I'm giving Back Alley Diner 5 stars because I have never had anything but the best experience. This past Saturday a group of friends and I (there were 15 of us total) ate there before the Nashville Art Crawl (we've been doing this regularly for the last year). Saturdays are a great day to go because they have $.50 wings and $2 PBRs (a fantastic combo if you ask me). I get the buffalo ones and my husband gets the tabasco ones which are somewhat hotter (you can also get them plain without wing sauce) and they come with either ranch or blue cheese dressing. I LOVE these wings. Seriously, I think they're the best! Every other wing I've tried in the past year is compared to these and so far, none have been better. I really can't speak much for their other food because I love their wings so much, I haven't been tempted to try anything else. Except a few months ago, I did try the pulled pork quesadilla and it was very good. The service is exceptional. We always have the same waitress (it's a shame I can't remember her name) and she's very attentive and accommodating for us (big groups can sometimes be a challenge). It's a simple, casual place with good food and great prices. I'd definitely recommend B.A.D.
(5)
Bruce K.
If it wasn't for Yelp and similar word-of-mouth, I don't know how people would find this place. The name "Back Alley Diner" is appropriate as it's really down an otherwise dark alley with very little signage or notification. Hidden, would be appropriate. But the Yelp reviews were good and it was close to where I was walking near the Capitol (do check out the Capitol) and so here we were. Seat yourself and I took a comfy booth and was able to get signed on to the wifi before my waitress came by for my order. A local beer (Yazoo) and a cheeseburger with cole slaw were on the way a few moments later. Beer was nice and cold. Burger was cooked medium with a good amount of blue cheese. The cole slaw was plain and unremarkable. But the burger rescued and "A-OK" to a "Yay! I'm a fan!". Neat little place with karaoke some nights and plenty of regulars at the bar. I can see coming back to it one day.
Back Alley Diner was the first place we ate after arriving in Nashville. Starving, we wandered across the street from our hotel and happily stumbled onto this place! It was late afternoon, so our large party easily found a place to sit. Our server was very nice, though a member of our group didn't like her because she refused to serve him alcohol. I don't blame her at all because 1. We quickly found out that Nashville has very strict carding rules and 2. it's his own damn fault for having an expired ID. At first glance, B.A.D. looks grimy like the name implies, but it's actually kind of cute after you settle in and look around. I had the catfish po'boy, which came with hushpuppies and my choice of baked beans. Hello, delicious Southern food! The jam for the hushpuppies was a great addition, but I should have gotten fries instead of the beans. Beans were fine, but a taste of someone else's fries filled me with Fry Jealousy. Portions were generous and everyone at my table was very pleased with the food. B.A.D. isn't good enough to trek all over town for, but if you're close definitely check it out. And bring a current ID.
(4)
Maggie M.
Food and service were both great! Beer was cheap and location was unique. Definitely stop by if in the area.
(5)
Charles S.
B.A.D. provided the baddest (best) meal I had during my 3-day visit to Music City. I had sausage and bean soup and a ham and swiss sandwich. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to get right, but that wasn't a problem here. Everything was fantastic! The fries and pulled pork sandwich they served my co-worker were also dynamite! The have a pretty small draft beer selection, but the ones they have are local and delicious! We happened to be there during "songwriter's night" and the 3 singer/songwriters they showcased were awesome. The service and ambiance were cool, laid-back and super friendly. The place was packed with people and the guy sitting next to me at the bar was astounded that us tourists found this place, since it's mostly a local crowd. Next time I visit Nashville, I'm putting Back Alley Diner at the top of my "go-back" list!
(5)
Chris Z.
Better than average food. Really fun bartender. And the prices weren't jacked up like at some of the other downtown joints.
(4)
Bobbi B.
Really good burger, extremely fast service. From the outside doesn't look like much but once you enter, it is both larger and nicer than expected! My husband said "we will be back! Came for lunch and did not have the opportunity to see any live music but it appears they do have it!
(4)
Dan H.
We decided to stop by Back Alley Bar while we were waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant. It was a good place for a quick beer. Our server was very nice, the drinks were cheap. When we went there wasn't a great vibe, probably because it was a Tuesday night.
(3)
Curtis H.
We found this on a whim after a conference at the convention center and couldn't have been more thrilled. We had five people and ordered burgers (veggie and otherwise) and the chicken Philly and LOVED them. They were flavorful, quick, and well priced. We are coming back here in April and will be eating here again. Highly recommend taking the walk down the back alley to find it.
(5)
Keith W.
The price is right and the food was good. I ordered a burger (obviously) but don't be fooled because they do not cook to temperature. PBR for $2 and their fries were pretty great. Off the beaten path and very chill....a great place to get your night started before the insanity that is Nashvegas!
(4)
Haylee L.
I was so excited to try this place- great reviews, cool location, and fair pricing. The atmosphere is excellent- very inviting. I would love to say that I had a great experience, but it was the exact opposite. Forty minutes after ordering a cheeseburger and a salad, I inquired about their whereabouts. Our waitress came back and said they moved our ticket up and were STARTING on it. Seriously disappointed in the fact that it took an hour to get our food when there wasn't even a wait to be seated. After watching several more orders come out, hoping they were ours, and watching the tables all slowly clear out, our patience had reached its last. Then arrived our food- cold burger and limp fries. No more B.A.D. Food for us.
(1)
Monica M.
This place is cool. Laid back for as crowded as Broadway gets. My daughter couldn't recall if she ordered onion rings and our server was like no worries, we'll get you some on the house. Really friendly. Thanks Ellen, Matt, and Cate. The food and drinks were great.
(4)
Sandra Z.
We popped in here for a lunch based on all the rave reviews. We did have a good experience, but for all the options in Nashville I was a little underwhelmed. If I could, I would give it 3.5 stars. First off, it's a typical pub food menu. Good quality pub food, but still pub food. We came hungry, so ordered a lot of food. The poppers were good: bacon wrapped cream cheese stuffed jalapenos, not deep fried. I had a burger, and it was definitely above average. I also sampled the fried catfish, fries, onion strings, baked beans, and hush puppies. ALL above average. There were no bland fillers here. The service was really friendly, really attentive. If you're hungry for a burger and fries kind of meal this is a great spot for it. However, if you're visiting Nashville and looking for a unique dining experience, this isn't anything you can't find in your hometown.
(4)
David L.
This was a good place for a quick bite at lunch hour. It had a fun staff and good environment.
(4)
Jessica S.
Recently went to Nashville for the Alan Jackson concert. My boyfriend and I wanted to find a dive bar to have a quick lunch and a few drinks, so I got on Yelp and found B.A.D. The entrance to B.A.D was pretty neat as it was in the alley. Luckily for us, they had signs on the main street to point us in the right directions. B.A.D was just what we were hoping to find. They had good bar food and even better happy hour specials. The time of the day we went allowed us to avoid the evening crowd. I would recommend B.A.D to anyone who is looking for a place to relax and have a few beverages.
(4)
Brittany F.
Had a friend playing an acoustic set here one Saturday night so I decided to give it a shot! When I got there I realized I was sooooo hungry so I immediately ordered some cheese sticks. They came out quickly and were pretty tasty, nothing fancy or different about them, just regular mozzarella sticks. Also, ordered some wings since it was $.50 wing night and they had a really good flavor to them! The drinks were decently priced and our waitress was very attentive and a little sarcastic, which we all liked! Definitely in a weird location, but it is to be expected given their name. I would not have known about it if my friend had not played a show here!
(4)
P M.
We needed lunch so we found this on yelp. It was a little hard to find as it is down an alley. Lunch was so so. I have a shell fish allergy seems the kitchen that day couldn't promise no contamination with fries etc. so I had the bean sausage soup. Crackers only no crusty bread for patrons. Soup was salty. My son had a hamburger and fries. I had sweet tea that was tasty. So so food. The waitress looked like she had been there a long time slightly unstable but nice enough. Next time I will try another place. I think local office workers go there for lunch.
(3)
Charity L.
Great handmade burgers - no frozen quick made patties here - and battered French fries. Great sauce and spices on the burger. The name says it appropriately. It's a diner in an alley. Little tricky to find. Glad I did. Exposed brick and unfinished wood plank ceiling are appealing, not standard look. Live music tonight. Not the typical Broadway Street cover band.
(4)
Chad P.
I thought we could get lunch in a relatively small amount of time. We had 1 hour for my wife's lunch break and we didn't receive our food until 40 mins in the building. Needless to say, we ate our food quickly and tried to pay, but there was one waitress handling way too many tables. Either they are understaffed or need a faster cook. It's never good when the people get seated after you and have their food come right out. The only thing I can say positive is the food was decent. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Erin K.
Great service and food. Ended up there on buy one get one free draft night. Drink options were solid and fast. Waitress was helpful and we were both very happy with the food. Got the veggie quesadillas and grilled chicken sandwich. Also side of fries and house made chips. Everything tasted great.
(4)
Kraig K.
Great place to eat at. Very friendly environment and the food is great. I had a bacon Swiss cheese burger and it was so yummy. I would so come back here again.
(5)
Christine M.
Found this place while strolling around from my hotel. Delicious burger! Great little bar.
(5)
Keith M.
Tues night is a great opp to hear some local color! All original music. Fantastic talent! Great local vibe. Super friendly service with good happy hr. Food is good but music is better!
(4)
Alyssa Z.
Fantastic burgers and even better fries especially! The diner was not busy at the time we went so we had very fast service. The bar also has a lot of character and is a great place for a late night dinner. The location is a little sketchy but it lives up to it's name as a "back alley diner".
(5)
Grant C.
This is just a cool place to hang out, grab a bite to eat, have a cold beer for a decent price, and watch a game or listen to live music. Is the food great? Nope. It's good. It's flavorful. Portions are good. Prices are decent. You can order standard bar fare or something healthier. If I owned the restaurant, I'd be proud of what I was doing. The atmosphere: it's off an alley, hence the name. I've taken my teenage daughters to BAD before hockey games, entire family on weekends, and friends. The crowd is nice and you can enjoy a meal with your kids and not worry about someone acting 'the fool.' They have live music. Are they ready for primetime? Nope. Do they sing better than me (yes and easy bar to hurdle) and are they entertaining? Definitely. They have a good choice of beers and happy hour specials. They are closed on Sundays and are colas for private events on occasion. I highly recommend BAD. I don't eat there often enough.
