I'm hesitant to leave a review because I want to keep it all to myself, but that just wouldn't be nice! This is a gem! Foodies should take notice real food doesn't come on a plate with flowers and cute little designs all over the plate. It comes out of kitchen where the chef cares about feeding a family with great tasting food made with love...and that's where Swett's excels! Millennials & Gen Z's, you're always thinking that our lives were better when we were growing up? Why don't you try out what we would eat when went out to dinner - you won't be sorry!!! read more

I love coming to Swett's with family every time I am in time. It has a great southern vibe. The food is always delicious and comforting. Quick service in which you grab a tray and they fill your plate up. Swett's has been a staple in the area for many years and I hope it continues to be here where I can take my children to as well. read more

This was my very first experience at a meat + 3 restaurant. It was a fun experience and reminiscent of a cafeteria from my youth. Swett's is highly recommended and the nonstop line proves it's popularity. Inside, there are plenty of staff behind the counter serving up your meat and side choices. There are plenty of pictures and framed articles on the walls approaching the counter to read and view while queueing. My wife had the Beef Tips and I had the Fried Chicken. We shared a piece of the infamous Chess Pie for dessert. For our sides we had the mac & cheese, potato casserole, turnip greens and sweet yams. The dishes come with your choice of cornbread. All the food was delicious and I enjoyed the fried chicken the most. A close second was the potato casserole. Swett's has a very busy and likely loyal clientele and all the staff were super nice. I highly recommend trying Swett's when in the Central Tennessee area. read more

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Swett's Home style Southern Cafeteria-- Nashville, TN Everyone knows that my dad (especially) & fam miss The original D&S formerly known as K&W cafeteria back home in NC. They closed all of the locations and My dad was there weekly faithfully amongst many others! Well, when I was planning the itinerary for our family trip to Nashville, TN I was intentional about finding something for everyone to enjoy even if I couldnt eat the food lol. I came across, Swett's Cafeteria and boy was my dad happy! They are good & they had it all... Fried Chicken, Beef tips, Pinto Beans, Liver, Po'k Chops, Rice, Gravy, Mac, Salisbury steak, Baked chicken, yams, turnip greens, collard greens, potato salad all types of cakes and pies, co'n bread all you can think of and they enjoyed it! I learned that they were black owned until recently when they sold the company! I was just glad to be able to put a smile on their faces and to bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia as well! Goal accomplished! I'll do anything for the fam! #DaddysGirl #Swetts #NashvilleTN #cafeteria #Family read more

Swett's Restaurant - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

DO NOT GO HERE, it is not good at all. The chicken was mid at best! It's old and dusty. The service was decent. I would not recommend at all read more

Swett's Restaurant - Macaroni & Cheese Green Beans Fried Chicken dressing Creamed Corn Fried Cornbread Blackberry Cobbler - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Wow! In town visiting and was told this place was a Nashville institution. EVERY bite of everything we ordered was incredible! The lady who dished up our food was also very friendly. Easy to see why they've been around for nearly 75 years! read more

Yelp helped me find this hands down delicious comfort food while visiting Nashville. THE BEST THING we ate during our trip, no question. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs but could you blame us? (We took it to go and didn't forget to eat our leftovers. ) Fried catfish, greens, fried chicken, macaroni n cheese....I would go back just to come back here. Nashville, you're one of a kind. read more

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This place is just laid back and remind me of a baptist church in the basement. The place was clean and casual. Now I went back again before i left but was not happy with those big ass pork chops about the size of a butt cheek. It was too thick, I was happier the first time when I was given two smaller tender ones in gravy. The sweet potatoes, greens and mac were good. However, I could not get with the corn bread, the bread period it was either too thick or not fresh. My service was good and if we wanted something else, such as dessert at the end of the cafeteria line it was no problem to add it on. Yes, the location is not far from the hwy and it is defiantly loved by surrounding neighbors even for lunch on a simple Wednesday. read more

