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Monell's Dining & Catering

4.6 (2.3k reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

About Monell's Dining & Catering

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MONELL'S DINING & CATERING ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Dogs allowed

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Steven H.

Monell's is a staple here in Nashville, serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, family style and for a very fair price. We waited about 30 minutes to be seated, when we were told it would take 45 to an hour. By the time we left, the wait time was 2 hours, so make sure to come early! It's clear to see why this place is so loved. The restaurant just feels like you're at home. The biscuits and cinnamon rolls were delicious, along with the grits, fried chicken, potatoes and eggs. Personally, the only thing not worth your time were the pancakes. You will definitely leave full when eating here.

Orrin E.

The hotel manager recommended Monell's and we were not disappointed. Family style dining- meaning parties sit together at big tables and food is passed- just like we do at home. The restaurant is a renovated house - the walls are decorated with awards and once you taste the food - you know why. They also have a lovely collection of teapots in the windows. But about the food... It felt like being invited to a holiday dinner in someone's home. Except for the server who seemed a little anxious for us to eat quickly and leave. Which is the only complaint. Once the other party left, he started clearing the table- which was a little off putting. The food was phenomenal. The party at our table must have sat down a few minutes before us because some of the dishes had already begun to come out. The amazing spread included, perfectly fried and seasoned pork chops, chicken, baked chicken, creamy mac & cheese, wide green beans, corn, dressing with a lot of sage, mash potatoes & gravy, cucumbers, cole slaw, biscuits, cornbread, peach preserves, apples, banana pudding. Their merch has a catchy slogan about eating too much- which is fitting. lol. The other thing is the price point is incredible. Highly recommend visiting them if you find yourself in Nashville!

Todd J.

We ordered food to go from here. And it was delicious. The restaurant is a family style seating and eating. Kind of unique Had the skillet fried chicken and potatoes.

Craig M.

Real Southern hospitality, served family style in a gorgeous historic building with a charming courtyard. The fried chicken and biscuits kept coming, and the whole vibe lives up to their motto: "enter as strangers, leave as friends." Heads up -- it's a communal table setup, phones stay off at the table, and the "meal ticket" cards ("I've eaten and I can't get up!") are a fun touch. Great food, great value, great atmosphere. Will definitely be back next time I'm in Nashville.

Mashed potatoes
Jasmine M.

Family style dining which I didn't know before going to the restaurant. It's really all you can eat . The food is still made fresh ! The service was great !

Jeremy N.

This was an absolute GEM in Nashville to visit. Family style southern home cooking. Came in here with a decent size group because one of our tour guides recommended it. We were so happy we gave this a chance and waited the hour+ to get in. Without doing much research, the surprises throughout the dining experience made it even better. They pair you up at a large table with other guests. You're introduced as cousins, brothers and sisters, friends, whatever you want! But you're going to be passing dishes the entire start and getting to know your neighbors at the table. So many things came out that were incredibly delicious to try. Chicken, pot roast, mac and cheese, corn mash, coleslaw, potatoes, sweet potato, biscuits, pasta! All of it was incredible. There's peach tea and lemonade too at the table and a pecan dessert at the end. Amazing experience and it was so cheap too. Only recommendation other than to absolutely try this place is to be respectful of the time you're there. They cycle people in and out pretty quick and you're given a card to remind you that when you notice tables near you getting reset for another group, your time is up and it's time to go!

Candace C.

I'm going to do my vehement best to keep this short; so many sweet memories were made during my first visit to Monell's. Nestled in the eclectic neighborhood of Germantown, Monell's is nestled in the middle of the block between business and homes. Walking up to the family style restaurant instantly gives Sundays at grandmas vibes. There's a lovely patio outside (diners can eat outside as well) and areas to take pictures. We stepped inside and were immediately greeted by the host. We sat down, quickly familiarized ourselves with the "Monell's way" and began chatting with the people at our table. One couple was visiting from Detroit, a father and son were dining (son now lives in NJ) and two best friends (one now lives in the Smoky Mountains)..a nice mix of first timers and regulars which made for great conversation. Minutes later the staff appeared out of nowhere with the feast: fried chicken, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, biscuits, corn bread, corn pudding, green beans, peach preserves (omg!), and I am sure I am forgetting a thing or two. And the food kept coming! For dessert we enjoyed freshly made banana pudding. Sweet and unsweetened teas were already on the table to enjoy as much as we want. I literally felt like I was in Kentucky visiting family. We met Sam, who I renamed "Uncle Sam" who checked on us frequently and made sure we were good. I was legitimately sad when lunch ended, feeling like I was departing from life long friends. What an indelible experience at Monell's; it quickly made our must do list each time we are in Nashville.