(4)
Malthe J.
Good burgers, nice staff, chill atmosphere. They play country music on the stereo. They have a bar and four local beers on tap. It seems to be mostly non-tourist. One last thing: it really is in an alley which is pretty empty, but it's not hidden, they do have a sign on the building.
(5)
Rick M.
We got the drinks quickly but waited 50 minutes for the food. We just ended up leaving since we were late for the concert.
(1)
Mike R.
When i travel I like finding out-of-the-way places brimming with local character; in essence, the anti-chain. B.A.D. nails it. Wandering around the area in the early afternoon on a hot Saturday, my son and I saw an amateurish sign on the street talking about how BAD the place was. We had to investigate. The A/C was working well and we sat at the bar. I had a fried catfish dish, my son had a burger. Both were good. The staff was friendly (and quite attractive, I might add), and did not pick on me for being from out of town. Lots of visual stimulation on the walls - signs and other stuff that's fun to look at. After getting fleeced at Opryland, it was nice to get a decent meal at a fair price. Recommended.
(4)
Dallas T.
We came to Nashville and found exactly what we were looking for in Back Alley Diner. Stopped by for a late lunch, and it is a little hole in the wall bar with a nice attentive staff, quick service, cheap prices, and great food. It isn't your run of the mill frozen to plate bar food - the jalapeño poppers were the best we'd ever had and we could've definitely devoured another plate of them. My best friend and I both got the southwest burger and it was perfectly cooked and came out so quickly. If we were local we'd be regulars - they have great specials on drinks and food every day of the week. Will definitely be back on our next trip to Nashville!
(4)
Eric J.
Great service. Good mixed drinks, too! Food was okay but worth the try.
(3)
Christine B.
This little hidden gem is amazing!! Their awesome sandwich board signs on the street is what caught our attention. We even snapped pics of it & decided we were going to hit up this spot later. We came in to wait out the thunderstorm and happened to get a table by the little stage. The guy performing was awesome. It was a Saturday night & one of the specials was $2 PBR so naturally, I had one ha. I wasn't too hungry but felt I needed to eat something so decided on their pulled pork quesadilla & a side salad. Both were extreme filling and super delicious; sadly, I couldn't finish my food. If we had more time in our quick visit, we would have come back but the next time I'm in town, definitely hitting this spot up!!
(5)
Ivan B.
Small little "hole in the wall" that really stands out for grabbing a bite to eat. The burgers are amazing. So are their fresh made potato chips. The service was really good and friendly and prices were well within the norm. The atmosphere definitely has a "dive" feel but totally worth it.
(5)
Norra T.
I absolutely love this place for lunch. The staff is great and the atmosphere is wonderful. The service is super fast. I can sit down and have a great lunch with time to spare. I usually get June's walnut garden salad w/ grilled chicken. It is delicious without dressing!! I've had their smoked chicken philly also. SO GOOD! If you're in downtown Nashville, eat here for a great meal and drink specials.
(5)
Ashley W.
Wonderful dinner here last night! Our waitress was wonderful- really seemed like she was happy to serve us. They were crazy busy with a party of 25 upstairs so it took a while to get drinks from the bar but so worth it. (She let us know beforehand) I ordered the Aloha burger with baked beans and it was delicious! Looked like they had a lot of great specials on different nights. Locals night, ladies night ($1 wells!), $2 PBR on Saturday, etc. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Hr S.
I wanted to go somewhere for locals and found this place. Atmosphere was cozy and staffs were kind and really attractive. Had a blue cheese burger and pulled pork sandwich with Bloody Mary which was recommended! I'll definitely come back!
(4)
Amber W.
SO GOOD! I love the authentic bbq & sweet tea at all of these little "hole-in-the-wall" places! It really is in the back alley of the shops along the mall so pay attention you might miss it, haha we did the first time we walked right by it! Had the sweet tea and some delicious burger with bbq sauce and onion straws... You could tell the burger patties were made by hand and all the food & sides were delicious!
(5)
Z P.
Day 3 in a row...get me off this night shift.!!!! i just had B.A.D 3 days in a row. this tuna salad sandwich was great like frosted flakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Amy S.
Great spot! We stopped here after having an hour and a half wait to get in somewhere else. Our intention was to have a drink and snack and make it back to our original spot. I ordered a delicious Tom Collins...no store bough sour mix here. Freshly squeezed. Yum. We ordered the catfish sandwich which came with hush puppies and cole slaw. So good! The sandwich was very generous and incredibly tasty. This was not frozen fish! Now, maybe it is because I am from the north (and we don't make good ones there) but those were the best hush puppies ever! Light, flavorful. We left to try to find another hang out....but I really wish we had just stayed. It was delish, reasonably priced and had nice live music. Great spot!
(5)
Jack T.
Food was great, service was friendly! They serve very generous mimosas (for the right price).
(5)
Cassandra M.
It's truly a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but they've made it their draw! Drinks are unique and diverse. Food is tasty and affordable. I'll definitely be going again!
(4)
Lee S.
After being asked by Back Alley Diner to revise my review, I checked their site again and it does state their hours are until 10pm for food on Sat. I must have read the incorrect hours on a different link. I could not remove my previous review for some reason... Only update it. I never got a chance to eat here but I've heard it is good.
(3)
W P.
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's worth finding if your looking for food/drinks in the area north of Broadway. You'll find attentive service and perfectly fine food, created from scratch rather than from packages or frozen like many 'bar restaurants' offer.
(4)
Draft M.
In from the ATL. Place wins for vibe, atmosphere and location. Burgers are a tasty treat and good quality. Go here for tasty burger! O-Straws on side, Texas burger, local brews on tap.
(4)
Eddie H.
Food wasn't bad but wasn't great. The southwest burger had good flavor and the fries were excellent. My wife had the fork and knife burger and boy was that false advertising. It was supposed to be topped with chili. I wouldn't call a spoonful of chili on a burger to be a fork and knife burger. She was able to eat it like a normal burger. Also most chili burgers I've see have mostly meat whereas this had more beans than meat. Finally the service. The waitresses seemed frazzled and were running around. It took a lot of time for us to get just two burgers. If in Nashville I'd suggest finding another local spot.
(3)
Dawn O.
Great food! Turkey burger was yummy and the beer was divine. They were busy, but very accommodating
(4)
Kelly D.
Went here Friday night before the Maroon 5 concert for a bite to eat. It was awesome! Our waitress was funny & outgoing, which makes your experience better at a restaurant in my opinion.. The burgers are amazing! They're fresh made & cooked to perfection! Also enjoyed happy hour! I definitely recommend eating here. We definitely plan to visit again!!
(4)
D B.
5 stars for happy hours prices. Food has been surprising for being a back alley bar (literally). I've gone there twice. I have yet to find another $5 Bloody Mary in this town.
(5)
Damon D.
The term "hidden gem" is used quite a bit for places on a city that aren't very well known to the visitors, but they are to the locals. This is definitely it! Very cool vibe on a, well, back ally by the Arcade. I got a Mega Titan burger and two BearWalkers for $18. Pretty good! The burger is very good! It's not the best in town, but it's certainly a great burger. This place had locals night, songwriters night, daily and nightly specials, and everyone from 21 to 81, unemployed to working professional frequents this place! Must try!
(4)
Scott D.
Really cool bar that we stumbled across for the first time tonight. It's the only non-smoking bar I've found downtown that isn't a chain. Prices were reasonable, scene is low key, environment is casual, and the food is pretty good. Glad I found a bar downtown that isn't so crazy! Will definitely be back!!!
(4)
Mike L.
Great food, great employees and great drinks for a great price. You can't go wrong with the jalapeño poppers, burgers, wraps or chicken sliders. Will be a regular for sure!
(5)
Will C.
This place is off the beating path... It is literally in a back alley. Once you get passed that and the "dive" bar aspect prepare yourself for some great food! We had the fork and knife burger and the gargantuan double burger. The double burger was too much food but it tasted amazing !!!! The gf loved her fork and knife. We added wings as an appetizer and they too were delish !!! Overall this place was a perfect 5. Amazing food and a great atmosphere. It is not for the snooty but if you like good old fashioned back end charm with great food then put this on your radar !
(5)
Jordan B.
Traveling for my profession, I like to find off the wall, non-chain restaurants. Don't let it's location turn you off of this unique, somewhat hidden diner. We tried it on a Saturday at peak lunch hours and was able to find a table without waiting. This place seems more like it was made for the late night bar goers. Food was surprisingly good and service was fast and friendly. Looking at the bar, they have many daily specials and there was a small area that looked like they might have live music on the weekends. Overall, this was a good place to visit and I hope to go back on a weekend night to see this place really liven up.
(4)
Tim S.
We found this on Yelp and decided to give it a try. Busy but not too crowded on a Friday night. The wait staff was great. If you like craft beer you need to try the Jackalope Bear Walker. All the food was great and I really liked the homemade kettle chips. It had a local feel and a relaxed fun atmosphere. If you like places off the beaten path you will not be disappointed. No negatives. I just don't give many 5 stars.
(4)
Carmen P.
you know, there's times when you just want awesome bar/pub food, and when that time comes, you should go here. i've been feeling a bit chubby lately, but that didn't stop me from ordering the "porker burger". it's a burger with barbecue pork on it. you can also add guacamole to your burger, and whenever guacamole is an option, i take it. there's healthy options too, like hummus. so i ordered that to negate the guilty please of this 1,000 calorie barbecue pork burger.
(4)
Lan T.
Stumbled upon Back Alley Diner (aka BAD) after visiting the Nashville State Museum. It's a nice hole-in-the-wallish looking place in an alley. You wouldn't come across it unless you were looking for it. Anyway, I got the pulled pork sandwich with bbq sauce with fries. I had no complaints. I didn't think the pulled pork was greasy or fatty or anything. The bbq sauce came on the side, so I was able to put as much or as little as I wanted. The fries were crispy, just how I like them! This is a no frills restaurant. Not fancy, nice people, and straight to the point. I wouldn't make a point to go back if I were in Nashville because there are a lot of other restaurants I'd like to try, but I have no complaints!
(4)
Colleen E.
