Decorative sign with embroidered floral border, the word "Alfene's" in cursive, and the words "Meat & Three" below.

Anyone who walks

through our door

is family

*Operating out of the world renowned > >

What is Meat & Three?

A divided cafeteria tray with macaroni and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken drumstick, and cornbread on a metal table.

The meat-and-three is the Southern lunch counter's most honest format: pick one meat, pick three vegetable sides, get cornbread on the side and sweet tea in a tall glass. The format took shape in working Nashville and the broader Mid-South in the 1920s and '30s, when factory and farm workers needed a hot lunch close to where they worked — quick, filling, cheap, and cooked the way home cooks cooked. The menu changes with the season and what's on the truck. The price stays close to working wages. Arlene's grew up with this food. So did Jonathan.

Arlene's — On the Board
Today at Arlene's

On the Board

Today's Plate

Walking back to the kitchen

Updated this morning. Different tomorrow.

Arlene's — Standing Menu
Always available

Standing Menu

Setting the table

Sweet tea is bottomless. So is the cornbread, more or less.

Arlene's — Brunch Board
While we're at it

For Mama

A moment, please

Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Our Experience

Artwork or logo with the text "Arlene's" in brown cursive font.

HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE

We can’t invite you back unless you let us. Sign up so we can have you come back over for another meal. Bring your friends, the more the merrier.

Assorted food items on a table, including small plates with appetizers, salad, bread rolls, and various cooked dishes.