Arnold's Country Kitchen was one of the tops on our list in out Tennessee visit. The James Beard and Michelin awards sealed the deal for us. We had to visit this great place. They have limited lunchtime only hours and we came toward the end of their day so it wasn't too crowded. That meant that we got to chat up the staff and one of the cooks even came out while we were eating and checked up on us. Fun conversations. The staff was super cool and friendly and that goes a long way with me. The food here is very good with lots of choices. We chose the chicken fried chicken and the meatloaf. For sides we had the mac n cheese, corn pudding, chicken and dumplings and for dessert, a slice of the delectable pecan pie. Everything we had was scrumptious! However, my wife likes my meatloaf better though (bless her heart!). The chicken fried chicken breading was light but dense and full of flavor. It complimented the chicken well (so did the gravy!). The sides were yummy as well. If I lived in the area, I'd eat here several times a week. Definitely will return here one day. This place is iconic and if in Nashville, you need to check it out. read more

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After our disappointing meal at Saint Anejo the night before, Arnold's completely redeemed Nashville food for us. Such a classic comfort food spot with a super friendly server and an easy setup where you get in line, grab your food, then find a table. The fried fish was honestly the star. Perfectly crispy on the outside while still soft and flaky inside. So satisfying. The fried pork chop was a little dry for my taste, but all the sides were delicious and made up for it. The mac and cheese especially was sooo good. Overall, really comforting Southern food with a welcoming atmosphere and definitely worth trying if you want a more authentic Nashville experience. read more

This was a great place, both the food and the service and the people make it what it is. Been around a long time and we were led here when visiting Nashville after seeing it on Guy Fieri's triple D as well as Somebody Feed Phil. When you walk in you are directed to the cafeteria style line, grabbing a tray and such. The guys behind the counter are great! Making recommendations and being patient with me when I couldn't choose. Some offerings were unavailable, but we were there more near to closing. I decided on fried chicken, okra, and green beans. Chicken was crunchy and had great flavor, the okra was cooked well and not greasy, I tried to stop eating them but they were good. Grean beans were good. One of the Arnold's was going around making sure everyone was good and enjoying themselves. He was great. I would visit here again on another trip to try other things read more

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The second you walk in here you feel like you're at home and with family. Everyone was so friendly and the owner makes sure to walk around and se how everything is. The food was yummy but not the best in the area and the price wasn't bad. We got the ribs, brisket, salmon and biscuits and gravy. I really enjoyed the biscuits and gravy and the ribs. I found the brisket to be quite dry and the salmon a little overcooked but nonetheless delicious. Overall, if you're in town you have to try this Nashville Staple. read more

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We just happened to drive by and see that Arnold's was back in their original location. We had or service dog Nash ( Nashville) with us and they welcomed him gladly. It was hard to choose, anything you pick is terrific. I had the meatloaf mac and cheese and green beans. Helpings were huge and hit the spot. Several people stopped and said hello to Nash. Good reasonable price and free parking spot for diners. They close early, a great lunch spot. read more

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Amazing southern comfort food served cafeteria style with a daily menu. Check their website or yelp photos to see the rotation. They have staples that they have every day with daily specials every day as well. All of the staff were extremely friendly. They seemed to have alot of regulars as staff members stopped by tables and spoke like friends or family. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Battered Grouper, Meatloaf, Turnip Greens, Mac & Cheese, Boiled Cabbage - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

There was before Arnold's and now thankfully there is after Arnold's. The food was so incredibly good that this felt like an out of body experience and it's safe to say I am changed. There's a reason this place has been around for years and it's because both the food and service are outstanding. I should've read some reviews because I was initially very confused at if I sat myself or how things worked. After sitting at the bar with another confused stranger, a staff member kindly came and gave us the rundown of the cafeteria style of this restaurant. He talked me through the options and I ended up with the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, grits and green beans. The chicken was moist and crispy. The Mac and cheese and grits were seasoned to perfection. I was worried the Jalepenos might make the grits too spicy for me but they were perfect. The green beans were also great and as someone who doesn't always love green beans, I was impressed. I finished my meal with some of the best banana pudding I've ever had. If it tells you anything, I immediately texted friends to brag about how good it was and I went back to grab takeout for my boyfriend. The staff was lovely and super helpful again and we even cracked a few jokes. Throughout my meal I was checked on and I noticed how much of a family institution this is. The staff talks to everyone like they are family and lights up when they see a familiar face. The food and service together make this a Nashville staple and I will be running back here to make sure I try everything they make. I came hungry and left too full to go run errands after and I'm not mad about that one bit read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Banana pudding, Green Beans, Mac & Cheese, Fried Chicken - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I've been wanting to stop by for the longest time but always seemed to be just too late. Luckily, I had some family in town over the weekend and it fit PERFECTLY into our schedule! The vibe was so cool; a throwback to older Nashville. The cafeteria style feels like it's a true Nashville staple, especially when it comes to their meat and three meals. I wound up getting the chicken and pancake special and it was GREAT. You could tell everything was made fresh and the prices wasn't bad at all. My mom wound up getting the roast beef and that was fantastic as well. All of the staff was friendly and helpful. 100% recommend going while in the area! read more