This little diner is tucked away in, you guessed it, an alley on the block between 4th and 5th and Union and Church. You might notice the bold sign out front that just says "B.A.D", and you'll be clued in to the sense of humor of the joint. You'll also probably hear live music before you hit the door if you arrive on a Tuesday or Thursday. There is trivia on Wednesday as well. Happy hour is from 4-7 and they have great deals on fun house martinis and margaritas. The menu is creative and expansive, offering way more than typical bar food. I started with the hummus and pita chip plate, which also comes with cucumbers, celery, jalapenos, and olives. My friends got the cheese sticks and devoured them in no time. Next time I want to try the black bean or turkey burgers, but they have plenty of beefy choices if that's your thing. The atmosphere is light and lively, with tall ceilings and an upper level in the back. Take your pick from booth, table, or bar and get into something B.A.D!
(4)
Cassie K.
Work travel brought me here, did not feel weird being by myself which can sometimes happen. Staff was very friendly, the food was good-chicken philly with chips, the beer was great- Jackalope Bearwalker Maple Brown, and I wasn't surrounded by obnoxious, drunk tourists. All in all I was very happy.
(5)
Ray G.
Back alley dinner is one of the best places to grab a burger and beer. The staff is friendly and fun. The place is down an alley so you feel like your in a spot that no one else knows. The singer song writer night on Tuesday is awesome as well. Get the poppers, they are the best in town hands down. Wrapped in bacon and cook to perfection. Finnish with the sizzling southwest burger. You will be in heaven.
(5)
Brian M.
very good burgers. I had the aloha burger and my wife had the turkey burger. Nice cold beers and service very good and friendly. Had the pork quesadilla for appetizer... great prices nothing over $10. As their motto says BAD is GOOD...,We totally agree. check it out.
(5)
Peytonswanson ..
after a semi creepy walk up, you find a great atmosphere and awesome food. The staff was friendly and quick.
(5)
Jt P.
Great live music, good cheap food, but don't expect craft cocktails (and don't order them). I love getting the pulled pork BBQ sandwich and a beer on a weekday night. They do good work here--keep it up!
(4)
Miriam M.
This was a gem of a find in downtown Nashville. Delicious food, I had a vegetarian black bean burger, one of the best! Everything was fresh. The full bar, great beers, urban eclectic atmosphere at a very reasonable price made this one I would return to in a minute.
(4)
Jackie B.
As a recent transplant to Nashville, BAD is my go to spot for lunch as well as a favorite for after work drinks. The food is not going to knock your socks off, but it is consistently good. The sides are fantastic. I, like most Americans, love a really good french fry. Not every place makes exceptional french fries though so I love having an option to choose something else. I can't speak for BAD's fries, because I always get the house made chips. I love these things. They are the perfect ratio of thin crunchy chips and thicker, chewier chips. The burgers are really tasty and well-seasoned. I learned the hard way not to eat one at lunch though. Although the titan burger with mushrooms and cheddar cheese is delicious, it lead to a very unproductive day at the office as I sat at my desk complaining to my co-workers that I was so full I wanted to take a nap. I tend to stick to the chicken sandwich or wrap now. The real reason I love this place is the staff. I'm usually by myself as I work in a small office where most of the staff packs. I have never felt uncomfortable being there alone. I always sit at the bar and I have never had a problem finding an open stool. The bartenders are friendly and remember your drink order after a time or two. They do tend to be a little free with the endearments (Honey being one of their favorites) but I suppose I should be getting used to that now that I'm in the South. Their timing is always perfect and my drink is rarely empty for more than a few seconds. After work they have great specials and several nights with live music. What more could I ask for in a dive?
(5)
Allison P.
This is the best spot for dinner and drinks before a night downtown. Fast service, great food, local beers on tap!
(5)
Mike M.
I stopped in to try the buffalo wings while passing thru Nashville. They are definitely above average. I found them to be are very good--crispy and non-breaded--and come with celery sticks and dip. The ambiance is that of old tavern but without the smokey stench. I recommend the B.A.D. For the price, I give it 5 Stars.
(5)
Bridgette C.
I expected this place, based on the name (BAD...seriously?) and the location (down a dark alley between buildings) to be a shizhole. Newsflash: its NOT. I walked in and went immediately bug-eyed. A real diner in Nashville?! With local art, exposed brick, and chalkboards announcing specials every day including the weekends?? And live music?? And TVs for watching March Madness?? I could not stop smiling. We are talking some of the best prices in town for great bar food. Their burgers are good, and that's even with the beef being seasoned, something I am not really a fan of. They have a special on their delicious wings on Saturdays as well as PBR. They make amazing bloody marys and mimosas that are way more champagne than OJ. Despite the name, its clean and cozy inside, way too nice for a place called BAD. Its so far off the beatn path and yet you are smack dab in the middle of downtown. Its awesome. I loved it. I am a huge fan of BAD food, BAD drinks, BAD service...it was wonderful :) Highly recommend it for some adventurous fun.
(4)
Elaina C.
I love this place. They have awesome food and great drink specials, and every server and bartender I've ever had has been awesome and so nice. It's right by work so it's fun to go to happy hour after work. The BAD never disappoints!
(5)
Mai H.
Interesting place that is definitely worth a visit. The atmosphere inside is fun and rather cozy. However I would not return as I can cook much better food really, the staff (or the waitress who helped us) was not that fantastically cheerful and friendly, and the music the night I visited B.A.D was, ehem, awkward. Overall, it's a pretty cool place for hanging out with your friends, grabbing a quick bite on a whimsical, random night out.
(2)
Jim W.
@BackAlleyDiner in @DwnTwnNashville is not a diner in the traditional sense of the word. They feature fare more in line with what I would call American Standard fare...burgers, salads, etc. I really enjoyed a catfish po'boy with fries and hush puppies. Th
(4)
Amy S.
wonderful dinner here with a friend while attending a convention. food was terrific and staff was very attentive. best burger I've had in a long time.
(5)
Lori H.
Easy going atmosphere was nice after a long drive to Nashville. Service was friendly and attentive, at least at the bar where I was sitting. Burger was good but nothing special. Fries were pretty good. Music: It was a songwriters night and the music was less than wonderful for the most part. I know there is better talent than that in this town.
(3)
Zach B.
This is a great little hidden place we stumbled upon. The service and food were awesome, it had a great atmosphere and the prices were quite reasonable as well. Highly recommend it and I'll be sure to return.
(5)
Ryan P.
Had a great lunch here with wife. Had the big Titan burger and it was excellent. Very fast service and was a great value. The menu looks like a great bar food spot, and we will be coming back for lunch when we are in town.
(4)
Michelle F.
This was a FANTASTIC find. I enjoyed a really great pulled pork sandwich along with some quality live music. The pork was shredded just right and lightly sauced. It was tender and delicious. I assumed that the sauce would be vinegar-based, instead I got a lightly sweet sauce with a pleasant apple cider flavor. A perfect match for the pork. The accompanying fries were hot and crispy. The beans were loaded with chunks of meat. We just happened to stop on the night of a CD release party for a country music band. While I'm not a fan of country music in general, I can appreciate good music and this definately qualified. And the space has nice acoustics. The music was loud enough to be enjoyed by all without blowing the eardrums of the folks in the booths closest to the band. People of Nashville, I hope you realize how lucky you are, living so close to the the BAD.
(5)
Randy H.
This place is literally in a back alley. It has that bar type of look on the inside. Dark and grungy. BUT they have great drink prices and specials. The food is pretty decent for bar food. Typical stuff such as burgers, chicken tenders, etc. If you're looking for cheap, this is definitely an okay place to check out. I wouldn't go there too often but if i needed something cheap to eat that was decent, this would be a great place to check out.
(3)
Chanel H.
Not crowded at all on a Friday night which is a welcome change to all the other places that pack a 1 hour wait around downtown. We were welcomed with friendly smiles and the staff was very nice. I got the Boston salad which was really enjoyable. They cook the chicken fresh so it's warm and juicy on top of your salad...forget the cold dry chicken most joints toss onto salads! I love how well seasoned and tender my chicken with my greens. The boyfriend got the fried catfish po'boy. The fish was really crispy but in my opinion, a little under seasoned. Or perhaps under sauced because I thought a side of the remoulade with the sandwich was a perfect fix. Would have been better with more lettuce too. I do have to say, the hushpuppies are the best I've ever had. Mix the two sauces into the same bite...mmmm. Could eat it all day! For a drink I got the pineapple upsidedown martini, which was really good in that it really did taste like liquid pineapple upsidedown cake...unfortunately I don't do very well with super sweet drinks so I only for half way through. Glad I tried it though! The boyfriend loved his margarita. Would definitely come back, hopefully on a Tuesday when they have songwriter night or Saturday when there is live music.
Great food and service at a good price. Pulled pork, baked beans, potato chips and po'boy was delicious. Floors and bathrooms could use an update.
(4)
Susan S.
Back Alley Diner continues to impress us. We have been back several times since my initial review, but Saturday night we tried some different things. The wings were on special, so we ordered some buffalo and some Tabasco wings. The buffalo has BBQ sauce in the mix, so it had an awesome smokey flavor. The Tabasco had the perfect amount of heat. Both were cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Hubs stuck with the catfish po boy, but I went with a salad. It was great! Quality lettuce and toppings and they were very fresh. Cold beer as always, and some nice live music. We will keep on coming back!
(5)
mark k.
Mostly burgers. Everyone liked their burger, but not outstanding. Homemade potato chips were very good.
(3)
Scott H.
50 cent wings on Saturday, and for 50 cents these are really good wings..if you do opt for the wings don't forget to order a side of fries, those are delicious too! Oh and $2 PBRs...perfect for anyone on a budget and looking for a low key kinda place with live music on a Saturday night.
(5)
Ali Y.
Came here with a group of 12, may have been the issue but shouldn't be... I was very excited based on Yelp but left disappointed. The food was absolutely nothing to write home about, the server acted as if he wished he could be anywhere else. We ordered the house chips and he brought the ranch after the two baskets were empty and we ordered a third that he brought after we were done and the table had been cleared then refused to take them off the ticket because he had already removed two drinks... My advice is don't go with a large group and don't order a dirty martini...
(2)
Brent E.
My go-to place for a solid lunchtime Burger downtown. Just be sure to show up early during lunch to ensure you can get a table.
(3)
Reagan M.
This was the most terrible service I have ever received at a restaurant. We made our reservation 5 hours ahead of time. When we got there, they said that they were sorry but they were not going to have a table available. We waited for 15 minutes and they finally placed us at a table. Our order was taken and two of us ordered catfish. 15 more minutes later, they asked if we wanted something else because the fish was still frozen. The food was ok, but didn't make up for the lack of service and the fact we were an hour late for our event. It is our first time in Nashville and next time we will not be coming back to this restaurant.
