Eat Like a Local: Your Guide to Mom & Pop Dining in Clarksville & Nashville
“Enthusiastic hosts like MP Getaways are so dedicated to their guests having an exceptional stay that they’re challenged to find their own time and resources for themselves,” says Elle. “They’re givers and sometimes givers swing too far into that giving activity.”
Eat Like a Local: Your Guide to Mom & Pop Dining in Clarksville & Nashville
One of the best ways to experience Tennessee is through its food—and there’s no better place to start than the local mom-and-pop restaurants that give Clarksville and Nashville their unique flavor. Whether you’re staying at MP Getaways for work, relocation, or vacation, treat yourself to these beloved local spots!
Clarksville Favorites
1. Johnny’s Big Burger
Address: 428 College St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: Classic cheeseburger, crinkle fries, and a legendary milkshake
Price Range: $6–$12 per person
Why Locals Love It: Family-run since 1965, this is the go-to for late-night bites and old-school diner vibes.
Address: 428 College St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: Classic cheeseburger, crinkle fries, and a legendary milkshake
Price Range: $6–$12 per person
Why Locals Love It: Family-run since 1965, this is the go-to for late-night bites and old-school diner vibes.
2. Silke’s Old World Breads
Address: 1214 A College St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: German-style breads, fresh sandwiches, and homemade pastries
Price Range: $8–$15 per person
Why Locals Love It: Authentic European bakery with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Address: 1214 A College St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: German-style breads, fresh sandwiches, and homemade pastries
Price Range: $8–$15 per person
Why Locals Love It: Authentic European bakery with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for breakfast or lunch.
3. Yada on Franklin
Address: 111 Franklin St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: Wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and craft coffee
Price Range: $10–$18 per person
Why Locals Love It: Locally owned, vibrant spot in historic downtown Clarksville with live music and a creative menu.
Address: 111 Franklin St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: Wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and craft coffee
Price Range: $10–$18 per person
Why Locals Love It: Locally owned, vibrant spot in historic downtown Clarksville with live music and a creative menu.
4. The Looking Glass Restaurant & Bakery
Address: 329 Warfield Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37043
What to Try: Southern breakfast, homemade cakes, and daily lunch specials
Price Range: $8–$14 per person
Why Locals Love It: Hidden gem for home-cooked comfort food and friendly service.
Address: 329 Warfield Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37043
What to Try: Southern breakfast, homemade cakes, and daily lunch specials
Price Range: $8–$14 per person
Why Locals Love It: Hidden gem for home-cooked comfort food and friendly service.
5. Thai Bowl
Address: 267 Stonecrossing Dr, Clarksville, TN 37042
What to Try: Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Thai iced tea
Price Range: $10–$16 per person
Why Locals Love It: Family-owned, authentic Thai flavors, generous portions, and friendly staff make this a local favorite for Asian cuisine.
Address: 267 Stonecrossing Dr, Clarksville, TN 37042
What to Try: Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Thai iced tea
Price Range: $10–$16 per person
Why Locals Love It: Family-owned, authentic Thai flavors, generous portions, and friendly staff make this a local favorite for Asian cuisine.
6. L & L Caffeinated
Address: 608 Washington St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: Signature lattes, cold brew, fresh pastries
Price Range: $3–$8 per person
Why Locals Love It: Cozy, locally owned coffee shop with creative drinks, a relaxed vibe, and a perfect spot to start your morning or catch up with friends.
Address: 608 Washington St, Clarksville, TN 37040
What to Try: Signature lattes, cold brew, fresh pastries
Price Range: $3–$8 per person
Why Locals Love It: Cozy, locally owned coffee shop with creative drinks, a relaxed vibe, and a perfect spot to start your morning or catch up with friends.
Nashville Gems
1. Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Address: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Try: Meat & three plate (choose a meat and three sides), banana pudding
Price Range: $12–$18 per person
Why Locals Love It: James Beard Award-winning, family-run “meat & three” institution—expect a line at lunch!
Address: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Try: Meat & three plate (choose a meat and three sides), banana pudding
Price Range: $12–$18 per person
Why Locals Love It: James Beard Award-winning, family-run “meat & three” institution—expect a line at lunch!
2. Mas Tacos Por Favor
Address: 732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
What to Try: Fried avocado taco, chicken tortilla soup, elote
Price Range: $3–$5 per taco, $10–$15 for a meal
Why Locals Love It: Tiny, cash-only spot with big flavors and a cult following.
Address: 732 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
What to Try: Fried avocado taco, chicken tortilla soup, elote
Price Range: $3–$5 per taco, $10–$15 for a meal
Why Locals Love It: Tiny, cash-only spot with big flavors and a cult following.
3. Elliston Place Soda Shop
Address: 2105 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Try: Classic milkshakes, burgers, and Southern breakfast
Price Range: $8–$15 per person
Why Locals Love It: Old-school diner atmosphere with a menu that’s pure nostalgia.
Address: 2105 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
What to Try: Classic milkshakes, burgers, and Southern breakfast
Price Range: $8–$15 per person
Why Locals Love It: Old-school diner atmosphere with a menu that’s pure nostalgia.
4. Monell’s Dining & Catering
Address: 1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
What to Try: Family-style fried chicken, biscuits, and all the fixin’s
Price Range: $18–$25 per person (all you can eat)
Why Locals Love It: Southern hospitality at communal tables—you’ll leave full and happy.
Address: 1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
What to Try: Family-style fried chicken, biscuits, and all the fixin’s
Price Range: $18–$25 per person (all you can eat)
Why Locals Love It: Southern hospitality at communal tables—you’ll leave full and happy.
Pro Tips for Eating Like a Local
- Many of these spots are busiest at lunch—arrive early or call ahead if you can.
- Some are cash-only (like Mas Tacos), so bring a little extra.
- Ask your server for daily specials—locals know the best dishes aren’t always on the menu.
Staying at MP Getaways?
Let us know if you want more local recommendations or directions—our team is always happy to help you discover Clarksville and Nashville’s best hidden gems!
Let us know if you want more local recommendations or directions—our team is always happy to help you discover Clarksville and Nashville’s best hidden gems!
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