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Lunch spots in Donelson

You need a midday meal that is substantial enough to carry you through the rest of the afternoon.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Krustaceans Seafood image 1
Krustaceans Seafood image 2
Krustaceans Seafood image 3
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Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with festive music and multiple TVs showing games. The space is stylish and spotless, creating a clean and inviting vibe. Guests enjoy signature frozen cocktails alongside some of the best seafood boils and crabs around.

Phenomenal food stands out with consistently great flavors and quality. Service matches the food with excellent attentiveness and care throughout the meal.

Lunch offers unbeatable prices and fresh seafood options. Service stays attentive and friendly during midday hours.

People are saying

"The seafood here is seasoned perfectly and served hot."

"The food here is flavorful, well-seasoned, and delicious."

"This lunch spot has amazing seafood, I couldn't stop eating it."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Live DJ music is featured on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

3

The lunch menu is available only on weekdays from 11am to 2pm.

02
Music City Gyros image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean fast food spot with cozy, home-like atmosphere and Arabic deep house music playing. Friendly environment with clean, charming decor and a club rewards program for discounts. Popular for large, affordable gyro portions and a strong takeout focus.

Food here is well seasoned, served in large portions, and always very fresh. The dishes, especially the gyros, stand out for their amazing flavor and quality.

Lunch here feels like a family meal with friendly staff welcoming you warmly. The gyro and chicken platter serves well for sharing and leftovers.

People are saying

"I thought the gyro plate was the best I'd ever had."

"The burritos here are absolutely superb and massive."

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

Good to know

1

Music City Gyros offers a wide variety of menu options for all diets.

2

Portion sizes are generally large and considered affordable.

3

Takeout service is available and consistently good.

03
Hella Hot Chicken Donelson image 1

Small, clean restaurant offers fresh, perfectly seasoned hot chicken with generous portions and a chill, inviting atmosphere. Music adds to the welcoming vibe while the space remains quiet and humble.

Food comes out hot, fast, and fresh with a delicious and affordable taste. The dishes consistently impress with amazing flavor and quality.

A small, hole in the wall spot with food ready on arrival makes it a quick choice for lunch. Early lunch visits show it works well for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious."

"The Mac and Cheese here is amazing, thanks to the friendly service."

"This Lunch Spot's chicken is fresh, seasoned perfectly, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait for the freshest chicken.

2

The restaurant offers a special of ten drums for $10.

3

Portions are large, providing good value for the price.

04
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs image 1

Sandwich shop with toasted subs and a quirky, fun vibe filled with eclectic music and marijuana-themed decor. Dog-friendly patio offers a relaxing outdoor space while TVs show video games, sports, and cartoons. Bar serves cold beer and local cider, complementing the lively atmosphere.

Great food stands out with consistently delicious and high-quality offerings that make the dining experience enjoyable and worth returning to.

Lunch offers a healthy-sized, juicy, and flavorful sandwich that satisfies hunger with half a portion. This spot serves an elevated lunch experience worth returning to regularly.

People are saying

"I had the best sandwich I ever had in my entire life here."

"I found the food here to be really good and amazing."

"The bread at this Lunch Spot is perfectly crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1 off drafts every Monday through Friday.

2

Karaoke nights are hosted every Tuesday starting at 8pm.

3

Live music events occur on weekends; check the schedule for details.

05
Rock N Roll Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with a rock and roll theme featuring vinyl record menus and guitars on the walls. Atmosphere is musically inspired with TVs playing old rock videos, creating a lively and comfortable vibe. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a modern, well-designed setup.

Food comes out quickly with attentive service. Dishes are consistently excellent and enjoyed alongside a lively atmosphere.

Lunch offers great combos and quick service that fits well into a short break. Friendly staff make the experience enjoyable during frequent visits.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I ever had."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fantastic and top-notch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend nights.

2

Sushi Sunday offers special deals on select rolls.

