Bailey & Cato's

★★★★☆ 3.6 (91) • $

"This place is straight fire!!!! The lady at the hotel recommended we check this place out and I'm glad we did. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time and we will definitely be back again. Oh yeah and make sure you get the ribs"

Blue Moon Waterfront Grille

★★★★☆ 3.5 (251) • $$

"This is the perfect spot when the weather is nice. Go sit on their large patio, watch the sun set and drink a bushwacker. You can watch as ducks fly over, boats come in for the night and watch planes taking off or landing nearby at John C Tune Airport. It's very peaceful here. Families and date nights alike- this is a good spot for you. If you're looking for a healthy menu, they do have a few options, but we did not try those. The Goods:- free parking in the large lot at the marina- service was excellent. Our server was very attentive. - food was freshly made to order but came out extremely fast - food was really tasty! - Bushwacker (icy chocolatey boozy drink) for the winHere's what we ordered:- Fried cheese curds - we got them "plain" which means they weren't dipped in buffalo sauce. A side of ranch and also marinara are provided and let me tell you- this dish was a delight. So good!- Mahi Mahi Tacos- yum! This dish comes with 2 tacos (you can add a third for $6) and some delicious sauce made with ranch. Also a side that's mixed with black beans & yellow rice. All very good. - French Fries - so crispy with a hint of seasoning and a lot of salt. Just how I like them!- Fried Coconut Shrimp - didn't love that sauce they come with but the shrimp were SO GOOD! The Not So Goods:- You do have to take a ramp from the parking lot to get to the restaurant. I'm not handicap, but I would imagine this ramp might be a little difficult for someone who is. - They don't allow pets on the patio so keep your furry friends at home. I'd love to bring my dog but this isn't a reason to keep me away. - take a jacket or sweatshirt if you sit by the water. It can get chilly. Love that this place is within walking distance in my neighborhood. We will be back!"

Gray & Dudley

★★★★☆ 4 (228) • $$$

"We all split hush puppies, 3 dips, and Brussels. They were all good. I especially liked the fish dip and hummus. The Brussels went fast- very good and easy to split. I had the market fish snapper. It was prepared as I requested (a bit olive oil as salt) but it was a little dry.Service ok. One person was training another."

Jacks Bar-B-Que

★★★★☆ 4 (420) • $$

"Jack's Bar-B-Que is a great option for barbecue if you are on this side of Nashville, Tennessee. The place has a great ambiance and vibe for a barbecue restaurant. You know the type, kind of a hole-in-the-wall type place with an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac adorning the walls and they have the prerequisite pig statue.The ordering process is pretty simple. You go.up to the counter and order your meal, they fill your plate, you pay and either take it to-go or sit at a table and enjoy the feast.I went with the pulled pork dinner and for my two sides, I went with turnip greens and potato salad. I also went with Texas toast. I also went over and tried quite a few of their barbecue sauces. They have a table with their sauces available. The pork was fantastic and the sides were pretty good, as well. The staff was friendly and again, the ambiance was definitely enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Jack's Bar-B-Que and I give it five stars."

Red's Hot Chicken

★★★★★ 4.7 (197) • $$

"As I've been saying in most of my reviews from my Nashville trip so far, on the whole, I had so many great meals there... but of course, I had to go for some Nashville Hot Chicken, and this place near Vanderbilt's campus came highly recommended. I am happy to say, it was phenomenal!Red's is quite simply a roadside chicken shack. They have a small outdoor covered eating area with counter seating around the edges, everything is served take-out style no matter where you plan to eat it. There is a bar next door that they'll bring your food to, but I didn't explore that, it was a fairly nice day to just eat right out front.I approached the window and my order was promptly taken, no non-sense, no fuss, they're just interested in getting you great chicken made fresh. This IS NOT fast food, and they express that on their sign, but regardless, I waited just 15 minutes for piping hot, made to order, hot chicken. I went with the Hot Chicken Plate with the 3 jumbo tenders, as they were currently out of thighs due to a power outage that spoiled their last supply. That mattered exactly not at all, because the tenders were enormous, juicy, and very filling with a perfect level of spice. I went medium to gauge, and it was just right for me. Flavorful, good heat, not excruciating. The plate came with two sides, I opted for their pimento mac n cheese and cole slaw. The mac was exceptional, really nice sharp cheddar flavor, very creamy. The cole slaw was refreshing and cool, not too mayo heavy, and provided a nice switch to the hot chicken. I also got some great ranch for dipping. It also came with a couple slices of white bread, as is tradition, for mopping up sauce and making little bite size sammies.All told, I could not recommend this place more. I love a place that just cuts to the chase with great food, and Red's is exactly that. I'm sure there is lots of excellent hot chicken available around Nashville, but this should be one of your choices!"

