clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Where to Eat Sushi in Nashville

17 Restaurants for a Romantic Night Out in Nashville

Catch the Super Bowl at These Top Nashville Sports Bars

More in Nashville See more maps
A plate with an open- faced biscuit topped with house chopped sausage, gravy, cheesy scrambled eggs, and chives.
The Kernel from Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven.
Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven

Where to Score the Best Breakfasts in Nashville

Top destinations for cheesy omelettes, pillowy pancakes, and of course hot chicken biscuits

by Delia Jo Ramsey and Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
The Kernel from Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven.
| Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven
by Delia Jo Ramsey and Eater Staff Updated

Breakfast can be both a unifying and polarizing meal, with some arguing its importance and others preferring to skip it altogether. Despite deep-rooted beliefs one way or another, there is something to be said for a substantial order of perfectly prepared eggs, sizzling bacon, and a stack of pillowy pancakes.

Everyone knows about the wildly popular Nashville first-meal fixtures Biscuit Love, Loveless Cafe, and Pancake Pantry, but a few others are added in for some variety when that savage morning hunger hits.

Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Nadeen's Hermitage Haven

Copy Link

Opened since 2017 in Hermitage, Nadeen’s opens for breakfast Wednesday through Sunday, and the chicken and waffles, huevos rancheros, and “the kernel” (open-faced biscuit crowned with sausage gravy and cheesey scrambled eggs) — all coupled with craft cocktails — make this quirky former pizza joint a worthy destination for those outside the Hermitage area.

3410 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 873-1184
(615) 873-1184
Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven

Also featured in:

Big Al's Deli

Copy Link

Tucked away in the Salemtown neighborhood, Big Al’s Deli opens at 7 a.m. during the week and 9 a.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday) serving up classic breakfast items such as pancakes, French toast, and biscuit sandwiches to hungry commuters and next door neighbors alike. Big Al, aka Alfonso Anderson, has become a local legend and Nashville ambassador.

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 242-8118
(615) 242-8118

The Nashville Biscuit House

Copy Link

Don’t let outside appearances fool you — Nashville Biscuit House has one of the best breakfast biscuits in town. This little East Nashville restaurant opens at 6:30 a.m. during the week (closed Tuesday/Wednesday) and has a drive thru, making it easy to grab a quick bite before work. Besides (obviously) the biscuits, NBH serves plenty of pancakes, French toast, omelettes, and more.

805 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 228-4504
(615) 228-4504
The Nashville Biscuit House

Also featured in:

Monell's Dining and Catering

Copy Link

Long a Germantown staple, Monell’s serves country breakfast family-style, seven days a week starting at 8 a.m.. Breakfast includes sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, country ham, pancakes, eggs, grits, fried chicken, and more. 

1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 248-4747
(615) 248-4747

Also featured in:

Joyland Restaurant

Copy Link

Of course, people flock to Sean Brock’s casual homage to the fast food of yesteryear for bang-up burgers and buckets of fried chicken, but it’s also a solid spot to grab breakfast on the go. Brock’s fluffy Joyland biscuits — topped with everything from sack sausage to bacon to fried chicken — are easily some of the best in Nashville. Check Joyland’s Instagram to check for days with breakfast hours, as they change frequently, but are usually Saturday and Sunday mornings.

901 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 922-4934
(615) 922-4934
bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit in center of photo, close up, on Joyland printed paper
Joyland’s bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
Jeff Scott/Joyland

Also featured in:

Yeast Nashville

Copy Link

When there’s no time for a leisurely breakfast or a long pancake line, visit Yeast in East Nashville. It’s one of the only places in town to find Czech-style sweet-filled kolaches or savory klobasneks — simple to grab and eat on the ride in to the office.

805 Woodland St #300, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 678-4592
(615) 678-4592
Kolaches from Yeast.
Yeast Nashville

Sky Blue Cafe

Copy Link

Open Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with limited sidewalk tables), Sky Blue is an East side favorite. Long waits on the weekends are not unusual, so a weekday trip is a good game plan to try the stuffed French toast pancakes, hot chicken biscuits, or three egg omelets with signature home fries.

