Picnic Cafe is one of my favorite places for a casual lunch or grabbing food to have a delicious meal at home. There is plenty of parking in front of the cafe. The cafe is adorable. Tables are lined with checkered tablecloths and bright colors. A large patio offers outdoor seating as well. There are two parts to Picnic Cafe. One side is a cafe where you can sit down and enjoy a meal or order one to go. The other side has cases of prepared foods and some food gift items. They have the largest variety of options of any of the restaurants like this in the area. All of the food here has been very good too. I love their chicken salad, tuna salad, and egg salad. The cucumber cream cheese sandwich is simple and delicious. The cranberry, lime, and apricot salads offer a fun treat with the meal. The Apricot Salad is my very favorite item here, but they recently had to switch to orange. They have a nice variety of drinks. They have lemonade, unsweetened tea, sweet tea, and several flavors of brewed coffee. The takeout area offers food that tastes just like home cooked food. The Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Sweet Potatoes with brown sugar topping are musts for me. The take home items are priced fairly. The rolls were okay, but I wouldn't buy them again. Picnic Cafe is a true gem. I really look forward to coming here! read more

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Charming little spot. We stopped by to grab a quick bite to eat after visiting the arboretum at Cheekwood. The space is brightly lit and charmingly decorated. Order at the counter then select your seating. The kind and knowledgeable staff helped us pick out our lunch from the short menu. They bring it to your table as soon as it is ready. Our lunch was lite and delicious. They have a refrigerated case where you can pick up items to go. And yes, perfect for a picnic or a ladies lunch in. read more

Picnic Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

For being a long standing nashville tradition, it felt very underwhelming. This local cafe is known for their chicken salad, pasteries, and picnic tea punch. Located in the heart of Belle Meade, it pulls the appetite of wealthy, old white women; however, the entire experience was lackluster. As this was our first time, we grabbed a menu located at the front counter and glanced across their listing of lunch options. The cashier was very cold and greeted us by saying "Are you ready?" with a sigh. I ordered the ham and cheese sandwich with fruit and a muffin! We also got a few desserts and snacks to share. She seemed very hostile and unwelcoming during our entire ordering process. The interior is cutely decorated with blue, white, and yellow southern decor. The inside felt charming and quaint. Since we came at lunch time on a Saturday, there was only one table left, and the tables felt very close together. My sandwich arrived quickly on store-bought white bread and deli ham. The fruit cup was fresh but had a large leaf of decorative greens in the bottom. The muffin was yummy and large. Overall, my food was good and tasted very well; however, it did not seem to be anything special. For two people to eat lunch here it cost $70, which for mediocre food, poor service, and a busy atmosphere seemed to be not worth it. I probably would not go back, but it is a super cute find in Nashville and made for an enjoyable and unique lunch date with family. read more

Picnic Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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I am (gasp) a native Nashvillian and this place is an institution. Fun decor, yummy food. The parking is easy and it is near major roads so access is good. It's often crowded so be prepared. You order at the counter and they bring food to your table. You may also pick up take out, which I did after enjoying my scoop of chicken salad. Check this spot out! read more

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A quick review after my latest visit: my patronage of The Picnic spans over thirty years and three locations! Many of my other local favorites have closed, but Picnic continues to thrive. Here's a few reasons why: true Nashville hospitality--friendly, professional, and efficient; fresh, delicious, homemade, flavorful food and drinks in just-right portions; clean and welcoming environment with evident attention to each detail; and fair pricing. The menu reflects the use of quality ingredients. I love the variety of the choices and the inclusion of fresh fruit and vegetables. I hope to enjoy meals at The Picnic for another thirty years! They truly exemplify Nashville traditions in the best way! read more

Picnic Cafe - Picnic Sampler - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Another place that is consistently good! Our office did a To-Go order and everyone was delicious! The Quiche was perfect! Always comes with a great fruit salad! Big fan of their apricot or strawberry frozen salad! Muffins are always delicious but my fave is the Cranberry Orange Muffin which is the perfect combo of sweet and tart! I'm not a fruit tea person but their tea is really good! read more

Picnic Cafe - Quiche combo: comes with a fruit salad, muffin and apricot salad! Yum! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Good food but not welcoming to families with young kids. We were told that the 'older' people were complaining about the children being loud. Service is not friendly and felt like an inconvenience. read more

Food is wonderful and it reminds me of southern food from my childhood growing up in Nashville. Lovely spot with generous portions.

