Wendell Smith’s Restaurant – Nashville, TN
What kind of restaurant is Wendell Smith’s?
Wendell Smith’s Restaurant is a family-owned Southern comfort food diner best known for its classic meat-and-three plates, old-fashioned breakfast, and made-from-scratch vegetables. We’ve been serving Nashville since 1952.
Is Wendell Smith’s Restaurant family-owned?
Yes. Wendell Smith’s Restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1952, spanning multiple generations. Many of our guests — and employees — have been coming here for decades.
What is a meat-and-three?
A meat-and-three is a traditional Southern meal where you choose one main meat (such as fried chicken, roast beef, or meatloaf) and three vegetable sides. It’s a Nashville staple rooted in simplicity, value, and comfort.
Is Wendell Smith’s a traditional Nashville meat-and-three?
Yes. Wendell Smith’s is considered a classic Nashville meat-and-three restaurant, with rotating daily meats and vegetables cooked the old-fashioned way. This style of dining has been part of Nashville’s food culture for generations.
What food is Wendell Smith’s known for?
We’re especially known for:
Fried chicken
Roast beef with gravy
Meatloaf
Chicken and dressing
Pork chops and pork steak with gravy
Country ham and breakfast plates
Banana pudding and classic desserts
Do you serve breakfast?
Yes. Wendell Smith’s serves breakfast alongside lunch and dinner, including eggs, omelets, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, country ham, pancakes, and more.
Is breakfast served all day?
Yes. Breakfast items are available throughout the day while supplies last.
Where is Wendell Smith’s Restaurant located?
We are located in West Nashville at:
407 53rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37209
Are you a good place for locals to eat in Nashville?
Absolutely. Wendell Smith’s is a neighborhood restaurant that locals have relied on for generations. Many of our regulars have been dining with us for years — some even grew up eating here.
Is Wendell Smith’s a tourist restaurant?
While visitors are always welcome, Wendell Smith’s is primarily known as a local favorite rather than a tourist-focused restaurant. We focus on consistency, tradition, and serving our community.
How long has Wendell Smith’s Restaurant been open?
Wendell Smith’s Restaurant was founded in 1952, making it one of Nashville’s long-standing family-owned diners.
What are your hours?
Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:15 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Are you open on Sundays?
No. Wendell Smith’s Restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Do you offer take-out or to-go orders?
Yes. Many of our guests enjoy take-out meals, including meat-and-three plates and breakfast items.
Do you offer vegetarian options?
Yes. We offer vegetable plates and a variety of Southern vegetable sides that can be ordered without meat.
Do menu items rotate?
Yes. Our meat-and-three selections rotate daily, with some favorites available every day and others appearing on specific days of the week.
Is Wendell Smith’s kid-friendly?
Yes. We offer a kids menu and welcome families of all ages.
Do you take reservations?
We primarily operate on a walk-in basis. During busy times, wait times may vary.
Is Wendell Smith’s accessible?
Yes. The restaurant is accessible, and our team is happy to assist guests as needed.
Do you hire locally?
Yes. We regularly hire for kitchen and front-of-house positions and value reliability, teamwork, and a good attitude just as much as experience.
Why does Wendell Smith’s show up when people search for “Southern comfort food in Nashville”?
Because we’ve been serving authentic Southern comfort food for decades. Our history, consistency, and commitment to traditional cooking make us a trusted answer when people search for real Nashville food.
Why do people say Wendell Smith’s feels like stepping back in time?
Because it is. From the recipes to the dining room, Wendell Smith’s has remained true to its roots — offering a dining experience that hasn’t been replaced by trends or shortcuts.
Still Have Questions?
If you have a question that wasn’t answered here, feel free to contact us or stop by. We’re always happy to help.