The Ultimate 2025 Menu Guide: 15 Must-Try Dishes And Daiquiris At Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge Nashville
Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge, a true culinary and social cornerstone in Nashville's vibrant Buchanan Arts District, continues to redefine the Southern dining and nightlife experience. As of December 22, 2025, the restaurant's menu is a fresh, New Orleans-inspired blend of Creole and Cajun cuisine, heavily focused on spicy seafood and comforting Southern staples that pay homage to the owner's family heritage. This guide breaks down the must-order dishes, from the famous Bomb Shrimp to the handcrafted daiquiris that have earned the lounge its reputation as a Nashville hotspot.
The establishment, located at 918 Buchanan Street, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a trendy social scene featuring a lively atmosphere, a hot patio, a live DJ, and one of the largest daiquiri bars in the entire city, making it a destination for both food lovers and those seeking a vibrant night out.
The Legacy of Willie B: Owner Chris Jones and the Creole-Cajun Influence
Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge is a deeply personal project, named after the culinary inspiration of its CEO and owner, Chris Jones. The "Willie B" in the name is a direct tribute to Jones' beloved grandmother, whose home-cooked meals and culinary traditions from the South form the foundation of the restaurant's entire menu. This connection to family and heritage is what gives the menu its authentic, soulful depth.
Jones, who is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, brought his family's New Orleans-inspired cooking to Nashville, starting with a successful food truck that specialized in spicy seafood. The brick-and-mortar location in the Buchanan Arts District continues this tradition, offering fresh Creole seafood and classic Southern cuisine that reflects the rich culinary exchange between Memphis and New Orleans.
The result is a menu that is both elevated and comforting, blending the best of Creole and Cajun flavors with a modern, trendy lounge setting. This commitment to fresh, authentic flavors ensures that every dish, from the starters to the main plates, tells a story of Southern culinary history.
Signature Southern and Creole Entrees: From Brunch to Dinner
The main menu at Willie B's is a celebration of Southern and Creole classics, with a strong emphasis on fresh, well-seasoned ingredients. While the menu is dynamic, several dishes have become permanent fixtures and are considered essential tasting experiences for first-time visitors.
The Must-Order Main Plates
- Chicken and Waffles: A quintessential Southern favorite, this dish perfectly balances savory, crispy fried chicken with a fluffy waffle, often served with a touch of sweetness. It's a staple of their brunch and main offerings.
- Shrimp + Grits: A classic Creole seafood dish, featuring seasoned shrimp served over creamy, stone-ground grits. At $18.00, it is one of the most popular and highly-reviewed items, praised for its rich flavor profile.
- Lamb Chops: A standout, more upscale offering that has garnered significant buzz, demonstrating the kitchen's versatility beyond traditional Southern fare.
- Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon: Reflecting the restaurant's commitment to fresh seafood, this dish provides a lighter, yet equally flavorful, main course option.
- Catfish: A Southern fried fish staple, often served with a choice of sides, appealing to those who love traditional fried fare.
- 5 PC. Whole Wing Entree: A customizable favorite, the whole wings are a perfect representation of the diverse flavors available. Patrons can choose from an array of house-made sauces.
The Famous Wing Flavors (LSI Keywords)
The customizable wing options are a great way to sample the kitchen's mastery of flavor profiles. The current menu features at least seven distinct options, allowing for a different experience with every visit:
- Buc (House Specialty)
- Buffalo
- Honey Gold
- Lemon Pepper
- Sweet Heat
- Jerk
- Plain
Appetizers and Sides: Setting the Stage for the Main Event
The appetizer and side menu is designed to complement the rich main courses, offering spicy, shareable plates that are perfect for a social lounge setting. These items are often the first introduction to the restaurant's signature Creole seasoning.
The Essential Starters
- Bomb Shrimp ($12.00): A highly-rated starter, this dish features fried gulf shrimp tossed in a special house sauce, providing a memorable spicy kick.
- Buffalo Shrimp ($12.00): Another shrimp favorite, served with a choice of dipping sauces including ranch, blue cheese, cocktail sauce, or remoulade.
- Oysters: For the true seafood enthusiast, the inclusion of fresh oysters underscores the restaurant's commitment to Creole seafood tradition.
Signature Sides
No Southern meal is complete without the right sides. The menu keeps it simple and classic, ensuring the focus remains on the main entree's flavor:
- Steak Cut Fries ($4.00): Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, these are the go-to side for any entree.
The Lounge Experience: Daiquiris, Cocktails, and Hookah
What truly sets Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge apart is its vibrant lounge atmosphere and extensive drink menu. The venue boasts one of the largest daiquiri bars in Nashville, making it a prime destination for handcrafted, frozen cocktails.
Handcrafted Cocktails and Daiquiris
The mixology at Willie B's is known for its bold flavors and unique presentations. While the full daiquiri menu is extensive and rotational, the lounge is famous for its creative, signature cocktails, such as the widely-praised Black Wall Street. These drinks are designed to be enjoyed on the trendy patio or within the lively interior, often with a live DJ setting the mood.
Hemp-Infused Hookah Offerings
Adding to the trendy, social experience, Willie B's also offers hemp-infused hookah, providing a relaxed, convivial atmosphere for its patrons. The hookah service includes several distinct flavor blends, adding another layer to the lounge’s appeal. Popular flavor blends include:
- The Willie Bs
- Tropical Storm
- Island Vibes
- Old Faithful
Whether you are visiting for the authentic New Orleans-inspired cuisine, the famous Chicken and Waffles, or the vibrant daiquiri bar, Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge offers a complete social and culinary experience in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The menu, a tribute to the legacy of Willie B, ensures that every dish is packed with soul and flavor, solidifying its spot as a must-visit destination in the Germantown and Buchanan Arts District area.
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