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Arnold's Country Kitchen
Category: Restaurants Southern Southern [Edit]
605 8th Ave SNashville, TN 37203
Neighborhood: Downtown
(615) 256-4455
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Michael T. said: "Very good BBQ joint. Please take a look at the pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/pho tos/nicknamemiket/sets/72 157624087815949/" read more »
155 reviews for Arnold's Country Kitchen
Review Highlights
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"One the fried green tomatoes are incredible." In 34 reviews -
"Hands down the best meat in three." In 10 reviews -
"The roast beef was medium rare and delightful." In 34 reviews
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155 reviews in English
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Review from Janette C.
Nashville, TN
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Saw this place on triple D (diners drive ins and dives). It lived up to its hype!
Cafeteria ordering style. Country meat and three. Specials each day of the week.
The food I and my companions had was delicious! I would def recommend and go back. In fact we plan to go back on a day they are making their chicken and dumplings :)
Loved :) -
Review from Sara A.
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
YUM YUM YUMMY.
If you are in the mood for some good down-home family cooking, look no further. They have tons of side items from green beans to mashed potatoes, and everyday they have specials on meat. I tried the kielbasa and sauerkraut and boy was it outta this world! I also had to treat myself to a slice of chess pie. I tell you what, that crust...oh my goodness.
Oh yeah- they have RC on tap!!! Talk about throwback! Love it. -
Review from Amber Y.
Birmingham, AL
5/14/2012
It's a good thing I'm off work today - because after lunch at Arnold's, I'm in severe need of a nap (and that's a good thing).
Arnold's is a classic meat & 3. But, instead of being one of those where you leave and say, "yeah, that was pretty good", you swear your grandmother works in the kitchen. Leave the salt and pepper on the table - the food is perfectly seasoned and doesn't need a thing.
My recommendation? You HAVE to get the roast beef. A. It's amazing and B. The guy slicing it is adorable (I think he's one of the sons?). Shut up! He is!
You really can't go wrong with anything you get - the mac and cheese, green beans, fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes . . . they're all wonderful. The only mistake I could possibly see someone making would be to get a side salad. Have a salad later. The food is too good at Arnold's too fill up precious belly space with nonsense like lettuce.
Nap time! -
Review from Adam S.
Nashville, TN
4/30/2012 6 Check-ins Here
If I was forced to pick my absolute favorite restaurant in Nashville, I wouldn't hesitate to pick Arnold's. Every time I go, I leave in a food coma (that's a good thing) that I don't want to wake up from.
Not only is the food stellar, but the staff is some of the nicest people you'll meet. I just feel at home there. -
Review from Melissa B.
Oak Lawn, IL
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
On a recent road trip I carefully planned my drive through Nashville to make sure I could stop here! I was getting nervous I'd made a mistake when we pulled up- I didn't! It was heaven!
The hours are very limited. I believe they are open Mon-Fri for lunch only. The restaurant is cafeteria style-nothing fancy. I think we were the only couple in the place that wasn't a local.
The meat choices on the menu change daily. I still can't believe the meal we had for the price- I was full for 2 days! Here's what we had...
Fried steak-heaven
Fried shrimp
Rolls/butter
2 orders green beans
Mac and cheese- perfect!
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Fried green tomatoes- the best on earth
Cucumber salad
Slice of pie- still unsure which kind, but I was in love!
Sweet tea
Lemonade
All of this for under $25 and it was all homemade and wonderful! I want to take another road-trip through Nashville soon! -
Review from Ross T.
Corolla, NC
4/18/2012
HOLY COW!! How come no one told about this place before!! I LOVE IT!
Cafeteria style with BOSS Southern food. Extremely friendly folks who know how to cook and deliver it with a smile.
Country fried steak was the special of the day, and they loaded it up with collards and mashed potatoes. I wish I could have eaten 3 servings.
Went with vegetarian wife and two friends and everyone said the same thing. This place is an institution for a reason.
Well worth it and we'll be back again. First stop after the airport. -
Review from Fritz N.
West Chester, PA
5/8/2012
While I don't think this place needs another stellar review, I can't help myself. I spent two days in Nashville and ate here twice. Every bite of everything I ate was delicious. And people that worked there were so nice, I couldn't believe it. Line out the door around noon and the line moved quickly. Can't wait to eat here again.
