The Southern Steak & Oyster is a prominent and highly-rated eatery in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, known for its unique blend of Southern and international flavors.
Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, covering its unique features, history, menu highlights, customer feedback, and contact information.
What Makes It Unique: “South of Somewhere”
The restaurant’s motto is “South of Somewhere,” which perfectly encapsulates its culinary philosophy. It’s not just a Southern steakhouse; it’s a culinary journey that draws inspiration from the Gulf Coast, the Caribbean, Nova Scotia, and North Carolina.
- Wood-Fired & Fresh: The main dining room features a shuck-to-order oyster bar and an open-air kitchen with a hickory wood-fired grill, giving their steaks and other meats a distinctive, smoky flavor.
- A Commitment to Sustainability: The Southern takes pride in its green philosophy. It is located on the ground floor of the Pinnacle at Symphony Place, Nashville’s first LEED-certified high-rise. This commitment extends to the kitchen, where they use salvaged hickory wood for the grill, locally-grown produce when possible, and direct-sourced local beef and sustainable seafood.
- Ambiance: It features a hip, yet casual and family-friendly atmosphere, adorned with dark woods, tiny tiles, architectural salvage, and black-and-white photographs that tell the story of Nashville’s history. The restaurant also offers private dining rooms and a covered, pet-friendly patio.
History and Significant Context
The Southern Steak & Oyster opened in 2012 in Nashville’s burgeoning SoBro (South of Broadway) district.
It is the creation of celebrated Nashville native and restaurateur Tom Morales, founder of TomKats Hospitality. Morales’s personal history is interwoven with the city’s food scene:
- TomKats Catering: Morales’s career started with TomKats Catering in 1986, where he pioneered the “farm-to-table” concept in on-location catering for touring musicians and movie sets across the globe, bringing unique global influences back to his Nashville concepts.
- Revitalizing Nashville Landmarks: Prior to The Southern, Morales and partners led the charge to save and revamp the iconic Loveless Café in 2003. Following the success of The Southern, Morales opened Acme Feed & Seed in 2014, a modern honky-tonk located in a 120-year-old landmark.
- Opening and Location: The restaurant’s debut in the LEED-certified Pinnacle building was a significant event itself, anchoring the SoBro district and further cementing the area as a destination for upscale dining and entertainment.
Highlighted Menu Items
The menu focuses on combining southern fried staples with high-quality, wood-fired meats and fresh seafood.
| Category | Recommended Dishes | Description & Highlights |
| Steak | The Belle (8oz Filet Mignon) or Dry-Aged Strip Steak (21 Day) | Steaks are a centerpiece, often served with items like Red Wine-Balsamic Glaze, Chive Whipped Potatoes, and Grilled Asparagus. |
| Seafood | Oysters (Daily Rotating Selection), BBQ Shrimp (Orleans Parish Style), Fish ‘N Grits | Oysters are a must-try and are shucked to order. The fish is a fresh rotating catch. |
| Southern Staples | Breaux Bros Gumbo and Saffire Steak Biscuits | The Gumbo is a mahogany brown roux with andouille, crawfish, and shrimp. The biscuits feature Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Bleu Cheese. |
| Burgers | Southern Burger | A decadent creation with Bear Creek Beef, Jalapeño Bacon, Pimento Cheese, and Fried Onions. |
| The Tradition | Meat & Three | A rotating weekly special that honors the Nashville-born tradition of a single meat and three sides. |
Customer Feedback
The Southern Steak & Oyster maintains a 4.5-star rating and is highly regarded for its upscale-but-approachable dining experience.
- Atmosphere & Service: Customers often praise the atmosphere as “hip but casual” and the service as excellent. The restaurant is reservable and a popular spot for groups.
- Praise for Creativity and Quality: One five-star review notes the “creative menu items very well crafted and finished wonderfully.”
- Mixed Feedback on Steaks: While many enjoy the steaks, some guests have noted inconsistencies in preparation and size, particularly with specialty cuts, stating that it “boasting of being one of the ‘Top 100 Steakhouses in America’ you should provide a quality product with a tiny bit of pride.”
- Dog-Friendly Patio: The restaurant is frequently noted for its dog-friendly, covered patio, where the staff is accommodating, often bringing water for the dogs.
Location and Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 150 3rd Ave S #110, Nashville, TN 37201 |
| Phone Number | +1 615-636-2626 |
| Website | The Southern Steak & Oyster |
| Map Link | View on Google Maps |
| Social Media | Instagram and Facebook links are available through the official website. |
The restaurant is open for:
- Dinner: Daily
- Lunch: Monday–Friday
- Brunch: Saturday–Sunday (starting at 10:00 AM)
