Lil Cee's
Soul food restaurant · East Nashville ·

Lil Cee's

Soul food restaurant · East Nashville ·

Cash-only soul food with amazing fried pork chops, greens

soul food
fried pork chops
takeout only
mac and cheese
greens
friendly staff
meat and three
fried chicken
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by Carlo Mantuano
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null
Lil Cee's by null

Information

605 Douglas Ave, Nashville, TN 37207 Get directions

$10–20

Usually a wait
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner

Information

Static Map

605 Douglas Ave, Nashville, TN 37207 Get directions

+1 615 226 6900
@lilcsoulfood_

$10–20

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining

Last updated

Jan 13, 2026

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@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

The 9 Best Meat And Threes In Nashville - Nashville - The Infatuation

"Some mighty fine fried pork chops are waiting for you at Lil Cee’s. They’re perfectly seasoned and shockingly tender considering how difficult it is to nail fried chops. To get them, you’ll need to prepare accordingly: bring cash, show up on a Thursday through Sunday before 5pm, and find a place to enjoy your feast, because this nondescript concrete bunker is a takeout-only operation. A hood of a car will work in a pinch—yes, we're speaking from experience. The savory turnip greens are nicely al dente, while the silky mac-and-cheese is overcooked to a point that's almost pudding-like, but we kind of don't mind. Both should make it onto your rotation of sides." - jackie gutierrez jones 2

https://www.theinfatuation.com/nashville/guides/best-meat-and-threes-nashville
Lil Cee's
@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Lil Cee's - Review - East Nashville - Nashville - The Infatuation

"Some mighty fine fried pork chops are waiting for you at Lil Cee’s. They’re perfectly seasoned and shockingly tender considering how difficult it is to nail fried chops. To get them, you’ll need to prepare accordingly: bring cash, show up on a Thursday through Sunday before 5pm, and find a place to enjoy your feast, because this nondescript concrete bunker is a takeout-only operation. A hood of a car will work in a pinch—yes, we're speaking from experience. The savory turnip greens are nicely al dente, while the silky mac-and-cheese is overcooked to a point that's almost pudding-like, but we kind of don't mind. Both should make it onto your rotation of sides." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

https://www.theinfatuation.com/nashville/reviews/lil-cees
Carlo Mantuano
Lil Cee's
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Where to Find Traditional Fried Chicken in Nashville | Eater Nashville

"This under-the-radar soul food spot is cash-only, and longtime locals say it’s well worth the trip to the ATM for takeout lunch or an early — super early — dinner at Lil Cee’s. Cedric’s traditional fried chicken, fried pork chops, and sides keep people coming back. Menus aren’t posted anywhere online and meat-and-two options change daily, so call before heading in to make sure that traditional fried chicken is an option." - Eater Staff

https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-fried-chicken-nashville
Lil Cee's

Chad R.

Google
I drive by Lil Cee's at Jones & Douglas all the time and there is ALWAYS a line out front, so I knew it would be good. The lady behind me in line told me her favorites that they serve and nearly named everything on the menu. I got ribs, greens and Mac and cheese with cornbread and buddy, it was amazing. $14 and a 5 minute wait once I ordered. Fantastic. Cash only. To go only due to COVID.

Sabrina P.

Google
one of the best places around...food people and service is great...love it

Trap H.

Google
One of if not the best soul food restaurants in NASHVILLE. My wife took me there and I loved it. And I mean REAL HOMEMADE SOUL FOOD. IF YOU FROM THA SOUTH THEN YOU KNOW GRANNY'S COOKING.

Dasha A.

Google
Had the chicken and dressing plate and it was so good. The Mac n cheese was perfect. Please try the Peach cobbler if you have room for dessert everything was great. Cash only and no dine-in but no complaints once you eat the food

Michael C.

Google
The food was amazing and outstanding… The customer service was top-tier

Sarah S.

Google
Have always loved lil cees. From a local this is one of the best soul food restaurants in the city. Glad you are back open again!

Angela M.

Google
We were visiting from out of town and ran across this diamond. Everything was seasoned to perfection and alot of food for the price; I will definitely be visiting Nashville and this spot again

Leigh R.

