For nearly 125 years the Ryman has been serving up historically cool entertainment experiences for Nashvillians and visitors alike. Cafe Lula expands the Ryman’s offerings with a menu of noteworthy Nashville-centric food and drink.
The food is fresh and flavorful. Cafe Lula features chicken, turkey, pork and ribeye fresh from the rotisserie – carved for a sandwich or served as an entrée. The chef’s rotisserie interpretation of Nashville Hot Chicken is a menu standout. Chipotle Seared Salmon is another favorite. Flavorful side dishes, sauces, mustards and dressings are created in-house by Lula’s culinary team. If you’re looking for a salty snack, Cafe Lula’s house made chips will hit the spot. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, Cafe Lula has desserts baked fresh each day.
The beverages are local. Enjoy coffee from 8th & Roast in the morning or if you need an afternoon pick-me-up. The full bar features local favorites including Arrington wine, Picker’s Vodka and Jackalope beer on tap.
The location is prime. Cafe Lula is located at the center of the Music City universe – outside the front doors of the Ryman Auditorium. Dine inside and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the action on lower Broadway through the floor to ceiling windows. If the weather is nice, choose a seat on the covered porch.
The vibe is casual and friendly. Order from the counter and have your meal delivered to your table. Take a seat at the bar for a great view of the open kitchen. Grab a meal to go. Whatever your choice, you’ll be well cared for by Cafe Lula’s warm and welcoming staff.
Cafe Lula is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily with extended hours when there are events at the Ryman.
The cafe is named in honor of Lula C. Naff, longtime manager of the Ryman. Lula began working with the Ryman in 1904 as a secretary for the building’s booking agency. When the agency closed in 1916 she went into business on her own, bringing in speakers and performers. Lula was hugely successful and in 1920 was hired as the Ryman’s manager, a position she held until her retirement in 1955. Lula’s business and booking savvy garnered respect and prestige for both Ryman Auditorium and the city of Nashville as a performance arts center for the region. Known as the “first lady” of theater management, she brought the greatest performers and Broadway plays of the day to the Ryman including: Bob Hope, Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso, Harry Houdini, Katharine Hepburn, Mae West, Ziegfeld Follies, “Guys and Dolls,” “Oklahoma!” and many more. Lula also ushered the Grand Ole Opry into the Ryman in 1943 where the show resided until 1974. Under Lula’s leadership, the Ryman became a showplace for great diversity, a tradition that continues today. She also was a trailblazer for working women, branching out on her own before women even had the right to vote. For more information on Lula, please visit: ryman.com/history/lula-c-naff.
Spicy ground chicken with hot ranch, jalapeno, lettuce and tomato on a hawaiian bun.