For a wonderful throwback dining experience, try Rotier's near Vanderbilt. My favorite: the grilled cheeseburger on rye, with a chocolate milkshake
http://nashville.citysearch.com/profile/9319115/
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=464
http://www.msu.edu/user/gibbensr/jimmy/burgers.htm
For another classic southern experience, the Loveless Cafe and Motel west of Nashville ~10 miles on Hwy 100 serves great southern food.
http://www.lovelesscafe.com/
http://www.turnersouth.com/southern-...907,68,00.html