We’re gearing up for a summer of fabulous food! From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, there are some great new spots to check out in Music City. Craving coffee and donuts? Burgers and brews? Hand-crafted cocktails overlooking the skyline? No matter, you’re covered. Check out Nashville’s newest eateries to put on your must-try list.
Rivière at Four Seasons Nashville
Neighborhood: Downtown • More Info: fourseasons.com
As if there wasn’t enough excitement surrounding the opening of the Four Seasons Hotel downtown, Music City is now abuzz about its rooftop restaurant and bar, Rivière. Located on the hotel’s 17th-floor pool deck, it offers stellar service and beautiful food inspired by the French Riviera. You can look forward to vibrant dishes like grilled Branzino with tomato-olive relish, short rib tots with gruyère and fried shallots, and charred carrots and parsnips with whipped ricotta and smoked honey. Plus, prepare to sip fabulous handcrafted cocktails as you take in the gorgeous riverfront views.
Experience the luxurious flavors of the French Riviera at Rivière, such as this oyster selection with cucumber granita, mignonette pearls, and lime zest. Image: Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
Present Tense
Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston • More Info: liveinthepresenttense.com
Japanese-inspired Present Tense is Wedgewood-Houston’s newest “it” eatery. Not only is it operated by Michelin-starred restaurant veterans, but it boasts a legitimate sake bar. It also offers intimate omakase experiences and a libation list that includes natural wines and curated cocktails. But let’s get back to the food for a moment. The menu highlights shareable small plates influenced by Japan and Southeast Asia, and it features dishes from aged tuna tartare on grilled seaweed sourdough to Diver scallop handrolls. It’s also open for brunch — you can look forward to everything from Japanese soufflé pancakes to a spin on chicken and waffles featuring buckwheat waffles and Japanese fried chicken.
With glorious Asian-inspired dishes and even a sake bar, Present Tense has already gained a spot on our must-try list. Image: Nathan Zucker
Black Tap
Neighborhood: Downtown • More Info: blacktap.com
Juicy burgers and over-the-top shakes? We’re in. A hop, skip, and jump from downtown’s honky tonks and music venues, Black Tap serves a menu of bites, brews, and milkshakes. You can even snag a boozy shake shot! While much of the menu mimics the eatery’s other locations in New York, Nevada, and California, you can also expect a few locally inspired, exclusive menu items like the Tennessee Burger with Jack Daniel’s red pepper jam, diced pickles, Dirty® sweet potato chips, white BBQ sauce, and chopped parsley. From the Black Truffle Burger and Carolina Fries (with pulled pork and BBQ sauce) to the decadent Peanut Brittle Cracker Jack Shake, consider us intrigued.
Behold, the Wagyu Steakhouse Burger at Black Tap! Image: Black Tap
Heirloom
Neighborhood: Downtown • More Info: heirloomrooftopnashville.com
What do a penthouse garden and Southern tapas have in common? The answer is Heirloom, the new rooftop bar at Holston House. Featuring cocktails, mocktails, and more, the spot is located on the boutique hotel’s top floor, and you can look forward to panoramic views, open-air lounge seating, fire pits, and tasty bites. The menu boasts vibrant produce from local purveyors, with dishes like fried green tomatoes, charred onion hummus, cast iron steak, and the “Farmer’s Platter” (seasonal veggie delights such as smoked creamed corn and bourbon-spiced peaches).
Experience colorful decor, a stellar view, and Southern tapas at Heirloom. Image: Holston House
St. Vito Focacceria
Neighborhood: The Gulch • More Info: stvitonashville.com
The long-awaited permanent St. Vito’s Focacceria location has arrived! With a focus on Sicilian fare, this former pop-up from Chef Michael Hanna is finally on its own, with a street food-inspired menu that boasts delicious, sourdough-based sfincione pizza and other regional dishes along with a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. You can taste the authenticity in every bite, harkening back to centuries-old recipes created by the nuns of the St. Vito monastery in Sicily.
St. Vito’s Focacceria finally opens the doors of its brick-and-mortar! Image: Nigel Dennis
Audrey: Brunch
Neighborhood: East Nashville • More Info: audreynashville.com
Chef Sean Brock’s name has become synonymous with elevated cuisine. From The Continental to June, he’s making his culinary mark in Music City and beyond. But it all began with Audrey, his flagship restaurant named after his maternal grandmother. Now, you can experience the gorgeous Appalachian flavors in the form of Audrey’s brunch service. From crab and grits to chicken and dumplings with black truffle, Chef Sean is giving us even more of a reason to love brunch.
Take a bite of Audrey’s delectable Hearth Soufflé Omelet. Image: Emily Dorio
Teddy’s Tavern
Neighborhood: Downtown • More Info: teddystaverntn.com
With a unique view of Bridgestone Arena, Teddy’s Tavern is the perfect locale for some pre- or post-Preds game celebrating. With a garden rooftop and three levels of a neighborhood bar vibe, this Lower Broadway establishment from the folks at Fat Bottom Brewing puts some life into one of the city’s oldest-standing buildings. Along with nods to Nashville history, the tavern offers beer on tap, intimate live music stages, and a menu of classics from the Fat Bottom Brewing taproom, such as pretzels with beer cheese, an Angus beef cheeseburger, chicken tenders, and even deep-fried Oreos.
Teddy’s Tavern brings a quaint neighborhood bar vibe to Lower Broadway. Image: Kevin Pan for Fat Bottom Brewing
Lilly’s Hot Chicken
Neighborhood: Downtown • More Info:
Thanks to its humble-but-successful food truck beginnings, Lilly’s Hot Chicken is bringing the heat to its first brick-and-mortar. Located inside The Market House at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, the eatery is owned by husband-and-wife duo Chris and Novonda Lilly. With a family recipe they’ve been perfecting for years (featuring their super-secret spice combination), you can look forward to a menu that includes hot chicken, fried okra, French fries, peach cobbler, and more.
Lilly’s Hot Chicken is turning up the heat at Nashville Farmers’ Market. Image: Facebook
Jacqueline: Season Reopening
Neighborhood: Germantown • More Info: theoptimistrestaurant.com
It’s the return of Jacqueline! Nashville’s quintessential warm-weather bar attached to Germantown’s The Optimist is finally back open, offering us a place to lounge and sip. As always, you can enjoy seasonal shaved ice beverages like the “A Hundred Highways” (tequila, peach, ginger, and angostura bitters) and the “Sunny Sloth” (vodka, passion fruit, lime, and Swedish punch) while you play a round of bocce ball or await your dinner reservation inside. Plus, you can snack on perfect seafood-centric bites like oysters, tuna poke, lobster roll sliders, and smoked fish dip. Yum!