3

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

06
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Large dining space replicates a home kitchen with big windows overlooking the river and an elegant appearance. Bright, family-friendly atmosphere fills the room with lively energy, especially from children. A cute gift shop and play area add charm and entertainment while waiting.

Food offers fantastic home-cooking with absolutely delicious flavors. Every dish delivers amazing taste that consistently exceeds expectations.

Lunch offers a variety of meats and sides with biscuits and dessert all for under $20. Service is prompt with attentive refills, making it suitable for family gatherings or casual meals.

People are saying

"The family-style meals here are all-you-can-eat."

"The food here is hot, fresh, and packed with flavor."

"This lunch spot serves amazing family-style Southern food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

2

The restaurant does not allow customers to take leftovers home, only desserts.

3

All meals are served in family-sized portions, making it difficult for solo diners.

07
Bagelshop image 1
Bakery

Small bakery with modern design and an open layout offers a cozy atmosphere that suits both social hangs and remote work. Busy and crowded, it feels like a close-knit community enjoying excellent bagels and coffee together. Outdoor seating and a unique circle wall add to the inviting space.

Food comes fresh with no modified food starch in the cream cheese. Staff are kind and the place stays clean, adding to the overall great experience.

Big, homemade bagels come with a variety of cream cheeses and lunch options. The portions are generous enough to take half home for later.

People are saying

"These bagels are fresh, hearty, and exceptional."

"The bagels and cream cheese here are outstanding."

"I loved this lunch spot; the bagels and coffee were delicious."

Good to know

1

There is ample free parking at Bagelshop.

2

They charge extra for eggs, bacon, and avocado.

3

The total time from entering to leaving is about 45 minutes for two bagel sandwiches.

08
Jalisco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with chill vibes and nice decorations. The place serves authentic Mexican food with standout dishes like shrimp chimichangas and fresh, homemade salsa. Margaritas are a highlight, often described as some of the best around.

Food comes out quickly and tastes excellent, offering a strong sense of comfort food from Texas-style family recipes. Prices stay very low while the service remains consistently great.

Quick service keeps lunch moving smoothly. Leftovers hold up well for next-day meals. Popular spot for coworkers to gather after work.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is awesome and the service was great."

"I found the food here to be delicious and abundant."

"The food and service at this lunch spot were excellent."

Good to know

1

The menu prices are often inconsistent with what you are charged.

2

Expect significant price increases compared to what is advertised online.

3

The restaurant has limited vegetarian options available.

09
West Coast Taco Shop - Donelson image 1

Mexican restaurant with casual atmosphere and quiet background music offers a large dine-in area featuring tables and benches. The space feels sparkling clean and presents an authentic aesthetic. It attracts those seeking Cali style Mexican food with notable burritos and tacos.

Food comes out super fresh and hot with a quick turnaround. The flavors are delicious and consistently reliable, offering tasty Mexican fast food at a good price.

Frequent visits show this spot serves excellent lunch options. Groups often gather here for a casual midday meal.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is top of the line and really good."

"I thought the food was really, really good."

"The birria tacos and noodles were fire for lunch."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $6 for a taco, which is considered pricey.

2

They often close earlier than the posted 9 PM, so call ahead.

3

Condiments are limited and may incur extra charges if requested.

10
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Casual restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere and inviting patio seating offers a comfortable spot for meals and drinks. Bartenders create a good vibe with skillful drink preparation and friendly energy. Menu features notable wings and burgers, alongside some mixed food reviews.

Food arrives hot and fresh with a satisfying, fresh taste. Staff supports the experience with amazing service.

Lunch offers great value with $10 specials and combos under $20. Service is fast and attentive, with staff anticipating needs and helping choose meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the wings."

"The bartender Treasure was amazing and handled the busy bar flawlessly."

"The service at this lunch spot was amazing and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, not 10:30 AM as listed online.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but some gift cards may not work.

