8 Divey Diners In Nashville You Should Have Visited By Now
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on October 30, 2023(Originally published May 01, 2018)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
There’s something so nostalgic and sweet about enjoying a meal at a local diner. You’ll meet regulars with their coffee mugs in hand, indulge in a big plate of pancakes, and maybe even slip a second biscuit in there. Nashville has earned its moniker as Tennessee’s “big city,” but we love finding unique ways in which our sweet town stays small. Hence, we think the following diners in Nashville will help you get in touch with your childhood, your old first dates, and those Saturday mornings you spent with your kids chowing on delicious comfort food. So, if your stomach is starting to growl, read on about these best hole-in-the-wall diners in Nashville.
Brown's Diner has been a Nashville institution since 1927 and has remained a family-owned space that offers up some of the best burgers in the city. This low-key, no-frills eatery has fabulous hush-puppies and pork barbecue, so don't skimp when you grab a bite at one of the oldest diners in Nashville.
Elliston Place Soda Shop is the second oldest restaurant in the city behind Varallo's. Pitch up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week, but steer clear on Sundays. This neighborhood eatery still hosts all sorts of regulars who indulge in daily specials and the table jukeboxes when they chow at this diner in Nashville.
Athens serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a low-key and friendly space just off of 8th Avenue. Their menu is just as expansive as their hours - try out southern comfort food, and classic Greek dishes or indulge in a cup of hot cocoa. The options are endless! Therefore, we suggest making this the place to go when you're in the area and question where to find diners near me.
Editor's Note: Arnold's is now operating as a pop-up shop.
The ol' southern meat-and-three is reinvigorated at this classic Nashville restaurant. The cafeteria-esque setting and endless rows of indulgent desserts make Arnold's a must-visit for any local or tourist. Once you go, you'll understand why it's known as one of the best hole-in-the-wall diners in Nashville.
Nashville Biscuit House may not look like much, but its drive-thru option and insane lunch and breakfast meals (those. BISCUITS.) reignite our love for a classic greasy spoon any day. We'd recommend coming by during breakfast because their biscuit sandwiches can't be beaten. Don't miss chowing here when you're in the area and looking for diners near me.
Located in west Nashville, Wendell Smith's has all of the low-key charm you've always imagined in a southern diner. The sweet tea paired with a side of mac 'n cheese goes down really easy, and you can't miss out on a good, Wendell Smith burger. You can visit from 6 am to 730pm Monday through Saturday. You'll get to dive into greasy spoon classics like burgers and fries when you dine at one of the best hole-in-the-wall diners in Nashville.
Located in a historic building in the heart of downtown, 417 Union is one of the many diners in Nashville that's family-owned and serves up southern comfort with every plate. It's easy for business folks working downtown to indulge in an easy breakfast at 417, and you can be sure the expansive menu offers plenty of filling options.
Quality meals and quick eats are the name of the game at the Bellevue Diner, tucked away in the heart of Nashville's western neighborhoods. It was also featured in Food Network's, "Ginormous Food" show, which only serves to increase our need to go -- ASAP.
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10. Hermitage Cafe
Editors Note: This restaurant is permanently closed.
Located just outside of Nashville's downtown area, Hermitage Cafe is a fun late-night spot if you're looking for post-Broadway drinks. Come hungry, because you aren't going to want to stick to the diet with the hashbrowns and fluffy pancakes on the menu.
Wow, with so many options to choose from, we’re sure you won’t have a problem finding “diners near me” when you’re in Nashville. Let us know if you’ve tried any diners on this list. And, if you’re looking for more options for a hearty meal, take a look at these Nashville restaurants.
Since Nashville has become such a culinary scene, how about spending the weekend trying new food and restaurants? To get started, take a look at Vrbo for vacation rentals in the area.
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Aside from being known for its infamous chili, guests come to Varallo's to enjoy hearty food in a warm and welcoming setting.
This diner in Nashville is open Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. We suggest coming hungry so you chow down on as many breakfast and lunch items as you'd like.
