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Hermitage Cafe
71 Hermitage Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, United States
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Hermitage Cafe
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M.
Review №1

As classic and authentic a diner experience as you could hope to find. Cash only, so plan ahead. There is an ATM on site. Open 10pm-1pm, perfect hours for late night munchies or a morning hangover. Service is quick and efficient, and the food is exactly as advertised. There are no frills here, but plenty of regulars. Prices are very fair and portions generous.

Tr
Review №2

If you’re coming for the food, you’re in the right place. Seriously the BEST pork chops I’ve ever eaten in my life. Biscuits & gravy were good, steak & eggs were awesome too. If you’re looking for sweet southern hospitality you won’t find it here. You will find some down home sarcastic banter (not necessarily bad, Keeps you on your toes.)This is the epitome of a ‘mom n pop’ diner where the husband cooks and the wife serves customers. The other employees were super friendly & hardworking too.Overall a totally cool place... but if you don’t want your head bitten off... (you’ve been warned).... DO NOT VIDEO!!!

Me
Review №3

First time to eat at this Nashville landmark. The breakfast was delicious! Real diced potatoe hash browns, scrambled eggs, country fried steak, and biscuits and gravy. So sad that I havent been eating there more often. It is closing on October 31st. They lost their lease after 30+ years

Pa
Review №4

This has been our Sunday go for breakfast after church place for 18 years. Have we tried other places?....yes. It just didnt have the character of this quintessential Old Nashville Diner/Cafe. Also, knowing you will have the same server during your next visit makes the experience so much more personable. You cant build these places. They have to be preserved. (So sad to see it go away for the sake of WHOS progress? ...and take away local peoples livelihood.)

Je
Review №5

Always the best place for a super late night meal.

M
Review №6

Last day so we got lucky, definitely all that the reviews said it was. Staff was amazing. Too bad they are being forced out. Another piece of Americana gone in the name of so called progress...but I can say I ate there, pork chops...mmm.

Ta
Review №7

Old School, Feel Good, Down Home Cooking!Excellent food. Cool vibe. Great Service!Thank you for your warm welcome Linda 🤘🏼P.S. and no I didnt eat the carbs 😉 Keto is still in session 👊🏼

Ro
Review №8

This will always be a special place for me, I was in labor with my first child little girl ..the old General Hospital was across the street and said I wasnt ready! I went across the street and was hungry for the chicken and dumplings!! Was in labor 72 hours!! Her name is Misty!! Thank you for being here!! Great memory

As
Review №9

Dont be in a hurry if youre planning to eat here, and dont expect great service. It was fairly busy so normally Id understand, however we watched the server piddle and chit chat for nearly 10 minutes before taking our drink order, which another staff member ended up doing anyway. It took 40 minutes for two of our three meals to come out (from the time we walked in the door), both of which were cold. The other meal arrived a few minutes later, which was at least hot. We had to ask multiple times for only one refill and the server seemed to think that we were a nuisance. The food was pretty good, and priced well, hence the 2 stars.

Al
Review №10

Based on other reviews and our experience, this place seems to be much better if youre a local. We went because it was open late-night. The woman who served us was incredibly rude and didnt put in any effort to extend hospitality. The other employee (the dude with one leg, possibly the owner?) came by instead and he was easygoing and fun to talk to.The place itself is grimy as all hell. Cash only. Food was OK—simple and cheap. But the woman ruined it and really shouldnt be in food service. I wouldnt recommend if you dont live in Nashville.

Al
Review №11

Historic diner. No frills, just good food and good folks. Perfect spot for a Quick lunch, breakfast served all day. Jukebox on the wall and a wait staff that will keep you laughing. One of the few Nashville landmarks still standing downtown. If those walls could talk. Go see Momma TT and have yourself some bacon, eggs and home fries anytime between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. open all night.

Br
Review №12

Great breakfast. Great atmosphere.

B
Review №13

Staff was super welcoming! Fast service and friendly atmosphere. Delicious western omelet. Biscuits and gravy like mom used to make

Li
Review №14

Best place in Nashville. We went every morning for 3 days.

Mi
Review №15

Great breakfast before it closed its doors...

