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SO YOU'RE COMING TO NASHVILLE?
Check out my top recs for where to eat + drink (along with some honorable mentions) if you want to experience it like somebody who lives here. Any questions or suggestions? Shoot me a DM. Cheers! 🥂
EATS
East Nashville
Pizza and wine lovers: this one is for you. This neighborhood gem offers brick oven pizza, delectable seasonal salads, and an extensive wine and cocktail list. Plus the beautiful interiors don't hurt (the light fixtures throughout the restaurant are just *chefs kiss.*) I've come here for date night, dinner with friends, and with my family when they come to town and Folk never disappoints. I also love their sister restaurant, Rolf & Daughters, in Germantown for the best pasta in town.
@lyssmoore
East Nashville
Legally I have to tell you to go to Cafe Roze. If there's one place you don't want to miss while you're in Nashville, this is it. Nestled in the heart of East, it's an all-day cafe perfect for any occasion: a coffee-to-go on your way to work, a boozy brunch with friends, a romantic date night, or a lunch outing with family. With an amazing cocktail program and satisfying coffee drinks served all day, you can walk in really at any time and have a unique and unforgettable experience. The food is fresh and carefully prepared with tons of options whether you’re wanting to indulge or stay on the lighter side. The staff is top-notch and the aesthetic is on point - I mean come on! Look how cute it is! Chances are after your visit you'll be the one recommending this place to your friends.
Germantown
Walk into Henrietta and discover Nashville on the coast: oysters, craft cocktails, and nautical vibes. Perfect for date night, happy hour, or a group dinner. We usually sit at the bar and grab some apps and a bev, but the dining room is beautiful and makes an excellent backdrop for date night. Plus, you're in the heart of Germantown so there are a ton of places within walking distance for shopping or after-dinner drinks (Abendego boutique is a personal favorite).
East Nashville
When ramen is the question, Two Ten Jack is the answer. This cozy spot in the heart of East is the perfect neighborhood hang with tons of Japanese dishes from ramen to yakitori to sashimi. Here’s what TTJ says on their website, which I think sums it up perfectly: “The Two Ten Jack offers an unpretentious and comfortable environment – the true izakaya experience – as an urban gathering spot for the community where local and Japanese culture can come together.” Grab a sake or anything from their extensive beer list before heading out and grabbing something from Jeni’s ice cream just a few doors down.
Germantown
A meat lover's dream, Butchertown Hall is the go-to place for a Tex-Mex + BBQ crossover. Order your favorite smoked meat by the pound and add on your favorite sides (think fiery street corn, mac and cheese, and crispy brussels)— although I usually go for tacos. Accept the fact that you will not be able to order just *one* marg here. Sit inside with beautiful white tile walls and high ceilings or grab a spot on the patio - there's a covered section perfect for large parties too. My one word of advice: order the chorizo queso. It's incredible. I guarantee you won't leave here hungry.
pro tip: must get queso here
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Once Upon a Time in France (East Nashville)
Adorable family-owned French cafe in East Nash. It's a small space, so try to make a reservation if you can. You'll feel like you were transported into Paris.
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Husk(Downtown)
From world-renowned chef Sean Brock, Husk offers elevated farm-to-table southern food in a restored mansion. The menu changes daily so you'll find something special here every time.
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Liberty Common (Downtown/Broadway)
A great spot for weekend brunch with a group since you're a block away from Broadway. You'll find a combo of French and southern items here - and they don't skimp on portions. Also, five-star interiors.
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Redheaded Stranger (East Nashville)
This is my go-to for hangover tacos (yes, this is a food category I made up). I've spent more than a few Sundays here on the patio with a little hair of the dog and a greasy barbacoa taco to heal me.
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The Optimist (Germantown)
Seafood lovers, rejoice. Order a seafood platter and really anything on the cocktail menu and you're set. Bring the parents here or head out for a date night: it's fancy without being snobby.
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Dino's (East Nashville)
The best late-night in Nashville. When the 1 am hunger cravings strike, head to Dino's for a burger or a damn sandwich (there will be a line out the door - wait for it). Don't forget fries. PS... this is a great unsuspecting place to see some local musicians/celebs.
