Where to eat in Nashville
@Nashvillefoodslut
PICTURE THIS: You’re going to Nashville for the first time to watch your favorite home team THE BUFFALO BILLS! It is only a few days away in a beautiful, booming city which means reservations are highly recommended. I fell in love with Nashville's food scene and southern hospitality and I'm sure you will too- and hopefully I can help you. This Blog post was put together very fast to help out all my friends & family sooooo enjoy the kinda put together blog.
Nashville Tacos & Margs
Taco Blanco is located right on Broadway on the less crazy side but right across the street from the crazy side. These margs are next level from skinny girl marg to spicy watermelon marg. All fresh-pressed juices, literally they have someone there at 7 am who is just in charge of juicing. Tacos are fire, hospitality is always on point- you gotta go. Deff let the bartenders know I sent you I became a regular.
Bakersfield- Tacos, Tequila and Whiskey. The name Says it all, they even have this ghost pepper taco that is so damn hot but you cant stop eating it. Serving up authentic, Mexican street fare, and a selection of over 100 tequilas and American whiskeys. Bakersfield is a spot where the food is simple, the service is warm and the atmosphere is alive. This place is almost always busy. Solid tacos, good prices, big tortas, and the music of Johnny Cash reward those who wait located right behind broadway.
https://www.bakersfieldtacos.com/
Nashville Fried Chicken Friends
Mcdougals fried chicken - they pride themselves on everything fresh, including the hand cut friessssssss.
http://www.mcdougalschicken.com/
Bolton’s - they pride themselves on a family recipe passed down and how hot they can make there chicken, they even have a challenge you can join!
Princess hot chicken - over 100 years in the making and that sh*t is crispy & saucy & sometimes hot as hell
https://www.princeshotchicken.com/
BBQ Joints
Peg Leg porker - https://peglegporker.com/
Martins Bar-B-Que - https://www.martinsbbqjoint.com/
Edley’s - https://www.edleysbbq.com/
Seafood Heaven
Bourbon Steak - Talk about a view with oysters in one hand and a cocktail in the other. 34 floors up overlooking downtown, mountains, and the city as it evolves. Bourbon Steak by Michelin Star chef Michael Mina specializes in high-quality cuts of American beef, Kobe beef, and Wagyu. Bourbon Steak is also home to Nashville’s freshest seafood and shellfish with shipments arriving daily… YUM
https://nashvillebourbonsteak.com/
The Optimist - Omg the warm buns you get at this place when you sit down are insane. Like I’m still dreaming about them and those cocktails and those oysters. The oysters are always changing and always refreshing. Even freshly shaved horseradish which melts my heart. Their menu is loaded with fresh seafood, but don't worry there are meat options for your boyfriend who isn’t as daring as you. Oh and the cocktails are next level, I think I had five, they just go down so easy.
https://www.theoptimistrestaurant.com/
Eddie V’s- yes there is a bunch so maybe you have already been to one before but man this place is amazing. The seafood is so fresh I went back a few times. For me to keep going back to a place means I must like it a lot. The oysters were served up so perfect and cold. The misoyaki halibut Pan-Roasted Halibut with Sugar Snap Peas, Shiitakes and Miso Broth , I have never had fish cooked so perfectly. You know I always go out of my way to find scallops, well they had them! GEORGES BANK SCALLOPS Sautéed with Citrus Fruit, Roasted Almonds and Brown Butter, my god that brown butter sauce. They even had BACON WRAPPED FILETS "OSCAR" STYLE WITH KING CRAB Grilled Asparagus and Béarnaise. I would def suggest this as a date night spot or cocktails and appetizers before you head out on the strip.
https://www.eddiev.com/menu-listing/dinner?setRestaurant=8529
Oak steak- I loved this place if you know me I am an oyster/scallop girl and they had both. They also had this jazz band playing in the background that was so amazing. The cocktails are also fire.
https://www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/
OKU- The Sushi Gods have arrived and I'm not coming back. Man, did I fall in love with this sushi place? Somehow, I scored the golden seat right at the sushi bar, it's like they knew I was the food slut. This sushi was out of this world. You can also pop over to Optimist across the street if there is a wait. O-Ku Sushi celebrates authentic Asian cuisine with a southern approach through a menu that focuses on unique ingredients and sophisticated presentations. From petite plates to sushi specialties, Chefs Eric Hill, Jack Fang, Michael Chanthavong, and Richard Fong showcase the freshest fish from the world’s finest markets, as well as local sustainable sources.
Feelin’ (Kinda) Fancy?
Twelve30 Club- A true vibe. The inspiration for The Twelve Thirty Club is rooted in the supper clubs of the 19th-century, when the closing time for pubs and restaurants was 12:30am. These supper clubs were able to stay open later than other restaurants and bars because they were deemed private establishments, becoming dynamic, multi-cultural destinations for music, entertainment and mirth. You can feel that as soon as you walk in. But don’t worry it's still right on Broadway so you don't need to dress to the nines. These dumplings with ginger shoyu I get there every time are absolute crack, I highly suggest getting them. Then there is the famous black truffle chicken pot pie that I'm still dreaming about. The cocktails are fire and I don't find it to be a place to break the bank but still feels really classy.
