Nashville loves meat-and-threes — aka the next best thing to a home-cooked meal.
Legend has it the concept may have its roots in Music City, yet its exact origins are unknown. One of the earliest local examples is the now-closed Hap Townes Restaurant.
Bookmark these long-standing classics and new favorites, including a few spots recommended by readers.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen, 605 8th Ave. S.
Choose from four to six meats daily, as well as turnip greens, mashed potatoes, and rotating sides. The serving line moves quickly, and we recommend grabbing a slice of chocolate meringue pie.
Bailey & Cato, 1130 Gallatin Pk. S.
Pick one of the daily meat entrees with two sides for around $13 a plate.
Barbara’s Home Cooking, 1232 Old Hillsboro Rd.
“You pull up and think you might accidentally be at someone’s house, then you order the poppyseed chicken with field peas from Barbara’s Home Cooking and have yourself one of the best home-cooked meals you’ve ever had.” — Paul R.
Barr’s Music City Soul Food, 618 Brentwood Dr.
Barr’s is open for takeout Wednesday through Sunday, and depending on the day, you’ll have your pick of barbecue ribs, fried/baked fish, and pork chops. Plus, it’s Jelly Roll’s go-to restaurant for dressing.
Belle Meade Meat and Three, 110 Leake Ave.
Located inside Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery’s visitor’s center, the cafeteria-style restaurant serves a rotating selection of smoked meats, vegetables, and homemade desserts.
Big Al’s Deli, 1828 4th Ave. N.
Check the board for daily breakfast and lunch specials. Deb M. recommends the chicken with jalapeno-orange marmalade, but it’s also available with chipotle raspberry, jerk, or adobo.
Cal’s Country Kitchen, 1315 Dickerson Pk.
In mid-2024, Slim & Husky’s co-owner Clint Gray teamed up with Marcus Buggs to revive the meat-and-three restaurant, which operated in Madison for over 20 years. Pro tip: Follow the restaurant on Instagram to see the daily menu.
City Cafe East, 1455 Lebanon Pk.
At least four meat options and over 10 veggies are available every day, but don’t miss the brisket served on the third Friday each month.
Elliston Place Soda Shop, 2105 Elliston Pl.
Beyond its all-day breakfast menu, the Rock Block restaurant is known for its meat-and-three plates and soda shop specials. End the meal with a slice of chocolate meringue, chess, pecan, or lemon ice box pie.
H&T’s Home Cooking, locations vary
The restaurant, which has locations on Murfreesboro Pike and Gallatin Pike, is open daily with over 10 meat options and sides like sweet potato patties, turnip greens, and fried okra.
Osborne’s Bi-Rite Corner Deli, 3116 Belmont Blvd.
Locals know all about the deli tucked inside this neighborhood market. Stop by during lunch hours for a revolving menu of entrees, sides, and desserts.
Monell’s, 1235 6th Ave. N.
The menu changes daily, but you can expect dishes like skillet fried chicken, pork chops, green beans, cheese grits, and cornbread served family-style — just grab a seat and start passing the bowls. The set price covers meats, vegetables, and salad, plus a drink and dessert.
Silver Sands Cafe, 937 Locklayer St.
Operated by third-generation restaurateur Sophia Vaughn, Silver Sands has been a local favorite for over 70 years, thanks to its savory breakfast and lunch dishes and scratch-made sides.
Swett’s, 2725 Clifton Ave.
From the sign out front to the plates inside, Swett’s is known for serving “fine food since 1954.” Mix and match your favorite meat, veggies, bread, and dessert. Flying out of BNA? Swett’s has a location inside Nashville International Airport.
The Loveless Cafe, 8400 Hwy. 100
“My husband and I live in Madison but make the trek out to Loveless, not only for the food (fried chicken and hashbrown casserole are my go-tos), but to drive the Natchez Trace. For locals, it’s less crowded earlier in the week.” — Whitney L.
The Nashville Biscuit House, 805 Gallatin Ave.
Biscuits may be in the name, but meat-and-three dishes like country fried steak and catfish filets are also part of the restaurant’s game. Pro tip: Some sides are only served on weekdays, so check the menu ahead of time.
Wendell Smith’s Restaurant, 407 53rd Ave. N.
Also a beloved breakfast joint, Wendell Smith’s serves staples such as chicken and dumplings (Tuesdays), fried chicken (Wednesdays and Saturdays), and fried catfish (Fridays).
More spots to fill up
Find more meat-and-three restaurants and map out your next lunch spot using this interactive map below.
