Recommended if You Like: Local Alternatives to National Chains

Industry estimates place the total number of chain restaurants in the United States somewhere in the neighborhood of 349,000. That’s a chain location for every 1,000 Americans. Over the past 75 years, corporate food-slingers — particularly fast-food outposts — have been baked into daily American life thanks to convenience and affordability. But most of us would probably rather spend our money with local businesses.

In this issue you’ll find Scene staff and contributors’ recommendations for where to spend your cash in lieu of corporate chains. And no — eating local doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience and affordability!

Like In-N-Out? Try Dino’s, Schulman’s Neighborhood Bar and M.L.Rose. 

The burgers at In-N-Out, one of the many recent interlopers arriving from the California-to-Middle Tennessee pipeline, are legit good … for a fast-food restaurant. But the real star of the West Coast burger joint’s menu, in my opinion, are the Animal Style Fries. If you find yourself desiring fries smothered in grilled onions, melted cheese and In-N-Out’s signature spread (but don’t want a long line), there are plenty of local options providing essentially the same thing. At beloved East Nashville dive bar Dino’s, a similar style of fries is on the menu — only instead of American cheese, Dino’s loads on Velveeta. Schulman’s Neighborhood Bar also offers up its own version of Animal Style Fries: Beastie Style, with the exact same three-topping combo. M.L.Rose (which has several local locations) doesn’t have quite the same fry concoction (although they do offer an “ANM.L.-Style” burger!), but any discussion of loaded fries has to include the overflowing waffle fries at M.L.Rose. Just make sure to add a side of their homemade ranch. LOGAN BUTTS

Like Taco Bell? Try the “Crunchwraps” at Inglewood Lounge, Redheaded Stranger and The BE Hive.

We’re not fools here — we know that two of the three primary reasons people run for the border are convenience and affordability. While most locally owned fast-casual spots mentioned here can’t quite compete with Taco Bell on those two fronts, they sure can on the third and potentially most important one: tasting good as hell. There are loads of solid local Tex-Mex spots, from East Nashville’s Sweeza to Superica in The Gulch and San Antonio Taco Co. on 21st Avenue. But if you’re specifically craving a Crunchwrap and have the time and extra few dollars to support local, several places do their own versions of the tasty, self-contained tortilla pockets. Bryan Lee Weaver’s Redheaded Stranger makes an excellent version for $12, while Inglewood Lounge has a delectable and sloppy option for $13. Looking for a veggie option? East Side vegan spot The BE Hive Deli & Market has a classic version ($12) and a hot-“chicken” version ($14), and the classic is half-price on Wednesdays. D. PATRICK RODGERS

Like 7 Brew? Try Sip Café. 

When drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew opened in East Nashville earlier this year, motorists eagerly filed into a haphazard line that stretched dangerously far into Gallatin Pike. But less than a mile-and-a-half up the road in North Inglewood sits Sip Café — a calmer and quirky locally owned coffee shop offering plenty of options for beverages and snacks. These include hot, iced and frozen coffees and teas, a slew of unique ice cream flavors, fruit smoothies, freshly baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Housed in a former bank (where scenes from the Robin Williams movie Boulevard were filmed in 2013) and with a giant rotating coffee cup outside, the colorful, eclectic shop has all the charm of an old diner and coffeehouse with plenty of seating and displays that feature event flyers and business cards galore. With a convenient drive-thru, it’s great for caffeine lovers on the go. Plus, if you’re a night owl, it’s one of the few local coffee shops in East Nashville open at night — until 9 p.m. on weekdays. JULIANNE AKERS 

Like Shake Shack? Try Gabby’s, Brown’s Diner and Bad Luck Burger Club. 

You might still remember the hoopla and long lines when Shake Shack first arrived in Nashville, but it’s not like they invented the smashburger. At the very least, it’s been around since the Great Depression, when Oklahoma greasy spoons stretched their meat further by smooshing the patties with chopped onions to develop an umami-rich crust. To misquote Barbara Mandrell, Gabby’s was WeHo when WeHo wasn’t cool, offering a solid array of smashburgers made from grass-fed beef. And that’s before you even figure out how to order from the “secret menu,” which you definitely should. Brown’s Diner has been feeding neighbors, students and songwriters for almost a century, and a recent menu revision has introduced 10 creative smashburgers to the beloved OG 1927 burger joint. Bad Luck Burger Club added a second outpost in The Nations in addition to their original East Nashville location, which is a good thing — with the price of gas, who wants to drive across town for a perfectly seasoned smashburger with the ideal lacy, crispy crust? Now East Siders and West Siders alike have the option. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

Like Raising Cane’s? Try McDougal’s Chicken.

