(3.5/5 stars)
I've…read morebeen to Fox & Lock many times over the years, enough to try nearly everything on the menu. It's a solid, casual meat-and-three that's become a gathering place for both locals and visitors. The friendly staff and frequent live music create a lively atmosphere, and if you're already coming to Leipers Fork for a show, it's a great place to grab a meal beforehand.
The menu offers classic Southern comfort food with rotating daily specials. The pulled pork is one of the more consistent meats, although I've had it arrive perfectly tender on some visits and a bit dry on others. The second meat changes throughout the week, which keeps things interesting for repeat customers.
I've worked my way through all of the sides, and the fried okra is easily my favorite. It's consistently served hot and crispy, though I think a signature seasoning blend would make it even better. The macaroni and cheese is another standout, although I've occasionally received it lukewarm. The sweet potato fries are also enjoyable but could use a little more crispness, and I think they'd really shine with a house-made dipping sauce like a hot honey mustard.
The green beans appear to be canned, which doesn't personally bother me, but they leave an unusual aftertaste that keeps me from ordering them often. The collard greens have good flavor but tend to include more stems than I'd prefer. The baked beans lean savory rather than sweet, which may appeal to some diners, though I usually prefer sweeter baked beans with barbecue. The mashed potatoes are simple and would benefit from the option of either cream gravy or brown gravy.
One item that always kept me coming back was the chicken fingers. For a long time, they were some of my favorites in the area--crispy, flavorful, and good enough that I've driven out from Nashville just to order them. Recently, however, the breading seems to have changed, and they haven't quite been the same. The onion rings are another reliable choice, arriving consistently crispy, though I think they'd be even better paired with a signature dipping sauce or seasoning.
Overall, I think the atmosphere is what makes Fox & Lock special. The staff is consistently welcoming, the live music is excellent, and it's an important part of the Leipers Fork community. If you're visiting the area for the music or exploring the town, it's absolutely worth stopping in for a meal. While I don't think the food alone is worth making a special trip from Nashville, it's enjoyable comfort food in a fun setting and a place I'm sure I'll continue to visit.
