City Cafe East

Welcome to the best lunch spot in the South! I travel to Nashville every 6 months or so for work. This place is a must-do on every trip. The food is Southern comfort and packed with flavor. You can tell love went to this cooking! On top of that, I always share a conversation about life with either George or Anne - the owners. Don't miss this place - you leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.

I travel for work and this restaurant is why I love coming to Nashville. I've had just about every plate and side here and am always blown away. If you want good, wholesome food come here. This place rocks.

Solid meat and three restaurant with very friendly and helpful staff. Everything was hot, fresh and delicious but a little too much on the salty side this 4 stars vs 5 stars. I'll definitely go back!

Very good locally owned meat + vegetables. Soups, breads and desserts! You can’t go wrong with anything. Parking may be difficult at busy times. The owners are super nice people.

The best Hamburg steak I have ever had. Hamburg steaks are only on Tuesday. Monday the fried pork chops are good as well. All the sides are great as well. Staff very friendly and inviting.

Feb 18, 2022: Had lunch at City Cafe East in Nashville…some of the BEST Meat & Three and soups you’ll find in Middle Tennessee! But once a month George does some brisket smoking and every once in awhile some smoked bologna. So today lunch was some chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes and Mac & Cheese…and it was delicious. But for take-out…some of George’s awesome brisket and smoked bologna! Well worth a visit to the South side of Nashville for some incredible food. 2016: City Cafe East - Awesome Catering by George – Nashville. This place is INCREDIBLE. I have been enjoying George’s brisket for a few months but have not have the opportunity to actually eat there. BIG MISTAKE!!! Went with my buddy and I chose the smoked/BBQ Bologna, Sweet Potatoe Casserole, Mac & Cheese, and Red Beans & Rice. It was very difficult to drive back to Murfreesboro as I was in a food coma. Bottom line…you’ve gotta eat here if you are looking for an excellent Meat & Three where emphasis is placed on quality and served with a smile. Was also a pleasure to meet George and Amy while I was there plus take home some brisket and a couple of extra slabs of the bologna. One of the best Meat & Three places I have been to in a long time.

Food is really good I have ordered the fish and also burger meat, mash w/gravy is excellent, mac-n-cheesse green beans, white beans, also good,

What an incredible gem! Visiting from out of town with a group of friends from across the world, I wanted to give them an example of great Southern fare and boy, did they deliver! Crowd favorites were the chicken and dumplings, Mac and cheese, and cabbage. Being a southern boy I loved every single bit of it, and I was so happy to share this.

Lets go! This review is just on the food, I can careless about temperaments and "atmosphere." This is a cafeteria style restaurant. I am from Cali, so we have next to no Cafeteria style restaurants unless your held up in the hospital and we all know that story. It was awesome wholesome very little salt tasting food. I had the roast beef, mashed potatoes, Mac N Cheese and green beans. Classic right? Food quality was great and fresh, the taste is not going to knock your socks off but curb your expectations. Oh Bannana pudding, how can I forget, SO GOOD. I would definitely go back again.

Prior to flying out, out my husband and I were looking for a quick lunch. We were starving and found this place on Yelp. Upon entering we noticed how busy it was. You grab a tray and tell the nice lady behind the counter what you want. Their menu changes every day. On that Thursday we came, I asked for the meatloaf, which came with two sides and breading of choice. My meatloaf was probably the best meatload I have ever had. It was very flavorful and tender. The green beans and cheesy broccoli rice I got with it was also really good. I got the cajun cornbread which was decent. My husband got their chicken breast which was okay. He enjoyed his mashed potatoes and greens he got with it. We also both shared some deviled eggs and a side of delicious peach cobbler. The entire meal was very affordable. The staff was really nice. You order first and they serve right in front of you. You pay and tip before you sit. The inside is very casual. There are plenty of places to sit. The only downside is parking. Theres some spots right in front and a small lot next to the restaurant. I want to come back on the weekend when they smoke meats.

The food is always great and the Service is second to none. George and Amy are always happy to everyone and will always greet you with a smile.

