Casual Dining in Nashville (2025)

The original name in hot chicken and a James Beard America’s Classics awardee, still run by the Prince family. Expect lines, heat levels from mild to XXX, and a crowd of locals and musicians. Often cited by Eater and national press.

Carey Bringle’s independently owned smokehouse is a Gulch staple for West Tennessee–style dry-rub ribs, pulled pork, and a lively patio. Frequently praised by Southern Living and other critics for its smoke-kissed classics and sense of place.

From a beloved taco truck to East Nashville institution, this counter-service spot turns out fried avocado tacos, tortilla soup, and agua fresca. Featured on Food Network and regularly recommended by Southern food writers.

Chefs Gracie Nguyen and Chad Newton bake baguettes in-house and layer them with Viet and Southern produce. A fixture on Eater Nashville’s Essential lists, it’s a daytime favorite for sandwiches, bowls, and toasted peanut rice milk.

Chef Bryan Lee Weaver’s casual Tex‑Mex hangout spins out hatch‑green‑chile burgers, breakfast tacos, and queso with personality. Praised by The Infatuation and local critics for creative, crowd-pleasing flavors without downtown crowds.

Operating since 1927 in a former trolley car, Brown’s is Nashville’s classic burger-and-beer institution. Recently refreshed hours and menu, and still celebrated by The Infatuation and locals for timeless cheeseburgers and live-leaning ambiance.

A Germantown favorite for soulful breakfasts, meat-and-three lunches, and Al’s warm hospitality. Lauded by Southern Living and TV food shows; expect chalkboard specials, fried chicken and waffles, and a neighborhood crowd.

Reimagined by the Myint family across from their 1975 original, this Thai cafeteria-by-day, table-service-by-night was a recent James Beard Award semifinalist. Critics highlight its Hat Yai fried chicken, curries, and deep neighborhood roots.

Community-minded bakery-café known for exceptional breads, tartines, and seasonal salads—now in its new Woodbine home. Noted by The New York Times in WeHo days; still a locals’ go-to for quality without fuss.

In Little Kurdistan, Edessa’s pides, kebabs, and ballooning lavash showcase a community at Nashville’s heart. Celebrated by Eater Nashville and The Infatuation for generous feasts and welcoming service; halal and family-friendly.

Family-run since 1952, this meat‑and‑three is pure West Nashville tradition—rotating mains, lard‑kissed veggies, and banana pudding. Frequently praised by local critics, including The Infatuation, for honest plates and everyday prices.

East Nashville’s oldest dive keeps it simple: cheeseburgers, fries, wings, late hours, and lots of personality. A steady presence in Eater Nashville roundups and Southern Living recommendations, it’s a true late‑night staple.