When people talk about true Nashville treasures, Arnold’s Country Kitchen is always part of the conversation.
Housed in an unassuming red building on 8th Avenue South, this family-run spot has been serving hungry Tennesseans since 1982 and has become the undisputed gold standard for meat-and-three dining.
I’ve been eating there since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and some of my fondest memories involve standing in line with a mix of construction workers, office folks, and even the occasional country music star—all patiently waiting their turn for a plate piled high with fried chicken, creamy sides, and Southern comfort.
Family Roots Run Deep
Jack Arnold wasn’t just opening another restaurant when he established Arnold’s in 1982—he was planting a family legacy. His children literally grew up between those walls, learning to season greens and fry chicken before they could drive…