Welcome to Nashville, home of the Vanderbilt Commodores. If you’re heading to town to catch a game at Vandy, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC team: Vanderbilt Commodores
- Coach: Clark Lea
- Stadium name: Vanderbilt Stadium
- Fun fact: Vanderbilt Stadium is the smallest in the SEC, which makes sense as their student body is the smallest in the SEC, coming in 10,000 students less than the second smallest, which is Mississippi State.
Where to Stay in Nashville
There are too many fantastic accommodations in Nashville to name them all! The recommendations below are exceptionally well suited for Vanderbilt games.
You’re sure to find a hotel near Vanderbilt’s campus that fits your needs. Pictured here is the luxurious Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Image: Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 320-1700
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is less than a mile from Vanderbilt Stadium, which means if you want to leave your car behind, it’s a short walk to the game. It’s also convenient to lots of nearby dining destinations — and the bright lights of Broadway, if that’s your thing.
Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University
2555 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 321-1300
As far as location goes, the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University is your best option. Located quite literally on the edge of Vandy’s campus, you can catch a glimpse of the game by simply peering out your window.
The 121 Hotel
121 30th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203 • (888) 875-8769
As Tennessee’s only hotel to qualify as a member of “Small Luxury Hotels of the World,” The 121 Hotel makes you feel at home immediately upon arrival. The hotel was designed with groups in mind, so it’s perfect for large families or groups planning a trip to Nashville to catch a Vandy game.
Hutton Hotel
1808 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 340-9333
The Hutton Hotel is a boutique option with only 248 guest suites and touts intimacy, excellent customer service, and eco-consciousness. Close to the stadium and conveniently located to plenty of options for dining and drinking, it’s a good choice for any trip to Nashville.
Honorable mentions just a short Lyft or Uber ride away:
The Westin Nashville, Graduate Nashville, Homewood Suites By Hilton, and Embassy Suites
**********
Where to Eat & Drink in Nashville, Near Vanderbilt
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game, or perhaps a few last-minute items to pick up for your tailgate, (including adult beverages), here are some of your best bets located near campus.
Fido
1812 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212 • (615) 777-3436
Fido is a local, much-beloved coffee shop serving up Bongo Java coffee. Just a short walk from Vandy, you can stop by for any of the day’s three meals and grab a quick caffeinated pick-me-up, while you’re at it.
Mellow Mushroom Nashville – Vanderbilt
212 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 342-0044
Fuel up before the big game with a delicious pizza from Mellow Mushroom. The funky pizzeria offers specialty pies as well as an option to build your own.
Nada
202 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 925-3362
If elevated Mexican is more your scene, make your way to Nada. The Latin-inspired small plates pair perfectly with any of their craft cocktails (margaritas, anyone?).
San Antonio Taco Company (aka SATCO)
416 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 327-4322
SATCO is a Tex-Mex joint that Vandy students, alumni, and Nashville natives fondly recommend. You can either eat at the restaurant or call ahead and get it to go. SB TIP: The queso is a must!
Village Wines Spirits & Beer
2006 Belcourt Avenue, Ste. B, Nashville, TN 37212 • (615) 499-4173
Located just off 21st Avenue, Village Wines Spirits & Beer is your nearest shop for alcoholic beverages to take to the tailgate.
West End Discount Liquors & Wines
2818 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 320-1446
Located a quick jaunt from campus, West End Discount Liquors & Wines has a wide selection of liquor and wine for your adult beverage needs.
**********
Bars in Nashville (Near Vanderbilt!)
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
SB Tip: All of the bars listed below are located on Division Street. They’re all within walking distance from Vanderbilt Stadium — and each other.
Enjoy a brew alongside yard games and old-school video games at Kung Fu Saloon. Image: Facebook
Kung Fu Saloon
1921 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 818-0294
Kung Fu Saloon is your destination for old-school arcade games and fun-filled dance parties. Be sure to visit their outdoor patio to take a ride on their adult-sized seesaw. Because, why not?
Rebar Midtown
1919 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 891-1133
In addition to classic beer and cocktails, stop by Rebar Midtown to try their famous Bushwacker. The local hotspot also offers drink specials on cherry and grape bombs and domestic beer buckets.
Red Door Saloon
1816 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 320-6525
Red Door Saloon has been serving Nashville locals and tourists since 2002. Be sure to order a Red’s Irish Frozen Coffee Wacker when visiting. (SB Tip: Red Door does allow smoking, so be warned.)
Winners Bar & Grill + Losers Bar & Grill
Winners Bar & Grill: 1913 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 340-0004
Losers Bar & Grill: 1911 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 327-3115
Located right next door to one another, Winners Bar & Grill and Losers Bar & Grill are known for their live music and tap beers. However, if you’re looking to shake things up, consider ordering a Bootwacker, Boot-A-Rita, or a Kickin’ It Cooler (a booze-infused tropical juice).
The Patterson House
1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 598-2484
A decidedly less “rowdy” option on Division Street is The Patterson House, a long-time Nashville favorite cocktail bar. It’s a small, dimly-lit seated bar that allows limited reservations — but without a reservation, you’re always welcome to stop by and put your name on the list.
**********
Where to Tailgate in Nashville
Much of the Vandy tailgating takes place along “Vandyville,” located at the corner of Jess Neely Drive and Natchez Trace, but it comes with several stringent requirements. (Here’s a great guide from Tailgate Guys.) A few of the key highlights to keep in mind include:
- Grilling is permitted (and encouraged).
- Fans range in all ages and connections to Vanderbilt.
- Fans who don’t wish to commit to every game set up their tents in nearby parking lots.
- Bring lawn chairs and games. Cornhole and ladder ball are great options.
SB TIPS:
To get to campus, Uber and Lyft are the easiest options. Otherwise, don’t be tempted to park in a commercial or restaurant lot because you will get towed or booted — and both come with a hefty fee. There are plenty of pay-to-park options near the stadium if you do decide to drive.
Go ‘Dores!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
**********
Subscribe to StyleBlueprint for a Life of Style + Substance!
