The 6 Most Iconic Restaurants In Nashville, Tennessee

Not just Music City anymore.

Over the past decade or so, Nashville has really burst onto the scene as one of the best food cities in the south, attracting some of the top chefs in the country to open up restaurants serving everything from comfort food to upscale cuisine.

While a lot of people might come to Nashville and simply choose to eat at a bar on Broadway, there are many iconic restaurants throughout the city that are worth the trip outside of downtown. From hot chicken to greasy cheeseburgers to upscale steakhouses, Nashville has a rich culinary history that’s worth exploring – and if you’re interested in visiting some of the most iconic spots in Music City, here’s a list to get you started:

1. Loveless Cafe

Address: 8400 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221

For a true taste of Southern comfort food, Loveless Café is a must-visit in music city. A Nashville landmark since 1951, the restaurant started when Lon and Ann Loveless bought the motel and café, originally only serving fried chicken to hungry travelers at picnic tables outside. When they needed more space for diners, rooms in the home were converted into a restaurant and the menu was expanded to include some of the staples still being served today.

Famous for its fried chicken, scratch-made biscuits and world-class country ham, this iconic spot at the foot of the Natchez Trace Parkway is a must for breakfast lovers but famous for its lunch fare too. Fair warning: Expect a wait on weekends, but if you want a true taste of Nashville, Loveless Café is a must-see – and eat.

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2. Prince’s Hot Chicken

Address: Multiple locations, including the Nashville Airport, Assembly Food Hall, and 5814 Nolensville Pk #110, Nashville, TN 37211.

When you think of hot chicken in Nashville, most visitors think of Hattie B’s. But if you’re hunting for the original Nashville hot chicken, you have to start at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack.

This legendary Music City spot is the birthplace of the fiery bird: Legend has it the recipe was born when the wife of Thornton Prince got tired of her husband’s wandering eye and attempted to teach him a lesson. She cooked up the spicy chicken, but instead of setting his mouth on fire like she wanted, Prince asked for seconds – and later set out to perfect the recipe to open his own restaurant.

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3. Sperry’s

Address: 5109 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

There are plenty of nice steakhouses in Nashville, but for a dose of classic charm, step into Sperry’s Restaurant, a local legend since 1974. With its dark wood accents and cozy, English-trolley vibes, it’s the ultimate spot for an old-school steakhouse experience. Known for serving some of the best steaks in Nashville, Sperry’s is famous for being the home of the city’s first salad bar and serving upscale food in a warm environment that’s upscale but not stuffy.

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4. Wendell Smith’s

Address: 407 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

If you want a real-deal old school Nashville experience, Wendell Smith’s Restaurant is a must-visit. A West Nashville fixture since 1952, this family-owned gem is the gold standard for a traditional Nashville meat-and-three. It’s unpretentious, nostalgic, and serves up some of the best comfort food in the city.

Locals flock here for the fried chicken, roast beef, and classic sides like mac and cheese or turnip greens. Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty country breakfast or a plate lunch, you’ll get Southern comfort food that tastes like home. It’s affordable, authentic, and a true Music City institution.

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5. Elliston Place Soda Shop

Address: 2105 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

If you’re looking for a blast from the past, you’ll find it at one of Nashville’s oldest continuously operating restaurants, Elliston Place Soda Shop. This beloved “Rock Block” landmark has been serving up comfort food since 1939, and it keeps the 1950s vibe alive with its classic neon sign, red vinyl booths, and a vintage jukebox.

It’s the ultimate spot for a classic diner breakfast, a meat-and-three lunch or a legendary hand-spun milkshake – and of course because it’s Nashville, you can get boozy milkshakes too. They’re also famous for their pie, whether you’re a fan of chocolate meringue, lemon ice box, or a Southern staple like chess pie.

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6. Brown’s Diner

Address: 2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

If you’re looking for the dive bar that defined the Nashville dining scene, look no further than Brown’s Diner. Home of Nashville’s oldest beer license and housed in a literal trolley car since 1927, this Hillsboro Village staple is home to what many locals call the best burger in Nashville.

Known for its ice-cold beer and affordable prices, Brown’s is gritty, unpretentious, and hasn’t changed much in decades – which is exactly why it’s a must-visit.

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