Nashville Eats and Hotspots

I’m a Nashville-ite. Or Nashvillian. I guess that means I live here. And in living in Music City, I often take a number of questions, What should I do? Where should I eat? So, this short post highlights a few favorites. That doesn’t mean you’ll like these choices—my own family disagrees with some on the list. Yet, it’s a start, serving as a jumping-off point. Explore what resonates with you, ask locals for their secret spots, and remember Nashville charm is the adventure of discovering its hidden gems. Your Nashville experience might be totally different from mine, and that’s the entire point. Go forth.

Favorite Places, Things to Do (No Particular Order):

• The Ryman. Also known as the Mother Church of Country Music.
• Opry. Note, depending on the time of year, the longest running radio show is also at the Ryman.
• Go to Bridgestone, see a hockey game. Or, wait for it… Live music.
• Watch an SEC basketball game at the place where MLK once spoke.
• The Parthenon, it’s better than the original. Well, outside the not being in Greece part.
• Robert’s Western World, Tip on the hour. The only place I recommend on Broadway.
• See a song writer round about at the Listening Room Cafe or Blue Bird. Note, Blue Bird tickets are notoriously challenging to grab.
• Angels Wings.
• Have a drink at the Bourbon Steak Bar.
• Country Music Hall of Fame.
• The Symphony.
• Shop in downtown Franklin, TN.
• Open Mic Night, Fox and Locke. Tickets go fast.
• Bike the trail, circle the old airport. Yes, Nashville has incredible trails to take advantage of across the area.
• See a waterfall. The hiking scene is incredible too.

Top Eats and Dives (Again, No Particular Order):

• Sean Brock’s Southern Palace, Audrey.
• Butcher and Bee.
• Yolan.
• Pastaria.
• Iggy’s.
• Rolf and Daughters.
• Gray’s on Main (Franklin, TN. And go for the show).
• Hattie Bs. This can also be found in the Assembly Food Hall.
• The Loveless Cafe.
• Bourbon Steak. Note, this is in two places because the bar has one of the best views in the city.
• City House
• Iberian Pig.
• Superica.
• Mimo.
• Honorable Mentions: Two Hands, Husk, Carne Mare, Halls Steak, Catbird Seat, Five Points Pizza, and o-Ku.

Common Questions

• Does Nashville have restaurant turnover? Yes and no, it’s part of the business. But some of the places listed have been here for decades, even longer. There I go again, thinking in decades.
• Where do I stay? Well, I don’t typically overnight here because I have a place. But if you’re going to be at the constant Honky Tonk search downtown—Grand Hyatt, Four Season, W, Bobby, and The Joseph. For me, I’d stay outside of city. Franklin is beautiful, often cheaper comparatively.