The Southern V

★★★★★ 4.6 (332) • $$

"The Southern V is unmatched. Their menu is soul food-centric but also offers a variety of burgers/sandwiches and good breakfast options! My favorite menu item is the vegan meatloaf. My goodness... chef's kiss! I only wish they were open more days in the week. They are only open Thursday- Sunday and close early in the afternoon."

Waldo's Chicken & Beer

★★★★☆ 3.7 (146) • $$

TKO

★★★★☆ 3.9 (147) • $$

"I think maybe this place was still getting back into the in-person dining groove when I arrived as it was not crowded inside but was doing plenty of takeout business. I'm happy not to need a reservation, but I'd argue it should be busier as this was tasty stuff.Promising Chinese with a Southern American influence, this place delivered one of the more magnificent egg rolls you'll ever see, with a filling heavy on raddichio and a sharply contrasting pineapple-flavored sauce. My tofu dish came with peanuts and mala onions which had a hint of Sichuan peppercorn flavor. I opted not to order rice, and the dish was quite delicious without. A zingy non-alcoholic beverage completed my meal."

The Chef and I

★★★★☆ 4.4 (635) • $$$$

"A great foodie spot offering fine dining quality food set in a casual yet elevated atmosphere. Came in on a Wednesday night and were seated at the chef's counter which allowed for an interactive culinary experience as we could watch our food be prepared in front of us! It was nice to chat to the chefs as well and see them them work their magic.We ordered the 5 course tasting menu and then the elk filet, brussel sprouts, and watermelon/arugula salad. I had a bit higher expectations for the tasting menu as nothing was a standout/would order again but it had unique dishes and flavor profiles to try and was a good intro into the restaurant. The elk was delicious and might have been my favorite- gamey with an earthiness flavor to it and I loved the corn it was served with. Brussel sprouts were tasty- I really just loved the in house bacon in there. The watermelon salad was tasty and light. I overall enjoyed the regular menu (changes) more than the tasting but the whole experience, service, food, and ambience was sO much fun! I definitely want to come back for happy hour and to try more menu items!"

Swett's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (183) • $$

"I was unimpressed with this place.On my second trip out to Nashville we decided to grab something to eat on the way to our hotel. My husband wanted southern food cafeteria style and found Swett's on Yelp. Upon arriving I liked that they had lots of choices. I asked for grilled pork chop but the lady ended up giving me fried instead. I got my pork chop with green beans and yams. The pork chop ended up being small and very dry. Like hard-to-swallow-DRY. I had to drink lots of water to not choke. The green beans was my favorite thing I ate. The yams were very greasy. The sweet corn bread I got with my meal was also dry AF. It was a disappointing meal.My husband got their fried chicken with greens and mac n cheese. He also got a berry cobbler on the side. The fried chicken was okay. The greens and mac n cheese were cool. The cobbler was gross. It lacked flavor and wasn't very sweet at all. It had too much thickening agent in it. Since it is cafeteria style there wasn't really any service besides them serving the food at the beginning. I wouldn't say they were friendly either. They just ask what you want and move you along the line. It didn't seem like they wanted to answer any questions. However, Swett's supposedly pride themselves on being around for awhile and having all sorts of "popular" people dine prior. I think its loosing its luster. Or did we come on an off day? Not sure but I don't think we will be returning."

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Nashville

★★★★★ 4.8 (11)

"Walking into this joint feels like stepping into a sanctuary, if that sanctuary served the best damn fried chicken in Nashville. It's the kind of place where the smell hits you first: a savory, greasy, heart-stopping perfume that could bring a grown man to tears. This place isn't just a restaurant; it's a beacon of hope in a city that's been overrun by gimmicks and lukewarm takes on Southern classics. Here, fried chicken is elevated to near religious experience. Crisp, golden skin that shatters under your teeth, tender meat so perfectly seasoned it feels like a culinary confession. They don't mess around. And the hospitality? It's the kind of warm, unpretentious service that reminds you why you loved eating out in the first place. Ice-cold beer in frosted mugs. Simple, effective, no-frills perfection.In a Nashville scene that's losing its way, this place is a savior. It's a reminder that when you strip away all the noise, good food and good people are still what it's all about. Dreams are made here, and for once, they live up to the hype."

