The place to Eat, Drink, Store & Keep in Nashville, Tennessee

This text is a part of 52Cities, a column the place we share editor-curated and community-loved suggestions for visiting our favourite locations.

Nashville has all of it: dwell music, nice meals, and a straightforward lifestyle that’s pleasant to dip into for a weekend (or longer). Whereas many vacationers come right here for the tunes and honky-tonks that make up a lot of the native financial system, the so-called Music Metropolis has additionally turn into a vacation spot for unimaginable meals during the last decade. Whilst you might simply spend every week right here consuming nothing however scorching rooster and barbecue, you may also discover modern, local-leaning eating places, world-class bakeries, and thrilling cocktail bars. Steadiness all of that with thoughtfully curated residence items outlets and a bookstore run by an award-winning novelist, and you’ve got one of many nation’s most enjoyable journey locations, whether or not you’re bringing your loved ones or heading out for a solo journey.

1. The Hermitage (231 sixth Ave. N.)

When you like your resorts old-school and lovely, this Nashville basic is the charming, elegant spot for you. It’s proper downtown, providing comfort on prime of opulence. The atrium-like foyer options an intricate skylight, and it’s so well-appointed that it’s a uncommon resort widespread area you’ll really need to spend time in.

2. Noelle (200 4th Ave N.)

The Noelle is a design resort by and thru. It’s trendy with out being chilly, housed in a superbly renovated Thirties constructing. The rooms, whereas small, are comfy and stylish with marble within the loos and lightweight wooden accents all through. You’ll discover nice espresso downstairs at Drug Retailer Espresso, the place you can begin your day earlier than stepping out into downtown Nashville.

3. Opryland Lodge (2800 Opryland Dr.)

This resort is an element lodging, half sight-seeing vacation spot. The Opryland is big, located simply outdoors town and, sure, close to the Grand Ole Opry and the Cumberland River. Whereas it’s a terrific place to remain if you wish to be somewhat outdoors town, or are with a giant group, it’s a enjoyable spot to go to, because of its three greenhouse-like atriums filled with vegetation.

4. Correct Bagel (2011 Belmont Blvd.)

Began by a household of New York transplants, that is the spot when you’re on the lookout for, sure, a correct (New York-style) bagel. Their bagels are boiled the normal method—in giant kettles—however supply trendy fixings, like jalapeño bacon cream cheese and avocado-egg sandwiches.

5. Loveless Cafe (8400 Hwy. 400)

Right here’s one other restaurant that comes extremely really helpful from the Food52 group—one fanatic even claims it’s the most effective breakfast they’ve ever had. This quaint café has been providing southern meals with a aspect of southern allure because the Nineteen Fifties. Anticipate nice barbecue, pimento cheese-topped burgers, and the kind of sides—grits, fried okra, creamed corn—you would make a meal out of.

6. 5 Daughters Bakery (A number of Places)

This beloved Nashville bakery makes a speciality of donuts, they usually’re identified for his or her 100-layer donut, which is produced from laminated pastry. Much like a cronut, these are like croissants in donut type, with a rotating forged of flavors like Vietnamese Espresso and Coconut Cream Pie.

7. Dozen Bakery (516 Hagan St. #103)

One commenter on Instagram claims that Dozen presents the “finest scrambled eggs and baguette you will have this aspect of Paris,” which is a declare we’d fortunately e-book a visit to confirm. This bakery presents not simply artisan sourdough loaves, but in addition elegant pastries and, sure, savory meals like scrambled eggs. Baguette non-obligatory.

8. Mas Tacos Por Favor (732 McFerrin Ave.)

This highly-recommended restaurant is a staple in Nashville. Its title interprets to “extra tacos, please,” which is simply what we hear you’ll be asking for as soon as you start a meal right here. They started as a meals truck that advanced into a comfy restaurant the place you possibly can order tacos, aguas frescas, and margaritas all day. Many have declared these the most effective tacos within the metropolis.

9. Suzy Wong’s Home of Yum (1519 Church St.)

When you like good instances and bellinis, attending a drag brunch is rarely a unhealthy concept, nevertheless it’s an particularly nice concept when you’re involved in supporting the Tennessee LGBTQ+ group at a time after they’re dealing with aggressively oppressive laws. At Suzy Wong’s Home of Yum, your weekend drag efficiency comes with a aspect of Katsu rooster and waffles, fried rice, or avocado toast.

10. The Butter Milk Ranch (2407 twelfth Ave. S.)

In order for you nice pastries, that is your spot. They pump out sensible candy treats every single day, like babka croissants, churro croissants (!!!), and fresh-made Little Debbies—sorry, little Deborahs. If it is advisable to counteract that sugar rush, you may also get a savory breakfast right here, with loads of eggs and bacon to sturdy you for an extended day of sightseeing.