700 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 770-7097
(615) 770-7097

Silver Sands Café

Copy Link

Nashville soul food staple Silver Sands Cafe is well known as a lunch time meat-and-three, but also for owner Sophia Vaughn’s time-tested homestyle breakfast recipes. Starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the third generation owner of Silver Sands serves up crowd-pleasing pancake stacks, country ham, and biscuit sandwiches.

937 Locklayer St, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 780-9900
(615) 780-9900
Delia Jo Ramsey/Eater Nashville

Pinewood Social

Copy Link

Not every pretty place serves good food, but Pinewood does. The fun vibes and comfortable booths create a solid place for a “working breakfast” during the week. Be it challah French toast, bruleed grapefruit, or a smoked pork chop with red eye gravy — wash it all down with some Crema coffee, overlooking the six reclaimed wood lanes from the old Indiana Bowl O’ Rama.

33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 751-8111
(615) 751-8111

Also featured in:

Biscuit Love Gulch

Copy Link

Since it first opened its doors in 2015, Biscuit Love quickly became one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in town. The restaurant has since added two additional locations which have helped alleviate some of the traffic to the original location in The Gulch. The best way to avoid the crowds is to stop in during the week and get your bonut or ‘East Nasty’ biscuit sandwich fix.

316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 490-9584
(615) 490-9584
Biscuit and sausage gravy.
Biscuit Love Gulch

Also featured in:

Wendell Smith's Restaurant

Copy Link

When Wendell Lee Smith opened his Sylvan park restaurant in 1952, there was certainly no interstate in the skyline behind it. The restaurant is now in its eighth decade serving breakfast and lunch to the masses — morning favorites include western omelets, biscuits and gravy, and the big ole country breakfast.

407 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 383-7114
(615) 383-7114
Wendell Smith’s Restaurant

Also featured in:

Pancake Pantry

Copy Link

Yes, this Hillsboro Village staple is chock-full of tourists at most all hours. But pancake lovers from all around make the pilgrimage to this Nashville breakfast icon, in operation since 1961. A visit for breakfast during the week will hopefully help save you from the seemingly endless long lines snaking around the block on weekends.

1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 383-9333
(615) 383-9333
 A general view of atmosphere of Pancake Pantry on December 12, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Pancake Pantry in 2013.
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for American Media

Anzie Blue

Copy Link

Now in its newer, larger digs in Hillsboro Village, Anzie Blue is an ideal daytime destination, with warm and welcoming interior that instantly soothes (the cocktails and CBD help). A modern but satisfying breakfast menu features chorizo breakfast tacos, lox-topped bagels, an acai bowl, and steak and eggs, but there are also breakfast boards for two — chicken or sausage, and chock-full of components. Open at 8 a.m.

2111 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 866-9545
(615) 866-9545

Also featured in:

Fido

Copy Link

A breakfast go-to since opening in 1996, Fido starts serving at 7 a.m. seven days a week and offers breakfast all day long, including a reliable selection of scrambles, bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and French toast.

1812 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 777-3436
(615) 777-3436

Proper Bagel

Copy Link

Ever since Proper Bagel opened in 2016, patrons have flocked to the Belmont restaurant to get their fix of fresh bagels, bagel sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and more. Prepare for lines, but it’s one of the few instances it is likely to be worth the wait.

2011 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 928-7276
(615) 928-7276
Proper Bagel in 2016.
Justin Chesney/Eater Nashville

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Ladybird Taco

Copy Link

Now a few years old, this Texas-inspired breakfast taco destination (featuring Crema coffee) is takeout only — with just a couple patio tables available for self service dining. Order online or just walk up. Co-owned by Nashville local music industry vet Gabe Scott alongside longtime friends Andrew Wiseheart and Ben Edgerton, Ladybird is inspired by Scott’s time spent in Texas taco joints.

2229 10th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 678-8049
(615) 678-8049
a tray holds three salsas and 3 breakfast tacos filled with egg and meat and cheese Katelyn Brown Photo / Ladybird Taco

Also featured in:

The Nashville Jam Co.

Copy Link

The Nashville Jam Co.’s traditional southern menu is available daily for breakfast at 8 a.m. A few local morning favorites include the pimento cheese, bacon, and tomato jam chicken biscuit, fried green tomato wrap, and on the sweet side, the bronuts (fried cheesecake stuffed biscuits topped with blueberry compote).