Swett's Restaurant - This corn bread just was not right thick and stale - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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This cafeteria- style restaurant is a model for nostalgia, especially if your family dined at soul food restaurants in the 1900s. The line is always full with a variety of meat & veggie options. There's plenty of parking even on busy days. Love: fried chicken (seasoned well, crispy); squash casserole (cheesy with tender chunks of squash); sweet potato pie (best I've had outside of my house, silky, smooth texture, buttery crust) Like: baked cornbread (savory); green beans (Italian, tender, seasoned) read more

Swett's Restaurant - Fried chicken, squash casserole, green beans, cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Hubby and I were craving some good soul food and this place has THE BEST soul food! The service was wonderful and the ambiance was great as well. Many couples and friends eating together and having a great time! I'll definitely be back. read more

Swett's Restaurant - Chicken breast, porkchop with gravy, mac & cheese, yams, and sweet cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I think I just don't get it. I don't think any of the food is very well made. The fried chicken is mid at best and is probably the best thing on their menu... and in city filled with fried chicken spots, why go here? It's dingy, run down and dirty. Stained ceiling tiles, and dirty walls add to the depressing feeling I feel as soon as I walk inside. I know the place is a long-standing Nashville business still catering to the original meat and three style, soul food/southern cuisine cafeteria style dining halls that preempted the 'new Nashville' but that doesn't mean I have to like it. P.S. don't look at the TN health department scores in recent times. read more

This place is a must visit, one of the Best Soil Soul food place in the city! Catfish came out fresh and hot and tasty like it should, the batter was crispy and good, Dessert taste like it came from Momma's house and the mac and cheese, make you want to hurt yourself, definitely a place to visit when you need to taste the Soul of Nashville! read more

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As much as I wanted to like this place, I just didn't care for it. The staff were nice enough, but the food quality just isn't the same as it was when I visited when we would come to Nashville when I was younger. We had frequented it when we visited, and the meat and 3 we once enjoyed seems like elevated cafeteria food with a higher price tag. This place has been around since the early 1950s, so they're obviously doing something right. My opinion is only one, and I am glad that this business is thriving. It just isn't my taste now as the food just wasn't that good to me. read more

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Enjoyed dinner at Swett's Restaurant. Meat and three are disappearing in the South so glad to know this longtime Nashville staple is still around. The food did not disappoint. They offer an array of food offerings cafeteria style. You go through the line and make your selections so service is prompts. The hot bar includes three or four meats, assortment of vegetables and other sides. The food is really good. You can order fish (whiting or catfish). Both are prepared to order if requested. They also have various desserts including pie, cobblers and cakes. The inside is great for groups. You can seat yourself at any table. The inside is welcoming and non pretentious. They have a private banquet room great for groups. Parking is free and can accommodate a bus. The service is always friendly. It is somewhat touristy although many locals patronize faithfully. Sunday's are usually days you see a lot of locals. The price is affordable for the food offerings. Definitely a place to dine if you visit Nashville . read more

Swett's Restaurant - Fried chicken, Green Beans and Candied Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Incredible! I don't like meatloaf normally, probably because of the meatloaf I had growing up was dry and no flavor. The meatloaf look good so I tried and it and it's the best meatloaf I have ever had! read more

What a flavorful experience dining at this historical establishment. We got right in for lunch mid week and had lots of options on the line. We loved our entrees of fried pork chop and fried chicken- both were tender and flavorful. We'd be reminded to talk about the sides too, oh my goodness, the potato au gratin type side was so good! And so was the squash casserole. You can't go wrong here with whatever you choose I believe. We met Mr Swett and he was so welcoming and friendly. It's a casual, home style type of place so don't expect any frills, but boy do they make up for it with friendliness and flavor. read more