Chris A.

Came here one morning on my way out Nashville. I wanted a good breakfast, and all my research told me I had to come check this place out. I'm glad I did. This place was a wonderful little experience. We were greeted with the sign outside, "Enter as Strangers and Leave as Friends," which is one of my life philosophies. We got there right at opening, so we got seated first along with one of their years-long regulars. A friendly local lady who provided us with pleasant conversation until the next patrons arrived, who were seated right next to us at the same table, family style. Then the next people, then the next. Sitting, talking, passing the food around the table. It was a nice experience. And the ambiance was nice, too. Plain, wooden chairs, white tile flooring, vintage holiday decor, it was like being in a grandma's house. Very comforting. The food came out one or two dishes at a time. Everything was good enough, but it also was apparent that it was mass produced in a catering style. The basics like the bacon and ham were very good, but the fried chicken, I wouldn't take a big piece, save your stomach room for other things. Whatever other things you grab, make sure you grab a biscuit and get ahold of their homemade peach preserves. That stuff was 10/10 excellent. It's so good, they jar it and sell it at the front desk. I totally recommend. Overall, breakfast is one of the most important meal of the day, so if you find yourself in Nashville, I would implore you to come and check out this city staple of over 30 years now.

Amy P.

So, this was an interesting experience. This place was highly recommended while a group of us were in town. When we got there, we realized that this was a family style place so we sat at the table with strangers lol. It was a little awkward at first, but it was cool. They had a variety of foods. The apples were so delicious. It's a beautiful place with plenty of photo opportunities.

Brittany N.

Pros: Ambiance was very nice here. Very homey. It was like you were in a big house with a bunch of dinner tables and knickknacks all along the walls. Very comforting. Service was such as homey. The sign says family style, and they sure do treat you like family. And when you have people sit next to you at your table, they treat you like family, too. The most striking thing you'll eat here are the homemade peach preserves. That stuff was delicious and goes well on the biscuits and pretty much everything else, too. Cons: Some of the food was a little under seasoned, or maybe lacking in texture, but when you make such food at such a large scale, I'm sure it's unavoidable. But it was a very enjoyable meal! Tips: Try everything. Don't load up on too much of one thing at once. Don't worry, you'll get more opportunities to get more of everything.

Rob C.

Some places feed you. Some places hug your soul and send you home different. Monell's does the second... and yeah, they'll also ruin every other fried chicken you ever thought was "good." Let's just get this out of the way. The food is ridiculous. Not trendy, not overthought, just flat out right. The fried chicken? Best in the South. I said it. Best in the East too while we're at it. Nashville included. It's the kind of chicken that makes you pause mid-bite and question your past life decisions. Then the corn pudding shows up and suddenly you're quiet. Like, actually quiet. It's that good. The cornbread and biscuits? I refuse to choose. That's not a decision any reasonable person should have to make. And the peach jam... if happiness had a flavor, that's it. I'm not saying it'll bring a tear to your eye, but I'm also not not saying that. The meatloaf hit me out of nowhere. First time I've liked meatloaf since I was a kid. That alone deserves recognition. And if you leave without the banana pudding, you've made a critical error. Best of the best. No debate. Now here's where it flips. You walk in and there's a sign that says enter as strangers, leave as friends. Usually that kind of thing feels like a nice idea. Here, it actually happens. You're seated family style. No phones. No distractions. Just people. Real conversation. Passing dishes. Laughing with folks you met five minutes ago. Fold this part in your mind for a second. In a world where everyone is staring at a screen, this place forces you to look up... and somehow it works. And inside those four walls, something clicks. People from everywhere, different backgrounds, different stories, all just sitting down and breaking bread together. It's simple. It's rare. It's magic. This is not just a meal. It's an experience. The kind you remember. The kind you make a point to come back to. I make it a stop every single time I'm in town. Never missed. Never disappointed. Five stars. And if Yelp had more, they'd get those too.

Ashley S.

Overall: Such a cool concept of eating family style Southern food and I've been wanting to come here forever. So glad I finally got to visit! It's all-you-can-eat, and literally every single dish that came out was DELICIOUS. Well priced too :) Service: We came in the morning, and waited about 20-25 minutes. Stopped by a nearby cafe during our wait. Once called in and seated, everything comes out timely (started out with the cinammon rolls). You just pass it to the next person at the table! Ambiance: Warm, Southern, lovely, homey! It looks so beautiful from the outside.

