As a seasoned travel writer and longtime seeker of refined dining experiences, I’ve wandered through the world’s culinary capitals—from the back alleys of Bangkok to the boulevards of Paris. Yet few places have drawn me in quite like Hand Cut Chophouse, tucked into the pulsing heart of downtown Nashville. This isn’t merely a place to dine—it’s a place to absorb. Before a single bite, the space wraps around you like a perfectly tailored suit. The seductive scent of seared meat mingles with a faint trace of smoldering citrus from the bar. A guitarist croons a John Denver tune while a suspended neon sign—boldly vertical—casts an amber glow across sculpted booths. This isn’t dinner. It’s performance. It’s theater. It’s curated immersion from the first pour to the final forkful.
With roots in Scottsdale, Arizona, Hand Cut brings its distinctive blend of sophistication and swagger to Music City. The moment you walk in, the 30-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows give the space a sense of openness, while clever architectural elements create intimacy throughout. One area glows under chandeliers fashioned from vintage meat grinders, a quirky homage to its steakhouse identity. Another features towering streetlamp-style fixtures, while the ceiling has the outline of a meat clever, which adds a wink of wit to the room’s modern elegance.
The walls tell their own story—genuine wood arranged with planter boxes beneath a glowing bovine silhouette, and mirrored accents crowned with oversized sculptural cow heads. Each detail nods to the restaurant’s culinary roots without ever slipping into kitsch.
Sip, Savor, and Smolder at Hand Cut Nashville
Our evening opened with a round of show-stopping craft cocktails. The Waffle Cone Smoked Old Fashioned wasn’t merely served—it was revealed. Unveiled from beneath a foggy glass dome, it emerged with a waft of toasted sweetness and a twist of lemon resting in the smoky air. Beside it, the El Matador offered a contrast of bright, tropical intrigue—blending Astral Blanco Tequila with warm allspice, heirloom pineapple-cinnamon liqueur, and a splash of thyme-kissed juice.
The drinks alone are reason to visit, but they’re only the beginning.
Opening Acts with Flavor
We began with the Beets & Burrata—a plate that balanced creamy, peppered burrata with golden beets, arugula, and a touch of hibiscus honey. Light yet layered, each bite was thoughtfully seasoned and beautifully plated.
The Ahi Stack followed, a vibrant tower of marinated tuna, avocado, cucumber, and masago, punctuated by a light sesame finish and served with crisp, golden wonton chips. It was fresh, textural, and utterly satisfying.
The Main Attraction
Then came the star of the night: the 8 oz. Filet Mignon (which we shared), char-grilled to a perfect medium temperature and crowned with a melt-in-your-mouth truffle butter (a worthwhile upgrade). Though its presentation was restrained, the flavor was anything but—it was deeply savory with a well-developed crust and tender, flavorful interior.
Our sides were far more than afterthoughts. Sweet potato fries, dusted and served with a tangy house BBQ sauce, were crisp and addictive. But the true standout was the honey garlic Brussels sprouts—roasted with bacon until the edges were crackling and caramelized.
A Sweet Crescendo at Hand Cut Steakhouse in Nashville
Dessert brought a shareable serving of brioche bread pudding, made from sweet potato bread and bathed in warm whiskey caramel. We wished for a scoop of ice cream to accompany it (they were out for the evening), but even solo, the dish was rich, comforting, and not overly sweet.
We ended with an espresso martini, served frothy and garnished with coffee beans. While slightly sweet for my taste, it was a fitting close to an indulgent evening.
The Final Note
What sets Hand Cut apart isn’t just the food—though that alone would justify the reservation. It’s the way everything comes together: the thoughtful design, the lively-yet-intimate music, the playful yet refined cocktails, and the genuine warmth of the staff. It’s rare to find a restaurant that strikes harmony across so many touch-points.
Whether you’re visiting Nashville or Scottsdale, Hand Cut Chophouse isn’t just another steakhouse—it’s a sensory experience where every detail, down to the glowing embers of a smoked cocktail, feels intentional.
If you have any questions about visiting Hand Cut Chophouse, leave a comment below, happy to help. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…
