Nashville’s reputation for incredible food goes far beyond hot chicken. Located in the heart of Music Valley near the iconic Grand Ole Opry, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen brings authentic Southern comfort food to life with generous portions and heartfelt hospitality. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Music City or a local seeking the perfect family dining experience, this iconic restaurant serves up Southern classics that warm both heart and soul. Step into a dining experience where every meal feels like a family Sunday dinner, complete with all the fixings and that famous Southern hospitality.  In this blog post, we explore the top 10 Southern comfort foods you must try at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Nashville.

Key Takeaways

• Experience authentic Southern comfort food served family-style
• Choose from multiple family-style dining options starting at $19.99 for lunch and $25.99 for dinner
• Located conveniently near Opry Mills Mall and the Grand Ole Opry
• Perfect for both intimate family dinners and larger group gatherings

The Top 10 Must-Try Southern Comfort Foods

1. Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken

As Paula herself says, “Some things in life can’t be improved upon!” This signature dish exemplifies Southern cooking at its finest. Each piece of chicken is specially seasoned and hand-breaded, then fried until crisp and golden on the outside while maintaining perfect juiciness inside. Available in both lunch and dinner family-style spreads, this classic remains one of the most requested items on the menu.

2. Chicken & Dumplings

“It’s been a staple at my family table for as long as I can remember,” Paula shares about this beloved dish. Tender pulled chicken mingles with hand-rolled dumplings, all simmered to perfection in a savory chicken gravy. This comfort food classic brings generations of Southern cooking tradition to your table.

3. Beef Pot Roast

Slow-roasted until it’s tender enough to melt in your mouth, this pot roast is lovingly shredded and served over buttered white rice. As the menu proudly declares, it’s “Comfort food at its finest!” The rich flavors developed during the slow-cooking process make this dish a testament to the patience required for true Southern cooking.

4. Georgia Fried Catfish

“We love our fish lightly fried with a flour and cornmeal coating, and you will, too!” The catfish comes perfectly seasoned and crispy, accompanied by Paula’s zingy tartar sauce that adds just the right amount of tang to each bite.

5. Country Fried Steak with White Gravy

This Southern classic features seasoned steak that’s tenderized and fried to crispy perfection, then smothered in rich white gravy. As the menu playfully notes, “If you haven’t had this yet, bless your heart.” It’s a must-try dish that showcases the hearty essence of Southern cuisine.

6. Chicken-Fried Pork Chop

Boneless tender pork receives the royal treatment with a coating of seasoned flour before being fried golden brown on the stovetop. The dish is elevated to legendary status with its own pan drippings transformed into “the best gravy ever created.“

7. Spare Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, these ribs offer what Paula calls “The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, Y’all!” The slow-roasting process ensures each bite delivers maximum flavor and tenderness.

8. Ol’ Fashioned Southern Meatloaf

This isn’t your standard meatloaf. Thick-sliced and featuring a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, it’s topped with crispy tobacco onions that add wonderful texture and taste. It’s no wonder Paula’s recipe has earned its own reputation!

Amazing Sides Worth Noting

While the main dishes shine, no Southern meal is complete without proper sides. Among Paula’s Famous Sides, these two stand out:

9. Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this mac and cheese side dish often steals the spotlight from the main courses. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with any of the Down Home Dishes.

10. Fresh Candied Yams

Sweet, buttery, and rich with traditional Southern flavors, these candied yams perfectly represent the sweeter side of Southern cuisine.

Where is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen Located?

Location and Hours

575 Opry Mills Drive – Nashville, TN 37214

Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11am – 9pm

The Family-Style Dining Experience

At Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, meals are served family-style, with options to suit every group size and appetite. For lunch, packages start at $19.99 per person for The Albany selection, while dinner begins at $25.99 per person. Each package includes your choice of Down Home Dishes and Paula’s Famous Sides, ensuring everyone at the table gets to sample multiple Southern specialties.

Special Sweet Endings

Every family-style meal includes dessert, and you can’t go wrong with options like the signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Paula’s famous Banana Pudding (“Mouthwateringly delicious, Y’all!“), or the Seasonal Cobbler, each lovingly prepared to create the perfect ending to your Southern feast.

Ready to experience authentic Southern comfort food? Visit Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen during your next Nashville adventure and discover why these dishes have become legendary in Music City. Located conveniently near the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable Southern dining experience.

Frequently Asked Question