Best Meat & Three! (Lafayette: live, restaurants, shop)

[CountryGirl2b=]

I did a search and although we have MANY food threads, none specific to Meat & Threes! My niece is visiting next week from CA and loves the whole idea of Meat & Threes . . . the whole idea of "sides" and the usually extensive list to choose from (compared to "Do you want fries or cole slaw?")

She has been to Pucketts and we're hitting Loveless (more for atmosphere) for breakfast after she gets off the plane but . . . Best Meat & Threes?????? It's Labor Day weekend so please let me know if it would be impossible to get in to, but I still would like a list for future non 3 day weekend visits.

Thanks . . . . .

[DonCorleone]

I think the Meat and 3 discussion begins with Arnold's on 8th Avenue downtown. They won a James Beard Award a few years back and are considered the standard-bearer for Meat n 3s.

That said, in my personal experience, opinions on Meat n 3s are as diverse and sometimes polarizing as discussions on BBQ and hot chicken. So, personally, I think Arnold's is good...but more than a bit overrated. Still, I would probably take an out of towner there because it's so well known and is probably the first place most people think of when they think of this style of food.

I prefer Dandgure's Cafeteria (aka Dan's Cafe) off of Lafayette very near Hot Diggety Dog. Swett's in North Nashville is another on the short list of noteable meat n 3s that are worth checking out.

Man...thinking about this at lunchtime is making me hungry. Think I'll go to Dan's today.

[BirdieBelle]

It doesn't have the atmosphere of many places, but Bishop's in Cool Springs has GREAT food.

Everything I've had there is good. It really tastes like eating at your grandmother's house.

[N.Cal]

Dandgure's Cafeteria (aka Dan's Cafe) off of Lafayette very near Hot Diggety
Dog.

I've heard this is much better than Arnolds.

[septimus]

Have you tried Barbara's on Old Hillsboro?

[DonCorleone]

Originally Posted by N.Cal

I've heard this is much better than Arnolds.

Dan's been at it for decades and has a very consistent following and product. It's one of the only restaurants I can think of that I can honestly say I've never had even a mediocre meal at. Always fresh, always delicious. But it is not good for the waistline.

[CountryGirl2b=]

I am making my list . . . . Arnolds looks great but only open at lunch so that might be tough.

Yes, I've been to Barbara's! A couple of celebrity sightings there . . . But for one reason or another I haven't been back since they reopened after the fire. Thanks for reminding me!

[DonCorleone]

Yeah, that will be an issue for most of these. Meat n 3s tend to only be open for lunch and during the weekday.

[steindle]

I also enjoyed Bailey and Cato when I lived in E. Nashville. And the Village Pub across the street is one of the most pleasant spots in the city, IMO.

[bluemarlin08]

We prefer Swett's or Wendall Smith's.