Waldo's Chicken & Beer

I didn't want to go to Waldo's. I didn't want to like Waldo's. I failed on both those fronts.Let me explain. Waldo's took over the space that was previously occupied by BurgerFi. And I love BurgerFi. I freaking LOVED BurgerFi and I was shattered when it closed. It was one of my two go-to places when I visit Brentwood. Out of spite, I was determined to not visit Waldo's because it took over what was rather hallowed space.So for dinner while I was in town I was headed to my other go-to place (Tacos4Life), only to find it closed because of an HVAC issue. Since I was already over there I decided to begrudgingly give Waldo's a try.When I first walked in the door (aside from a sentimental "this should be BurgerFi" in my mind) the first thing I noticed was Red, White, and Blue. The colors of the flag make up a large part of the decor, along with some cool modified posters of celebrities holding chickens.It's an order-at-the-counter here's-your-number-we'll-bring-it-to-you kinda place. Sandwiches and tenders and salads make up the bulk of the menu, and a selection of home-made sides. While waiting for my food I looked around the place. It's got a nice bar (not a full bar, but a decent bar, given it's a restaurant first and not a place meant for nightlife.). Horizontal red, white, and blue stripes surround you while country music (rather loudly) fills your ears.My food came in about 12 minutes. I opted for 3-piece tenders with tomato-cucumber salad and a drink. (I had a late lunch so I wasn't extremely hungry). The jalapeño ranch sauce for my tenders and (much to my surprise) I happened to visit on National Biscuit day, so I got a free biscuit. Actually it's a small biscuit. We'll call it a bisquit-ette: Cheddar, Jalapeño, and Bacon...and it was GOOD.The tenders were great. They were served hot-out-of-the-fryer and were great. Moist and not dry at all. It worked well with the jalapeño ranch sauce. The tomato-cucumber salad, however, was The Star of this show. It was almost exactly like what my grandmother used to make. I could make a meal out of just that salad. Granted, it'd be a lot of tomato-cucumber salad, but I could do it.The restaurant was very clean and the staff was hustling. Everyone I interacted with (ok, one person) were great and friendly. During the half hour or so I was there at least 6 people come in for carryout.Ok, I like Waldo's. Can't say I love it yet because I've only visited once, but there's potential. We'll see the next time I'm in town.

I typically don't eat at this type of period. However, I tried this place for the first time today. I must say.I was very impressed with my meal and love this spot.

Alabama native Mark Waldo founded this franchise in 2019 when it debuted in Nashville's Germantown neighborhood. So it's rather remarkable that in five year's time, they've rapidly expanded to 14 locations across seven states, all located in the Southeast except their Denver-area store.Just three months after Brentwood's beloved BurgerFi closed its doors in the CityPark development, Waldo's thankfully took over the coveted space and opened its fifth location in Middle Tennessee in mid-November of 2023. Offering classic southern dishes with a distinct emphasis on chicken, you'll get a sizable meal for about $15 per person and a wide range of menu options.THE GOODWaldo's makes their food fresh every morning, and the quality is evident. "The Roost" sandwich might be the best thing on the menu. While I far prefer fried chicken to roasted or grilled, this rotisserie chicken sandwich is sensational with very tender chicken and tangy white sauce. While their Alabama white doesn't taste as good on its own, lacking the optimal balance of ingredients like the versions at competitors Martin's and Edley's, it actually works perfectly in the sandwich over the chicken and pickles on a bun beautifully soft on the outside and toasted on the inside. The chicken tender sandwich is probably a close second, with crispy strips of chicken accentuated by pickles and sauce.THE BADUnfortunately, at all Waldo's locations, while the batter is properly crisp the chicken tends to be very dry and never juicy. Admittedly, it's a difficult art to master. I've worked on this with my own deep fryer at home for years before getting it right. The fries are tasty but always soggy at any Waldo's, possibly fried only once when they should always be double fried.The blue cheese dressing is just odd with a green hue and unusual taste. One of their off-menu items is a basket of six cheddar biscuits. But we're not fond of the super sweet taste, closer to an overly sugared cornbread than a classic southern biscuit.Waldo's is far from the best chicken in town with so many amazing versions across Nashville. But it's certainly a satisfying meal and good food for the price.

Service was amazing and the place was clean. Overall, the food was a solid 8 out of 10. The fries were amazing. Will return to other items.

This place is the best family meal option in the whole neighborhood. Better than pizza night. Great service, always hot and fresh. Dem biscuits !

Waldo's is very mediocre at best for a chicken and fries place. It is similar to Zaxbys and McDougals. The chicken is a bit dry but the sauces are delicious and a must try. The service was abysmal as we sat at the bar and had to beg for someone to give us drinks. The restaurant is always packed with teens and young families so it is a very welcoming environment.

Loved it! I went here after coworkers raved about the food and the service so I had to try it. The chicken tenders were cooked to perfection, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Both sauces were great. The wedge potatoes don't even need a condiment, they're delicious as is. The coleslaw was amazing and I'm super picky about my coleslaw so that's saying something for me. The banana pudding was delicious. The staff was super friendly, I think everyone that walked by me asked how it was and did I need anything else. The best part was there was so much food I had left overs for lunch the next day. I will definitely be going back!

The chicken sandwiches are the Bomb! Hard to go to Chili fil a after eating here. It just starches the itch for something a crusty fried, and comfort

The staff and service are amazing. They really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Great wings, Mac n cheese and the banana pudding!Cool laid back vibe. Highly recommend.

Excellent club sandwich. Clean, friendly, quick service. Just the right stop when I arrived into town late and needed a quick dinner