The Hampton Social- doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? Well this place has all the spots for you to take photos with your girl gang. Flower walls for days, pink everywhere, rooftop views of the river and the stadium, even frozen cocktails. This place had such a great lobster roll With House Potatoes - manhattan style: warm, buttery deliciousness -OR- maine style: chilled, creamy goodness. Then you have crab and shrimp bruschetta which I never had before with pan seared shrimp, lump crab, sweet chili aioli, smoked tomatoes, crispy ciabatta. Dont worry the whole menu isn't all seafood- they have steak, really good juicy steak.
https://www.thehamptonsocial.com/nashville
Merchants- On Broadway and looking for a nice meal on a crazy street filled with country music and large crowds, I have you covered. I randomly found Merchants while starving walking down Broadway. I couldn't decide where to go because I really wanted a nice meal, not bar food. Well I found it, this building has been around since 1892 and it still stands so beautiful. All the servers were bow ties and white button ups to really give it that old school vibe. They have two different dining rooms, one on the first floor and one 2nd. Either one is amazing. I had deviled eggs with sweet and spicy pickles. For another app I had the duck fat tater tots. For my main meal i had myself the ROTISSERIE CHICKEN half | green beans | herbs | roasted red potatoes
https://www.merchantsrestaurant.com/
A little more fancy?
Skullz - Premium handcrafted cocktails and an eclectic beer and wine list complement our award-winning cuisine. We pay homage to the entertainment of yesteryear with burlesque and live music nightly. Schulman opened the Rainbow Room in the lower level of the landmark Southern Turf Building in 1948. During Skull’s five-decade tenure, the legendary venue transformed multiple times; jazz, burlesque, country, strip-tease, and rock ‘n’ roll all claim chapters in its history. They have scalloppppsssss DIVER SCALLOPS* Pan-seared U-10 diver scallops with a reduced vermouth cream that melts in your mouth. Oh then we have 38 BOEUF EN CROÛTE Ribeye braised in red wine, shallots and mushroom, wrapped in Brie cheese and puff pastry, check out @nashvillefoodslut for photos.
https://www.skullsrainbowroom.com/
Lockeland Table- Umm wow this place blew me away, with the smoked bone marrow dish pickled red onion & parsley salad, smoked salt, grilled FM baguette. I’m also a sucker for mussles so had to get the red thai curry steamed PEI Mussels with lemongrass, ginger, shaved fennel, basil, mint, cilantro, grilled bread. They also have a beautiful outside patio.
https://www.lockelandtable.com/
More Than a Lil’ Fancy!
The Cat Bird Seat - Talk about fancy sexy this place is a must for you and your lover. They do a 10-12-course meals for around 135 with an option to do wine pairing. Must need a reservation. They have an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs make a masterpiece before your eyes.
https://www.thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com/
Kayne - This place is literally insane from the seafood towers to the wagyu beef they have it all. Please just go check out the menu so you can melt like I do.
https://www.mstreetnashville.com/kayne-prime
Beers and BUFFALO!
City Tap- They have all the beer 50 on tap to be exact and boy are they tastyyyyyy. Even the food does the job. You can go for their amazing corn and crab fritters as an app, they even have wings! They have brick oven pizza, I had myself the chicken pesto. Nothing makes you feel more at home than finding out City Tap is home of the Bills Backers Nashville called Music City Mafia. Check out their merch, it’s BFS BRAND!!!
Losers & Winners- two separate bars across the street from each other used to be a bills bar so you will find some Bills fans there, they are both great nighttime bars to go to!! Also where Whiskey Jam is head.
More Must-Try Nashville Restaurants!!!
Butcher and Bee
https://butcherandbee.com/locations/Nashville
Urban Cowboy
https://www.urbancowboy.com/nashville/public-house/
must go the decor in this place is insaneeeeeeee, cocktails fire
Black Rabbit - Location is in Printers Alley which is a really cool spot to check out
The Bobby - really cool rooftop bar located in Printers Alley also a Hotel
https://bobbyhotel.com/eat-and-drink/
More Nashville Restaurants and Instagram handles
City house - @cityhouszenashville
5th and Taylor- @5thandtaylor
Burger up- @burgerup
Rolf and daughters- @rolfanddaughters
Nicoletto’s Pasta Co. @Nicolettospasta
Folk @goodasfolk - see what they did there
Two ten jack @twotenJack
Emmy squared - @emmysquaredpizza great pizza, also have brunch
Barcelona @barcelonawinebar - Spanish tapas
Breakfast Babes/Brunch
Sinema - Brunch, wait till you see the decor in this place
https://www.sinemanashville.com/
Adele’s - Brunch
Lyra - Brunch
The loveless cafe- This place has been around for over 65 years, cooks arrive at 3am daily to make all the bake goods, everything is from scratch and made with love.
