Planning a visit to the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville? Make your music pilgrimage even more memorable with a stop at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, located just a scenic 20-minute drive from downtown’s iconic venue. This beloved Southern restaurant combines the comfort of family-style dining with the flavors that have made Paula Deen a household name in Southern cuisine.
Key Takeaways:
- Conveniently located near the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall, making it the perfect dining destination before or after your Ryman Auditorium show
- Authentic family-style Southern dining experience where dishes are served to share, creating a warm, communal atmosphere
- Extensive menu featuring Paula’s famous Southern classics, from Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken to Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Generous portions and unlimited refills ensure you’ll stay satisfied throughout your meal
Experience True Southern Family-Style Dining
At Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Nashville, dining is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that brings people together. The restaurant’s family-style concept means all dishes are served on platters meant for sharing, just like a Sunday dinner at your grandmother’s house. Choose from three different dining packages – The Albany, The Savannah, or The Georgia – each offering a selection of Down Home Dishes and Paula’s Famous Sides for the entire table to enjoy.
What makes family-style dining special at Paula Deen’s? Your table will receive generous portions of each selected dish, and the best part is that you can request unlimited refills of any item. This ensures everyone gets their fill of their favorites, creating a true family feast atmosphere.
A Menu That Sings with Southern Flavor

The menu at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen features time-tested Southern classics that have earned their reputation as comfort food favorites. Some must-try Down Home Dishes include:
- Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken – Hand-breaded, seasoned to perfection, and fried until golden crispy
- Beef Pot Roast – Slow-roasted until tender and served over buttered white rice
- Chicken & Dumplings – Hand-rolled dumplings in savory chicken gravy
- Georgia Fried Catfish – Lightly fried with a special flour and cornmeal coating
Complement your main dishes with Paula’s Famous Sides such as:
- Creamed Potatoes
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Fresh Candied Yams
- Collard Greens
- Fried Okra
Save room for dessert because every meal includes one of Paula’s Southern sweet treats:
- Ooey Gooey Butter Cake – Paula’s signature melt-in-your-mouth dessert
- Banana Pudding – Rich custard layered with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers
- Seasonal Cobbler – A bubbling Southern favorite
Location and Planning Your Visit
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is located at 575 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214. While it’s a 20-minute drive from the Ryman Auditorium, the journey is well worth it for an authentic Southern dining experience. The restaurant is open Daily: 11am - 9pm, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner. Lunch served Monday thru Friday
Tips for Your Visit
- No reservations required – but if you want to ensure a table, you can book a reservation here
- Perfect for groups of all sizes
- Consider dining here before your show at the Ryman Auditorium – the hearty portions will keep you satisfied throughout the performance
- Located near other Nashville attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills Mall, making it easy to plan a full day of activities
More Than Just a Meal
The warm, inviting atmosphere at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen reflects the heart of Southern hospitality. The restaurant’s interior features comfortable seating and charming décor that makes you feel right at home. The friendly staff and communal dining style create an environment where memories are made and stories are shared over plates of delicious Southern cuisine.
Plan Your Pre-Show Dining Experience
Whether you’re heading to the Ryman Auditorium for a legendary performance or exploring Nashville’s music history, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen offers the perfect dining experience to complement your musical adventure. The restaurant’s family-style service, generous portions, and authentic Southern dishes ensure you’ll leave with a satisfied smile and full heart, ready to enjoy your evening of entertainment at the Ryman.
Ready to experience the best of Southern hospitality and cooking? Visit Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen at 575 Opry Mills Drive, or call 615-492-6500 for more information. Your taste buds – and your family – will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours for your dining experience to fully enjoy the family-style service and all the courses, plus 20-25 minutes for the drive to the Ryman Auditorium. Consider traffic during peak hours.
Family-style dinner ranges from $25.99 to $29.99 per person, depending on your chosen package (The Albany, The Savannah, or The Georgia). Each includes multiple Down Home Dishes, sides, and dessert. Lunch prices are lower, ranging from $19.99 to $23.99 per person.* Lunch served Monday thru Friday
Yes! The restaurant welcomes large groups and the family-style dining concept is perfect for bigger parties. The communal dining experience makes it easy for everyone to share and enjoy multiple dishes together.
For evening shows at the Ryman Auditorium, we recommend arriving at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen around 4:30-5:00 PM.* This timing allows you to enjoy your meal without rushing and make the 20-minute drive to the Ryman with plenty of time before typical showtimes.
Pro Tip: The Lunch Menu with lunch prices is served until 4:00 PM. Lunch served Monday thru Friday
