Where to Eat Near the Grand Ole Opry

Me at the Grand Ole Opry

Need to find a place to eat before going to the Grand Ole Opry? Whether you’re taking a tour or have tickets to see a show, I have restaurant recommendations for you.

As a local to Nashville, I’m in the area often, so I’ve tried a lot of restaurants in the area. My favorites are restaurants that are decently priced while still providing a delicious meal. 

Here are the ones I think you should try! 

And, be sure to read my entire guide to Nashville for ideas on what to do during the rest of your time in Nashville next.

The Best Restaurants Near the Grand Ole Opry

Cock of the Walk

Plate of catfish at Cock of the Walk

Cock of the Walk is a catfish and chicken restaurant that feels very homey and southern. We usually get one of the fried catfish plates, and they do such a great job of cooking tender and flaky fried catfish. The fried pickles are great as well. 

We’ve never visited when it’s been super busy, so I’m not sure what the wait time is like on a Friday or Saturday night so keep that in mind if you don’t have a lot of time to spare. 

Google Maps | Website | Read my full review of Cock of the Walk

Mission BBQ

Mission BBQ is probably not new to you if you live in one of the 23 states where the fast-casual chain operates. It does have good barbecue though, with lots of sauce options, and it’s in the Opry Mills Mall within walking distance of the Grand Ole Opry. 

Mission BBQ is a solid option for a meal before seeing a show. 

Google Maps | Website

Caney Fork

Caney Fork

Caney Fork is a family-friendly restaurant with a very country atmosphere. The menu includes things like catfish, gator, frog legs, and chicken along with popular sides like coleslaw and fried okra. 

I thought the children’s menu was very reasonable, and my daughter loved the popcorn shrimp. We also really enjoyed the pond with fish inside the restaurant. 

The prices are not bad for such a touristy area, and the food is good. 

Google Maps | Website

Opry Mills Food Court

Me at the carousel in the Opry Mills Mall food court

One of the easiest options for food near the Grand Ole Opry is heading to the food court at the Opry Mills Mall. 

While nothing extraordinary, the food court has lots of the basic options you’d expect to find at a mall – Panda Express, Burger King, Sbarro, Popeye’s, and Maki of Japan are a few of the options. I usually get a gyro from Pyramids Cafe if I’m eating at the food court. 

This is a good stop if you’re short on time or if you’re with a group that can’t all agree on where to grab a meal. 

Google Maps | Website

Bavarian Bierhaus

Me getting a pretzel at Bavarian Bierhaus

Also in the Opry Mills mall, Bavarian Bierhaus is a German restaurant. The menu includes lots of German fare including chicken schnitzel, bratwursts, potato pancakes, and pretzels. And of course, you’ll find a selection of beer as well.

I’ll be honest that I don’t know how authentic of a beerhall Bavarian Bierhaus actually is because I haven’t visited many, but I can tell you that stopping for a meal at the restaurant is a fun experience.

Google Maps | Website

Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe decor

Admittedly, there’s not very much Nashville about the Rainforest Cafe, but the jungle-themed restaurant is so fun to visit, especially with kids. The Rainforest Cafe is located in the Opry Mills Mall, so it’s just a short walk from the Grand Ole Opry.

The menu is on the pricey side given the quality of the food, but the decor makes the experience so fun. Be aware that you might have to wait when the restaurant gets busy so give yourself plenty of time before you need to be at the Opry.

Google Maps | Website

Santa Fe Cattle Company

Santa Fe Cattle Company

Santa Fe Cattle Company is a steakhouse with a handful of restaurants across the South and Southwest. The menu includes items like steaks, ribs, and fajitas.

I usually get a steak when I go here, and I have never had a bad experience eating at the restaurant. The prices are not bad for such a touristy area. It’s also not quite as close to the Grand Ole Opry as some of the other restaurants I’ve mentioned, so I think it is sometimes slightly less crowded.

Google Maps | Website

Thanks for reading my guide to the best restaurants near the Grand Ole Opry! I hope you found something you liked!

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