If you have lived in Murfreesboro for a while ,you have probably eaten in this locally well-known restaurant named Toot’s. Since 1985, Toot’s has become a permanent part of Murfreesboro life. Owner Wade Hayes was 24 years old when he opened the first Toot’s on Broad Street. Currently with five locations, Toot’s has grown in not just size but quality as well. Although things may not be exactly the same as they were when Toot’s first opened, the restaurant has done nothing but improve. Within the 30 years of operation, Toot’s has barely raised its prices, and when it did, it wasn’t much, and customers didn’t seem to mind.
Toot’s importance in Murfreesboro comes from its distinct atmosphere. There is a carefree and retro vibe when you walk in. You can be dressed up, or look like you just woke up, but they are happy for you to be there no matter who you are. When you walk through the doors, you will see a variety of people: children and their parents at the high tables, couples in the backless booths, and older men at the bar. Teenagers and college students often make appearances later in the evenings as well. The noise level may seem loud, but surprisingly, you will never have to yell. Having a conversation among your table of friends will always be possible. It is a great atmosphere for a large group of friends or even a more casual first date. My only advice for you is to stay away from Toot’s when the local elementary and high schools have half days. The seats always end up full, and the line to get in is going to be long. At least they have video games to play while you wait. Toot's has a satisfying atmosphere that would be a good experience for anyone to try.
The service at Toot’s is pretty casual. The servers are very sociable, and when they talk to you, they are polite, and can carry a conversation. College students or even high school students usually work at Toot’s. The service is decently fast if it isn’t too busy, but you never wait long even if it is packed. If anything, the appetizers come out quickly, so they help you get through the wait.
Good old American food is what you will find at Toot’s. Toot’s was the first to introduce buffalo wings, oysters on the half shell, and fried pickles to Rutherford County. An important factor in the preparation of the food is that Toot’s still cooks to order. Even the onion rings are freshly battered. For the appetizers, you have the classic fried pickles. Toot’s has really perfected them. The breading is thin, and the pickle is cooked crisp but without burning it. They may be a little salty, but for a fried pickle, this is perfection. If you want to get the full experience from your fried pickles, dip them in the traditional ranch dressing that is served with them.
On Wednesdays, they offer a discount on the chicken finger basket. It comes with large chicken tenders that are cooked with precision. Unlike other competitors, you get a lot of meat, and it is not overly breaded. You can get your chicken shaken in many of the Toot’s signature sauces. The most popular among teenagers and college students is the mild sauce. If you want to be adventurous, get it shaken in the barbecue sauce. The barbecue sauce is sweet and tangy with a hint of heat at the end. It tastes amazing dipped in ranch.
As for your side, you can get the seasoned curly fries or the kettle chips and homemade French onion dip. Toot’s is also a fun place to go on birthdays because they sing to you, and you get a free sundae.
You can eat at Toot's for about $10. The prices are good if you take note of the quality and quantity of the food you ordered. They have daily deals that reoccur each week. On Mondays, they have 40-cent wings until 3.
Toot’s is an overall diverse restaurant. Everyone finds something they like there whether it is the burgers or the chicken. It is a great meeting place for a group of friends to have lunch or dinner. Murfreesboro locals continuously vote Toot’s as one of the favorite restaurants in Rutherford County. Now, it is your turn to try it out, and decide for yourself what you think of Toot’s.