Awesome friendly cheerful environment and best food ever! Perfect for meeting a friend for brunch or lunch! I'm fav is the cream chicken on cornbread... and fruit salad or broccoli salad... and don't forget the pastries! read more

My sister and I, two strong-willed East Coasters raised on sarcasm, sandwich standards, and kosher-style dills, set out to have ourselves a genteel little lunch. Linen was worn. Expectations were medium-high. Spirits were elevated. We were seated between two women with hair so perfectly coiffed it looked like it came with a security detail... and a woman priest. A real one. I had just made a joke about hell when I spotted the collar. She smiled. I panicked. My sister kicked me under the table. We proceeded to behave ourselves for roughly eight minutes. The Picnic Punch was phenomenal, bright, sweet, and dangerously good. Honestly, we'd drink it from a solo cup behind a church or synagogue if we could. The broccoli side was a star. Perfectly seasoned like someone cared, and unfortunately portioned for a pixie. We savored it like it was a luxury item. Pasta salad had no taste. Zero. Like chewing beige. We kept hoping it would kick in like a delayed-release snack. It didn't. The other side was... there. Physically. Emotionally? We have no memory. We tried three sandwiches--tuna, turkey, and egg salad and each one was a Trojan horse for sweet pickles. Listen: if sweet pickles are your thing, congratulations, you've found the promised land. But we come from a household where pickles are tangy, briny, and a little judgmental. These? They were sugar bombs in mayo disguise. Now, the place itself? Absolutely darling. The décor was charming, the staff was lovely, and everyone looked like they had a monogrammed tote bag in their car just in case. We totally understand why locals love it, it's sweet, stylish, and full of Southern hospitality. It just wasn't our flavor journey. TL;DR: Gorgeous setting, holy seatmates, and a sweet pickle ambush we're still recovering from. We crossed ourselves with dill, thanked the priest, and slipped quietly out the door. Xoxo, gossip, gravy and a biscuit read more

I really miss the old location. This place was cold and uninviting. The old place was out in the air. It had a cute aroma, and the prices were affordable. Then they moved here. The only thing that redeems this place is the lemonade and cookies. I hate this place now. They ruined it. read more

I always really liked to go to Picnic, though not convenient. I recently visited and asked the person at the counter if she would please heat a muffin. Her reply: "We don't do that, but I will this time." For future reference, don't worry about future inconvenience because I don't need attitude at a business where all they have is customer service and food. Puffy Muffin is always happy, as is Star Bagel to joyfully serve their customers. read more

Cute atmosphere. We went in and ordered to go. As we waited a staff member offered us to get cups and ice for our bottled waters we had and all staff were very friendly. The menu on yelp was out dated but they accommodated what they had on the current menu to make what we were looking forward to. I will upload a new menu that we snapped a picture of while waiting. To go bag was filled with all the extras needed. Not a long wait at all. 10/10 read more

Picnic Cafe - Updated menu from early October 2025 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Great place for a pit stop! They had great snacky foods and packaged snacks too. We got the street corn salsa, chips, and the pimento cheese dip. We got the 30 minutes before closing and they had already done away with the coffee which sucked since we went there specifically for coffee. We also didn't realize that it was a hit and not a cafe. No seating inside. read more

Picnic Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This place was so cute! The food was great and the people were very sweet. It felt like the perfect southern cafe. Can't wait to go back!

I feel delightfully nostalgic for my mother and women like her while in this restaurant. The food is simple and tasty. What more could you ask for? The decor is as if a southern woman was turned into a building. Aka perfection. Takeout options are available in the shop corner. Pleasing all around. read more

4.5 Always on the lookout for a convenient place for a quick pick-up lunch after meetings in Nashville, I found this lovely spot....(thanks to fellow Yelpers!). And, still cautious about Covid, I parked and took a "look-see" what options were and if masks were being worn. Lots of foot traffic in and out and a busy, albeit almost hidden parking lot. (But there are signs...so good job, Picnic staff and/or management. Fairly mixed bag of cautious folks at this point...meaning about half of the customers entering were wearing masks and nearly all staff, save for a few. Plenty of outside seating with a cooling mist-fan in one area. Inside this bright and cheery, sweetly decorated place there are multiple safeguards in place...from curbside pick up to hand sanitizer available inside. But, we're here for the food. First glance and first tastes 4 and 5 star! Quiche of the day - creamy and savory with a few surprise bits of veggie (tomato for one) embedded. Yes, we'd buy it again. Lemon-Artichoke Soup...a bit of a surprise. Great if you are looking for balanced flavor -- a bit of a down-turn if you shun heavily textured cream soups. Mixed stars from wife and myself on this item. Boulevard sandwich....a two thumbs up and 5 stars for flavor, variety, freshness, savory qualities in a more-than adequate portion. (I ended up saving half of mine for later.) Bean soup - this is a tough call in a sense. Freshly made (I assume) flavorful but without the depth of a hearty, slow-simmered soup. This was more like made today, served right away. Yes, some diced veggies added to the flavor, bits of ham needed a boost, and beans were nicely done. But needs a bit more seasoning and simmering. Broccoli Salad - Pretty savory and not too much dressing or sweetness, nice herbal flavor. Devilled Eggs - (Uh, can I give 6 stars?) DELISH! Desserts - there's a bunch and our lemon tart was very nbice. I thought fantastic; my sife said not enough lemon...So you'll have to decide for yourself. Service - absolutely 5 shining stars for helpful, courteous, patient, and efficient servers. read more

