Let's face it, here in the South, greasy spoons are a way of life. From beloved meat and threes that work to fill hungry bellies from all walks of life day in and day out, to the diners and cafes that help soak up whatever the previous night's poison might be, they always seem to have the cure for what ails you . So here now, a list of the most iconic greasy spoons in Nashville.
Did we miss your favorite? Is there an egregious omission? Take to the comments and make your opinion known!
No trip is complete without a pilgrimage to this pioneering meat and three. Serving lines of hungry Nashvillians and tourists alike for over three decades, this James Beard America's Classic award winner is the gold standard by which all others are judged. And now with a second location in Green Hills, diners have twice the opportunity to get their fill.
A local institution since 1927, this Hillsboro Village watering hole, boasting "Nashville's oldest beer license," draws patrons from all walks of life. Go for the cheeseburger, but don't be afraid to try the Frito chili pie.
Dino's changed ownership in late 2014, but it retained it's classic charm, along with the cheap food and drink. Stop in for a cold brew and one of the best burgers in town.
In continuous operation in its current location for almost 75 years, walking into Elliston Place Soda Shop is like going back in time. While they serve a fine breakfast, meat and three fare and the other requisite diner staples, the sweet stuff, particularly the milkshakes, are what you really want here.
This downtown palace of grease caters to the late night/early morning crowds, opening at 10 p.m. and closing at 1:30 p.m. the following day. You'll find an eclectic crowd in the wee hours, from drunk food aficionados to cooks just getting done with their evening shifts (plus the occasional star sighting). Order eggs with biscuits and gravy if you are in the mood for breakfast, or the hamburger or patty melt with fries if you need to "grease load."
Admittedly, the crush of tourists here can sometimes be a little overwhelming, but for anyone with an appreciation of country cooking, the Loveless Cafe is an essential stop. Obviously you come here for the famous biscuits, but don't skip out on the fried chicken and their selection of homemade pies.
Meat and three. Sports bar. Neighborhood watering hole. McCabe Pub is many things to many different people. Considered by some to be Nashville's answer to "Cheers," this Sylvan Park staple, founded in 1982, serves up an eclectic menu of traditional Southern cooking, along with more contemporary dishes and rotating daily specials. Order the pork chop sandwich with a side of crispy fries.
It doesn't get much more Southern than Monell's. Housed in a 19th century Victorian in historic Germantown, classic dishes are passed around the table family-style. Head there on the weekend for their legendary country breakfast, or drop by on a weekday for their skillet fried chicken with all the fixins.
This West End gem has been satisfying customers since 1945 with its traditional diner and meat and three fare. Sandwiches are the star here, and the cheeseburger on French bread in particular. Be sure to save room for what many consider the best milkshakes in Nashville.
It's nothing but the down-home Southern classics at this downtown establishment, and that's not a bad thing. Formerly known as Sands Soul Food Diner, it's hard to go wrong when ordering, but make sure you end with a slice (or two) of fried pie.
Swett's has been making customers feel at home with their classic family recipes since 1954. Order the pig's feet if you are feeling a little more adventurous. Otherwise, try some offerings from their smokehouse, such as the beef brisket.
This landmark meat and three on Charlotte Pike has been in operation since 1952. Redecorated in the 1970s, it's apparent that not much has changed since then. While there is not one particular "go-to" dish, the hot fried chicken specials are always a popular choice.
Dandgure's Classic Southern Cooking has been serving up the goods cafeteria-style since 1991. Located just south of downtown Nashville, this restaurant serves up some of the best fried chicken you'll ever have.
No trip is complete without a pilgrimage to this pioneering meat and three. Serving lines of hungry Nashvillians and tourists alike for over three decades, this James Beard America's Classic award winner is the gold standard by which all others are judged. And now with a second location in Green Hills, diners have twice the opportunity to get their fill.
A local institution since 1927, this Hillsboro Village watering hole, boasting "Nashville's oldest beer license," draws patrons from all walks of life. Go for the cheeseburger, but don't be afraid to try the Frito chili pie.
Dino's changed ownership in late 2014, but it retained it's classic charm, along with the cheap food and drink. Stop in for a cold brew and one of the best burgers in town.
In continuous operation in its current location for almost 75 years, walking into Elliston Place Soda Shop is like going back in time. While they serve a fine breakfast, meat and three fare and the other requisite diner staples, the sweet stuff, particularly the milkshakes, are what you really want here.
This downtown palace of grease caters to the late night/early morning crowds, opening at 10 p.m. and closing at 1:30 p.m. the following day. You'll find an eclectic crowd in the wee hours, from drunk food aficionados to cooks just getting done with their evening shifts (plus the occasional star sighting). Order eggs with biscuits and gravy if you are in the mood for breakfast, or the hamburger or patty melt with fries if you need to "grease load."
Admittedly, the crush of tourists here can sometimes be a little overwhelming, but for anyone with an appreciation of country cooking, the Loveless Cafe is an essential stop. Obviously you come here for the famous biscuits, but don't skip out on the fried chicken and their selection of homemade pies.
Meat and three. Sports bar. Neighborhood watering hole. McCabe Pub is many things to many different people. Considered by some to be Nashville's answer to "Cheers," this Sylvan Park staple, founded in 1982, serves up an eclectic menu of traditional Southern cooking, along with more contemporary dishes and rotating daily specials. Order the pork chop sandwich with a side of crispy fries.
It doesn't get much more Southern than Monell's. Housed in a 19th century Victorian in historic Germantown, classic dishes are passed around the table family-style. Head there on the weekend for their legendary country breakfast, or drop by on a weekday for their skillet fried chicken with all the fixins.
This West End gem has been satisfying customers since 1945 with its traditional diner and meat and three fare. Sandwiches are the star here, and the cheeseburger on French bread in particular. Be sure to save room for what many consider the best milkshakes in Nashville.
It's nothing but the down-home Southern classics at this downtown establishment, and that's not a bad thing. Formerly known as Sands Soul Food Diner, it's hard to go wrong when ordering, but make sure you end with a slice (or two) of fried pie.
Swett's has been making customers feel at home with their classic family recipes since 1954. Order the pig's feet if you are feeling a little more adventurous. Otherwise, try some offerings from their smokehouse, such as the beef brisket.
This landmark meat and three on Charlotte Pike has been in operation since 1952. Redecorated in the 1970s, it's apparent that not much has changed since then. While there is not one particular "go-to" dish, the hot fried chicken specials are always a popular choice.
Dandgure's Classic Southern Cooking has been serving up the goods cafeteria-style since 1991. Located just south of downtown Nashville, this restaurant serves up some of the best fried chicken you'll ever have.
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