Sidle up to the Jacqueline patio bar at The Optimist for a seafood snack and shaved ice cocktail. Image: Andrew Thomas Lee
Café 100
Neighborhood: Bellevue • More Info: Instagram
Located near the legendary Loveless Cafe, Café 100 is a cozy, inviting, upscale American bistro filled with personal art. The labor of love from husband-and-wife duo Keith Simpkins and retired news anchor Amy Marsalis opened on May 1, and it has been a long time coming. “My husband, Keith Simpkins, has been watching this location for several years,” says Amy. “He always thought it was a great spot, but it needed major changes. The opportunity came along, and he jumped on it.” Along with Chef Steven Devellis, they created a menu with everything from a tomahawk pork chop to wet-aged beef (filets and ribeyes) and homemade pasta. You can also look forward to salmon and shrimp dishes, homemade focaccia, oven-baked Italian bread, and homemade desserts.
A beautiful Panzanella salad at Café 100 offers authentic Italian flavors. Image: Chef Steven Devellis
Hero Doughnuts & Buns
Neighborhood: Sylvan Heights • More Info: herodoughnutsandbuns.com
What began as a pop-up in Homewood, AL, graduated to a farmers’ market stall. Now, Hero Doughnuts & Buns boasts seven brick-and-mortar locations across the South, including its newest location in Sylvan Heights and another on the way in Wedgewood-Houston. The eatery serves wonderful brioche-style doughnuts and an array of other tasty treats — from kolaches and hashbrowns to chicken sandwiches and burgers. Of course, you can also satisfy your caffeine cravings with a draft latte or Nitro cold brew and pair it with intriguing donut flavors such as cereal milk, bread pudding, or cookies and cream.
Is there anything sweeter than coffee and brioche doughnuts? Try Hero Doughnuts & Buns and then decide. Image: Facebook
Zeppelin
Neighborhood: Downtown/Capitol District • More Info: zeppelinnashville.com
If you thought Zeppelin was closed for good, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find it’s back open! Now you can enjoy the rooftop restaurant as a daily pop-up summer dining experience — open from 4 p.m. on through the end of August. Great views and fun cocktails abound, along with an exclusive new menu featuring tasty bites from the Fattoush Salad and a barbecue chicken flatbread to a heartier New York Strip steak or jumbo crab cakes. You can also catch live music and Sunday brunch (beginning mid-June)!
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and check out our local restaurant guide.
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Updates from April 2023
Forget May flowers … April brought us a fabulous lineup of new Nashville restaurants! From the relocation of a longtime favorite (we’re looking at you, AVO) to classy cocktail bars and a downtown chophouse, there’s more than enough new blood to keep us busy for the coming month. Locals and visitors alike are in for a treat with these 11 new culinary concepts.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge
222 4th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219 • (615) 866-2224
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight
Ol’ Blue Eyes would surely be over the moon about Nashville’s new spot in Printer’s Alley: Sinatra Bar & Lounge. The newly opened bar and restaurant is a tribute to the legendary crooner, with a menu that’s chock-full of classic Italian favorites (naturally!) — from calamari and seasonal stuffed peppers to eggplant parmesan and ragu pappardelle with braised short rib.
Sitting pretty in the Southern Turf building (an 1880s Queen Anne-style structure that’s on the National Register of Historic Places), the interior is intimate and cozy. It’s the perfect spot to listen to live music, sip craft cocktails, feast on delicious Italian dishes, and celebrate a cultural icon.
In keeping with authenticity, Sinatra Bar & Lounge enforces a dress code, so get ready to don your most dapper business-casual wear. Image: Icon Entertainment Group
Hand Cut Chophouse
135 7th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 465-2435
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hand Cut Chophouse may have gotten its official start in Scottsdale, AZ, but now you can enjoy the restaurant’s modern-American cuisine, tasty libations, uber-contemporary decor, and lively ambiance in Music City’s downtown. Snag a seat on the patio for a skyline view as you listen to live music, sip a Waffle Cone Smoked Manhattan, and snack on Tuscan Chopped Meatballs or Wagyu French Onion Sliders. Did we mention there’s a happy hour on weekdays with half-off signature cocktails? We’re in.
Hand Cut Chophouse adds a dose of glam and glorious dishes to the downtown scene. Image: Hand Cut Chophouse
Golden Pony
757 Douglas Ave., Nashville, TN 37207 • (615) 260-6263
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Tuesday
Highland Yards just welcomed its newest resident: Golden Pony. Joining the likes of Otaku Ramen and Kisser, the ’60s-inspired cocktail bar is sitting pretty in the retail complex in East Nashville. The spot is serving up tasty dishes, from whipped feta or Hot Honey Cheese Toast to a Crispy Chicken Sandwich (that’s supposedly “flying out of the kitchen”) and the “Not So Sloppy Josephine” (an elevated twist on the nostalgic classic) that features mozzarella, beef, and chimichurri on sourdough.
Catering to the late-night crowd, you can also look forward to a great cocktail menu — from the Southside (gin, mint, and lime) to seasonal daiquiris. If you’re more of a mocktail fan, snag an agua fresca with cucumber and cantaloupe, carrot and orange, or strawberry and watermelon — a staple for patio season.
Highland Yards is growing by leaps and bounds. Say “hello” to the newly opened Golden Pony. Image: Alexis Soler
Dumpling House
2117 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212 • (615) 891-4728
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
It’s a simple menu but a darn intriguing one; Dumpling House is Hillsboro Village’s newest fast-casual eatery, and the name says it all. Thai teas and dumplings prevail, with a few refreshing appetizers like edamame and Asian pickled cucumbers to whet your palate. From Won Ton soup and cold noodles to peanut butter pork dumplings and even pizza dumplings (yes, you read that right), the restaurant promises to be the perfect spot for quick lunches and late-night snacks.
Bill’s Sandwich Palace
311 N. 16th St., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 260-6263
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday
If we were excited to find out that Bill’s Sandwich Palace was enjoying a pop-up stint at Inglewood‘s TKO, you can imagine our excitement that Bill’s has finally moved into its permanent brick-and-mortar in Lockeland Springs! Occupying the former Sweet 16 Bakery spot, the sammie-centric eatery is dishing up some of the most extravagant sandwich combinations we’ve ever seen.
Take, for example, the “Porky Pig,” featuring pulled pork shoulder, tater tots, housemade nacho cheese, sliced jalapeños, red onions, BBQ sauce, and garlic butter on a toasted roll. Or the “When in Roma,” with roasted Roma tomatoes, arugula, red onion, garlic-lemon mayo, caramelized mozzarella cheese, and veggie pesto, on toasted sourdough. Drooling yet?