Swett's Restaurant - Delicious fried pork chop - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Wow, this place was right down the street from our AirBnb. The night before we left, we wanted to give it a try and we are SOOOOOOO glad we did. We got there about an hour before closing and ALL of their food was hot and to perfection. Talk about comfort food.....this place was amazing. Word of advice, if you want some hot sauce that is hotter than the sun itself....they have it! Holy heck! Love this place and can't wait to come back and visit again! read more

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I visited Swett's Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, 4/14/24, around 4:30 PM. I decided to get a plate of Ribs with two sides of Macaroni & Cheese and a Cornbread Muffin. The Ribs tasted good, especially with the BBQ sauce. The Macaroni & Cheese was fine, however, it needed a little more seasoning. The cornbread muffin was dry and hard to consume. I liked the indoor ambiance of this restaurant. It had a warm, inviting, cozy feel. The staff members working the line were friendly and quick. The price point of the food was affordable. Overall, Swett's Restaurant is decent. The sides might have been lacking a bit. However, I'd come back to try other food from the menu. read more

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After 5 years, I finally made it back to a Nashville staple and it didn't disappoint. At 1pm on a Sunday, the line was wrapped to the door but the wait was worth it. The sides were 5/5 (yes, all of them). The pork chop was overcooked but still had some flavor. The service was great! read more

Swett's Restaurant - Pork Chop Fried Chicken Candied Yams Turnip Greens Macaroni & Cheese Turkey And Dressing - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I've come to love this place again. Hidden gem as you cut between West End and North Nashville. The food: Fried chicken - crispy skin, good flavoring. Add some hot sauce & ketchup and it's great. Beef tips - great flavor, would love a little rice to offset the taste but a great daily staple. Spicy Rotisserie chicken - get the spicy version - extra herbs & spices to give it a kick. Potato casserole - it's a chopped up loaded potato. Don't ask how many calories cuz you'd probably cry. Turnip greens - taste more like collard greens and enjoy this one. The service: Cafeteria style line that the workers smile, keep you moving, and ready to serve you. To-go boxes readily available on Staff members come by occasionally to bust the tables. IYKYK: 1. Private parking lot- as Nashville has grown, this is a solid consideration when I head out to eat because I don't want to pay $10 to park on top of my food. 2. Benches and chairs are older and have seen better days but you are here for the food. read more

Swett's Restaurant - Fried Chicken, Turnip Greens, potato casserole - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This place has been having problems meeting its food inspection goals. Until I see some 100% percents from the health department I won't be going back, do not need any G.I. issues. read more

Really wanted to love this place, but was just a bit disappointed. My dining partner and I were traveling and happened to be in Nashville at lunch time. This restaurant is super conveniently located right off I-40 and it sounded like a really cool local staple, so we stopped in. At first blush, we absolutely loved it. The history, all the pictures of famous people on the walls, the loud cheerful conversation (the place was packed with the after-Sunday-church crowd), and just the whole vibe was 5 stars. But then, the food. It was OK, but not great. The meatloaf was oddly firm, the cabbage was too peppery, and the turnip greens had no sweetness or vinegar on them so they really smacked you in the face with intense TURNIP GREEN bitterness. The lemon pie had a good flavor but weird soft texture. Also, the people serving the food were not particularly friendly (though they were slammed with a very long line of hungry people). Really hate to give only 3 stars, because we love the idea of a locally owned neighborhood institution with a fascinating history, but at the end of the day, we go to a restaurant for the food, and our experience with the food was not great. read more

