown Nashville. Parking is limited, but you can scan a QR code to park for free for an hour. Arnold's offers classic southern comfort food with a "meat and three" concept. You line up like in a cafeteria, choose your dishes, and pay at the end.I tried the rib, green beans, and coleslaw. The rib was truly fall-off-the-bone tender--juicy and full of flavor without being mushy. The green beans were cooked perfectly, and the coleslaw had a creamy, refreshing taste. I really enjoyed the cafeteria-style setup; there were so many options to choose from, and the menu changes daily.Overall, the food was delicious and the staff friendly. Just a heads-up: if you go during peak hours, parking can be a bit tricky.

My girlfriend and I work from home on Fridays and we've been meaning to check this place out. So today was the day! She's from New England and was new to the whole cafeteria style meat and three. I hail from the South so I knew what to expect. Or at least I thought. Walking in you might be taken by how quiet things are. Lots of people, some casual conversation. Let me just tell you don't be alarmed, it's quiet here because people are stuffing their faces with this delicious food. We hopped in line. Obviously I have to try some sweets. I grabbed a peach pie and my lady chose the chocolate chess (winner winner on her part, that slice was delicious with hints of coffee and chocolate mixed together). Entrees, I picked the fried shrimp and my girlfriend chose fried catfish (another first for her). We topped off sides with Mac, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a couple of rolls. We sat down, unaware of the flavors that were about to grace our unsuspecting palettes. The first thing out of my girlfriend's mouth was, "I love food where love is an ingredient." I can safely say this is one of the most delicious meals I've had in a while. Perfect on a Friday slump that wasn't too hot. We had the chance to meet the owner and he kindly gave us some extra treats since it was our first time. It should be unsurprising to no one by this point, it was delicious. If you're visiting, come have a unique experience here. If you're a local, relish in the fact that the first restaurant in TN to win a James Beard award is this gem of a place in the heart of Nashville.

Arnold's Country Kitchen is an authentic spot for a meat and three meal. This is a cafeteria style joint. When you walk in, don't stand there waiting for someone to direct you. There's a big menu on the wall, walk toward it behind the bar, grab a tray, and then follow the line. The staff is super friendly. They gave good recommendations and were also very polite helping us. We probably gave them a few laughs with all of our questions and not understanding how to order food, but all in good spirit. I ordered the catfish and mashed potatoes, which were both phenomenal. I also really liked their lemonade. I would visit Arnold's Country Kitchen again.

Been a few times since they've reopened...so glad they did. Great meats, vegetables, and desserts. Their green beans and mashed potatoes and gravy are best in town. Special side of Brussels are amazing if they have them. Parking is validated for free--don't scan outside sign, there's a QR code in the buffet line. Love this family owned ( 2nd generation) spot and hope it makes it thru nashvilles tough restaurant market. You will likely find the current owner greeting, cleaning up, and doing whatever it takes to keep doors open and customers happy!

Loved the food. Great service. Super satisfied. Has an interesting vibe and atmosphere. Go check it, you will leave satisfied especially with the hamburger

Old school good old Southern Cooking- nothing fancy - but the service and the food is really amazing! Everyday the menu changes- and there are tons of choices- you grab a tray- and walk through the line (kinda like grade school- but the servers are far nicer and much more helpful) . Don't miss out on the insane deserts - Chess Pie and Bread Pudding

30 years. 30 years I've been coming here and everything is as delicious, comforting and welcoming as always. It doesn't matter how I disguise myself I'm always greeted by name, by the owner.For sure the place has grown, some would argue it's lost some charm but I'm happy Arnold's is still around.The food is still absolutely excellent and full of flavor. The chocolate pie is rich, everything is wonderfully seasoned.Everyone needs to go here and support this Nashville staple.

Whooooa! Hadn't been here since reopened ( 3-4 mos ago) arrived 11:30aexpecting the ole down home good food, good portions and good choices- entrees, vegs and dessertsVery very disappointed-completely shocked...Good choices but ice cream scoop portion of veggies and-Pork chop over cooked - dry and hard; just warm-sweet potato casserole-- a slurry of pecan chips, melted brown sugar and potato purée - warm- squash casserole-some kinda crunch topping and marinara sauce over yellow squash barely warm ( not grammas)- dressing and gravy- little flavor and both stone cold- iced tea was acceptableGees- I'll give another try in a week or three....If ya got outta town guests- and want a meat/three Southern foodsuggest ya consider Monells in Germantown....I'll update after another visit in a few weeks

Really loved this place. Very authentic southern service and hospitality. Lunch line service and depends on the day what they serve. Really the veggies here are unmatched- we split the yams and corn pudding both delicious. The other country fried chicken and grouper were amazing too. Favorite place we went to In Nashville. Peep the hours but recommend 100%