(1)
Keenan P.
A decent burger joint in an out of the way place. A better choice than all the tourist trap places in downtown Nashville.
(4)
Teresa B.
This place is awesome! What a surprise to find a place that has the vibe of a neighborhood pub in the heart of downtown! The staff is incredible, the beer selection is decent and the homemade chips are to die for! Located in an alley right off the Arcade, this hidden gem is a "must try"!
(5)
Francine S.
Great drinks, burgers and home made potato chips This place is hidden away but has a great atmosphere making it a very cool place to chill. Bring your appetite!
(4)
Dan R.
Name describes access to a t. I went around 6:30 and there were about 13 other patrons. Typical of most bars it is not somewhere you need to see in the light of day but you know that before you enter. Inside was small, sturdy and clean. Waitress was prompt and recommended the Hawaiian burger with pepper jack cheese and fries. Food arrived quickly. The burger was great. The fries ok and not from a freezer. Waitress was perfect. I will return.
(4)
Jessie L.
Very comfortable place to hang out, food was great, drinks were great, and the night we went, they had songwriters singing and entertaining! Awesome place, next time we're in Nashville, we'll be back!
(5)
Elizabeth L.
In Nashville for the first time an wandered in based on Yelp reviews. Way to go, Yelpers! Great space. "Just Right" sized portions of the kind of breakfast food I needed after a night out in Nashville. Would love to come back at night...
(4)
Dzmitry U.
Great little spot, was doing a road trip from Rochester down to Key West and this was the dinner spot when we reached Nashville. Good service, good food (not amazing blow your mind delight, but currently living in NYC I can vouch for the fish and the burgers being above my expectations). Reasonably priced drinks (was rather funny hearing a few folks complain about a 5 dollar margarita...). I will definitely be coming back!
(4)
Michelle M.
I LOVE this place!! My dad and I work in the same office building downtown and this is our usual Friday lunch spot. I usually get the club sandwich with fries and let me tell you...those fries are hands down the best ever. Crispy and seasoned on the outside, and soft on the inside. yum! Will have to go back in the evening to say how the bar is but it is always busy! 5 star service every time and some of the best food downtown...GO!
(5)
Glenn F.
B.A.D. is G.O.O.D- The Back Alley Diner is located in the back alley near The Arcade in downtown Nashville. B.A.D is a great place to grab some flavor in your food. I am not as fond of the salads as some places, but the specials are good and plentiful. I like to go there for lunch during the winter to get some yummy and flavorful soup to warm the bones. Good prices, good food, good service and great food. BAD is one of my frequent lunch destinations downtown.
(4)
Natalya S.
The environment/decor at BAD is really unique and was my favorite thing about the place. It is probably great for a happy hour, but I only came here for lunch and my rating is based on that experience. The menu is typical for a bar and does not have a lot of variety, but if you want a sandwich or a burger, then you will be fine. I had a burger here myself and it was alright. The staff that work here are very friendly and provided great service. I would like to see what it is like during a happy hour, that seems like it must be the best time to go here in this unique place!
(4)
Elizabeth E.
My company frequently takes "Dive Friday" lunch outings as a group. We target smaller food joints in the area that don't get a lot of attention, but can really bring it in their respective culinary realm. Most of these places are holes in the wall. Nothing against holes in the wall (some holes are my favorite!), but you come to expect a dingy, dark, small space with sub-par servers and middle-of-the-road decor. Therefore, based on the fact that Back Alley Diner (BAD) had been selected as a Dive Friday destination AND that it's located in The Arcade in downtown Nashville, I was not expecting much. Boy, was I wrong. Once you walk up the stairs into the restaurant, you are immediately blown away by how spacious it is compared to what it looks like on the outside. Plenty of tables (even to accommodate 12 people at lunchtime!), a large bar, and an upper seating area looking down over other diners. We sat down and were promptly welcomed by our server (who I would later find out is co-owner). He was friendly, upbeat and had a great sense of humor. Food came out quickly and was delicious. My fried chicken wrap was basic, but exactly what I was looking for and were accompanied by french fries. The perfectly delicious (and yes, unhealthy) lunchtime selection I've come to expect for Dive Fridays! As we were leaving, I noted that they do have a happy hour, it appears as though they might have live music (!) and the crowd was pretty solid for lunch. All good signs. I live nearby and plan to swing by for happy hour in the weeks to come. Will report back then. For the time being, B.A.D. is definitely on my GOOD list.
(4)
Lori O.
We didn't eat here so I can't rate the food, but the service and atmosphere are amazing here. I love the trendy decor and we had a blast w our bartenders. Unfortunately I didn't get all their names to give them all a shoutout, but Jacobi and everyone else there were GREAT!! This will b a regular stop when I come to Nashville! It's off the beaten path and just a great place to get away from the touristy scene!
(5)
Zach W.
Hands down the best bar for locals in downtown. We recently moved downtown and had been looking for a great local bar/restaurant, only to be disappointed time and again by the tourist traps on Broadway and in Printer's Alley. Then we found B.A.D. It's exactly what we had been searching for: incredibly friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks, and good food. The only drawbacks: 1) not open on Sunday; and 2) very limited selection of beers on tap.
(5)
Hoa T.
Came here for lunch today and was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was pretty chill. It looked more of a bar than your typical diner. I had the chicken wrap. It tasted great and the menu is pretty extensive so there are lots of stuff to try. I saw a sign for $5 martinis for happy hour...definitely putting this place on my list of happy hour to try.
(4)
Meredith H.
I have a coworker who has been raving about this place for months, so I finally decided to go, and let me tell you, it is sooo good! There's a surprising amount of space - there's two floors! It was crowded too (we went at 11) but they had plenty of waiters, and we barely had to wait for our food. I ordered the soup (chicken, broccoli & cheddar) and a sandwich (turkey) and it filled me up and I loved it! We were in and out in about 40 minutes, which is perfect! I saw so many good looking things on the menu, so I'm definitely going back for more!
(5)
Edward P.
WoW is all I need to say. But I will say more. This is a definite must try. Don't be fooled by the outward appearance. Nothing to look at from the street but very nice inside!! Our server/ co-owner was awesome. Very friendly and knew his menu. Wasn't sure what to get and he asked if we like catfish. Was a little leery about it but promised if we didn't like it that he would even discount it. That is how much he believed we would like it. Definitely not a let down. Loved it and had fries and white beans with it. Very good prices even this poor boy can afford. Look hard for it and don't give up. It is a little hard to find but really worth it.
(5)
Jen B.
Amazing Blue Burger, super friendly staff! We went there about 15 minutes before they were supposed to start serving dinner, but they just happily served us anyway.
(5)
David B.
A Real find! Not just burgers either. The kitchen really has someone awake at the wheel. The service is the best I get in nashville, so I've got no idea about the review that slammed it.
(5)
David Y.
The best new bar in this city. I have visited Nashville on many occasions and this is one of the best local bars I have ever enjoyed.Great staff and a cool local bar atmosphere. Good burgers.
(4)
Jesse B.
Perfect little hole in the wall gem. A little hard to find but they were very welcoming. We went for $5 martini happy hour and also shared the bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers. I was pleased they weren't breaded! We actually liked it so much we went back a couple hours later. Their fries were top notch and the pomegranate martini? To die for. Will definitely be back. We went on a Tuesday night and it wasn't busy at all, which I like.
(5)
Tina A.
Great burgers and cold beer! The Hawaiian burger with pepperjack cheese was recommended by the waitress and it didn't disappoint! Also, we rolled into town late with a family of 5 and got to B.A.R. at closing time (a Wed night at 9:00) and they sat us with a smile and were happy we had come. Great everything!
(5)
Chris P.
Food is cheap. Venue is divey and a great Nashville-esque experience. Live music was playing when we got there at 8 p.m. on a Saturday. It was an up and coming bluegrass band that knew how to entertain a crowd. Will definitely be coming back.
(5)
A.J. W.
Fun with Great food. At the end of the meal you they give you fun things to do to get drink coupons. Had a burger and it was awesome.
(5)
Kristin F.
Located in "alley" in downtown Nashville, this unassuming looking from the outside restaurant is pleasantly surprising on the inside. Exposed wooden beams and brick make a warm atmosphere inside, with a spacious bar that is tasteful, nice art on the walls, and an upper "loft" area overlooking the dining room instantly take you away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The server we had was friendly, and while we expected "bar food" for lunch, we all agreed it was far superior. I had a very fresh Chicken and Bleu Cheese salad, with big chunks of green apple and walnuts, and it was delicious. The others at the table had sandwiches and fries and thoroughly enjoyed those as well. If you're downtown and looking for a place that is not packed with fresh, good food, try the Back Alley Diner (B.A.D.)
(5)
Elizabeth M.
I was in town for a seminar and looking for someplace other than fast food where I could grab a quick lunch. This looks like a true hole in the wall from the outside -- if not for the internet's assurances, I might not have gone in -- but inside, it's a perfectly pleasant bar/lunch spot. My hot turkey-and-cheese sandwich was very tasty, and the fries were perfect. Plus, I was seated right away and on my way in a half hour!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
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Crystal B.
I'm giving Back Alley Diner 5 stars because I have never had anything but the best experience. This past Saturday a group of friends and I (there were 15 of us total) ate there before the Nashville Art Crawl (we've been doing this regularly for the last year). Saturdays are a great day to go because they have $.50 wings and $2 PBRs (a fantastic combo if you ask me). I get the buffalo ones and my husband gets the tabasco ones which are somewhat hotter (you can also get them plain without wing sauce) and they come with either ranch or blue cheese dressing. I LOVE these wings. Seriously, I think they're the best! Every other wing I've tried in the past year is compared to these and so far, none have been better. I really can't speak much for their other food because I love their wings so much, I haven't been tempted to try anything else. Except a few months ago, I did try the pulled pork quesadilla and it was very good. The service is exceptional. We always have the same waitress (it's a shame I can't remember her name) and she's very attentive and accommodating for us (big groups can sometimes be a challenge). It's a simple, casual place with good food and great prices. I'd definitely recommend B.A.D.
(5)Bruce K.