Bill’s Sandwich Palace has finally opened in its permanent digs. Image: Christen Clemins
Mommy’s Tacos
1312 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Hours: TBD
We’re enjoying the recent trend of food trucks parking in and operating out of one spot for an extended period. Mommy’s Tacos is the perfect example of why. Surrounded by picnic tables (and one giant, light-up sign so you know you’ve arrived), the Mommy’s Tacos truck is camped out for an indefinite stint on the corner of Riverside Drive and McGavock Pike in East Nashville. Adjacent to the Village Pub, the truck occupies the vacant lot that used to house the “rustic” M&M Furniture building. Now, you can drop by for everything from tacos (shredded chicken, braised beef, veggie, and Asian-style pork belly) to quesadillas and nachos. (Follow them on Instagram for the dose of humor you didn’t know you needed.)
Grab a taco (or two, or three) at Mommy’s Tacos semi-permanent new spot in Riverside Village. Image: Jenna Bratcher
Reebar Restaurant
360 Elysian Fields Ct., Nashville, TN 37211 • (615) 964-7470
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7:30; closed Monday
Music City is home to a sizable Kurdish population, which means we also have the benefit of fantastic Kurdish cuisine. One of the newest spots to hit the scene, Reebar offers authentic Mediterranean food in spades, from hummus and baba ghanouj to lamb chops, chicken tikka, and various kebabs. Not to mention, you can look forward to Pistachio Baklava for dessert, accompanied by Kurdish Tea. Additionally, family size options are available and feed two to six.
What a feast! Reebar serves up a gorgeous array of Mediterranean dishes. Image: Instagram
AVO
4 City Ave #104, Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 329-2377
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday
AVO may have officially opened to the public in 2015, but it just keeps getting better and better. Now, you can enjoy the eatery in its new digs beneath the Element Hotel in OneC1ty. Though just around the corner from its previous location, the new space is breezy and beautiful, with a spring-inspired color palette and natural light galore. You can still snag vegan favorites like the Kimchi Spring Rolls and epic Kale Caesar, but get ready to swoon over new menu items like the butternut toast (butternut squash, miso butter, marinated veggies, and avocado) or fried cauliflower with your choice of buffalo, gochujang, or lemon pepper sauce.
AVO has elevated its menu and its interior design game! Image: AVO
Surefire Coffee Co.
1421b 2nd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 • (615) 488-8543
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Though it soft-launched at the tail-end of March, Surefire Coffee Co. officially opened this month in Germantown, serving up coffee, tea, and pastries via its wonderful walk-up window. “There is something so special about the community that’s created over a coffee shop counter, and when my brother and I opened Surefire, our main goal was to create those meaningful experiences for each person that walks up. We want to be your friendly neighborhood coffee shop,” says co-owner Taylor Mobley, adding, “My brother and I are also big outdoor enthusiasts, so with the walk-up window concept, we want to encourage people to stop by, grab some coffee, and get out into the great outdoors!”
Taylor says the most popular items right now are the Honey Cinnamon Latte, Campfire Mocha, Iced Matcha, and Chai Latte. Even better, you can enjoy any or all of those from the expansive porch and bring your pup along for a pup cup, too.
Surefire Coffee Co. is making sure we’re caffeinated … and celebrating community while we’re at it. Image: Hannah Drake
PDK Southern Kitchen & Pantry
4116 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 410-9233
Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A casual lunch and dinner spot for traditional Southern eats like shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles, PDK Southern Kitchen & Pantry is Sylvan Heights’ newest resident. Aside from a menu filled with comfort food favorites, you can also browse and buy from the open pantry and marketplace. You’ll find a selection of home-grown produce and goods like cake batter lip scrub, a leather flask engraved with “Y’all,” and the restaurant’s award-winning banana pudding (which you can order from the dine-in menu, too).
From burgers and hot chicken to country-fried steak or catfish, you can look forward to classic Southern dishes at PDK. Image: Facebook
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen: Donelson
2619 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 • (615) 891-4321
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Donelson is now home to a Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen location. The fast-casual eatery has been serving up pasta, salads, and other classic Italian fare for years (the first location opened in 2016!), and the restaurant continues to expand. The newest location comes complete with patio seating, walk-up windows, and favorite menu items such as eggplant or chicken parmesan and meatball subs. Oh, and they have cannolis for dessert. Viva Nicoletto’s!
Hearty pasta prevails at the new Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen location in Donelson. Image: Facebook
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and check out our local restaurant guide.
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Updates from March 2023
With Cheekwood in full bloom and Easter fast approaching, spring has officially arrived. And in the spirit of new beginnings, a number of fabulous restaurants are opening their doors in Nashville this season! From Asian-inspired fare and expanded menus to gorgeous gluten-free goodies, March delivered more than daffodils and warm weather.
In addition to all of the fabulous hotels that continue to welcome visitors to Nashville, locals and tourists alike can delight in these 12 new restaurants and concepts:
Kisser
747 Douglas Ave., Nashville, TN 37207
Hours: Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The wait is over! Kisser, the long-anticipated Asian-inspired restaurant from husband-and-wife duo Leina Horii and Brian Lea, is finally here. A casual lunch spot that Leina describes as “West Coast skate punk meets Japanese restaurant,” the eatery pays tribute to the Japanese kissaten, a traditional neighborhood café, and features a menu filled with comfort food such as the Chicken Katsu Sandwich (fried chicken with cabbage slaw on fresh-baked toasted milk bread) and oyakodon (a popular chicken and egg rice bowl).
Since launching pop-ups that began in July 2022, Leina and Brian have been gearing up to take on their own brick-and-mortar. “We had been conceptualizing the idea of opening a Japanese café for some time,” says Leina. “We wanted a place to cook Japanese home/comfort food.” And now, the long-anticipated permanent location of Kisser is open at East Nashville’s Highland Yards for lunch service, dinner, and online ordering. (Takeout is on the horizon, too!)
“We like to serve dishes popular at a shokudo, or casual Japanese café,” says Leina of the Kisser menu. “In Japan, they are often mom-and-pop restaurants serving comfort foods such as udon and curry.” Image: Camille Tambunting
Teddy’s Tavern
104 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 492-1130
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Located in one of downtown Nashville’s oldest remaining buildings, Teddy’s Tavern is ready to be your go-to “neighborhood bar on Broadway.” Courtesy of the team at Fat Bottom Brewing, the three-story tavern features local drafts, a full bar, and a food menu that includes some of Fat Bottom taproom’s popular go-to bites, including pretzels with beer cheese and housemade beef chili. You can also sink your teeth into the “Teddy’s Cheeseburger,” a six-ounce burger made with certified Black Angus beef with American cheese, onions, and pickles on a potato bun.
