Your new home means a new neighborhood to explore. Each month, Onward brings you “Your New Favorite” – our team’s hand-selected places unique to Middle Tennessee that locals love.
This month, find your new favorite meat-and-three restaurant among old standards and up-and-coming eateries.
In the bustling Nashville neighborhood of The Gulch, stepping into this classic Southern-style meat-and-three restaurant transports you back to your grandma’s kitchen. You’ll regularly find an Arnold family member behind the counter as the kitchen prepares fresh, made-from-scratch food with a daily selection of meats and sides.
- Location: Nashville’s The Gulch neighborhood
- 605 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
After more than 70 years of business, Wendell Smith’s has a rich history of homey, comforting meals. Their bright neon sign advertising “fine food” at the corner of Charlotte Avenue and 53rd in West Nashville pulls you in, and their rotating breakfast, lunch and dinner menus keep you coming back again and again.
- Location: Nashville’s Sylvan Park neighborhood
- 407 53rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37209
With daily favorites like fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, pork chops and beef tips enjoyed in cafeteria-style dining, Swett’s is a classic meat-and-three near Fisk University. But don’t fill up too much on the veggies and sides. You’ll want to save room for a slice of fudge pie, a helping of peach cobbler or one of the many desserts on Swett’s menu.
- Location: Nashville’s Hadley/Washington neighborhood
- 2725 Clifton Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
The rustic exterior of Bell Buckle Café and the home-cooked meals and live music experiences that greet you inside exemplify Bell Buckle’s small-town charm. With such a welcoming atmosphere, it’s clear why this restaurant is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
- Location: Bell Buckle
- 16 Railroad Square, Bell Buckle, TN 37020
First as a grocery store and now as a classic country café, Miller’s Grocery has been part of the Christiana community for almost 80 years. Three generations of the Miller family have welcomed neighbors and visitors alike through their front door for home-cooked meals. Head over on the weekend for made-from-scratch buffet options featuring award-winning desserts.
- Location: Christiana
- 7011 Main Street, Christiana, TN 37037
Old Glory gives a patriotic feel to this casual burger-and-sandwich joint plus meat-and-three. Friday and Saturday also boast the all-you-can-eat catfish special – not to be missed. Staff create an atmosphere that’s more like family dinner than dining out, making each guest feel at home.
- Location: Columbia
- 1018 South Garden Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Family-owned and -operated, Kleer-Vu Lunchroom has been a cozy community hub for more than 40 years. Kleer-Vu brings together good cooking, kind service and a classic cafeteria atmosphere for anyone looking for authentic soul food.
- Location: Murfreesboro
- 226 South Highland Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Bishop’s has been a labor of love by the Bishop family for more than seven decades. Whatever you order when you walk up to their counter, you’re in for familiar flavors done right, from fan favorites like their grilled and fried chicken and specialty items like catfish and hushpuppies that change daily.
- Location: Franklin
- 3065 Mallory Lane #115, Franklin, TN 37067
Belle’s Little Country Kitchen
If you’re an early bird, Belle’s Little Country Kitchen is the place for you. With their kitchen opening at 5 a.m. for breakfast and freshly made burgers at lunch and dinner, Belle’s is more than a meat-and-three. Stop in for an old-fashioned diner atmosphere with booths and barstools that transport you to another time.
- Location: Lebanon
- 210 West High Street, Lebanon, TN 37087
Local Joe’s Café brings modern flair to a Southern classic. There’s no need to wait until Thanksgiving to dig into some homemade turkey and dressing, one of Local Joe’s weekly specials. Or check out their rotating daily menu for something new that will hit the spot.
- Location: Mt. Juliet
- 2037 North Mt. Juliet Road #110, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Explore other local recommendations from our previous “Your New Favorite” blog posts.
Contact an Onward agent to bring you one step closer to your new home and what you can experience right in your backyard.
