Opry Backstage Grill at The Inn at Opryland — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

We made reservations for 4:30. Showed up and there were only two people at the bar. It took over 20 minutes to get two beers from our waiter (who later needed up being the manager). My husband sampled one beer. We finally get our drinks and order-30 mins later. My husband ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and received a fried instead. Mind you…two tables that came in after us already got drinks and salads before we got both beers or even ordered food. So I grabbed the attention of the waitress, who was not ours, and explained my husband ordered a grilled not fried sandwich. She did let the kitchen know and apologized for the mistake. My husband received his grilled chicken patty only (new order) on a plate from our original waiter. He apologized about the mix up and asked if there was anything else we needed. My husband explained he wasn’t going to ask for anything else since the waiter was never around and took forever to get drinks or even place an order. He also said he wasn’t happy with the service and would just post a review on the service of the restaurant. I chimed in explaining we were the only people in the restaurant besides the two individuals at the bar. His reply was “well not anymore”. We politely said there was nothing else he could do as he had provided the grilled chicken patty on a plate. I tried to talk to the waiter and share I was a waitress previously and understand when big parties come in (which was happening in the restaurant- although they had prepped for this visually) but he wouldn’t let me talk. He was immediately got defensive. The waiter then left and came back…grabbing our empty cups and then took my husband’s plate (newly and finally received order). He told us to leave or he would call security. I asked for him to please return my husband’s food and said we hadn’t done anything wrong. Mind you we haven’t been belligerent or rude-just honest. The waiter/manager was causing more of a scene than we were. He has apparent major insecurities and needs to assert his dominance when feeling threatened by an alpha male presence.

I again explained we hadn’t done anything wrong, just didn’t care for the service and my husband explained he was posting a review. Although the manager (our waiter) did ask if there was anything he could do… we replied no. Because honestly we had FINALLY received the correct order and had drinks, though empty, however we have a right to post and share our opinion. I communicated this to the manager (who in my professional opinion as a mental health therapist has insecurities and was threatened by my husband from the start). Since we were being kicked out and threatened with security, I offered half of my uneaten sandwich to my husband since he hadn’t eaten anything but fries. We then left and shared our experience with another family, who were waiting for a table, and suggested not to eat at the restaurant due to our experience. They left taking our experience.

I don’t know why this place has great reviews because the service was horrible (and we had the manager apparently) and the food was subpar. On a side note, the waiter/manager spent more time at a table for one (seated after us) explaining what they were known for. We had to just eavesdrop to learn and understand. Definitely not a place I would recommend. We travel the country full-time and have NEVER had an experience like this. Ever!! As a formed food industry server, this was very unprofessional, especially from a manager. Patrons have a right to share their experience.

We finally ended up at Chuy’s because my husband hadn’t eaten anything but fries and received service...

While the food at the Opry Backstage Grill at The Inn at Opryland was truly excellent, my overall experience was soured by a glaring failure in management and communication between the restaurant and hotel staff. What started as a pleasant dining experience quickly spiraled into frustration due to an astonishing lack of professionalism.

To begin on a positive note, the food was exceptional. I ordered the fried catfish meal, and it was absolutely delicious. The fish was perfectly cooked, flaky, and seasoned to perfection, making it a true highlight of the evening. The culinary team clearly knows what they’re doing, and the quality of the meal alone would have made this a memorable experience. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the management and their handling of a simple situation that turned into a debacle.

After enjoying my meal, I mistakenly left my debit card behind. The staff at the Backstage Grill apparently found the card and handed it over to the hotel front desk at some point. When I realized my mistake, I called the next morning and was told the card had not been located but that I would be contacted if it turned up. Later that evening, at 9:44 PM, I received a voicemail from the front desk informing me that my card had been found and I could pick it up.

Relieved, I planned to retrieve the card the following morning before leaving Nashville. At 10:15 AM, I stopped by the front desk, expecting a quick and seamless process. Instead, the staff searched extensively but could not locate the card. They called the manager who had left the voicemail and eventually another manager to clarify the situation. After 45 exasperating minutes, I was informed that my card had been shredded the night before.

Yes, shredded. Despite informing me that the card was available for pick-up, someone at the hotel inexplicably decided to destroy it without confirming the details. This gross miscommunication not only delayed my travel plans but also left me without a debit card for the remainder of my trip. Now I am forced to endure the inconvenience of ordering a replacement card and updating all my autopay accounts and online payment settings.

Destroying a guest’s debit card without due diligence is a serious matter, and the lack of accountability displayed here is shocking. The apology I received was perfunctory at best, and there was no meaningful effort to rectify the situation or compensate for the inconvenience caused.

The disconnect between the Backstage Grill and the hotel staff is deeply concerning. While the restaurant delivered an exceptional dining experience, the handoff of my debit card to the front desk exposed a clear lack of coordination and professionalism. It is baffling that such a basic task as safeguarding a lost item could be so thoroughly mishandled.

I would caution others to think twice about dining at the Opry Backstage Grill unless they are prepared to deal with the potential fallout of similar mismanagement. If this establishment hopes to improve its overall guest experience, it must address the glaring gaps in communication and take steps to ensure its guests are treated with the care and respect they deserve. Excellent food is simply not enough to make up for this level...

Food was absolutely delicious and the people working there are really great. The people and the atmosphere truly enhance the experience. I did not see Nick this time, but I was served by Brennon at the bar. A great variety of excellent workers in a beautiful place. I like that his place in Music City pays so much homage to the artist that helped build this city by playing country music when artist is not performing. It would be cool to hear new artist in addition, but I was happy to hear some Charlie Pride in the rotation.

I had the pleasure of getting the Ribs since this place is known for BBQ. They were delicious and juicy and came with two sides. Brennon told me about the specialty sauces they had available so you know I had to try them all. They were all very good, but I have to say the Memphis Sweet was my favorite. Not an expert just my preference.

My full meal was ribs with fries and mashed potatoes. I dipped everything in the various sauces and almost fell asleep at the bar trying to finish all the food. Absolutely delicious and filling for only $20 worth the swipe/cash. Cash is better for real world budgeting.

People who come there are cool and respectful. I had a conversation with some interesting folks visiting the area from the Northeast. We were very different but share a passion for music and are a little rambunctious, and not afraid to be weird or have opposing opinions. Our taste in music overlapped and conflicted in other areas. It was cool to disagree amicably with people even though it was a passionate conversation about an emotional subject. Wild to be able to relate with people so different from me. How certain things cross the barriers of age, religion, sex and personal beliefs for oddly varying reason. I had such a great conversation and a great time getting to know people. We may differ on political issues and certain matter of music but at the end of the day we found common ground and that common ground was a strong foundation to get to learn about some beautiful souls. I had such a good time chatting them up I almost forgot to order my food.

I learned there is a $10 shuttle from the hotel to downtown. Pregame in this area and head downtown for some sillyness. Another large group was in the restaurant enjoying their meal. It was so quiet in there after the food was served. I don't know what that proves other than deliciousness.

Find out for yourself try the sauces and check out the hotel. I was lucky enough to bump into some Navy Veterans there celebrating their great accomplishments. I love to see it and glad this hotel provides a beautiful location to host such a special event. A place for people who have given us so much to get together and remember. I hold space, bow and give these people the respect they deserve from a...