https://www.lovelesscafe.com/eat/menus/
Fido- An all-day menu featuring local produce, cheese, dairy, and meats convinced the Nashville Scene to name Fido the Best Place for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
https://www.bongojava.com/pages/fido
Big Bad Breakfast- Family recipe from New Orleans passed down from generations. Everyone talks about this place and you will too.
https://bigbadbreakfast.com/our-story-our-founder/
Bagel Shop Nashville- Breakfast of champs for after those long nights? Bagel Shop Nashville located in the Gulch has got you covered with hang rolled & kettled boil bagels. The everything bagel is always a good choice with some egg, bacon and cheese, man I'm craving those.
Bagel Shop Nashville. 222 11th Ave South
Nashville, TN 37203 - This is the location I went to most.
https://linktr.ee/Bagelshop - on insta as bagelshopnashville inside the Faireland hotel
Five daughters bakery- donuts for dayssss
https://fivedaughtersbakery.com/
Sky blue cafe
https://www.skybluecoffee.com/
Cafe roze - they do have a night time/ happy hour menu as well with oysters
Dose - ranked one of the best places to eat and drink
Proper Bagel - they still might only be doing take out but still so worth it. 40 years in the making with new york city feels.
Pancake pantry - true classic almost like a pancake house vibe but nicer, deff great for bigger groups and chiller morings.
https://www.thepancakepantry.com/ -
Fenwicks - great huge menu
Nashville Burgersssss
The Pharmacy- Burgers… America’s favorite. Well, Nashville has this place called The Pharmacy that is just what you need- with a HUGE beer garden!! They even have a Munich Biergarten standard. Classic brat, poached, smoked, and then simmered with pils beer… mmmmm. Topped with a curried paprika and tomato sauce. My burger go-to was Jam Band Berry Ale sautéed portobello mushrooms, minced applewood smoked bacon, swiss cheese, mayonnaise. Don’t worry they also have veggie options like black bean and falafel burgers for you hippies.
https://thepharmacyburger.com/
Grillshack Fries & Burgers - with over 1000 reviews on google I think it sells itself. Even the wedge salads are fire and they have chicken fingers. To be honest, didn’t try the fingers but do you think they hold up to Buffalo tenders?
https://grillshack.wixsite.com/grillshack/menu
Jack Browns Beer and Burger Joint-
https://www.jackbrownsjoint.com/locations/germantown-nashville/
Burger Up-
For all my healthy people or vegans
JUICE BAR- For you health folks- Juice Bar is here to heal you after the game or leading up to the game. I love this place- I went almost every day to get my day going after staying out till 3 in the morning every night I was in Nashville. My favorite was the athlete - banana • spinach • protein powder • peanut butter • cacao powder • sea salt • almond milk gets me every time.
They have a few locations in Nashville so check out their website for all spots.
https://www.ilovejuicebar.com/locations
Graze- I have you covered with Graze, an all-vegan restaurant with drinks. It’s not like a bar you chill at but you can sit down at a table and get drinks. That neighborhood area is really cool to walk around. Lots of shops and such. In that same area, there is another vegan place called The Wild Cow that has cocktails and all the veggies you could dream of. They have more hardy meals and a little bit more of a cozy sexy vibe.
http://www.grazenashville.com/
The Wild Cow- Has a bar, more of a spot to have lunch, dinner and drinks.
The Urban Juicer - another amazing juice place I kept going too also across the street from Pearl Diver which is ranked for one of the best bars in Nashville
Let's go to Nashville Bars!!!!!
Pearl Diver
Chopper
Bastion
Urban cowboy
Old glory
Attaboy - small place but man the drinks are good. You just tell the bartender what you like and they make you something sexy.
Flamingo
Patterson house
The greenhouse
Mickeys
The fox bar & Cocktail Club
Bat sovereign
Nashville’s Rooftop Vibezzz
Assembly Food Hall - This place is hugeeeee, its the layout of an EXPO market. Like 40 restaurants doing take out and there is a hugeeeee upstairs rooftop always playing really good bands.
Acme Feed and Seed
Jason Aldens
Kid Rocks
Whiskey Row- Kept going here way too much.
La Jackson
Even more places to try!
Arnold’s country kitchen
Monell’s
L27 Westin Hotel Clark
Red headed stranger
Butcher and B
Lockland Table
Robertas pizza (bee’skneez)
Mothers - cocktail bar, yes there is a Mothers in Nashville and people get just as classy drunk there as they do at the mothers in Buffalo
Dive bars
Cobra
Printers ally
Bourbon street blues bar
Mrs Kelly’s
East Nashville (Gay district)
Dukes
Rosemary