2806 Columbine Pl, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 942-6465
(615) 942-6465
Nashville Jam Company

Also featured in:

Loveless Cafe

Copy Link

Open every day except Tuesday at 8 a.m., people travel from far and wide to enjoy local stalwart Loveless Cafe’s famous biscuits and country cooking. In operation for over 65 years, a trip to this icon is just as much, if not more so, about the destination than it is about what’s on the plate.

8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 646-9700
(615) 646-9700
Loveless Cafe/Official Photo

Also featured in:

More in Maps

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Nadeen's Hermitage Haven

3410 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076

Opened since 2017 in Hermitage, Nadeen’s opens for breakfast Wednesday through Sunday, and the chicken and waffles, huevos rancheros, and “the kernel” (open-faced biscuit crowned with sausage gravy and cheesey scrambled eggs) — all coupled with craft cocktails — make this quirky former pizza joint a worthy destination for those outside the Hermitage area.

3410 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 873-1184
(615) 873-1184
Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven

Big Al's Deli

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Tucked away in the Salemtown neighborhood, Big Al’s Deli opens at 7 a.m. during the week and 9 a.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday) serving up classic breakfast items such as pancakes, French toast, and biscuit sandwiches to hungry commuters and next door neighbors alike. Big Al, aka Alfonso Anderson, has become a local legend and Nashville ambassador.

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 242-8118
(615) 242-8118

The Nashville Biscuit House

805 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Don’t let outside appearances fool you — Nashville Biscuit House has one of the best breakfast biscuits in town. This little East Nashville restaurant opens at 6:30 a.m. during the week (closed Tuesday/Wednesday) and has a drive thru, making it easy to grab a quick bite before work. Besides (obviously) the biscuits, NBH serves plenty of pancakes, French toast, omelettes, and more.

805 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 228-4504
(615) 228-4504
The Nashville Biscuit House

Monell's Dining and Catering

1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Long a Germantown staple, Monell’s serves country breakfast family-style, seven days a week starting at 8 a.m.. Breakfast includes sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, country ham, pancakes, eggs, grits, fried chicken, and more. 

1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 248-4747
(615) 248-4747

Joyland Restaurant

901 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206

Of course, people flock to Sean Brock’s casual homage to the fast food of yesteryear for bang-up burgers and buckets of fried chicken, but it’s also a solid spot to grab breakfast on the go. Brock’s fluffy Joyland biscuits — topped with everything from sack sausage to bacon to fried chicken — are easily some of the best in Nashville. Check Joyland’s Instagram to check for days with breakfast hours, as they change frequently, but are usually Saturday and Sunday mornings.

901 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 922-4934
(615) 922-4934
bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit in center of photo, close up, on Joyland printed paper
Joyland’s bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
Jeff Scott/Joyland

Yeast Nashville

805 Woodland St #300, Nashville, TN 37206

When there’s no time for a leisurely breakfast or a long pancake line, visit Yeast in East Nashville. It’s one of the only places in town to find Czech-style sweet-filled kolaches or savory klobasneks — simple to grab and eat on the ride in to the office.

805 Woodland St #300, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 678-4592
(615) 678-4592
Kolaches from Yeast.
Yeast Nashville

Sky Blue Cafe

700 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN 37206

Open Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with limited sidewalk tables), Sky Blue is an East side favorite. Long waits on the weekends are not unusual, so a weekday trip is a good game plan to try the stuffed French toast pancakes, hot chicken biscuits, or three egg omelets with signature home fries.

700 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 770-7097
(615) 770-7097

Silver Sands Café

937 Locklayer St, Nashville, TN 37208

Nashville soul food staple Silver Sands Cafe is well known as a lunch time meat-and-three, but also for owner Sophia Vaughn’s time-tested homestyle breakfast recipes. Starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the third generation owner of Silver Sands serves up crowd-pleasing pancake stacks, country ham, and biscuit sandwiches.