Everything on their menu is freshly made with southern seasoning...no plain food here. The chili is especially good. It is spicy and has a unique flavor profile as it is made with in house smoked brisket. You will want to drink the leftover pot liquor in the green beans and turnip greens. Friday is "hobo surf and turf" day. Hot fried catfish (with homemade tartar sauce) and any meat in the house. The people couldn't be any friendlier and service is fast. Homemade desserts like banana pudding or lemon icebox pie. And grab a bag of freshly made pork rinds as you leave.

Try the Reuben! Yes, I realize this is a meat and three. And yes, their sides are delicious. We had the coke slaw, the white beans, and the greens. All were flavorful and exceeded our expectations. But the star of the show was the Reuben. It was cheesy, warm, a bit spicy, and exuded the right amount of grease. If you want healthy, order the vegetable plate. But, if you want a delicious lunch, order the Reuben with a couple sides. You won't be disappointed. And the price is very fair. Staff are super friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be back for another Reuben!

Cafeteria style service, the specials change daily. Generous portions of home style food. Nothing fancy. Staff is great!

This place is amazing! Great, home cooked food and large portions. Be ready for a nap afterward.

Had lunch at City Cafe East in Nashville...some of the BEST Meat & Three and soups you'll find in Middle Tennessee! But once a month George does some brisket smoking and every once in awhile some smoked bologna. So today lunch was some chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes and Mac & Cheese...and it was delicious. But for take-out...some of George's awesome brisket and smoked bologna! Well worth a visit to the South side of Nashville for some incredible food.

Friendly Owners, great food. I lover George's Gumbo, Chicken N Dumplings, and Cajun Cornbread. I have lunch there a lot when I'm in Nashville.

Looked up Nashville local flavor, up came "meat-and-three" and City Cafe came to the top, so I tried it out during a break at a conference I am attending. It did not disappoint. Would come here again if I get back to Nashville.

Real good food, nice friendly folks... the place can get crowded and for good reason. Parking could get dicey, but roll them dice cause it's well worth a visit!

A nice hidden gem in a city known for its food. A client brought me and a few associates here and I quickly explained to the one who was from New York what a meat and three was. We placed our orders to a man who took great pride in his cooking and rightfully so. This place is not high end nor fancy, but a meat and three was never intended to be upscale. This place, while not great, is a solid place to enjoy lunch.

Delicious and definitely underrated restaurant! The turkey and dressing is not the run-of-the-mill boring taste. Very flavorful. Deviled eggs, squash, and tomato cucumber salad were all so seasoned and very tasty! Cajun cornbread is seasoned well, nice texture, and compliments the meal perfectly. I am so happy to support a local business with great food and sweet owners. It's a win-win situation when supporting local. Go get some and don't forget the brownie! YUM!

This is for my vegetarian babies, if you aren't one, keep it pushing! No meat pictured in the photo. So I ordered their vegetarian platter with the option of choosing three or four sides. Lil momma loves to eat so of course I did four.... Omg when I tell you GOOD! I've been to a lot of "cafe" places and the food was just bland, unseasoned and just didn't give me the home cooked feeling I was looking for but this place understood the assignment. You know it's a good place when the greens are good! The corn bread omg literally screamed granny's kitchen! Looking for some yummy side dishes that will give you that home cooked meal.... this is the place! The greens, broccoli casserole and the cornbread definitely are three things I recommend you trying!! Definitely will leave you full!

Let me say, this is my absolute favorite spot to go to. I work really close by, and one day decided to try this spot out. From the second I walked in I felt so welcome and at home. Everyone there is so kind, sweet and down to earth. The food is no joke, this is the BEST southern style food I have ever had. The prices are great too! Whenever I get anything from there it is delicious, so filling and just so good. I always will recommend this place if you ever want to try something new- check them out!!