I was unimpressed with this place. On my second trip out to Nashville we decided to grab something to eat on the way to our hotel. My husband wanted southern food cafeteria style and found Swett's on Yelp. Upon arriving I liked that they had lots of choices. I asked for grilled pork chop but the lady ended up giving me fried instead. I got my pork chop with green beans and yams. The pork chop ended up being small and very dry. Like hard-to-swallow-DRY. I had to drink lots of water to not choke. The green beans was my favorite thing I ate. The yams were very greasy. The sweet corn bread I got with my meal was also dry AF. It was a disappointing meal. My husband got their fried chicken with greens and mac n cheese. He also got a berry cobbler on the side. The fried chicken was okay. The greens and mac n cheese were cool. The cobbler was gross. It lacked flavor and wasn't very sweet at all. It had too much thickening agent in it. Since it is cafeteria style there wasn't really any service besides them serving the food at the beginning. I wouldn't say they were friendly either. They just ask what you want and move you along the line. It didn't seem like they wanted to answer any questions. However, Swett's supposedly pride themselves on being around for awhile and having all sorts of "popular" people dine prior. I think its loosing its luster. Or did we come on an off day? Not sure but I don't think we will be returning. read more

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Not what we expected, but I enjoyed it. I ordered the fried catfish, which they made fresh to order. The collard greens were very good. If you're looking for soul food, this is a delicious option. read more

Swett's Restaurant is a savory/sweet sensation. Driving through Nashville? Make memories and mouth watering moments matter at a make my morning kind of restaurant offering both sweet and savory soul food with expedient service in a relaxed scene. Usually when I'm out in the field on two to three day work-related adventures I want all new spots everyday for good food. This place is so great I ate here twice with the team and will be back when next in Nashville. Entrees like rotisserie chicken and salisbury steak paired with can't go wrong sides of mash potatoes, gravy and fried okra made me feel like I was back at grandmother's table. Desert is a must have here and the portions are just right. Try the cobbler or fried apples. Cafeteria style may be besmudged by some but this spot should be missed by none living in or passing through the great city of Nashville, TN. I call it a returners favorite. Do not sweat trying a sweet, new place to eat. Eat at Swett's. read more

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A classic meat and 3. Heaven! My favorite Southern okazuya!! Greens done to perfection, generous portions. I look forward to coming here for classic soul food every trip. Yes, please!! Classic cafeteria style. If you're new and it's busy, take a peek before you order and listen to what others at ordering. It moves fast and there are hungry folks behind you. lol read more

Swett's Restaurant - Hot chicken, greens, salad, Creamed Corn, corn muffin, Pecan Pie, Candied Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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We stopped by and checked this spot out. When you walk in, it's set up like a cafeteria setting. You have to get in line and pick your food and pay for it at the end of the counter. When we went there weren't that many people there but when we were leaving it started to get busier. We had a lot of food and ended up getting plates to go. I tried different foods from my friends plates but my fav were definitely the fried chicken, the mash potatoes and the man n cheese wasn't bad Outside of the people serving food and cashier there isn't any other wait staff atleast as far as I can tell. The food was good and it was truly enjoyable. read more

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Food was great very friendly environment the staff were very friendly and helpful. Services was very professional.

My BFF was adamant about going to get one of their fried pork chops for our monthly lunch. So why not give it a try. The environment is nothing fancy and typical cafeteria set up as others have said--grab your tray and pick out what you want. Dessert is at the beginning of the line so think fast LOL. I didn't try any this time. However I did go for the hyped fried pork chop and it did not disappoint! Nicely seasoned, breaded and fried. Crispy goodness outside and tender inside. Also had fried okra and macaroni and cheese. Honestly, I could do without the sides and just eat the meat. Lol. The lemonade was also amazing--not overly sweet. If I happen to be in the area again, I certainly will make this as an option. read more

Swett's Restaurant - Fried pork chop with fried okra & Mac 'n Chz (before) - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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If you are in Nashville and want to experience just not Legit southern taste but also strong community vibes, this place is great for it. You might end up waiting in line but the line goes by really fast so dont be deceived by it. Every food item on menu is well prepped and served. I loved the people working and hanging out there. will defo visit again! Bar style so you pick your combos and sides. Very friendly staff! read more

Swett's Restaurant - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Been in business for 70+ years and still so, so good. Amazing food that melts in your mouth. Delicious, rotating menu for the different days of the week read more