For context, I grew up in the South (northern and central Alabama) and the thing I miss the most about living there is the availability of meat and 3s. I came here alone on a Wednesday afternoon around 130pm to have lunch on my own before my work conference officially started. The service is stellar - everyone is so kind including the owners who personally walks around and talks to each customer. I love southern sides and they exceeded my expectations. They make their own cheese sauce for their Mac and cheese in house. The fried okra is perfectly fried and salted. And the green beans are cooked in pork fat and gave me the illusion that I was illusion that I was eating something healthy. I would highly recommend this place if you're craving some comfort food in a casual setting. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

It was a cafeteria style eating establishment Food was ok, high volume kitchen with large portions. Lots of celebrities pictures on the wall. Parking was included with the meal. read more

I believe my husband found this restaurant by a recommendation on fb. After we flew into Nashville and checked into our hotel we headed to this restaurant around 1:30. Its closes at 2:45. A unique time that you will remember. When you go in it is a cafeteria style. The is a menu of what they are having each day of the week on the wall. Grab a tray and pick what meat you want, then vegetables, corn bread or roll. Let the cashier know what you're drinking( sodas, tea, water). You can pay with cash and if using a credit card there is a fee. Find a seat, depending when you go you may get a booth or sit beside a local. Everyone is really nice. I will have to say that the food was so good that we came back a second time before leaving town. My husband and I have not had county cooking like that in some time. We both agree that it might be better than our Mississippi mom's cooking but don't tell them This is a must stop if you like this type of food. Our future visits will always include this stop. Enjoy! read more

Went here because it's a DDD which means Guy Fieri went here and he goes to some amazing places. We were instantly greeted by a friendly staff member who must have been either the owner or manager as he was walking around later asking everyone how the food was. There is a buffet style line where you pick the meat and sides you want. I ordered fried chicken which was delicious, but I regretted my choice when I saw the 7up pancakes and chicken fingers which I will be getting next time I'm in Nashville. Parking was a little confusing, don't scan the sign in the lot. Wait til you get inside and scan it and then it's free. Great place, clean and friendly staff. read more

4 Stars may be blasphemy to the faithful, but I can't completely get on board with the fan boys. Years back, I might be more inline. As a cafeteria goes, it is fine, but feels a bit down after previous experiences years ago. Perhaps it was my fond memories that set too high a bar? Either way, still above average (3 stars) and worth a visit to this icon. Arnold's is a cafeteria. You walk into a line, choose your meat, add two sides and roll or corn bread and then march to the cashier (owner). You then find a seat. I opted for the pulled pork, which was average to slightly above in Nashville. Girlfriend got the chicken, which was better. The rest of the sides were pretty much average. My favorite part was talking to the owners son, who is opening a new place in North Nashville (daytime only, which locals understand). It will also have BBQ as an option. Would I return? Yes. Arnold's is a staple and an icon for Nashville. It is a bit more expensive now than years ago, but the taxes on the place are $80k/year now and going up over $100k, so the location hurts them. If you are interested in going, do it soon, as I was told the place will shut down once they sell it, which is inevitable with the growth in the Lower Gulch. Last time they announced a closure, the place was packed from open to close all week (deal fell through and the story I heard indicates a really s***ty business person tried to buy them). read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Pulled pork, grits, and lima beans. - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Khalil and the crew at Arnold's are amazing. The food is always great. The traditional meat and 3 is the menu. But it's always different. Roast beef, chicken fried steak, shrimp, meatloaf, tacos and whatever else you have ever liked. It's always different everyday. They are open only for lunch now. The sides are to die for. There is no place like Arnold's. If you are in Nashville you have to eat there. read more

