Divided Plates, Shared Moments: Our Go-To Nashville Steakhouses
- Kortni Lasater
- Jul 5, 2025
- 8 min read
Fancy or not to be fancy, that is the question.
When it comes to dining out in Nashville, my husband and I bring two very different appetites to the table, but that’s exactly what makes it fun. For Cole, steak is sacred. His number one requirement? A cut so perfectly cooked you could slice it with a whisper.
Me? I’m all about the atmosphere, the kind of room that’s buzzing with energy, where I can take in what everyone’s ordering, admire what they’re wearing, and feel that tingle of excitement that comes with dressing up for dinner. And yes, I want to know our waiter’s name, ask about their favorite dish, and leave them thinking, "Now that was a table of great guests". What can I say, Southern hospitality runs deep. We even tidy up the table before we leave.
Cole’s second must-have is the vibe. If the place doesn’t feel like Frank Sinatra might show up to croon in the corner, it’s missing something. I put food second on my list, give me something that makes me close my eyes and just sit with that flavor for a moment.
And for both of us, our number three is the same: a thoughtfully crafted drink to tie everything together. Whether it’s a deep bourbon, a smooth whiskey, or a bold red wine, the right pour brings the whole experience home.
So with all that in mind, allow us to introduce our top five Nashville favorites in no particular order, where his steak meets my pork perfection, the playlists are velvet-smooth, and every meal is a celebration.
1. Old Hickory Steak House at Opryland - 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, Located inside Gaylord Opryland.
Tucked inside the grand Gaylord Opryland Resort, this one feels like stepping into Southern elegance. Cole swears by the 8oz Wagyu from Black Hawk Farms in Kentucky, so tender you can cut it with a fork. My favorite? The Berkshire pork chop, glazed with apple mostarda. Red meat doesn’t always sit well with me, but I still make sure to sneak a bite (or two) from Cole’s plate—especially when that steak comes out with the perfect sear and crust. Still, that pork chop? Pan-seared to golden perfection, with a crust that rivals any steak. I slice it thin, savoring each bite as it melts in my mouth.
We always split the BLT salad (their take on a wedge), and our go-to sides are the braised carrots and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, simple, soulful, and done right.
When it comes to drinks, Cole’s bourbon radar is finely tuned. If it shows up with more than one ice cube, he’s already lost interest. A great bourbon, in his book, should be golden brown, smooth, and served with exactly one cube. His picks here? The Not So Old Fashioned - a bourbon-forward beauty - and The Library Manhattan, a whiskey cocktail that still earns a nod of approval.
As for me, I usually lean Pinot, but lately I’ve fallen for red blends, especially The Prisoner. It’s bold, smooth, and just the right kind of moody to pair with that pork chop.
2. Halls Chophouse - 1600 West End Avenue, Nashville
Cole calls this his number two, but for me, it’s sittin’ pretty at number one and I’ll admit, he’s got good taste. From the get-go, the staff makes you feel right at home, like you’ve walked in off the porch and into something special. The steaks are pure Southern indulgence, tender, flavorful, and downright memorable.
What I love most is the way you can step right off the country roads of Lasater Homestead and into an evening that feels like a classy city night. The vibe’s refined but welcoming and with each room offering its own charm, every visit feels fresh and new.
Cole always starts things off with their Halls Old Fashioned. That’s his mood-setter before the menu even hits the table. We both dig their Chop Salad to start, its a beautiful presentation and while Cole stays loyal to the wet-aged 12oz prime filet, I go for the heritage twin pork chops with that apple mustard glaze. It’s comfort with a touch of class.
If we're discussing side dishes, we have to mention the cornmeal-fried okra. It offers a crispy texture and a touch of Southern flair, and I feel like they don't serve enough (though, in reality, they probably do, but I should just get a double portion). Another reliable side is the mashed potatoes, which are comforting and familiar, but honestly, the okra always takes center stage.
Dessert? No hesitation, the warm Toll House cookie skillet is our go-to. And when I’m picking my pour, the Halls private label red blend takes me straight out of the dining room and into the heart of a vineyard. It’s smooth, rich, and just plain wonderful.
3. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse - 300 4th Avenue N, Nashville
If dinner were a show, Jeff Ruby’s would be the headliner. From the moment you walk in, you know you're in for something special. The entrance pulls you straight into what feels like a scene from The Great Gatsby, rich textures, twinkling details, and a live pianist in the bar area setting the mood for the whole evening. It’s the kind of place that makes you stand a little taller and smile a little wider, even before you’ve picked your seat.
Cole kicks things off with their barrel-aged Manhattan, it’s become a bit of a ritual, his way of easing into the night and sizing up the place. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll see a trend here. I’m convinced he's crafting his own Manhattan top five, and I’ve promised him a dedicated blog post one day.