Wi
Review №16

It appears that this place is closing at the end of the month. The service was fun to watch and the kitchen folks had lots to say to one another, lives up to there slogan about fussin. This is good ol diner fare with a show.

Ch
Review №17

Great little dinner and its open all night... Love how they were bumpin some early 2000s Hits pretty freaking loud... Made me think we were walking into a party instead of a dinner...

me
Review №18

Where do I start. We decided to visit Nashville and we asked a few locals where we could go for the best breakfast. They recommended this place and we walked 2 miles from our hotel to be greeted by the rudest staff and nastiest restaurant i have ever seen. It looks like the floors haven’t been cleaned in years and there were flies everywhere. I watched the girl exchange money with a guy who was outside throwing up who ordered 2 waters and she never washed her hands before making drinks or delivering food. They are only nice to locals and ignored people who weren’t local. We ordered our food before 3 tables of locals came in and they somehow got waited and served well before our food was even brought out. We were the last of 4 tables to even receive our food. And then she gave our food to the table beside us. Luckily the customer said she would eat it because the staff member was reaching out to take it back then move to our table. Save your time and go elsewhere. Or bring some fly strips and clorox if you plan to dine at this establishment.

JT
Review №19

Great food, good service. Ive been going there for nearly a decade. Good memories of being welcomed and considered nearly a regular while stopping by on my way to TSU. Much love!

ca
Review №20

The food and prices were very good. The service left a lot to be desired. Couldnt get a refill for coffee because waitress was too busy visiting locals.

Am
Review №21

Great little diner, on vacation I always try to find the diamond in the rough type eateries. Hermitage was exactly that! If your looking for greasy spoon/mom & pop place for breakfast here it is!

Cl
Review №22

When you first walk in, you wonder if you’re a ghost. No one notices your existence. When you seat yourself and someone from the wait staff finally acknowledges that you are indeed an actual customer, you get the bare minimum service. Locals arrive and are greeted and served, but if you’re “not from around here” you might as well have brought your own food and cooking apparatus. Save yourself the time and buy a live chicken, wait for it to lay eggs, and then scramble them.

Lo
Review №23

Dirty, flies everywhere, staff was not happy that we were there. Ive never felt so unwelcomed. Food was merely okay, nothing to brag about and definitely not worth returning. Especially with the rudeness of the staff. Coffee was luke warm, so I poured it into my own insulated coffee mug to keep it warm and was told by the server that I wasnt allowed to drink out of my insulated mug. I simply poured it into my mug so that I could keep my coffee somewhat warm. I prefer hot coffee & this place was ridiculous. Definitely will not recommend to anyone and will not be back.

Da
Review №24

The wait is long and youll get quicker service if you get seated at the bar.

ch
Review №25

I wish I could have taken more pictures of my food for yall but I couldnt Waite to dove in. This place is like being at home with family friendly staff make you feel like family and the food is just as good. If your in Nashville you have to stop in, you wont be disappointed

Ni
Review №26

Absolutely a must if you are in Nashville to party. They are open late and the staff can deal with drink people. Make sure Oswall is cooking and you will never be disappointed. The French toast is on point!

Ma
Review №27

Worst service I have ever experienced. Our waitress was so rude to us. Never brought me the water I ordered. I got a coffee but she never checked back on us so I didnt get a refill. Threw our food down when she delivered it to us and was overall nasty to us but friendly to every other table there. We have no idea what we couldve done or why we were being treated that way. The only nice part was the female cook who rang us up when we left. Other than that, wouldnt recommend and would never go back.

Gr
Review №28

Pork chop and egg breakfast. Excellent. High in protein. Left a $5 and ordered two OJs on the way out and didnt get them but still very good.

St
Review №29

So they say they try to make the place vintage by basically it looking like lightning struck a dumpster 100 times. And they try to make the expirence fun for everyone by serving you burnt french toast and bacon strips that look like pieces of tree bark. We gave the waitress a big tip and they didnt even say thanks. They say the place had a little leak in the Ceiling by the whole roof being drenched with water. The food took a long time, the place was SUPER dirty, and all of that for an overpriced breakfast.

