4. Restaurants

Brown’s Diner

2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN, 37212
  • (615) 269-5509
  • Store is closed

Brown’s Diner Menu

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  • Maria J.

    Oh, Brown's Diner! How I long for thee! I'm in Houston, Texas now, but the cheeseburger alone is enough to make me homesick! I love the staff and the location. I just want to say, that for such a small lil place you guys ROCK! The greatest burger, the greatest place, memories are made here.

    (5)

  • Lorelei S.

    Dirty restaurant, dirty dishes, salty greasy food. I know people love it here and I live close by but I just do not get it.

    (1)

  • Chris W.

    Came here after someone told me it was the best burger they ever had. Definitely not a great burger, but it does the job. Great environment, really divey, and friendly staff. Really cheap food, too. Worth checking out to grab a quick, cheap bite and relax for a bit but it's nothing spectacular.

    (3)

  • Adam G.

    This is the best under $5 sit-in burger in the land. The slightly run down decor, the country rock guys playing at the bar, and the lovely woman serving us all add to the charm.

    (5)

  • Al J.

    Great beer joint & burger place dive at the corner of 21st Ave & Blair. Cheap beer, limited brands; wonderfully simple, thick burgers & cheeseburgers, hot, skinny fries ---and a very good grilled cheese sandwich. Nice deck with rocky patio chairs to enjoy the beautiful weather. "Dined" has the wrong connotations for a place like this....went here on recommendation of a friend to drink beer & eat burgers and were NOT disappointed!! Don't let the looks of the place put you off; and don't look too close at the inside. If I lived in the neighborhood, would be here at least weekly. You should too.

    (5)

  • James H.

    Like what I put on my Tin Angel review, I was away from Nashville for a few years, and now I'm back, and a lot of my old favorites are long gone. But Brown's Diner, which has survived many decades in the same spot, is still there. It never was one of my all time favorite Burger places, but I'm getting sick and tired of upscale chain burgers, and the people who eat them, and so, maybe a few years ago, this would have gotten 3 stars, it now gets 4. The place still is small and feels like even a good cleaning couldn't get all the grease to go away. Like the decor, the servers and some of the customers (like me) look like we have seen our better days. But we are still haniging in there.The burgers are good and greasy and get yours with the fries, you can get your weekly allowance of grease in one meal. You better make it a cheeseburger and add a cold draft beer and start humming Jimmy Buffett, because this is darn near paradise for this old wanna be beach bum.

    (4)

  • Michael F.

    Love this place! Friendly, homey, relaxing environment. Great service, great burgers!

    (5)

  • Beth B.

    I'll give it one star because the cheeseburger and fries were decent, not spectacular, but decent. I didn't expect spectacular but I also didn't expect it to be as run down and dirty looking either. I looked at the Health Dept. rating from 10/13 and thought it had been cleaned up and spruced up. Nope. I don't know why I didn't leave before I ordered. The service left a lot to be desired. My drink order was wrong and our food order wasn't right either. We ate what was brought because we just wanted to get it over with but, honestly, two drinks, two cheeseburgers, two sides - that shouldn't be that hard to get right. Needless to say, we won't be going back.

    (1)

  • Justin R.

    After driving by this trailer a countless number of times, my girlfriend and I finally decided to give it a go. We kept hearing all over town how Brown's serves up one of the best burgers in Nashville. Frankly....I was disappointed. The burger was by no means bad, just not as good as I had hoped it was going to be. With the yellow hue that washed over the wood panel walls, it had all the charm of a 1970 trailer. Our waitress was extremely nice and no nonsense, just like the menu. There are only a handful of items to choose from on the menu, and I went with the cheeseburger and fries. It was just what I was expecting, plain, simple, no frills, and lots of pickles. If you are not looking for anything too fancy, Brown's is your place!

    (3)

  • Dana T.

    Expect a dive bar and the best greasy bar burger. The staff is always welcoming but Rocco is our favorite. We moved here about a year ago and he has always made us feel welcome and at home!

    (5)

  • Andy B.

    I've been here twice. Not a whole lot to say that hasn't been said, except one the first time I went it was in the top two burgers I've had in Nashville (out of many) and the second time it was kinda meh, like they forgot to season it. Still solid, and a great burger for $4.50. I actually think the lettuce, tomato, onion, etc takes away from the burger. Either hamburger or plain cheeseburger is the way to go. The patty is the star.

    (4)

  • Tanya D.

    I had read something about this being the best burger in Nashville, and I'm a big burger afficianado, so it was a must go. Was it the best burger ever? Not by a longshot, not even in my top ten. But was this a kick ass establishment in general that left a good taste in my mouth? YES. The burger was cheap, it was tasty, service was friendly, a live band was playing, it was divey for sure, but that's part of the charm. The burger tasted better with every bite, and that was a cheap night out. In a weird way, this was one of my highlights of Nashville. I'd much rather go to a place like this than a nice looking chain type place. I experienced life here, which you can't do at Chipotle.

    (5)

  • Andrew W.

    Used to live 1 block from this place. Craved it on a weekly basis - perfect place to get away, chill, drink a beer, and have a reliably excellent burger. Waitresses are sweet too.

    (5)

  • D M.

    These guys know their burgers! Great place to hangout with friends, grub and have a few brews. What am I thinking, these guys are definitely 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Cam C.

    Hole in the wall that is a Nashville tradition. Good food and low prices is all I need to say.

    (4)

  • Jeremy T.

    I love the atmosphere. The dive-bar feel is awesome. There are three things, food wise, worth getting here: Burgers, chili, and fries. Everything else is a waste of money. I ordered the "smoked turkey" sandwich once. It was nothing but deli meat on a bun. I also tried the catfish plate. It had three "fillets" that were only about three inches long, and one inch wide. If you are considering this place, the burgers are worth it.

    (4)

  • Grace Z.

    Amazing. Its simple. I love the fact that this place is so down to earth and the ambiance. There's no fluff here. What is on the menu, is what you get. I know I'll definitely come back when I all I want is a simple burger and not some fluffy fancy burger filled with so many other ingredients. Bottom line: Come here if you want a solid burger.

    (5)

  • Ashley B.

    A little heaven in a little trailer (with a bonus area attached.) Burger is just perfect, tastes like how you would make it at home if you were a burger-making badass.

    (5)

  • Piper P.

    Tonight was the freezing rain night. My brother in law and I were starving and wanted a great burger. We went to Browns Diner. Perfectly cooked burger and fries. Not any pretentiousness at this place at all. Come ad you are and enjoy great food, beer and atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Samar A.

    A must-stop whether you are just passing through or calling Nashville home. Cheeseburgers here are the best in town!

    (5)

  • Janette C.

    Brown's Diner is one of those places in Nashville you have just have close your eyes and go try. It has been around for years and I've been here several times. Their cheeseburger always hits the spot for me! No fuss, no frills, no pretense....just a good ole fashioned juicy cheeseburger! The staff is nice and friendly. Service is fast. The menu and beer is limited but that is part of their charm I suppose. The decor is not what you go to see....I mentioned this place had been here a while right? :) Give it a try....order the cheese burger and fries....

    (5)

  • Kristina L.

    Let's begin with my saying I would give this 3.5 stars if Yelp would so allow it.... I am a bonafide burger fiend. With that being said, the cheeseburger and fries today were good and hit the spot. I know there are better burgers in town and there are, of course, far worse. This was a solid burger with the minimum of fuss and some decent fries. You don't get asked how you'd like your burger prepared (I'm a medium type of gal) so I was pleasantly surprised when I took a bite and saw some pink in there. Including tip, I got out of there for $8.85 for a loaded cheeseburger, a side of fries and water to drink. That's close to the price for some fast food combos and the burger was much better than that. Yep, I'll go back for my next fix when my co-workers and I need to get our burger on. Come to think of it, I may go back and have a couple of cold beers with a burger after work sometime.......

    (3)

  • G. S.

    They have amazing burgers and our waitress (wish I could remember her name) was the best! She went above and beyond to take care of us.

    (5)

  • Christi H.

    Perfect dive bar. Amazing cheeseburger 3.50!!! The live music was excellent and I enjoyed it. Friendly people at and behind the bar. Oh, those hush puppies ... If you are looking for fancy, go somewhere else. Here the beer is served in a cold bottle, the napkins are paper, and you don't want to think about how long it's been since the carpet has been cleaned. Like I said, perfect dive bar.

    (4)

  • Mala H.

    A local treasure, that must be experienced at least once. Atmosphere is like nowhere else, and the burgers are the real deal.

    (3)

  • Jules F.

    I gotta say. I had heard such rave reviews about Brown's Diner's burger. Like RAVE. As in, they have the best burger ever. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the burger. It was truly just an average diner burger. Nothing special about the fries. Just nothing special. It is a dive and I can appreciate that for what it is. And if lived in Hillsboro Village, I'd probably have a better review since I could just grab the burger to go and it's cheap and convenient. But I don't live in Hillsboro Village and I wasn't getting this burger to go. I was not comfortable in their bar stools. And we weren't regulars, so the service wasn't spectacular. Again, it is a dive, so I can totally appreciate it for what it was. They only had Budweiser on draft and their other beers were basically Budweiser products. So nothing crafty or special on the beer menu. Again, totally expected at a dive bar. I didn't hate Brown's Diner, but I didn't love it. And while I had an ok experience, I probably won't go back. I can get an average burger at a lot of places more convenient to me. But I get the rave reviews for those that live in and around Hillsboro Village where they are convenient and cheap.