Wow this place is amazing!!! Food People It seems to be the local's favorite place. You know what that means! You will be welcomed in with the warmest and the brightest welcome by their very own chef. It's a cafeteria styled restaurant, so no need to wait for your food at all! Only delay will be YOU trying to decide what and how much you want to enjoy. It was my first visit today and the chef wetted my appetite with samples. Their chicken tortilla soup and gumbo are equally gooood but I went with gumbo option. I got baked tilapia as my meat and it was extremely good! It had the perfect amount of crunch as the topping and perfect amount of softness and juicyness of the fish. It's flavor was perfect. Make sure you pair it with their home made tartar sauce! It really is something you've never tasted before. The best! I couldn't resist the sides so I got southern greens, and OMG it was the best southern greens I've ever had! Thank you!!! Their Cajun corn cake is highly recommended too. I wanted their desserts so bad, but my stomach just couldn't handle all the food. They have plenty of parking spots and plenty of seats inside. Credit cards accepted too!

Food is amazing and the servers are the friendliest in Nashville!

This place is so underrated...they should have a place closer downtown as they would probably get more business! I had the Jerusalem chicken, broccoli and rice casserole, mac n cheese, and green & pinto beans mixture! So so good! But the best thing I have tasted is the chicken and dumpling and their famous chicken tortilla soup!! The best in the city! If you eat in and get the tortilla soup, they give you another bowl free on them!! And the brownies are so soft!! Best meat and 3 I've tasted in Nashville and I've been to them all! Update to my review on 6/29/2017...I tried the mashed potatoes and gravy, Lima beans, and salmon patty and ummmm....the salmon patty was too dry (really needed some sauce to it) but the other veggies were on point... Update on 07/06/2017...I got the tilapia, mashed potatoes and gravy and the tortilla soup!!! The tilapia had seasoning on it but it was NOT flavorful at all and I was disappointed because I had high hopes for the tilapia (I won't get that again)...the mashed potatoes and gravy is always on point as so the tortilla soup...

Wow...9,95 for meat and 4. Great food! Nice people! How can you go wrong. Really has the taste of a true southern classic home cooked meal. Tried the country style steak w gravy and onions, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, greens, and white beans. ALL GREAT Plus they wanted to give me a sample of the chicken tortilla soup. Brisket chili, and chicken and dumplings (best I've ever had) Awesome and super tasty across the board ~ you really can't go wrong ordering anything here. If this place was in Franklin there would be lines out the door ! George, the very friendly owner, also runs a catering business in Franklin, and he sure knows how to cook.

This is a lunch-only, cafeteria style restaurant with different choices depending on the day. I was here on a Thu so I got boneless chicken, a scoop of broccoli & rice casserole, and a cornbread pancake. You don't expect a lot of heat from steam table food, so this was up to expectations. The restaurant is popular with blue collar workers in the various nearby warehouses and factories. The food is OK, faster and better than fast food, and certainly healthier. I believe they charge $9.25 for meat plus 1 item, so my bill came to about $12.50 with drink. If you're in the area between 10a and 2p on a weekday, it's probably the best choice.

Eat here!! I can't believe I didn't know about this place sooner. Owned by the sweetest couple. They'll brighten your day the second you get in line. The food is homemade and delicious, not to mention, affordable with good portions. I'll be back.

***PLEASE READ*** Your food is so delicious, but recently I'm tasting a lot of liquid smoke. Mostly that's all I can taste when it's used. You don't need it! Your food is delicious without it! I tasted it in the brisket with the ajus sauced veggies and my turnip greens. It was likely added to the ajus, but it ruined my brisket. it was especially odd in my greens as that not a natural/normal flavor for greens. I love the chicken tortilla soup, and your chicken dumplings are probably the best in town. Pretty please, ditch the liquid smoke!

When people ask, "Where's a good southern food place?" Hands down City Cafe! This is a mom and pops style place and pact full of dishes. They make it fresh and have different specials you can choose from. Grab a plate and work you way down "cafeteria" style. So many things to choose from. Great for groups and family. Comfort food is well defined in this place. With the growth of Nashville, please don't let this place fade. It may not be in the heart of downtown but its tucked away and well known by locals. Friendly owners and always working hard to fill your stomachs. They also cater.

I highly recommend this restaurant! My wife and I tried several southern restaurants around Nashville during our vacation and this one was by far our favorite. Small family owned restaurant with very friendly owners and staff, delicious food, fast service, a true hidden gem! Will definitely come back when we visit Tn again!

