Exploring Nashville's Culinary Scene During Car Show Season

Nashville isn't just Music City — it's a destination for gearheads and food lovers alike. Major car shows like the Nashville Auto Show at Music City Center, the Barrett-Jackson Auction at the Fairgrounds, and swap meets at the Nashville Fairgrounds draw thousands of visitors each year. But after you've spent hours ogling custom paint jobs and chrome engines, your stomach will be calling. Fortunately, the neighborhoods surrounding these venues are packed with restaurants that serve everything from flaming hot chicken to refined Southern plates.

This guide covers the best local restaurants near the main car show venues in Nashville. Whether you need a quick lunch between show floors or a sit-down dinner with colleagues, these spots deliver authentic flavors and genuine hospitality. We've organized them by proximity to the top venues, plus a few worth the short drive.

Near Music City Center (Downtown)

Music City Center is the hub for the Nashville Auto Show and other major conventions. It's located in the heart of downtown, within walking distance or a short ride from dozens of restaurants. These are our top picks.

Hattie B's Hot Chicken

No visit to Nashville is complete without hot chicken, and Hattie B's is the reigning champion. Their downtown location on 19th Avenue is a 10-minute walk from the convention center. Choose from five heat levels — the "Shut the Cluck Up" spice is not for the faint of heart. The queue can get long during event weekends, so plan for an early lunch or late dinner. Pro tip: order the chicken tenders if you want maximum crunch, and don't skip the pimento mac and cheese.

Hattie B's official website

The Southern Steak & Oyster

Located just a block from Music City Center, The Southern offers a refined yet unpretentious atmosphere. The menu highlights Gulf Coast seafood and dry-aged steaks. The oysters Rockefeller are a favorite, and the bourbon-glazed pork chops are a hearty choice after a long day on your feet. Their rooftop bar is a great spot for a post-show drink. Reservations recommended.

Biscuit Love

For breakfast or brunch before the show doors open, Biscuit Love in the Gulch is unbeatable. Their "East Nasty" biscuit — fried chicken, aged cheddar, and sausage gravy — is iconic. They also serve coffee and lighter options like granola bowls. Arrive early to beat the line; it's about a 15-minute walk from Music City Center, or a quick rideshare.

5th & Taylor

If you want a sit-down Southern-inspired dinner without breaking the bank, 5th & Taylor is a gem. Their dry-aged burgers are legendary, and the buttermilk fried chicken is a standout. The space is industrial-chic with exposed brick — perfect for a relaxed group dinner. It's a 10-minute walk from the convention center.

Near the Nashville Fairgrounds

The Nashville Fairgrounds host Barrett-Jackson, the ZOOM Expo, and countless car club meets. The area is more residential, but there are some fantastic neighborhood restaurants within a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk.

Arnold's Country Kitchen

A true Nashville institution, Arnold's serves a meat-and-three lunch that has earned James Beard recognition. The rotating menu features Southern classics like fried catfish, roast beef, turnip greens, and banana pudding. It's cafeteria-style, fast, and cheap. Arrive before 2 p.m. — they close when the food runs out. Cash only, and no reservations.

Edley's Bar-B-Que

Barbecue is a must in Nashville, and Edley's on 8th Avenue South is just a few minutes from the Fairgrounds. Their brisket is smoked for 15 hours, and the pulled pork is melt-in-your-mouth. The "Rib-a-licious" nachos are a crowd-pleaser. They have a full bar with local craft beers on tap, and outdoor seating for nice weather.

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack

For the true hot chicken origin story, visit Prince's on Dickerson Pike — it's a short drive from the Fairgrounds. This is the restaurant that started the Nashville hot chicken craze. The heat is no joke; start with medium unless you're a chile head. The vibe is old-school, no frills, and the chicken is served on white bread with pickles. A bucket-list stop for car show attendees.

Butcher & Bee

If you need a break from Southern comfort food, Butcher & Bee offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Their whipped feta dip and pita are legendary. The lunch menu includes bowls and sandwiches, and they have an excellent selection of natural wines. Located on Fatherland Street, about 10 minutes from the Fairgrounds.

Near Nissan Stadium & East Nashville

Nissan Stadium occasionally hosts car shows and specialty automotive events. East Nashville across the river is a hip neighborhood with a dense restaurant scene.

