The meat-and-three – three as in three side items, for the ill-informed – remains Nashville’s most native of cuisines. As kingpin caretaker of the genre, longtime Arnold’s proprietor Jack Arnold carves the roast beef himself near the end of the short but scintillating cafeteria line at his unassuming eatery just south of downtown. Vivacious wife Rose Arnold handles the tea, the lemonade and the cash register. Shake a hand, make a friend at this place: You and your tray may be sharing a table family-style in the cozy confines. The menu varies somewhat from day to day. Would-be dieters would best head on down the road, or at least choose the unsweetened tea. Signature dishes: fried chicken, fried oysters, smothered pork chops, chicken-fried steak, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, greens, fried okra, stewed apples, chocolate pie. No alcohol available. Serving lunch Mon–Fri. Closed Sat–Sun.