Hot take: there is a branch of Swett's in the N'ville airport, and it's one of the best airport meals you've ever had. That may be a low bar, but Swett's exceeds expectations, and by a lot. read more

It was our first cafeteria/ meat and three type of experience. We had beef tips and meatloaf. I suggest maybe try the chicken. It did look good and I think it was popular and probably why this has a higher rating. All of our food tasted fine nothing was gross, it just wasn't all that special. read more

Swett's Restaurant - Beef Tips - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Me and about 10 other people from Kansas City went to Swett's.It was maybe less than an hour before closing.The food was fresh and tastes like they just cooked(NOTHING WAS STALE) The staff smiling and kind.The food tasted great.They definitely could open a restaurant in Kansas City Missouri and do very well.Pork chops,catfish,Greens,Sweet Potatoes, everything taste great. read more

We dined at Swett's restaurant today!!!! The best food I have tasted on a road trip. First of all, the line was long so that told us the food was good. Then we sat down to hot fresh catfish which was delicious. The other veggies were one 1as well. We had sweet potatoes, peas, cornbread!!! When I tell you this was the best soul food, that's exactly what I mean. The ambiance was so real. There was this lady seated with her friends from church just starting talking to us as though she really knew us. She complimented me on my cowgirl hat. So genuine. When visiting Nashville in the future we will always come back. read more

This place probably doesn't need any recommendations, but it was delicious! Between my husband and I, we got fried catfish, Nashville Hot baked chicken, original fried chicken, dressing, candied yams, squash casserole, loaded baked potato casserole, corn bread, and rolls. The sides were fantastic! I've only recently realized I like squash casserole, and their's did NOT disappoint. I love dressing and gravy...yum. The candied yams were very good, and the loaded potato casserole was excellent. The meats....the original fried chicken was not as good as Monell's in a Nashville or Franco's in Louisville, but still VERY good. However, the fried catfish was outstanding!!! It was the best that I've ever had. Monell's is excellent and this was even better. The staff were friendly. It is cafeteria style. Even though it is a large building, there is not a ton of seating in the one dining room to the right. They could use signage upon entering on the direction of things. Straight in the main door is to-go, to the left is a banquet room, and to the right is the eat-in cafeteria / dining room. read more

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The food was horrible. Specifically, the chicken was so dry it couldn't be chewed. Friends ordered pig feet that had hair on them, were tough and were overwhelmed with garlic. He then ordered a pork chop and said it was extremely tough. Best part of our meals was the mashed potatoes and cornbread, not the fried variety. Although crowded, will not return for bad food. read more

Goodness gracious. I get why they've been open since 1954! What an institution. The creamed corn, the Mac and cheese, the fried pork chop, the sweet tea, the cornbread, the meatloaf...so good! All for $13 in such a no-frills, quiet, and friendly spot where everyone welcomes you like church. 5 stars!!!!! read more

Swett's Restaurant - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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During my trip to Nashville, I went to Swett's for lunch with my family. I learned quickly that Nashville have amazing food so I was excited to try soul food. You walk in and grab your plate and silverware before entering the line. It's like a cafeteria style restaurant so you pick and choose while going down the line. The workers were friendly and patient behind the glass. I ordered the Rotisserie chicken, green beans , and candy yams. The Rotisserie chicken was juicy once you cut the chicken. It had herb-covered seasoning on the crispy skin. It was delicious! The portion size was okay/ just enough. The yams and green beans were also delicious. You can tell the recipe was homemade and passed down to generations. I also tried the cornbread. I honestly didn't like it, it was dry and hard. I recommend getting the rolls. Overall, My family & I enjoyed the food here during our visit. read more

Swett's Restaurant - Rotisserie Chicken Candied Yams Green Beans - Soul Food Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

We had the fried chicken- it was raw! I showed it to the girl at the register and she was horrified and immediately agreed to replace it or we could get something else. We stuck with the fried chicken and I can honestly say that the fully cooked fried chicken is very good. All of the sides we had were great. read more