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Review from Jack W.
Nashville, TN
5/11/2012
Tied for my favorite meat-and-3 in town, next to Copper Kettle.
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Review from Kim Y.
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Arnolds makes me like things I don't even like. I mean, can you often say places do that much for you?
As I wait in the humongous yet always lightening fast line I meander through the daily options with a major open mind. Pork chops? Blech! Oh wait - I AM at Arnold's.
Hit the top of the line - think fast Kim! The regulars behind you are about to go crazy on yo' butt!
"I'll have the pork chop with collard greens and mac n cheese". What's gotten into me!?
But man, the pork chop was fork tender, the collards not a bit bitter and the mac n cheese wasn't reminiscent of kindergarten paste; in fact the noodles were still in tact and actually tasted like cheese.
I'm usually a biscuit/roll girl, and the yeasty monsters they serve here are delicious, but if you're a first timer, please order cornbread to soak up your greens juice/broth - its a southern staple according to my old guard friend and he doesn't steer me wrong!
Other tips: don't be shy and don't show up with more than a group of 2 or 3 during the lunch rush - a place to sit may be tough to come by, but everyone is so happy and content from their plate lunch, they are in great moods and happy to share close quarters!Listed in: Nashville Noobs!
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Review from Amber S.
Nashville, TN
2/8/2012
This is the best southern food I have ever had, with exception of course to my mother-in-law's. The place is a little dive, easy to miss if you're driving through, and definitely a no-frills atmosphere. The clientele is mostly friendly blue-collar, good ol' country folk, with a few of the downtown corporate types thrown into the mix.
The line was long when we arrived, but moved very quickly. The guys behind the counter were so warm and welcoming, and every bit southern gentleman ("yes ma'am, no ma'am"). I had the roast beef, hubby had the catfish, and we both had the mac and cheese, greens and mashed potatoes. The roast beef is by far the BEST roast beef I have ever had. It was cooked perfectly, juicy and full of flavor. The mac and cheese was slightly wetter than I'm used to, but had a really good cheese flavor. I had heard that the greens were the best in Nashville, and I have to say, they were awesome! They had a great smoky pork flavor with a hint of sweetness. The mashed potatoes were buttery and yummy. My husband loved the catfish, and he doesn't eat seafood! We had pecan pie for desert, and wow was it sweet! I took a few bites, and had to put the rest in a little box for later.
The atmosphere here is wonderful. Everyone treats each other like they're old friends, and will invite you to sit with them at their table if it's a little extra crowded. The owner is a super nice guy and goes out of his way to make sure you feel special.
I recommend trying out Arnold's if you're in the mood for a great Meat & Three. I definitely see myself becoming a regular here. -
Review from Brent G.
Sacramento, CA
2/6/2012
The meat and threes here are, indeed, absolutely fantastic. The mustard greens are the best I have tasted. The owner was present and walking around. I had seen him on TV. He was nice enough to tell us that he got the fish batter so puffy by adding more baking soda to the mix. Terrific, cheap, but crowded. Get there early! Going back Ina few days and I live in California. Also, the man has won a James Beard award for Pete's sake!
This, along with Monelle's are my absolute must stops when in Nashville! -
Review from Jonathan M.
Holland, MA
1/18/2012
I am from the north and didn't know what to expect with this place. The atmosphere is straight up like a cafeteria. The food was great. It's about as southern as it gets. They only have a handful of options per day so if you have some picky eaters with you don't go here. I had some sort of meat that melted in my mouth.
The downside to the place is the whole group I went with basically fell asleep when we got back to the studio. If you need to be productive after work stay as far away from this place as possible. If you are in need of some good sleep, go back for seconds. ; ) -
Review from Em P.
Nashville, TN
1/5/2012
Arnold's is one of those places I can only afford to lunch at when I'm not crazy busy at work, because once you scarf down a plate full of this deliciousness, your afternoon is spent in a food coma popping tums.
When I moved here, I had no idea what a meat & 3 was. It's kinda like a lunch counter without the counter. Except this one has a Beard award. Yeah.