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Definitely must go to place when Nashville. As this was our first time going to Nashville we were looking for some good food. Our cousin recommended this place and it did not disappoint. The food here was really good. Got the fried chicken with mash potatoes and green beans. It was really good. The chicken was moist and crispy as it was a fresh batch from the kitchen. It didn't disappoint. I love their fried chicken as it was flavorful, moist, and crispy. The mash potatoes was perfect (buttery and smooth). The green beans was tender and flavorful. I would definitely come back here again and recommend it to others. The food is cafeteria style order and bring the tray to your table. The lemonade was fresh and tastes great for Arnold Palmers. This is a go to place for some good southern food. Lots of tables for parties is all sizes. This place is a must go to in Nashville for southern food read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I don't have enough good things to say about Arnold's. I have been hearing about this place for so many years and finally got the chance to go! It's a casual meat and 3 place. You go into the cafeteria line, take a look, and pick out what you want. This makes it the perfect place to come for a quick bite. Oh, and they also give you free parking inside the resturant, which is an added extra perk. Going through the line, everything looked absolutely delicious, but I decided upon the chicken & dumplings, green beans, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, spicy chocolate pie, and sweet tea. Everything was out of this world! Chicken & Dumplings- 5/5, a little bit on the salty side, but so comforting and made with love Green Beans- 10/5, I've never had green beans this good? I didn't know it was possible to knock it out of the park with such a simple dish! Mac and Cheese- 1000/5, the best mac and cheese I've ever eaten, hands down. I wish I got three sides of just this. Spicy Chocolate Pie- 5/5, so decadant and such an interesting flavor (you feel the sting of the spiciness after a few bites. Fried Green Tomatoes- 4/5, I don't usually like fried green tomatoes, so this is more of a me problem. They were very crispy and had the desired sour taste though! Sweet Tea- 5/5, exactly what you would expect from a true southern place Seriously, come here! Portion sizes are also huge so you will definitely leave this place so so full! read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Chicken & Dumplings, Green Beans, Mac & Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, Spicy Chocolate Pie - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Came here for the spicy red pepper chocolate pie and it was so satisfying and lived up to my expectations. I was so happy that it tasted like a deep dark chocolate brownie with a spicy kick. It was one of my favorite things I've eaten in all of Nashville! The brisket was fatty than the roast beef and both were served a bit cold - wished it was hotter but that is the only thing I would have to knock down a star for. Everything else was delicious and hearty. There were some good storytelling and Great Southern hospitality from the owner that it felt like a nice neighborhood local spot. I would definitely come back for more pie! read more

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Fried chicken and turnip greens are best ever!!!! Fast and friendly service. Been here many times....will return many times.

This is a must try barbecue place. It's so good friendly staff and great attitude overall. we came in at around 1 PM on a Saturday. There was no wait and lots of seating as well. pork ribs are fall off the bone brisket was very tender and the fried chicken is delicious. Service was outstanding everything about this place is amazing, must try! read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - pancakes (top) fried chicken (left) pork ribs with potatoes (right) brisket (bottom) - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The food is amazing and the service was as well. Everybody was really nice and welcoming. I would highly recommend coming here if you are coming to Nashville. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Brisket, Fried Chicken, 7up pancakes, Smoked ribs with potatoes - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Finally tried this place. It did not disappoint. I ordered the meat and 3 sides and added a extra side. I was hungry lol. I ordered the roast beef, Mac and cheese, green beans,mashed potatoes with gravy and white beans. Everything was delicious seasoned perfectly. Luckily there was no line like it normally is. So i literally got my food in 2 minutes and sat down. Everyone was very nice, super clean can't wait to go back. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, Mac and cheese, green beans, white beans - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Exactly what I think "down home country cooking" is! Cafeteria style, family owned, regular customers whose orders are already known, reasonable prices, and great tasting food! You grab a tray, get in line, and pick what you want. I got the meat and three: fried pork chop, squash casserole, mashed potatoes, and greens. The squash casserole was a revelation, first time having it and won't be the last...already scouring the internet for recipes. The greens were tender and savory but not mushy. The pork chop! Fresh out of the fryer, crispy outside, well seasoned and tender inside, and delicious! Worth the line and best food I had in Nashville. Reasonably priced, picnic tables and some booths inside with tables outside for seating. Not fancy just good eats! read more

We wouldn't have ever known about this place if we didn't accidentally find it but I'm glad we did. This is some of the best food we've ever had & the people who worked there were very kind. We didn't realize we wanted this type of food but it was we never had anything like it. 10/10 would come back here read more

