Best Ox Tails in the world and their portions are not skimpy. All the sides are seasoned and tasty.

only buy Smoked Chicken and Rubs from Bailey & Catos. Last week after B&C returned from being closed for vacation I went by to get Ribs. The ribs tasted like they were spoiled. Like they prepared some ribs that they should have thrown out. I called twice to tell them about it. He said bring them back. I said you don't have anymore. He said "Yes, I just took some off the grill and it was close to closing. Mind you this was on Wednesday, they don't sell Spare Ribs again until Friday, so that confirms that the ribs will not be fresh. I threw them in the trash and lost $25! Today I ordered Smoked Chicken and Spare Ribs, the ribs tasted weird. They also leave the smoked chicken on the steam table too long and it gets dry and hard. I will not dine there anymore, their food has declined substantially. read more

I feel frustrated. I have supported them for years. Now I wonder if it's appreciated on their end. Plus I don't even feel welcomed. Some customers are effusively greeted as old customers but though I've come on a regular basis for years, I'm very rarely spoken to in that way. Today I bought neckbones. $14 plate. I asked if they could please give me 4 regular sized pieces of neckbones instead of a small chopped off piece. I was told if I wanted that, I could get a side order of 5 for $10. I would get more meat. My question is, after reducing the size of the plates and going up on the price, don't I deserve 4 regular sized pieces of " bones"????? Just a thought. Perhaps I should relieve my frustration and just stop coming back as I have told myself before. It's no surprise so why am I even upset? ..I write this in my car on the parking lot. Just not feeling it today but I do feel a bit better just venting . read more

What an amazing cafeteria style place. I'm from Chicago and wanted some Southern food. Catfish, Turnip Greens and Mac and Cheese were great. Staff was friendly and you can't beat their prices. read more

I wanted some soul food on a Tuesday and decided to come here. Ehhh... not sure I'm satisfied with my choice. It's a cafeteria style establishment. Each day they have different menu options. Be sure to check out the menu before going to save yourself the disappointment. I ordered fried chicken (white meat) with Mac and cheese and candied yams. Fried chicken was fried fairly decent, but had they kept it in any longer it would've been burnt. The oil may need to be changed. Cornbread is delicious. This was probably the highlight of my entire plate. Candied yams...smh! I have never tasted candied yams like these. Nonetheless get the entire yam as the side. I was looking forward to these and was let down tremendously. Flavoring was off and I expected these to be top tier. Mac and cheese was good. Thankfully, I got the first scoop out of a fresh batch. Service was fast, but rushed when trying to decide on what you want. Especially when you're set on something and then have a chance to see it through the glass and immediately change your mind. This establishment has always been a hit or miss for me. Hopefully if you check it out it'll be a hit for you. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Food is phenomenal all of the time! I've been eating here for over ten years, and try and support them every week.

If you are a meat eater, the food is probably what you are looking for. However, after getting a couple of messed up delivery orders I decided to go in person to pick up my food. I ordered a fish plate which understandably I had to wait for. However when the cook placed the fish in the window, the servers let it set there even after I told them it was there. I ordered the sides of white beans and greens. I was really disappointed to get home and discover the beans were canned and the greens were tasteless. And on top of the bad food, the servers were rude and dismissive. I don't think I will be back. read more

first of the dang food is not that great service is not that great and they have the audacity to charge 11+ for a pork chop sandwich and you only get 1 the damn sides suck no freaking taste don't even waste your time stopping here it's not worth it!!!!! i don't even give them 1 star but i had to read more

Chicken and Dressing was a little too salty and fried chicken was overlooked cooked but still juicy. We will order again

