If you enjoy a cozy little place set near a medium-sized, private college in a town that is widely known for its music, its warm and hospitable citizens, and great southern cooking, then the
Copper Kettle Cafe & Catering [
http://www.meatandthree.com/tn/copperkettle/] might be the place for you. It could become one of your favorites.
There’s a little strip of businesses that is located just across the street from
Lipscomb University on Granny White Pike in Nashville, Tennessee. It can be a challenge, at times, to acquire a parking place in one of the few spots in front of the stores or across the street, but it is worth your time trying. There may be some other parking around back, but I have luckily never had to go there.
On a nice day, you can sit at one of a few outside tables where you can observe the traffic, pedestrians, and the busy stream of students - doing what students do. Inside, the eclectic feel has a country touch that is very clean and well done. Tan walls feature various copper pieces, some window frames, music posters and a wall displaying multiple signatures. You won’t find all meat-and-three plates at
Copper Kettle Cafe, but the meat and veggies you choose will please your palate.
Similar to sandwich shops and fine deli’s, you walk through the room that consists of 15 or so tables to enter the line, pick up a tray, and cast an eye upon the many choices in front of you and on the menu board. In addition to the meat and two or three fare, you may select sandwiches, wraps or salads, as well. A nice dessert can complete your meal.
On this particular day last week, I was joined by my friend, Joe Lovell, whom I grew up with down in the Jackson, Mississippi area, and have known for over 30 years. Joe decided to go with a four-vegetable plate consisting of strawberry salad, turnip greens, black eye peas, and mixed veggies. My lunch plate was filled with fried chicken, black eye peas, green beans, and a slice of cornbread. The self-serve drink area provided us both with tea.
Joe and I both observed how clean and well-kept the
Copper Kettle Cafe appeared to be. The staff was quite friendly and on top of things, promptly clearing tables to make way for the new diners coming through the door. Speaking of tables, the wood tables included a couple of chairs on one side and a bench seat on the other side.
As noted in a previous post [
http://historyblog.meatandthree.com/2007/01/24/copper-kettle-cafe-in-nashville-tn-still-strong-after-2004-fire.aspx ], the
Copper Kettle Cafe was damaged in a fire a few years ago. However, you would never know it by the way it appears today. With the decor, style and food choices, I could well imagine this cafe being picked up and placed in any number of quaint, small towns throughout the US, or on exclusive streets in many cities both here and in Europe. It seems to have that type of wide-ranging appeal.
Now that school is out, cruise on over to Green Hills and Granny White Pike, just off Woodmont Blvd. If you are on your way to Music City for a vacation or coming for business, don’t spend all of your time in the typical downtown tourist areas. Step outside a bit and visit one of the great Nashville-area meat and three restaurants like
Copper Kettle Cafe & Catering - I think you will be glad you did.
The best regards,
Phil (mn3guy)