I visited Arnold's Country Kitchen on Monday, October 14, 2024, around 1 PM. The place was busy, as it's a popular spot in downtown Nashville. Parking is limited, but you can scan a QR code to park for free for an hour. Arnold's offers classic southern comfort food with a "meat and three" concept. You line up like in a cafeteria, choose your dishes, and pay at the end. I tried the rib, green beans, and coleslaw. The rib was truly fall-off-the-bone tender--juicy and full of flavor without being mushy. The green beans were cooked perfectly, and the coleslaw had a creamy, refreshing taste. I really enjoyed the cafeteria-style setup; there were so many options to choose from, and the menu changes daily. Overall, the food was delicious and the staff friendly. Just a heads-up: if you go during peak hours, parking can be a bit tricky. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Ribs and Green Beans - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Great meat and 3 experience! Loved the simplicity and the quality and quantity of food can't be beat! Looking forward to a return trip!

Arnold's is a home run. I've never had a bad bite here. You can tell that thought and love go into every recipe. I love going here and seeing all the family working together, serving their customers with a smile! Couldn't recommend this place more! read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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My friend who lives here in Nashville recommended this place since I am here for a conference and it did not disappoint. The food reminds me of growing up with my grandma and it brought back happy memories. The servers were so nice and Kathy behind the register was very sweet. The ambience is really casual, but good for dining alone and coming in groups for lunch. I hope to make it back before I leave. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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First time here and since it got great reviews, we thought we'd try it out! There is a "pay to park" lot adjacent with 1 hour free (FULL of pot holes galore). Don't scan the code on the signs in the lot, rather scan the code at the register for your one hour free parking. The inside looks like a 1970's cafeteria with self-service. You grab a tray and pick which items you'd like. For the price, I wasn't impressed with the food. There were 2 adults and one child and our bill was $69 for basic cafeteria food that was just ok. I understand the legacy and can appreciate that as it seemed like there were many regulars there and everyone was friendly. But IMHO, there are tastier places to eat at this price point. read more

Went to Arnold's for lunch during our visit to Nashville. We arrived around 12:40 PM on a Tuesday afternoon. We walked in the door and stood waiting for a hostess, but there wasn't one and there were no signs indicating seat yourself. After a few awkward minutes standing in the doorway, we realized we needed to walk across the way to get in line for a tray and to order. It's cafeteria style and you select your dessert , then salad, then protein and sides as you scoot your tray along the walkway. You have a choice of a roll or cornbread. You order drinks when you pay and then walk around to the left and then hang a right to serve yourself drinks (which appear to be with free refills) and grab silverware. And then it's a scramble to look for a seat. Rolls of paper towels were at each table. You clear your own table and nobody wipes them down after they are cleared so be prepared to wipe your own table down - the table we found was very soiled and we had to wipe down the table and booth seats. My dining partner and I both got chicken and dumplings. Be careful as there are bones hidden in it!! There were only a couple of pieces of chicken in it and we felt shorted on the dumplings. I also got mac and cheese and corn pudding. He got boiled cabbage. Both of us had rolls. Our assessment: the food was over peppered, over salted and the rolls were over buttered. Being first time diners here, we didn't know what to expect other than a good ole Southern meal. For some folks, this may be your thing! It usually is for us but it was pretty dang salty. Perhaps we caught them on a bad day. Our chicken and dumplings were served in a flat-style ceramic bowl but our sides were in styrofoam bowls. They were skimpy on the corn pudding and mac and cheese but the boiled cabbage bowl was overloaded. We would try them again. The atmosphere was hectic and not too loud. They offer free parking. Most of the staff were extremely pleasant. read more

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The best southern home cooking in Nashville! I eat here 5 days a week. Family owned for 38+ years. And they treat every customer like family. read more

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Arnold's Country Kitchen is an authentic spot for a meat and three meal. This is a cafeteria style joint. When you walk in, don't stand there waiting for someone to direct you. There's a big menu on the wall, walk toward it behind the bar, grab a tray, and then follow the line. The staff is super friendly. They gave good recommendations and were also very polite helping us. We probably gave them a few laughs with all of our questions and not understanding how to order food, but all in good spirit. I ordered the catfish and mashed potatoes, which were both phenomenal. I also really liked their lemonade. I would visit Arnold's Country Kitchen again. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Catfish, greens, corn bread, mashed potatoes - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Been a few times since they've reopened...so glad they did. Great meats, vegetables, and desserts. Their green beans and mashed potatoes and gravy are best in town. Special side of Brussels are amazing if they have them. Parking is validated for free--don't scan outside sign, there's a QR code in the buffet line. Love this family owned ( 2nd generation) spot and hope it makes it thru nashvilles tough restaurant market. You will likely find the current owner greeting, cleaning up, and doing whatever it takes to keep doors open and customers happy! read more