If it wasn't for Yelp and similar word-of-mouth, I don't know how people would find this place. The name "Back Alley Diner" is appropriate as it's really down an otherwise dark alley with very little signage or notification. Hidden, would be appropriate. But the Yelp reviews were good and it was close to where I was walking near the Capitol (do check out the Capitol) and so here we were. Seat yourself and I took a comfy booth and was able to get signed on to the wifi before my waitress came by for my order. A local beer (Yazoo) and a cheeseburger with cole slaw were on the way a few moments later. Beer was nice and cold. Burger was cooked medium with a good amount of blue cheese. The cole slaw was plain and unremarkable. But the burger rescued and "A-OK" to a "Yay! I'm a fan!". Neat little place with karaoke some nights and plenty of regulars at the bar. I can see coming back to it one day.
(4)Billy H.
We had planned on going to Bicentennial Mall Park to see the Nashville Symphony perform on a Friday night at 8pm. We looked around for a place to eat & noticed the high rating of this place. Why not try it? We parked between here & the Mall. It wasn't much of a walk & we found B.A.D. (Back Alley Diner) from the small sign on the side walk of Church street. The diner is located in the alleyway east of the Loews Hotel. There's an entrance at street level & one up a few steps. The entrance up the steps directs you to use the street entrance. We arrived around 7pm (missing the daily happy hour that is from 4pm-7pm, damn!) and was greeted with a sign that told us to seat ourselves. We had our pick of the place because there were only a few people at the bar. They've got tables and chairs along with booths. Our sever came up immediately and greeted us and got our drink order. She was very friendly. She told us of a special they had that night, a pork burger, not to be confused with the regular pork burger on the menu because that is a burger with pulled pork on it. This pork burger was a burger made of pork. I love a pork burger, but I decided on the Mega Titan Burger ($8.99) that comes with "Mouthwatering Burger, LOADED with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Sautéed Mushrooms and Cheddar Cheese​". My boyfriend ordered the pork burger special however for $8.99. I'm not sure how long B.A.D. has been around, but the place shows it's age. It doesn't look dirty or anything, mind you, but you can tell the building has been around for a while, but that's what I like about it. It didn't take but about 10 minutes for our food to come out. We both ordered the French fries. I'm glad we did. I would guess that they fries are from a bag, they look like Rally's fries but taste a million times better. They have the right amount of breading on them, a nice spice and salt flavor. I could've ate a pound of them. Onto the Mega Titan burger. This thing is big. I was surprised with the size of the burger and amount of fries for the $8.99 price, especially being downtown. The cheese was all gooey and melted on top of the pile of bacon. The burger had a nice beef flavor and was juicy. A fluffy bun, what else can I say. It was delicious. Phillip also loved the pork burger special. I know the place is rated well and I now see why it is. The food is delicious and the prices are great. It's located off the beaten path but I'm glad I found it and will be going back again!
(5)Elissa B.
Back Alley Diner was the first place we ate after arriving in Nashville. Starving, we wandered across the street from our hotel and happily stumbled onto this place! It was late afternoon, so our large party easily found a place to sit. Our server was very nice, though a member of our group didn't like her because she refused to serve him alcohol. I don't blame her at all because 1. We quickly found out that Nashville has very strict carding rules and 2. it's his own damn fault for having an expired ID. At first glance, B.A.D. looks grimy like the name implies, but it's actually kind of cute after you settle in and look around. I had the catfish po'boy, which came with hushpuppies and my choice of baked beans. Hello, delicious Southern food! The jam for the hushpuppies was a great addition, but I should have gotten fries instead of the beans. Beans were fine, but a taste of someone else's fries filled me with Fry Jealousy. Portions were generous and everyone at my table was very pleased with the food. B.A.D. isn't good enough to trek all over town for, but if you're close definitely check it out. And bring a current ID.
(4)Maggie M.
Food and service were both great! Beer was cheap and location was unique. Definitely stop by if in the area.
(5)Charles S.
B.A.D. provided the baddest (best) meal I had during my 3-day visit to Music City. I had sausage and bean soup and a ham and swiss sandwich. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to get right, but that wasn't a problem here. Everything was fantastic! The fries and pulled pork sandwich they served my co-worker were also dynamite! The have a pretty small draft beer selection, but the ones they have are local and delicious! We happened to be there during "songwriter's night" and the 3 singer/songwriters they showcased were awesome. The service and ambiance were cool, laid-back and super friendly. The place was packed with people and the guy sitting next to me at the bar was astounded that us tourists found this place, since it's mostly a local crowd. Next time I visit Nashville, I'm putting Back Alley Diner at the top of my "go-back" list!
(5)Chris Z.
Better than average food. Really fun bartender. And the prices weren't jacked up like at some of the other downtown joints.
(4)Bobbi B.
Really good burger, extremely fast service. From the outside doesn't look like much but once you enter, it is both larger and nicer than expected! My husband said "we will be back! Came for lunch and did not have the opportunity to see any live music but it appears they do have it!
(4)Dan H.
We decided to stop by Back Alley Bar while we were waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant. It was a good place for a quick beer. Our server was very nice, the drinks were cheap. When we went there wasn't a great vibe, probably because it was a Tuesday night.
(3)Curtis H.
We found this on a whim after a conference at the convention center and couldn't have been more thrilled. We had five people and ordered burgers (veggie and otherwise) and the chicken Philly and LOVED them. They were flavorful, quick, and well priced. We are coming back here in April and will be eating here again. Highly recommend taking the walk down the back alley to find it.
(5)Keith W.
The price is right and the food was good. I ordered a burger (obviously) but don't be fooled because they do not cook to temperature. PBR for $2 and their fries were pretty great. Off the beaten path and very chill....a great place to get your night started before the insanity that is Nashvegas!
(4)Haylee L.
I was so excited to try this place- great reviews, cool location, and fair pricing. The atmosphere is excellent- very inviting. I would love to say that I had a great experience, but it was the exact opposite. Forty minutes after ordering a cheeseburger and a salad, I inquired about their whereabouts. Our waitress came back and said they moved our ticket up and were STARTING on it. Seriously disappointed in the fact that it took an hour to get our food when there wasn't even a wait to be seated. After watching several more orders come out, hoping they were ours, and watching the tables all slowly clear out, our patience had reached its last. Then arrived our food- cold burger and limp fries. No more B.A.D. Food for us.
(1)Monica M.
This place is cool. Laid back for as crowded as Broadway gets. My daughter couldn't recall if she ordered onion rings and our server was like no worries, we'll get you some on the house. Really friendly. Thanks Ellen, Matt, and Cate. The food and drinks were great.
(4)Sandra Z.
We popped in here for a lunch based on all the rave reviews. We did have a good experience, but for all the options in Nashville I was a little underwhelmed. If I could, I would give it 3.5 stars. First off, it's a typical pub food menu. Good quality pub food, but still pub food. We came hungry, so ordered a lot of food. The poppers were good: bacon wrapped cream cheese stuffed jalapenos, not deep fried. I had a burger, and it was definitely above average. I also sampled the fried catfish, fries, onion strings, baked beans, and hush puppies. ALL above average. There were no bland fillers here. The service was really friendly, really attentive. If you're hungry for a burger and fries kind of meal this is a great spot for it. However, if you're visiting Nashville and looking for a unique dining experience, this isn't anything you can't find in your hometown.
(4)David L.
This was a good place for a quick bite at lunch hour. It had a fun staff and good environment.
(4)Jessica S.
Recently went to Nashville for the Alan Jackson concert. My boyfriend and I wanted to find a dive bar to have a quick lunch and a few drinks, so I got on Yelp and found B.A.D. The entrance to B.A.D was pretty neat as it was in the alley. Luckily for us, they had signs on the main street to point us in the right directions. B.A.D was just what we were hoping to find. They had good bar food and even better happy hour specials. The time of the day we went allowed us to avoid the evening crowd. I would recommend B.A.D to anyone who is looking for a place to relax and have a few beverages.
(4)Brittany F.
Had a friend playing an acoustic set here one Saturday night so I decided to give it a shot! When I got there I realized I was sooooo hungry so I immediately ordered some cheese sticks. They came out quickly and were pretty tasty, nothing fancy or different about them, just regular mozzarella sticks. Also, ordered some wings since it was $.50 wing night and they had a really good flavor to them! The drinks were decently priced and our waitress was very attentive and a little sarcastic, which we all liked! Definitely in a weird location, but it is to be expected given their name. I would not have known about it if my friend had not played a show here!
(4)P M.
We needed lunch so we found this on yelp. It was a little hard to find as it is down an alley. Lunch was so so. I have a shell fish allergy seems the kitchen that day couldn't promise no contamination with fries etc. so I had the bean sausage soup. Crackers only no crusty bread for patrons. Soup was salty. My son had a hamburger and fries. I had sweet tea that was tasty. So so food. The waitress looked like she had been there a long time slightly unstable but nice enough. Next time I will try another place. I think local office workers go there for lunch.
(3)Charity L.
Great handmade burgers - no frozen quick made patties here - and battered French fries. Great sauce and spices on the burger. The name says it appropriately. It's a diner in an alley. Little tricky to find. Glad I did. Exposed brick and unfinished wood plank ceiling are appealing, not standard look. Live music tonight. Not the typical Broadway Street cover band.
(4)Chad P.
I thought we could get lunch in a relatively small amount of time. We had 1 hour for my wife's lunch break and we didn't receive our food until 40 mins in the building. Needless to say, we ate our food quickly and tried to pay, but there was one waitress handling way too many tables. Either they are understaffed or need a faster cook. It's never good when the people get seated after you and have their food come right out. The only thing I can say positive is the food was decent. I wouldn't go back.
(2)Erin K.
Great service and food. Ended up there on buy one get one free draft night. Drink options were solid and fast. Waitress was helpful and we were both very happy with the food. Got the veggie quesadillas and grilled chicken sandwich. Also side of fries and house made chips. Everything tasted great.
(4)Kraig K.
Great place to eat at. Very friendly environment and the food is great. I had a bacon Swiss cheese burger and it was so yummy. I would so come back here again.
(5)Christine M.
Found this place while strolling around from my hotel. Delicious burger! Great little bar.
(5)Keith M.
Tues night is a great opp to hear some local color! All original music. Fantastic talent! Great local vibe. Super friendly service with good happy hr. Food is good but music is better!
(4)Alyssa Z.
Fantastic burgers and even better fries especially! The diner was not busy at the time we went so we had very fast service. The bar also has a lot of character and is a great place for a late night dinner. The location is a little sketchy but it lives up to it's name as a "back alley diner".
(5)Grant C.
This is just a cool place to hang out, grab a bite to eat, have a cold beer for a decent price, and watch a game or listen to live music. Is the food great? Nope. It's good. It's flavorful. Portions are good. Prices are decent. You can order standard bar fare or something healthier. If I owned the restaurant, I'd be proud of what I was doing. The atmosphere: it's off an alley, hence the name. I've taken my teenage daughters to BAD before hockey games, entire family on weekends, and friends. The crowd is nice and you can enjoy a meal with your kids and not worry about someone acting 'the fool.' They have live music. Are they ready for primetime? Nope. Do they sing better than me (yes and easy bar to hurdle) and are they entertaining? Definitely. They have a good choice of beers and happy hour specials. They are closed on Sundays and are colas for private events on occasion. I highly recommend BAD. I don't eat there often enough.
(4)Malthe J.
Good burgers, nice staff, chill atmosphere. They play country music on the stereo. They have a bar and four local beers on tap. It seems to be mostly non-tourist. One last thing: it really is in an alley which is pretty empty, but it's not hidden, they do have a sign on the building.
(5)Rick M.
We got the drinks quickly but waited 50 minutes for the food. We just ended up leaving since we were late for the concert.
(1)Mike R.
When i travel I like finding out-of-the-way places brimming with local character; in essence, the anti-chain. B.A.D. nails it. Wandering around the area in the early afternoon on a hot Saturday, my son and I saw an amateurish sign on the street talking about how BAD the place was. We had to investigate. The A/C was working well and we sat at the bar. I had a fried catfish dish, my son had a burger. Both were good. The staff was friendly (and quite attractive, I might add), and did not pick on me for being from out of town. Lots of visual stimulation on the walls - signs and other stuff that's fun to look at. After getting fleeced at Opryland, it was nice to get a decent meal at a fair price. Recommended.
(4)Dallas T.
We came to Nashville and found exactly what we were looking for in Back Alley Diner. Stopped by for a late lunch, and it is a little hole in the wall bar with a nice attentive staff, quick service, cheap prices, and great food. It isn't your run of the mill frozen to plate bar food - the jalapeño poppers were the best we'd ever had and we could've definitely devoured another plate of them. My best friend and I both got the southwest burger and it was perfectly cooked and came out so quickly. If we were local we'd be regulars - they have great specials on drinks and food every day of the week. Will definitely be back on our next trip to Nashville!
(4)Eric J.
Great service. Good mixed drinks, too! Food was okay but worth the try.
(3)Christine B.
This little hidden gem is amazing!! Their awesome sandwich board signs on the street is what caught our attention. We even snapped pics of it & decided we were going to hit up this spot later. We came in to wait out the thunderstorm and happened to get a table by the little stage. The guy performing was awesome. It was a Saturday night & one of the specials was $2 PBR so naturally, I had one ha. I wasn't too hungry but felt I needed to eat something so decided on their pulled pork quesadilla & a side salad. Both were extreme filling and super delicious; sadly, I couldn't finish my food. If we had more time in our quick visit, we would have come back but the next time I'm in town, definitely hitting this spot up!!
(5)Ivan B.
Small little "hole in the wall" that really stands out for grabbing a bite to eat. The burgers are amazing. So are their fresh made potato chips. The service was really good and friendly and prices were well within the norm. The atmosphere definitely has a "dive" feel but totally worth it.
(5)Norra T.
I absolutely love this place for lunch. The staff is great and the atmosphere is wonderful. The service is super fast. I can sit down and have a great lunch with time to spare. I usually get June's walnut garden salad w/ grilled chicken. It is delicious without dressing!! I've had their smoked chicken philly also. SO GOOD! If you're in downtown Nashville, eat here for a great meal and drink specials.
(5)Ashley W.
Wonderful dinner here last night! Our waitress was wonderful- really seemed like she was happy to serve us. They were crazy busy with a party of 25 upstairs so it took a while to get drinks from the bar but so worth it. (She let us know beforehand) I ordered the Aloha burger with baked beans and it was delicious! Looked like they had a lot of great specials on different nights. Locals night, ladies night ($1 wells!), $2 PBR on Saturday, etc. Definitely recommend!
(5)Hr S.
I wanted to go somewhere for locals and found this place. Atmosphere was cozy and staffs were kind and really attractive. Had a blue cheese burger and pulled pork sandwich with Bloody Mary which was recommended! I'll definitely come back!
(4)Amber W.
SO GOOD! I love the authentic bbq & sweet tea at all of these little "hole-in-the-wall" places! It really is in the back alley of the shops along the mall so pay attention you might miss it, haha we did the first time we walked right by it! Had the sweet tea and some delicious burger with bbq sauce and onion straws... You could tell the burger patties were made by hand and all the food & sides were delicious!
(5)Z P.
Day 3 in a row...get me off this night shift.!!!! i just had B.A.D 3 days in a row. this tuna salad sandwich was great like frosted flakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Amy S.
Great spot! We stopped here after having an hour and a half wait to get in somewhere else. Our intention was to have a drink and snack and make it back to our original spot. I ordered a delicious Tom Collins...no store bough sour mix here. Freshly squeezed. Yum. We ordered the catfish sandwich which came with hush puppies and cole slaw. So good! The sandwich was very generous and incredibly tasty. This was not frozen fish! Now, maybe it is because I am from the north (and we don't make good ones there) but those were the best hush puppies ever! Light, flavorful. We left to try to find another hang out....but I really wish we had just stayed. It was delish, reasonably priced and had nice live music. Great spot!
(5)Jack T.
Food was great, service was friendly! They serve very generous mimosas (for the right price).
(5)Cassandra M.
It's truly a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but they've made it their draw! Drinks are unique and diverse. Food is tasty and affordable. I'll definitely be going again!
(4)Lee S.
After being asked by Back Alley Diner to revise my review, I checked their site again and it does state their hours are until 10pm for food on Sat. I must have read the incorrect hours on a different link. I could not remove my previous review for some reason... Only update it. I never got a chance to eat here but I've heard it is good.
(3)W P.
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's worth finding if your looking for food/drinks in the area north of Broadway. You'll find attentive service and perfectly fine food, created from scratch rather than from packages or frozen like many 'bar restaurants' offer.
(4)Draft M.
In from the ATL. Place wins for vibe, atmosphere and location. Burgers are a tasty treat and good quality. Go here for tasty burger! O-Straws on side, Texas burger, local brews on tap.
(4)Eddie H.
Food wasn't bad but wasn't great. The southwest burger had good flavor and the fries were excellent. My wife had the fork and knife burger and boy was that false advertising. It was supposed to be topped with chili. I wouldn't call a spoonful of chili on a burger to be a fork and knife burger. She was able to eat it like a normal burger. Also most chili burgers I've see have mostly meat whereas this had more beans than meat. Finally the service. The waitresses seemed frazzled and were running around. It took a lot of time for us to get just two burgers. If in Nashville I'd suggest finding another local spot.
(3)Dawn O.
Great food! Turkey burger was yummy and the beer was divine. They were busy, but very accommodating
(4)Kelly D.
Went here Friday night before the Maroon 5 concert for a bite to eat. It was awesome! Our waitress was funny & outgoing, which makes your experience better at a restaurant in my opinion.. The burgers are amazing! They're fresh made & cooked to perfection! Also enjoyed happy hour! I definitely recommend eating here. We definitely plan to visit again!!
(4)D B.
5 stars for happy hours prices. Food has been surprising for being a back alley bar (literally). I've gone there twice. I have yet to find another $5 Bloody Mary in this town.
(5)Damon D.
The term "hidden gem" is used quite a bit for places on a city that aren't very well known to the visitors, but they are to the locals. This is definitely it! Very cool vibe on a, well, back ally by the Arcade. I got a Mega Titan burger and two BearWalkers for $18. Pretty good! The burger is very good! It's not the best in town, but it's certainly a great burger. This place had locals night, songwriters night, daily and nightly specials, and everyone from 21 to 81, unemployed to working professional frequents this place! Must try!
(4)Scott D.
Really cool bar that we stumbled across for the first time tonight. It's the only non-smoking bar I've found downtown that isn't a chain. Prices were reasonable, scene is low key, environment is casual, and the food is pretty good. Glad I found a bar downtown that isn't so crazy! Will definitely be back!!!
(4)Mike L.
Great food, great employees and great drinks for a great price. You can't go wrong with the jalapeño poppers, burgers, wraps or chicken sliders. Will be a regular for sure!
(5)Will C.
This place is off the beating path... It is literally in a back alley. Once you get passed that and the "dive" bar aspect prepare yourself for some great food! We had the fork and knife burger and the gargantuan double burger. The double burger was too much food but it tasted amazing !!!! The gf loved her fork and knife. We added wings as an appetizer and they too were delish !!! Overall this place was a perfect 5. Amazing food and a great atmosphere. It is not for the snooty but if you like good old fashioned back end charm with great food then put this on your radar !
(5)Jordan B.
Traveling for my profession, I like to find off the wall, non-chain restaurants. Don't let it's location turn you off of this unique, somewhat hidden diner. We tried it on a Saturday at peak lunch hours and was able to find a table without waiting. This place seems more like it was made for the late night bar goers. Food was surprisingly good and service was fast and friendly. Looking at the bar, they have many daily specials and there was a small area that looked like they might have live music on the weekends. Overall, this was a good place to visit and I hope to go back on a weekend night to see this place really liven up.
(4)Tim S.
We found this on Yelp and decided to give it a try. Busy but not too crowded on a Friday night. The wait staff was great. If you like craft beer you need to try the Jackalope Bear Walker. All the food was great and I really liked the homemade kettle chips. It had a local feel and a relaxed fun atmosphere. If you like places off the beaten path you will not be disappointed. No negatives. I just don't give many 5 stars.
(4)Carmen P.
you know, there's times when you just want awesome bar/pub food, and when that time comes, you should go here. i've been feeling a bit chubby lately, but that didn't stop me from ordering the "porker burger". it's a burger with barbecue pork on it. you can also add guacamole to your burger, and whenever guacamole is an option, i take it. there's healthy options too, like hummus. so i ordered that to negate the guilty please of this 1,000 calorie barbecue pork burger.
(4)Lan T.