11
Publix Super Market at The Crossings image 1

Wide aisles and bright lighting create an open, clean environment with unique cartoon art on the walls. The atmosphere feels lively and well-managed, with plenty of parking and easy self-checkout enhancing convenience. Seating inside and outside the deli adds to a relaxed shopping experience.

Fresh food and a wide variety of items like cheese, produce, and deli meats stand out here. Online ordering makes it easy to get subs, soup, and sliced deli items ready on time, all at reasonable prices.

Deli subs and salads serve as quick lunch options here. Many choose to stop by before work or during lunch breaks for a grab-and-go meal without using online pick-up.

People are saying

"The grocery store staff are always willing to help you find products."

"I found the food here to be fresh and of great quality."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot is so friendly and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

The store is very clean and well stocked.

2

Parking is easy and convenient.

3

The deli counter may be empty during peak lunch hours.

12
Dragon Phoenix buffet image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dining area feels dark and quiet with a casual, calming atmosphere. Buffet setup includes three bars for soups, entrees, and desserts, with a notable sushi bar addition. Space is small and simple, inviting for peaceful meals alone.

Food here stays fresh and hot on the buffet with a wide variety of tasty options. Quality ranks high, often better than other local spots, and portions remain plentiful.

Buffet offers a basic selection with everything done well. Prices range from 12 to 15 dollars for lunch, making it a quick lunch option with multiple food bars and a Hibachi bar.

People are saying

"The buffet food was hot, fresh, and delicious."

"I found the food here to be really fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot has great food with good variety."

Good to know

1

The price for the buffet is $17 per person.

2

The buffet offers a variety of options, including many vegetarian choices.

3

The restaurant and restrooms are clean.

13
Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Rustic setup with country decor and license plates on walls creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a backyard BBQ. Spacious dining room features large TVs for sports viewing and tables resembling home dining. Friendly, cozy vibe encourages relaxed, family-style gatherings.

Food here is consistently delicious and fresh with a strong focus on BBQ. Brisket and other dishes deliver solid flavors that often surprise first-timers.

Lunch offers great service and a welcoming atmosphere. Visits often happen on special days or weekends like Sunday.

People are saying

"The BBQ service here is amazing and the staff are so sweet."

"The food, especially the ribs, was moist and pulled off the bone."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was delicious, full of Southern love."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and free at this location.

2

Drive-thru service is available for quick takeout.

3

Expect large portion sizes for your meals.

14
New China image 1
Chinese restaurant

Family-run Chinese restaurant with a run-down atmosphere and rough ambiance. Offers large portions and expertly packed take-out with reliable delivery. Food quality varies, with some dishes like egg rolls and vegetable chow mein standing out for flavor.

Food comes out hot, fresh, and flavorful with crisp, tasty vegetables. Chicken lo mein stands out as a favorite dish with consistently high quality and cleanliness.

Lunch specials come at a great price with good sized portions that often leave leftovers. The crab Rangoon is freshly made and refried during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The staff here really communicate well about your dumpling order."

"The food here is hot, delicious, and better than average."

"The lunch spot food here is always hot and delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch specials at New China are offered at a great price.

2

Delivery is fast and food arrives hot.

3

Portion sizes are generous, often providing leftovers.

15
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store image 1

Country-themed decor and an open interior create a lively atmosphere with high noise levels. Rocking chairs and a fireplace add to the welcoming vibe, while a connected gift shop offers browsing during waits. The place draws those seeking home-cooked American meals in a casual setting.

Hearty portions of delicious comfort food fill the menu. The food consistently tastes wonderful and keeps people coming back.

Offers down home southern meals suitable for lunch with a variety of classic options. Serves consistently good lunch food in a casual, family-friendly setting.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and home-cooked."

"Coco's entertaining service made breakfast fun."

"The food at this lunch spot was delicious and hot."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait on weekends due to short staffing.

2

Order accuracy is often an issue; double-check your order.

3

Parking lot size may be limited, plan accordingly.

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Donelson, Nashville

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