Bringles Smoking Oasis — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

My husband and I live in East Nashville and decided to drive a little to check out the restaurant. We showed up and another couple was getting out of their car to go in at the same time. We walked in and saw the big cafeteria style bar. There was about 5 people and no one said hi, welcomed us or even smiled. The couple standing behind us looked like they hadn’t been there either cause we both parked on the other side and were looking for the entrance. We walked up to the counter and the younger guy didn’t greet us or say hi or anything he just looked at us. It was a awkward. My husband said I’ll have the pork sandwich and he gave him a bun, said nothing else. I asked what was on the meat tray further down and he said “lots of things”, very vague. So I just ordered the pork plate and he said it came with 2 sides so I picked mine. We went down to the next guy who had a tray of meat. Once again no “hey how are you going” no smile no words, period. I just stood there and he said said “put your plate up in the shelf” no smile, just strange. Same thing with my husband. He weighed out the meat and plopped it on my plate. Then we get to the cashier, he at least was smiling and said “your total was $26”. He was was at least nice to us. They didn’t say “go enjoy the day or patio, darts, etc.” Such a big miss considering how cool the outdoor area was. I think overall just no one communicated what to do, no one greeted us, etc. The couple behind us walked out watching our experience. So it wasn’t just us thinking the vibe was really off. The food was insanely good and the outdoor area was badass. If I was the owner I’d talk with the staff about being welcoming when people walk in the door, ask if they have been there before, give some popular options. Just be friendly at least and smile. Also help the customer understand your process that we obviously failed at…or at least that is what...

The food is fantastic, and the property, especially the outside, is very unique and a great socializing spot. You won't find a better place for groups to watch sports, play cornhole, have great food and drinks, outdoors.

There are two reasons I gave it three stars instead of five: food prices and service.

The food prices are very high, and it's easy to run a bill close to $30 for lunch, depending on what meat you choose. Two meats, two sides, and a fountain drink is likely about $25.00. The receipt I attached is for an above average sized lunch, but still, $34.00 is very high for a lunch with two meats, 2 small sides, a small dessert, and a small drink. There were only 4 ribs, and the brisket grilled cheese contained a pretty low amount of chopped brisket and bread that just appeared to store bought Bunny Bread.

The service - for the food part, not necessarily the bar or drinks - is bare bones. It's basically a cafeteria with trays and you tell the employees what you want, and they give it to you to put on the tray. You continue down the line and pay at the end. After you pay, you are responsible for filling any sauce containers you want, getting pickles if you want them, filling your drink (and any refills you may need), and bussing your own table. There is no service other than them putting food on your tray. For this level of (non) service, they have the audacity to ask for a tip, recommending high amounts of 18%, 20%, and 25%. Given that their prices are already high, this is a steep ask for basically minimal service. Of course you can tip zero, but the very request for the level of service they offer is somewhat insulting.

Other than those two things, it is...

I will start by saying I have been very excited to try out Bringles. It’s a great addition to the neighborhood. However, it was a pretty underwhelming experience and quite overwhelming regarding my wallet. In fact it was 80 dollars for two meals with out drinks. First, the line moves very, very slow. Oddly the first thing you pick is dessert. Strange way to order things if you ask me. Secondly is the hot sides. Let me tell you, your sides won’t be hot by the time you sit down. The sides in my opinion were on par with canned veggies. Or factory packaged potato salad like the Kroger brand. In all honesty, I’m not certain the potato salad wasn’t Kroger brand. The greens were way over salted. I will say the meats were delicious, no doubt. I think they should probably expand the meat selection station. It’s compromised of one guy on a 2x2’ cutting board. This makes the line move exponentially slower. Also the meat slicer should be much more verbal. The restaurant is new and people aren’t accustomed to ordering in this manner as is. The drink machine and draft beer were not working. That’s fine, it’s a new place. I ordered a canned beer and asked for a glass. The bartender was great however when I sat down I noticed the “glass” was plastic. I’d much rather drink that beer out of a can. I really hope they aren’t planning on serving draft beer out of a plastic cup. Last but not least, the banana pudding. Let me just say, I was actually somewhat startled and shocked at how horrific the banana pudding was. This was straight from the jello packet with nothing added. I think the meats might be worth the trip but for your wallets sake and sanity skip the sides...