Nashville is known for its fabulous meals and southern comfort food culture, but it’s in these seven long standing restaurants that you truly get the Music City vibe. We love diversity and change on the food scene, don’t get us wrong – but there’s just something about a classic eatery that gets us every time.
Editor’s Note: Sadly, Ellendale’s has permanently closed its doors. You can replace this spot on your dining bucket list with any of Nashville’s numerous historic restaurants for an equally delicious dining experience.
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Arnold’s Country Kitchen - TripAdvisor
Arnold’s - Facebook Arnold’s has over thirty years of experience in Nashville serving the ever iconic “meat & 3.” Served cafeteria style, you’ll really feel like you had the chance to go back in time. (605 8th Ave S)
- Brown’s Diner
Brown’s Diner - Facebook
Brown’s Diner - Facebook The family-run diner has been open since 1927, serving up all sorts of American food to the every hungry public. It’s an easy space, nothing fancy but a solid menu with all of your favorites - it’s a Nashville must. (2102 Blair Blvd)
- Ellendale’s
Ellendales - Facebook
Ellendales - Facebook Located in an old southern farmhouse in Donelson, Ellendale’s serves up a solid lunch and dinner in a buffet-style setting. It is known as one of the five best places to visit in Donelson. (2739 Old Elm Hill Pike)
- Rotier’s Restaurant
Rotier’s Restaurant - Facebook
Rotier’s Restaurant - Facebook Cheeseburgers on french bread and thick milkshakes? Sign us up! Twice. Rotier’s is known as one of the premier spots to visit amongst both celebrities and locals alike, hosting folks like Charlie Daniel’s and your favorite aunt. It was established in 1945. (2413 Elliston Place)
- Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Soda Shop - TripAdvisor
Elliston Place Soda Shop - TripAdvisor A Nashville classic since 1939, this is the place to go if you’re craving a classic brunch or low-key Americana culture. Plus, we’ve heard the milkshakes are the best in the city.
- Hermitage Cafe
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook
Bahia Dai - TripAdvisor This neat, old-school diner is open nightly and serves as the best stop of those looking to sop up a hangover from their evening on Broadway. Cheap, delicious and greasy as all get out, you can’t ask for a better meal. (71 Hermitage Ave)
- Varallo’s
Varallos - Facebook
Varallos - Facebook Open only on weekdays, Varallo’s is the oldest restaurant in Nashville - definitively. It opened in 1907. (239 4th Ave N)
Looking for another wonderful spot to eat? Check out this wonderful Watertown restaurant!
Arnold’s Country Kitchen - TripAdvisor
Arnold’s - Facebook
Arnold’s has over thirty years of experience in Nashville serving the ever iconic “meat & 3.” Served cafeteria style, you’ll really feel like you had the chance to go back in time. (605 8th Ave S)
Brown’s Diner - Facebook
The family-run diner has been open since 1927, serving up all sorts of American food to the every hungry public. It’s an easy space, nothing fancy but a solid menu with all of your favorites - it’s a Nashville must. (2102 Blair Blvd)
Ellendales - Facebook
Located in an old southern farmhouse in Donelson, Ellendale’s serves up a solid lunch and dinner in a buffet-style setting. It is known as one of the five best places to visit in Donelson. (2739 Old Elm Hill Pike)
Rotier’s Restaurant - Facebook
Cheeseburgers on french bread and thick milkshakes? Sign us up! Twice. Rotier’s is known as one of the premier spots to visit amongst both celebrities and locals alike, hosting folks like Charlie Daniel’s and your favorite aunt. It was established in 1945. (2413 Elliston Place)
Elliston Soda Shop - TripAdvisor
Elliston Place Soda Shop - TripAdvisor
A Nashville classic since 1939, this is the place to go if you’re craving a classic brunch or low-key Americana culture. Plus, we’ve heard the milkshakes are the best in the city.
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook
Bahia Dai - TripAdvisor
This neat, old-school diner is open nightly and serves as the best stop of those looking to sop up a hangover from their evening on Broadway. Cheap, delicious and greasy as all get out, you can’t ask for a better meal. (71 Hermitage Ave)
Varallos - Facebook
Varallos - Facebook
Open only on weekdays, Varallo’s is the oldest restaurant in Nashville - definitively. It opened in 1907. (239 4th Ave N)
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Address: Arnold’s Country Kitchen, 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USAAddress: 2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212, USAAddress: 2413 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USAAddress: Elliston Place Soda Shop, 2105 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USAAddress: Cafe Rd, Hermitage, AR 71647, USAAddress: 239 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
