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 .
Since we first shared our list, Dandgure’s, Katie’s Meat & Three, and MacHenry’s brick-and-mortar location have closed, but the tradition lives on at these long-standing classics and new favorites:
Arnold’s Country Kitchen , 605 8th Ave. S.
Arnold’s 40-year run came to a halt in early 2023, but the restaurant is back in business for the foreseeable future. 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 chess or chocolate pie.
Bailey & Cato , 1130 Gallatin Pk. S.
Choose from one of the daily meat entrees and two sides for around $12 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 Cookin’ and have yourself one of the best home-cooked meals you’ve ever had.” — Paul R.
Although Barr’s is takeout only, there are a couple outdoor tables. | Photo via Barr’s Music City Soul Food
Barr’s Music City Soul Food , 618 Brentwood Dr.
Barr’s is open for takeout Wednesday-Sunday, and depending on the day, you’ll have your pick from barbecue ribs, ox tails, fried/baked fish, and pork chops. Plus, it’s Jelly Roll’s go-to restaurant for dressing.
Big Al’s Deli , 1828 4th Ave. N.
Located in Salemtown, 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.
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.
Swett’s Restaurant , 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 also has an airport location.
Look out for the neon sign when driving along Charlotte Avenue. | Photo via Wendell Smith’s Restaurant
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).
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.
More spots to fill up
Check out 13 more restaurants offering meat-and-three-style meals:
- Belle Meade Meat and Three , 110 Leake Ave.
- City Cafe East , 1455 Lebanon Pk.
- Doll’s Family Cafe , 2501 Gallatin Ave.
- Elliston Place Soda Shop , 2105 Elliston Pl.
- H&T’s Home Cooking , 2264 Murfreesboro Pk.
- Jay’s Family Restaurant , 3037 Dickerson Pk.
- Kingdom Cafe and Grill , 2610 Jefferson St.
- Lil’ Cee’s Restaurant , 605 Douglas Ave.
- Monell’s , 1235 6th Ave. N. and 1400 Murfreesboro Pk.
- The Nashville Biscuit House , 805 Gallatin Ave.
- Ramzy’s Meat & Three , 306 E. Thompson Ln.
- Monique’s Home Style Cooking , 451 Ponder Pl.
- Silver Sands Cafe , 937 Locklayer St.