Woolworth On 5th

We enjoyed my mother in law’s birthday dinner here; we had a large party (8) and had to get to the grand ole opry the same night. The staff and manager were very attentive and even brought out a sample of their bacon after hearing my husband and I gush about the maple braised bacon at The Publican in Chicago. The food was delicious and hit the spot.

We had been to Hattie B’s the day before and were not impressed. Our waitress, Kay, was friendly and incredible. She recommended the fried chicken sandwich, and while I was hesitant because of the disappointment the day before, I went with her suggestion. It did not disappoint. The hot fried chicken sandwich was delicious. Great atmosphere, customer service and food - a definite repeat.

It is important you all know that the restaurant changed owners about a month ago. The menu is quite different now. Gone are the videos of dancers on the walls, replaced with sports. Gone are the colorful signs above the lunch counter. Gone are the mid-century furniture on the second floor. Also gone are the historical notes about the restaurant on the back of the menu. Overall, one gets the impression that the new owners are trying to "update" this restaurant. WHY? I hope the owners realize that the world doesn't need more of the same, homogeneous, bland restaurants serving the same food. The history of this place as a site of student-led protests during the civil rights moments in the 60s is something that is irreplaceable. What a mistake to downplay that history. Also, I had the chicken and biscuits and found the biscuits rather dry. Service was fantastic. Super friendly and professional.

Loved the place! It was my first time and had a pleasant surprise. Perfect environment, live piano music and a huge screen playing old time movies with dance scenes. Service was very good and friendly. I had the oatmeal as my stomach wasn't helping that day, but I do recommend. Bathroom was nice and clean too.

So, for my birthday I wanted a quiet (I.e. kid free) dinner at a restaurant that I had yet to visit, so my husband made reservations at Woolworths on 5th. While waiting for our table I was able to view pictures that depicted the rich history of the building. We were then seated in this enormous dining room with a screen that displayed multiple clips of amazing African American musical talents it was amazing to see. My husband decided on the “Kevin’s” meatloaf and I had the shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits were beyond, they were the perfect combination of smooth and creamy, topped with their delicious sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. To say I enjoyed my meal is an understatement, it took everything in me not to request seconds. My husband meatloaf was also delicious and hearty. We ended the meal with a brownie Sundae, which did not disappoint! This wonderful meal was brought to us by our waiter Kenneth, who we found to be funny and a great addition to our experience at Woolworths on 5th. So I guess it goes without saying I was very pleased, and greatly enjoyed my birthday!!

On a very recent visit, we enjoyed the shrimp and grits from the lunch menu as well as the chicken and biscuits off of the brunch menu. Both were fantastic. Service was excellent, atmosphere was perfect. Classic dancing videos were restored and music was playing from appropriate era. A very enjoyable experience, we highly recommend it if you are in the area.

This is a must visit place in Nashville because it’s history. The owner did a fantastic job, not only keeping the historical details of the store, including the lunch counters, but also showing the photographs from the 1960 sit-ins that took place there. You can still see the places on the floor where the stools were, upstairs. The food was really good, southern comfort. Good pulled pork and chicken, strong coffee. We did not go there in the evening but we heard that it also serves as a live music venue. This is an example of a well done restoration of a building and connecting it with the events in history that took place there.