Kids are with you
You want somewhere casual, welcoming and not precious. Hillside Hangout is an easy answer, especially when the weather cooperates. The huge, fenced backyard gives kids room to move while parents can settle in with burgers, wings and a drink. It also has live music, so the grown-ups don't have to feel like they've sacrificed the evening.
It's date night
For something a little more special without leaving town, try Fukutoku. Hibachi gives you dinner and entertainment in one, while ramen and sushi make it easy to turn the meal into something different from the standard date-night routine.
The game is on
This is an easy one: Jonathan's Grille. Sports, pizza, wings, draft beer, and pool. It's open until 12am every day, making it particularly useful for game nights that turn into late nights.
You need coffee and a catch-up
For a coffee shop where you can actually sit and talk, put Red Bicycle Coffee on the list. It's independently owned, has food as well as handcrafted drinks, and is designed around the idea of being a neighborhood gathering place.
You want something besides burgers
Go international. Smiley Thai and Sushi gives you Thai dishes, sushi and sashimi in one casual restaurant, while Sanika's Indian Cuisine covers everything from curries and breads to South Indian and Indo-Chinese specialties.
You have a whole group to feed
Groups need choices, and Mount Juliet has several local options that make feeding a crowd relatively painless. Calabria Italian Kitchen is a natural fit, with handmade brick-oven pizzas, fresh pasta and Italian dishes that work for everything from a family dinner to a gathering with friends. Its full bar doesn't hurt, either.
You only want dessert
Sometimes dessert deserves to be the destination. KND Cheesecakes & Chicken is the local answer when cheesecake is the craving. The Mount Juliet shop is known for its gourmet cheesecakes, with both classic and specialty flavors, and also serves Southern comfort food, chicken, wings and fish. But let's be honest: if you've made it this far into the guide and you're only interested in dessert, go straight for the cheesecake.
You want to celebrate
For birthdays, girls' nights or a promotion worth toasting, The Pub Bar & Grill is a particularly practical choice. It's locally owned, has a broad menu and offers private parties and catering.
You don't want to spend a fortune
Think local counter-service and comfort food. Local Joe's Cafe serves homestyle Southern plates, rotating meats, classic sides and desserts. The Candied Rib Company is another good lunch option when barbecue is what you're after.
It's late and you're hungry
Mount Juliet isn't exactly a 2 a.m. restaurant town, so check hours before you go. For a locally rooted option, Mt. Juliet Sport & Social Co. is one of the better late-night bets, staying open until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Your parents are visiting
Take them somewhere comfortable, familiar and distinctly local. The Paper Mill is a good daytime choice, with scratch-style Southern food, generous portions and an atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood restaurant than a chain.
Nobody can agree on what to eat
When consensus is impossible, choose a place with range. Jonathan's Grille has burgers, pizza, tacos, salads, steaks and pub favorites, making it the restaurant equivalent of a diplomatic summit.