It's becoming harder to find good, affordable food now that so many neighborhood staples are closing shop due to COVID restrictions. Here's our pick for some of the best bar food in Music City, USA.
We spend a lot of time in Music Valley, and it's no wonder why! With our favorite styles of Traditional Country Music, the Texas Troubadour Theater, Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills, and Gaylord Opryland Resort, there's lots to do and see in this small neighborhood. Bring your mask as some locations may require you to be masked to be seated, depending on local ordinance and the current COVID Reopening Phase. Some locations have temporarily closed so be sure to call before heading out!
As of the writing of this post, all items mentioned are priced at $15 or less.*
One of our favorites has always been The Nashville Palace. Under new management and recently remodeled during the COVID lock down, The Palace remains the place to go to see country greats such as Gene Watson and T. Graham Brown perform. Ticket prices are always reasonable ($0-20 for most shows) and with the excellent food and service, you're guaranteed a good time.
(Photo Credit: Sports and Entertainment Nashville)
When we come for a show, we always order the Johnny Russell Catfish Sandwich and the Love Me Tenders. With names like this, you know you've found a place that loves it's music history. The Johnny Russell is a battered, deep fried catfish fillet served with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles on a Brioche bun. This fish is so perfectly prepared that you won't need the tartar sauce and lemon on the side. The Love Me Tenders are tender and juicy boneless chicken breast strips, hand breaded and deep fried to perfection and served with Ranch or Honey Mustard. I like to order a side of sweet potato fries to share.
Another Music Valley staple is Scoreboard Bar & Grill. Located just behind The Palace, Scoreboards has an amazing music, and signature drinks program. Best of all, is their extensive food program. They have a commercial sized wood smoker right there in the parking lot, smoking the meat into submission daily. With a wide variety of food, large portions and reasonable prices, Scoreboards has become our date night go to.
Howie's usual order is their BBQ Ribs with Bacon Mac n' Cheese. Cooked low and slow on the in-house smoker, the meat falls off the bone and is cooked to perfection. A half rack of ribs is offered in either sweet mesquite BBQ or dry "Memphis" styles with two of their many sides.
(Photo Credit: Jeeps Pubs Taverns and Bars)
My usual is the Chicken Quesadilla. Chicken and cheese ooze out of the edges of the crisped tortilla, just begging to be topped with the salsa and sour cream provided on the side. Light, yet filling, this quesadilla is the perfect compliment to a hot summer's night on Scoreboard's large deck where we can listen to the live music and enjoy frozen beverages with our friends.
Our last location, and Howie's favorite overall, is the famous Music City Bar and Grill. Located at the end of the Music Valley Shops, MCB first became known as the hangout of "Little" Jimmy Dickens. "Little Jimmy" often stopped by after a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, where he performed at almost every show until shortly before his passing. A shadow box holds a prominent position over the bar near his favorite barstool. A plaque was placed at his usual seat, the third barstool from the wall. Removed during a recent remodel, the new owners assure us that a replacement marker will be placed there soon.
Memorabilia from the many artists that make Nashville and Music Vally their home line the walls. There's even a picture of our own Hollywood Howie on the wall near the kitchen door! Howie likes all the food here. He's often there for dinner and posts what he's eating that night. You can check out his feed on Facebook as @howiegaroutte.
Tonight's choice was the Bacon Burger Deluxe with Onion Rings. Be sure to let them know if you don't like jalapenos as they come with most dishes here.
(Photo Credit: Howie Garoutte)
We know you will love these venues as much as we do. Please comment with your suggestions for venues we should review next!