Folk
This cozy Italian spot is great for a date night or an intimate night out with friends.
Folk’s menu is divided into four categories: snacks, vegetables/fruit, seafood/meat, and pizza. We love trying our luck at the bar which is first come, first served. Otherwise, it’d be wise to make reservations. This spot is great for a date night or an intimate night out with friends. Call us basic, but we like the Tomato Mozzarella pizza with a side of the herb yogurt ranch.
Local’s Tip: Really impress your date or your friends and hit up Attaboy before or after for a fancy cocktail in one of Nashville’s coolest bars, located just a mile and half from Folk.
website
location
823 Meridian Street Nashville, Tennessee
hours
Thurs-Mon: 5-10pm
Closed Tuesday + Wednesday
Smith & Lentz Brewing
My grandma says beer and pizza is the best combination, and I don't disagree with her. Smith & Lentz Brewing in East Nashville is such a great spot to go with friends to satisfy this craving.
My grandma says beer and pizza is the best combination, and I don't disagree with her. Smith & Lentz Brewing in East Nashville is such a great spot to go with friends to satisfy this craving. I am really impressed with the taste of both their beer and ‘za… it’s really, really good! Please don’t tell too many people about this place… I selfishly want to keep it on the down low! Seating here is first come, first served; don’t be surprised if it’s crowded on the weekend.
hours
M-Fri: 3p-10p
Sat-Sun: 11am - 10p
address
903 Main St.
Nashville, TN 37206
Chopper
Ever had a TIki drink that was on fire? If you haven’t, you might want to check this place out!
Chopper: an unassuming Tiki Bar located between some other shops in East Nashville. But once you walk in, you're transported to another place and time. Their decor changes with each season, so you never know what you’re going to get. The last time I went it was Star Wars themed: your drinks served in Yoda tiki mugs, and Star Wars memorabilia everywhere along with all the Hawaiian themed stuff. We had a great time trying all the tropical flavored drink, most of which come in Tikis, so make sure to get a photo! One of the cocktails even comes on fire (the Robo Zombie)… which is, of course, the one I ordered ;).
A Local’s Tip: Do an East Nashville Tropical Drink Tour… Go to Hawker’s first (drink and an App), then go to Chopper (drink and app), then end at Pearl Diver (drink and app!). Make sure you walk or Uber, obviously!
website
hours
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY | 4PM - 11PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY | 4PM - 12AM
SUNDAY 12PM - 11PM
address
1100B Stratton Avenue | Nashville TN | 37206
Redheaded Stranger
Breakfast burritos, tacos, queso, totchos, and a Green Chile Burger? This is the restaurant of my dreams.
Redheaded Stranger in East Nashville is known for their breakfast tacos, Totchos, and their Green Chile Cheeseburger. Weird combo? Maybe. But it’s all awesome. Some even say this place has the best burger in all of Nashville. I’ve only tried their breakfast burrito, and it was fabulous, so I’m definitely going back to try the burger. They also have Queso, iced coffee, mimosas, margaritas, beer and more. Their inside is uniquely decorated; think old-school diner with light pink and blue everywhere. They also have ample outdoor seating if you’d rather do that! Wherever you choose to sit, it will be picture-worthy; this is the perfect vintage photoshoot spot.
A Local’s Tip: Be sure to try their signature hot sauces! Very spicy and very good.
RHS BURRITO ($8) STUFFED WITH SCRAMBLED EGGS, CHORIZO, PORK HATCH GREEN CHILE SAUCE, TATER TOTS AND CHEDDAR/JACK CHEESE (VEGETARIAN VERSION AVAILABLE!)
Bongo Java East
100% Organic coffee, free boardgames to play, and a large, dog-friendly courtyard makes Bongo East a wonderful breakfast or lunch stop.
