Something about that first bite takes one back to when they were a child enjoying grandma’s cooking. That is the essence of soul food. It’s delicious home-style cooking with staple ingredients. You’ll find everything from fried chicken and fish to beans, greens, and cornbread at a soul food restaurant.
Although Nashville, Tennessee, is known as the Music City, it is also home to some fantastic soul food restaurants. The local establishments hit the nail on the head with their offerings. Do you have a craving for soul food? Following is a list of the ten best soul food spots to visit in Nashville:
Something about that first bite takes one back to when they were a child enjoying grandma’s cooking. That is the essence of soul food. It’s delicious home-style cooking with staple ingredients. You’ll find everything from fried chicken and fish to beans, greens, and cornbread at a soul food restaurant.
Although Nashville, Tennessee, is known as the Music City, it is also home to some fantastic soul food restaurants. The local establishments hit the nail on the head with their offerings. Do you have a craving for soul food? Following is a list of the ten best soul food spots to visit in Nashville:
Located in the historic district of Germantown, Monell’s Dining has served family-style comfort food since 1995. While this all-you-can-eat southern cuisine hotspot often opens during business hours, they host "midnight country breakfast," classic American food every Saturday. This buffet includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, grits, hash browns, juices, and freshly brewed coffee. One of the few options for breakfast food after midnight, Monell's does not disappoint.
Swett's is the pitstop for traditional southern food, cafeteria-style. And while their primary focus is fried chicken, collard greens, and catfish, that does not prevent them from serving some great smoked meat. Swett’s smokes traditional meats such as brisket and ribs, but they also offer more unusual cuts such as pigs' feet. They also provide an extensive list of delectable pies and fruity cobblers.
Located in the historic district of Germantown, Monell’s Dining has served family-style comfort food since 1995. While this all-you-can-eat southern cuisine hotspot often opens during business hours, they host "midnight country breakfast," classic American food every Saturday. This buffet includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, grits, hash browns, juices, and freshly brewed coffee. One of the few options for breakfast food after midnight, Monell's does not disappoint.
Swett's is the pitstop for traditional southern food, cafeteria-style. And while their primary focus is fried chicken, collard greens, and catfish, that does not prevent them from serving some great smoked meat. Swett’s smokes traditional meats such as brisket and ribs, but they also offer more unusual cuts such as pigs' feet. They also provide an extensive list of delectable pies and fruity cobblers.
Husk is the ideal blend of French bistro and classic southern food. Executive chef Ben Norton handcrafts the menu daily with one rule: if it is not from the south, it does not go on the plate. This rule is not so much in place to rediscover southern recipes; instead, the goal is staying true to local foods and seeing southern food reach its full potential. The menu changes based on availability but is always full of quality dishes. The wine list is selected according to terroir and soil type, and Husk purchases wines from small, family-style producers that share the goal of sustainable, clean sourcing for all of their products.
H & T’s Home Cooking is a local favorite for their “meat and three” offering. They provide perfect homestyle meals. Patrons visit this restaurant to fulfill their cravings. Meatloaf, catfish, and fried chicken are a few classics. But it’s not all about the entrees. Desserts such as banana pudding and strawberry shortcakes are decadent. But one can’t go wrong with the cobbler of the day.
You know you’ve arrived at Dandgure’s Classic Southern Cooking when you encounter the giant mural alongside the building. This cafeteria-style restaurant has provided the working class with soul food for over 30 years. Lunchtime at Dandgure’s Cafe is an experience like no other. They have a set menu with many options for each day of the week, such as beef tips and rice with blackeyed peas and green beans on Tuesdays.
One of the premier soul food go-to spots in East Nashville is Doll’s Family Cafe. This old-fashioned “meat and three” often has a line extended out the door during lunchtime. And it’s worth the wait too. Head on over and try their tasty ribs, cabbage, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The only downside with Doll’s is that they’re not open later. Still, it makes for a great lunch date in a great area with several beautiful parks.
A well-known establishment on historic Jefferson Street is Kingdom Cafe & Grill. Expect great food daily, but on Fridays, they have an “all-you-can-eat-fish” special for less than $15, all the locals rave about. Kingdom Cafe not only prepares terrific food, but it delivers on the “soul experience.” They also provide dining reservations and a catering service for special occasions and entertainment events.
Silver Sands Cafe is one of the longest-standing soul food restaurants in downtown Nashville. This family-owned business is known for adding its “family touch” to every plate and has done so for three generations. The restaurant has seasonal menu items and prepares daily favorites like smothered pork chops, potatoes and onions, and hot water cornbread. Folks may come for the food, but they stay for the home-like atmosphere.
A taste of soul food after spending the day at the Nashville Zoo? Less than a mile down the road is Fame-Us Caribbean Soul Food Cafe. Fame-Us offers a much-needed and desired twist. Try their delicious Caribbean soul cuisines, such as the oxtail, catfish, and jerk chicken plates. Soul food isn’t restricted to southern cooking but can be globally understood.
“We prepare our food with Mama’s taste,” claims Lil Cee’s Restaurant. This soul food destination is a favorite of many. The only complaint is that there are too many options on the menu. No matter what you order, you’ll come back to try something new. Lil Cee’s is best known for its chitterlings, BBQ, ribs, and catfish plates. They’re all great starting points, and each offers this establishment’s fantastic flavors and vibes.
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