11. Yeast Nashville (805 Woodland St. #300)

One commenter claims that these are the “finest kolaches” in Nashville, which make for a fast and scrumptious breakfast. Their kolaches—a Czech-style pastry popularized within the states by immigrant communities in Texas—are baked recent every day, with fillings like sausage and cheese or candy jam. Spherical it out with a espresso and a cinnamon bun for good measure.

12. Edleys BBQ (A number of Places)

The white oak-smoked barbecue right here is prime notch, however, as one commenter advises, don’t sleep on the fried pickles. Whilst you can fortunately seize a easy brisket platter right here, you may also check out barbecue nachos and smoked scorching sausage with pimento cheese.

13. Martins Bar-B-Que Joint (A number of Places)

Many declare this to be town’s finest barbecue, and one commenter urges you to order the “spare ribs, dry. You received’t remorse it.” They’ve acquired all of the classics right here—brisket, ribs, and wings—but in addition boast an unconventional “taco” that options the barbecue meat of your alternative piled excessive atop a cornbread hoecake.

14. Peg Leg Porker (903 Gleaves St.)

This can be a true family-style barbecue spot. Owned and operated by the Bringle household, Peg Leg Porker presents no-frills, ultra-comforting barbecue, together with their crowd-favorite dry-smoked ribs. And whereas these ribs are technically dry, you’ll need to douse them in the home barbecue sauce, which is the right stability of bitter and candy.

15. Locust (2305 twelfth Ave. S.)

Open for a handful of years, this restaurant is already a fan favourite. Chef Trevor Moran’s rotating menu all the time consists of dumplings and shaved ice, in addition to a terrific collection of sake. You received’t discover any servers right here, however which means your chef would be the one serving up the plates that they’ve artfully organized.

16. Xiao Bao (830 Meridian St.)

This restaurant comes extremely really helpful from our group, and presents quite a lot of Asian dishes served up in an outdated diner area. Snack on Sichuan tuna tartare and Taiwanese bao buns on the revamped bar (full with purple leather-based stools), or sip a soju cocktail on one in every of their lush, lounge-like couches.

17. Lou (1304 McGavock Pike)

When you’ve acquired a hankering for pure wine after a couple of days of beer and barbecue, swing by Lou for a glass of low-intervention lambrusco. One group member calls this wine bar “quaint and informal” with a “completely executed menu,” which incorporates a powerful charcuterie unfold, seasonal greens and salads, and kimchi-wrapped dry aged steak.

18. The Catbird Seat (1711 Division St.)

The Catbird Seat has developed a fame for its uncommon mixture of experimentation and consistency. The menu modifications nightly, however all the time impresses with its boundary-pushing New American meals. You’ll have to e-book your reservation not less than a couple of weeks prematurely with the intention to snag a seat at their U-shaped bar.

19. Chauhan Ale and Masala Home (123 twelfth Ave. N.)

A dinner right here is sure to be energetic and thrilling. The restaurant sits inside a renovated brick storage, and chef Maneet Chauhan’s menu combines Indian and southern flavors for an exciting menu full of dishes like tandoori rooster poutine, masala braised lamb, and saag mac and cheese.

20. Husk (37 Rutledge St.)

This well-liked dinner spot serves their ever-changing menu in an outdated Victorian mansion that’s the kind of venue that makes you are feeling such as you’re in a film. The menu, which focuses on Southern dishes and luxury meals—like a top-notch burger—depends closely on their in-house backyard and lots of native farms. Ebook properly prematurely, as seats replenish shortly.

21. Monell’s (1235 sixth Ave. N.)

One other restaurant serving consolation meals in an outdated Victorian home, Monell’s does issues family-style. When you seize a seat, you’ll cross across the evening’s menu of meats and sides, and eat all you possibly can—that is bottomless consolation meals, served with love.

22. Dino’s (411 Gallatin Ave.)

When you’re on the lookout for chilly beer and one of many metropolis’s finest burgers, Dino’s is your spot. It’s inexpensive and energetic, with each indoor and outside seating. If the road is lengthy, one commenter recommends, “simply order two drinks together with your burger and hand around in the yard when you wait in your meals.”

23. Rolf And Daughters (700 Taylor St.)

“Tremendous cute dinner vibe, they usually have GREAT cocktails,” one commenter writes of this metropolis favourite. They’re well-known for his or her pasta dishes, like malfadine with nettles and pine nuts, or garganelli with smoked eel.

24. Henrietta Pink (1200 4th Ave. N.)

That is the only most-recommended place on our listing, which says one thing concerning the ardour that locals and guests alike have for this restaurant. Inside a gorgeously appointed, minimal eating room, you possibly can take pleasure in a menu centered on seafood—they’ve acquired an wonderful uncooked bar, in addition to a wood-fired oven in case you favor your fish absolutely cooked. When you’re simply on the lookout for a drink, sit down on the bar for a cocktail and a few oysters.