Nashville Jam Café

★★★★☆ 4.2 (839) • $$

"So, the four of us decided to hit up this spot for brunch today. Everyone went the traditional route and ordered omelettes, but not me--I went rogue with a PB&J chicken biscuit. I asked them to swap the tomato jam for peach habanero, but they gave me plain peach jam instead. Luckily, they fixed it without any drama.The biscuit sandwich? Decent, but no fireworks.Meanwhile, my friends' omelettes were like a game of musical chairs; their orders got all mixed up.The place is tiny inside, and while they have outdoor seating, Mother Nature was throwing a tantrum with rain today.On the bright side, there's plenty of street parking!"

Starr Ranch

★★★★☆ 4.1 (159)

"I came here for lunch with a co-worker. There was plenty of parking and we were seated quickly! We started our meal with pork rinds, and they were hot and delicious! I highly recommend. She ordered the catfish dinner and I got the shrimp feast. My co-worker raved about the broccoli, so we both added a side of the broccoli. She was right - it was incredible! Definitely the star of the meal."

Evelyn's

★★★★☆ 4 (30)

"Tonight's dinner was at Evelyn's in the Hutton Hotel. Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Bread (must have) Short Rib (this was yummy and super tender) old fashioned (perfectly balanced)scallops (this was good) crab cake (not a fan - smaller crab bits rather than lump crab). Best ones are at Eddie V's. Service was great. Quick and attentive. They offer complimentary valet (with validation at the host's desk) and also there's cashless tip option but there is a fee of $1.65 to use it. So maybe bring cash."

Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish

★★★★☆ 3.6 (697)

"A small hole in the wall spot, this place really surprised me. I got a fish sando and chicken and it was good, This place imo had the hottest seasoning on their chicken compared to the other well know spots in Nashville. The parking here is easy and a decent amount of seating. The set up here is real simple, counter to order and pick up. They do take card which is nice. The fish sando was crispy and well cooked. The chicken was hott and well spiced."

The Whiskey Shot

★★★★☆ 4.3 (64)

"This is a great little bar in Printers Alley, I haven't been in Printers Alley in probably 20 years. Came by here just as they were opening up and spent about an hour listening to live music and then came back later that evening and went downstairs to the dueling piano bar which was a blast as well. Things were really hopping then"

Trap Fusion Xpress

★★★★☆ 4.3 (3)

5th & Taylor

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1449) • $$$

"Yes yes yes honey, we loved 5th and Taylor for girls night, would go back on a date night, shoot I would go back on a "take myself out" night; good food is self-care too. First off- ambiance, decor, vibes 10/10Food- nothing I would not order again...everything was so good!-Sausage cheddar biscuits, what a surprising delicious, comfort food delight!-Dinner rolls- delish, love me some fresh baked carbs-beer can chicken - oh my gosh did not think ordering the chicken on the menu would be this memorable. So good, the veggies and the beer gravy -excellent flavor. -I also tried my friend's scallops, very good. -Finally, the crispy brussel sprouts in blood orange- what the what!? What culinary genius came up with this? 10/10Coming back ASAP"

MacHenry's Meat & Three

★★★★☆ 4.2 (23)

Marsh House

★★★★☆ 4.2 (459) • $$$

"My husband and I first dined at The Marsh House on our very first date three years ago, so it holds a special spot in my heart. While I don't recall what I had on that first visit, this time we arrived early enough to take advantage of their happy hour, which was fantastic.We started with fresh oysters for $1.50 each, followed by the Good Samaritan cocktail ($10), which was similar to a whiskey sour--smooth and refreshing. The Thai beef skewer ($8) had a perfect balance of flavor and spice, making it a great appetizer.For my main course, I had a cup of gumbo, which was delicious, while my husband ordered the hanger steak cooked medium rare. It was done to perfection! To finish the meal, we had their bread pudding, which was absolutely out of this world. The dessert was generously provided on the house, which was a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture.Our waitress was amazing, offering excellent recommendations that enhanced our experience. For parking, there are several options: paid street parking, a garage, or valet for $8 plus tip.The Marsh House will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to many more visits in the future."

