Nashville celebs and community leaders pick their three favorite local restaurants

We checked in with some familiar famous faces (outside of the restaurant biz) to see where they like to go out to eat in Nashville. And it looks like many feel more at home with neighborhood spots than they do with trendy, chef-driven restaurants.

One of Nashville's best-known TV personalities, for instance, has Hermitage Steak House on his list. And an Instagram influencer and author says "sorry not sorry" about her choice of old-school Nashville Mexican food chain Las Palmas.

Peruse their picks below.

Bobby Bones

Nationally syndicated radio personality, author, comedian, TV host, band frontman

1. Church and Union, downtown

Excellent service, as in the people not only do a great job at the necessary elements. But they were also so happy in general. Maybe because their food tasted freaking awesome. And they got it free or at discount before their shift. I rarely post on IG about a restaurant afterward, but this was so good, I had to. And in my feed (not just a story)! And nope, I didn’t get it for free!

2. Saint Stephen, Germantown

I don’t know any real-life nationally acclaimed chefs. Well, I didn’t, but as of recently, I do. And it’s all because we were just eating at his place taking it all in. That chef is R.J. Cooper. And the place that was so tasty was Saint Stephen. What worked was the great food and the hip scene. It was so hip, that the hipsters didn’t judge me for being there. Everyone was welcome. And no one felt less hip than anyone else, but we all knew who was cool and who wasn’t. (I was in a T-shirt and basketball shorts.) R.J. came by the table and we talked for 20 minutes. Great food, cool place, and I made a new friend. And I didn’t get it for free.

3. Cinco de Mayo, nine locations around Middle Tennessee

Their queso is really good. And it turns to great if you’re starving and it’s 10 p.m., bc usually they are open that late, later in the week. Their chips are hot and salty and perfect. And a chain was built right next to them that also has Mexican food. So we keep on going so they feel the love. Not expensive. They have chiclets gum for sale at the counter, and I may have mentioned the queso?

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Tennessee Titans starting wide receiver

1. Little Hats Market, Germantown

I’ve never been to Italy, but I feel like it’s the closest thing to an Italian bodega. All the workers in there, it’s the same people every day, they remember faces, they remember names. Super friendly. Great energy and great music in there.

2. Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, Germantown

One of my favorite spots, good fried chicken. On an off day, you can get a nice beer. The rooster sauce is unmatched.

3. City House, Germantown

Really awesome Italian spot and the dessert is always bomb.

Tracy Kornet

Channel 4 news anchor

1. San Antonio Taco Co., Midtown

It's been my family's favorite since our college days. The patio just puts you in a good mood walking up the steps. And the guys inside working the line are the absolute best − sassy, salty, and extremely talented at making the best queso in town. It's the perfect place to hang on a Saturday, before or after a game, and/or after church on Sunday.

2. Etc., Green Hills

Elegant but warm, sophisticated but not stuffy. Outstanding menu, exceptional ingredients. Perfect place for meaningful conversation with a group or one on one. Easy parking, a big deal for Nashville. Order the grilled sourdough with the butter duo of the day, whatever your entree.

3. Edley's Bar-B-Q in Sylvan Park

The patio feels like an old school neighborhood haunt, and the whole restaurant says, "Come in and chill and bring all of your friends and family."  Love their barbecue sandwich; their potato salad is one of the best in town; and on Thursdays they offer a loaded baked potato.

Hany Mukhtar

Nashville SC star midfielder

1. Sunda, The Gulch

2. Edessa Restaurant, South Nashville

3. Poke Bros., Midtown

Mallory Ervin

Instagram influencer, book author

1. City House, Germantown

Consistently one of our go-to's for date night. I’ve never had a bad meal there in five years of going. I love their fancy spin on Southern food. I also love the atmosphere tucked away in Germantown.

2. June, East Nashville

One of the best dining experiences I’ve EVER had in my life anywhere in the world. It’s a splurge for a special occasion but the tasting menu is well worth every penny. It was also such a special experience having Sean Brock cook for you and explain all the ingredients he’s using in the dishes to you as soon walk in. This meal is truly a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing.

3. Las Palmas Mexican Restaurante, nine locations all over Nashville area

Sorry not sorry, truly a forever fave and a Nashville staple for me in every phase of life!

Neil Orne

Longtime News 2 morning show anchor

1. Yellow Porch, Berry Hill

The ingredients are fresh. The folks that wait there, they just know their stuff. I love smaller restaurants like that, independent and cozy.

2. Sperry’s Restaurant, Belle Meade

You can’t beat the atmosphere. You never know who you’re going to run into, which I love. I always know someone there. I go to Sperry’s and Jimmy Kelly’s for the vibe.

3. Peter’s Sushi and Thai, Brentwood

You’ll never have a bad sushi roll at Peter’s. They put a menu in front of you that’s 15 pages long and you can blindly point to anything on the menu and it’s great. All the guys behind the sushi counter wear golf hats and I love it!

Zulfat Suara

At-large Metro Council member

1. House of Kabob, South Nashville

I love House of Kabob on Thompson Lane for their food. Everything is good, though my favorite is lamb chops. The staff is friendly, and it is very clean.

2. Leaf n'Brew/Nejashi Ethiopian Restaurant, SoBro

This restaurant, located downtown at 319 Peabody, combines African and American food. Their burger is the best because they created almost everything, including the homemade sauce, from scratch.

3. Nico's Lounge Restaurant and Bar, South Nashville

It is my go-to place for Nigerian food. It's a nice reminder of home and their goat meat sauce is amazing.

Lelan Statom

Veteran NewsChannel 5 personality

1. Monell's, Germantown and Donelson

The food is always great! The fried chicken and sides are delish! My fav is the catfish on Fridays.

2. Hermitage Steak House, Hermitage

I've only recently discovered them. The steaks and salmon are always on fire, and my wife and I think the salad bar is awesome!

3. Slim & Husky's, five locations in Middle Tennessee

Major props to the three TSU grads for the success on this concept! That's fueled by great pizza with fun names, while others love the craft beer selections. I love they're just behind our seats for Titans game!

Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384 or on Twitter @bradschmitt.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville celebrities pick their three favorite local restaurants