Varallo's — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

wow. this place is amazing. it has a very old fashioned but homey atmosphere, and service was very friendly and welcoming. food is served in styrofoam and plastic utensils, but dang is it good. we ordered chile with tamale, egg biscuit, pancakes, and a bec (bacon egg cheese) biscuit. prices are different (more expensive) than as stated on the online menu, but still fairly cheap prices.

chile- and tamale- were awesome. tasted authentic. if you’re going to come here , you should definitely try the chili. you won’t be disappointed.

would give egg biscuit four stars, it tasted good, but it was pretty small for the price we paid.

bec biscuit is pretty much the same, my sister thought that the way that the bacon and egg were cooked was perfect, but the biscuit was very crumbly and “fell apart too easily”

pancakes were average diner pancakes, nothing super special but they were good pancakes, they were soft and didn’t even need syrup, they were already sweet enough.

overall I’d give Varello’s 5 stars, i will definitely visit again...

Not only did I stop by this spot once on my visit from Oklahoma. I came back a second time. That should tell you something.

This place is the oldest restaurant in Tennessee, open since 1907 and was run by the same family over a century later. It's not trying to be trendy or flashy, it's just simple, affordable, comfort food done right.

The staff was genuinely friendly both times I came in, like the kind of folks who seem happy to be there and happy you're there too. The food? Good ol' down-home cooking that warms you up from the inside out like your grandma made it, if your grandma had a restaurant and didn't care about plating but cared deeply about your full belly.

It's a true hole-in-the-wall gem. If you want fancy plating and overpriced bites, look elsewhere. If you want a solid meal that feels like home, this is your spot.

Oh, and ask the owner to juggle for the kids, mine thought it was the best part...

As a Philly native steeped in our own robust flavors, I ventured into Varallo’s in Nashville with high expectations for their famed chili. The vibe there was immediately welcoming, buzzing with the energy of a place confident in its culinary offerings. Their chili? It packs a punch, bold and unapologetic, much like Gerry, a friend of my grandpa, known for his fiery spirit and hearty laughs. The chili is a full-bodied blend that hits you with heat and keeps you coming back for more despite the spice. However, be warned, it races through you just as fast as it hits the palate.

The next day, while enjoying some fluffy pancakes, a local bum decided to watch me eat, which was the only negative experience during my visit. Overall, Varallo’s is a must-try for thrill-seekers but take it slow, or you’ll end up sprinting for the...