937 Locklayer St, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 780-9900
(615) 780-9900
Delia Jo Ramsey/Eater Nashville

Pinewood Social

33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210

Not every pretty place serves good food, but Pinewood does. The fun vibes and comfortable booths create a solid place for a “working breakfast” during the week. Be it challah French toast, bruleed grapefruit, or a smoked pork chop with red eye gravy — wash it all down with some Crema coffee, overlooking the six reclaimed wood lanes from the old Indiana Bowl O’ Rama.

33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 751-8111
(615) 751-8111

Biscuit Love Gulch

316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Since it first opened its doors in 2015, Biscuit Love quickly became one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in town. The restaurant has since added two additional locations which have helped alleviate some of the traffic to the original location in The Gulch. The best way to avoid the crowds is to stop in during the week and get your bonut or ‘East Nasty’ biscuit sandwich fix.

316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 490-9584
(615) 490-9584
Biscuit and sausage gravy.
Biscuit Love Gulch

Wendell Smith's Restaurant

407 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

When Wendell Lee Smith opened his Sylvan park restaurant in 1952, there was certainly no interstate in the skyline behind it. The restaurant is now in its eighth decade serving breakfast and lunch to the masses — morning favorites include western omelets, biscuits and gravy, and the big ole country breakfast.

407 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 383-7114
(615) 383-7114
Wendell Smith’s Restaurant

Pancake Pantry

1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212

Yes, this Hillsboro Village staple is chock-full of tourists at most all hours. But pancake lovers from all around make the pilgrimage to this Nashville breakfast icon, in operation since 1961. A visit for breakfast during the week will hopefully help save you from the seemingly endless long lines snaking around the block on weekends.

1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 383-9333
(615) 383-9333
 A general view of atmosphere of Pancake Pantry on December 12, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Pancake Pantry in 2013.
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for American Media

Anzie Blue

2111 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212

Now in its newer, larger digs in Hillsboro Village, Anzie Blue is an ideal daytime destination, with warm and welcoming interior that instantly soothes (the cocktails and CBD help). A modern but satisfying breakfast menu features chorizo breakfast tacos, lox-topped bagels, an acai bowl, and steak and eggs, but there are also breakfast boards for two — chicken or sausage, and chock-full of components. Open at 8 a.m.

2111 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 866-9545
(615) 866-9545

Fido

1812 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212

A breakfast go-to since opening in 1996, Fido starts serving at 7 a.m. seven days a week and offers breakfast all day long, including a reliable selection of scrambles, bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and French toast.

1812 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 777-3436
(615) 777-3436

Proper Bagel

2011 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

Ever since Proper Bagel opened in 2016, patrons have flocked to the Belmont restaurant to get their fix of fresh bagels, bagel sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and more. Prepare for lines, but it’s one of the few instances it is likely to be worth the wait.

2011 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 928-7276
(615) 928-7276
Proper Bagel in 2016.
Justin Chesney/Eater Nashville

Related Maps

Ladybird Taco

2229 10th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Now a few years old, this Texas-inspired breakfast taco destination (featuring Crema coffee) is takeout only — with just a couple patio tables available for self service dining. Order online or just walk up. Co-owned by Nashville local music industry vet Gabe Scott alongside longtime friends Andrew Wiseheart and Ben Edgerton, Ladybird is inspired by Scott’s time spent in Texas taco joints.

2229 10th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 678-8049
(615) 678-8049
a tray holds three salsas and 3 breakfast tacos filled with egg and meat and cheese Katelyn Brown Photo / Ladybird Taco

The Nashville Jam Co.

2806 Columbine Pl, Nashville, TN 37204

The Nashville Jam Co.’s traditional southern menu is available daily for breakfast at 8 a.m. A few local morning favorites include the pimento cheese, bacon, and tomato jam chicken biscuit, fried green tomato wrap, and on the sweet side, the bronuts (fried cheesecake stuffed biscuits topped with blueberry compote).

2806 Columbine Pl, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 942-6465
(615) 942-6465
Nashville Jam Company

Loveless Cafe

8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221

Open every day except Tuesday at 8 a.m., people travel from far and wide to enjoy local stalwart Loveless Cafe’s famous biscuits and country cooking. In operation for over 65 years, a trip to this icon is just as much, if not more so, about the destination than it is about what’s on the plate.

8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 646-9700
(615) 646-9700
Loveless Cafe/Official Photo

Related Maps