Giovanni Ristorante
A true hidden gem in Midtown, Giovanni's is one of my favorite places to escape the crowd for a fantastic cocktail and delicious pasta dish.
A true hidden gem in Midtown, Giovanni Ristorante is one of my favorite places to escape the crowd for a fantastic cocktail and delicious pasta dish. The place has been here for over fifteen years, so they must be doing something right! If you look online, you’ll find mixed reviews. My experiences there have always been fabulous; it’s one of my favorite spots. I like forgoing formal reservations and finding a spot at the bar instead. Check it out, and let me know what you think! Pro tip: have a drink at The Patterson House down the street before or after dinner to make this the perfect date night or girls’ night out.
Gnocchi di patate ai quattro formaggi: Home-made potato gnocchi in a 4 cheese sauce – $35
Website
Hours & Location
Open Daily: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
909 20th Ave S Nashville, TN 37212
Make a Reservation
The Stillery
Ah, The Stillery. One of my standbys. You can always be sure you’ll have good food, good service, and a good time at either location.
Ah, The Stillery. One of my standbys. You can always be sure you’ll have good food, good service, and a good time at either location. Speaking of location, there are two: one downtown and one in midtown. Let’s go over the differences and similarities of each.
Downtown Location:
Right beside the Honky Tonks and tourist attractions
Make reservations
Live music upstairs on Friday & Saturday (request this in your reservation notes if you’d like to hear live music)
No brunch
Midtown Location:
In its own fun neighborhood near other bars and restaurants but a mile from the Honky Tonks
First come, first served
Brunch on Saturday and Sunday
Live music on Saturday, sometimes on Friday
As for the food, you can’t go wrong with anything. I love the soft pretzels, cheese bread, the Strawberry Gorgonzola salad, and my husband loves the pizzas.
website
downtown location & hours
113 2nd Ave N Nashville, TN 37201
Sun: 11 am - 10 pm
Mon: 11 am - 10 pm
Tue: 11 am - 10 pm
Wed: 11 am - 10 pm
Thu: 11 am - 10 pm
Fri: 11 am - 11 pm
Sat: 11 am - 11 pm
midtown location & hours
1921 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
Sun: 10 am - 10 pm
Mon: 11 am - 10 pm
Tue: 11 am - 10 pm
Wed: 11 am - 10 pm
Thu: 11 am - 10 pm
Fri: 11 am - 11 pm
Sat: 10 am - 11 pm
Sat / Sun Brunch: 10-3, midtown location only
The Lodge at the Pool Club (Rooftop Bar)
What doesn’t this place have? A pool, cabanas, a gorgeous view, brunch, food, fun cocktails… it has EVERY.THING.
The The Lodge at the Pool Club is a new spot on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotels on Music Row in Midtown. Go in, take a left and keeeeeeep walking, (like, it’s kind of a long walk haha), until you’ve turned the corner and find the elevator with a sign that says “this way to the Pool Club”. Do not take the elevators you first see when you walk in. Those will not take you to the rooftop. OK, now for the deets on this place. What doesn’t it have? A pool, cabanas, a gorgeous view, brunch, food, fun cocktails… it has EVERY.THING. During the holidays, the inside is so warm and cozy and beautifully decorated! You can also rent a heated cabana, ($500) for you and 8 of your friends.
Now for the menu: choose from parmesan truffle fries, a burger, truffle mac & cheese, among many other delicious things. OMG! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Right now their winter cocktails are so fun: Get a “Snow Bunny” which is Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Hot Cocoa, Nutella, Peppermint, & Toasted Marshmellows, or go with something lighter like the “Breckinridge Babe”: Aviation Gin, Raspberry, Rosemary, Lemon, & Bubbles. Reservations are not required, but I highly recommend, especially at peak times like weekends.
The “Breckenridge Babe” Cocktail
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
“Midtown Greens” Salad: spring mix, goat cheese, caramelized walnuts, strawberries, w/ balsamic vinaigrette
The Patterson House
Dare I say it? I’m gonna say it. This is my FAVORITE bar in Nashville.
Dare I say it? I’m gonna say it. This is my FAVORITE bar in Nashville. A speakeasy with no wait during the weeknights but up to an hour+ wait on the weekends. If you can only visit during the weekend, it’s worth waiting, trust me. And plus, now (or at least the last time I went), they have glasses of champagne for purchase in the waiting area. Be prepared to wait a little longer than usual as your main cocktail is prepared…the bartenders are “artists”.
What makes this place so special is the dim lighting, the mysterious curtain that separates the waiting area from the main bar, the delicious hand-made cocktails, and the food, although somewhat limited, is spectacular. You can’t go wrong with anything you order but my favorite drink is Soft Clothes and my favorite food item has to be the TOTS! Above, their doughnuts are pictured: sugary, sweet, and warm… they were a great way to end the night.
Hours
Monday - Sunday 4pm - 10pm (as of now due to COVID)
Their website now states, “Given the current state of the world, we have begun accepting limited reservations. Walk-in seating is still available. Please feel free to contact us about special events, large parties, and other special occasions.”
Address
1711 Division St. Nashville, TN 37203