Sure, you could drive to Nashville for dinner and then catch some live music—or settle for a chain restaurant with predictable playlists. But this list is for those seeking flavor and character, both in the very same place. For those of you who hunt down every perfect biscuit and smoky brisket, or dream of farm-to-table freshness, here are 10 notable Goodlettsville spots, ranked from most essential to least. Seek them out accordingly—and keep those appetites ready.
Calabria Brick Oven Pizzeria – Goodlettsville
$ | (615) 420-6626 | WEBSITE
Calabria gets points for authenticity. Instead of hiding their process behind closed doors, this Goodlettsville pizzeria showcases their craft by firing every pie in the brick oven right in the dining area: bubbling neapolitan-style pizzas with their crusts perfectly charred, generous wings glistening with sauce, crisp Greek salads tumbling with fresh toppings, and that famous red velvet cheesecake.
It’s a welcoming display, and one that’s crucial to making the $25 meal feel completely worth the price. Get the most out of the experience by asking your server, like the attentive David, for suggestions on pairing items.
Mama’s Kitchen
$ | (615) 859-0197 | WEBSITE
For a comforting weeknight meal that feels like home, try Mama’s Kitchen in Goodlettsville. It’s pretty easy to find a spot or just walk into this southern spot, and once you’re in line you can choose from options like chicken and dressing, white beans, green beans, sweet potatoes, and cornbread muffins. A warm, inviting atmosphere wraps around the clean buffet line, making it easy to pick from several home-cooked dishes. The friendly service then welcomes you as you settle in with your plate.
Not mind-blowing, but still very satisfying, in a down-home sort of way.
Lagniappe Bayou Kitchen
$$ | (615) 766-8025 | WEBSITE
At Lagniappe Bayou Kitchen, they top their boudan burger with a fried egg and crispy bacon, serve it with a side of grits, and make sure you get a good laugh from their hilarious staff. How did a crawfish taco gain such a devoted following? And does it actually make the meal any more memorable? In our opinion, no. The chicken & sausage gumbo minus the extra spice tastes just as flavorful, and far less overwhelming.
However you order your fried catfish at this Goodlettsville gem, it arrives at your table with a perfectly golden crust. Your friendly server will recommend the gouda cheese side, even suggest sharing if you want—and you might want: with all the creative specials, it costs about $28. The atmosphere is certainly not revolutionary, but it does make you feel right at home.
Sand Trap
$ | (615) 756-4263 | WEBSITE
We would consider enduring even our most tedious relative’s brunch invitation if they had the wisdom to schedule it at this charming restaurant-slash-peaceful-retreat. The eggs benedict is our favorite dish here—you can expect your server to deliver the perfectly poached eggs with crisp bacon, fresh salad, and a generous drizzle of hollandaise.
The presentation isn’t exactly fireworks-level spectacular, but it’s quite satisfying, and ensures you get to enjoy the many complementary flavors on this plate while they’re all still at their peak.
Liz’s Kitchen
$ | (615) 851-4449 | WEBSITE
The dining experience at Liz’s Kitchen is a relatively lively one. A waitress with a tray moves quickly between your table and the kitchen. The plates are set, the aromas waft, generous portions of catfish and ribs get placed before you, and then the fresh vegetables that have already been seasoned with care get served alongside.
Paired with the homemade desserts, it’s one of our favorite meals at this friendly American spot, and it’s worth a visit any time you’re looking for more than just a quick bite.
Alex’s Tacos And Wings #3
$ | (629) 234-9062 | WEBSITE
The first time you manage to get a seat at Alex’s Tacos And Wings #3, you have to get the mango habanero wings. (If there’s ever a second time, go for the al pastor tacos, which are better.) Your server will bring a plate over and begin arranging the extra crispy wings in a large ceramic bowl, before drizzling them with the sweet-spicy sauce, plating them, and then topping them with fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge.
This is a very necessary ritual: If it weren’t for the expert presentation, you might notice the wings are fairly standard—sometimes even slightly overseasoned. But more likely you’ll be too busy wondering if you can ask your server to bring just one more order.
Rice Box
$ | (615) 851-1168 | WEBSITE
A reliable, satisfying meal at Rice Box is basically just generous portion after generous portion. There’s fried rice heaped high on the plate, pepper steak sizzling from the wok, and items from the diet menu that they’ll customize to your liking. But you should not leave this Goodlettsville Chinese food staple without trying their vegetarian options, a thoughtful selection that shows genuine care.
The same friendly staff is always willing to accommodate special requests, preparing dishes with the confidence of a team that does this dozens of times a day. The kitchen then turns those fresh ingredients into tasty, flavorful meals, for a final experience that is downright decent and valuable.
The Honey Baked Ham Company
$$ | (615) 851-7300 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot of reliability at The Honey Baked Ham Company, the Goodlettsville branch of a longstanding ham institution. But nothing is more reliable or more appreciated than their above-and-beyond service when catering orders get mixed up, a frustrating little hiccup that can derail any event, which comes arranged in the experience like a puzzle with missing pieces.
The staff comes along to accommodate meetings in the lobby, and because the ham doesn’t form a perfect seal with disappointment or with logistical errors, the service goes all over the situation and saves the bottom line of the gathering. A simple apology would’ve done just fine, but they delivered great food instead.
Home Town DONUTS
$ | (615) 420-6709 | WEBSITE
There are loads of classic options at this Goodlettsville donut shop, but the most spectacular treat is the Maple Bacon Donut. It’s $3.50 each, always freshly made, and everyone should try one. You’ll watch as they glaze the warm donut right behind the counter and sprinkle on the crispy bacon bits.
Expect to be offered samples of the vanilla coconut and blueberry varieties, and to chat with the friendly staff, who appear on and off to check on customers (and make donut-related small talk) over the course of your visit. The simple atmosphere is a little unassuming—especially if you opt in for the donut holes, which can be a bit hard—but the end result with the maple bacon and apple fritter is totally delicious.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (615) 859-3009 | WEBSITE
In terms of value for your dollar, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill wins by a landslide. A meal at this bustling Goodlettsville spot is one long countertop performance. Our favorite part is when they use a soft-serve machine to make a perfect swirl on a Blizzard. All you have to do is sit back, sip a thick chocolate malt, and chat with the family at the next booth, who are both really good at catching the onion rings in their mouths when the cook tosses them over.
The food is generally straightforward, but in a town without many fast-casual options, you take what you can get. Plus, you’re not here for gourmet cuisine anyway. You’re here for that perfect Blizzard swirl.