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This place was amazing! I had the meatloaf with turnip greens and candied yams, and everything was absolutely fantastic. This place may be a small dive, but it really delivers on quality. read more

Ask anyone where to get an authentic home cooked southern meal in Nashville, and they'll send you to Arnold's. This local gem practically invented the "Meat & 3", a cafeteria style service where you choose a meat and three sides. Options change daily at Arnold's, but generally include fare like candied yams, fried catfish, chicken and dumplings, etc. Upon arrival, grab a tray, and get in line. Staff of varying degrees of surliness will scoop your selections onto styrofoam plates, and a cashier will ring you up at the end. Choose your own cutlery, and find a seat. The restaurant is spacious, with a homey, no frills vibe. All of the food was delicious. Richly seasoned but not overly salty, deep fried but somehow not too heavy or oily. The shrimp were juicy, the mac and cheese creamy with a lovely gouda flavor, the greens were deeply savory. My favorite side dish was the Fried Green Tomatoes, which were lightly breaded, juicy, and tangy. Skip the cornbread, which was bone dry, but do NOT skip dessert. The Spicy Chocolate Pie was among the best pies I've ever had. It tasted of semisweet chocolate ganache, with a wonderfully bright heat from what I presume to be cayenne pepper. Apparently Arnold's has plans to close soon after 42 years of business, so eat here while you can. read more

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Old school good old Southern Cooking- nothing fancy - but the service and the food is really amazing! Everyday the menu changes- and there are tons of choices- you grab a tray- and walk through the line (kinda like grade school- but the servers are far nicer and much more helpful) . Don't miss out on the insane deserts - Chess Pie and Bread Pudding read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Bread pudding - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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My wife and I saw Saturday Brunch on their website so we drove to Nashville one weekend. We are 35 miles away. We get to the restaurant and pay $20+ to park in the lot used by patrons. Then we see a note on their door that they are closed. Really? Nothing on their website about being closed. I sent the web form on their website about what happened to us. ZERO response from anyone at the restaurant! They could at least apologize and reimburse for parking. Nope, nothing at all! There are too many other great restaurants in Nashville that care about their customers. Don't waste your time or money at Arnold's!!!!!! read more

I believe this is where the idea of a "meat and three" was created. Sadly, I waited until a few days before they closed their doors to finally visit Arnold's Country Kitchen. This cafeteria has served up amazing comfort foods like fried chicken, meat loaf, roast beef au jus, corn bread, mac n' cheese, and delicious desserts for over 40-years. Their last day being open is tomorrow, 1/7/23, so get here while you can! I've heard a few rumors that the children of the owner might be working on something new. Fingers crossed! read more

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Didn't know cooked greens could taste so good! And beyond friendly. Brought us complementary bread pudding because my catfish took a minute to make. Will definitely be back next time we're in Nashville. read more

My girlfriend and I work from home on Fridays and we've been meaning to check this place out. So today was the day! She's from New England and was new to the whole cafeteria style meat and three. I hail from the South so I knew what to expect. Or at least I thought. Walking in you might be taken by how quiet things are. Lots of people, some casual conversation. Let me just tell you don't be alarmed, it's quiet here because people are stuffing their faces with this delicious food. We hopped in line. Obviously I have to try some sweets. I grabbed a peach pie and my lady chose the chocolate chess (winner winner on her part, that slice was delicious with hints of coffee and chocolate mixed together). Entrees, I picked the fried shrimp and my girlfriend chose fried catfish (another first for her). We topped off sides with Mac, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a couple of rolls. We sat down, unaware of the flavors that were about to grace our unsuspecting palettes. The first thing out of my girlfriend's mouth was, "I love food where love is an ingredient." I can safely say this is one of the most delicious meals I've had in a while. Perfect on a Friday slump that wasn't too hot. We had the chance to meet the owner and he kindly gave us some extra treats since it was our first time. It should be unsurprising to no one by this point, it was delicious. If you're visiting, come have a unique experience here. If you're a local, relish in the fact that the first restaurant in TN to win a James Beard award is this gem of a place in the heart of Nashville. read more

Arnold's Country Kitchen - Exterior sign - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

very good food. Service was quick and friendly. Price was very reasonable. great selection of vegetables and sides.