    (2)

  • Bob S.

    Sorry guys, i dont agree with the review on this place. My son want to go try since he had never gone there. Yes it is inexpensive, but the burger are nothing special. I had he chill dog, and there was way to many beans in this chill. Maybe with a couple beers the burger gets better. The only think I do agree with is that this place is a true dive...

    (2)

  • Queen B.

    meh. place is truly run down. manufactured, pre-made burger patties - probably from some discount house. wonder bread buns. beer. cheap. one time is good for trying it. wouldn't return.

    (2)

  • Scott M.

    Search out my Yelp for "Bricktops"-a posh poser not that far from Brown's Diner. I et a Burger there for $15 bucks that wasn't an EIGHTH as good as the cheap burger I got here at this rundown shithole. "Rundown shithole" is only a description of the structure. "Glorious, personality-filled temple of vibe" is how I would describe what goes on inside it. A no-nonsense neighborhood bar, with entertainment. (btw-The entertainment that night featured a studio-legend virtuoso Guitarist that will cost you $100 a ticket to see at your local Arts center). There were about 20 people in the bar, with no cover. There's no irony, no attitude, no pretense. You're there to have a bite, have a drink, listen to some tunes, and indulge the lively art of conversation-all without leaving a big wad of cash behind. The cute little college girl waitress was doing her homework at the next table between catering to the tables, and somehow the service never lacked. She seemed out of place, as there were a few rough looking guys and gals in attendance, but that was the vibe-all are welcomed, and leave the drama outside. A second look showed there were also few fine-dressed dandies there who might have been more in character at the ill-fated Bricktops menchened above. Taste counts! There were also a few folks who looked like they were there on opening day, 1942, and never went home. Doesn't matter. I felt at home and welcome here. You will too.

    (4)

  • Tim A.

    What can I say? There are worse burgers, and there are better burgers. The staff here is very nice; the waitress rolled with and even seemed to enjoy my party's typically atypical restaurant behavior. The prices are good too, which is significant since there isn't much other cheap food in that immediate area.

    (3)

  • Rachel S.

    I gotta be honest, I can't agree with the notion that Brown's has one of the best burgers in town. It was alright.. but it wasn't as flavorful as, say, the local-fed burger at Fido. And I am NOT shunning Brown's burger because it's not organic/local-fed/cow-friendly/tree-hugging. The chili was quite good, as were the fries. Combining everything in a whole massive sloppy pile - hamburger, fries, and chili - would make for a hearty and tasty experiment. It's cheap, which is awesome. It's just not my thing. I look forward to trying Gabby's. Oh, and slllooowwwwww serviiiiice.

    (2)

  • Jim H.

    I've been going there since the mid 70's. That should tell you everything you need to know. Cheese Burger and Fries. No menus needed.

    (5)

  • Carol P.

    This is a love it or hate it kind of place. It is def. a dive-bar that I could see the local Vandy kids enjoying. The staff/owners seem no nonsense, don't care if you approve or not (which isn't always bad). They def. have a loyal following. I had a cheeseburger and fries. It wasn't anything to write home about so I doubt I'll be back unless to drink. (We stopped in about noon when it was dead empty and quiet. Def. a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, and if you squint hard enough (or drink enough) won't notice the grimy/old feeling. Again not bad, if you love your local "Cheers."

    (2)

  • Ruiqiu K.

    I never really noticed this place when I first started shopping at the Harris Teeter across the street. It does not actively advertise itself to the heavy traffic on 21st. Instead it's behind the gas station that you can see on 21st, in what looks like a nondescript house with outdoor seating in front. When I first came inside, I felt out of place: I don't drink alcohol, so I always feel uncomfortable in bars. It was not too dark, but when all eyes turned to me when I opened the door, I felt compelled to make sure to close the door after me. The first thing I saw was the bar. Other than a few patrons eating their burgers in the front patio, the only clue I had that they served food here was that some customers were in the middle of getting their to-go orders. Otherwise, there were no food menus on the walls. I had to ask the guy tending bar for one. It was only after I sat down at the bar to wait for my order did I notice the restaurant seating in the back. The place did feel old and had a throwback feel to another era and to the type of places I'd see only on TV shows where the main characters are just stopping for a bite to eat in the middle of nowhere. But the food changed my mind. The fries were hot and crispy, just the way I like them. The burger wasn't really that interesting, but it was far better than those found in fast food chains. I ordered a cheeseburger with all of the fixins, and I appreciated the thick onion slices. And the prices were very cheap. I think the burger and fries were about $6-7 and change. (I also treated myself to a soda across the street at Harris Teeter.) While this is not a place I would go to on a regular basis, it is a place I would go to treat myself. Some people treat themselves to nice, expensive dinners. For me, it's a treat to get a burger (my parents did not let us have burgers or sodas very much when we were growing up).

    (3)

  • Lyndi S.

    Well, Brown's Diner is apparently a well-seasoned Nashville classic. It's been around forever, and has survived many years and well, if those Brown's Diner walls could talk...they'd say "Heck yeeeaaah, maaan." This is not your average hole in the wall. This is a tried and true Southern charmer, decked out in wood panels, dark green walls, and the smell of the grease and fat that can't be dismissed. Did you think that was a bad thing? I didn't. I loved it. From the ever-so-local clientele, to the down-home basic cheeseburger, this joint IS your mama's burger bar. Seriously, more than likely, your mama ate there when she was your age. Same grease on the grill too, I bet. Mmm, mm! The burgers and fries are exactly what you'd expect: salty, fried deliciousness. No bells and whistles, just straight up grillin' and fryin' and greasin'. Looking for a trailer full of beer, burgers and french fries? Boom. Brown's Diner.

    (3)

  • David O.

    Brown's history at this point is probably what keeps it around. There are better burgers to be had in town, but the classy dive burger bar in town. I wish I could say it was a great earth shattering burger, but its just a burger. A good burger, but still just a burger. I have no complaints, and wouldn't tell you not to come here I just couldn't find anything other than the atmosphere to set it apart from the rest. Also, NO BACON!

    (3)

  • Jamie A.

    Greasy, cheesy, beefy goodness! Add hot, crispy shoestring fries and a cheap cold draft beer and we're in business!! Seriously, few burgers are as tasty as the cheeseburger with grilled onions at Brown's. Why not five stars? If you like bacon on your burger, you are SOL. I'm fine without the bacon, but it would be nice if it were an option. On a sunny day (like today!), the patio is a great place to kick back...and on a cold or rainy day, the bar is a great hang as is the dining room attached to the trailer.

    (4)

  • Batsell S.

    It's a dive bar which means my burger expectations were high. Burger was fine but nothing impressive.

    (3)

  • Dana T.

    We moved to Nashville about a year ago. Expect a dive bar and amazing greasy bar burger and good fries! The staff is always welcoming, but Rocco is our favorite. He has made us feel at home and welcome since our first visit. Brown's is our go to bar when we just want get out of the house and hang out without a huge crowd, and of course when we are craving a good bar burger!

    (5)

  • Michael P.

    Devotees of the dive rejoice! Look away feeble fern bar fans this is not the place for you, but if you enjoy great dive food and the kind of ambiance usually reserved for a Tom Waits song, then welcome home brother. Beauty in simplicity will give you the best they have to offer: Cheese burger with fries and the coldest draft beer on the planet (its bud so the cold helps make up for its lack of flavor) So when, as Tom would say, "you're standing on the corner of 5th and Vermouth" and you're in need of comfort food to fill the void, Brown's will do the trick.

    (5)

  • Nickie G.

    As soon as I drove up to Brown's I knew I was going to like it. It looks like a trailer (and I guess it WAS a trailer) with a building built on to the back of it. My kind of place. Then I walked in and was greeted with the glorious smell of fried beef from the hamburgers being cooked in the kitchen. I love that smell! Missing is the smell from cigarettes that I do tend to cherish in a dive bar, but no biggie. If they allowed smoking in the tiny bar area no one would be able to see anything. I loved the sign that told me it has been there since something like 1927. And was that a picture of Neil Diamond on the wall? Or a really close lookalike? Love. The crowd was generally above the age of 45-ish and they were all feisty and enjoying the band. This band was the reason we were here. Although they didn't turn out to be an Irish band, it was a band manned by some older people that played only 60s English rock. And the bass player was a chick! Plus, that chick was having a birthday and she was offering everyone homemade cupcakes. Who doesn't love that. I didn't eat but the burgers smelled pretty much amazing and I really want to come back and try it. I didn't like the fact that they only have beer and not liquor but I fully realize there's no damn room for a full bar. However, if you are looking to eat, the room they built on in the back has plenty of tables. Bathrooms....well....let's just say I hate those hand dryers with the rolly towel that just goes around in a circle. Ewww, just use your jeans to dry your hands. The main thing I loved was drinking quite a few beers and then getting the tab for my brother and I - $23? Um, um, REALLY? Cheapest 2 hours drinking at a bar for 2 people EVER. That is what took me over the edge and made me realize I am going to really love this place!