I usually get the roasted beef and usually ask for some of the garlic pulled from the roast. I'm real nice when I ask, though. I've had their fried chicken (very solid) and meatloaf too (really good for meatloaf). Next time I think I'll get a plate of sides, because that's usually where on the line I get indecisive...mac and cheese is stellar, fried green tomatoes are heaven, mashed potatoes are creamy...I don't care if my entire plate is a beige tone. I wonder if they'll still give me the roasted garlic out of the beef if I'm not ordering the beef? Hmmm...
Line moves fast, so don't get upset if it's out the door as it usually is. Make your mind up before you get close to the line, don't linger too long, and leave a couple of bucks for the guy that cheerfully busses your table. Staff is very friendly except if you're some mook who came in because they saw this place on Diner's Drive Ins and Dives wanting to try fried green tomatoes for the first time. I've seen several politicians here too, from local to federal. My husband has the unfounded complaint that "it's dirty" but he's kind of uppity sometimes. It's not a place for vegetarians, as I'm pretty sure everything has some sort of animal fat in it. Though I have lunched with otherwise vegetarian friends who turned a blind eye for the afternoon.
I also enjoy that you have to grab your dessert first. Good philosophy! -
Review from Julia F.
Honolulu, HI
1/12/2012
On my visit to Nashville I relied on Yelp to steer me to good Southern Food. Being from Southern CA, I don't have any experience with Southern Food, and so I don't really have much to compare it to, but I loved all the food I had here.
I even enjoyed waiting in line and watching what everyone else was eating.
I was really impressed by the fried green tomatoes; major yumminess. So flavorful and crispy. I absolutely loved the grit cake, and the banana pudding dessert thing. I loved my entree as well, it was some sort of shredded pork with this gooey cheese sauce :)
I loved the cafeteria style of this place, and all the people were so friendly to us, making sure we enjoyed our first taste of the south. -
Review from Tony C.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!
that is all -
Review from Casey H.
I like this place. It's a cafeteria style restaurant, you tell them what you want and they will build the plate for you. This place is always busy but the line moves pretty quick. I loved the friendly service and the lemonade. I had the brisket and it was delisio!
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Review from Kimberly K.
Manhattan, NY
Comfort food at its best.
Arrived at 10 am and the doors were open. There were plenty of seats available at this time. By 10:30 am (opening time), the line was out the door. The employees started to serve us at exactly 10:30 am (impressive!).
{Ambiance} Laid back. Homey. There is quite a bit of seating available, but it gets packed in here quick. Customers eat fairly quickly though. By the time you're done standing in line for your food, you should be able to find a table.
{Service} Cafeteria style. Once you enter, stand in line and grab a tray. Silverware and napkins can be found at the beginning of the line. A few of the menu items are laid out for you to grab yourself (ie. salads, desserts, bread) and some are given to you by the employees (ie. meats, veg). You pay the cashier at the end of the line. Once you have your tray of food, seat yourself.
You will see a lot of Jack Arnold's family members working here. Everyone is so kind, positive, and hard working. They really go out of their way to make their customers feel special and comfortable.
{Food} It's all about the Meat and Three. Arnold's offers different types of meats and vegetables every day. Corn Muffins, Biscuits, and Corn Cakes are complimentary.
We decided to try the Roast Beef, Meatloaf, Fried Green Tomatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Corn Pudding, Chess Pie, Banana Pudding, and Bread Pudding.
The Roast Beef was cooked medium rare and was seasoned perfectly. It was not too salty and had a bit of kick to it from the black pepper and other spices. The Au jus was well prepared. The Meatloaf was tender, juicy, and seasoned perfectly. The sauce on top was a bit tangy and went well with the savory meat.
The Fried Green Tomatoes were lovely. The coating was golden, crisp, and seasoned well. The tomato itself was juicy, tart, and warm. The Mashed Potatoes just melt in your mouth. It's warm, smooth, and comforting. The Mac & Cheese will satisfy your cheese craving without making you go through a cheese coma. The Corn Pudding was sweet and savory. The Corn Muffins and Corn Cakes are freshly made but lacked flavor and were a bit too dry. The Biscuits were soft and buttery.
If you like bread pudding, definitely try the one from Arnold's. It has to be illegal to make bread pudding this delicious. Filled with loads of cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. It was soft and creamy but still had enough resistance. The Banana Pudding was also amazing. The pudding did not taste like some of the others I've had in the past. This pudding was fresh, home made, not too sweet, and light. The whipped topping was also fresh. The crust on the Chess Pie was beautiful. The pie is creamy and tastes like an egg custard. It's an extremely sweet and rich desert. Eating an entire slice will definitely put you in a sugar coma.
