< Back to Oral History project: Nashville Eats
< Back to Oral History project: Tabasco Guardians of the Tradition
ORAL HISTORY
Dandgure "Dan" Robinson
Dandgure’s Classic Southern Cooking
Everybody knows about Dan Robinson’s homestyle cafeteria, Dandgure’s, just outside of downtown Nashville. Since 1991, Dan has served his smothered chicken, fried cabbage, fresh greens, strawberry shortcake, skillet corncakes and “The Best Lemonade in Town” to an ever-evolving clientele.
Set smack in an industrial area not far from the river, Dan’s original clientele were primarily day laborers. Over time he built up a following among the medical workers, downtown businessmen and women, music industry folk and visitors looking for an authentic taste of Music City. It’s this latter market he hopes to attract in even greater numbers in the coming years, once the city’s new convention center is completed nearby.
For now, devoted long-time customers and newcomers in the know wind their way through a maze of construction-mandated street closings and re-routings to be welcomed by a giant grinning Dan on the colorful outside mural, a serene and smiling live version inside.