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Friendly, southern charm and good food, freshly made goods. Food to go and a sit down area, always busy and it is easy to understand why

Such a wonderful old school experience! The most friendly staff and the food reminds me of my southern grandmother and aunt's delicious home cooking. read more

This place services the "country club " set. Many people from Belle meade have been coming here for years. The mostly blue and white signature decor is very nice in their new location, but not quite as cozy because of the size and openness of the building. One definite advantage of the new place is a separate area for to go orders. If you are in a rush it's quick to grab something from the coolers. The menu definitely stands out. I would say it is more geared to women and luncheons. There are lots of salad items and sandwiches. I have been 3 times. As far as sandwiches go,I would say they are packed and above ordinary, and probably the closest you could get to your best homemade healthy sandwich. The little sides like fruit salad and potato salads are made with care. The recipes and certain items have been designed by Kathy the owner. The fruit punch is loaded with sugar but a favorite. There are lots of little special touches like the blue and white napkins and doilies giving the restaurant an old timey feel. I always opt for the tuna salad. I once had the lemon artichoke soup. It was grand. I had to go to the store and make some more at home. Since I am Italian, I am still trying to figure out how lemon artichoke wound up being a southern favorite. On one of my visits I snapped a photo for my watercolor: read more

Picnic Cafe - The outside view of the new location of the Picnic Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This place is such a gem! It shows just how good simple food can be when made fresh with great ingredients. They have a great breakfast quiche plate deal. Their sandwiches have something for everyone. The sides are very tasty. I cannot say enough good things about this place. True southern hospitality is served up here. With great dishes. Fresh ingredients. And the decor is just so homey and cute. I hope everyone gives this place a shot. Because it is so good. Can't wait to come back and try out more! read more

Picnic Cafe - Quiche plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The atmosphere is bright and cheerful. Blue and white plates and platters decorate the walls giving it a homestyle feel. Food is delicious with a varied menu. The salads are especially good. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. Always enjoy coming here for lunch with friends. Their take out menu is good as well. read more

I have been a customer of The Picnic since they were in the old Belle Meade drugstore location, 40 years ago. I stopped for the first time since they moved to their new location. I ordered one of my favorites creamed chicken on cornbread. It had absolutely no flavor at all! Next visit I ordered 1/2 chicken salad and 1/2 pimento cheese sandwich. Both were so dry, I added mayo. I sure hope they haven't fallen into the "bigger is better syndrome." I truly believe the quality of the food has gone down hill, but I will say the service and atmosphere were superb. read more

Hit and miss. I love the idea and sometimes it's nice, others it's expensive, you leave hungry, and wonder how you spent $80 on lunch with shared desserts for mediocre food and service. The staff are not knowledgeable about ingredients. Ham and cheese quiche? They don't know what cheese and it was so onion heavy, w/chopped lunch meat and the shredded cheese was not melted into it. Made me seriously wonder if it was safe to eat. The eggs were lightly cooked, but how was the cheese still in grated form and onions raw? Broccoli cheese soup was small for price and veg was also crunchy raw! 2 of us got coffee, it was not that hot. Portions small for price on combos. No butter and a cold slice of bread given w/ soup?? Love the presentation but how are you cleaning the germy wicker plate holders between customers? Prices are not labeled on add on items and staff do not know until they ring it up on anything asked. I love the idea of this place, but if we can't get refills, have to bus our own table, bread is raw, a 13-14 sandwich is light on filling and a croissant is another $2.50 it seems way too high a price for an unfilling lunch now. The last 3 visits have been disappointing. Love the decor and theme, hopefully the new location will be better flow and more efficiently labeled w/ hotter, fuller ingredients for prices. read more

Picnic Cafe - Love the decor and presentation. It's so lovely to meet friends and it is usually quite clean. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