Stumbled upon Back Alley Diner (aka BAD) after visiting the Nashville State Museum. It's a nice hole-in-the-wallish looking place in an alley. You wouldn't come across it unless you were looking for it. Anyway, I got the pulled pork sandwich with bbq sauce with fries. I had no complaints. I didn't think the pulled pork was greasy or fatty or anything. The bbq sauce came on the side, so I was able to put as much or as little as I wanted. The fries were crispy, just how I like them! This is a no frills restaurant. Not fancy, nice people, and straight to the point. I wouldn't make a point to go back if I were in Nashville because there are a lot of other restaurants I'd like to try, but I have no complaints!
(4)Colleen E.
This little diner is tucked away in, you guessed it, an alley on the block between 4th and 5th and Union and Church. You might notice the bold sign out front that just says "B.A.D", and you'll be clued in to the sense of humor of the joint. You'll also probably hear live music before you hit the door if you arrive on a Tuesday or Thursday. There is trivia on Wednesday as well. Happy hour is from 4-7 and they have great deals on fun house martinis and margaritas. The menu is creative and expansive, offering way more than typical bar food. I started with the hummus and pita chip plate, which also comes with cucumbers, celery, jalapenos, and olives. My friends got the cheese sticks and devoured them in no time. Next time I want to try the black bean or turkey burgers, but they have plenty of beefy choices if that's your thing. The atmosphere is light and lively, with tall ceilings and an upper level in the back. Take your pick from booth, table, or bar and get into something B.A.D!
(4)Cassie K.
Work travel brought me here, did not feel weird being by myself which can sometimes happen. Staff was very friendly, the food was good-chicken philly with chips, the beer was great- Jackalope Bearwalker Maple Brown, and I wasn't surrounded by obnoxious, drunk tourists. All in all I was very happy.
(5)Ray G.
Back alley dinner is one of the best places to grab a burger and beer. The staff is friendly and fun. The place is down an alley so you feel like your in a spot that no one else knows. The singer song writer night on Tuesday is awesome as well. Get the poppers, they are the best in town hands down. Wrapped in bacon and cook to perfection. Finnish with the sizzling southwest burger. You will be in heaven.
(5)Brian M.
very good burgers. I had the aloha burger and my wife had the turkey burger. Nice cold beers and service very good and friendly. Had the pork quesadilla for appetizer... great prices nothing over $10. As their motto says BAD is GOOD...,We totally agree. check it out.
(5)Peytonswanson ..
after a semi creepy walk up, you find a great atmosphere and awesome food. The staff was friendly and quick.
(5)Jt P.
Great live music, good cheap food, but don't expect craft cocktails (and don't order them). I love getting the pulled pork BBQ sandwich and a beer on a weekday night. They do good work here--keep it up!
(4)Miriam M.
This was a gem of a find in downtown Nashville. Delicious food, I had a vegetarian black bean burger, one of the best! Everything was fresh. The full bar, great beers, urban eclectic atmosphere at a very reasonable price made this one I would return to in a minute.
(4)Jackie B.
As a recent transplant to Nashville, BAD is my go to spot for lunch as well as a favorite for after work drinks. The food is not going to knock your socks off, but it is consistently good. The sides are fantastic. I, like most Americans, love a really good french fry. Not every place makes exceptional french fries though so I love having an option to choose something else. I can't speak for BAD's fries, because I always get the house made chips. I love these things. They are the perfect ratio of thin crunchy chips and thicker, chewier chips. The burgers are really tasty and well-seasoned. I learned the hard way not to eat one at lunch though. Although the titan burger with mushrooms and cheddar cheese is delicious, it lead to a very unproductive day at the office as I sat at my desk complaining to my co-workers that I was so full I wanted to take a nap. I tend to stick to the chicken sandwich or wrap now. The real reason I love this place is the staff. I'm usually by myself as I work in a small office where most of the staff packs. I have never felt uncomfortable being there alone. I always sit at the bar and I have never had a problem finding an open stool. The bartenders are friendly and remember your drink order after a time or two. They do tend to be a little free with the endearments (Honey being one of their favorites) but I suppose I should be getting used to that now that I'm in the South. Their timing is always perfect and my drink is rarely empty for more than a few seconds. After work they have great specials and several nights with live music. What more could I ask for in a dive?
(5)Allison P.
This is the best spot for dinner and drinks before a night downtown. Fast service, great food, local beers on tap!
(5)Mike M.
I stopped in to try the buffalo wings while passing thru Nashville. They are definitely above average. I found them to be are very good--crispy and non-breaded--and come with celery sticks and dip. The ambiance is that of old tavern but without the smokey stench. I recommend the B.A.D. For the price, I give it 5 Stars.
(5)Bridgette C.
I expected this place, based on the name (BAD...seriously?) and the location (down a dark alley between buildings) to be a shizhole. Newsflash: its NOT. I walked in and went immediately bug-eyed. A real diner in Nashville?! With local art, exposed brick, and chalkboards announcing specials every day including the weekends?? And live music?? And TVs for watching March Madness?? I could not stop smiling. We are talking some of the best prices in town for great bar food. Their burgers are good, and that's even with the beef being seasoned, something I am not really a fan of. They have a special on their delicious wings on Saturdays as well as PBR. They make amazing bloody marys and mimosas that are way more champagne than OJ. Despite the name, its clean and cozy inside, way too nice for a place called BAD. Its so far off the beatn path and yet you are smack dab in the middle of downtown. Its awesome. I loved it. I am a huge fan of BAD food, BAD drinks, BAD service...it was wonderful :) Highly recommend it for some adventurous fun.
(4)Elaina C.
I love this place. They have awesome food and great drink specials, and every server and bartender I've ever had has been awesome and so nice. It's right by work so it's fun to go to happy hour after work. The BAD never disappoints!
(5)Mai H.
Interesting place that is definitely worth a visit. The atmosphere inside is fun and rather cozy. However I would not return as I can cook much better food really, the staff (or the waitress who helped us) was not that fantastically cheerful and friendly, and the music the night I visited B.A.D was, ehem, awkward. Overall, it's a pretty cool place for hanging out with your friends, grabbing a quick bite on a whimsical, random night out.
(2)Jim W.
@BackAlleyDiner in @DwnTwnNashville is not a diner in the traditional sense of the word. They feature fare more in line with what I would call American Standard fare...burgers, salads, etc. I really enjoyed a catfish po'boy with fries and hush puppies. Th
(4)Amy S.
wonderful dinner here with a friend while attending a convention. food was terrific and staff was very attentive. best burger I've had in a long time.
(5)Lori H.
Easy going atmosphere was nice after a long drive to Nashville. Service was friendly and attentive, at least at the bar where I was sitting. Burger was good but nothing special. Fries were pretty good. Music: It was a songwriters night and the music was less than wonderful for the most part. I know there is better talent than that in this town.
(3)Zach B.
This is a great little hidden place we stumbled upon. The service and food were awesome, it had a great atmosphere and the prices were quite reasonable as well. Highly recommend it and I'll be sure to return.
(5)Ryan P.
Had a great lunch here with wife. Had the big Titan burger and it was excellent. Very fast service and was a great value. The menu looks like a great bar food spot, and we will be coming back for lunch when we are in town.
(4)Michelle F.
This was a FANTASTIC find. I enjoyed a really great pulled pork sandwich along with some quality live music. The pork was shredded just right and lightly sauced. It was tender and delicious. I assumed that the sauce would be vinegar-based, instead I got a lightly sweet sauce with a pleasant apple cider flavor. A perfect match for the pork. The accompanying fries were hot and crispy. The beans were loaded with chunks of meat. We just happened to stop on the night of a CD release party for a country music band. While I'm not a fan of country music in general, I can appreciate good music and this definately qualified. And the space has nice acoustics. The music was loud enough to be enjoyed by all without blowing the eardrums of the folks in the booths closest to the band. People of Nashville, I hope you realize how lucky you are, living so close to the the BAD.
(5)Randy H.
This place is literally in a back alley. It has that bar type of look on the inside. Dark and grungy. BUT they have great drink prices and specials. The food is pretty decent for bar food. Typical stuff such as burgers, chicken tenders, etc. If you're looking for cheap, this is definitely an okay place to check out. I wouldn't go there too often but if i needed something cheap to eat that was decent, this would be a great place to check out.
(3)Chanel H.
Not crowded at all on a Friday night which is a welcome change to all the other places that pack a 1 hour wait around downtown. We were welcomed with friendly smiles and the staff was very nice. I got the Boston salad which was really enjoyable. They cook the chicken fresh so it's warm and juicy on top of your salad...forget the cold dry chicken most joints toss onto salads! I love how well seasoned and tender my chicken with my greens. The boyfriend got the fried catfish po'boy. The fish was really crispy but in my opinion, a little under seasoned. Or perhaps under sauced because I thought a side of the remoulade with the sandwich was a perfect fix. Would have been better with more lettuce too. I do have to say, the hushpuppies are the best I've ever had. Mix the two sauces into the same bite...mmmm. Could eat it all day! For a drink I got the pineapple upsidedown martini, which was really good in that it really did taste like liquid pineapple upsidedown cake...unfortunately I don't do very well with super sweet drinks so I only for half way through. Glad I tried it though! The boyfriend loved his margarita. Would definitely come back, hopefully on a Tuesday when they have songwriter night or Saturday when there is live music.
(4)Emily C.
Great neighborhood bar and restaurant, if downtown is your neighborhood. Jacobie is a super bartender. The $5 martinis are a great deal and he makes them how I like them. I always get the sautéed veggie quesadillas and they are always good. It's just a really good place to meet, eat and have some laughs.
(5)Adam B.
Great food and service at a good price. Pulled pork, baked beans, potato chips and po'boy was delicious. Floors and bathrooms could use an update.
(4)Susan S.
Back Alley Diner continues to impress us. We have been back several times since my initial review, but Saturday night we tried some different things. The wings were on special, so we ordered some buffalo and some Tabasco wings. The buffalo has BBQ sauce in the mix, so it had an awesome smokey flavor. The Tabasco had the perfect amount of heat. Both were cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Hubs stuck with the catfish po boy, but I went with a salad. It was great! Quality lettuce and toppings and they were very fresh. Cold beer as always, and some nice live music. We will keep on coming back!
(5)mark k.
Mostly burgers. Everyone liked their burger, but not outstanding. Homemade potato chips were very good.
