Comfort Food and Country Music: The Perfect Nashville Evening at Paula Deen’s
Planning the perfect Nashville evening starts with a satisfying meal that sets the stage for a memorable night of entertainment. By combining two of Music City’s greatest attractions – Southern comfort food and country music – you can create an unforgettable experience. Just steps from the legendary Grand Ole Opry, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen serves as the ideal starting point to eat before a Grand Ole Opry show!
Key Highlights
- Perfect location steps from the Grand Ole Opry
- Lunch prices from $19.99 (vs. dinner from $25.99) served from 11am – 4pm
- Family-style dining with unlimited refills
- Convenient access to shopping and entertainment
Why Start Your Evening at Paula Deen’s
Seasoned Nashville visitors know that timing is everything when planning the perfect evening. Starting your day at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen offers multiple advantages that enhance your entire entertainment experience. By arriving during lunch hours (11am – 4pm), you’ll enjoy the same classic Southern cuisine at a more value-friendly price point, with lunch packages starting at $19.99 per person where dinner rates start at $25.99.
The restaurant’s generous family-style portions ensure you’ll be comfortably satisfied throughout your evening of entertainment. There’s no need to worry about feeling hungry during performances or rushing through a late dinner between shows. Instead, you can relax and savor every bite while knowing you’re just a short stroll away from the Grand Ole Opry at less than one mile away!
Southern Feast Options
Each family-style package includes your choice of main dishes, four sides, and dessert.
The key price points from the lunch menu are:
- The Albany: $19.99 per person
- The Savannah: $21.99 per person
- The Georgia: $23.99 per person
And from the dinner menu:
- The Albany: $25.99 per person
- The Savannah: $27.99 per person
- The Georgia: $29.99 per person
Signature Down Home Dishes
Our specially seasoned, hand-breaded chicken is fried crisp and golden. As Paula says, “Some things in life can’t be improved upon!” The Beef Pot Roast elevates comfort food to an art form, slow-roasted until tender and served over buttered rice. Our Chicken & Dumplings feature hand-rolled dumplings simmered in savory gravy, while the Spare Ribs showcase the perfect marriage of technique and flavor with their tangy barbecue sauce.
Must-Try Main Dishes:
- Southern Fried Chicken: Hand-breaded, crispy golden perfection
- Beef Pot Roast: Slow-roasted and served over buttered rice
- Chicken & Dumplings: A cherished family recipe
- Georgia Fried Catfish: Light, crispy coating with zingy tartar sauce
Paula’s Famous Sides and Desserts
The true art of Southern cooking shines through in Paula’s Famous Sides. From creamed potatoes whipped to perfection to collard greens cooked with traditional Southern flair, each side dish complements your main course selections. The baked mac and cheese has earned a reputation all its own, while the fresh candied yams strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
Every meal concludes with your choice of Paula’s signature desserts. The Ooey Gooey Butter Cake offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s become legendary among visitors. The Banana Pudding features rich and creamy custard layered with fresh bananas and sweet vanilla wafers, while the Seasonal Cobbler provides a taste of Southern tradition that changes throughout the year.
Perfect Evening Timeline
Maximize your Nashville experience by planning your timing carefully. Arrive before 4pm for a relaxed lunch service, allowing plenty of time to enjoy unlimited refills of your favorite dishes. After your meal, take advantage of the location to explore Opry Mills Mall or simply stroll the Grand Ole Opry before your evening entertainment begins.
Where is Paula Deen’s Located?
Located at 575 Opry Mills Drive in Nashville, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen welcomes guests daily from 11am to 9pm. The restaurant’s position in Music Valley creates the perfect hub for your evening’s entertainment, with the Grand Ole Opry being less than one mile away.
Planning Tips
- Arrive before 4pm and make lunch your main meal to enjoy better pricing
- Allow at least 90 minutes to fully enjoy your dining experience
- Save room for Paula’s signature desserts
- Consider an afternoon mall stroll between lunch and showtime
Ready to start planning your perfect Nashville evening? Begin with a satisfying Southern feast at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, then let the music take over. This winning combination of comfort food and country music creates the kind of memorable experience that keeps visitors coming back to Music City year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
While reservations aren’t required, arriving during lunch hours (11am-4pm) ensures shorter wait times and better value.
Yes, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is fully accessible with ample space between tables and elevator access.
Yes! The restaurant welcomes large groups and can comfortably accommodate parties of any size. For groups of 15 or more, calling ahead is recommended.
Yes, free parking is available in the Opry Mills Mall parking lot, convenient for both restaurant and entertainment access.
Your table selects 2-4 main dishes and four sides (depending on your package choice), which are served in sharable portions with unlimited refills throughout your meal.
