"Phat Bites is Donelson’s long-running artist enclave that feels like Mad Max on acid. Technicolor street art covers the walls, mismatched vintage furniture fills out the dining room, what appears to be the body of an old race car hangs from the ceiling, and the dim bar looks like the galley of a pirate ship. Once you process the unhinged interior, order from Julie, the chirpy chef/owner who is more than happy to explain the long menu. photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin Phat Bites is an all-day joint with a menu to match, but zero in on the deli offerings—particularly the Hot & Cold Sweats, a towering sandwich stuffed with marinated cold-cut sirloin (served rare), ghost pepper cheese, caramelized onion, and bacon. Plus, every sandwich comes with crunchy dill-forward pickles, tangy chow-chow, and a side. Always grab one of their Froot Loop Rice Krispies for dessert. Food Rundown photo credit: Casey Irwin Hot & Cold Sweats Don’t let the somewhat offputting name throw you: this sandwich is a dream. Tender, juicy cold-cut sirloin—served medium-rare—takes center stage, and the result is a bite that just may ruin any other sandwich for you. The ghost pepper cheese adds a nice zip to counter the sweetness of the caramelized onions, and the ciabatta hoagie roll is pillowy soft. Mac N’ Chz Creamy, a tad peppery, and perfectly cooked, this mac is an excellent supporting act for all of the diva sandwiches at Phat Bites. And if you really love it, you can order it as a main too (with hot chicken on top). Pretentious Mullet This burger feels like a late night at an East Nashville dive bar. Things may get sloppy and a mullet may be involved, but it’s ultimately a surprisingly enjoyable experience. Double patties stack up on a nicely toasted bun and are topped with ghost pepper cheese, chipotle hummus, and charred jalapeños, making this an actually-spicy burger worth your time. Enjoy it while wearing Pit Vipers for the full effect. Rice Krispies Phat Bites’ signature desserts are mile-high squares of sugary goodness. The flavors change constantly, but you’ll find options to channel childhood nostalgia (Fruit Loops), classics like chocolate, or savory-sweet takes like coconut-sunflower-seed. Our favorite part is the soft and crumbly texture—these rice krispies won’t be yanking out any fillings." - Bailey Freeman
