There's nothing like a quiet morning at the diner, eating pancakes. Some find it to be the simplest form of heaven. Here in the city, a good Nashville diner will take us back in time in a split second. Whether we're reminded of our grandma cooking biscuits on butter yellow Saturday mornings or our brothers and sisters snitching the last piece of bacon, there's always something sweet to remember at a sticky restaurant counter.
You can find Wendell Smith's Restaurant on the west side of Nashville, tucked away off of Charlotte Avenue. It's a family owned restaurant that hearkens back to Nashville's mid-century.
The restaurant and colloquially known "diner" is a Nashville classic. It's been family owned since the early 50's and makes sure to stay strong and dedicated to its down-home roots.
Folks that make their way to enjoy the fine food of Wendell's come from near and far. There are some that visit twice a day, others that wander in of the hipster type. No matter your name or age or career choice, this is a fine Nashville establishment that serves up fine breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
All three?! Most definitely. There's no southern cook that can't build a menu that works around the clock, and we'd recommend ordering the classic meat 'n three. Shh...it may just be the best in town.
There's something so nostalgic and sweet about enjoying a meal at a local diner. You'll meet regulars with their coffee mugs in hand, indulge in a big plate of pancakes, and maybe even slip a second biscuit in there. Nashville has earned its moniker as Tennessee's "big city," but we love finding unique ways in which our sweet town stays small. Hence, we think the following diners in Nashville will help you get in touch with your childhood, your old first dates, and those Saturday mornings you spent with your kids chowing on delicious comfort food. So, if your stomach is starting to growl, read on about these best hole-in-the-wall diners in Nashville.
Brown's Diner has been a Nashville institution since 1927 and has remained a family-owned space that offers up some of the best burgers in the city. This low-key, no-frills eatery has fabulous hush-puppies and pork barbecue, so don't skimp when you grab a bite at one of the oldest diners in Nashville.
Elliston Place Soda Shop is the second oldest restaurant in the city behind Varallo's. Pitch up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week, but steer clear on Sundays. This neighborhood eatery still hosts all sorts of regulars who indulge in daily specials and the table jukeboxes when they chow at this diner in Nashville.
Athens serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a low-key and friendly space just off of 8th Avenue. Their menu is just as expansive as their hours - try out southern comfort food, and classic Greek dishes or indulge in a cup of hot cocoa. The options are endless! Therefore, we suggest making this the place to go when you're in the area and question where to find diners near me.
Editor's Note: Arnold's is now operating as a pop-up shop.
The ol' southern meat-and-three is reinvigorated at this classic Nashville restaurant. The cafeteria-esque setting and endless rows of indulgent desserts make Arnold's a must-visit for any local or tourist. Once you go, you'll understand why it's known as one of the best hole-in-the-wall diners in Nashville.
Nashville Biscuit House may not look like much, but its drive-thru option and insane lunch and breakfast meals (those. BISCUITS.) reignite our love for a classic greasy spoon any day. We'd recommend coming by during breakfast because their biscuit sandwiches can't be beaten. Don't miss chowing here when you're in the area and looking for diners near me.
Located in west Nashville, Wendell Smith's has all of the low-key charm you've always imagined in a southern diner. The sweet tea paired with a side of mac 'n cheese goes down really easy, and you can't miss out on a good, Wendell Smith burger. You can visit from 6 am to 730pm Monday through Saturday. You'll get to dive into greasy spoon classics like burgers and fries when you dine at one of the best hole-in-the-wall diners in Nashville.
Located in a historic building in the heart of downtown, 417 Union is one of the many diners in Nashville that's family-owned and serves up southern comfort with every plate. It's easy for business folks working downtown to indulge in an easy breakfast at 417, and you can be sure the expansive menu offers plenty of filling options.
Quality meals and quick eats are the name of the game at the Bellevue Diner, tucked away in the heart of Nashville's western neighborhoods. It was also featured in Food Network's, "Ginormous Food" show, which only serves to increase our need to go -- ASAP.
advertisement
10. Hermitage Cafe
Editors Note: This restaurant is permanently closed.
