Arnold’s Country Kitchen — Nashville, TN

James Beard Award-winning family restaurant serving classic Southern “meat-and-three” cuisine since 1982

Quick Facts

Category: Catering
Address: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN
Phone: (615) 256-4455
Website: https://arnoldscountrykitchen.com
Service area / notable facts: Founded 1982 by Jack and Rose Arnold, now run by their children; won the 2009 James Beard American Classics Award; featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Bon Appétit, and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”

Overview

Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a longtime family restaurant founded in Nashville in 1982 by Jack and Rose Arnold, and it continues to be run today by the founders’ children. With more than four decades of history, it has become one of the most recognized representatives of Nashville’s traditional Southern cooking culture. The restaurant specializes in the classic Southern “meat-and-three” service format, where customers pair one meat dish with a choice of three side vegetables.

Arnold’s kitchen is especially known for its leafy greens (such as collard greens), fried green tomatoes, and homemade cornbread. All dishes are prepared fresh from scratch every day, reflecting the restaurant’s “grandmother’s home cooking” philosophy. Despite its fast-service approach, this commitment to flavor has made it a go-to destination for Nashville diners.

The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 2:45 PM, and brunch on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on major holidays. Beyond dine-in service, the restaurant also offers takeout, delivery, and catering, making it a option for corporate events and special occasions.

Arnold’s Country Kitchen’s culinary legacy has also earned national recognition: it won the prestigious James Beard American Classics Award in 2009, has been featured in respected publications such as Garden & Gun, Southern Living, and Bon Appétit, and was showcased on the television show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” These accolades and media attention are evidence of the restaurant’s consistency in preserving an authentic Southern dining experience. For anyone seeking a genuine, warm, and traditional meal in Nashville, Arnold’s Country Kitchen is an essential stop.

Services

Meat-and-three lunch service
Saturday brunch
Takeout
Delivery
Catering for corporate events and special occasions

What Sets Arnold’s Country Kitchen Apart

Family-owned and operated since 1982, now run by the founders’ children
Won the 2009 James Beard American Classics Award
Featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Bon Appétit, and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
All dishes prepared fresh from scratch daily
Classic Southern “meat-and-three” format

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Arnold’s Country Kitchen’s hours?
Lunch Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM to 2:45 PM, and Saturday brunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Closed on major holidays.

Does Arnold’s Country Kitchen offer catering?
Yes, in addition to dine-in, takeout, and delivery, the restaurant provides catering for corporate events and special occasions.

What is Arnold’s Country Kitchen known for?
Its classic Southern “meat-and-three” format, along with dishes like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and homemade cornbread.

Has Arnold’s Country Kitchen received any awards?
Yes, it won the James Beard American Classics Award in 2009 and has been featured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Bon Appétit, and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

Location & Contact

Address: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN
Phone: (615) 256-4455
Website: https://arnoldscountrykitchen.com

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