    (4)

  • Alejandra Y.

    Solid dive bar. I love the contrast with the rest of Hillsboro village and green hills. You've got about 5 beers to choose from, but the ironic ambiance is refreshing in this neighborhood. Come with the right artifice and you'll enjoy yourself with this crowd.

    (4)

  • Patten F.

    There's nothing out of the ordinary here. It's not fancy. And that's why it's spectacular. I recently went to Brown's for the first time in 15 years...and other than having a tiny (TINY) bit of a redesign due to the fire, nothing about it has changed. You still get a real cheeseburger (always with the pickles toothpicked to the top), fries and a drink for around 8 bucks. You watch TV on the same TVs they had when I went there 15 years ago (although they were new then). The service is friendly, the food is cheap, fantastic, greasy and not even remotely good for you. Seriously. It's Brown's and it's Nashville. Do it.

    (5)

  • Ashley P.

    Came here for lunch today on our quest to find new lunch spots to add to our rotation. This will definitely become a star player in the rotation. We were a little taken aback when we walked in bc we were expecting a dive bar but boy oh boy was it divey. Once we walked into the back it wasn't quite as bad. We all ordered cheeseburgers fries and Pepsi and were told we ordered the classic. You can tell most of the people in there were regulars because the waitress who was super sweet only gave us one menu for the three of us. And before we ordered she told us it was all about the burgers and fries. The burgers were hot and fresh. The buns were delicious and also tasted nice and fresh. And they had my favorite kind of fries, crispy shoestring. Good ole American food at its best.

    (5)

  • Paul K.

    When I was a little kid, I remember being in Browns. I don't remember why, I think my parents were meeting some people there. When I was 13 or so, I went to Browns for a meeting. I don't remember why. When I was in my late 20s I went to Browns as it had just reopened (seems like a fire or something had closed it) The place never changes. The people grow older, the TVs get a bit newer, but the place is locked a couple of hours outside of time. It lasts eternal, it will never change. Well, hopefully. It's a bar, it serves some food, all of which is ok. The attitude and the place remain the same, and I rather enjoy that. It's got its own... what that is, I don't know. you may not like what it has, but it's unapologetically there. It's not the type of bar I imagine staying long in, this place is not yet for me, I think I have a few more years till I hear the siren call forcefully resounding in my soul that one of those stools requires the presence of my buttcheeks. I picture 60-year-old me sitting at that bar, annoyed at the lack of vegetarian options, wondering why the hell I ever answered the call and yet refusing stoutly to hang up on this opportunity. But Browns, it's comforting to know that while everything out there changes, somehow this one little place has managed to survive in what I believe to be a perpetual 1960's pre-disco time. Sometimes I wonder if I go in when I am older if I might meet younger me at that table in the 80's, perhaps I will warn him to avoid the clarion call of the place, or maybe implant a warning about Volkswagens and married women, I don't know what I would say, but there's a beer for that I'm sure. You'll love it or hate it, I don't think there's any way to determine your reaction as, well, it's a place of unique beauty and wonder and where PBR was first served not to hipsters, but to people who could only afford cheap crappy beer before climbing into the ol' El Camino and heading home.

    (4)

  • Becky R.

    One of Nashville's most well known Dive bars. This place has some serious character. The restaurant literally sits on a double wide trailer parked in the middle of a parking lot! I have eaten everything on their menu - love the burger and fries - its just so cheap and so delicious. The catfish is actually pretty darn delicious as well. The staff is friendly and down to earth. Tell the bartender that you read about this place on Yelp - and he will have no clue what you're talking about =)

    (4)

  • Meredith M.

    Youre either going to love or hate this place. Personally, I hated this place but I loved their cheeseburger. It tastes just the way a cheeseburger should: Cooked on a flat top grill with that cheap cheese our of the plastic wrapper and the plain white bun. Perfect blend between the grease, mayo and tomato. I'll come back again but only when its warmer so I can hopefully eat my cheeseburger outside. Seriously, this place should be ashamed of its interior. There is a difference between old and cool vs neglected and disgusting. And the guy that works the bar... what the hell is his problem? 3 stars based on the burger only. I would give the diner 0.

    (3)

  • Chris J.

    Been going for years and will never stop !

    (5)

  • Will M.

    This is truly a dive bar, where there's a bunch of locals slowly drinking beer, lots of men with facial hair, and a line cook making burgers. The atmosphere is old, the place is circa 1927, but their burgers are decent. Ingredients are standard, what you'll find around the US, frozen ground beef, and fries, and standard white bread bun. Yet America's best food is the hamburger, and the science to the mass produced foods, appeals to the masses. Everything is done right, in the right proportions, from the lightly steamed bun, seasoned hamburger meat, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayo; crispy fries that are soft in the center, to the tiny glasses of cokes, and quick refills, and friendly service. This is America in a nutshell, if you took a time capsule to it. As a whole, when you focus on just the taste and how it makes you feel, it's on par with burger up. Sure you can taste the quality of the meat, but it tastes good. You pay less, and expect less, but come out satisfied because you come as you are and leave pretentiousness behind. Dive bar and diner lover's rejoice!

    (3)

  • Jill R.

    I don't care what anyone says - this place is great. I love that the fact that you can go in there, no pretentious bullshit, and get a great burger, fries, chili year round. And nothing beats a frosty mug full of Budweiser to compliment that 4 dollar cheeseburger. Don't expect the fancy, gourmet burger - the only toppings you're getting here is the classic LTO, ketchup, mustard, pickles combo. And it'll be cooked well done (I know, I know, a travesty). The waitresses are attentive, efficient, and don't mess around. You can get in and out under $15 bucks if you want. Probably under $10 if you don't order for a family of six and drink like I normally do. Take care of your servers!

    (4)

  • Alex M.

    The burger is king! A slice of Americana goes great with a pitcher of beer in this trailer-turned-restaurant.

    (5)

  • Lucas P.

    I ate here for lunch today and must say it was an ok experience, this joint has been open since 1927 and seems to cater to the "locals" that dine here. Very fast, friendly service. The menu was limited to pub food - burgers, fries, dogs. I selected the cheeseburger and the dog. Both were good, nothing too stellar...but not bad. The best part was the crowd, interesting all around! There was a live band just starting up as I was leaving which also seemed cool, but being a small joint I would imagine loud. Summary: total dive bar, great service, great atmosphere, sit at the bar and know you are in part of the restaurant that has survived since the 20s.

    (3)

  • Mark T.

    Terrible. I was expecting a world-class burger. Instead, I got a puny burnt piece of meat on a dry bun, with a limp piece of lettuce, and a small thin partial slice of tomato. Tasteless. Service was mediocre. Definitely a don't care attitude. The place was nasty. I give a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews. If I could rate this dump a Zero, I would.

    (1)

  • Benjamin S.

    This place has what is quite possibly one of the smallest menus I have ever seen, but for the few options they have, they make really good food. The burgers here are perfection on a bun, and the hot dogs.... lets just say if you leave here hungry, you came at a bad time. A truely hungry person can have a burger, hot dog and fries in one visit. The food is that good and the portions are that reasonable. My only complaint, and the only thing that makes Rotier's better, is the lack of menu selection, particularly when it comes to deserts. However, better to have a few menu items and do them well, than a lot of items and have some inconsistency like the chain restaurants. Hence I say "Viva Mom n Pop businesses!"

    (5)

  • Scott R K.

    One sure doesn't come to Brown's for the decor, but the burgers are a perfect throwback to the thick, juicy, pan-fried gems of the past. A steady flow of locals from every walk of life come through for lunch. The burgers are inexpensive and wonderful. We had the cheeseburger. Get the grilled onions too. Under the juicy patty are tomato, lettuce and mayo. On top are American cheese and the grilled onions. The whole thing sits between a pillowy white bun harpooned by a toothpick which holds pickle slices on top of the burger. The fries were just okay. Liked the hush puppies better as a side. Hoosier Burger Boy

    (5)

  • Jim R.

    This was my first trip. I had a Great burger, fries, and cold Bud on draft. Gordy who has worked there 27 years made it a place I'll go back to next trip.

    (5)

  • Michael W.

    Walk in the door in the evening and look left. Make awkward eye contact with the live band rockin' out. Look right at the real locals, whose view of the band you have just obscured with your presence. It begins. Walk through the back and find a table, get a waitress's attention, and order a burger. Not a fast-food burger, not an overgreased hockey puck, a real burger like you would make if you had time, but better. Simple as that. Honest, good, cheap, what more could you want? Grab a beer, or go crazy and order the fried catfish plate.

    (4)

  • Jann S.