25. Lyra (935 W. Eastland Ave.)

This Center Jap restaurant presents tremendous inexpensive meals in an off-the-cuff, shiny area. Neighborhood members suggest the grilled octopus and feta dip, and also you must also seize a couple of of their wood-fired breads.

26. Hawkers (626A Primary St.)

This restaurant makes a speciality of Asian avenue meals, like baos (attempt the Seoul scorching rooster!), wontons, chicked wings, noodles, and satay skewers. You may take pleasure in all of this in entrance of a backdrop of superbly loud technicolor murals, and wash it down with a beer. They’ve even acquired a every day blissful hour particular.

27. Redheaded Stranger (305 Arrington St.)

One commenter claims that this Mexican restaurant has the most effective flour tortillas on the town; in addition they supply a spin on Taco Bell’s iconic Crunchwrap Supreme. Sit of their stunning outside area, the place it is best to positively order a margarita or two.

28. Pharmacy Burger (731 Mcferrin Ave.)

This place is often packed, in keeping with an in-the-know Food52 staffer, however they are saying it’s value it when you’re down to attend—particularly when you can sit of their beer backyard. The burger right here is smashed, griddled, and topping-heavy, made together with your alternative of beef, rooster, turkey, or bean patty. They’ve additionally acquired an old-school soda fountain, and you already know what which means: milkshakes! Oh, and don’t skip the tots.

29. Hattie B’s (A number of Places)

When you’re headed to Nashville and also you’re not a staunch vegetarian, you should eat scorching rooster; it’s merely a rule. Hattie B’s is among the metropolis’s hottest spots for this signature, crackly, spicy meals. The rooster is juicy, the new sauce is scorching, and the “soiled fowl fries” are a should. When you order one thing somewhat hotter than anticipated, they’ve acquired loads of beer to chill you down.

30. Prince’s Sizzling Rooster (5055 Broadway)

That is the unique Nashville scorching rooster restaurant, and nonetheless serves among the metropolis’s finest to today. Particularly as scorching rooster franchises unfold throughout the nation, changing into more and more distanced from the Black cooks who developed it, it’s essential to pay a go to—and your respects—to the positioning of its inception.

31. Attaboy (8 Mcferrin Ave.)

At Attaboy, whose first location was in New York Metropolis, all it is advisable to do to order a drink is inform somebody from their workers somewhat bit about what you want (resist the urge to sidle as much as the bar—they will come to you!). They’ll take it from there, and you may all the time belief that you simply’re in good fingers, no reservation required.

32. Mom’s Destroy (1239 sixth Ave. N.)

One other NYC transplant, Mom’s Destroy is a cocktail mecca that locals have grown to like. However it’s not snobby by any means: Right here, you possibly can take pleasure in an expertly crafted boozy slushy within the yard whereas consuming Previous Bay-seasoned waffle fries on the outside patio.

33. Santa’s Pub (2225 Bransford Ave.)

When you like karaoke, you possibly can’t miss Santa’s. This Christmas-themed bar that’s positioned inside an outdated double-wide trailer presents karaoke 5 nights every week. The beer is reasonable, the music is loud, and the vitality is contagious.

34. Robert’s Western World (416B Broadway)

That is Nashville, which suggests you’ll need to see some dwell music. Some of the well-liked spots for locals downtown is Robert’s Western World, the place you will get low cost beer and hearken to nice nation music from a rotating forged of native and visiting acts. As for meals, they make a imply fried bologna sandwich.

35. Smith & Lentz (903 Primary St.)

In line with a number of trusted sources, that is the most effective pizza in Nashville. Smith & Lentz is a craft brewery that makes wonderful use of their wood-fired oven, churning out vodka pies and crispy pilsners with equal pizzazz. They’ve additionally acquired a powerful wine listing and a lovely outside area.

36. Pinewood Social (33 Peabody St.)

You might simply spend a complete afternoon right here, letting it bleed into night, as Pinewood Social is an element restaurant, half bar, and half bowling alley. The enjoyable begins at breakfast and lasts till 11p.m., which suggests new American fare, customized cocktails, and wonderful espresso all day lengthy.

37. Rice Vice (3109 Ambrose Ave.)

This bar is all about sake. Opened final yr by the group behind Correct Sake Co., a Nashville-based distillery, the parents at this bar can train you every little thing you ever wished to know concerning the fermented rice spirit. Additionally they supply house-made koji beer, and a rotating collection of snacks.