SIPS
If I'm being honest, most of my best stories from late nights out with friends either start or end with Mother's. The cocktails, quick service, and all-around energy of this place make it a go-to weekend spot, day or night. The staff is amazing and makes you feel super welcome, no matter if you live in the neighborhood or are visiting for the weekend. With a rotating cocktail menu with, ahem, creative names, you'll always get something different. They also serve elevated bar food to satisfy any craving (think: fried chicken sandwich, green chile queso, fried Oreos). In the warmer months, grab a spot on the patio with a group and lounge all day long. The upstairs is a separate space - The Apartment - for special events or big parties, but the ground floor is where the main action happens most days. Oh, and you'll want to take a picture in the bathrooms - you'll understand why when you get there.
@eshelmanconstruction
Research shows these fries can cure most forms of depression.
@dave.krugman
Nestled in the heart of East Nash (drink every time I use this phrase), this neighborhood hang is perfect for locals and tourists alike. The Urban Cowboy Bed & Breakfast Hotel makes for a beautiful backdrop to the Public House, which boasts an extensive yet intimate indoor-outdoor patio space. Come any time of year with friends and warm up by the fireplace while sipping on some of the city's best cocktails. Right now, they have a Roberta's Pizza pop-up if you get the munchies - but there are plenty of places nearby to grab a bite (Lockleland Table is great—you're also super close to the Five Points area which has lots of options).
The second you walk into Pearl Diver, you're on island time. Here you'll find a Hawaiian-inspired bar with great drinks and a reliable patio. Grab a spot in one of the cozy booths inside or find a cabana outside (perfect any time of year - they have heaters!) and sip on some of the best tiki drinks in town. Come with a group for a birthday, celebration, or just to hang out, you really can't go wrong. They also frequently have pop-up markets with tons of local vendors, so check their Instagram if you're around to catch one. Don't forget to order a few bites and snap a shot at the photo booth up front, or in the bathroom. Everybody does it, okay? I don't make the rules.
They have grasshopper shots for the brave.
@mcginnphotography
Here's my photo in their storied bathroom, since you asked.
This unsuspecting bar in the west side’s Edgehill neighborhood is one of the most unique spots in town. Located in the former boiler room of a steam cleaning facility, this brick-walled, multi-level gathering space transports you to a different time. Come any night of the week with friends or snag a booth on date night for a more dark & moody vibe. If you’re in the mood for a dance floor, this is the perfect place on Friday nights when they bring in a DJ and aerial performers. And whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or just a few shots to get you going, you won’t be disappointed by the drink line-up. Plus, there’s a ton of great spots to eat beforehand if you want to stay in the area (cc: Barcelona Wine Bar, Bella Napoli).
I wouldn't normally recommend a tourist destination, but White Limozeen lives up to the hype. This Dolly Parton-themed bar and restaurant sits atop the Graduate Hotel (which also has an amazing lobby + coffee shop on the first floor) and offers some stellar views of the city. Every corner of this place - both inside and outside - is beautifully done and dripping in pink. Bring your bachelorette party here or have a fancy night out with your plus one. Don't forget a champagne jello shot before you leave. PS... you will definitely need a reservation, especially for a large party - so plan accordingly!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
HONORABLE MENTIONS
L.A. Jackson (The Gulch)
Despite being one of the city's most "come to see and be seen" bars, I must admit it's always a good time. It's on the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel in the Gulch with great views and drinks. Great to come with a group, especially on the weekends if you want to dance.
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Bastion (Wedgewood-Houston)
This is one of my favorite places in Nashville that I don't get to enough. Plain and simple: the drinks are good, the interiors are fun, and it's always a good time. And if you can make it to a Hip Hop Karaoke night, do it.
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Attaboy(East Nashville)
If you've never been to the Attaboy location in NYC, you definitely don't want to miss it here in Nash. It's first-come, first-served (no reservations), so be prepared to wait a bit - especially on the weekends. Oh, and there's no menu - just tell the bartender what you're into and they'll concoct something to your liking.
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Patterson House (Midtown)
Another great choice for the cocktail connoisseur. This moody, speakeasy-style bar has an extensive cocktail list and makes for a romantic date or intimate night out with friends.
Rosemary & Beauty Queen (East Nashville)
An east-side staple, Rosemary is probably the best patio bar in town (and I should probably move it up higher on the list). This is a go-to weekend spot in warm weather months and they usually have a DJ on the weekends. Grab some vegan eats in the newly renovated Beauty Queen section and lose track of time.
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