Peg Leg Porker

This BBQ joint in the Gulch is a favorite among locals and visitors. Their dry-rub ribs and pulled pork are smoked with hickory and oak. The "Porker Nachos" are loaded with brisket, cheese, and jalapeños. The owner, Carey Bringle, is a legendary pitmaster. It's a short drive or rideshare from Nissan Stadium.

The Pharmacy

For a classic burger and milkshake, The Pharmacy in East Nashville hits the spot. They grind their own beef daily and serve it on a house-made bun. The beer garden is dog-friendly, and they also have vegetarian options. It's a low-key spot to decompress after a day of automotive action.

Lockeland Table

This neighborhood restaurant on Lockeland Springs offers seasonal American fare with Southern touches. Their wood-fired pizzas are excellent, as are the shrimp and grits. They take reservations, which is a lifesaver during busy event weekends. Located 5 minutes from Nissan Stadium and 10 from the Fairgrounds.

Classic Southern Cooking — Worth the Short Drive

Some of Nashville's most iconic restaurants aren't right next to the venues, but they're well worth a 15- to 20-minute drive. Add these to your itinerary if you have time.

Monell's Dining & Catering

Monell's in Germantown serves family-style Southern meals at communal tables. You'll sit with strangers and pass platters of fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits. The experience is pure Southern hospitality. Lunch and dinner seatings are timed; book ahead. Kids eat cheap, making it great for families attending car shows.

Loveless Cafe

About 25 minutes from downtown, Loveless Cafe is a pilgrimage for biscuit lovers. Their country ham and red-eye gravy are legendary, and the biscuit mix is sold nationwide. If you're staying near the outskirts or heading to the Opryland area, it's a must-visit. Breakfast is served all day.

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Martin's has multiple locations, including one in Belmont and another in Nolensville. Their whole-hog barbecue is cooked over hickory coals. The banana pudding is a perfect finish. Locations are close to the Fairgrounds, and they offer catering if you're feeding a group.

Late-Night Eats for Car Enthusiasts

Car shows often run into the evening, and after parties can go late. Here are spots that serve until the wee hours.

Nashville Biscuit House

Open 24 hours on weekends, this no-frills diner in the Lockeland Springs area serves breakfast all night. Their biscuits are massive, and the gravy is peppery and rich. Perfect for post-show cravings.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Located downtown, this bar serves pub food like burgers and pretzels until 2 a.m. They have 80 beers on tap. A good spot for a drink and a snack after the show.

Dino's Bar & Grill

Dino's is a dive bar in East Nashville known for its sliders and late-night crowd. The kitchen stays open until 1 a.m. The atmosphere is unpretentious, and the cheeseburgers are cheap and delicious.

Plan Ahead for Car Show Weekends

Major events like the Nashville Auto Show and Barrett-Jackson can double the city's restaurant traffic. Here are practical tips:

  • Make reservations at least a week in advance for dinner spots like The Southern, 5th & Taylor, and Lockeland Table.
  • Arrive early for lunch at Hattie B's, Prince's, or Arnold's to avoid peak lines.
  • Use rideshare services — parking near downtown and the Fairgrounds can be tight; apps like Uber and Lyft are widely used.
  • Check hours — many Southern restaurants close between lunch and dinner, or are closed on Mondays.
  • Cash is king at Arnold's, Loveless Cafe, and some smaller spots; bring a small amount just in case.

Beyond the Main Venues

If your car show takes you to the Gaylord Opryland Resort (hosts of the annual Nashville Auto Show occasionally), you'll find plenty of dining on-site plus nearby options. In the Opry Mills area, try Bourbon Street Grill for Cajun food or Chili's for consistency. For something unique, Aquarium Restaurant offers a massive tank with tropical fish — a hit with kids.

For shows at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds (separate from the main Fairgrounds but close), the restaurants listed in the Fairgrounds section apply well. The area around Nolensville Road also has authentic Mexican taquerias worth exploring.

Final Thoughts: Eat Like a Local in Nashville

Nashville's food scene is as diverse as its automotive culture. From the sizzle of hot chicken to the slow smoke of BBQ, the city rewards those who venture beyond chain restaurants. When you attend a car show here, make time for the food — it's part of the experience. Grab a biscuit in the morning, a meat-and-three for lunch, and a dry-aged burger for dinner. Your taste buds will thank you.

Remember to check hours and make reservations when possible, especially during peak show weekends. With this guide in hand, you'll eat well from the convention center floor to the fairgrounds bleachers. See you at the show!