If you don't like great food and great service then avoid this place at all cost. When we walked in we must of had that "never been here look" because we were asked if this was our first time here. As soon as we said yes we were given free samples of about everything. Fantastic food and friendly service. We will be back.

I'm here in Tennessee on business and this place was by the work I was doing this place is excellent if you haven't had there tortilla-soup your missing out best ever not to discourage-from the rest of the food it was all fantastic highly recommended and couldn't finish it either

My boyfriend and I have driven by here countless times, but never during business hours. Driving by today, we saw that they were open, and decided we had to stop in and try it. City Cafe is a traditional meat and three. You line up and grab your tray, cafeteria style. The servers are just as happy as can be, and are helpful if you have menu questions or requests. I went with the bowl of chili to combat the cold day, and some Cajun cornbread. I tried, but failed to resist the cherry cobbler as well. It was all so good, I couldn't finish everything! Well, I finished the cobbler, but I really fought for it - it was too good to let go to waste! My boyfriend had the barbecue chicken, as well as the mac and cheese and fried okra - both of which were also delicious. We pretty much rolled ourselves to the car, we were both so stuffed! Talking to the cashier we learned that this place has strange hours because they do a lot of catering on the weekends - and I can definitely see why! I would absolutely have them cater an event. So, if you happen to be in the area during lunchtime, definitely stop in!

I would never consider myself a "meat and three" person. The only reason I stopped by City Cafe East was to meet George to discuss catering options. He let me sample from the food and then have a full meal of my choice. Man, it was good! The fried catfish was tasty and whatever is in the mac & cheese gets a thumbs up. I couldn't eat it all. As probably expected, the place is not heavy on decor. But the food won't have you caring about it. Plus George and his family and the rest of the staff are friendly folks. It's too bad this place isn't open for dinner. So get yourself down there for lunch!

I was in the mood for some comfort food so a friend recommended City Cafe for lunch. I was indecisive on what to eat so the server treated me to 3 samples: red beans and rice, gumbo, & the chicken tortilla soup. As a New Orleans native I am hesitant to eat red beans and gumbo outside of Louisiana but to my surprise it was delicious & well seasoned. The chicken tortilla was my favorite. I ordered the barbecue chicken, fried okra, & macaroni & cheese. It was delicious also! The restaurant was clean, comfortable environment to dine in, & a friendly staff. I will be returning in the near future and recommend this restaurant to others who love home cooking with a cajun/creole twist.

Hoboy! Are you hungry???? Great food here all around - Chef George is always working the counter and he takes pride in what he does. Remember the old saying, "never trust a skinny chef"? Well you can guess what kind of restaurant he runs here. interestingly there are not much women to be seen in the dining room during lunch but keep in mind that the dishes are heavy, Southern fair. Go hungry but don't expect a big dent in your pocketbook. (I should say "wallet"). Get on the mailing list to find out when Brisket Friday's are going on cause it's the real deal.

Great place to eat lunch! The actual location on the map is NOT where the restaurant is, it is at Lebanon pike and Spence lane. The food is outstanding and every couple of weeks George cooks brisket which is not to be missed. 2 of my other favorites are his gumbo and Jerusalem Chicken on thursdays. Bring a healthy appetite and prepare to have your taste buds assaulted with delicious flavors not found at other traditional meat and 3's.

Let me start by saying the staff are the nicest people I've run into today!! The food was like your grandma served it off her stove to you. I had turkey and stuffing and it was good. The price is good because the serving size is enough to put you into a happy food coma. The dinning room is nothing fancy but who needs to look around when the food is great. I will most definitely be coming back!!!

This is truly a no brainer....GO Here!!!!! I have been here on 2 occasions for lunch. The service was exemplary. The food was fresh and delicious. They offer a meat and one, two or three or a vegetable plate. It will cost you about $10-$15 but is well worth it. Get the cherry cobbler as well. It is to die for

This place is absolutely everything you want out of your meat n' 3 or cafeteria: hot food in minutes, reasonable pricing, lots of options, and good taste!

