Look, let’s be honest. If you’re heading to McGavock Street, you already know you’re about to spend some money. But walking into a place like Kayne Prime without a plan is how you end up with a $400 bill and a lingering feeling that you missed the "actual" good stuff. Most people treat the Kayne Prime Nashville TN menu like a standard steakhouse list. Big mistake.
It’s not just about a slab of meat on a white plate. This is M Street’s crown jewel. It’s a "boutique" steakhouse, which is basically code for "we’re going to put maple cotton candy on your bacon." And honestly? It works.
If you want the real experience—the one that locals actually go back for—you have to look past the $285 Tomahawk for a second. Let's talk about what's actually on those leather-bound pages in 2026.
The "Must-Order" Starters That Aren't Just Fillers
Most folks skip the appetizers to save room for the steak. Don't. You'll regret it. There are three things on the starter menu that define this restaurant more than the beef does.
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First, the Housemade Bacon. It’s become a bit of a Nashville legend. They serve it with black peppercorn and—no joke—a tuft of maple cotton candy. It sounds like something a kid would invent in a fever dream, but the salt-to-sugar ratio is perfect. It’s $22, which feels steep for bacon until you actually bite into it.
Then there are the Risotto Tater Tots. Forget the frozen ones from your childhood. These are made with vialone nano rice, brown butter, and bread crumbs. They are $15, and they are basically pillows of pure fat and joy. If you're there with a group, get two orders. One isn't enough.
Finally, the Popcorn Buttered Lobster. It’s $24 and comes with literal popcorn and beurre monte. It’s whimsical, sure, but it’s also remarkably high-quality seafood.
The Raw Bar and Chilled Options
If you’re feeling fancy, the Ocean Tower is the move. The small version is $135 and the large is $245. You’re getting:
- Cold water oysters with matcha tea mignonette.
- Wild prawn martini.
- King crab legs.
- Chilled lobster.
Is it a splurge? Obviously. But if you’re celebrating a promotion or an engagement, it's the centerpiece of the table.
Deciphering the Steaks: From Niman Ranch to Japanese Wagyu
The meat is the main event. But the Kayne Prime Nashville TN menu can be confusing because they mix domestic prime cuts with high-end Wagyu.
For a classic experience, you go with the Niman Ranch cuts. The 8oz Filet Mignon ($68) or the 14oz NY Strip ($78) are the workhorses of the kitchen. They’re dry-aged, perfectly seared, and consistent.
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But if you want to see what the kitchen can really do, you look at the Mishima Reserve Wagyu from Washington. The 10oz Wagyu Filet is $88. It’s notably more tender than the Niman Ranch, with a marbling that makes it feel almost like butter.
The "A5" Experience
Then there's the Japanese stuff. This is where the price per ounce starts to look like a car payment.
- Kobe Striploin (Hyogo): $55 per ounce.
- Snow Beef Striploin (Hokkaido): $40 per ounce.
- Olive Fed Striploin (Kagawa): $45 per ounce.
Most people don't realize there is a 2-ounce minimum on these. You aren't meant to eat a whole steak of this; it's too rich. Think of it like a rich dessert, but made of beef. If you really want to go all out, the Shigoku Progression is $395 and gives you 3 ounces each of the Omi, Olive Fed, and Kobe striploins.
The Sides You Actually Need
Listen, the steak is great, but the sides are where the chef, currently led by executive talent like Steven Chandler, really gets to play.
Potato Aligot is mandatory. It’s $18. If you haven't had it, it's basically mashed potatoes that have been beaten with so much alpine, gruyère, and mozzarella cheese that they become stretchy. It’s like savory taffy. It’s ridiculous.
For something green, the Brussels Sprouts ($18) are steamed in sake and topped with Parmesan and truffle oil. Or, if you want something a bit "extra," the Cream Corn Brûlée with roasted jalapeño ($16) is a sweet and spicy side that most people overlook until they see it at the table next to them.
Side Options Comparison
- Heavier: Macaroni Gratinee ($20) with aged cheddar and bacon.
- Lighter: Black Kale ($20) with currants and Marcona almonds.
- Unique: Tandoori Carrots ($16) with raita and dried currants.
Beyond the Beef: Fish and "The Green Plate"
Honestly, you can go to Kayne Prime and not eat steak. I know, it sounds like heresy. But the Roasted Halibut ($42) with miso maple marinade and black garlic molasses is world-class.
They also have an option called The Green Plate. It’s their substantial vegetarian offering. It changes based on the season, but it’s never an afterthought. It’s a real, composed dish that makes sure the non-meat eaters aren't just stuck eating a side of asparagus.
What to Drink: The Wine and "Libations"
The wine list is massive. Like, "we have a dedicated SOMM room" massive. If you want a bottle, you can spend $75 on a Prosecco or $1,657 on a bottle of Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs from 2006.
But for most of us, the signature cocktails are the way to go.
- The Vanilla ($20): Chattanooga 91 High Malt, Amaro Nonino, and orange bitters.
- The Maple ($22): Whistle Pig Piggyback Rye and maple syrup.
- Return of the Green Dragon ($18): A spicy tequila drink with serrano and cucumber.
They also have "Zero Proof" options for $12, like the Young Mosey with cucumber, ginger, and pineapple. You don't have to be a drinker to enjoy the bar vibe here.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Reservations: Get them early. The Gulch is busy every single night of the week.
- Parking: Use the valet. Finding a spot on McGavock is a nightmare you don't want.
- Dress Code: It’s Nashville, so you’ll see jeans, but people generally dress up. Think "business casual" but leaning toward "fancy."
- Dietary Restrictions: They are surprisingly great with gluten-free options. Over 20 items on the menu are naturally GF or can be modified.
Ending Your Night the Right Way
You’re going to be tempted to skip dessert. Don't do it. Order the Toasted Banana Bread. It comes with hot toffee sauce and mascarpone gelato. It is the perfect, warm cap to a meal that is usually very heavy and salt-forward.
When you get the bill, check the breakdown. Nashville has specific liquor taxes (15%) and state sales taxes that can catch you off guard if you aren't looking for them.
The best way to handle Kayne Prime is to go with three or four people. Share the bacon, share the tater tots, share a big Wagyu Tomahawk, and definitely share the Potato Aligot. It’s a lot of food, but it’s the only way to experience the full range of what the kitchen is doing.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the current availability: Visit the M Street website to see if they have any seasonal "Experience" prix-fixe menus (usually ranging from $130 to $175 per person).
- Book at least 2 weeks out: If you want a Friday or Saturday night between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, you’ll need the lead time.
- Identify your "splurge" limit: Decide beforehand if you’re doing the $40/oz Wagyu or sticking to the Niman Ranch cuts to avoid "menu shock" at the table.