If you’re renting an Air Bnb in East Nashville and need some quality coffee and a quick breakfast or lunch, Bongo Java East has you covered. They also have a gazillion board games you can play or buy while you’re there and a huge outdoor, dog-friendly courtyard with picnic tables.
Rosemary & Beauty Queen
It’s a cocktail bar. It’s a house. It’s a cocktail bar in a house!
It’s a cocktail bar. It’s a house. It’s a cocktail bar in a house! Cool! Get a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri (pictured below), a signature cocktail like the “Street Trash” (vodka cherry limeade), or go with a classic like an Old Fashioned. They also have beer, hard cider and kombucha, ranch water, and shot specials! To eat, you can order nachos, tacos, crunchwraps, chips & queso, or a “bowl”.
A Local’s Tip: If the weather’s nice, ask to sit outside on their “swings”. If all the swings are taken, the patio is still a cool place to be! Dancing on the weekend is from 8pm-1am!
website
hours
Sat & Sun: 12pm-2am
Mon-Thurs: 4pm-2am
Friday: 3pm-2am
Plant-Based Brunch Hours
Saturdays and Sundays Starting at 12pm (Music from 2-5pm)
address
1102 Forrest Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Lockeland Table
Possibly the best dinner spot in Nashville.
Possibly the best dinner spot in Nashville. You’ll need to make reservations well in advance. And they don’t take them online… they’re old school: you have to call! The reason I’m a fan of Lockeland is because they have fancy, upscale options as well as fun food like pizza, so there’s a menu item for everybody. And it is all superb!
A Local’s Tip: Head to Urban Cowboy Public House across the street for cocktails before or after dinner!
The Margherita Pizza
The Sustainable Catch: Flounder w/ Vegetables and Cheesy Grits
website
hours
Mon – Sat, 4 pm – 10 pm
Closed Sundays
Community Hour (happy hour):
Mon-Sat, 4pm-6pm
address
1520 Woodland St
Nashville, TN 37206
Urban Cowboy Public House
Located behind a bed and breakfast, Urban Cowboy Public House offers delicious cocktails in a unique setting.
Located behind a bed and breakfast, Urban Cowboy Public House offers delicious cocktails in a unique setting. I felt like I was in a fancy desert; I know that doesn’t make sense… you’ll just have to check it out for yourself! They have a large outdoor patio and a cozy interior, so this is a great date night spot OR a fun place to come with a group of friends. Their food options change up, so be sure to check out their website to see what they’re offering currently.
A Local’s Tip: Lockeland Table, a popular dinner spot, is right across the street, so hit up Urban Cowboy before or after dinner at Lockeland! No reservations needed for Urban Cowboy, but they are required for Lockeland Table.
Enjoying a cocktail on Urban Cowboy’s patio!
Hawkers
Need an Asian street food fix? Hawkers is THE place.
Need an Asian street food fix? Hawkers is THE place. They have noodles, they have fried rice, they have egg rolls, wings, fried wontons… if you want it, they have it! I love their creative cocktails, some of which come in a tiki glass! Everything I tried on the menu was fantastic. They have cozy indoor seating or an open, airy patio to choose from. They do not take reservations. On the weekend, they’re open late until midnight!
A Local’s Tip: Do an East Nashville Tiki Drink Tour: Start at Hawkers (make sure to ask for a tiki drink because not all of them come in one), then head to Chopper, and then end at Pearl Diver. Get a Tiki drink and an appetizer at each stop!
Chicken egg rolls, rice, and the “Pretty fly for a Mai Tai” Cocktail
We went on a rainy day, but still got to sit “outside” since they have side paneling during inclement weather
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Ice Cream is the most popular spot for ice cream in Nashville.
Jeni’s Ice Cream is the most popular spot for ice cream in Nashville. They have several locations spread throughout the city; you’ll find them in downtown (5th & Broadway), Hillsboro, 12 South, the Farmers’ Market, and the one pictured below is in East Nashville. Don’t be surprised if there’s a long line out the door, but if you catch them at the right time, there may be no wait at all! Their flavors are unique, and all so, so delicious; choose from Brambleberry Crisp (that’s what I got!), Buttercream Birthday Cake, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flakes, or Boston Cream Pie, just to name a few. They also have dairy-free flavors for those who are lactose intolerant!