Paying homage to the age of the tavern, the space honors the building’s architecture and design by maintaining its original exposed beams, brick, fireplaces, and flooring. And, of course, given its location on Lower Broadway, Teddy’s also features several stages for live music. Guests can enjoy a more traditional first-floor stage, main bar, and food service. The second floor boasts a smaller, more intimate setting for a single musician, while the rooftop is the spot to enjoy ambient music as you sip cocktails and enjoy the view.
Experience three levels of cocktails, food, and musical fun at Teddy’s Tavern. Image: Kevin Pan for Fat Bottom Brewing
The Gluten Free Goose
6601 Sugar Valley Dr. Suite 115, Nashville, TN 37211 • (615) 819-2143
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday
Amy Cornell is a 25-year music industry veteran, but today, her bread and butter is gluten-free desserts! Along with esteemed pastry chefs Eun young Lee and Caitlyn Rau (formerly of 404 Kitchen), Amy brings us The Gluten Free Goose — a 100% gluten-free bakery with vegan and dairy-free options.
Moving from Los Angeles nearly four years ago, Amy craved sweets, but felt she lacked options — so she decided to take on the task herself. A home-baker from a long line of home-bakers, she took her already-perfected recipes and made them gluten-free. “I’m excited to bring this to the community,” says Amy. “I’m excited for people to have amazing desserts in a place where they’re not going to get sick … I had the bakery certified by the Gluten-Free Food Program, which is endorsed by the National Celiac Association.”
Named after her son Goose, the bakery offers everything from homemade pop tarts and cupcakes fashioned after the old school Hostess cakes to elevated (and insanely good) eclairs and cream puffs. Everything is so dang good you won’t miss the gluten. We promise.
If you’re gluten-free for health reasons, The Gluten-Free Goose will be your saving grace. If you’re not, it’ll be your go-to because it’s just plain delicious! Image: Jay Westcott
Noko
701 Porter Rd., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 712-6894
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Monday
Porter Road is bustling with quaint shops, and now it’s home to Noko, too! Occupying the former Pomodoro location, Noko brings Asian-inspired, wood-fired fare to East Nashville. Courtesy of Executive Chef and Partner Dung “Junior” Vo, you can find exquisite bites in a welcoming, Japanese farmhouse-style setting.
You can look forward to classic comfort food with an Asian twist, including Wagyu brisket with a housemade spice rub, smoked gochujang hot wings, and tasty sides like Szechuan green beans and grilled bok choy. You can also indulge in signature desserts such as coconut cake with charred pineapple and a Noko-exclusive cookie from HiFi Cookies.
On the cocktail front, sip on libations that also showcase Noko’s woodfire technique, like the Wagyu-fat-washed Old Fashioned made with Japanese whisky. Did we mention there’s indoor and outdoor seating? The perfect Eastside neighborhood hotspot to enjoy as the weather is warming up!
Noko specializes in Asian-inspired, wood-fired fare. And brunch is coming soon, too! Image: Addison LeBoutillier
Hearts 12South
2701 12th Ave. S. Suite B, Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 649-8065
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As of Wednesday, March 8, the 12South neighborhood is now home to the second location of HEARTS, the Australian-inspired breakfast, brunch, and lunch café from Managing Partner Kate Ross, along with Attaboy originators Michael McIlroy and Sam Ross. “We opened our second location in 12South for a couple of different reasons,” explains Kate. “The first is the success of our East location and an opportunity that arose to expand. We found a great site in 12South and jumped at the opportunity to serve this side of the city!”
And serve they do. You can look forward to an equally delicious menu in both locations (in fact, the daytime menu is the same at both, featuring a menu reflecting Kate’s Aussie heritage), but the newest HEARTS location will also be introducing a dinner service in the very near future. “We aim to kick this off in the next four weeks or so,” Kate tells us. “Hours will be extended until 10 p.m. daily.”
And while the aesthetic of each location is similar, offering a cozy and inviting space with plenty of greenery, the 12South site features a few differences, too. “Our 12South location has a much larger bar seating area with a more prominent cocktail and wine focus, featuring some delicious Aussie wines,” Kate says. “Diners can expect the same great service, good vibes, and warm neighborhood atmosphere.”
HEARTS hits the 12South neighborhood! Image: Owen Luterbach
bartaco East Nashville
1000 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 985-8226
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight
The culinary scene in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood is adding dining options left and right, and one of the newest to snag a spot is bartaco. Joining its 12South counterpart, the latest locale serves up all the same fare — street corn, housemade guac, and ceviche are only a few of the starters to put on your must-try list, and you can expect to find all of your favorite tacos, including roasted cauliflower with romesco and glazed pork belly with spicy arbol chili sauce. As for cocktails, the margaritas are, of course, perfection. If the 12South location is any indication, we imagine there will be plenty of lively people-watching, too!
Streetcar Taps & Garden
4916 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 212-5004
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Opening just a few weeks ago, Streetcar is the newest taproom and eatery from Carter Hach. The chef and cookbook author is bringing us local beers on tap along with snacks to write home about in a repurposed, 125-year-old, formerly abandoned building on Charlotte. “Guests can anticipate an extensive beer and wine menu, craft cocktails, and scratch-made food,” says Henry Beveridge, co-owner and general manager. “We’re family-friendly, dog-friendly (outside), and hope to foster a community spot for years to come.”
Embracing the streetcar theme (the locale was once a stop on the Nashville streetcar line), the restaurant pays homage to its past with custom furniture pieces made of railroad spikes and plenty of the building’s original brick on display. Additionally, the restaurant will soon feature local artistry on the walls — the old exposed brick is the ideal backdrop to showcase a dose of Nashville’s creativity. The menu runs the gamut, with bites like Wagyu sliders, smoked trout cakes, and Vegan Frito Pie with jalapeño-lime-avocado crema.
“We are a scratch kitchen serving comfort foods of the American South with a little influence from our chef’s German heritage,” says Co-Owner and General Manager Henry Beveridge. “We hand roll and bake our bread daily, smoke our meats (chicken, pork, brisket, trout, redfish) daily, and focus on locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.” Image: Streetcar
L by Lauter
5012A Centennial Blvd,, Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 864-7133
Hours: Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday
The Nations just keeps upping its game. The good folks at the Southern Grist taproom have opened L by Lauter — a food concept with a rotating menu emphasizing local ingredients. “We’ve just recently done a remodel and ambiance ‘refresh’ of our Nations taproom,” says Marketing Director Jessica Gonzales. “We’re bringing more natural light, plants, flexible seating, and a spacious patio!”