    This place isn't just decorated with beer signs to look like a dive. The creaky old bar stools, John Prine records decorating the walls, surly guys behind the bar, and sugar-sweet waitresses are the real deal. Nothing beats their frosty mug of Bud. And like many Nashvillians before me, I'm a big fan of the cheeseburger and fries. On lighter days, I've had the hamburger, a classic, with yellow mustard replacing the mayo that comes standard on the cheeseburger. Both come with a big red onion ring, lettuce, and tomato, and a generous helping of pickles on a toothpick stuck through the middle. The bartenders and waitresses have all been there for years and so have some of the guys around the bar. I love to sit in the bar when they have music, but it's usually so good that you have to get there early to nab a good seat in the narrow trailer. They have blues, bluegrass, folk, rock, and Americana acts. The bartenders only book bands that they personally like, and luckily for the rest of us, they have great taste. The menu is small, and I was once told "If you want a menu, you can't have the cheeseburger." Coffee and soup are only available in the winter months, and you will have to sweeten your own tea. It all goes with the no-frills, no-hype attitude that makes the place great. Last note, the new beer garden is a nice touch for a sunny day, but I still prefer the ambiance inside the old trailer.

    (5)

  • Dave S.

    This is old Nashville. With a license number 02 you know they have been around a while. There are not many places left like this and i am gratefull to be reminded of nashville yesteryear. You go here for the burgers and they are good. It might be a reach to say they are the best burgers in Nashville but they are good. The chillie and chillie cheesedogs are good as well. The fries are average. The servers have worked here a while and know how to run the show. There is a bar area away from the eating area and a few tables outside. This is a good stop before a ball game for many. With big fancy high dollar burger places poping up every where it is nice to step back in time at a diner where things are done the old fashioned way.

    (5)

  • Alex G.

    Do: Order a cheeseburger, sit outside, and enjoy. Don't: Sit inside, expect anything fancy (it's an old double-wide), or compare it to any other diner/burger joint in town. Their burgers are great. Plain jane, but delicious. Sure, there are better burgers in town (think grass-fed, organic, yada yada), but nothing in this price range.

    (3)

  • Patrick R.

    Brown's is yet another dusty Nashville dive that's more popular for its atmosphere and regulars than for its cuisine. The food itself isn't bad--you can't go wrong with a burger, though other items are a bit hit and miss. The beers are cheap and the staff is extremely friendly. The servers are sweet and flirty, and I personally like their fries quite a bit. There's a bar past the dining area where you might find a legendary old songwriter...or just a row of musty old barflies. Brown's has a TV, but it's tucked away in the corner and I'm certain it's always on a football game. Brown's is definitely worth stopping by some afternoon when you're in the mood for a greasy, fattening, sloppy hamburger, but it's not a first date type of joint. That is, unless your date happens to be as hip, down-to-earth and unassuming as you are.

    (4)

  • Crabby O.

    I don't "get" Brown's. The burgers are decent. The rest of the menu is absolutely frightening. Think soup from a can and Sysco cole slaw... If you think there is something "good" about a stinky and dirty place with about 6 inches of dirt on everything (don't EVEN look at the HVAC return vents) then eat up. How shittyness translates in to "character" for some folks is beyond me. Order the burgers and burgers only (you'll need two if you are not a bird eater) and hope the waitress with the brain damage from doing drugs in the 60's is not the one you get.

    (2)

  • David C.

    I don't really get the hype surrounding this place. All of my friends think it's the greatest, but I'd beg to differ. I've gone twice for the burger and fries. It's decent food at a cheap price, but the level of dirtiness in this place makes it not worth it. My word of advice? Make sure and use a bathroom BEFORE coming to Brown's. Trust me, you won't want to use theirs...it's disgusting.

    (2)

  • Buchanan M.

    Brown's is Nashville's most hisoric Burger joint. Great food and Great Folks.My father first took me to Brown's 35 years ago and the only major change that I can tell is that the patrons seem to be a bit more lade back than the old school Hell raising (music star) types (this is not good or bad just an observation). You never know who you will run into at BROWN'S.... A Nashville Classic. oh yea they have Wonderful Burgers as well as wonderful patrons and staff..

    (4)

  • Janet S.

    cheeseburger, small round and perfect and fries and a sweet tea $8, A shack that has been here since the twenties. Simple but effective. No frills no nonsense, dark with the occasional spot of music in the next room and bud on tap. It's a state of mind.

    (3)

  • Greg N.

    Really good hand-made burgers. Extra friendly waitresses. The kind of place that gives dives a good name. I'd definitely go back next time I'm in Nashville.

    (5)

  • Claire B.

    I remember what Brown's Diner was like when I first moved here. Back then, they made a great big greasy burger and homemade fries that you could order through a window in the side of the building. Lately it seems to have developed a legendary status that perhaps its history, but not its food deserves. The last time I ate here it was achingly ordinary. The burger was o.k, but nothing special and the fries didn't taste anything like they used to. Our server was very friendly and made it a decent experience, but I won't be hurrying back anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Gia V.

    Imagine yourself in a dirty, dim, expanded trailer that's cleanliness is questionable eating a delicious artery-clogging burger (with the pickle pinned to the top of the bun with a toothpick) with a cheap beer and mediocre live music and you have just imagined Brown's. There's something charming about that token dirty diner atmosphere than Brown's successfully emanates. The food is perfect although the menu is short. If you stick the the burgers you can't go wrong (by the way, they're only $3.50) The hush puppies are great too. Couldn't help but take note that Brown's is a fabulous people-watching place. Seems to draw a motley crew of edgy kids and old men who look a little suspect. The waitress was funny, fast and super friendly. If you drive up to Brown's and think "I'm scared. No way am I going in there" you are probably in the right place. The front of it looks like a trailer. You walk into a bar that is as big as a hallway. You weave your way though people drinking beer and eating grilled cheese sandwiches and turn the corner to see plenty of seating. Don't judge a book by its cover, Brown's is something you just have to experience.

    (4)

  • Eve P.

    This place has one things going for it: sweet, friendly staff. But that's it. Their beer selection is terrible, and the food is barely edible. I understand you don't go there for health food, but if I'm going to eat a burger or fries, I want to enjoy them, and there are plenty of places I can get much better cheap American food.

    (2)

  • Kyla A.

    I have some friends who were totally obsessed with this place, so I was dragged out to experience what exactly was exciting them so. It's exactly what you would expect from a restaurant in a glorified (mildly glorified at that) trailer. The charm of this kind of diner is less than novel for a girl who spent a lot of time in rural areas of Arkansas so it wins no points for me there. The only menu option for me was the grilled cheese which was your standard Wnderbread and American. They serve those little skinny fries which I don't enjoy as much as thicker styles. I quickly quieted my complaints after the death stare from my friend. The things I do really enjoy about Brown's are that it is casual and comfortable. It's a good place to go for a cheap pitcher of beer with friends and just relax a bit after a long day. If you're expecting much more, however, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. It's the same cheap food and kitsch factor as Hermitage Cafe only with a little less overall charm.

    (2)

  • Josh W.

    I've been out of the country. The people here eat schweinesteak. And they're really focused on "dekor." I miss Brown's. Great burger, cold beer, nice people. The place just is what it is; totally uncontrived. Most Germans wouldn't understand. God bless the United States! Oh, and you can get the burger with sauted onions (pretty fancy, I know). I recommend that you do that. Ups the grease.

    (5)

  • Scott R.

    The cheeseburgers are excellent again. The fires still need work but the atmosphere has not changed a bit. I love that place.

    (5)

  • Robin S.

    My favorite memory of eating at Brown's is after a very late night (well, early morning) when I didn't feel so hot. It was Sunday, and some good friends called after church (see I told you they were good) and wanted me to join them at Brown's. So I did. We were a motley crew in this old run-down trailer--not what you would think of for Sunday brunch ha! I loved it though...I was in a bathing suit and cover-up (my usual Sunday summer attire) and had a bottle of Advil in front of me, eating with my girlfriends in their church best. And all of us had big gooey greasy burgers and fries. It was the best. We didn't care that the place was, well, maybe not backed by the health department, but it has character. And decent, cheap food. All that matters.

    (4)

  • Erin D.

    This place is all about the atmosphere. It's about seeing everyone from legendary artists to businessmen to nearly homeless people enjoying it. The place is made from two trailer homes and reeks of however many years of cigarette smoke. They've also got the TVs on with whatever game has been requested and news. It has a bar and a separate dining area. They pride themselves on the chili, which isn't bad but is the greasiest you can imagine. Burgers are a crowd favorite but they aren't much different than something you could get at McDonalds. The fries are skinny shoestrings, not my favorite, and they don't come with the burgers; you have to order them separately. The wait staff isn't bad, but they do take their time.

    (3)

  • matt c.

    Your smile will be a "double wide". Slightly dusty divey old school roadside diner built out of a modified trailer with boards nailed round the bottom and a tacked-on dining room which is usually nice and cool and dark. a layer of cold cigarette smoke is stuck in the walls. kind of like a cheaper version of Rotier's. The burgers come with the pickle on top of the bun on a toothpick. The catfish platter is big and good. I enjoy a frosty mug of coors de-light often. It's the locals place to eat out.

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    Brown's is a Nashville legend, and some of the regulars are legends themselves. Food reminds me of a Woolworth's lunch counter, but it's not bad. I like it better than Rotier's.

    (4)

  • Emily Y.

    This is not a place to go for food every night, but it hits the spot every now-and-again. So, I give it 4 stars, because it's a great greasy-spoon. In its category, it rivals Rotier's. Hey, if I wanted a salad or a filet mignon, I'd go somewhere else.