RUDE. SMH. The food was good the last time I went. We had dressing, mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. Banana pudding was also decent. But, the service will make me not go back. Whoever the young girl/lady is that works there isbthe RUDEST I've ever seen. On my first visit ahe was scolding a customer and the people with him because they all came to the counter at once. She kept asking him were they with him and he said yes. Then she asked if he was paying for them and he again said yes. I would've walked out if it were me, the way she was speaking to them. On my visit today, this same young girl had on a red net hair net, was constantly rolling her eyes at customers and also being rude to the staff that work there! A few of us customers overhead the cashier say they think they were out of oxtails, so we walked to the front and asked. The cashier, an older lady who was nice, said she thought they were out but she would check. The young girl walks up to her and says you need to be worried about the customers and not what's going on in the back. The older lady said I was just asking a question. She was so rude to the older lady and in front of everyone smh. Three of us customers just walked out. She has to be family because ain't no way she's still working there with that attitude and demeanor. I've been a few times and EACH time she had been rude. The reviews back to 2014 say the staff is rude. They ain't lying! Goodness. read more

Glad I got in today before the week closed for VACA. Always GREAT FOOD, SERVICE and Easy to Order. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Rib Plate, Yams, Greens & Hot water cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

As you can see, I've tried a variety of meals here. I would give this place a solid three. I've been more impressed with the sides then the actual many entrees. Cons: Meatloaf was not tender at all. It was a block of whatever it was. I wouldn't get again. Chicken and dressing had something grainy in the texture. It was like either mashed eggshells or a seasoning that wouldn't dissolve. The dressing was salty. Do not get the banana pudding. It's not a homemade one. I was disappointed by that. I haven't tried the fried chicken yet but it doesn't look like it's made to order. It sits on a heat rack after it is cooked. Voicemail is full and no one answers the phone for call ins or questions. Pros: Affordable prices A large amount of food I enjoyed the mashed potatoes with gravy and fried corn. I liked the turnip greens (a little salty) and cabbage. Hushpuppies were warm and tasty. The ribs hit the spot and fall off the bone. It's so tender and flavorful. Staff are nice and patient. Restaurant is clean read more

See all

Food was very mediocre!! I've had better! I ate chicken and dressing. They were out of greens and chicken would take 25 minutes to cook. I won't be back! read more

This is (more-or-less) a cafeteria-style restaurant on the grounds of the Hermitage (Andrew Jacksons home) near Nashville, so I'm rating it as such. We found the food good and the prices reasonable. The menu changes daily. We went on a Thursday so BBQ was available. This was good, but IMHO wouldn't compete with the best here in Memphis. My wife got the fried chicken which she declared good. For those lucky/smart enough to visit on Fridays, you get to try their Ox-tail! read more

Met there with an ole High School Football buddy. The location is back in the corner of the old Zayers Shopping Complex. It's been a lot of things over the years. They have a day to day menu that has treat choices of Meat and 2. When we were there they had Neck bones, Fried Chicken and pork chops etc. My buddy got the Chicken and dumplings and I had the Pork Chop, fried corn and Greens. Everything was delicious. They even gave us a sample of the Neck Bones. Had Banana Pudding which was ok. However they had at least 5 choices of deserts. At first I was concerned with the service line lady because of the yelling to the back cooks. Lol when we got up to order she was a doll. It was like being at a family's backyard grill out. So if you like Fried Chicken, BBQ, Liver And Onions and just good ole Soul food this is the place. Just make sure you check on line or call to see what their serving. If you looking for Ambiance IMHO this place isn't it. Great Food it's a Champ! Oh I forgot to add the Hot Water Cornbread. I thought I was a Cornbread Connoisseur. Yet It was a first for me having that type of cornbread. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Daily Menus - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

Good ole comfort food! The taste of our ancestors!!! I would recommend this for a home cooked meal that Grandma used to make!!