Realizing the need for more elevated food than they were previously serving, the team opened the newer adaption this year. “With our original food concept, Lauter, our chef team strives to create an ever-rotating menu that changes with the seasons utilizing local ingredients whenever possible,” Jessica tells us. “L by Lauter brings those same values combined with the easygoing spirit of The Nations’ neighborhood. Our rotating menu is updated in real-time on our website. The best seller is our Koji Marinated Fried Chicken Crunch Wrap!”
Hit up The Nations for L by Lauter’s rotating menu. Image: Madison Drury
Breakfast at Waymore’s Guest House & Casual Club
811 Main St., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 650-9075
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to noon
Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club has landed on the roster of East Nashville breakfast spots. The boutique hotel launched a menu from Executive Chef Daniel Gorman this month to satisfy our morning cravings and beyond. Whimsical versions of nostalgic dishes abound, with fun entrées like OG Hotcakes (pancakes with whipped butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar) and Waymore’s Bistro Omelet (a French omelet featuring Gruyère and raclette cheeses).
If you’re a coffee lover, prepare for a serious dose of happiness. Waymore’s offers a full espresso bar with beans from 8th & Roast, along with spiked selections like classic Bloody Marys and mimosas or crafted cocktails like the Just To Satisfy You (coconut rum and coffee liqueur in freshly pulled espresso). Talk about an excellent location for meetings, “work-from-home” opportunities, or listening to music from the lobby piano!
Breakfast, anyone? Image: Waymore’s Guest House and Casual Club
Frankie J’s
1314 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208 • (615) 930-3092
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Monday
Situated in a cute little house in Germantown, Frankie J’s is a neighborhood bar and brunch spot where you can enjoy fabulous cocktails (it’s 21+ only) and Mexican comfort food. Grab your pup and head to the patio (they are “pet friendly to well-behaved dogs on leashes”), where you can people-watch while you snack on everything from savory street tacos and breakfast enchiladas to chicken chilaquiles and even raspberry cheesecake chimichangas. Oh, and stop by for Trivia Night!
Try the tostadas, featuring corn tortillas, fried and topped with a protein of your choice (such as chicken, beef, pork, chorizo, or vegetarian options), pico de gallo, refried beans, cotija cheese, and crema. Image: Facebook
Velvet Taco
301 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 647-6160
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Wednesday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight, Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.
This month, joining the Midtown and Assembly Food Hall locations, Velvet Taco opened its third Nashville spot — in East Nashville. Officially opening its doors on Monday, March 20, the popular fast-casual joint offers a full menu of unique taco options with fresh ingredients, including Spicy Tikka Chicken, Pork and Shrimp Eggroll, and even Chicken & Waffle. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too, such as Nashville Hot Tofu and Beer-Battered Cauliflower. Aside from weekly taco features, you’ll find a list of fun sides like tots and brisket nachos. Boozy beverages like the Grand Kick Ass Margarita are the perfect accompaniment to your meal!
Velvet Taco opens its third Nashville location this month — on the Eastside. Image: Jenna Bratcher
Edley’s East Nashville
1004 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 873-4085
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
It may not be a new restaurant (far from it, actually), but Edley’s has relocated to a new space in East Nashville! Formerly adjacent to Butcher & Bee on Main Street, the renowned barbecue joint is serving up the goods in its new Five Points digs, with seating for nearly 150 patrons and a patio, to boot. Of course, a location change doesn’t indicate a change in that tasty ‘cue we all love. You can look forward to all your favorite dishes, from brisket, smoked chicken wings, and pulled pork sandwiches to scratch-made sides like potato salad, green beans, and banana pudding. The full-service bar offers local craft beers, cocktails, and Bushwackers.
Edley’s East Nashville gets new digs! Image: Nathan Zucker
Enjoy your dining adventures! If you’re feeling inspired, check out even more of our local restaurant favorites.
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Updates from February 2023
Beyond the Hallmark cards and heart-shaped chocolates, February brought us a new lineup of delicious local eateries to try — whether you’re headed out for an elevated dining experience with someone special or a casual evening with friends. From comfort food and cocktails to a new dine-in option at a Germantown favorite, here are eight spots to add to your rotation!
Doughbird
4031 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 988-5008
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With an official February 1 opening, Doughbird marks yet another Music City concept from James Beard Award-nominated Sam Fox — this time at the Hill Center in Green Hills. Joining the restaurateur’s roster of hotspots, including The Twelve Thirty Club and Blanco Cocina + Cantina, Doughbird offers a chicken and pizza-centric menu that features everything from wings with housemade sauces to a hand-tossed pizza topped with mozzarella, arugula, and black truffles.
Cocktails are also on offer, with a great lineup of happy hour drinks. Stop by the huge bar area to catch a game and sip on the $5 Green Hills Sangria or a $5 glass of wine.
Restaurateur Sam Fox delivers even more good eats to Nashville with Doughbird in Green Hills. Image: Heather Kinkel Photography
Dose in Old Hickory
700 Hadley Ave., Old Hickory, TN 37138 • (615) 894-7003
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coffee devotees, rejoice. Old Hickory is the newest neighborhood to receive a Dose Coffee & Tea, and area residents couldn’t be happier. Located in Old Hickory Village, you can expect fantastic caffeine pick-me-ups and a menu filled with all your Dose breakfast and lunch favorites.
We’re partial to the Curried Chickpea Sandwich and the Breakfast Avo Toast, smothered in soft-boiled egg and fresh, seasonal goodness. If you’re refueling, don’t miss out on the rotating roster of pour-over coffees and perfectly brewed espresso drinks.
If you’ve never tried the Breakfast Avo Toast at Dose Coffee & Tea, the new Old Hickory location is calling your name. Image: Facebook
Taco Mamacita in Germantown
1234 6th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 • (615) 730-8552
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
If you’ve been pining for Taco Mamacita since the Edgehill Village restaurant closed in early 2020, get ready to jump for joy. Germantown is now home to the eatery’s newest establishment, where you can get all your favorite tacos, housemade margs, and more.
“Regulars from our original location can expect all of their original favorites, but what we are most excited about is our new Tijuana-style tacos, which are served on fresh corn tortillas topped with salsa roja, guacamole, onions, and cilantro,” shares Mike Monen of the Monen Family Restaurant Group. Housed in the former Little’s Fish Market building, we fully expect the new Taco Mamacita to feature the same vibrant, fun atmosphere we’ve always enjoyed!