38. Chopper Tiki (1100B Stratton Ave.)

Studded with colourful glowing lamps and what you may name artwork deco-kitsch decor, this tiki bar serves up thrilling rum drinks in a bevy of various mugs. Bonus: There’s a meals truck that serves tacos that’s typically parked outdoors.

39. The Patterson Home (1711 Division St.)

“Wonderful drinks and the vibe is so cool,” one commenter writes about this craft cocktail den. Previous-school vibes and some strict guidelines outline the place—you possibly can’t use your cellphone close to the bar, which suggests all there may be to do right here is take pleasure in your martini and the corporate you got here with.

40. Cheekwood Property & Gardens (1200 Forrest Park Dr.)

If vegetation are your factor, the botanic backyard is a must-visit. Cheekwood Property & Gardens consists of 55 acres of gardens, in addition to a powerful artwork assortment. The gardens are crammed with gorgeous flowers, uncommon shrubs, and even a Japanese-style backyard.

41. Radnor Lake State Park (1160 Otter Creek Rd.)

Simply outdoors of town lies over 1,000 acres of attractive nature protect, which presents a welcome respite after a pair days of consuming, ingesting, and honky-tonking. The park consists of 5 miles of unpaved trails with loads of wildlife to see, in addition to the massive, scenic lake.

42. Shelby Bottoms Nature Heart & Greenway (1900 Davidson St.)

When you’re on the lookout for inexperienced area inside metropolis limits, head to the Shelby Bottoms. The character heart is residence to miles of paved and unpaved trails, however you may also simply deliver a picnic basket and benefit from the greenway by the river if that’s extra your velocity.

43. Frist Artwork Museum (919 Broadway)

Housed in a lovely, outdated Submit Workplace constructing, this tremendous artwork museum presents a powerful rotation of reveals. Additionally they have a complete gallery dedicated to actions for youngsters, which makes it a really perfect household vacation spot.

44. Nationwide Museum of African American Music (510 Broadway)

This downtown museum pays tribute to the large contributions of African People to musical historical past. It’s a becoming location for the gathering, as nation music—and town it constructed—wouldn’t exist, or look the identical, with out Black musicians. For anybody involved in music or historical past, it is a must-visit.

45. Bicentennial Mall Park (600 James Robertson Pkwy.)

This park was designed to spotlight the capital metropolis’s historical past and is a superb spot for wandering. After you benefit from the view, head to the Nashville Farmers’ Market simply subsequent door, which is open indoors all yr with outside stands within the hotter months.

46. Imogene + Willie (2601 twelfth Ave. S.)

Housed inside an outdated, white-washed fuel station is the flagship location of this proudly U.S.-made denim model. At imogene + willie, which opened their first location right here in 2009, you possibly can store for high-quality denim (sewn in Los Angeles), in addition to knits, tees, jackets, and residential items. It’s very Nashville in its type: laid again however thoughtfully crafted, and simply paired with a wide-brimmed hat.

47. Parnassus Books (3900 Hillsboro Pike #14)

This impartial bookstore is owned and run by the one and solely Ann Patchett, writer of Bel Canto and The Magician’s Assistant, amongst others. Even when you’re not a Patchett fanatic, you’ll need to swing by this well-curated store to select up a e-book (or three) to take pleasure in throughout your trip downtime.

48. Hatch Present Print (224 Rep. John Lewis Method S.)

This print store doubles as a gallery, which suggests you possibly can come to study concerning the conventional printing methods used right here—and the spectacular, outdated printing machines they use—after which decide up a print or two to deliver residence in your partitions.

49. Hold Store (200 4th Ave. N.)

On the bottom ground of the Noelle, an Arts District resort, is among the metropolis’s most enjoyable residence items outlets. At Hold, you’ll discover stunning ceramics, magnificence merchandise, equipment, and design items, a lot of that are solely made by native artists and makers for the store.

50. FLWR Store (A number of Places)

This “boutique florist with a ardour for magnificence” will make you would like you lived in Nashville in order that you would adorn your own home with their blooms on a weekly foundation. These are much less “bouquets of flowers” and extra floral sculptural items, the perfect strategy to stun with a hostess present or perk up your Airbnb or resort room.

51. White’s Mercantile (A number of Places)

A contemporary-day normal retailer, White’s Mercantile was opened by singer-songwriter Holly Williams in 2013. (It’s additionally the second store on this listing that opened in an outdated fuel station.) Right here you will discover an expertly curated collection of pantry items, items and residential decor, aprons, and even private perfume.

52. Unfold (1330 fifth Ave. N.)

This market is the right place to top off on hostess items, snacks and goodies in your rental, or provisions for a picnic in Radnor Park. Unfold is stocked with elegant pantry gadgets (like jams, oils, dried beans, and scorching sauce), scrumptious baked items, and a powerful collection of wine. One commenter calls it “the cutest neighborhood meals store.”

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