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Wendell Smith's Restaurant: Authentic Southern Meat & Three Diner in Nashville

Wendell Smith's Restaurant in Nashville offers a warm, nostalgic journey into mid-20th-century Southern dining. This roadside diner captures the spirit of 1960s country cookin’ with comforting "meat and three" plates featuring standout dishes like tender liver and onions and crispy fried pork chops. Homemade sides—creamy fried corn and flavorful beans—enhance every meal, while desserts like pecan fudge pie and blackberry cobbler deliver a perfect sweet finish. Beyond the food, the genuine, attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels treasured. Wendell Smith’s is a rare gem that marries heartfelt hospitality with classic Southern flavors.

Wendell Smith's Restaurant at a glance

  • Address 407 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209, United States
  • Phone +1 615-383-7114
  • Restaurant type Diner , Breakfast restaurant , Country food restaurant , Restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for breakfast , Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Wendell Smith's Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

McKinley Mitchell
5

Loved the atmosphere. Reminded me of the oldtime 70s truck stops, especially the one in George, Washington on Interstate 90.

cuzins623
5

We absolutely love Wendell Smith's restaurant! Great meat and three down home country restaurant. The atmosphere is a genuine throwback to the mid-1960s. The food is super good country cookin(g intentionally excluded).

H RB
4

I loved everything about a diner where all of the staff know all of the diners (excluding us who were visiting the area) and treats them like treasures friends. We arrived a bit later in the evening and they had already run out of the pinto beans, subbed in white beans, and those had already disappeared so I don't know what they are doing with their beans but something magical is my guess. We both got the meat and three, I selected the liver and onions (delicious) and my dining companion has the fried pork chop (amazing). Sides were homemade - the fried corn was more like cream style corn and we loved it. The pecan fudge pie was a slight crunchy and a bit salty combination that I loved. The blackberry cobbler was delicious. 124/10 would eat here again

THE PlayStation Brah
5

My old boss took us to Wendell Smith's Restaurant years ago as a reward for our hard work one morning. Brah! We've been going back ever since! Great home cookin' quality food, nice staff, good prices, and served to you in a timely manner. Ain't going to complain about that!

Doug Akers
5

Prepare to be amazed! This is a true roadside diner. I travel a lot and am always looking for places like this. Staff was incredible and provided for our needs before we even knew we had a need. Food was great! (I had Livers & Onions) not my usual choice, but I am sure glad I picked that. If you want to go to a place "where everyone knows your name" like 'Cheers', this is the Place!

Jaclyn Haddock
5

The turnip greens & pinto beans were worth 5 stars by themselves. Our server was so sweet and helpful. Highly recommend*****

Freddie Vaughan
5

First time at WS today. I was looking for some good Southern home cookin' and man did I find it. Food was phenomenal. Service and environment welcoming and chill. I had the chicken and dressing...so dang good! Them turnip greens are

Location

  • Wendell Smith's Restaurant
    Wendell Smith's Restaurant
    407 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209, United States Hotline: +1 615-383-7114

Wendell Smith's Restaurant in Nashville, TN, stands as a heartfelt tribute to authentic Southern dining and warm, neighborly hospitality. Nestled at 407 53rd Ave N, this charming roadside diner delivers an unmistakable throwback ambiance, evoking the spirit of mid-century truck stops and classic country eateries. It's a place where the staff knows their regulars by name and welcomes newcomers as treasured friends, embodying a genuine sense of community.

The true highlight here is the "meat and three" – a comforting Southern tradition that showcases expertly prepared main dishes alongside an array of homemade sides. The liver and onions, often overlooked at other tables, shine with a delicate balance of flavor and tenderness, a testament to the kitchen’s mastery. The fried pork chop is no less impressive, boasting a crisp exterior and juicy, flavorful meat inside. Accompanying sides like the fried corn, which approaches the richness of cream-style corn, and beans that evoke a mysterious, almost magical quality, complete the plate with soul-satisfying textures and tastes.

Desserts at Wendell Smith's are not mere afterthoughts but essential parts of the experience. The pecan fudge pie intriguingly combines a slight crunch with a subtle saltiness, creating a memorable contrast. Meanwhile, the blackberry cobbler offers a sweet, vibrant finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere transports diners to a simpler time, with decades-old charm reflected in the décor and the heartfelt service. This is the kind of place travelers and locals alike seek out for genuine down-home cooking at fair prices, served with a warmth that invites you back again and again. Wendell Smith’s is more than a restaurant—it's a culinary haven for those who cherish classic Southern comfort food paired with authentic human connection.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards