The Smiling Elephant
8th Ave South, Nashville
Restaurant in Nashville, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Price
$20–30per person
Dress
Casual
Why go
The Smiling Elephant is a practical Nashville pick when the goal is a casual meal or well-timed takeout rather than a formal occasion. Its 8th Avenue South location works well for neighborhood-based plans, and the easy booking profile makes it a low-friction option for solo diners, pairs, and small groups.
About The Smiling Elephant
For planning a meal in Nashville, The Smiling Elephant works best as a straightforward casual restaurant option. It is in Nashville, the dress code is casual, and its schedule includes lunch and dinner service Tuesday through Friday, dinner on Saturday, and closures on Monday and Sunday.
Use the hours as the main planning tool.
Use this for a casual Nashville meal
The casual dress code makes The Smiling Elephant a practical fit when the goal is a relaxed meal in Nashville rather than a formal dining plan. Plan around the casual setting rather than awards, chef-led formats, or specific menu expectations.
Timing matters more than extra detail here. The restaurant is closed Monday and Sunday. It lists lunch and dinner hours Tuesday through Friday, with Friday dinner beginning at 4:30 PM, and Saturday dinner from 4:30 to 9 PM.
Where it fits in a Nashville food day
For broader city planning, use the Nashville restaurants guide alongside the Nashville hotels guide, the Nashville bars guide, the Nashville wineries guide, and the Nashville experiences guide. If you are comparing other Nashville options, you might also look at Fonda, Love Peace & Pho, Pancho & Lefty's Cantina, The Sutler Saloon, or The Urban Juicer, depending on what best fits the rest of your itinerary.
Planning details
- Hours
- Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Location
- 2213 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
- Website
- thesmilingelephant.com
- Phone
- +1 615 891 4488
The take
The Take
The Vibe
The Smiling Elephant reads like a neighborhood Thai joint rather than a stage for culinary spectacle. It occupies a converted storefront on 8th Avenue South and leans into modest, functional design: the kind of room built by independent operators with local followings. The tone is approachable and unpretentious, favoring consistency and physical comfort over flashy presentation. Diners come for solid, familiar plates in a relaxed, charming setting that feels quietly distinct from Nashville’s more photographed, design-forward openings.
Best For
This spot works best for low-key neighborhood dining: evenings when you want a reliable meal without ceremony, weekday lunches, or a casual after-work stop with friends. Its placement on the Melrose/12 South corridor and reputation for steady, approachable cooking makes it a natural choice for solo meals or small groups who value comfort and consistency over theatrical tasting menus. The restaurant’s scale and local following keep the mood friendly and conversational rather than formal.
Ordering Tips
Stick to the classics the kitchen does well: the Pad Thai and Cashew Chicken are the signatures for a reason and are sensible first choices when you arrive. Given the restaurant’s emphasis on approachable, neighborhood cooking, expect straightforward preparations rather than experimental plates. If you’re new to the place, order one of the house favorites and a shared appetizer to get a clear sense of the kitchen’s strengths; the menu rewards simple, familiar selections executed consistently.
Venue details
Ambiance
Quaint and cozy with handcrafted wooden decor, warm and packed atmosphere.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Conversational
- Service Style
- Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Standard
- Capacity
- Intimate
- Kitchen
- Traditional
- Menu Format
- A la carte
- Dietary
- Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten-free options
Signature Dishes
- Pad Thai
- Cashew Chicken
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 2213 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
Planning details
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Wednesday
- 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Thursday
- 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Friday
- 11 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30–9 PM
- Saturday
- 4:30–9 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Location
Also consider
Where to go if this does not fit
If The Smiling Elephant is not the right match, try Love Peace & Pho for a similarly casual, comfort-driven meal. For a more social alternative, Pancho & Lefty's Cantina is the stronger pick when drinks and group energy matter more than a quiet meal.
Restaurant context
How it compares in Nashville
Choose The Smiling Elephant when booking ease and a focused, casual meal matter more than a high-production night out. Compared with The Urban Juicer, it is the better fit for a fuller sit-down lunch or dinner rather than a quick health-leaning stop. The Urban Juicer makes more sense when speed is the priority and the meal is secondary to the day's schedule.
Love Peace & Pho is the stronger cross-shop if the group wants a comforting noodle-focused meal with the same low-pressure energy. Pancho & Lefty's Cantina is better for a more social, drinks-friendly casual meal, while The Smiling Elephant is the calmer call when conversation and a tighter dining plan matter.
For a bigger night, The Sutler Saloon and Fonda are better alternatives if ambiance is the deciding factor. The Smiling Elephant wins on simplicity: easier to slot into a Nashville day, easier to use for takeout, and less dependent on occasion energy to feel worthwhile.
Explore Nashville
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full The Smiling Elephant guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare The Smiling Elephant
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| The Smiling Elephant | Nashville | No published awards |
| The Urban Juicer | Nashville | No published awards |
| Love Peace & Pho | Nashville | No published awards |
| Pancho & Lefty's Cantina | Nashville | No published awards |
| The Sutler Saloon | Berry Hill | No published awards |
| Fonda | Nashville | Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 20262025 Michelin Plate2024 Michelin Plate |
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How The Smiling Elephant Nashville compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Smiling Elephant good for solo dining?
For a solo visit, focus on the basics: The Smiling Elephant is in Nashville, has a casual dress code, and lists lunch and dinner hours Tuesday through Friday.
What are alternatives to The Smiling Elephant in Nashville?
Other Nashville options to consider include Love Peace & Pho, Fonda, The Urban Juicer, Pancho & Lefty's Cantina, and The Sutler Saloon.
Is lunch or dinner better at The Smiling Elephant?
Both lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Friday: 11 AM to 2:30 PM and 5 to 9 PM, except Friday dinner begins at 4:30 PM. Saturday lists dinner only, from 4:30 to 9 PM.
Is The Smiling Elephant good for a special occasion?
The dress code is casual. Treat it as a casual Nashville option for a special occasion, and check the venue's current information if you need a more formal or occasion-specific setup.