The template creates devotees for a reason. Fried chicken is the main event, with essential french fry assistance and pillowy toast to absorb or accompany sauce dips. The South’s favorite square meal has caught fire nationally thanks to Raising Cane’s rapid franchise expansion over the past few years. The Louisiana-based chicken shop has a canny and viral command of social media, but suffers the volume and quality pitfalls endemic in fast food. McDougal’s Chicken offers juicier tenders, crispier fries and an extensive array of accessory condiments. A superior McDougal’s house sauce competes directly with Raising Cane’s mass-produced dip, and McDougal’s offers the messy but indulgent “tossed” option that thoroughly sauces all fingers for true fried chicken degenerates. A serious chicken meal deserves roadhouse ambience, another point for McDougal’s, which offers locations in Brentwood and on 12th Avenue South near The Gulch. ELI MOTYCKA

Like Paris Baguette? Try Cocorico!, Little Gourmand or Olala French Cafe.

If you like Paris Baguette, the Korean-owned bakery with 4,500 locations worldwide, try a spot helmed by a now-local French transplant. Elodie Habert’s Cocorico! serves croissants and other pastries, plus quiche, sandwiches, salads and more, all in a vibe that is more French hangout-and-talk-to-the-other-diners than check-your-email. There’s nowhere else you can feast on a flaky pastry while admiring the joy of Music Row’s Musica sculpture. If you like fancy artistry and oohs and ahs over your food photos, grab a tartlet or mille-feuille from Little Gourmand (in either Green Hills or Melrose). Fortunately, they taste as good as they look. Olala French Cafe is a casual French cafe by day and a bistro by night, led by a father-and-son team. Dishes are served with a savory side salad, just as they are in la Republique française. MARGARET LITTMAN

Like Kelly’s Cajun Grill? Try Spicy Boy’s, Gumbo Bros and Voodoo Gumbo.

If you’ve ever walked through the food court at Opry Mills, you’ve probably heard the siren call emanating from Kelly’s Cajun Grill: “Boouuurrrbooon chicken — try some bourbon chicken.” There’s a lot of misinformation going down in this situation. While it may indeed be chicken, it’s a stretch to discern any bourbon flavor in the brown sugar/soy sauce. Somebody named Kelly might be involved with the parent company, but the restaurant is about as Cajun as Olive Garden, with the menu leaning a lot more toward Panda Express than Mulate’s. If you want a true taste of Louisiana, try the roast beef po’boy with debris gravy on a legit Leidenheimer roll at Spicy Boy’s, or the bayou-approved dark roux’d chicken and smoked andouille sausage gumbo from Gumbo Bros. Voodoo Gumbo scratches the Cajun itch in Bellevue with rich étouffée studded with both crawfish and shrimp. Aiii-yeeee! CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

Like McDonald’s? Try Fat Mo’s.

Eating a Fat Mo’s burger is one of the last ways to experience Old Nashville. The burger itself is delightful, and takes some of its cues from owner Mohammad “Mo” Karimy’s brief stint working at McDonald’s before he and his wife Shiva opened the first Fat Mo’s in Antioch in 1992. And while its burgers might just be the best in town, the thing that makes Fat Mo’s truly special is the specific charm of the place and the devotion it encourages — sort of like the heyday of McDonald’s, when kids begged to have birthday parties on site, and there were masked burglars involved. The Gallatin Pike location (one of a handful of outposts) doesn’t host birthday parties or have a troupe of mascots (YET!), but the building itself is practically folk art — all primary colors, architectural oddities and hand-painted signs. On one of those signs is an American flag ribboning atop the words “God Bless Mo’ Americans.” There’s a well-loved scruffiness to the place, and knowing your favorite Mo’s order makes you feel like a true local, like knowing how to order a slice at a New York pizzeria or a dressed sandwich in New Orleans. A blessed Mo’ American, indeed. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

Like Panda Express? Try Golden Prawn #3.