Decent food but terrible business. They close early almost daily, they never have all the items on the menu and the employees look beyond tired. This is a perfect candidate for the show "Restaurant Impossible". They sell decent food but the management (if there is one) is beyond bad. Every time I've been they're literally yelling out what they don't have. Then it's "we got 25 mo minutes on macaroni". Maybe everyone else is rating the food alone at 3.5, which sounds about right. But the restaurant is definitely a 1 star. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Poor reflection of Black Business. - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

This place is straight fire!!!! The lady at the hotel recommended we check this place out and I'm glad we did. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time and we will definitely be back again. Oh yeah and make sure you get the ribs read more

See all

Had the ribs, smoked chicken, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese with hot water cornbread. So good and I ate on this for three days to which was still fresh. Service was good. Ambiance was decent. Restaurant is clean, organized, and straight to the point. I will definitely be back again. I've had the oxtails before and they are good, however; they only serve them for one day. Worth the drive for some true soul food. read more

I've been at this location twice after being referred By a facebook fan you can get a meat 2 vegies and desert for 12.30 plus tip I save 5.00 a plate from my Other meat and 2 place and the food is great I have enough to eat the remainder in the evening which During these times are a great value also the staff Are very nice and professional they even have a club Buy 20 get one free coupon card in which I've never seen in the restaurant world read more

See all

I will never set foot in this place again they are very rude people.There prices are sky high and I seen roaches in the building. Fk this nasty dump! read more

This review is strictly about their process... you order your food in line and they make it quickly... except for the FRENCH FRIES!!! Rather than the people just telling the kitchen they need an order of fries you have to wait until you're in line to pay. The wait for French fries is an additional 10-15 minutes. So you wait in line to order your entree and sides and they box it up. Then put it at the register. Then you wait in line to pay and order French fries then you have to walk outside the restaurant and come back in 10-15 minutes. Seems like there's a more efficient way to do this. Maybe they just don't want people to order fries. read more

This restaurant has been around ,for a long time, I do believe that the main cook's have passed this place off to their children and grandchildren,,There old location on Riverside Dr. was ok, but the Madison location the food was awful ,a friend of mine took Me there for lunch,I don't plan on returning PERIOD ‼ There are not a lot of meat and vegetables restaurants in Nashville is not Very Good. read more

A full dose of Soul Food served with a full dose of attitude. Chicken and dressing, Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy and cornbread all yummy at a decent price. 4 stars because the parking lot and sidewalk were beyond dirty with trash. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Soul Food yumminess. Chicken and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, Mac n cheese and cornbread. - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This place has the best soul food ever. Experience was great! Homemade desserts can't go wrong with those!

I used to go all the time when it was on McGavock Pk and I didn't know where they moved to, but stopped by recently and had a chicken and dressing plate and it did NOT DISAPPOINT!!!!! read more

They are phenomenal on all there food especially the hot water cornbread the banana pudding needed Patty's Recipe

My husband found this little place once we touched down in Nashville. I was shocked to find that it was a cafeteria style restaurant. You go up and order your food, it's served cafeteria style, and then you can sit if you want or take it out. The line was pretty long, we waited for about 25-30 minutes. I ordered catfish, turnip greens and green beans. The catfish was delicious, seasoned and cooked very well. The greens beans were flavorful. The greens, no way, straight from the can, and large pieces. I literally had one bite and never touched it again, they can take these right off the menu to be honest or at the very least chop them up and add more seasoning, I wouldn't order again. We also had fried chicken, it was just ok, we were given the last piece that was sitting, no telling how long it had been there. My husband had ribs, yams and Mac and cheese. We lucked up and were able to get fresh ribs, they were pretty good, the Mac and yams were delicious! We also tasted some of the oxtails, it was very good, will order that next time! read more

I support this business because it is Black Owens AND THE FOOD IS EXCELLENT! I love the Oxtails and friend chicken. My 92 year old mother loves everything and especially the banana pudding! I order once a week and am happy they are surviving through this pandemic. read more

The lengthy drive was well worth it. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious! I went on a Thursday for the Salmon Cake special. I was not disappointed and look forward to going back soon. read more