{Price} $7.95 Meat & Three, $6.95 Meat & Two, $6.64 Four Veg and Bread.
Everything here is made from scratch and you can TASTE the difference. -
Review from Alicia J.
Cambridge, MA
12/30/2011
Arnold's provided us with a great early lunch while maintaining the prices one would expect at a buffet-style restaurant. I'd say they bring buffet food to the next level.
We initially arrived at 9:00, as some other websites state that they open at 6:00AM. We were further confused by their door sign saying 10:_0 (missing a number), but after some waiting, we were admitted at 10:30, when Arnold's actually opens.
The procurement system is a buffet where you move down the line choosing desserts, sides, salads, bread, mains and drinks, in roughly that order. This kept things moving rather quickly.
We ordered meatloaf and roast beef as our mains; fried green tomatoes, green beans, mashed potatoes and a strawberry bacon spinach salad as our sides; sweet tea, cornbread, and rolls; and finally chocolate pie for dessert. That's a lot for two people at a very reasonable price of $23.
The meats were very good and cooked well. Both roast beef and meatloaf gets prepared in mass, so we figured them to be the best choices for a buffet. Still, I wish I had splurged on the fried catfish in retrospect. The real stars of the meal turned out to be the sides. I never expect much of green beans, but these were something special. Slightly spicy and meaty from being cooked with some pork (I think), I found myself finishing the beans before I took more than a bite of the meatloaf. The mashed potatoes were creamy and served with ample gravy. The fried green tomatoes were breaded admirably and gave a satisfying crunch to accompany the tartness of the tomato. They were better than any fried green tomato I had in Atlanta. Both the cornbread (cooked like a pancake) and the rolls were tasty. The chocolate pie was extraordinarily rich and a very nice completion to the meal.
Arnold's has a menu which rotates daily which makes me sad to say I am leaving Nashville tomorrow! -
Review from Jeff M.
Arnold's was the first establishment to have ever served a meat and three to me. In fact, it was the first place I went to on a recent trip to Nashville. I had no idea what to expect walking into this unassuming restaurant. I knew about the James Beard on the wall but had no idea that that spiky bleached blond idiot from the Food Network visited this place untill I saw his photo on the wall. I told the guy behind the counter I was from Boston and had no idea what I was doing. He served me roast beef, greens, mac and cheese, tomato basil pie, bread budding, butter pecan pie and two pieces of cornbread. The total for all of this was $11.69. I couldn't believe the price.
Getting to what was on the plate, the roast beef was pretty basic, but, nonethless good. The mac and cheese had too much pepper and more liquidy than I like. The greens were greens. The tomato basil pie may have been the best thing on my tray. The bread pudding was too dense, had no bounce to it and the sugar in the creme anglaise was over overpowering. The better pecan pie was very good, but, to order it, you better like sugar. I don't include price in my review but if I did this would have to be a five star cheap eat. -
Review from Ken D.
Rockvale, TN
5/8/2012
I am a fan of Arnold's...everything I have had was very good...but..I must be honest, they always give you a generous meat portion but they are slightly stingy with their sides....I love the mac-n-cheese but the guy who fixes your plate always has to take his serving spoon and kind of spread your sides out onto the plate to make it look like your plate is full....I do not understand why anyone else does not mention this...Yes the food is very good but I would be willing to pay a little more to get normal size servings of their wonderful sides!!
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Review from Lisa B.
Smyrna, TN
12/5/2011
This is seriously, in my opinion, the best meat and three in Nashville. When I was pregnant I was fortunate enough to work a couple of streets away and I can't begin to tell you how great that was...I try and take any out-of-towners here I can!
Yes there can be a killer line and no parking if you go in the middle of lunch hour...but go a little after and you are golden. Its delicious, people. GO! -
Review from Kara M.
Orange County, CA
1/23/2012
What's not to love at Arnold's? My family and I chanced upon this little treasure on a business trip to Nashville. The place was not hard to find but you have to keep an eye out for it since it's just a small building in a side of downtown one won't normally head to. Good thing the red and yellow of ARNOLD'S pops right out.