We always split the wedge salad. It’s simple, sure, but their blue cheese dressing hits that rare balance, creamy, almost buttery, never overpowering. Cole goes for the 12oz barrel-cut filet, medium as always. I usually lean into the double bone pork chop, though I’ve had their buttermilk fried chicken too, and both dishes are to die for.
Now, Jeff Ruby’s may lean into the pricier side, but it’s the kind of place where every detail earns its keep. We even brought Emma once, and the kid-friendly mac and cheese turned out to be a shared table favorite. The grilled asparagus were our side of choice, simple, elegant, and full of flavor, as we steal bites from the kiddo's mac n cheese.
The staff? Smooth as butter. Watching them move between tables is like watching a well-rehearsed dance, graceful, attentive, never rushed. They know their way around hospitality, and it shows.
Truthfully, dessert’s usually a stretch after all that, but on Emma’s night out, we made room for a scoop of their house-made chocolate ice cream. It was just the kind of ending that makes a fancy night still feel cozy and familiar.
4. Bourbon Steak - 201 8th Avenue South, Nashville
If you’re lookin’ for a supper with a view, Bourbon Steakhouse is the place where the city skyline rolls out like a welcome mat. Sitting up high, the sunset stretches wide, casting a golden glow that makes you forget the rush and just breathe.
Cole’s usual drink was their spin on a classic cocktail. It’s no longer on the menu, but honestly, that just adds a little adventure to the next visit. He’ll find a new favorite, it’s what he does.
As for food, we start with the wedge salad every time. No questions asked. And when it comes to steak, this is the one place Cole and I see eye to eye, Black Angus 8oz filet mignon, medium. It’s rich, savory, and exactly what you hope for when steak’s the star of the show. And we oughta know a good cut when we see it, raising Herefords out at Lasater Homestead has taught us a thing or two about quality beef. It’s in the marbling, the tenderness, the way the flavor tells a story before you’ve even picked up your knife. Vole, our prized Hereford, would tip his hat if he could.
The Brussels sprouts seared with honey and lime bring that sweet little surprise that balances out the plate. But when we’ve got company, like the sister and brother-in-law, we branch out. The pork belly fried rice with spicy gochujang sauce? A bold move with big payoff. Add in a glass of their “Burgundy” red blend Pinot Noir, and it rounds everything out like a harmony you didn’t know you needed.
We’ll be the first to admit, it’s been a minute since we last pulled up a chair at Bourbon. But the impression? Still fresh. Good food, good views, and the kind of night that sticks with you long after the last bite.
And if that wasn’t enough, a dear friend of ours just marked their 20th anniversary with a big ol’ celebration. The glow behind it? That romantic night out at Bourbon, our little suggestion turned into their big memory. That skyline, those cozy corners, and a meal worth lingering over. There’s just something about a place that makes dinner feel like a milestone.
5. Eddie V's - 590 Broadway, Nashville
This is one of those places where dinner feels like a little escape, elegant, lively, and just the right bit of dramatic. The moment you walk in, you’re wrapped in a kind of sophisticated warmth. The stairway to the second level is lined with a floor-to-ceiling wall of wine, a true showpiece that feels like you’re climbing right into a cellar of dreams. And the chandeliers? They’re scattered in all styles and shapes, catching the light in ways that make you stop and stare, like a little gallery above your head.
Cole kicks off the evening with his Smoked Old Fashioned, and I’ll be honest, that drink is my favorite part to watch. The smoky reveal when they lift the lid? It's like a little stage performance in a glass. Do I like the taste? Absolutely not. Something about sipping leather doesn't quite do it for me, but watching that smoke roll across the table? That’s entertainment.
He sticks with his tried-and-true wedge salad, while I lean into the creamy decadence of their Maine lobster bisque. It’s rich, smooth, and exactly what it claims to be, pure luxury in a bowl.
For mains, we went classic: Cole’s 10oz filet cooked medium, and I chose the sea bass, which came out perfectly done, flaky, flavorful, and buttery without being heavy. We rounded things out with a couple of sides: their mac and cheese (honestly, heaven in a dish) and the honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, which delivered that sweet-spicy crunch we crave.
Dessert at Eddie V’s is a finale worth waiting for. We ordered the tableside Bananas Foster butter cake, and it was every bit as indulgent and theatrical as the name suggests, warm, golden, and just the right note to close the night.
And that’s a wrap - from chandeliers to cornmeal okra, filet mignon to butter cake. These steakhouse nights gave us more than dinner, they gave us moments worth retelling, flavors we still talk about, and the kind of experiences that feel like little chapters in our story.
Whether you're suiting up for date night or just craving something that tastes like it took time, Nashville’s got the spots. And if you find yourself savoring that last bite a little longer or watching smoke roll off a cocktail like it’s the main act, well, now you know we’ve been there too.
Thanks for pulling up a chair with us. The steak was good, but the company’s even better. And if anyone asks how you heard about ’em, just smile and say Cole and Kortni from Lasater Homestead sent you.
Sincerely,
Kortni Lasater
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