Nashville’s stark lack of decent Chinese takeaway would be a tired trope if it weren’t so accurate. While there are some great noodle options and solid dumpling offerings in town, finding a consistent spot for General Tso’s or beef and broccoli is trickier. So I can’t blame folks for hitting up a drive-thru. But if you can reach Riverside, Golden Prawn #3 is absolutely worth the trip. You get a lot of food and a lot of flavor for the price point and a menu full of reliable takeaway options. The menu isn’t overwhelming, and the Mongolian beef has become my favorite. ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ

Like Cracker Barrel? Try Nashville Biscuit House. 

While Cracker Barrel is quasi-local (headquartered in Lebanon, Tenn.), it’s still a massive chain with more than 600 locations across the U.S. If you’re in the mood for some truly local Southern cooking, head over to Nashville Biscuit House for a hearty breakfast or lunch. With eclectic, homey Southern decorations clinging to every inch of the walls, the small diner is a true gem in East Nashville. The menu is full of various plates and platters offering an array of classic options like pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, country-fried steak, grits, omelets, bacon and home fries. A personal favorite is the menu’s Ultimate Platter, a large serving of loaded biscuits and gravy with all the fixins. But be warned: The portion on this is massive, and you should get the full order only if you’re very hungry. Don’t skip out on the lunch plates offering pork chops, catfish fillets, ribeye steaks, turnip greens, fried okra and more. JULIANNE AKERS 

Like Jeni’s? Try Sarabha’s.

It’s a treat to wander down 21st and catch a whiff of the ice cream cones emanating from the Hillsboro Village location of Columbus-based creamery Jeni’s. A few blocks north, however, you’ll find Sarabha’s, a Nashville-owned staple that offers Indian-style ice cream and hot beverages that are a year-round treat. Their Midtown location is near enough to Vanderbilt that you might encounter a study session or two, but not so close that it’s overwhelmed by undergrads. Their chai is life-givingly warm, and their quirky kulfi selection is a delight. On a recent visit, I tried the Oktoberfest special: a rich, balanced chocolate stout pretzel ice cream with a decadent ribbon of caramel. I’ve also heard rave reviews about their kesar pista, which mixes pistachio and saffron. Sarabha’s now has a second location in East Nashville’s Lost & Found. ANNIE PARNELL

Like Chili’s? Try Green Hills Grille.

While the original iteration of Green Hills Grille closed in 2008 after roughly 18 years in business, the dream of the ’90s is still alive at its current location, which opened less than a mile away in 2015. Its tall booths, maroon carpets, wood accents and extensive “California-revival casual” menu are homey and inviting, and might remind diners of the family-friendly dining chains that have sprung up across the American landscape in recent decades. While the menu items are similar to what you’ll find at a spot like Chili’s — Cobb and chopped and Caesar salads, grilled salmon, hearty pasta plates — the quality and portion sizes at GHG put the chains to shame. And thanks to a daily happy hour (2:30 to 6:30 p.m.), the Grille also remains one of tony Green Hills’ most wallet-friendly options. D. PATRICK RODGERS

Like Wingstop? Try Brother Z’s Wang Shack.

The modest white-and-yellow building on Dickerson Pike shouldn’t be overlooked next time you’re in the mood for wings. At Brother Z’s Wang Shack, you can order a six-piece combo with fries if you just have a craving, or place an order for much bigger batches if you’re hosting a watch party on Sunday. I recommend the tangy lemon-pepper dry rub. ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ

Like Chipotle Mexican Grill? Try Baja Burrito.

There’s seldom a time when a tortilla stuffed to the max with seasoned meats, veggies, sauces and maybe some rice and beans — don’t forget a side of chips — doesn’t sound good. Built-to-order burrito restaurants started to pop up on the West Coast in the 1960s, but didn’t really take off in Nashville till Baja Burrito opened in Berry Hill in October 2000. Launched in Denver in 1993, Chipotle Mexican Grill’s nationally franchised version appeared in our area circa 2009, and it’s always been Baja’s game to lose. They put in the work to keep the quality high and the prices competitive — plus you can get your meal as a taco plate instead of a burrito or bowl if that’s what’s calling to you. And few can match the addictive nature of Baja Burrito’s fruit tea, which takes me back to college with a single sip. STEPHEN TRAGESER

Like Olive Garden? Try Nicoletto’s Pasta Co.