When I come home to visit, I usually stop here for ribs. And I really don't ever order ribs when I eat out. But they are pretty good here. You don't even need sauce, and that's saying a lot from me. The restaurant is tiny. It's not somewhere I'd sit to eat. The line is usually backed up to the door, so be prepared to wait. Know what you want before you get to the counter, otherwise you'll hold everybody up. The side items are hit or miss. We do like the fried corn, delicious. I always choose the cornbread. Several pieces come in a grease soaked brown bag - yum! Parking is an issue, just a few spots in front. But there are more in the gravel lot in back. If you're in the mood for traditional meat 'n three Soul Food, give them a try. read more

See all

I was not pleased with the food nor the service! Collards(one big leaf), Mac and Cheese (not seasoned good and little to no cheese), Oxtails (a lot of fat and not meat) and a couple of ladies are not nice at all. This is a soul food restaurant. read more

I was told about this place by a friend so I had to check it out! When u first walk in the smell hits u as soon as u walk in. Smells like grandma kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The people are nice and patient with you and the choices are plentiful... I was not disappointed and it's my new favorite place to eat wen in the Ville.....if u love down home cooking this is the place! Have daily specials too..open 7 days u can't beat that!! read more

See all

Without exaggeration or bias, I can say that Bailey and Cato not only has some of the best soul food in the city, but perhaps some of the best Southern food you'll ever have the pleasure of eating. This is another of those places that is big on taste and quality and gives little regard to appearances. Eating at Bailey and Cato is literally like wandering into an ancient Southern woman's kitchen--she'll offer you chicken and dressing or meat loaf, and she'll even let you eat there. There isn't a lot of room, but it's usually pretty devoid of non-carryouters, so you'll have the place mostly to yourself if you eat there. There are daily specials (such as meatloaf and two sides for $5 on Sundays), and they are always a steal. All of the sides are good, though my favorites include the fried corn, mac & cheese, sweet potatoes and greens. The cornbread is phenomenal (tastes like perhaps it's dosed with a small amount of honey), but they offer rolls if you're not into the c.b. They also offer several options for your meat, though I haven't yet sampled the smoked chicken. Bailey and Cato isn't some hip, organic-touting, healthy restaurant, but these people are friendly (though typically in a hurry) and they'll feed you better than your mom will. They only accept credit cards if your dinner is more than $10, but I'm not sure there's anything else negative to say about the place. It's great for picnics, lazy Sunday afternoons or fooling your family into thinking you've cooked some soul food yourself. You MUST try this place. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Love Bailey and Cato's. It's a staple in Inglewood and now Madison. Great value for your money. Typical meat and three is under $10 and they give you so much food. Chicken and dressing, ribs, catfish, all is so good. My favorite is the meatloaf. They have the best collard greens in the city. read more

Being from New Orleans i can always appreciate food that has some real love put into it and that love can certainly be experienced here. I'm more of a cajun seasoning-type and don't usually go for much soul food but i definitely would not mind revisiting this place to try some other items on their menu. I went in and ordered the Tuesday special which was the smoked neck-bones (awesome!) and a side of macaroni and cheese with greens and cornbread, completed with a bottled drink for under nine bucks?! Can't beat that no matter where you go, and the servings are healthy as well, i ate twice off one plate. Everything was really good, i found the cornbread to be.....different. Not bad, just a little dry (could have been because they were not fresh) i like my cornbread a bit more moist, and i'm used to the plain, simple square piece but that would not keep me away from this place. Next time i'm in Nashville i'll definitely make a reappearance! read more

We have MISSED you! Love that food! Hubby had ribs and I had Fried Chicken. As yummy as ever!! read more

Bailey & Cato's - Delicious Fried Chicken Breast, REALLY good Cheesy Potatoes, and Cabbage! - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

They are the best soul food in town, So i am updating my review. The customer service has improved greatly, Thanks you

Good place for soul food, smoked chicken is good, oxtails are good, the only reason that it doesn't get 5 stars is because of service, and sometimes they over season their food. read more

Soul food place that's been established for add long as I can remember... Food is good as to be expected. My latest experience was unusual... The cashier had an attitude for no reason and the flies were uncontrollable. Parking can also use some improvement I hope my next visit won't be as this one. read more

Bailey & Cato's - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee