Chinwag, the new restaurant concept created by Murfreesboro native chef Alex Belew, and Nashville pit-master and restaurateur Shane Nasby, officially opened on October 22. Lunch service will be starting on November 3, 2026.
Already more than 1,300 reservations have been received, quickly filling tables in the first two weeks of opening. Five hundred of those were for the opening weekend. The eatery is located at The Fountains of Murfreesboro, at 1440 Medical Center Parkway.
Why the unusual name?
The restaurant was named “Chinwag” because the British word means to converse. Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 winner Belew told Rutherford County Breaking News that they have designed the space to be a place where cell phones are put away, there are no televisions in the bar, and the opportunity is there for real connection over great food.
What is the food like?
Belew jokingly calls the food “weird,” because he likes to play with different flavors, especially Asian – specifically Japanese, Korean and Thai – influences, blended with contemporary American bistro foods.
“We are going to blow the plate out of your mouth,” Belew told Breaking News.
Soon open for both lunch and dinner, the menu consists of Starters, Salads, Wood-Fired Wagbreads, Entrees, and of course dessert. Wagbread is Belew and Nasby’s take on pizza. They have even brought in a special oven to make it perfect every time.
The menus, which can be found on the Chinwag Facebook page, show that Wagbread comes in traditional pepperoni; a blend of smoked brisket, a favorite from Belew’s former restaurant Dallas & Jane; and new twists like Orchard Pig Wagbread made with ham, onions, mozzarella, cheddar, apple butter and hot honey.
Starters offer everything from Brisket Nachos to Key West Shrimp Fritters to Wood Fired Meatballs. Those wanting a drink and something light will be able to grab a starter and a libation either at the bar or at one of the four tops in the lounge without a reservation. Those wanting more than a snack will want a table, and to make a reservation. Although, the outside tables will be open for walk-ins weather permitting.
Dinner entrees are sure to get diners salivating. There is Steak and Frites, Miso Salmon, 12-hour Short Ribs, Potato Gnocchi in Miso Butter Sauce and a Pork Chop, as well as Shrimp Pasta and a Wag Burger.
Lunch entrees will be on the lighter side, including Short Rib Gnocchi, Smoked Brisket Hash and Fried Chicken Katsu. The lunch menu will also offer sandwiches. Two must-tries are the Smoked Banh Mi and the Brisket Grilled Cheese made with buttermilk cheddar and tomato bacon jam.
Community Comments So Far
Said one comment on the restaurant’s Facebook page, “Could you possibly put one of your Go Work Out posts next to these when you post pictures to give me motivation because I’m about to eat all the things [on the menu] when you get open!”
“As one of the official members of Chinwag’s taste-testing crew,” noted another comment, “I can say without a doubt that this is worth the wait.”
“How am I supposed to choose,” asked another. “Guess I’ll be a frequent flyer!!”
Hours
Dinner hours are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Once they are open for lunch, the hours will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They will be closed on Mondays, and there will be no lunch service on Sundays.
Learn more at their website at https://www.chinwagsocial.com.
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