Business Details
31 Years
experience
Award-Winning Southern Dining & Catering in Nashville
Founded in 1995, Monell's has grown from a single historic home in Nashville's Germantown neighborhood to a beloved multi-location institution renowned for its Southern comfort cuisine. Our family-style dining experience, featuring daily-changing menus of Southern classics like Skillet Fried Chicken, Cheese Grits, and Pot Roast, brings together locals and visitors alike at communal tables. The original location, housed in a 1905 Victorian home, preserves architectural details like transom windows and fireplaces while serving meals in a setting that combines historic charm with modern hospitality. Our commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods has earned us recognition as Nashville Scene's Best Brunch for two consecutive years and Wedding Wire's Couple's Choice award for multiple years.We offer catering services for events of all sizes, from intimate luncheons to large weddings, and host unique experiences like rehearsal dinners and seasonal festivals. Our team approaches every meal with the philosophy that 'there are no strangers, only friends we haven't met yet,' creating a welcoming atmosphere that has become our hallmark. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, we continue to innovate while maintaining the authenticity that made us a Nashville staple.
Services
Southern Dining
Catering Services
Wedding Receptions
Rehearsal Dinners
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We serve Southern classics daily in a family-style format that brings people together
- Our Germantown location preserves historic Victorian architecture and ambiance
- We've earned Wedding Wire's Couple's Choice award for multiple years
- Our catering services accommodate events from small luncheons to 400-guest weddings
- We've served Nashville since 1995 with authentic Southern comfort cuisine
What people say
Award-winning dining
Family-style meals
Southern charm
Historic setting
Memorable events
Services
Southern Dining
Our family-style Southern dining experience features daily-changing menus of classic dishes like Skillet Fried Chicken, Cheese Grits, and Pot Roast. Served in historic Victorian settings, meals bring together guests at communal tables to share Southern hospitality and authentic cuisine. The original Germantown location preserves architectural details while offering modern comfort.
Catering Services
We provide award-winning catering for events ranging from small luncheons to large weddings with options including drop-off catering, box lunches, and fried chicken by the pound. Our seasonal holiday catering features traditional Southern dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Custom menus accommodate various event sizes and dietary preferences.
Wedding Receptions
Our venues host weddings from 40 to 400 guests with packages ranging from morning brunch to evening receptions. The Manor location offers indoor/outdoor spaces with Victorian gardens and a wedding pavilion. Packages include catering, coordination services, and premium options with photography, floral arrangements, and spa services for bridal parties.
Rehearsal Dinners
We specialize in rehearsal dinners featuring family-style Southern meals with four meats, four vegetables, and traditional sides. The Germantown location accommodates groups starting at 40 adults with optional private garden access. Menu options include fried chicken, barbecue pork, and seasonal substitutions for customized dining experiences.
Gift Cards
Digital gift cards provide instant access to Nashville's #1 restaurant experience, redeemable for dine-in meals, catering services, or event bookings. Recipients receive emailed delivery with flexible denominations, making them ideal for special occasions. Physical gift cards available upon request for local purchases.
People
Michael King
Owner
Founder of Monell's since 1995, Michael King transformed a historic Germantown home into Nashville's beloved Southern dining institution. With no initial savings but five gold credit cards, he built the restaurant from a 72-seat space serving 80 first-day guests to a multi-location award-winning business. His vision combines historic preservation with authentic Southern cuisine.
Questions
Does Monell's accept reservations?
We seat regular dining guests on a first-come basis but offer reservations for rehearsal dinners, weddings, and private events outside regular hours.
What Southern dishes do you serve?
Our family-style meals feature daily-changing Southern classics like Skillet Fried Chicken, Cheese Grits, Pot Roast, and seasonal vegetables with biscuits and gravy included daily.
Can I cater Monell's food for my event?
Yes! We offer catering with options including drop-off service, box lunches, fried chicken by the pound, and full-service event catering for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Do you host wedding ceremonies?
While we specialize in wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, our venues accommodate ceremonies with garden spaces and Victorian architecture for photography and pre-reception gatherings.
Are children welcome at Monell's?
Yes! Children 3 and under eat free, 4-12 receive child pricing, and our family-style format encourages intergenerational dining experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.
What historic features does the Germantown location have?
The 1905 Victorian building preserves original architectural elements like transom windows, fireplaces, and murals depicting local history, with a garden setting that reflects Nashville's German heritage.
