When it comes to signature dining at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Old Hickory Steakhouse is the restaurant that usually comes up first. It’s the resort’s signature steakhouse, known for upscale atmosphere, high-quality steaks, and a meal that feels more like an occasion than a casual dinner.
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If you’re planning an Opryland trip and trying to decide whether Old Hickory Steakhouse is worth it, or whether it makes sense for families, I think those are exactly the right questions to ask. Based on our experience, this was a fantastic meal and one of the best dining experiences we had while at the resort. At the same time, it is definitely more of a special occasion restaurant than an everyday family dinner spot.
Location and Atmosphere at Old Hickory Steakhouse
Old Hickory Steakhouse is located inside Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee, and it is the resort’s signature steakhouse. It’s a dinner restaurant with smart-casual or business-casual expectations, which matched the feel of the experience for us.
The atmosphere here felt refined without feeling stuffy. That was one of the things I liked most about it. It definitely feels like a nicer evening out, but not in a way that makes families with older kids feel out of place. For our meal, the setting felt polished, elevated, and celebration-worthy, while still being comfortable.
Overall, I would describe Old Hickory Steakhouse as upscale but approachable. It worked very well for a special evening, and it is the kind of place where dressing a little nicer feels appropriate without being overly formal.
The Old Hickory Steakhouse Menu
As you would expect from a signature steakhouse, the menu centers around steaks and other upscale dinner options. The restaurant features premium steaks along with artisan cheeses, cocktails, and wine.
For us, the steak was absolutely the highlight. It was extremely well prepared and genuinely excellent. We also enjoyed the lobster, which made this feel like the kind of meal you book when you really want a memorable dining experience during your trip.
One thing that stood out to us was that our family does not usually prefer to eat much beef, but this was the kind of steak dinner that really impressed us. It was easily the best version of beef we could have asked for, and we did actually enjoy it.
Our group also included one vegetarian who only ordered French onion soup, so while this is definitely a steakhouse-first experience, not every person at the table has to order a full steak dinner.
Pricing at Old Hickory Steakhouse
Old Hickory Steakhouse is a splurge meal. This is one of the pricier dining options at Opryland.
For our family of four, the total came to just under $500, with the final bill at $475 including gratuity. That total did not include alcoholic drinks. We each got dessert, and one person in our party ordered only French onion soup, so this was essentially a multi-course price for three full diners plus one lighter order.
Because of that, this is not something we would build into every trip. It was a fantastic experience, but for us it falls firmly into the special occasion category rather than an every-visit restaurant.
Why Old Hickory Steakhouse Is Worth the Visit
Dining at Old Hickory Steakhouse is about more than just getting dinner. It feels like an experience and a true special night out while staying at Opryland.
This is where I think it really shines: date nights, anniversary dinners, celebrations, or one standout evening on your Nashville trip. The food was outstanding, the steak was excellent, and the overall atmosphere made the meal feel memorable in a way that justified the higher price for the right occasion.
That said, I would not say it is the best fit for every family. If you are traveling with younger children, other Opryland restaurants may be a better match overall. Ravello or Solario Cantina would likely work better for younger families, even though our teenagers did enjoy Old Hickory Steakhouse.
So yes, Old Hickory Steakhouse is worth considering, but mainly if you are looking for an upscale dinner experience rather than the easiest family meal on property.
Tips for Dining at Old Hickory Steakhouse
If Old Hickory Steakhouse is on your must-do list, I would make a reservation in advance.
A few other things I would keep in mind:
- Plan this for a date night, celebration, or a slower evening at the resort.
- Smart casual is a good choice for attire.
- Expect this to be one of the more expensive meals of your trip.
- If you are traveling with younger children, consider whether Ravello or Solario Cantina may be a better fit for your family.
We brought teenagers, and they enjoyed the meal, so this can absolutely work for families with older kids. But for our family overall, this is one I would personally prefer to return to without the kids next time.
Rating Old Hickory Steakhouse at Opryland Resort
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5
Overall, this was a very favorable dining experience for us. The food was excellent, the steak was exceptionally well prepared, and the restaurant absolutely delivered on feeling like a signature dining location at Opryland.
Would we do it again? Yes, but for a special occasion, not every trip. This feels best for adults, couples, celebrations, or families with older children who will appreciate a longer upscale dinner.
If you’re looking for a memorable dinner at Gaylord Opryland Resort and do not mind the higher price point, Old Hickory Steakhouse is worth considering. If your priority is a more relaxed and budget-friendly family dinner, another Opryland restaurant may be the better fit.
These other articles below may be helpful as you’re planning your trip!
- Nashville Family Travel Guide
- Opryland Resort Review for Families
- What to Wear to Nashville, TN Outfit Ideas
** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
