Nashville’s steakhouse scene just welcomed a new heavyweight.
Prime + Proper, the Detroit-born modern American steakhouse known for in-house butchery, globally sourced Wagyu, and highly intentional hospitality, is now open at Nashville Yards. The restaurant has earned international recognition, and its sophomore location brings that same precision-driven approach to Music City.
I had the chance to attend an invite-only preview event the week before opening, where guests sampled a curated selection of dishes rather than experiencing the full dinner menu. Even in that format, the restaurant’s attention to detail was clear.
A Focus on Craft — From Fire to Finish
At the heart of Prime + Proper’s culinary program is a custom open-kitchen, wood-fired grill fueled exclusively by Tennessee white oak. The wood fire isn’t decorative; it’s foundational for the flavor.
The Wagyu stood out immediately during the tasting. Rich, buttery and deeply flavorful without being overwhelming, it was easily my favorite bite of the evening.
The menu blends globally sourced beef, including specialty dry-aged selections, with thoughtful Tennessee integration. The Whiskey-Aged Cowboy Ribeye, for example, is dry-aged with whiskey from Leiper’s Fork Distillery, with those notes carried through into the accompanying au poivre sauce.
Even in passed format, the range of offerings gave a sense of the restaurant’s breadth. Oysters from both the East and West Coasts were enjoyed, alongside indulgent bites like truffle mac ’n cheese and lobster grits. They offered elevated takes on comfort classics that felt at home in a modern steakhouse setting.
Hospitality at the Center
What impressed me just as much as the food was the service. Even at a high-energy event, the team delivered warmth that felt genuine rather than rehearsed. Staff anticipated needs before they were voiced, engaged thoughtfully and moved through the room with a level of polish that suggests serious training behind the scenes. It was above and beyond — and if that’s the baseline before opening night, Nashville diners can expect a highly refined experience once regular service begins.
Prime + Proper is now open. Reservations are released 30 days in advance and can be booked via the restaurant’s website.