(3)Scott H.
50 cent wings on Saturday, and for 50 cents these are really good wings..if you do opt for the wings don't forget to order a side of fries, those are delicious too! Oh and $2 PBRs...perfect for anyone on a budget and looking for a low key kinda place with live music on a Saturday night.
(5)Ali Y.
Came here with a group of 12, may have been the issue but shouldn't be... I was very excited based on Yelp but left disappointed. The food was absolutely nothing to write home about, the server acted as if he wished he could be anywhere else. We ordered the house chips and he brought the ranch after the two baskets were empty and we ordered a third that he brought after we were done and the table had been cleared then refused to take them off the ticket because he had already removed two drinks... My advice is don't go with a large group and don't order a dirty martini...
(2)Brent E.
My go-to place for a solid lunchtime Burger downtown. Just be sure to show up early during lunch to ensure you can get a table.
(3)Reagan M.
This was the most terrible service I have ever received at a restaurant. We made our reservation 5 hours ahead of time. When we got there, they said that they were sorry but they were not going to have a table available. We waited for 15 minutes and they finally placed us at a table. Our order was taken and two of us ordered catfish. 15 more minutes later, they asked if we wanted something else because the fish was still frozen. The food was ok, but didn't make up for the lack of service and the fact we were an hour late for our event. It is our first time in Nashville and next time we will not be coming back to this restaurant.
(1)Keenan P.
A decent burger joint in an out of the way place. A better choice than all the tourist trap places in downtown Nashville.
(4)Teresa B.
This place is awesome! What a surprise to find a place that has the vibe of a neighborhood pub in the heart of downtown! The staff is incredible, the beer selection is decent and the homemade chips are to die for! Located in an alley right off the Arcade, this hidden gem is a "must try"!
(5)Francine S.
Great drinks, burgers and home made potato chips This place is hidden away but has a great atmosphere making it a very cool place to chill. Bring your appetite!
(4)Dan R.
Name describes access to a t. I went around 6:30 and there were about 13 other patrons. Typical of most bars it is not somewhere you need to see in the light of day but you know that before you enter. Inside was small, sturdy and clean. Waitress was prompt and recommended the Hawaiian burger with pepper jack cheese and fries. Food arrived quickly. The burger was great. The fries ok and not from a freezer. Waitress was perfect. I will return.
(4)Jessie L.
Very comfortable place to hang out, food was great, drinks were great, and the night we went, they had songwriters singing and entertaining! Awesome place, next time we're in Nashville, we'll be back!
(5)Elizabeth L.
In Nashville for the first time an wandered in based on Yelp reviews. Way to go, Yelpers! Great space. "Just Right" sized portions of the kind of breakfast food I needed after a night out in Nashville. Would love to come back at night...
(4)Dzmitry U.
Great little spot, was doing a road trip from Rochester down to Key West and this was the dinner spot when we reached Nashville. Good service, good food (not amazing blow your mind delight, but currently living in NYC I can vouch for the fish and the burgers being above my expectations). Reasonably priced drinks (was rather funny hearing a few folks complain about a 5 dollar margarita...). I will definitely be coming back!
(4)Michelle M.
I LOVE this place!! My dad and I work in the same office building downtown and this is our usual Friday lunch spot. I usually get the club sandwich with fries and let me tell you...those fries are hands down the best ever. Crispy and seasoned on the outside, and soft on the inside. yum! Will have to go back in the evening to say how the bar is but it is always busy! 5 star service every time and some of the best food downtown...GO!
(5)Glenn F.
B.A.D. is G.O.O.D- The Back Alley Diner is located in the back alley near The Arcade in downtown Nashville. B.A.D is a great place to grab some flavor in your food. I am not as fond of the salads as some places, but the specials are good and plentiful. I like to go there for lunch during the winter to get some yummy and flavorful soup to warm the bones. Good prices, good food, good service and great food. BAD is one of my frequent lunch destinations downtown.
(4)Natalya S.
The environment/decor at BAD is really unique and was my favorite thing about the place. It is probably great for a happy hour, but I only came here for lunch and my rating is based on that experience. The menu is typical for a bar and does not have a lot of variety, but if you want a sandwich or a burger, then you will be fine. I had a burger here myself and it was alright. The staff that work here are very friendly and provided great service. I would like to see what it is like during a happy hour, that seems like it must be the best time to go here in this unique place!
(4)Elizabeth E.
My company frequently takes "Dive Friday" lunch outings as a group. We target smaller food joints in the area that don't get a lot of attention, but can really bring it in their respective culinary realm. Most of these places are holes in the wall. Nothing against holes in the wall (some holes are my favorite!), but you come to expect a dingy, dark, small space with sub-par servers and middle-of-the-road decor. Therefore, based on the fact that Back Alley Diner (BAD) had been selected as a Dive Friday destination AND that it's located in The Arcade in downtown Nashville, I was not expecting much. Boy, was I wrong. Once you walk up the stairs into the restaurant, you are immediately blown away by how spacious it is compared to what it looks like on the outside. Plenty of tables (even to accommodate 12 people at lunchtime!), a large bar, and an upper seating area looking down over other diners. We sat down and were promptly welcomed by our server (who I would later find out is co-owner). He was friendly, upbeat and had a great sense of humor. Food came out quickly and was delicious. My fried chicken wrap was basic, but exactly what I was looking for and were accompanied by french fries. The perfectly delicious (and yes, unhealthy) lunchtime selection I've come to expect for Dive Fridays! As we were leaving, I noted that they do have a happy hour, it appears as though they might have live music (!) and the crowd was pretty solid for lunch. All good signs. I live nearby and plan to swing by for happy hour in the weeks to come. Will report back then. For the time being, B.A.D. is definitely on my GOOD list.
(4)Lori O.
We didn't eat here so I can't rate the food, but the service and atmosphere are amazing here. I love the trendy decor and we had a blast w our bartenders. Unfortunately I didn't get all their names to give them all a shoutout, but Jacobi and everyone else there were GREAT!! This will b a regular stop when I come to Nashville! It's off the beaten path and just a great place to get away from the touristy scene!
(5)Zach W.
Hands down the best bar for locals in downtown. We recently moved downtown and had been looking for a great local bar/restaurant, only to be disappointed time and again by the tourist traps on Broadway and in Printer's Alley. Then we found B.A.D. It's exactly what we had been searching for: incredibly friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks, and good food. The only drawbacks: 1) not open on Sunday; and 2) very limited selection of beers on tap.
(5)Hoa T.
Came here for lunch today and was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was pretty chill. It looked more of a bar than your typical diner. I had the chicken wrap. It tasted great and the menu is pretty extensive so there are lots of stuff to try. I saw a sign for $5 martinis for happy hour...definitely putting this place on my list of happy hour to try.
(4)Meredith H.
I have a coworker who has been raving about this place for months, so I finally decided to go, and let me tell you, it is sooo good! There's a surprising amount of space - there's two floors! It was crowded too (we went at 11) but they had plenty of waiters, and we barely had to wait for our food. I ordered the soup (chicken, broccoli & cheddar) and a sandwich (turkey) and it filled me up and I loved it! We were in and out in about 40 minutes, which is perfect! I saw so many good looking things on the menu, so I'm definitely going back for more!
(5)Edward P.
WoW is all I need to say. But I will say more. This is a definite must try. Don't be fooled by the outward appearance. Nothing to look at from the street but very nice inside!! Our server/ co-owner was awesome. Very friendly and knew his menu. Wasn't sure what to get and he asked if we like catfish. Was a little leery about it but promised if we didn't like it that he would even discount it. That is how much he believed we would like it. Definitely not a let down. Loved it and had fries and white beans with it. Very good prices even this poor boy can afford. Look hard for it and don't give up. It is a little hard to find but really worth it.
(5)Jen B.
Amazing Blue Burger, super friendly staff! We went there about 15 minutes before they were supposed to start serving dinner, but they just happily served us anyway.
(5)David B.
A Real find! Not just burgers either. The kitchen really has someone awake at the wheel. The service is the best I get in nashville, so I've got no idea about the review that slammed it.
(5)David Y.
The best new bar in this city. I have visited Nashville on many occasions and this is one of the best local bars I have ever enjoyed.Great staff and a cool local bar atmosphere. Good burgers.
(4)Jesse B.
Perfect little hole in the wall gem. A little hard to find but they were very welcoming. We went for $5 martini happy hour and also shared the bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers. I was pleased they weren't breaded! We actually liked it so much we went back a couple hours later. Their fries were top notch and the pomegranate martini? To die for. Will definitely be back. We went on a Tuesday night and it wasn't busy at all, which I like.
(5)Tina A.
Great burgers and cold beer! The Hawaiian burger with pepperjack cheese was recommended by the waitress and it didn't disappoint! Also, we rolled into town late with a family of 5 and got to B.A.R. at closing time (a Wed night at 9:00) and they sat us with a smile and were happy we had come. Great everything!
(5)Chris P.
Food is cheap. Venue is divey and a great Nashville-esque experience. Live music was playing when we got there at 8 p.m. on a Saturday. It was an up and coming bluegrass band that knew how to entertain a crowd. Will definitely be coming back.
(5)A.J. W.
Fun with Great food. At the end of the meal you they give you fun things to do to get drink coupons. Had a burger and it was awesome.
(5)Kristin F.
Located in "alley" in downtown Nashville, this unassuming looking from the outside restaurant is pleasantly surprising on the inside. Exposed wooden beams and brick make a warm atmosphere inside, with a spacious bar that is tasteful, nice art on the walls, and an upper "loft" area overlooking the dining room instantly take you away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The server we had was friendly, and while we expected "bar food" for lunch, we all agreed it was far superior. I had a very fresh Chicken and Bleu Cheese salad, with big chunks of green apple and walnuts, and it was delicious. The others at the table had sandwiches and fries and thoroughly enjoyed those as well. If you're downtown and looking for a place that is not packed with fresh, good food, try the Back Alley Diner (B.A.D.)
(5)Elizabeth M.
I was in town for a seminar and looking for someplace other than fast food where I could grab a quick lunch. This looks like a true hole in the wall from the outside -- if not for the internet's assurances, I might not have gone in -- but inside, it's a perfectly pleasant bar/lunch spot. My hot turkey-and-cheese sandwich was very tasty, and the fries were perfect. Plus, I was seated right away and on my way in a half hour!
(5)