Google
We walk by here frequently & we are always looking for a hole in the wall to try. They did not disappoint! It is fantastic! We had the fried chicken, Mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes. It was crispy, flavorful, & juicy on the inside. Looking forward to trying more items from the menu definitely planning on becoming a regular! If you are looking for southern cooking Lil Cee’s is the spot!
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Angelina B.

Yelp
Currently offering takeout. This drive up and get out of your cat restaurant served some great Southern food! Before I continue please be aware they are a CASH ONLY business at this moment! We ordered two fries pork chop plates and one chicken with turnip greens and Mac and cheese. The chops were DELICIOUS and just the way I like them, the turnips were awesome and the Mac was basic and left something to be desired. I would definitely return for the fried chops!
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Tonya S.

Yelp
Good home cooking for the soul!!! They never disappoint me .. I have been on several occasions and always love my plate
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Wen W.

Yelp
You want to have some soul food served by some awesome folks in local area and not in downtown Nashville? Well, it looks like you need to drive to Jonestown and simply stop by Lil Cee's for some comfort soul food for your own soul. My boyfriend and I rented an apartment unit to stay while we were in Nashville, and we happened to come upon this restaurant. Also, it's advertised in the complex guide book as well. To be honest, the outside and the inside of the place are not that impressive like you'd see at a restaurant in downtown Nashville. It simply is there to serve food for the local people, and the style is basically cafeteria. You tell them what you want for your choice of meat and choices of side dishes. I got meat loaf, collard greens, and sweet potato. My boyfriend got meat loaf, Mac and cheese, cheddar broccoli, and mashed potato. Seriously, the portions are very generous, and they fill up your to-go container. The food is as good as it gets, and your soup will be blessed. Drinks will need to be purchased from the vending machine. I would strongly recommend you to do take-out only for this place. You'd l
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Monica K.

Yelp
I tried Lil Cee's on a Sunday afternoon about 30 minutes before close. They had a pretty good selection to be closing in 30 minutes. I tried the beef tips, northern beans, sweet potatoes, and hot water corn bread. My boyfriend had the chicken & dressing, greens, broccoli & cheese, and hot water corn bread. Overall the food was okay. I've had better soul food in Nashville. The sweet potatoes were my favorite. My northern beans were a little undercooked and flavorless. So be sure to skip those. The staff was very nice and helpful.
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J D.

Yelp
Great all around the staff was great they had a variety of food to choose from which was hard yet we settled for smother pork chops and gravy I recommend if ain't tried them stop by they'll make u a believer

K P.

Yelp
The food is delicious and fresh but you will have to possibly wait for the pork chops to be cooked fresh. If it's freshly cooked I don't mind waiting! Be aware that it's CASH ONLY! Proteins and sides are terrific! Nice selection of side dishes and proteins. It was walk up only when I visited and was really hot waiting under the covered porch, but it was the end of July in Nashville where it is really hot and humid. I did appreciate the shade for myself and my car while waiting. They sell kool-aid which is really sweet, but in the iced filled foam cup in the heat was pretty good. Once you pay for your order you receive a numbered ticket stub as your receipt. If you need a detailed receipt you will need to ask for it. The service was very friendly, helpful and tip worthy. I would check it out if you like country food/soul food with good quality, nice size portions and great service! I visit often and you will too!
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Trisha J.

Yelp
One of the best meat & 3 veggies restaurant in Nashville. Owner/Staff personal & cordial. Food delicious! I have never had a food here I didn't enjoy. Try it out!
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Nikia P.

Yelp
I got the fried porks chops Mac and cheese and a order of chitterlings. The fried pork chops was fresh and good. The Mac and cheese taste like they were out the box smh and chitterlings didn't have no taste no seasonings nothing. It was definitely not worth it to stand in the long line. I read great reviews but not what I expected.
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Nicole D.

Yelp
Tried this place for the first time and I was very pleased. I love soul food and this spot is very satisfying.
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Jeff L.

Yelp
This place is a no frills meat and 3 with great home cooked food and really kind people behind the counter! Great for a quick takeout meal
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Crelious S.

Yelp
Just a little heavy handed on the salt, but it was quick with no wait on a friday with a great menu selection, and everyone was pleasant an friendly . My second time there and everything was great
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Corell T.

