8 Nostalgic Restaurants Where Every Nashvillian Grew Up Eating
By Meghan Kraft|Published March 02, 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.
Nashville has become a bit of a foodie mecca in recent years. Restaurants are redesigning their spaces to be more, “social media friendly” and new bars are popping up on the daily. You really can’t keep up! We decided to throw it back a little bit, to a time when Nashville was a bit smaller and sweeter.
When folks showed up at a diner because their friends were there, too, or they simply didn’t want to make a pancake themselves. When friends sipped black coffee on porches and the skyline was free of massive buildings and traffic sounds. Warning: nostalgic feelings are ahead.
Can you come to Nashville and NOT come to Rotier's?! Known as a favorite of Charlie Daniel's, this fabulous local restaurant is humble and solid. We'd recommend ordering the cheeseburger served on french bread! (2413 Elliston Place)
Open since 1939, Elliston Place Soda Shop is right behind #1 on our list as one of the oldest eateries in the state. We'd recommend indulging in a milkshake or coming for brunch. Hefty meals are great for hefty adventures! (2111 Elliston Place)
Although you may know Hermitage Cafe to be the local greasy spoon, it's actually a watering hole for locals who are looking for a solid meal without dodging tourists at trendy new spots. Pay in cash and snack a pancake or two — we're always impressed! (71 Hermitage Avenue)
The Loveless Cafe is known around the nation as a classic Tennessee restaurant, a Nashville born and bred phenomenon that has a secret biscuit recipe and the kindest staff this side of the Mississippi. What do we have to say? The legends are true — go! (8400 Highway 100)
Ah, The Pancake Pantry. Folks have a love-hate relationship with this tourist-infused eatery, and either scoff at the idea of sweet potato pancakes or make their way to Hillsboro Village during the off-hours. We'd recommend the later. (1796 21st Ave S)
Monell's is a family-style eatery with three locations around the city. It's been ranked the #1 restaurant in the city as well as mentioned as a top in the nation. (1235 6th Ave N)
A classic Nashville institution, we can pretty much say you did NOT frequent the spot as a child, but your parents probably did. And still do. It's a solid dive bar with a deep Nashville history that cracks generations and makes for a fabulous experience if you're visiting the city. (411 Gallatin Avenue)
Varallo's holds the title of the oldest restaurant in the entire state, so chances are you found your way here once upon a time. Located in the heart of downtown, this small hole in the wall makes for a truly classic Nashville AND Tennessee experience. (239 4th Ave N)
What are your thoughts? Did we hit the nail on the head, or go too touristy? Leave your favorite down-home Nashville restaurants in the comments below. We’d love to hear where YOU loved to go!
If you’re planning on visiting a restaurant down on Broadway, however, this is the spot for you!
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