The Candied Rib Company
Anything But Traditional
Craig & Lisa Dudinetz recently launched a fresh new concept in Mt. Juliet, and locals are going crazy for it! In fact, it’s a regular occurrence for them to sell out in a matter of hours after opening their doors for lunch. Their farm-to-takeout idea means that 100% of their ingredients are sourced from the area of Mt. Juliet and Lebanon. They partner with local farmers and grocery stores to create an ever-changing menu based on availability. The owners have a tremendous amount of respect for their local farms and the high-quality ingredients they produce. Craig was trained at the Opryland Culinary Institute in 1996 and is the mastermind behind their creative dishes. He butchers and smokes the meat on-site and uses whatever produce is currently in season. The daily special is prepared fresh as they have chosen not to keep a freezer at the restaurant. It will almost always be a smoked twist on a traditional favorite, but Candied Rib Co. fans can’t get enough. Even with the takeout-only style, there’s also a neighborly feel to this restaurant. Customers can be found chatting directly with the owners and getting to know each other as they hang out in the lobby. What a perfect fit for Mt. Juliet! Text RIBS to 55678 to be notified of the daily specials. Online ordering is always recommended, but especially on brisket day!
Calabria Brickoven Pizza
Authentic Italian Pizza
Mt. Juliet is home to Calabria Brickoven Pizza which was named in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide by TripAdvisor. It’s no surprise that they were picked as a traveler's favorite. All of their pies and calzones explode with flavor. It starts with the dough, which is fermented over a 3-day process. Everything is handmade to order and fired in their brick oven at temps up to 850 degrees. This style of baking masterfully seals in the flavor while leaving a slightly charred crust that is delectable. Be sure and save room for their Italian desserts, including tiramisu or cannolis. Not only is the food savory, but they offer a wide selection of wines and a full bar with handcrafted cocktails and martinis. Brew lovers can also enjoy craft beers on tap. You’ll love the restaurant atmosphere too! Patrons can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for everything from a business lunch to date night or even a large family celebration dinner. The owners, Valon and Teuta Arifi, believe the best way to share love is through a good pizza, and they want the world to experience their truly authentic style. Reviewers swear it’s the best pizza they’ve ever had in their life. Grab a reservation on Open Table.
Just Love Coffee Cafe
A Unique Blend of Coffee, Caring, and Community
Just Love is everything you think of when it comes to a local coffee shop. It’s hip, the coffee is fast, and you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door. Here, customer service is beyond sincere! Two sisters, Tracy and Annette, always dreamed of opening a café together, and the mission behind Just Love fell right in line with their core values. They felt fortunate to live in this area and were excited about using this business to impact their community positively. They are dedicated to supporting Mt. Juliet through charitable causes and events. Plus, the coffee is fantastic, and the menu is amazing too! Their signature style includes the waffle press for both breakfast and lunch items. Kids and adults alike will enjoy their wide variety of artisan waffles, as well as their wraps, salads, and more! The full menu is served all day, as are their signature brews, teas, and draft Stubborn® sodas. Be sure to check out their shop with bagged coffee for home. They have certified fair trade blends from all over the world. Conveniently located near I-40 in Providence, it’s the perfect stop for a pick-me-up. This unique and modernly-styled café is also available for parties and special events in the evenings.
Memo’s Mexican Kitchen
Authentic Mexican Cuisine with a Modern Twist
Food inspired Memo Murillo from an early age. Born in Yurécurao, Mexico, he dreamed of owning his own restaurant after learning to cook from his grandmothers with the vegetables they farmed on their land. After immigrating to the US, Memo began working in the food industry at 15 and diligently moved his way up from dishwasher to restaurant owner. He also met his wife Katie while working at El Rey Azteca. With a vision of incorporating a fresh take on traditional family recipes through current culinary trends, the two teamed up, and Memo’s Mexican Kitchen opened in the heart of Mt. Juliet. The succulent dishes at MMK are inspired by Memo’s mother, Isabel. Her foundation of spicy sauces means you’ll find authentic flavors with a modern twist. The menu offers various entrees ranging from traditional Mexican street tacos served on corn tortillas to made-from-scratch favorites like slow-cooked pork carnitas. These pair great with their hand-crafted cocktails, such as their brandy sangria or pineapple jalapeno Paloma. They also love supporting local farmers and believe the fresh ingredients really make a difference in their dishes! Customers rave about the unique and one-of-a-kind menu as well as the excellent service. You can definitely feel the love for genuine Mexican cuisine and culture at Memo’s.
Local Joe’s Café
Delicious Southern Comfort Food
Everybody knows a local Joe. He could be anybody from your neighbor to your accountant to your Sunday school teacher. He values his family and friends and enjoys showing love and kindness to others through good ole southern comfort food. That’s the style and atmosphere you’ll find at Local Joe’s Café. They have fresh food, hot cookies, and genuine smiles all day, every day! The team culture is part of what makes the dining experience so fantastic. Operating as a traditional meat-and-three, they offer a rotating weekly menu full of your favorite entrees and side dishes. Choose from timeless meats like chopped steak, catfish, or fried chicken. All of the can’t miss veggies are on the menu, too, like black-eyed peas, turnip greens, and potato salad. Check their website or social media to see what’s on the menu today. Kids eat FREE on Mondays, and they serve delicious Prime Rib every Friday night. Best of all, Local Joe’s is available to cater weddings, corporate events, church functions, or your family celebration!
M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers
Good Beer Makes Good Neighbors
This neighborhood pub opened earlier this year and has already made quite a splash in Mt. Juliet. Locals were already big fans of the food truck and are now becoming regulars as they enjoy the incredible menu and neighborly vibe. At M.L. Rose, all who visit are welcome. The company also collected local memorabilia to help replicate the look and feel of this area of town. M.L. Rose has over 90 craft beers available with 35 on tap. Served alongside their brews, they have quite an expansive dining menu too. The owners are passionate about pub food, so every mouthwatering burger on the list is hand-crafted to perfection! They also offer several styles of fries, wings, and appetizers. Another feature that makes this pub a huge draw is its weekly specials. Patrons can enjoy ½ price burgers on Tuesdays, Trivia on Wednesdays, 2-for-1 drinks on Thursdays, and Brunch Specials on the weekends. You should also check out the Burger of the Month!