Liberty Common

★★★★☆ 3.7 (441) • $$

"What an incredibleeeeee restaurant! We came here for brunch for a bachelorette with 12 people (made reservations a bit in advance). I have nothing but great things to say about this place. The ambiance = rustic luxe chic. The service = phenomenal. The food + cocktails = 10/10. I got the seasonal grain bowl and it was one loaded bowl with feta, pickled onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus, quinoa, and arugula. Their fried chicken sandwich came crispy and hot, and the coleslaw on it was delicious. The Buffalo cauliflower was the best appetizer and the dipping sauce matched perfectly with it. All of our cocktails were a hit as well; refreshing and high quality. If you're looking for great service, a cute vibe, and quality American fare, I recommend Liberty Common."

Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ

★★★☆☆ 3 (252) • $$

"I was too full to eat something here because we just came from house of cards Buffet . That did not mean that we did not come in to enjoy the music and admire the whole place. I mean it is the Johnny Cash restaurant, so yeah I'm gonna stop and hang out.#LoveJohnnyCash"

JWB Grill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (70)

"Stayed at this hotel and decided to have an early dinner at the bar, got the bartender signature cocktail which was amazing and the steak sandwich. The sandwich was good, some parts of the steak were a little chewy but the fries were so good!!! The service, drink and bartender was excellent."

Arnold's Country Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1242) • $$

"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."

Husk

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1888) • $$$

"I love this place. I've been to the Charleston and Savannah locations, so naturally I had to come here as well. We came to brunch before driving back home and it did not disappoint. We ordered the biscuits and gravy and the hummingbird cake from the first courses. These were probably the best biscuits and gravy I've ever had. The hummingbird cake was better as a dessert and was delicious. I ordered their breakfast plate and I was blown away. How they transform scrambled eggs and had browns is mind blowing. The flavor explosions were amazing. My husband got the Johnny cakes and they were amazing too, in the middle a delicious sausage patty and egg on top. I love that the menu is always changing based on available ingredients.We will of course be back!"

Belle Meade Meat and Three

★★★★☆ 3.9 (40)

"Our group was touring the Plantation, and our original plan was to have lunch elsewhere. However, the group leaders made a last-minute decision for us to have lunch at Meat and Three, Good call!The lunch options include salad options that have been pre-packaged or a choice of a meat and up to three sides (hence the name). I went the baked ham that they carved in front of me with a very generous portion, plus two sides from a nice variety of options. All of the employees were very polite and efficient. On this spring day, we had dining options inside or on their porch, which was very pleasant.Great flavor in the ham, the corn pudding, and the macaroni and cheese. So glad that we dined there instead of some fast food place further down the interstate,"

Prince's Hot Chicken

★★★★☆ 3.6 (354) • $$

"Prince's Hot Chicken is hands down the best spot for some incredible spicy chicken! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The staff here are genuinely friendly and go out of their way to make you feel at home. They even come up to your table to chat, making the experience feel personal and welcoming. The chicken is nothing short of amazing--perfectly crispy, incredibly flavorful, and with just the right amount of heat to satisfy spice lovers. Every bite is packed with deliciousness that leaves you craving more.We ordered the sweet heat chicken sandwich which is probably my new go to when I don't order their medium tenders. Definitely be aware that they are spicy, medium/mild still has a solid kick to it so I can't imagine how spicy the hotter flavors are. But the chicken is always moist, perfectly crunchy, and packs a spicy punch in the best way. The fries are seasoned well just always order them on the well done side for a great crispy fry. If you're looking for a place with great food and even better service, Prince's Hot Chicken is the place to be. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves good food and great company. Can't wait to come back!"

Tennessee Tatercakes

★★★★★ 4.6 (8)

"One of my favorite food trucks! They do tots, and their specialty which are mashed potatoes that have been fried into a "tatercake". They then top these with different combinations. I got the Qutie which is pulled pork, barbecue sauce, cole slaw and baked beans. The meal is also pretty filling which is great because you can feel good that your $10 is spent well. The staff are also really nice and even when the line is long they get the food out quick or in a very reasonable time. So delicious!"

Mama's Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.1 (41)

"Stopped in today for lunch , had meatloaf , mashed potatoes, turnip greens , and banana pudding . Its cafeteria style .the food was good and it was fast .big church crowd ."

Uncle Bud's

★★★★☆ 4.3 (429) • $$

"Worth the hype for sure! Got the catfish and shrimp combo. Everything well lived up to the reputation of a true Southern eatery!"

