Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Nashville, TN, Arnold's Country Kitchen has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Arnold's Country Kitchen. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
- Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
- Two eggs any style with thick-cut bacon and crispy hash
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Nashville, Arnold's Country Kitchen is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.
Tips from the regulars
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Arnold's Country Kitchen.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Arnold's Country Kitchen open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Arnold's Country Kitchen typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Arnold's Country Kitchen take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Nashville are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Arnold's Country Kitchen kid-friendly?
Yes — Arnold's Country Kitchen welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Arnold's Country Kitchen serve?
It's classified under regional, american, southern — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Nashville.
Is there outdoor seating at Arnold's Country Kitchen?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 605 8th Avenue South. Coordinates: 36.1514, -86.7796. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.