About
When seeking Southern cooking in Downtown Nashville, make a beeline for Arnold's Country Kitchen for made-from-scratch classics. Founded in 1982 by Jack and Rose Arnold, this family-operated diner is the Real McCoy for home-style, meat-and-three cooking. If you're not familiar with this regional concept, it is where guests select one hearty meat paired with three side dishes.
We're not the only ones shining a spotlight on this mom-and-pop diner. Publications like Southern Living and Bon Appétit have showcased it, and it has also been on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. But the cherry on top of these accolades is being the 2009 James Beard American Classics winner!
Such recognition was a result of Jack and Rose's dedication and sweat equity following time-honored recipes, using locally sourced fresh ingredients, and delivering speedy service to its clientele.
It's common to see a line of diners wrapped around the building, patiently waiting to savor Southern staples. In this line are often a variety of folks, ranging from musicians to families to workers to state politicians.
As the years passed, the founders passed the torch to their children, ensuring the family legacy remained intact. Rest assured that the younger generation uses the original recipes that put Arnold's Country Kitchen on Music City's culinary map.
While there are plenty of meat-and-three diners in Nashville, there's only one Arnold's, and it needs to be on your vacation to-do list!
Vibe
Not much has changed in this building since it opened in 1982. Its classic red brick exterior with "Arnold's" proudly painted on one side is your straightforward guide to authenticity.
When you step inside, you enter a bygone era, with wood paneling, vintage signs, and photographs.
Here, guests slide trays along the stainless steel counter, while the staff greets every person with genuine warmth and Southern hospitality.
The main dining room features tightly arranged tables that encourage community, while bar seating offers a convenient spot for solo travelers. On warmer days, the outdoor patio offers al fresco dining in Music City.
The nostalgic, no-frills ambiance at Arnold's Country Kitchen lets you experience country charm in Downtown Nashville.
Arnold's Country Kitchen: Menu & Drinks
The menu rotates daily, but several standouts showcase the best of what this diner has to offer.
The legendary roast beef is a must-try and is offered daily. Arnold's cooks three 25-lb roasts daily, which is "your sign" that they're doing something correctly and that the roast is in high demand. The beef is slow-roasted until it's pull-apart tender and comes with a rich, savory brown gravy, creating a deeply comforting flavor profile. Add sides like mashed potatoes and collard greens, and you have a stick-to-your-ribs Southern powerhouse of a meal.
Another popular staple is the classic fried chicken, featuring a perfectly seasoned, crispy golden crust. The juicy inside pairs with macaroni and cheese, baked to a bubbly perfection, or savory turnip greens cooked down with pork.
Other "meat" choices include chicken-fried chicken, fried catfish, shrimp and grouper, chicken and dumplings, pork chops, meatloaf, and even Kielbasa and kraut!
Your "threes" include green beans, turnip greens, pinto beans, creamed corn, fried apples, cauliflower casserole, candied yams, boiled cabbage, black-eyed peas, and fried green tomatoes, to name a few!
While saving room for dessert will be a challenge, be sure to order a slice (or whole pie!) of chocolate meringue pie! Also available are hot pepper chocolate pie, banana pudding, chess pie, pecan pie, bread pudding, and seasonal hits like strawberry and peach pie!
Beverages include the traditional Southern sweet tea. This classic is brewed strong and sweetened generously to balance the hearty flavors of a meat-and-three plate. The fresh lemonade offers a crisp, cool finish that cleanses the palate between bites of rich gravy and fried foods. Additionally, you'll find a variety of soft drinks and some beers, ensuring there's a drink for every palate.
The hearty portions and classic diner vibe at Arnold's Country Kitchen will undoubtedly enhance a Music City getaway.
Local Tips
- Arrive early to beat the lunch rush!
- Saturday brunch is from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- The traditional meat-and-three plate is the best value.
- Park in the 4 rows adjacent to the building.