Parking was easy. There was a line once we got inside but which moved fairly quickly for our hungry tummies. We were lucky enough to snag a table and save it while in line for our food. Imagine our surprise when we saw the spray painted stenciled in face of Guy Fieri and he'd visited the place for DD&D! That certainly upped our excitement and we were not disappointed at all. The people in front of us were friendly and eager to suggest their favorites (everything). The staff was friendly, the son of the owner was friendly, the busmen were friendly. Again I ask: "What's not to love at Arnold's?"
They are open M-F from 10:30 am - 2:30pm. I read a sign that they cater, too. They have certain foods that are served on certain days so be sure to check if you're craving for a particular food.
What we had:
- Cornbread pancakes - Oh. My. Gosh.
- Roast Beef - To die for. Really. This is the best roast beef I've ever had (Sorry, Papa, you're is good but theirs is just..... the bomb).
- Mashed potatoes - Not too thick, just the right consistency and hecka tasty.
- Green beans - This is also the best I've ever had. Even my toddler (who used to eat veggies without any hassle but is sadly not the same anymore) loved them! Granted, I did mash most of it into the potatoes but she didn't mind the green color at all. In fact, she kept saying Mmmm and More please!
- Sweet tea was delish. We mixed it with some of the lemonade we got which I'm not afraid to say is one of the lightest drinks with just the right amount of sugar. Yum.
This was one of the best eats on my first trip to Tennessee. Makes me want to come back all the more. I keep telling anyone who would listen to me to go to Arnold's if they ever find themselves in TN. I'm definitely going to make my way back. -
Review from Ryan S.
Murfreesboro, TN
5/4/2012
Great food and excellent staff as well. The only drawback was the line being out the door, but I will definitely be back regardless.
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Review from Josh M.
Nashville, TN
1/10/2012
Arnold's is consistently great. They never let me down.
This place is hands down the best "Meat and Three" in town. Honestly, I think it's the best "Lunch if You Don't Have to Work in the Afternoon Spot" in town.
My most recent meal there consisted of BBQ Beef on a Cornbread Cake with Fried Green Tomatoes, Asparagus, and Cucumber Onion Tomato Salad. With Sweet Tea to wash it down, I was in heaven...thankfully, I had taken a half-day off work. -
Review from Kelly S.
Washington, DC
5/2/2012
Wow! This was the first place we tried in Nashville. It is amazing. And the owner and staff were wonderful to us tourists from Vegas. You won't be disappointed. It's delicious.
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Review from Larry R.
Mount Olive, IL
5/2/2012
Oh yeah, FIVE Stars because it's THAT GOOD my friends!!! The people working at Arnold's are the nicest most friendly people you could ever meet. They all work with a smile and they make you feel at home. Oh, did I mention that they will feed you the best tasting food you could ever want. If its good down home cooking you want, then Arnold's is the place you want to go because it doesn't get any better than this. Several meat choices as well as several vegetable choices. Also, make sure you save a little room for desert because they have some of the best. I had the chocolate pie, and it was out of this world. I just can't say enough about the staff at Arnold's, because they were ALL top notch. They know how to treat people and make you want to come back. I just can't wait for my next visit to Nashville because a trip to Arnold's will definitely be part of the plans. Now I've just made myself hungry talking about Arnold's. Sure wish I lived a little closer. But I will be back Arnold's, I will be back!!!
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Review from Heather H.
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
File this one under "Places I never would have tried if not for out-of-towners."
I immediately loved the atmosphere and great mix of people. It was crowded, but as the guy who helped me carry stuff to a slightly occupied table said, "you just might meet new friends or family." That's the vibe alright, and I like it.
I ended up with a vegetable plate and pie. I love how mac and cheese is vegetable in the South. It was good, a tad salty, but I'd definitely order it again. I had a little of Spider J.'s banana pudding on her insistence, which I had passed on because it was unidentifiable and therefore suspect, but yeah, really really good. I'd get it over pie next time.
Staff was super friendly and genuine. -
Review from Clarice C.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
was helping my friend road trip from atlanta to denver and we drove through nashville at lunchtime. I was only allowed one meal here and SO glad I made it Arnold's! I'm sure you can tell by the Yelp reviews and line out the door but I just want to re-iterate that this is a MUST if you are in nashville!
def has a cozy southern feel. it's like a cafeteria style ordering system. they have certain dishes on certain days. i got the Roast beef, fried green tomatoes, chocolate pie, Mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes for LUNCH! and ate it ALL. like who does that??
don't be intimidated by the line because it moves quickly and the food is so worth it! -
Review from Spider J.