Taco Mamacita is finally reopening … only this time, it’s in Germantown! Image: Sarah Melchi
TMRW
206 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 • (629) 800-5153
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Officially opening its doors on February 3, TMRW (formerly The Ainsworth) is Nashville’s newest social house, featuring music, food, beverages, bites, and a chance to dance until you drop. Alysse Brunner, director of sales and events, tells us, “It’s a perfect blend of live music, curated cocktails, and tasteful bites with an art deco twist.”
You can look forward to festive and fun sippers such as the Fake Gucci (Aperol, orange soda, prosecco, and cinnamon) or the Mary J. (vodka or gin, house bloody Mary mix, and accouterments). Of course, there are plenty of tasty plates to be had, too — from beef sliders to charred carrots topped with crème fraiche, bourbon gastrique, and smoked sea salt.
“Welcome to Music City’s new home for creators, dreamers, and those unafraid to live in the moment, drink, dine, and dance like there’s no TMRW,” says Alysse Brunner, director of sales and events. Image: Casey Irwin
Martha My Dear
2503 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 964-7277
Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
If you’re still mourning the loss of Overlord, mourn no more. A bartender-owned joint, Martha My Dear has taken over the former Overlord spot, and it’s all about the cocktails. “We’re primarily a cocktail and wine bar with a small food menu, including roaring sliders, marinated olives, and snack mix,” says co-owner Paul Pearse. (He also highly recommends the Luxardo cheesecake!)
The space boasts a vintage European aesthetic that offers casual sophistication. “The elegance is matched with the quality we put out, and guests will be surprised by how affordable that experience really can be,” says Paul, adding that one of the highlights is the approachable and knowledgeable bartenders who can help you decide what sort of experience you’re looking for — whether that involves beer, shots, or a bottle of fine wine.
Let the incredible bartenders at Martha My Dear help to customize your experience. Image: Instagram
Just Love Coffee Melrose
810 Gale Ln. #104, Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 712-8779
Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Melrose is the most recent home for a Just Love Coffee franchise, giving us even more opportunities to recharge and refuel. As with its sister locations (including Brentwood and Music Row), the menu features savory favorites like breakfast burritos or Chicken n’ Waffles, along with sweet selections like a chocolate chip cookie waffle and Nanna’s Cinn Rolls.
You can also indulge in decadent drinks like the White Chocolate Tiramisu coffee, which features white chocolate, cinnamon, toffee nut, and Irish cream. P.S. Did you know that Just Love Coffee can cater a full coffee bar for your next event?
Decadent waffles with a cup of joe? Absolutely. Image: Facebook
Little Hats Market — Dine-in!
1120 4th Ave. N. Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37208 • (615) 281-3332
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday
We know, we know. Little Hats Market isn’t brand new — it has been a go-to in Germantown since the end of 2021. But did you know they recently introduced a dine-in service?! The gourmet market and deli now offers a chance to sit and enjoy authentic Italian sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more.
The menu changes frequently, but you can always expect quality, fresh ingredients and favorites such as meatballs, the Chopped Calabrian Salad, and gorgeous sandwiches like sausage with peppers and onions or classic chicken parmesan. Did we mention there’s a patio?
Little Hats Market is now open for dine-in service! Image: Drew Maynard
Pass the Beauty
11400 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Former hairstylist Cintoria Franklin has extended her nonprofit organization, Pass the Beauty, to include a café. With a mission to help end domestic violence and homelessness, she renovated a nail salon, turning it into a safe space that provides job opportunities for survivors and helps them on the road to healing. Cintoria knows the importance of her mission first-hand — she is a survivor herself. Serving up coffee, juice, sandwiches, and baked goods, the new shop is a perfect stop for lunch and an opportunity to give back to the community.
Grab a bite and give back at Pass the Beauty‘s café. Image: Facebook
Don’t Forget These Are Coming Soon!
As you create this year’s restaurant bucket list, don’t forget to add these eight buzzed-about restaurants that are headed your way.
Andiamo Presto
This Detroit-based Italian eatery is known for scratch-made pasta like gnocchi and fettuccini topped with hearty sauces that wow. You can also look forward to a bevy of other Italian classics, from chicken Marsala to Sicilian-style cannolis. Headed to Capitol View, the casual spot was originally expected to open this month. Stay tuned!
Frankies Spuntino
If you’re a fan of Southern Italian food, you’re in for a treat. Adding a new Nashville location to its roster, the renowned Brooklyn, NY, restaurant is expanding to East Nashville’s Laurel & Pine development this spring. While the local menu is rumored to vary from the New York iteration, we can’t wait for exquisite menu items like bruschetta selections (think Cremini mushrooms and truffle oil), housemade pasta (such as pappardelle with lamb ragu), and classic desserts like tiramisu. Yum!
Iberian Pig
Hailing from Atlanta’s hopping restaurant scene, Iberian Pig is debuting in The Gulch. The restaurant offers a taste of Spain with its traditional tapas, quesos, and charcuteria. The Music City locale will also boast a rooftop patio, where you can enjoy dinner with a view. The restaurant is targeting a late spring arrival.
Joe Muer Seafood
As with Andiamo Presto, this Joe Vicari Restaurant Group-owned restaurant from Detroit will be moving into its new Capitol View digs very soon. An upscale, seafood-centric spot, you can also look forward to aged meats and chicken dishes. Who’s up for oysters Rockefeller and Maine lobster?
Kisser
This Japanese comfort food spot from husband-and-wife duo Brian Lea and Leina Horii is expected to make an appearance in the next few weeks — likely by early February. Growing much of the herbs and produce they serve on their own farm, Kisser will be an intimate culinary venue for these two incredible chefs to serve the phenomenal, elegant cuisine they are known for.
Momotaro
Courtesy of the high-brow, James Beard Award-winning team behind Chicago’s famed Momotaro, Nashville is making plans for its own outpost. While we may not know yet what to expect, Chicago’s iteration is renowned for its sushi, robatayaki, sake, and more. We’re keeping our ears open for opening date announcements!
Pastis
This Parisian bistro-inspired hotspot from NYC is headed to Wedgewood-Houston’s May Hosiery Mills complex later this year. Word has it the space will merge the Pastis aesthetic along with the factory-inspired style that makes May Hosiery Mills such an iconic Nashville building. Given the restaurant’s history and future location next to Soho House, we have no doubt this will be a notable hotspot in 2023!
St. Vito Focacceria
St. Vito is finally transitioning from a pop-up to a permanent fixture! The Sicilian street food concept that specializes in Sfincione pizza is moving to The Gulch, offering us easy access to its delicious pizzas and regional dishes. Get ready for shareable dishes like Wine Syrup-Cured Beets, hand-rolled pasta specials, and a Pecorino and Pistachio Salad that’s making its way over from the St. Vito pop-ups.
