Arnold's Country Kitchen opened in Nashville in 1982, founded by Jack and Rose Arnold. The family has kept the tray line running ever since, with son Kahlil now cooking and serving alongside them. It's a steam table and tray line format, cafeteria-style, serving lunch and weekend brunch, with food made fresh daily from scratch.
The menu runs on meat-and-three fare: roasted beef, long-simmered greens, fried green tomatoes, and cornbread among the regulars. The James Beard Foundation, in naming Arnold's an America's Classic, cited its "citywide reputation for excellence in meat-and-three fare," noting how the cooking has won over downtown business types, country-music folks, and everyday Nashvillians alike.
Arnold's earned that America's Classic honor in 2009 and carries a Michelin Selected designation as of 2025. On any given day, at least three Arnolds are on site cooking and serving.
The menu runs on meat-and-three fare: roasted beef, long-simmered greens, fried green tomatoes, and cornbread among the regulars. The James Beard Foundation, in naming Arnold's an America's Classic, cited its "citywide reputation for excellence in meat-and-three fare," noting how the cooking has won over downtown business types, country-music folks, and everyday Nashvillians alike.
Arnold's earned that America's Classic honor in 2009 and carries a Michelin Selected designation as of 2025. On any given day, at least three Arnolds are on site cooking and serving.