Located just outside of Nashville's downtown area, Hermitage Cafe is a fun late-night spot if you're looking for post-Broadway drinks. Come hungry, because you aren't going to want to stick to the diet with the hashbrowns and fluffy pancakes on the menu.
Wow, with so many options to choose from, we're sure you won't have a problem finding "diners near me" when you're in Nashville. Let us know if you've tried any diners on this list. And, if you're looking for more options for a hearty meal, take a look at these Nashville restaurants.
Since Nashville has become such a culinary scene, how about spending the weekend trying new food and restaurants? To get started, take a look at Vrbo for vacation rentals in the area.
Within the past few years, Nashville has created a solid reputation for itself as the new foodie destination of the south. From Italian-infused southern classics to the cult-following behind our cayenne pepper-slathered hot chicken, there's something for everyone to chow on in Music City. Sometimes, it's hard to find hole-in-the-wall restaurants that have what you're craving. Don't worry, we've done some sleuthing for you and have put together the following list of some of the best diners in Nashville. At these restaurants, you'll enjoy a hefty amount of southern fare without the tourists. These are spots that locals love to call their own - and you will, too.
This East Nashville eatery isn't just for biscuits - nah, you can get yourself a good burger, too. The tiny restaurant boasts a drive-thru window and a menu full of comfort food for both breakfast and lunch. Hence, we think it's one of the best restaurants in Nashville for a hearty meal.
Dino's is known as one of the oldest bars in Nashville, and it's the oldest in east Nashville. The small, brick-laden restaurant storefront is right off of Gallatin. Svor fries, PBRs., and more when you head here for some of the best dining in Nashville.
Every day is taco day at Mas Tacos Por Favor! Since the prices are so reasonable, you and a date could have a cheap, fun, and delicious night out trying fried avocado or a pulled pork Mexican delicacy. With scrumptious dishes like these, we think Miss Tacos Pro Favor deserves to be recognized as one of the award-winning restaurants in Nashville.
Grillshack Fries and Burgers - East Nashville is another great spot for burgers, but it's their wedge fries that truly set it apart from the rest. You won't have to drive through the hipster-studded streets to reach what's one of the best diners in Nashville. This spot is stuck hard in the middle of the residential Riverside area. Score!
Prince's is the king (ha) of hot chicken in Nashville. Most tourists will flock to Hattie B's like there's no tomorrow, but this quirky storefront and delicious menu are perfect if you have the time to wait. There's nothing like a line out the door to let you know you're at one of the best restaurants in Nashville.
There's nothing like an old-school diner, especially if you're visiting Brown's. You can find it stuck between Hillsboro Village and Green Hills, a tiny spot for those with a big appetite. We'd recommend their breakfast platters! When you sync your teeth into your meal, you'll understand why this is one of the best diners in Nashville.
Lucky for you, Samurai Sushi has a few locations in Nashville. This affordable and delicious restaurant has an eclectic array of Asian food on its menu. Hence, it's worth the trip when you're craving Japanese or Korean from one of the best restaurants in Nashville.
You'll get kicked out of Gabby's if you linger too long after your meal, simply because it's TINY and everyone needs a chance at their perfectly salted fries and gooey cheeseburgers. It's a local classic and a must-visit. As an FYI, you're only able to enjoy this best dining in Nashville during lunch.
This quirky Thai restaurant is a favorite amongst local college students and has given 8th Avenue South a bit of an Asian culture infusion. We love the Pad Thai, but anything you order from this wood-laden eatery is delicious and fairly easy on the wallet. Hence, one of the best restaurants in Nashville for anyone and everyone.
Have you had a chance to dine at any of these best diners in Nashville? Feel free to share which ones were your favorites in the following comment section. For more suggestions of where to eat, we also recommend these unique places to dine in Nashville.
Aside from eating your way through Nashville, visit Viator for fun ideas about what to do when you're in the city.