Enjoy your dining adventures! If you’re feeling inspired, check out even more of our local restaurant favorites.
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Updates from January 2023
If January is any indication, 2023 shaping up to be another year of culinary greatness for the Nashville restaurant scene. With the announcement of highly-anticipated openings like Music City installments of New York’s renowned Frankies 457 and Chicago’s famed Momotaro, we’re on the edge of our seats. To kick off this incredibly promising year, check out this selection of new eateries and pop-up concepts, along with a list of coming-soon spots to whet your whistle.
The Authentique
925 Gallatin Ave. Suite 103, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 948-8654
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to midnight; closed Sunday and Monday
It’s not déjà vu; you have seen The Authentique on our “New Restaurants” list before — this cozy, moody East Nashville wine bar is reopening after several months of closure, under new ownership. Originally opened in 2021 by French restaurateur Melvil Arnt (of Once Upon a Time in France), the torch has been passed to two other French immigrants looking to expand the French cultural legacy here in Nashville.
Still a wine bar, you can look forward to an extensive list (mostly French in origin) as well as champagne. You can also anticipate a larger menu than the previous iteration, with everything from cheese selections and charcuterie to foie gras on brioche and classic desserts like macarons. Bon appétit!
Back open after a temporary closure and ownership change, you can head back to Authentique’s 19o0s Paris-inspired wine bar once again! Image: The Authentique
Bag Lady’s
1500 2nd Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37210 • (615) 275-9966
Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday
French fry lovers will be over the moon, thanks to Nashville’s newest fry-centric eatery, Bag Lady’s. Get ready to enjoy fries as an entrée! You can go for OG options like hand-cut fries topped with melted nacho cheese … or you can go big and feast on everything from Philly cheesesteak fries to loaded vegan fries with Meatless Crumbles, spinach, black beans, peppers, onions, vegan cheese, and vegan spicy ranch.
You can customize your fry order even further by adding avocado, extra protein, extra cheese, and more. And don’t forget to grab a sauce or two — the menu features barbecue, honey mustard, and even a signature spicy ranch. Created by two brothers who were born and raised here in Nashville, this is a local joint that’s not to be missed!
Check out this stellar selection of loaded French fries at Bag Lady’s! Image: Facebook
Bill’s Sandwich Palace
4204 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216 • (615) 915-3102
Hours: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Monday through Friday
Sandwich fans, get ready to up your game! Turkey and American cheese on white bread may get the job done, but it can’t hold a candle to the incredible creations at Bill’s Sandwich Palace. This pop-up has been located inside East Nashville’s TKO since 2020, but it’s finally making its way to a more permanent locale — the former Sweet 16 Bakery spot. While the eatery isn’t quite ready for its new digs, this is too good not to share. After all, they offer “Snacks, Sandwiches, and Shenanigans.” How can you go wrong?
Start frequenting Bill’s now, and follow along as they complete their move. Bill’s currently accepts online orders HERE or walk-in orders for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. “We serve specialty sandwiches inspired by some of our favorites we’ve experienced from all different regions, from Ohio to Germany and Philly to Naples,” says Christen Clemins, who co-owns Bill’s with her husband, Aaron. “Aaron makes fresh mozzarella and special sauces, roasts the meats, and cooks vegetables with intention. Basically, delicious food that we want to eat!”
Have you tried the Cauli Shore? Bill’s Sandwich Palace offers this beauty with fried cauliflower, gochujang buffalo sauce, cucumber, goddess ranch, scallion and celery slaw, red onion, and garlic butter on a toasted Bolillo roll. Image: Christen Clemins
Edit
300 Indian Lake Blvd. Suite 140, Hendersonville, TN 37075 • (615) 431-5461
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, 9 a.m. to midnight
Bringing a giant dose of French Polynesian-inspired fare to Hendersonville, PourTaste recently opened Edit — an elevated new concept for “The City by the Lake.” Sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans, the café and cocktail bar also offers craft cocktails as well as wine and beer imported from France.
During the day, you can snag delicious coffees, grab-and-go sandwiches, and poke bowls. In the evening, watch as the coffee shop transforms into a boutique wine and cocktail bar with an array of exotic options. To help launch the concept, the PourTaste owners collaborated with Chef Brandon Frohne to create a menu worth putting on your radar. “Most people know us for the cocktails — the Brown Butter and Banana Old Fashioned is the top-seller at the moment,” shares owner Jon Yeager. “Our charcuterie packs and duck chow mein baguette are wildly popular, and to get the day started, our Cruffin à la Mode (croissant and muffin dough mixed together with a rotating seasonal flavor) is causing lines out the door.”
Enjoy a taste of French Polynesia at Edit. Image: Laurie Dicus
Elegy Coffee: Germantown
1390 Adams St. Suite 13, Nashville, TN 37208 • (615) 649-8869
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Elegy Coffee has made its way to Germantown! From build-your-own breakfast sandwiches and vegan pastries to every espresso-infused cup under the sun, we’re excited for another location to refuel and relax. Officially open since January 10, the Germantown café joins its Downtown and East Nashville counterparts to offer us yet another great place for a curated, caffeinated experience.
“We chose Germantown because it’s a nearby neighborhood that we’ve frequented for years,” explains co-founder Andrew Cook. “A couple of us on the team have lived there before and always had an affinity for it. Most importantly, we felt like it was an area of town that could really benefit from a great coffee shop. We love the direction the surrounding area is headed and are really excited to be a part of the neighborhood.”
As with the shop’s other locations, you can find a menu of espresso drinks, drip coffee, cold brews, and more. “We’re also serving homemade biscuits and breakfast sandwiches on those biscuits,” says Andrew. Plus, with a style heavily influenced by Japanese architecture and a minimalist approach, the shop offers a warm, welcoming place to sip, snack, and relax.
This coffee from Elegy Coffee is tasty and easy on the eyes! Image: Lindsay Rushton
Pullman Standard
Cummins Station, 209 10th Ave S #260, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 544-4847
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; closed Monday
Bar Director Amy Van Buren and James Beard Award-Winning Chef RJ Cooper have joined forces on Pullman Standard, Cummins Station’s newest boozy concept. A cocktail bar with small-bite plates, you can look forward to sophistication and innovation galore.
Try shareable dishes such as the dry-aged beef tartare with fried brioche and oyster aioli, American Waygu with puffed bread, aerated cheddar and onion jam, or the Rohan duck stick with black cherry lacquer and pistachio. For dessert, the wasabi pea-mint soft serve in a black sesame cone is a treat you won’t find anywhere else. Of course, you shouldn’t skip the gorgeous craft cocktail menu featuring highlights like the Hotel Florence, inspired by an 1880s-era hotel in (appropriately) Chicago’s Pullman Historic District.
