It seems fewer
and fewer classic roadside cafes survive, yet alone thrive, with each passing
year. You know the kind I mean – legendary
locally owned and operated diners on the edge of town that are themselves a
destination for travelers who have heard how amazing the food is, each with a
distinctive down-home vibe the Cracker Barrels and Bob Evans restaurants wish
they could replicate.
So, when more
than one friend tipped me off about the Loveless Café, a Nashville institution
since 1951 on the southern outskirts of the city, I longed for the opportunity
to go there. Fortunately, my most recent
business trip to Nashville put me close to the Loveless Café. Even more fortunately, my co-worker who
rarely ventures out was as intrigued by the story of the Loveless Café as I
was. I think it’s safe to say neither of
us was disappointed with the trip.
Located on
Highway 100 near the north terminus of the Natchez Trace, the Loveless Café
continues to thrive on it legacy of quality southern cooking – in particular
its ham and biscuits. That legacy
includes national recognition from sources as varied as “The Today Show,” “Southern
Living” magazine, the “Thrillist” website and Martha Stewart.