Temple City, CA
10/20/2011
Everything was good here, but the banana pudding was NUTS. The staff was really friendly, as we came in with a baby, and they had someone carry a tray so we could carry the baby. The roast beef was medium rare and delightful.
My only beef (ahahahaha. beef.) is that I didn't come on the right day to try the chicken, and it looks like they don't do brisket at all, which is a damned shame. Also, the plate that the chocolate cream meringue pie came on smelled of dishwater, and the smell kind of got into the pie. :-/ But even the vegetarian in our group was a happy monkey, so yeah. I know my friend who lives near here will start bringing her husband now that we've found it. -
Review from Paul P.
Nashville, TN
10/19/2011
Oh Arnold's, how I love you so.
Mondays they have blackened tilapia. I know, you're like, whuh, blackened tilapia at a meat & three? And I'm like, yeah buddy, and you're like, holy crap, this is awesome. The end.
Or, I'm like, I'm going for a veggie-4-plate today, and you're like, what are you, a wussy? And I'm like, nay, a real man eats his Greens, just look at Popeye. And you're like, truth.
Line moves fast, meal is $10, and there's lots of iced tea, if you're into that kind of thing.Listed in: Downtown Eats
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Review from Kristen W.
Louisville, KY
9/8/2011
Happened to be in Nashville on a Friday afternoon, and decided to take advantage and check out Arnold's while it was open. We walked the mile from our downtown hotel in the 100+ degree heat and I am very happy to say it was worth it.
While waiting in line, I was convinced by a man eating that I needed to get the fried shrimp. I also got the fried green tomatoes, asparagus, and candied yams. For dessert, peach pie. Hubs got the lunch special BBQ beef on a jalapeno grit cake, + his 3 sides, and pecan pie for dessert. Mmmmm. Everything was excellent.
Believe the hype. You don't earn 2 James beard awards for being mediocre. I hope to make it back someday, the sooner the better. -
Review from Tim M.
Redemption Baby!
Gave Arnold's another chance as bunch of friends were going.
Roast beef - cooked medium. The employee took great care to cut thin slices that I didn't have to exert too much effort to cut the meat.
Mashed potatoes were good as well as the green beans. The mac and cheese is always great in my opinion.
The line was not moving as efficiently as it would at Swett's or Niki's but the pace is good as it allowed for tables to be constantly turned over and you weren't left standing and waiting for a table. Even with the line at the door as we walked in, only took ~10 min to proceed through the line.Listed in: Meat & 3
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/2/2010
Maybe I went on a bad day or at a bad time. If this is Nashville's best, they need some new… Read more »
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Review from Daniel L.
Sacramento, CA
1/18/2012 1 photo
Yes, yes, and more yes. If I lived near here, I would frequent Arnold's daily and immediately gain fifty pounds. Besides, when the first comment you're told is to grab a plate and eat because you've traveled across the country, you know you're in a great place.
My girlfriend and I lined up cafeteria-style and sampled their roast beef, tilapia, and kielbasa. The beef was tender and seasoned perfectly without being overly salty; the tilapia was flaky, moist, and placed over plump white rice with a great sauce (I forget what it was, but it rocked); and the kielbasa was grilled to perfection with crusty skin yet juicy plump innards. The sides were also quite good, but what struck us the most was the friendliness.
We experienced it everywhere in Nashville, but never did we feel more at home than in Arnold's with the wonderful hospitality. The staff joked with everyone, and they were extremely helpful in explaining what different sides were. Inside is a little cramped, but that doesn't really matter. Everything is so great that you can't help but scarf it down before your stomach can protest. And, that is how I'll gain my fifty pounds. -
Review from Kenneth B.
Nashville, TN
1/4/2012
By far, the best meat and three in Nashville. Here is a detailed review that I wrote after one of my many visits.
http://tennesseefoodie...
OH MY, THE AROMA ALONE IS A TREAT!