Our 1st visit last month was great... gumbo was the soup of the day. Took a bowl to go for my Louisiana raised hubby. He gave it a thumbs up! 2nd visit is as just as good. Tortilla soup and veggies filled me up. The corn cakes are a treat! So good! And.... the smoker was kicked up to cook the brisket for the 3rd Friday of the month. I am coming back for Brisket tomorrow!!!!! Chef George is a jewell!!!

Great meat & 3. Owners put their heart into cooking tried & true recipes. Beef brisket Fridays are their specialty! We support small businesses! Owner George and wife Amy are great people. Food has a kick to it if you like spices!

Parking is odd and setup to help you ding another car. The food was below par. The staff was very friendly. But the prices I think are steep based on the food quality. While I would expect some greasy food at a Meat and 3 I would question why everything is so greasy. So this company takes it up a notch and adds pepper to their food. I guess that counter balances the grease. How can you get carrots greasy? Regardless, you can go. But don't be shocked. You have been warned.

Palatable food. WAYYYYY overpriced. Would not recommend. Seriously, don't waste your money.

Love this place! It's a great option for a home cooked lunch. The menu changes daily and the staff is always friendly and cheerful!

Holy cow what an amazing place to eat!! Home style food that was super delicious!! Highly recommmend!!!

Best diner. Food is amazing. People great. Very clean. Today, this is the best restaurant in the world. Slap yer granny meat and one two three...etc!

Tried this place on 2 different occasions based on some "great" reviews. Not sure what has happened but the food was ok - nothing to write home about and I wouldn't have returned except I went with some people from work and I didn't have to pay the exorbitant prices. I will say that the staff is very friendly and the banana pudding is some of the best I've had in a while. Don't go with high expectations and you might be surprised.

Had the gumbo. Crazy good!! Can't believe a place this great is right down the street from me. A diner sitting near said that the chicken tortilla soup was just as good. I can see that this will be a regular stop!

Good meat and three diner in commercial area. If you can get past the Big Rig vibe outside, you will like what you find inside. In fact its so good that the owners do a popular catering business as well. The food goodness is almost up there with Copper Kettle downtown, which also does catering on the side. The surroundings are simple, but the food is rad.

This is the best meat and three I've found. The tortilla soup is amazing. Baked tilapia is perfectly cooked every time and seasoned to perfection. Both the green beans and the turnip greens are packed full of flavor. Friday's hobo surf-n-turf is a must for you catfish lovers. You get a half order of catfish and half order of another meat. I could go on and on but this is a place you just have to try. I eat here about once a week and it never gets old.

This place is a top notch meat and three. Kinda of a strange location, but worth the drive to get there. The Tortilla Soup is amazing, and the service is very friendly. Highly recommend for anyone who likes Arnolds or any other cafeteria style meat and three. One of the best in the city.

Today was my first time at City Café East and I was pleasantly surprised. A really good meat and three cafeteria style. I had the red beans, sausage, and rice with green beans, Cajun bread and banana pudding for dessert. I enjoyed all of it, really flavorful and reasonably priced. Got to meet George the owner, a very friendly talented gentleman who made me feel totally at home. The only puzzling thing was why had I had heard about this place before this week. I will gladly return, looking forward to trying the brisket that he has every 3rd Friday.

Great place. Great atmosphere. Awesome food. The Gumbo today was absolutely the best...both bowls!!! I went for the refill, and loved every bit of it. My kind of place.

Our crane operator recommended this place and I owe him a debt of gratitude. It is a tremendous local find that I would surely have missed. The food is served cafeteria style. The owner George pegged us as "new victims" and gave us tastes of 3 different items. All good. I had the red beans and rice. It comes with a Cajun Johnny cake which was the best Johnny cake I have ever had. I also sampled the broccoli casserole. Something I don't normally care for, but in this case delicious. The meatloaf was also very tasty. I didn't think the prices were any different than most of the other places we eat, so I am not sure where that complaint comes from. I did see George thank a vet for his service, give him a discount, and carry his food to the table. I thought it was a particularly sweet gesture. This is not very far from Opryland, so if you are there for a visit take a little side trip to see some real Nashville.