Nashville Best Of 2026 · Best Nashville Steakhouse
Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse
Nashville has plenty of shiny new steakhouses, but none can match the history, hospitality, or corn cakes at Jimmy Kelly’s. Family owned since 1934, it’s our pick for the best steakhouse in Nashville.
The Verdict
Best Nashville Steakhouse: Why Jimmy Kelly’s Earns the Title
National steakhouse chains have flooded downtown, but Jimmy Kelly’s remains a one-of-a-kind, family-owned original. Dinner is served in intimate rooms throughout a grand Southern mansion in Midtown, where steaks are cooked exactly to order and the service feels personal.
The menu delivers the classics done right, from porterhouse and filet to the Cowboy Ribeye, with generous shareable sides like creamed corn brûlée and Kate’s Potatoes. And before any of that arrives, there are the complimentary corn cakes, a Nashville tradition all their own.
1934
Serving Nashville Since
90+
Years Family Owned
3
Founding Promises Kept
1
One-of-a-Kind Original
What to Order
The Dishes That Made Jimmy Kelly’s Famous
Come hungry. Portions are generous and the sides are made for sharing.
Corn Cakes
Warm, slightly sweet cornmeal cakes brought to every table. Butter them up and try to save room for dinner.
Cowboy Ribeye
A hefty bone-in ribeye with rich marbling and a beautiful sear. It’s the steakhouse classic done the old-school way.
Creamed Corn Brûlée
Sweet, creamy corn under a caramelized sugar crust. Order it alongside Kate’s Potatoes and share with the whole table.
The Story
A Nashville Tradition Since 1934
Jimmy Kelly’s opened in 1934, during the Great Depression and just a year after the repeal of Prohibition. It was founded on three simple promises: serve a great steak, pour a generous whiskey, and always provide attentive service.
More than 90 years later, the restaurant is still family owned and still keeping those promises. It has become Nashville’s go-to spot for anniversaries, birthdays, and business dinners, all served in the warm, old-school style that has made it a Music City institution.
“Serve a great steak, pour a generous portion of whiskey.”
Jimmy Kelly’s Founding Promise
Plan Your Visit
Dinner in a Midtown Mansion
Jimmy Kelly’s opens at 4 pm every day. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
Location
217 Louise Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 329-4349
Tucked into a historic house in Midtown.
Hours
Mon–Wed: 4 – 10 pm
Thu–Sat: 4 – 11 pm
Sun: 4 – 8 pm
Good to Know
Valet parking is available, and private dining rooms can host groups. The atmosphere is upscale, so dress for the occasion.
Celebrate the Nashville Way
Reserve your table for the next birthday, anniversary, or any night that deserves a great steak.
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