    (4)

  • Will M.

    This is truly a dive bar, where there's a bunch of locals slowly drinking beer, lots of men with facial hair, and a line cook making burgers. The atmosphere is old, the place is circa 1927, but their burgers are decent. Ingredients are standard, what you'll find around the US, frozen ground beef, and fries, and standard white bread bun. Yet America's best food is the hamburger, and the science to the mass produced foods, appeals to the masses. Everything is done right, in the right proportions, from the lightly steamed bun, seasoned hamburger meat, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayo; crispy fries that are soft in the center, to the tiny glasses of cokes, and quick refills, and friendly service. This is America in a nutshell, if you took a time capsule to it. As a whole, when you focus on just the taste and how it makes you feel, it's on par with burger up. Sure you can taste the quality of the meat, but it tastes good. You pay less, and expect less, but come out satisfied because you come as you are and leave pretentiousness behind. Dive bar and diner lover's rejoice!

    (3)

  • Alex G.

    Do: Order a cheeseburger, sit outside, and enjoy. Don't: Sit inside, expect anything fancy (it's an old double-wide), or compare it to any other diner/burger joint in town. Their burgers are great. Plain jane, but delicious. Sure, there are better burgers in town (think grass-fed, organic, yada yada), but nothing in this price range.

    (3)

  • Claire B.

    I remember what Brown's Diner was like when I first moved here. Back then, they made a great big greasy burger and homemade fries that you could order through a window in the side of the building. Lately it seems to have developed a legendary status that perhaps its history, but not its food deserves. The last time I ate here it was achingly ordinary. The burger was o.k, but nothing special and the fries didn't taste anything like they used to. Our server was very friendly and made it a decent experience, but I won't be hurrying back anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Michael P.

    Devotees of the dive rejoice! Look away feeble fern bar fans this is not the place for you, but if you enjoy great dive food and the kind of ambiance usually reserved for a Tom Waits song, then welcome home brother. Beauty in simplicity will give you the best they have to offer: Cheese burger with fries and the coldest draft beer on the planet (its bud so the cold helps make up for its lack of flavor) So when, as Tom would say, "you're standing on the corner of 5th and Vermouth" and you're in need of comfort food to fill the void, Brown's will do the trick.

    (5)

  • Dana T.

    We moved to Nashville about a year ago. Expect a dive bar and amazing greasy bar burger and good fries! The staff is always welcoming, but Rocco is our favorite. He has made us feel at home and welcome since our first visit. Brown's is our go to bar when we just want get out of the house and hang out without a huge crowd, and of course when we are craving a good bar burger!

    (5)

  • Dave S.

    This is old Nashville. With a license number 02 you know they have been around a while. There are not many places left like this and i am gratefull to be reminded of nashville yesteryear. You go here for the burgers and they are good. It might be a reach to say they are the best burgers in Nashville but they are good. The chillie and chillie cheesedogs are good as well. The fries are average. The servers have worked here a while and know how to run the show. There is a bar area away from the eating area and a few tables outside. This is a good stop before a ball game for many. With big fancy high dollar burger places poping up every where it is nice to step back in time at a diner where things are done the old fashioned way.

    (5)

  • Ashley P.

    Came here for lunch today on our quest to find new lunch spots to add to our rotation. This will definitely become a star player in the rotation. We were a little taken aback when we walked in bc we were expecting a dive bar but boy oh boy was it divey. Once we walked into the back it wasn't quite as bad. We all ordered cheeseburgers fries and Pepsi and were told we ordered the classic. You can tell most of the people in there were regulars because the waitress who was super sweet only gave us one menu for the three of us. And before we ordered she told us it was all about the burgers and fries. The burgers were hot and fresh. The buns were delicious and also tasted nice and fresh. And they had my favorite kind of fries, crispy shoestring. Good ole American food at its best.

    (5)

  • Batsell S.

    It's a dive bar which means my burger expectations were high. Burger was fine but nothing impressive.

    (3)

  • Paul K.

    When I was a little kid, I remember being in Browns. I don't remember why, I think my parents were meeting some people there. When I was 13 or so, I went to Browns for a meeting. I don't remember why. When I was in my late 20s I went to Browns as it had just reopened (seems like a fire or something had closed it) The place never changes. The people grow older, the TVs get a bit newer, but the place is locked a couple of hours outside of time. It lasts eternal, it will never change. Well, hopefully. It's a bar, it serves some food, all of which is ok. The attitude and the place remain the same, and I rather enjoy that. It's got its own... what that is, I don't know. you may not like what it has, but it's unapologetically there. It's not the type of bar I imagine staying long in, this place is not yet for me, I think I have a few more years till I hear the siren call forcefully resounding in my soul that one of those stools requires the presence of my buttcheeks. I picture 60-year-old me sitting at that bar, annoyed at the lack of vegetarian options, wondering why the hell I ever answered the call and yet refusing stoutly to hang up on this opportunity. But Browns, it's comforting to know that while everything out there changes, somehow this one little place has managed to survive in what I believe to be a perpetual 1960's pre-disco time. Sometimes I wonder if I go in when I am older if I might meet younger me at that table in the 80's, perhaps I will warn him to avoid the clarion call of the place, or maybe implant a warning about Volkswagens and married women, I don't know what I would say, but there's a beer for that I'm sure. You'll love it or hate it, I don't think there's any way to determine your reaction as, well, it's a place of unique beauty and wonder and where PBR was first served not to hipsters, but to people who could only afford cheap crappy beer before climbing into the ol' El Camino and heading home.

    (4)

  • Becky R.

    One of Nashville's most well known Dive bars. This place has some serious character. The restaurant literally sits on a double wide trailer parked in the middle of a parking lot! I have eaten everything on their menu - love the burger and fries - its just so cheap and so delicious. The catfish is actually pretty darn delicious as well. The staff is friendly and down to earth. Tell the bartender that you read about this place on Yelp - and he will have no clue what you're talking about =)

    (4)

  • Meredith M.

    Youre either going to love or hate this place. Personally, I hated this place but I loved their cheeseburger. It tastes just the way a cheeseburger should: Cooked on a flat top grill with that cheap cheese our of the plastic wrapper and the plain white bun. Perfect blend between the grease, mayo and tomato. I'll come back again but only when its warmer so I can hopefully eat my cheeseburger outside. Seriously, this place should be ashamed of its interior. There is a difference between old and cool vs neglected and disgusting. And the guy that works the bar... what the hell is his problem? 3 stars based on the burger only. I would give the diner 0.

    (3)

  • Chris J.

    Been going for years and will never stop !

    (5)

  • Lucas P.

    I ate here for lunch today and must say it was an ok experience, this joint has been open since 1927 and seems to cater to the "locals" that dine here. Very fast, friendly service. The menu was limited to pub food - burgers, fries, dogs. I selected the cheeseburger and the dog. Both were good, nothing too stellar...but not bad. The best part was the crowd, interesting all around! There was a live band just starting up as I was leaving which also seemed cool, but being a small joint I would imagine loud. Summary: total dive bar, great service, great atmosphere, sit at the bar and know you are in part of the restaurant that has survived since the 20s.

    (3)

  • Jill R.

    I don't care what anyone says - this place is great. I love that the fact that you can go in there, no pretentious bullshit, and get a great burger, fries, chili year round. And nothing beats a frosty mug full of Budweiser to compliment that 4 dollar cheeseburger. Don't expect the fancy, gourmet burger - the only toppings you're getting here is the classic LTO, ketchup, mustard, pickles combo. And it'll be cooked well done (I know, I know, a travesty). The waitresses are attentive, efficient, and don't mess around. You can get in and out under $15 bucks if you want. Probably under $10 if you don't order for a family of six and drink like I normally do. Take care of your servers!

    (4)

  • Alex M.

    The burger is king! A slice of Americana goes great with a pitcher of beer in this trailer-turned-restaurant.

    (5)

  • Mark T.

    Terrible. I was expecting a world-class burger. Instead, I got a puny burnt piece of meat on a dry bun, with a limp piece of lettuce, and a small thin partial slice of tomato. Tasteless. Service was mediocre. Definitely a don't care attitude. The place was nasty. I give a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews. If I could rate this dump a Zero, I would.

    (1)

  • Benjamin S.

    This place has what is quite possibly one of the smallest menus I have ever seen, but for the few options they have, they make really good food. The burgers here are perfection on a bun, and the hot dogs.... lets just say if you leave here hungry, you came at a bad time. A truely hungry person can have a burger, hot dog and fries in one visit. The food is that good and the portions are that reasonable. My only complaint, and the only thing that makes Rotier's better, is the lack of menu selection, particularly when it comes to deserts. However, better to have a few menu items and do them well, than a lot of items and have some inconsistency like the chain restaurants. Hence I say "Viva Mom n Pop businesses!"

    (5)

  • Scott R K.

    One sure doesn't come to Brown's for the decor, but the burgers are a perfect throwback to the thick, juicy, pan-fried gems of the past. A steady flow of locals from every walk of life come through for lunch. The burgers are inexpensive and wonderful. We had the cheeseburger. Get the grilled onions too. Under the juicy patty are tomato, lettuce and mayo. On top are American cheese and the grilled onions. The whole thing sits between a pillowy white bun harpooned by a toothpick which holds pickle slices on top of the burger. The fries were just okay. Liked the hush puppies better as a side. Hoosier Burger Boy

    (5)

  • Jim R.

