There's Nothing Like The Southern Cooking At These 5 Classic Nashville Meat-And-Threes
By Meghan Kraft|Published July 05, 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 lies in the heart of the American south, which means the city upholds some of the cultural quirks, tips and tricks of the historic geographical region. Yes, you’ll find Civil War history and old plantation homes, but the best (and least controversial) remnants we have from the past are our meat-and-three restaurants. This is where you’ll find the true heart of the south, where you’ll run into folks who know your name and remember your order. It’s a true southern experiences you have to have at least once!
Located in the now highly popular western vicinity of Nashville, Wendell Smith's is a no-frills joint that serves up a solid meat-and-three rife with nostalgic southern charm. The homestyle meals are hefty and delicious and served up with a whole lot of heart by the staff. This is a Nashville institution we'd recommend over and over if you're looking to experience the city and the way it once was, so many years ago.
This downtown gem is likely one of the most popular meat-and-three's in the city, due to its fast and friendly cafeteria-style service and fantastic location. Arnold's has been serving up a solid plate of fried chicken and sticky-sweet desserts for over three decades and haven't given any indication of stopping in the near future. This is the kind of place you visit as a child and bring your own children.
Dandgure's is the definition of a, "hole in the wall" restaurant, tucked away in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The cafeteria-style eatery serves up a great southern meal during the work week, but keep in mind: they're closed on the weekends! This is the kind of place where you bring colleagues and best friends, or even just yourself if you find yourself with a hankering for something yummy.
Monell's is one of the more upscale meat-and-three eateries in the city, with multiple locations. The one pictured above is the Germantown location, where you're seated at communally at farm tables and are served family-style. Yes, you'll be passing platters of fried chicken and biscuits with strangers - but is there any better way to experience the heart of the south?
Swett's serves food for the soul, and has been garnering excellent local reviews since 1954. Like a fine wine, this locally owned and operated eatery only gets better with age. Open daily from 11am to 8pm, this cafeteria-style restaurant is one that will welcome you over and over again, the smell of freshly fried chicken in the air.