Ni
Review №30

Amazing experience, country fried steak was delicious!

St
Review №31

Very nice little diner. Staff was entertaining.

Da
Review №32

Cussin and cookin.... Great dinner. Will be sad to see i go

Mo
Review №33

Ordered ahead on the phone. They dont have curbside pickup, though. Had to go inside and pay, but they only take cash. Not sure if that was mentioned on the website, but be prepared to pay in cash. They do, however, have an ATM machine on site. This restaurant has been around for decades and Im a Nashville native and surprisingly, this is my very first time eating here. The food was good. I would recommend as 1 of several places in Nashville to get home-cooked breakfast fair.

Ju
Review №34

Good people, great food!!! Made me feel right at home! I will be back soon! Thanks Aunt TT for the Nashville hospitality!!!

Ki
Review №35

Awesome food, great service. Amazing atmosphere. Luv it. Highly recommend it oh incredible delicious food 😋

Di
Review №36

Cheap eats. Typical hole in the wall cafe.GOOD good food.

Ji
Review №37

Good food. Quick service. Hermitage Cafe is one of a kind.

Bo
Review №38

Staff was really friendly and the food is diner food, doesnt get better when its late at night and youve had a few!!

Al
Review №39

Walked in, got made fun of by staff for our group wearing masks and staff started whispering in their ears about our outfits, so we chose to walk out. Wouldn’t come back.

Lo
Review №40

I love the environment very chill and relaxed and comfortable my favorite place in Nashville

Ja
Review №41

The food was good, but took forever to get. The atmosphere was great with friends.

Be
Review №42

Waited for 1 hour and 20 minutes and the server was just terrible. Coffee and tea tasted like it was made will well water. I was hoping to experience a hole in wall vibe. Didn’t get to eat because our food was still not cooking.

Tr
Review №43

I got French Toast and it was fluffy and very fresh. Cooked well and flavorful. My husbands eggs were fried well (not runny like some restaurants). Priced were phenomenal a d energy and service was refreshing. Will return soon😁

Ma
Review №44

If youre not in a hurry, then you will be okay. Food wasnt too bad.

ma
Review №45

I love this place. It never disappoints. The food is good. Its hot. Its made on a big griddle right in front of you. Prices are very reasonable. Portions are big. This isnt foofoo food. The wonderful ladies that make it, make it with love. If you want good American diner food, go here and get it. If you dont, then dont.

Ke
Review №46

We love local hole-in-the-wall style diners and cafes, and this was definitely one. The food was really good, and cheap, and huge portions! However, wait staff wasnt the friendliest and it was quite uncomfortable.

Pe
Review №47

Great food and friendly staff. Classic diner atmosphere and menu. Recommend the corned beef hash special. Yum!

Ap
Review №48

If youre searching for big mommas tasty meals, Hermitage Cafe is the spot great food good prices we had Patty melt and hot fries, yes hot fries OMy goodness amazing.

Da
Review №49

The place is old and needs serious remodel. I am sure that that wont happen. Wife ordered eggs over well, yolks cooked solid and not broken. The egg yolks were broken (she only eats the yolks but dont care for boiled eggs) And yes, over well means eggs flipped, yolks cooked solid, yolks not broken. Please look it up. Apparently, almost all cooks has an issue with this!

Ja
Review №50

I spotted this as I was dreading going downtown for lunch and I made a hard turn and backed into the small parking spot. Immediately upon my entrance the staff had jokes. What they didnt have today, though, was catfish. Jokes on them. ☺️ I ordered an amazing patty melt on rye. They dont accept plastic(theres an atm) so I paid with Dogecoin. Just kidding, cash only.Cant wait to go back.

Et
Review №51

Only breakfast place in Nashville that won’t over charge for some eggs, hash and toast. Very old school and reminded me of diners back home in Boston. The hash browns were fantastic and my omelet was top notch and simple.

Le
Review №52

Wonderful breakfast this morning!!!Going to miss them when they close in October,,,,,,

T
Review №53

This is the worse food ever whoever gave this even one star do better off eating ramen noodles soups

He
Review №54

Great breakfast!