    This was my first trip. I had a Great burger, fries, and cold Bud on draft. Gordy who has worked there 27 years made it a place I'll go back to next trip.

    (5)

  • Jann S.

    This place isn't just decorated with beer signs to look like a dive. The creaky old bar stools, John Prine records decorating the walls, surly guys behind the bar, and sugar-sweet waitresses are the real deal. Nothing beats their frosty mug of Bud. And like many Nashvillians before me, I'm a big fan of the cheeseburger and fries. On lighter days, I've had the hamburger, a classic, with yellow mustard replacing the mayo that comes standard on the cheeseburger. Both come with a big red onion ring, lettuce, and tomato, and a generous helping of pickles on a toothpick stuck through the middle. The bartenders and waitresses have all been there for years and so have some of the guys around the bar. I love to sit in the bar when they have music, but it's usually so good that you have to get there early to nab a good seat in the narrow trailer. They have blues, bluegrass, folk, rock, and Americana acts. The bartenders only book bands that they personally like, and luckily for the rest of us, they have great taste. The menu is small, and I was once told "If you want a menu, you can't have the cheeseburger." Coffee and soup are only available in the winter months, and you will have to sweeten your own tea. It all goes with the no-frills, no-hype attitude that makes the place great. Last note, the new beer garden is a nice touch for a sunny day, but I still prefer the ambiance inside the old trailer.

    (5)

  • Patrick R.

    Brown's is yet another dusty Nashville dive that's more popular for its atmosphere and regulars than for its cuisine. The food itself isn't bad--you can't go wrong with a burger, though other items are a bit hit and miss. The beers are cheap and the staff is extremely friendly. The servers are sweet and flirty, and I personally like their fries quite a bit. There's a bar past the dining area where you might find a legendary old songwriter...or just a row of musty old barflies. Brown's has a TV, but it's tucked away in the corner and I'm certain it's always on a football game. Brown's is definitely worth stopping by some afternoon when you're in the mood for a greasy, fattening, sloppy hamburger, but it's not a first date type of joint. That is, unless your date happens to be as hip, down-to-earth and unassuming as you are.

    (4)

  • Crabby O.

    I don't "get" Brown's. The burgers are decent. The rest of the menu is absolutely frightening. Think soup from a can and Sysco cole slaw... If you think there is something "good" about a stinky and dirty place with about 6 inches of dirt on everything (don't EVEN look at the HVAC return vents) then eat up. How shittyness translates in to "character" for some folks is beyond me. Order the burgers and burgers only (you'll need two if you are not a bird eater) and hope the waitress with the brain damage from doing drugs in the 60's is not the one you get.

    (2)

  • David C.

    I don't really get the hype surrounding this place. All of my friends think it's the greatest, but I'd beg to differ. I've gone twice for the burger and fries. It's decent food at a cheap price, but the level of dirtiness in this place makes it not worth it. My word of advice? Make sure and use a bathroom BEFORE coming to Brown's. Trust me, you won't want to use theirs...it's disgusting.

    (2)

  • Buchanan M.

    Brown's is Nashville's most hisoric Burger joint. Great food and Great Folks.My father first took me to Brown's 35 years ago and the only major change that I can tell is that the patrons seem to be a bit more lade back than the old school Hell raising (music star) types (this is not good or bad just an observation). You never know who you will run into at BROWN'S.... A Nashville Classic. oh yea they have Wonderful Burgers as well as wonderful patrons and staff..

    (4)

  • Janet S.

    cheeseburger, small round and perfect and fries and a sweet tea $8, A shack that has been here since the twenties. Simple but effective. No frills no nonsense, dark with the occasional spot of music in the next room and bud on tap. It's a state of mind.

    (3)

  • Greg N.

    Really good hand-made burgers. Extra friendly waitresses. The kind of place that gives dives a good name. I'd definitely go back next time I'm in Nashville.

    (5)

  • James H.

    Like what I put on my Tin Angel review, I was away from Nashville for a few years, and now I'm back, and a lot of my old favorites are long gone. But Brown's Diner, which has survived many decades in the same spot, is still there. It never was one of my all time favorite Burger places, but I'm getting sick and tired of upscale chain burgers, and the people who eat them, and so, maybe a few years ago, this would have gotten 3 stars, it now gets 4. The place still is small and feels like even a good cleaning couldn't get all the grease to go away. Like the decor, the servers and some of the customers (like me) look like we have seen our better days. But we are still haniging in there.The burgers are good and greasy and get yours with the fries, you can get your weekly allowance of grease in one meal. You better make it a cheeseburger and add a cold draft beer and start humming Jimmy Buffett, because this is darn near paradise for this old wanna be beach bum.

    (4)

  • Michael F.

    Love this place! Friendly, homey, relaxing environment. Great service, great burgers!

    (5)

  • Beth B.

    I'll give it one star because the cheeseburger and fries were decent, not spectacular, but decent. I didn't expect spectacular but I also didn't expect it to be as run down and dirty looking either. I looked at the Health Dept. rating from 10/13 and thought it had been cleaned up and spruced up. Nope. I don't know why I didn't leave before I ordered. The service left a lot to be desired. My drink order was wrong and our food order wasn't right either. We ate what was brought because we just wanted to get it over with but, honestly, two drinks, two cheeseburgers, two sides - that shouldn't be that hard to get right. Needless to say, we won't be going back.

    (1)

  • Justin R.

    After driving by this trailer a countless number of times, my girlfriend and I finally decided to give it a go. We kept hearing all over town how Brown's serves up one of the best burgers in Nashville. Frankly....I was disappointed. The burger was by no means bad, just not as good as I had hoped it was going to be. With the yellow hue that washed over the wood panel walls, it had all the charm of a 1970 trailer. Our waitress was extremely nice and no nonsense, just like the menu. There are only a handful of items to choose from on the menu, and I went with the cheeseburger and fries. It was just what I was expecting, plain, simple, no frills, and lots of pickles. If you are not looking for anything too fancy, Brown's is your place!

    (3)

  • Dana T.

    Expect a dive bar and the best greasy bar burger. The staff is always welcoming but Rocco is our favorite. We moved here about a year ago and he has always made us feel welcome and at home!

    (5)

  • Gia V.

    Imagine yourself in a dirty, dim, expanded trailer that's cleanliness is questionable eating a delicious artery-clogging burger (with the pickle pinned to the top of the bun with a toothpick) with a cheap beer and mediocre live music and you have just imagined Brown's. There's something charming about that token dirty diner atmosphere than Brown's successfully emanates. The food is perfect although the menu is short. If you stick the the burgers you can't go wrong (by the way, they're only $3.50) The hush puppies are great too. Couldn't help but take note that Brown's is a fabulous people-watching place. Seems to draw a motley crew of edgy kids and old men who look a little suspect. The waitress was funny, fast and super friendly. If you drive up to Brown's and think "I'm scared. No way am I going in there" you are probably in the right place. The front of it looks like a trailer. You walk into a bar that is as big as a hallway. You weave your way though people drinking beer and eating grilled cheese sandwiches and turn the corner to see plenty of seating. Don't judge a book by its cover, Brown's is something you just have to experience.

    (4)

  • Kyla A.

    I have some friends who were totally obsessed with this place, so I was dragged out to experience what exactly was exciting them so. It's exactly what you would expect from a restaurant in a glorified (mildly glorified at that) trailer. The charm of this kind of diner is less than novel for a girl who spent a lot of time in rural areas of Arkansas so it wins no points for me there. The only menu option for me was the grilled cheese which was your standard Wnderbread and American. They serve those little skinny fries which I don't enjoy as much as thicker styles. I quickly quieted my complaints after the death stare from my friend. The things I do really enjoy about Brown's are that it is casual and comfortable. It's a good place to go for a cheap pitcher of beer with friends and just relax a bit after a long day. If you're expecting much more, however, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. It's the same cheap food and kitsch factor as Hermitage Cafe only with a little less overall charm.

    (2)

  • Josh W.

    I've been out of the country. The people here eat schweinesteak. And they're really focused on "dekor." I miss Brown's. Great burger, cold beer, nice people. The place just is what it is; totally uncontrived. Most Germans wouldn't understand. God bless the United States! Oh, and you can get the burger with sauted onions (pretty fancy, I know). I recommend that you do that. Ups the grease.

    (5)

  • Scott R.

    The cheeseburgers are excellent again. The fires still need work but the atmosphere has not changed a bit. I love that place.

    (5)

  • Emily Y.

    This is not a place to go for food every night, but it hits the spot every now-and-again. So, I give it 4 stars, because it's a great greasy-spoon. In its category, it rivals Rotier's. Hey, if I wanted a salad or a filet mignon, I'd go somewhere else.

    (4)

  • Robin S.