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (504) • $$

"Just okay. The place wasn't very busy and it took longer than expected for food to arrive. With a limited family style meal, I would have expected more preparation. We enjoyed the fried okra, fried chicken, biscuits, and the meatloaf. However the dumplings were not good, the collard greens were really salty. We had a vegetarian friend with us and even the vegetable sides had bacon. It's too bad they don't allow boxes even if you didn't request seconds. There was so much food that went to waste."

Biscuit Love - Franklin

★★★★☆ 4 (609) • $$

"Of course breakfast in Nashville means biscuits and Biscuit Love is one of the best spots! We've previously dined at Biscuit Love in The Gulch, but this Franklin location is amazing! Built in an older home in downtown, the place is beautiful. Same as in the other spot, you get in line and place your order. You're assigned a table and the food is delivered to you. We started out with "bonuts". These are like the best munchkins you could dream of! Little donuts with mascarpone and blueberry jam were the star of the show. We ordered the breakfast egg dish which was served with bacon, cheese grits, and a biscuit. Everything was delicious but the biscuit with jam makes the dish. Easy street parking and friendly service made this a breakfast to remember!"

Big Al's Deli

★★★★★ 4.8 (508) • $

"11/18/23: The reason I had to walk across a highway after breakfast.BIg Al and Miss Andrea are so personable and welcoming. He is at the grill cooking up deliciousness. She takes the orders and handles the flow of customers.My travel buddy suggested this spot I'm not a big fan of "regular breakfast items, eggs, pancakes etc so when I saw the menu had alternate items such as Porkchops and shrimps and grits I quickly called. Big Al himself picked up and stated he had one more and do I want him to hold it. Heck yes was my response.Upon arrival he asked were you the one that called I said yes he replied you look as you sound New York...lol.Folks please note it is a small establishment in the event you need to wait it will have to be outside. Once it was our turn we ordered the Porkchops...folks the "one pork chop" he saved was 3 huge pieces. It came with potatoes, eggs, and a biscuit.We also ordered the shrimp and grits with crab, biscuits with sausage gravy and cinnamon roll.Portions were huge although we shared we still each had leftovers to take.The sausage gravy for the biscuits had chunks of sausage, it was well seasoned and spicy we have like 4 biscuits.As our hotel was not far about a 10 minute walk we decided to walk instead of calling for the hotel shuttle that dropped us off.When in Nashville this a MUST but plan accordingly as its first come first serve. It's basically similar to mom and pop establishment so do not look for fine dining the cups plates etc mismatch which I think adds to the character.So happy we partaked and happy to say we dined at Big Al's."

Biscuit Love

★★★★☆ 4.4 (40)

"This location is so new, it still SMELLS new! Open only 3 days, we were warmly greeted as soon as we walked in. The floral wallpaper & pink tile are adorable and there is ample seating in the dining area & outdoor patio. The music is at just the right volume & the entire dining area has an open, airy feel to it.After being tempted by everything on the menu, we decided on the S.E.C. (biscuit with sausage, cheddar & scrambled egg) with a side of their super flavorful sausage gravy, and the Southern Benny (biscuit, over-easy eggs & shaved country ham). Since this location does not yet have its liquor license (but will soon!), we chose the highly recommended (and much enjoyed) brown sugar lemonade & unsweet iced tea. Everything was delicious & came out super fast!Overall an amazing meal, and a place that I am looking forward to taking my kids back to for breakfast."

The Nashville Grange

★★★★☆ 3.9 (61)

"This is truly a hidden gem in the Grand Hyatt by the Frist. Even course that we had was sublime and I can fully state, with no reservations, that the chef here can battle it out with some of the Michelin Bib Gourmands and 1 stars in NYC. The ambiance is absolutely lovely and the entire space is airy and light. Even the house Merlot was fantastic.I don't believe that you can go wrong with any of the options BUT I would highly recommend the shrimp & grits, and roast pork shank. The pork shank is fall-off-the-bones tender and literally melts in your mouth - the accompanying polenta provides the perfect creamy complement that soaks up every last drop of jus. Start off with the market vegetable salad which is topped with toasted parmesan and accented with a creamy yet light dressing. If you have room, definitely get the herb fries which are perfectly crispy and seasoned.For dessert, we tried the bread pudding which was creamy, decadent, and perfectly comforting - as a properly composed bread pudding should be. This also had a hint of spice and was accented by raisins on the side. If you are in Nashville, make the trek here. Trust me."