To start with, I miss the ambiance of the original cafe. This is a restaurant in a small mall courtyard, so it's open and noisy. The original cafe was quaint and cozy. The food is just as good, but not as conducive to dining in as it used to be. I'll certainly grab to-go from time to time. In the summer, they make the best gazpacho I've ever had. read more

The Picnic is an adorable bistro type restaurant. Everything was meticulous. Unfortunately, their signature dish - chicken salad- I found tasteless! More mayonnaise tasting than anything g else. Sure could have used a bit of salt and pepper for a minimum. read more

The chicken salad sandwich on croissant and potato salad is to die for it is the best that I have ever had. I live in California and my dad lives in West Bellmeade and he takes me there when I come and visit and the sweet tea is amazing along with the oatmeal raisin cookies so when you can you can make it there you go and you get a chicken salad sandwich on croissant and potato salad and the oatmeal raisin cookie. Thank you dad for introducing me to the picnic. I love the sweet tea there and I love you.! read more

Picnic Cafe - Chicken salad sandwich on a croissant with the potato salad, carrots and celery on the side and amazing sweet tea - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Very cute atmosphere that lives up to the name! We ordered the veggie sandwich w/ broccoli salad and the cucumber sandwich w/ lemon artichoke soup. My favorite was the lemon artichoke soup. All the food was decent, but nothing I couldn't have made at home. I was a little bummed that the only quiche option had meat, but maybe that just means I'll have to come back! read more

Picnic Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Such a fun little place! All the employees are sweet little granny's and the food tastes just like home. 10/10 recommend when in Nashville!

To me, this is old Nashville. It's the mom food from the 80s bridge club done to perfection. I have to go here when I'm in town to get the cucumber sandwich, side of pickles, pasta salad and fruit tea-it's the best! read more

Picnic Cafe - What I always eat - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Ahh...this place and food takes you back to the days when your grandparents were still alive making sandwiches for you and you journey. It taste just like how grandma use to make it. I was probably the youngest in the crowd at 50 years old too. I give it 4 starts because of the cost though. I know they have to pay rent, workers, supplies, containers, etc., but my picnic chicken salad sandwich (with no white bread options) and deviled egg side cost me $17. If you could get past the cost the food will take you back to the days at grandma's house. read more

What a lovely place. A friend brought me here and I was not disappointed. The service is top notch -- super friendly and helpful. The food taste every bit what you would think of as homemade... like your mom was in the kitchen... if your mom is a great cook. The location and building is beautiful. Couldn't be happier with my experience. Highly recommend. read more

This is a must stop if in the west side of Nashville. The picnic is a cute café that has been open since 1983 and offers breakfast and lunch... Open till 5:00 PM. They are known for their chicken salad and pimento cheese. Lots of yummy baked goods that you can take home with you. Best to try at an off hour and because can get very busy. They have their own parking lot which is convenient. read more

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This was the worst experience in so long - Hope you're ready to eat $2 Cafeteria/Airport food and be charged $30 for it, some cold walmart bread and disguise it as "southern cuisine" in Nashville? Gross everything, from the bread to the dry sandwich, the weird mall atmosphere - we were so disappointed and upset we tried to leave our cafeteria plate on one of the 4 tiny doll tables and they had the audacity to ask us to clear it ? Average age of worker is 64 and the food tastes and smells that old! I'd rather make my own picnic lol- truly aghast at why people would choose to be so underwhelmed and disappointed . Worst food in Nashville by food served by Grandparents with bad attitudes !!!! read more

Excellent food and service here. You will love it Sandwiches, soup and baked good are all delicious!!! read more

Breakfast was delicious My family was celebrating my 82nd birthday. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. Everyone left happy especially myself. I think they will need more room. read more

One of the best comfort food lunch spots in Nashville that has been around forever! Their fruit punch is the best I've ever had as well.

This place is so cute! The food is great and you can tell the use quality ingredients. They're known for their chicken salad and I can confirm that it is really good. Also the lemon artichoke soup was delicious! Definitely recommend! :) read more

Listen...I love chicken salad and pimento cheese but this place was mid. The scoops were flavorless, they give you only two crackers, and muffins were rock solid. The only saving grace was the fruit. I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately, it just wasn't for me. read more

We stopped in for lunch while heading through town. It came recommended on Yelp so we thought we would give it a try. It's decorated like a tea room or old fashion luncheon place. I ordered the quiche and broccoli soup. The quiche was good and our food was ready within a few minutes. I didn't care for the soup, there were large chunks of broccoli in it. They had desserts and they looked good but we were just wanting to get in and out so didn't try any. read more