    My favorite memory of eating at Brown's is after a very late night (well, early morning) when I didn't feel so hot. It was Sunday, and some good friends called after church (see I told you they were good) and wanted me to join them at Brown's. So I did. We were a motley crew in this old run-down trailer--not what you would think of for Sunday brunch ha! I loved it though...I was in a bathing suit and cover-up (my usual Sunday summer attire) and had a bottle of Advil in front of me, eating with my girlfriends in their church best. And all of us had big gooey greasy burgers and fries. It was the best. We didn't care that the place was, well, maybe not backed by the health department, but it has character. And decent, cheap food. All that matters.

    (4)

  • Michael W.

    Walk in the door in the evening and look left. Make awkward eye contact with the live band rockin' out. Look right at the real locals, whose view of the band you have just obscured with your presence. It begins. Walk through the back and find a table, get a waitress's attention, and order a burger. Not a fast-food burger, not an overgreased hockey puck, a real burger like you would make if you had time, but better. Simple as that. Honest, good, cheap, what more could you want? Grab a beer, or go crazy and order the fried catfish plate.

    (4)

  • Erin D.

    This place is all about the atmosphere. It's about seeing everyone from legendary artists to businessmen to nearly homeless people enjoying it. The place is made from two trailer homes and reeks of however many years of cigarette smoke. They've also got the TVs on with whatever game has been requested and news. It has a bar and a separate dining area. They pride themselves on the chili, which isn't bad but is the greasiest you can imagine. Burgers are a crowd favorite but they aren't much different than something you could get at McDonalds. The fries are skinny shoestrings, not my favorite, and they don't come with the burgers; you have to order them separately. The wait staff isn't bad, but they do take their time.

    (3)

  • Eve P.

    This place has one things going for it: sweet, friendly staff. But that's it. Their beer selection is terrible, and the food is barely edible. I understand you don't go there for health food, but if I'm going to eat a burger or fries, I want to enjoy them, and there are plenty of places I can get much better cheap American food.

    (2)

  • matt c.

    Your smile will be a "double wide". Slightly dusty divey old school roadside diner built out of a modified trailer with boards nailed round the bottom and a tacked-on dining room which is usually nice and cool and dark. a layer of cold cigarette smoke is stuck in the walls. kind of like a cheaper version of Rotier's. The burgers come with the pickle on top of the bun on a toothpick. The catfish platter is big and good. I enjoy a frosty mug of coors de-light often. It's the locals place to eat out.

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    Brown's is a Nashville legend, and some of the regulars are legends themselves. Food reminds me of a Woolworth's lunch counter, but it's not bad. I like it better than Rotier's.

    (4)

  • Andy B.

    I've been here twice. Not a whole lot to say that hasn't been said, except one the first time I went it was in the top two burgers I've had in Nashville (out of many) and the second time it was kinda meh, like they forgot to season it. Still solid, and a great burger for $4.50. I actually think the lettuce, tomato, onion, etc takes away from the burger. Either hamburger or plain cheeseburger is the way to go. The patty is the star.

    (4)

  • Adam G.

    This is the best under $5 sit-in burger in the land. The slightly run down decor, the country rock guys playing at the bar, and the lovely woman serving us all add to the charm.

    (5)

  • Al J.

    Great beer joint & burger place dive at the corner of 21st Ave & Blair. Cheap beer, limited brands; wonderfully simple, thick burgers & cheeseburgers, hot, skinny fries ---and a very good grilled cheese sandwich. Nice deck with rocky patio chairs to enjoy the beautiful weather. "Dined" has the wrong connotations for a place like this....went here on recommendation of a friend to drink beer & eat burgers and were NOT disappointed!! Don't let the looks of the place put you off; and don't look too close at the inside. If I lived in the neighborhood, would be here at least weekly. You should too.

    (5)

  • Lorelei S.

    Dirty restaurant, dirty dishes, salty greasy food. I know people love it here and I live close by but I just do not get it.

    (1)

  • Chris W.

    Came here after someone told me it was the best burger they ever had. Definitely not a great burger, but it does the job. Great environment, really divey, and friendly staff. Really cheap food, too. Worth checking out to grab a quick, cheap bite and relax for a bit but it's nothing spectacular.

    (3)

  • Maria J.

    Oh, Brown's Diner! How I long for thee! I'm in Houston, Texas now, but the cheeseburger alone is enough to make me homesick! I love the staff and the location. I just want to say, that for such a small lil place you guys ROCK! The greatest burger, the greatest place, memories are made here.

    (5)

  • Tanya D.

    I had read something about this being the best burger in Nashville, and I'm a big burger afficianado, so it was a must go. Was it the best burger ever? Not by a longshot, not even in my top ten. But was this a kick ass establishment in general that left a good taste in my mouth? YES. The burger was cheap, it was tasty, service was friendly, a live band was playing, it was divey for sure, but that's part of the charm. The burger tasted better with every bite, and that was a cheap night out. In a weird way, this was one of my highlights of Nashville. I'd much rather go to a place like this than a nice looking chain type place. I experienced life here, which you can't do at Chipotle.

    (5)

  • Andrew W.

    Used to live 1 block from this place. Craved it on a weekly basis - perfect place to get away, chill, drink a beer, and have a reliably excellent burger. Waitresses are sweet too.

    (5)

  • D M.

    These guys know their burgers! Great place to hangout with friends, grub and have a few brews. What am I thinking, these guys are definitely 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Cam C.

    Hole in the wall that is a Nashville tradition. Good food and low prices is all I need to say.

    (4)

  • Jeremy T.

    I love the atmosphere. The dive-bar feel is awesome. There are three things, food wise, worth getting here: Burgers, chili, and fries. Everything else is a waste of money. I ordered the "smoked turkey" sandwich once. It was nothing but deli meat on a bun. I also tried the catfish plate. It had three "fillets" that were only about three inches long, and one inch wide. If you are considering this place, the burgers are worth it.

    (4)

  • Grace Z.

    Amazing. Its simple. I love the fact that this place is so down to earth and the ambiance. There's no fluff here. What is on the menu, is what you get. I know I'll definitely come back when I all I want is a simple burger and not some fluffy fancy burger filled with so many other ingredients. Bottom line: Come here if you want a solid burger.

    (5)

  • Ashley B.

    A little heaven in a little trailer (with a bonus area attached.) Burger is just perfect, tastes like how you would make it at home if you were a burger-making badass.

    (5)

  • Piper P.

    Tonight was the freezing rain night. My brother in law and I were starving and wanted a great burger. We went to Browns Diner. Perfectly cooked burger and fries. Not any pretentiousness at this place at all. Come ad you are and enjoy great food, beer and atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Samar A.

    A must-stop whether you are just passing through or calling Nashville home. Cheeseburgers here are the best in town!

    (5)

  • Janette C.

    Brown's Diner is one of those places in Nashville you have just have close your eyes and go try. It has been around for years and I've been here several times. Their cheeseburger always hits the spot for me! No fuss, no frills, no pretense....just a good ole fashioned juicy cheeseburger! The staff is nice and friendly. Service is fast. The menu and beer is limited but that is part of their charm I suppose. The decor is not what you go to see....I mentioned this place had been here a while right? :) Give it a try....order the cheese burger and fries....

    (5)

  • Queen B.

    meh. place is truly run down. manufactured, pre-made burger patties - probably from some discount house. wonder bread buns. beer. cheap. one time is good for trying it. wouldn't return.

    (2)

  • Kristina L.

    Let's begin with my saying I would give this 3.5 stars if Yelp would so allow it.... I am a bonafide burger fiend. With that being said, the cheeseburger and fries today were good and hit the spot. I know there are better burgers in town and there are, of course, far worse. This was a solid burger with the minimum of fuss and some decent fries. You don't get asked how you'd like your burger prepared (I'm a medium type of gal) so I was pleasantly surprised when I took a bite and saw some pink in there. Including tip, I got out of there for $8.85 for a loaded cheeseburger, a side of fries and water to drink. That's close to the price for some fast food combos and the burger was much better than that. Yep, I'll go back for my next fix when my co-workers and I need to get our burger on. Come to think of it, I may go back and have a couple of cold beers with a burger after work sometime.......

    (3)

  • G. S.

    They have amazing burgers and our waitress (wish I could remember her name) was the best! She went above and beyond to take care of us.

    (5)

  • Christi H.

    Perfect dive bar. Amazing cheeseburger 3.50!!! The live music was excellent and I enjoyed it. Friendly people at and behind the bar. Oh, those hush puppies ... If you are looking for fancy, go somewhere else. Here the beer is served in a cold bottle, the napkins are paper, and you don't want to think about how long it's been since the carpet has been cleaned. Like I said, perfect dive bar.

    (4)

  • Mala H.

    A local treasure, that must be experienced at least once. Atmosphere is like nowhere else, and the burgers are the real deal.

    (3)

  • Jules F.

    I gotta say. I had heard such rave reviews about Brown's Diner's burger. Like RAVE. As in, they have the best burger ever. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the burger. It was truly just an average diner burger. Nothing special about the fries. Just nothing special. It is a dive and I can appreciate that for what it is. And if lived in Hillsboro Village, I'd probably have a better review since I could just grab the burger to go and it's cheap and convenient. But I don't live in Hillsboro Village and I wasn't getting this burger to go. I was not comfortable in their bar stools. And we weren't regulars, so the service wasn't spectacular. Again, it is a dive, so I can totally appreciate it for what it was. They only had Budweiser on draft and their other beers were basically Budweiser products. So nothing crafty or special on the beer menu. Again, totally expected at a dive bar. I didn't hate Brown's Diner, but I didn't love it. And while I had an ok experience, I probably won't go back. I can get an average burger at a lot of places more convenient to me. But I get the rave reviews for those that live in and around Hillsboro Village where they are convenient and cheap.