Yelp
Horrible, Horrible, HORRIBLE. I drove a pretty far length to this restaurant in a very downtrodden and rundown part of Nashville. Google stated how this restaurant closed at 7:00. I was at the door of this restaurant trying to get in and it was maybe 6:28. Someone inside asked "Cee" if she was closed, which clearly she wasn't as other people were leaving the restaurant, and she told the Black man at the door that she was in fact "closed". I am from Memphis and I was in Nashville with my girlfriend. I read on Google how terrible the customer service was and my expectations were unfortunately confirmed. All I wanted were some chitterlings. 6:28 is not 7:00. That woman had time for another customer. Half an hour is more than enough time to provide ONE PERSON with food.
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Bernadette M.

Yelp
This place is kind of a hole in the wall but the food is great! I had fried pork chops with white beans and greens. Both pork chops were moist and fried to perfection. My sides were flavorful. The portions were generous, especially considering the meal was under $10. There's not much room if you want to sit and eat and the location is kind of interesting, but I will be returning to this place next time I return to Tennessee. By far one of the best meals of my vacation. I would give this place 5 stars except for location and the fact that food isn't made to order, but served cafeteria style from warming trays. But, the meal that I had that day was definitely a 5 out of 5! Almost forgot... On my way out, I purchased a piece of lemon cake to eat later. That cake didn't last 5 minutes into my drive. Delicious!
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Sharay L.

Yelp
I been to eat here several times. The food is great, seasoned just right and the meats are always tender. I recommend anyone want good soul food and very nice service...Check them out

Assad F.

Yelp
Stopped here looking for some soul food before leaving Nashville. Got the friend chicken, skin was crispy and did not taste like reused oil. Very flavorful. Collard greens were amazing. Mac and cheese would of preferred more of a baked Mac n cheese. Very tasty peach cobbler and refreshing lemonade. Also- one of the cleanest bathrooms. Don't let this little hole in the wall fool you.
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Bill H.

Yelp
Oh my goodness. What a treat. Fantastic fried chicken. Greens seasoned to perfection no vinegar pepper sauce needed. Hot water cornbread. Price was definitely affordable.

Dwayne W.

Yelp
Blink and you will miss it. When me and wife notice a big pot of fresh greens cooking when we walk in we knew we were in the right spot. Great food. The best.
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Jason G.

Yelp
Best meat and 3 in Middle Tennessee. This place is alittle off the beaten path but well worth the drive. It is basicly a take out only. Awesome!!
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Chad A.

Yelp
Best food in Tennessee! Pork chops are amazing!!!! Take out only! Junky building, excellent food!
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Dave J.

Yelp
This is unique local restaurant that specializes in southern down-home cooking. I was wonderfully surprised at how good the food was and how warmly I was treated. I tried the fried catfish and the meatloaf - both were excellent. The green beans and fried apples were great side dishes. Cedric, the owner and founder has been here 19 years. He is personally here almost every day. His staff are also long-timers. If you are traveling on I-65 or going through Nashville, you need to come here for lunch or dinner (open 11 to 7).
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
Boxed mash potatoes, bug on floor and still crawling, and not worth the money overall.

Benji B.

Yelp
Best place to get real home cooked food in nashville, I eat here at least 3 times a week.

Janice L.

Yelp
Let get to the point: 1. To much sage int the turkey and dressing. 2. Sweet potatoes not like your grandma 3. The greens had more stems than leaves

Sharon R.

Yelp
Excellent food! Lousy parking! I just recently visited Lil Cee's, and was very much satisfied, with the food I selected. I am a Chitterlings lover, and the ones, here, did not disappoint, in fact, they were Delicious!!! Everything we ordered, from the Meatloaf, and Ribs, to every veggie we selected, the seasoning was outstanding! The only down side, to this experience, was parking. Parking is HORRIBLE!!! But, if you can find a spot, and get some food...you find that it was worth the wait!

Jay B.

Yelp
Best soul food a man can ask for fresh off work!!!!! Everything cooked fresh and the staff is awesome!!!!! Best soul food restaurant in Nashville I think. They need to start cooking chitterlings on more days of the week and closing at 10pm. But all in all the food is like crack.