Today’s Takeout Pick: Monell's

Much of the restaurant industry has had to rapidly change its business model due to COVID-19, and we’re highlighting the Nashville places that are attempting to stay open. We will give you a critic’s pick for a restaurant and a dish, as well as a running list of restaurants still open that you can support. Today's pick: Monell's.

Monell's is back, baby! For months, Nashville's favorite family-style Southern eatery has been closed due to COVID-19, so for months we've had to live without their corn pudding. (In May, owner Mike King spoke openly about just how hard the restaurant industry has been impacted — you can read that interview here.) But as of October 7, all three locations of Monell's are open again! And while I'm still not totally comfortable dining in at restaurants (cases are spiking, after all), the Cafe Monell's location on Bransford Avenue is the perfect place to grab a big ol' container of carbs to eat at home. (Preferably with scary movies and Halloween candy.)

To accommodate our new reality, the cafe has made over their cozy covered outdoor dining area and they've also put up plexiglass at the counter. They've set up line dividers inside, too, so it's clear where to line up when you first walk in. (In the past it would often be confusing because customers came in through both the front door and the back door. Now we don't have to ask one another, "Are you in line?" "Oh, is this the line?" "No, I'm not in line, I'm just waiting for my sweet tea." And etc.)

When I went to grab my veggie plate (choice of four sides and a biscuit or piece of cornbread), I was tempted to make all four servings just of their corn pudding. I love their corn pudding. I never had corn pudding until I first visited Nashville 100 years ago (OK, like 12 years ago), and I've been hooked ever since. But a vat of corn pudding does not a lunch make, so I also opted for a scoop of the peppery pinto beans (vegetarian-friendly!), super creamy macaroni and cheese and cold broccoli salad (a legit vegetable, good for me).

It's a super-hearty plate of food for less than $9, and (if you're saving room for Halloween candy) it's even enough to split between two people. Oh, how I've missed you, you comforting pile of carbs.

(A tip for folks who are already making Thanksgiving plans: Monell's just announced their pre-order Thanksgiving menu. All the details are on their Facebook page.)

Below is a list of Nashville restaurants (with links) remaining open for takeout and delivery during the COVID-19 shutdown. While some may have had existing relationships with delivery providers, most of this list are offering the service for the first time. Most offer curbside pickup, but check when you order. As this list is a moving target, please leave any changes, suggestions or omissions in the comments.

Megan Seling

Places with takeout or delivery as of Tuesday, Oct. 27

Megan Seling

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March 19 - March 25, 2026 (Vol. 45, No. 8)

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