    (2)

  • Bob S.

    Sorry guys, i dont agree with the review on this place. My son want to go try since he had never gone there. Yes it is inexpensive, but the burger are nothing special. I had he chill dog, and there was way to many beans in this chill. Maybe with a couple beers the burger gets better. The only think I do agree with is that this place is a true dive...

    (2)

  • Scott M.

    Search out my Yelp for "Bricktops"-a posh poser not that far from Brown's Diner. I et a Burger there for $15 bucks that wasn't an EIGHTH as good as the cheap burger I got here at this rundown shithole. "Rundown shithole" is only a description of the structure. "Glorious, personality-filled temple of vibe" is how I would describe what goes on inside it. A no-nonsense neighborhood bar, with entertainment. (btw-The entertainment that night featured a studio-legend virtuoso Guitarist that will cost you $100 a ticket to see at your local Arts center). There were about 20 people in the bar, with no cover. There's no irony, no attitude, no pretense. You're there to have a bite, have a drink, listen to some tunes, and indulge the lively art of conversation-all without leaving a big wad of cash behind. The cute little college girl waitress was doing her homework at the next table between catering to the tables, and somehow the service never lacked. She seemed out of place, as there were a few rough looking guys and gals in attendance, but that was the vibe-all are welcomed, and leave the drama outside. A second look showed there were also few fine-dressed dandies there who might have been more in character at the ill-fated Bricktops menchened above. Taste counts! There were also a few folks who looked like they were there on opening day, 1942, and never went home. Doesn't matter. I felt at home and welcome here. You will too.

    (4)

  • Tim A.

    What can I say? There are worse burgers, and there are better burgers. The staff here is very nice; the waitress rolled with and even seemed to enjoy my party's typically atypical restaurant behavior. The prices are good too, which is significant since there isn't much other cheap food in that immediate area.

    (3)

  • Rachel S.

    I gotta be honest, I can't agree with the notion that Brown's has one of the best burgers in town. It was alright.. but it wasn't as flavorful as, say, the local-fed burger at Fido. And I am NOT shunning Brown's burger because it's not organic/local-fed/cow-friendly/tree-hugging. The chili was quite good, as were the fries. Combining everything in a whole massive sloppy pile - hamburger, fries, and chili - would make for a hearty and tasty experiment. It's cheap, which is awesome. It's just not my thing. I look forward to trying Gabby's. Oh, and slllooowwwwww serviiiiice.

    (2)

  • Jim H.

    I've been going there since the mid 70's. That should tell you everything you need to know. Cheese Burger and Fries. No menus needed.

    (5)

  • Carol P.

    This is a love it or hate it kind of place. It is def. a dive-bar that I could see the local Vandy kids enjoying. The staff/owners seem no nonsense, don't care if you approve or not (which isn't always bad). They def. have a loyal following. I had a cheeseburger and fries. It wasn't anything to write home about so I doubt I'll be back unless to drink. (We stopped in about noon when it was dead empty and quiet. Def. a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, and if you squint hard enough (or drink enough) won't notice the grimy/old feeling. Again not bad, if you love your local "Cheers."

    (2)

  • Ruiqiu K.

    I never really noticed this place when I first started shopping at the Harris Teeter across the street. It does not actively advertise itself to the heavy traffic on 21st. Instead it's behind the gas station that you can see on 21st, in what looks like a nondescript house with outdoor seating in front. When I first came inside, I felt out of place: I don't drink alcohol, so I always feel uncomfortable in bars. It was not too dark, but when all eyes turned to me when I opened the door, I felt compelled to make sure to close the door after me. The first thing I saw was the bar. Other than a few patrons eating their burgers in the front patio, the only clue I had that they served food here was that some customers were in the middle of getting their to-go orders. Otherwise, there were no food menus on the walls. I had to ask the guy tending bar for one. It was only after I sat down at the bar to wait for my order did I notice the restaurant seating in the back. The place did feel old and had a throwback feel to another era and to the type of places I'd see only on TV shows where the main characters are just stopping for a bite to eat in the middle of nowhere. But the food changed my mind. The fries were hot and crispy, just the way I like them. The burger wasn't really that interesting, but it was far better than those found in fast food chains. I ordered a cheeseburger with all of the fixins, and I appreciated the thick onion slices. And the prices were very cheap. I think the burger and fries were about $6-7 and change. (I also treated myself to a soda across the street at Harris Teeter.) While this is not a place I would go to on a regular basis, it is a place I would go to treat myself. Some people treat themselves to nice, expensive dinners. For me, it's a treat to get a burger (my parents did not let us have burgers or sodas very much when we were growing up).

    (3)

  • Lyndi S.

    Well, Brown's Diner is apparently a well-seasoned Nashville classic. It's been around forever, and has survived many years and well, if those Brown's Diner walls could talk...they'd say "Heck yeeeaaah, maaan." This is not your average hole in the wall. This is a tried and true Southern charmer, decked out in wood panels, dark green walls, and the smell of the grease and fat that can't be dismissed. Did you think that was a bad thing? I didn't. I loved it. From the ever-so-local clientele, to the down-home basic cheeseburger, this joint IS your mama's burger bar. Seriously, more than likely, your mama ate there when she was your age. Same grease on the grill too, I bet. Mmm, mm! The burgers and fries are exactly what you'd expect: salty, fried deliciousness. No bells and whistles, just straight up grillin' and fryin' and greasin'. Looking for a trailer full of beer, burgers and french fries? Boom. Brown's Diner.

    (3)

  • David O.

    Brown's history at this point is probably what keeps it around. There are better burgers to be had in town, but the classy dive burger bar in town. I wish I could say it was a great earth shattering burger, but its just a burger. A good burger, but still just a burger. I have no complaints, and wouldn't tell you not to come here I just couldn't find anything other than the atmosphere to set it apart from the rest. Also, NO BACON!

    (3)

  • Jamie A.

    Greasy, cheesy, beefy goodness! Add hot, crispy shoestring fries and a cheap cold draft beer and we're in business!! Seriously, few burgers are as tasty as the cheeseburger with grilled onions at Brown's. Why not five stars? If you like bacon on your burger, you are SOL. I'm fine without the bacon, but it would be nice if it were an option. On a sunny day (like today!), the patio is a great place to kick back...and on a cold or rainy day, the bar is a great hang as is the dining room attached to the trailer.

    (4)

  • Nickie G.

    As soon as I drove up to Brown's I knew I was going to like it. It looks like a trailer (and I guess it WAS a trailer) with a building built on to the back of it. My kind of place. Then I walked in and was greeted with the glorious smell of fried beef from the hamburgers being cooked in the kitchen. I love that smell! Missing is the smell from cigarettes that I do tend to cherish in a dive bar, but no biggie. If they allowed smoking in the tiny bar area no one would be able to see anything. I loved the sign that told me it has been there since something like 1927. And was that a picture of Neil Diamond on the wall? Or a really close lookalike? Love. The crowd was generally above the age of 45-ish and they were all feisty and enjoying the band. This band was the reason we were here. Although they didn't turn out to be an Irish band, it was a band manned by some older people that played only 60s English rock. And the bass player was a chick! Plus, that chick was having a birthday and she was offering everyone homemade cupcakes. Who doesn't love that. I didn't eat but the burgers smelled pretty much amazing and I really want to come back and try it. I didn't like the fact that they only have beer and not liquor but I fully realize there's no damn room for a full bar. However, if you are looking to eat, the room they built on in the back has plenty of tables. Bathrooms....well....let's just say I hate those hand dryers with the rolly towel that just goes around in a circle. Ewww, just use your jeans to dry your hands. The main thing I loved was drinking quite a few beers and then getting the tab for my brother and I - $23? Um, um, REALLY? Cheapest 2 hours drinking at a bar for 2 people EVER. That is what took me over the edge and made me realize I am going to really love this place!

    (4)

  • Alejandra Y.

    Solid dive bar. I love the contrast with the rest of Hillsboro village and green hills. You've got about 5 beers to choose from, but the ironic ambiance is refreshing in this neighborhood. Come with the right artifice and you'll enjoy yourself with this crowd.

    (4)

  • Patten F.

    There's nothing out of the ordinary here. It's not fancy. And that's why it's spectacular. I recently went to Brown's for the first time in 15 years...and other than having a tiny (TINY) bit of a redesign due to the fire, nothing about it has changed. You still get a real cheeseburger (always with the pickles toothpicked to the top), fries and a drink for around 8 bucks. You watch TV on the same TVs they had when I went there 15 years ago (although they were new then). The service is friendly, the food is cheap, fantastic, greasy and not even remotely good for you. Seriously. It's Brown's and it's Nashville. Do it.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Divey
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Live
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Mon, Sat, Sun
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Brown’s Diner

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