There's something for everyone here!
Ulgonda K.

We had our pre-wedding celebration dinner here and I'm so glad we did! The food was delicious!! Every single thing my husband and I tried was very good. My kiddo loved the rolls and catfish. Everyone else found at least one thing they really liked. They managed to seat 18 of us without issue and without reservations. Loved this place!

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Monell's Dining & Catering Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Monell's Dining & Catering

Do you take reservations?

Unfortunately, their OG style seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. They don't take reservations or offer call-ahead seating. You may experience a wait but you won't regret it.

We have a little dog. Are they allowed to sit at your table if you dine outside?

No one ate outside whole we were there. There was an outdoor sitting area as well as a sitting area right when you came in. Most guest were in the dining rooms. I did not see any animals.

What happens when the rest of your table (other strangers) are done eating/ready to leave and pay but you or other diners in your own group are still eating?

Everyone's bill or your party's bill is calculated separately. You pay as you leave. No check is brought to the table. There was probably about a 15-20 window from the time the first folks left the table until the last.

If I want to eat a pancake and then lunch can I come at 10:30 to catch the end of breakfast? And which location is best for a first timer, please?

No. The food they bring to the table will either be breakfast or lunch. You can't eat the breakfast then wait for them to fill the table with lunch food. The airport location or Germantown would be best for first timer. The other location is a cafe… 

How does pricing work, how much per head?

Breakfast: Mon- Fri $16.95 (Adult) $12.95 (Child) Sat & Sun $17.95 (Adult) $12.95 (Child)… 

We have a party of 11 coming on a Wednesday, how many guests are seated per table?

I think there were different size tables. I think all of them would accommodate you and your guest. You might want to call and make reservations.

Are meals still being served family style during covid? Seating with others not in your immediate party?

Hello. My wife and I went in January 2021. There was already a large family occupying a table with about 4-5 seats left, but they sat us at a different table. Since we were only two, a smaller family of 3 arrived and they sat them with us.… 

Are there any options for alcohol or mimosas?

No unfortunately but the food is amazing. They just offer tea, coffee, water and orange juice.

It's says you will be charged if you take up a chair? What does that mean?

It's family style seating, the menu for the day is posted so everyone is eating the same meal paying a set price per person... Once you sit, whether you eat a lot or a little, you will be charged.

It says you must finish what you take lol. What happens if you don't like what you took? Sounds crazy lol?

They just mean no to-go boxes lol

How are the crowds for the midnight breakfast? Is there a long wait?

I have been once. The wait wasn't bad at all! It's over at 3 so they won't seat you after about 2:30. People are usually still out. On a bad night maybe 30 min! I would def plan the night around it unless you decide to leave the bar before 1:30!

Do they take reservations?

No. First come First served

I'm celiac can I get food for my dietary needs?

Heu Barbara great question!! Monells will have options that are gluten free.… 

If we want to eat at 6pm on Sat., what time should we show up?

I would get my name on the list no later than 11am. They get super busy on the weekends.

Do they have tv's to watch sports?

No. They focus on a family style environment. You are basically forced to talk to humans. :)

I see no cell phones at the table are allowed but is it ok to use it to take pictures of your experience there?

Hi Ray! Yes, you can use your phone to take photos. They just don't like customers sitting at the table talking on them. Hope this helps! 😊

Can you pick up lunch/dinner to-go?

Yes they did have a sign at the register with prices for to go meals, I dont remember the prices though.

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In the mood for something different? I've got you covered!…read more This is a local place with a wide variety of food options, including gluten-free. The service is good & the staff is very friendly. Clean restaurant with many tables for your dining experience too. I had Chicken Fried Steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, & green beans. Very good & satisfied the taste buds tremendously!

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California needs an Ed's Fish House! I was in town for a conference and wandering the city. We saw…read morea fish spot and had to stop! Ms. Tawana welcomed us to Nashville and we decided on a fish sandwich, fried okra and lemonade. I admitted to Ms. Tawana that I had never had mustard, onions, hot sauce and pickle on my fish sandwich, but I wanted to order like the locals do and suffice to say..I am a new fan! The fish was fried and seasoned to perfection; not too hard, not too soft. Going forward I will be dressing my fish sandwiches accordingly! Okra was on point and the pineapple lemonade was delicious. And just like that, snap of a finger, Ed's make the "Nashville Favorites" list. AP took our order and helped us decide what to order to drink (lots of good choices). I'll be back next conference season!

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Monell's Dining & Catering - southern - Updated October 2026

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