A Local’s Tip: If you’re in East Nashville, go to Rosepepper Cantina for dinner beforehand. If you’re in 12 South, get dinner at Urban Grub (reservations) beforehand. If you’re downtown, go to Blanco Cocina & Cantina to get dinner beforehand.
website
hours
Sunday-Thursday: 11am-11pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am-midnight
Hours may vary by location
locations
5th & Broadway, Hillsboro, 12 South, the Farmers’ Market, and East Nashville
Rosepepper Cantina
Let me sum up Rosepepper Cantina in East Nashville: the best margarita in the city, patio dining, indoor dining, TVs to watch the game, and a fun, lively atmosphere.
Let me sum up Rosepepper Cantina in East Nashville: the best margarita in the city, patio dining, indoor dining, TVs to watch the game, and a fun, lively atmosphere. This place is popular for good reason, so expect it to be crowded on peak days and hours. My favorite things on the menu are the Skinny Margarita and the “Fiesta Bowl”: Chicken and rice smothered in queso. Be sure to check out their famous sign out front which always has some witty thought displayed.
A Local’s Tip: Get dessert at Jeni’s Ice Cream across the street afterwards!
The Skinny Margarita at Rosepepper Cantina
website
hours
MONDAY - THURSDAY
Lunch: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Dinner: 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
FRIDAY - SUNDAY
11:00 am - 10:30 pm
address
1907 Eastland Ave
Nashville, TN 37206
Pearl Diver
Pearl Diver in East Nashville is a fun Hawaiian-themed cocktail bar with food options, a patio, and a photo booth!
Pearl Diver in East Nashville is a fun Hawaiian-themed cocktail bar. They also offer a lot of food options like mini tacos, wings, and burgers like the Hawaiian Big Mac. The inside is cozy and dimly lit: great for a date night. The back patio is spacious and great for bigger groups; part of the patio is covered which is convenient for bad weather, and the other half is uncovered. They have a full menu of delicious tropical drinks. I got the “Pearl Diver” which was a rum drink, and with the first sip, I was transported to the beach (in my mind, anyway). They can also whip up any classic cocktail you desire. Pearl Diver’s location is only ten minutes from downtown Nashville, so if you need a break from the Broadway craziness and want to hang out with the locals, this is a wonderful option! Oh, and I forgot to mention that they have a photo booth! How cute!
Five Points Pizza
Many people argue that this is the best pizza in Nashville.
There is a debate between Nashvillians about who has the best pizza. Many say it’s Five Points. You’ll just have to try it to decide for yourself! They have two locations: one in East Nashville and one in West Nashville. You can order an entire pie or get it by the slice! As of right now, their dining rooms are closed, and they are doing take-out only. Visit their website for latest updates.
website
hours
Every day: 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M.
location
West:
4100 CHARLOTTE AVENUE
NASHVILLE, TN 37209
East:
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in East Nashville is an intimate, cozy, 21+ speakeasy and makes a fantastic date night.
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in East Nashville is an intimate, cozy, 21+ speakeasy and makes a fantastic date night. The food and cocktails are divine and the service is awesome. The romantic dim lighting really sets the mood. They have specialty shots, appetizers like Miso Deviled Eggs and Charcuterie Boards, fresh baked cookies, and non-alcoholic and vegan options. They do offer reservations but only for their open time of 5pm, all other times are first come, first served. Even though “Club” is in the name, no membership is needed; they are open to the public.
I’m drinking the “September 2020” (refreshing and fabulous). The husband got a “19th century Manhattan”.
Miso Deviled Eggs and Whiskey Flight
Charcuterie and Cheese Board