To
Review №55

Quick bite to eat b4 catching Greyhound to Det. Next time in Nashville.....😎

ri
Review №56

Great food with an attitude! If you cant take a joke and some good ribbing this place isnt for you. If you love good greasy breakfest food and your not uptight give it a visit. Will be back.

Le
Review №57

The Hermitage Cafe is the real deal. Its a diner, hands down. Love me some Hermitage Cafe compared to that new place called the Diner. Diner is just a new fancy restaurant but doesnt even really serve diner food.

Az
Review №58

Excellent customer service! And the food did not disappoint.

Ed
Review №59

Dont expect much. People are friendly, food is ok. Its a small diner, probably hasnt been updated since the sixties. It appeared to be a locals place. I dont think I would return.

Ke
Review №60

They’re food is good cheap prices and they are cool people

Ad
Review №61

Pretty rude, took almost 2 hours to get our food, never got a refill, had to go to the car and get my warm water to drink. I asked for toast and was given biscuits and gravy and was told to “eat this”. Will definitely go anywhere else next time.

Br
Review №62

This adorable little diner is probably one of the best places to eat in all of Nashville. (Thats not an exaggeration)The food is delicious and feels sooo homemade.Its so well priced and the staff is definitely a highlight. (So charismatic!)If there is any place that deserves your hard earned money its Hermitage Cafe.

Ro
Review №63

Dive diner with some of the best after bar food. Incredible prices for Nashville as well. Dont go for atmosphere or to be spoiled.

Ki
Review №64

The biscuits and gravy are the best. Visiting from out of town and ate breakfast there two mornings in a row! Eggs cooked perfectly. Definitely a diner feel. Would visit there in a heartbeat if in town. Very reasonably priced!

ca
Review №65

The BEST food ever! Ran down like no other but the food deff makes up for that.

La
Review №66

Awful, just awful. Food was unseasoned. Drinks were nasty. Bugs galore. My friend had a bug fly in his drink and on his shoulder. He threw up after we ate there too. I beg everyone to just keep driving and find another place to eat . Place honestly needs to be shut down

Mi
Review №67

Great late night food spot! Bring your sense of humor. Staff are very funny.

Kr
Review №68

This place was amazing! If you want a family home made breakfast then go here. Biscuits and gravy were my favorite.

Sh
Review №69

I love this place and all the people its amazing

Ra
Review №70

I stopped in the parking lot to take care of phone business only Several years ago I ate here and have not been back since nuf said.

Wi
Review №71

Great food and awesome, friendly environment!

Jo
Review №72

When you walk into this dilapidated building, don’t be put off by the brass workers. They’re very strict about videos, we’ve learned that rascal flats and others have filmed here.Anyways, besides the semi rude employees, they’re top notch on top of everything! The pork chops are the BEST we’ve ever had! No matter what you order, the Texas breakfast, biscuits and gravy or anything else. I can almost guarantee you it’s the best you’ll ever have!This is a cash only joint, speaking of joints, this place is VERY 420 friendly!We cannot wait to be back!

Ja
Review №73

Old school...Classic diner atmosphere!

Je
Review №74

Cute little joint! Haha! Had breakfast here on the way home from a great getaway in Nashville! Very good food! Friendly staff!

Te
Review №75

Food was good.

De
Review №76

Food was good, but cook needs to clean his grill.

Am
Review №77

Dive spots are the sweet spots. Delicious simple meals, perfect for the hang over. 😂

J.
Review №78

Old-fashioned diner, perfect for late nights and breakfasts. Escape the tourist traps and experience old Nashville.

US
Review №79

I had a breakfast platter. Great food eggs were cooked to perfection. The biscuits and gravy were fantastic. Cash Only.

Ca
Review №80

I am going to miss Hermitage Cafe!

tr
Review №81

Food was great, go in and say hi to Jeffrey, not John and Flow!! They were so fun!!

Mi
Review №82

It was definitely a wonderful delicious and amazing experience calm yet fun atmosphere would most positively visit time and time again southern fried chicken biscuits were bussin and even was offered a free double cheeseburger on my way out I surely do recommend you try them out 😁🤗

Mr
Review №83

Awesome place! Food is great and staff are wonderful.