Amy Van Buren (pictured here at a different bar) will be mixing it up at Cummins Station’s new Pullman Standard. Image: Pullman Standard
TN Cobbler Co.
2814 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday
If you didn’t get your fill of sweets over the holidays, you’re in luck. TN Cobbler Co. is making dreams come true with their new brick-and-mortar spot in 12South! Naturally, you can find any number of cobblers to choose from, including classic peach, blackberry, caramel apple, and even Nashville hot honey apple.
If you still need incentive after that list (though we don’t imagine you do), the company’s peach cobbler milkshake and blueberry lemon cobbler made a special appearance on “Food Truck Nation” during season two, so you know they must be delicious. Talk about stealing the show! Head over to channel some sweet Southern nostalgia and fill your belly.
Thanks to TN Cobbler Co.’s new brick-and-mortar, we can grab a little slice of heaven whenever we want. Image: Jen Davis
Enjoy your dining adventures! If you’re feeling inspired, check out even more of our local restaurant favorites.
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Updates from December 2022
At the tail end of a busy month filled with holiday decorating, travel, gift exchanges, and shopping ’til you drop, it can be a relief to sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of dinner and drinks. Thankfully, Nashville has several new culinary options on offer. Grab your coat and a group of friends, and make plans to check out these six new local spots!
Common Ground
4001 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37209 • (401) 523-6351
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Monday
The newest neighborhood restaurant and bar in Sylvan Heights, Common Ground, has taken over the former Chaatable space. Co-owner Wes Taylor describes it best: “Our concept is designed by locals, for locals. We feature a fast-casual café, lunch offerings, an elevated unique dinner menu, a world-class beverage program, private dining options, and a lively brunch on weekends.”
You’ll find an approachable menu with everything from avocado toast to the Wagyu Smashburger to a local mushroom ragout. Not to mention, you won’t be at a loss for cocktails with kitschy names you won’t soon forget, like the “Don’t BNA Hole” (featuring bourbon, amontillado sherry, fresh lemon, cinnamon, watermelon, orgeat, and mint). Situated along a flourishing stretch of Charlotte Avenue, this is sure to become a fast favorite.
“Our menu highlights include a Wagyu Smashburger, Hamachi Crudo, composed toasts, salads, and housemade focaccia with whipped Boursin cheese,” says Wes of the Common Ground menu. “Our chef’s carrot cake has also been a very popular item.” We can see why! Image: Sean McGee
Bar East
970 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 730-5472
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
The newest concept from Thai Esane owner Nina Singto, Bar East has officially opened its doors in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood. The cozy, community-style cocktail bar and restaurant highlights Asian-fusion dishes such as Spam Fried Rice and a Miso Butter Board, along with signature staples like drunken noodles and Pad Thai. Additionally, the menu boasts some unexpected, non-Asian options like Macho Tot-chos, a tater tot nacho dish with ground beef, queso, goat cheese, crispy chickpeas, jalapeños, tomato, and lettuce.
Beverage Director Ashland Ghaffari also delivers the goods with a drink menu that features Japanese whiskey and unique cocktails like the Bittersweet Love Affair, a mezcal and tequila cocktail poured over an edible black rose. And stay tuned for the rooftop, slated to open in spring 2023!
Bar East brings unique beverages and Asian-inspired (with a hint of Hispanic) cuisine to East Nashville. Image: Hunter Hart Photo
Harriet’s Rooftop
710 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 510-0400
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
As if 1 Hotel Nashville weren’t already exciting enough, with its beautiful greenery-infused interior and elevated 1 Kitchen dining experience, it has also recently debuted its lounge with a view — Harriet’s Rooftop. Sit by one of the outdoor fire pits and indulge in a selection of cocktails like the Purple Haze (lychee, hibiscus martini with prosecco) or the From the Grounds Up (featuring Absolut Elyx, Coffee Liqueur, Grand Marnier, and Licor 43 topped with orange biscotti foam and salted espresso syrup).
Cocktails can be accompanied by equally well-curated (and easily shareable) bites, like Hot Chicken Bao (we highly recommend these!) and signature sushi rolls. Additionally, you can look forward to live music performances and weekly DJ sets to add even more ambiance to your evening.
There’s no doubt the interior of Harriet’s Rooftop is stunning … and wait until you see the skyline views! Image: Sam Frawley
The Bodega Nashville
415 4th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 830-5263
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For a quick grab-and-go spot that’s close to the downtown action, The Bodega Nashville has you covered. From a caffeinated morning pick-me-up with breakfast tacos to Detroit-style pizza, hot sandwiches, and more, Bodega is making sure you’re well-fed even when you’re in a rush. Guests can expect a “Music City meets New York” atmosphere, with an emphasis on convenience.
Feast your eyes on this pretty little sandwich wrap from The Bodega Nashville. Image: Micah Pringle
LuckyWest Nutrition Studio
5104 Centennial Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 891-7215
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday
Recently quietly opening its doors in The Nations, LuckyWest Nutrition Studio is a great spot to hit up if you’re making healthier resolutions for the coming year … or even if you’re not! With a menu chock full of meal replacement shakes and energy teas, from Funfetti and salted caramel flavors to a vitamin-infused cucumber-watermelon tea, you can satisfy your sweet cravings without feeling like you’re over-indulging.
This vibrant lineup at LuckyWest Nutrition Studio packs some serious protein and vitamin power! Image: Instagram
Gully Boyz
900 Main St., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 953-7021
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Get ready for some South-Asian cuisine, East Nashville! The old Fat Bottom Brewing Co. location is now home to Gully Boyz, where you can fill up on a combination of authentic Indian and Pakistani fare, thanks to owners Qasim “Q” and Arjun “AJ,” who are bringing their family recipes to life in a vibrant, fast-casual setting.
“When you enter Gully Boyz, you can expect to receive a #GullyLife experience!” says Qasim. “From the aroma of fresh-cooked meats to the visual aesthetics, we have tried to take our guests on a sensory adventure,” adds Arjun.
Though the pair initially searched for a spot in the Hillsboro Village area, fate had other plans for them. “We didn’t really choose the location … more like the location chose us,” says Qasim. “Of course, not having a South-Asian restaurant and a concept like Gully Boyz in East Nashville helped,” adds Arjun. “Having awesome landlords, like we do, was the icing on the cake! We are excited to share our South-Asian cuisine with our East Nashville neighbors.”
Check out this feast from Gully Boyz! Image: Hannah Woodcock
Enjoy your dining adventures! If you’re feeling inspired, check out even more of our local restaurant favorites.
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