I am a big fan of Arnold's and have considered my visits over the years as more of a treat than just getting something for lunch. No matter if you call it southern cooking, comfort food, or country fixins - you can be sure to call it Nashville' Best Meat and Three! Arnold's Country Kitchen is a long-time fixture on 8th Avenue South earning its esteemed reputation via word of mouth from Nashvillians and visitors alike. There is no need to spend money on advertising for this eatery as individuals, print articles, and internet blogs over the years take care of that necessity of operating a small business.
WHAT TO EXPECT. A long line is always a good sign as a testimonial for good food. Don't be discouraged as you will move quickly through the line and approach the counter. Take these moments to enjoy the atmosphere. Standing in line you will notice the walls are filled with numerous photos, signatures, and articles from over the years touting praises and loyalty. Laughter and conversation is abounding as good people from all walks of life talk about daily living and hot topics. As you take your steps forward and get close to the counter take note of the very friendly staff (many have stayed with Arnold's for numerous years) as you can hear them helping the customers decide on what goodies to eat. This will be a good time to see if there are any tables available and decide if you will be eating sitting down or taking your food to go.
FOOD! Oh my, the aroma alone is worth the visit! The food is prepared fresh each day with the best ingredients. Each day offers a slightly different menu with a few meats to choose from and a vast selection of sides. You can also treat yourself to the homemade pies. What do you like? All homemade, all delicious! - Meats: roast beef, liver and onions, fried chicken, carved ham, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, fried whole catfish, BBQ pork, baked chicken and dressing, chicken livers, country fried steak, fried shrimp; Sides: green beans, various types of greens, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, pinto beans, creamed corn, fried apples, boiled potatoes, white beans, boiled cabbage, candied yams, salads, black eyed peas, baked squash (casserole), fried or stewed okra, fried green tomatoes; Desserts: pies, pies, pies of chocolate, fudge, lemon, banana, coconut, buttermilk, chess, pecan, icebox; banana or bread pudding. This is a list of what you may find depending on the day that you visit. My favorites: roast beef, fried chicken, country fried steak, fried catfish, chicken and dressing, greens, pintos, fried green tomatoes, green beans, and squash casserole.
BUSINESS HOURS. Let's go to Arnold's! Get there early or past 1:30 p.m.! As you approach the restaurant you will see that the parking lot is full but you will find a spot as the lunchtime business is fast-pace and many people like to order their food to go. Monday-Friday; 10:30 am - 2:45 pm. Price Range $6-$12 (depending on add-ons).
CONTACT. Arnold's - 605 8th -
Review from Mae K.
Cincinnati, OH
3/3/2012
Maybe I'm a Yankee, but I thought this was good, but maybe not as good as the other reviews say. I left happy, but not blown away. The mac and cheese was fantastic and the fried green tomatoes were meltingly soft in the middle, but for my taste, I would've preferred a bit less fried breading on the tomatoes.
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Review from Tessa A.
Huntington Beach, CA
8/21/2011
First time in Nashville, and fresh off the plane we went to Arnold's. We walked from the Renaissance to the eatery (NOT recommended for women alone, or in the evening) But when we got there it was WELL worth it.
Food and atmosphere is amazing...Fried chicken is out of this world, not crowded at all, and the people are all so sweet and accommodating! Some of our favorite food on our trip! -
Review from Iris T.
10/8/2011
Came here looking for an authentic Southern meal and came out full but not exactly satiated.
I happened to come here on a Friday so I decided to get the roast beef with mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. All three diff types of food on my plate were salty and I found myself tearing through the rolls of bread just to alleviate the saltiness.
Looking at the reviews, maybe I just came on a bad day but I'm willing to give it another shot on any future visits to Nashville. -
Review from Randy C.
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Meat and Three. Great people work here. It is a bit intimidating to be in line and not even know what is available as you approach the food area and the guy wants to know what you want.
The good news, it is all tasty stuff. Line moves fast. People leave tables fast. -
Review from Angela P.
Tucson, AZ
11/1/2011
Let me start by explaining this was not what I expected. Such high reviews and it was nothing more than a disappointment. It was about $8.00 a person and the service was LOUSY! The last piece of pie was refused to me because the server wanted it for himself! The food itself was mediocre and unless you're going there for "the experience" I wouldn't recommend going here to anyone.
I went to this restaurant because it was on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' and in my opinion, Guy Fieri made a mistake. -
Review from Todd D.
Nolensville, TN
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is excellent!