Jo
Review №84

It was so dirty and the food was below average. It was so filthy that Im surprised it is even still open. The ceiling was covered in black mold, the vents were dripping, the coffee mugs were chipped and stained, and everything had a coat of dust/grime on it.

Ha
Review №85

Good Breakfast Great OwnersEvery Sunday morning

Mi
Review №86

Always a great place to grab a quick bite. Staff will cuss you out with a smile. Need more places like it and less hippie

Be
Review №87

True Southern Hospitality. Breakfast was amazing. Eggs over easy with fried potatoes and chicken fried steak freshly breaded. Biscuits and gravy. 🥰Definitely one of my spots now every time we come back to Nashville...

ba
Review №88

Classic, old school dinner. Decent food and service.

ch
Review №89

Great late night eats, a true diner. Service was quick and the food was great.

Sa
Review №90

Horrible. Scammers. They do not have any clear signage that they are CASH ONLY. I am all about cash but places need to make it clear, BEFORE the food is even ordered. Upon going to pay we are told cash only. My friend and I spent, honestly, 20 some minutes trying our luck at the atm. Which kept asking for pins.... For a credit card that DOESNT REQUIRE A PIN. Tried 3 cards... Apparently my pin was wrong on them all. Even the ones that dont have pins. How is that possible. Well same for my friend. What a miserable experience and they charge $3.50 to use the machine... They MAKE you use. Not cool. Put up some signs... Stop trying to scam people. Im sure they make an extra $350 a day off that atm.

Ma
Review №91

This place was a hidden gem! Awesome breakfast with great staff! Loved the environment!

Je
Review №92

Service was slow, food was cold, and servers were rude. Politely asked for coffee and ketchup, received neither one. Unless you frequent the place regularly, dont even bother going in there.

An
Review №93

Opens at 10pm and doesnt close til 1:30pm the following day. Definitely caters to the Nashville night owls among us. Cash only. Solid hangover food. Closest to a Waffle House near downtown.

Je
Review №94

A real American Diner! So few left. Good food at affordable prices. Try the fried bologna sandwich!!

Na
Review №95

Open late, and tastes great.

Da
Review №96

Love this place

Ra
Review №97

Absolutely the most rudest owners I have ever met, I called prior in advance at 2:30 AM they told me that I cannot see in the dining room and they were doing takeout only. However upon arrival there were over 7 to 8 people in the restaurant so I asked I say? What’s up, I thought you said the dining room was closed? Very rudely the owner response well we don’t advertise that. So from her attitude, Alone I told her I would take my money somewhere else in a very nice way however the restaurant is deplorable filthy and has no sense of hospitality. I do not recommend whatsoever

Je
Review №98

Hermitage cafe is my everything in Nashville and has been an iconic spot for me for almost 20 years. You can’t go wrong with the menu.

Jo
Review №99

This is one of those hidden gems that you find in downtown... Totally love this place, it has and old vibe and the food is really good😁

TJ
Review №100

First time here, the biscuits ad gravy were 🔥

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.3 Rating
  • Address:71 Hermitage Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, United States
  • Site:http://hermitage-cafe.com/
  • Phone:+1 615-254-8871
Categories
  • Coffee shop
  • American restaurant
  • Brunch restaurant
  • Cafe
  • Diner
  • Historical landmark
  • Pancake restaurant
  • Restaurant
Working hours
  • Monday:12AM–1:30PM
  • Tuesday:12AM–1:30PM
  • Wednesday:12AM–1:30PM
  • Thursday:12AM–1:30PM
  • Friday:12AM–1:30PM
  • Saturday:12AM–1:30PM
  • Sunday:12AM–1:30PM
Service options
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
Health & safety
  • Mask required:Yes
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Comfort food:Yes
  • Late-night food:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
  • Small plates:Yes
Dining options
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Dessert:Yes
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • High chairs:Yes
  • Restroom:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
  • Historic:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Family-friendly:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Planning
  • Transgender safespace:Yes
  • LGBTQ friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Cash-only:Yes
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