I’m a sucker for breadsticks, so don’t get me wrong here — I get it. But when I’m in the mood for the sort of casual and comforting Italian food Olive Garden likes to advertise, Nicoletto’s Pasta Co. is my go-to. Their gnocchi Bolognese is hearty enough that I usually have leftovers, and I’m also a fan of the indulgent buffalo chicken macaroni-and-cheese. And with a Mt. Juliet location set to open by the end of the year, it’s not just for Nashvillians anymore. ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ

Like Ruby Sunshine? Try Marsh House, The Butter Milk Ranch and Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch. 

Nashville is definitely a brunchy town. Both tourists and locals appreciate a languorous weekend meal where the mandatory elements must include toast (avocado or French), multiple sources of carbs and alcohol mixed with OJ or tomato juice. New Orleans-based chain Ruby Sunshine definitely gets the vibe, but there are other great options in town. Marsh House serves an elevated version of a proper Louisiana brunch, with an emphasis on Gulf seafood and creative morning cocktails. Don’t sweat the lines at The Butter Milk Ranch in 12South. The queue moves pretty quickly, and there’s always the carryout counter. Once you do score a table, enjoy next-generation pastries, bacon and sausage cured across the street by their corporate cousins at Urban Grub, and a full bar of booze and bubbles. For the full “Last Bash in Nash” bachelorette brunch experience, reserve a table at Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch, complete with live (and lively) entertainment from your favorite ribald queens, plus a legitimately good breakfast with biscuits, beignets, jams and jellies for the table and your choice of several entrées. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

Like Cava? Try Greko Greek Street Food.

Foods from various Mediterranean cultures have a wonderful depth of flavor, and can be quite healthy. So it absolutely makes sense to have a national franchise like Cava to bring fast-casual diners seared proteins with superbly seasoned veggies, hearty rice and breads, and aromatic dips and sauces. Nashville is a treasure chest of specific takes via immigrant communities from Egypt, Turkey, Kurdistan and more. Greko Greek Street Food, launched by Greek immigrants and longtime Nashvillians from the Darsinos family, reps Greece admirably. Their menu has a lot in common with Cava, featuring pita wraps, bowls and salads with meats cooked in house over a live fire — all at surprisingly competitive price points, considering that Cava has an economy of scale with more than 400 locations versus Greko’s single East Nashville outpost. Beyond keeping your dollars local, dining at Greko gets you offerings you won’t find at the chain, like soups, quarter- and half-chickens, loaded fries and baklava from Mt. Juliet’s Sweet Armenia Bakery. STEPHEN TRAGESER

Like Chain Steakhouses? Try Sperry’s.

If you like Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Bar, Jeff Ruby’s or any of the other many (many) chain steakhouses, try Sperry’s Restaurant. For 52 years, Sperry’s has served steak with a trip to the salad bar in a clubby Belle Meade environ. Sperry’s is the definition of “local institution,” where the basic idea has remained unchanged for more than half a century. The family-owned business serves prime rib, filets and chops to a cross-section of the city, from matriarchs and patriarchs who have been bringing their kids and grandkids for decades, to young couples on a date night. (There are now several locations: the OG Belle Meade, plus Cool Springs, plus two mercantiles where you can grab some dishes to go.) The sides and other dishes are classic steakhouse offerings: twice-baked potatoes, salad bar, seafood towers and asparagus Hollandaise. Peppermint ice cream and the bananas Foster are the signature desserts. MARGARET LITTMAN

Like Starbucks’ Cold Foam? Try Dose.

Several great local coffee shops deserve your Starbucks budget — Tempo, The Horn, Crema, and Matryoshka come to mind — offering creative and wired alternatives to Starbucks’ tired rotation. But one has won the cold-foam moment. Show up to Dose any morning and see its capable roster of baristas lining up Barcelonas, Dose’s signature drink that started out seasonal and has since earned a permanent spot on the menu. Whipped and salted sweet cream tops Dose’s strong and bitter cold brew for a dessert beverage that will outlast and outperform any Starbucks challenger. It’s a simple yet effective alternative to Starbucks’ cold foam lineup, the chain’s only new contribution to coffee enjoyers in a decade. There is no better time to join the resistance now that the notoriously cutthroat company has announced a new corporate headquarters at the Peabody Union building. ELI MOTYCKA