Biscuits and meat-and-three plates at Puckett's before Main gates
Puckett's Gro. & Restaurant sits pre-security at Nashville International Airport’s Main terminal, on the public side near the ticketing counters. That means it works for both departures and airport pickups, but you need to budget extra time to get back through TSA if you’re flying out. It’s one of the few sit-down spots non-ticketed visitors can use at BNA.
Menus lean Tennessee diner: expect fried chicken, pulled pork, burgers, and meat-and-three style plates, plus big breakfast platters served in the morning rush from around 6:00 a.m. Seating skews toward two-tops and a few larger tables, so a group of four can usually land a spot without a long wait outside true peak times. Service is table-side rather than counter-only, which is rare in this airport.
Prices hit standard airport levels: think $14–$18 for a burger or entree, $4–$6 for biscuits or sides, and $8–$12 for basic cocktails or local beer. Portions run generous enough that one entree plus an extra side can comfortably feed one hungry traveler or two kids. If you’re trying to keep a lid on spend, stick to breakfast plates or sandwiches instead of full meat-and-three combos.
Order the fried chicken plate or a pulled pork sandwich if you want something that actually feels like Nashville rather than generic fast food. Breakfast regulars at other Puckett’s locations swear by biscuits with gravy and bacon, so that’s a safe early-morning move here too. Skip anything that’s just a plain salad or simple pasta; reviews from the downtown branches say you’re paying the same but losing the point of the menu.
One timing tip: because Puckett’s is pre-security in the Main terminal, add at least 30 minutes to however long you usually need to clear TSA at BNA before heading to your gate.