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
Superica
In the mood for some amazing Tex-Mex in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods? Superica is the place! Great for a date night or a girls’ night out.
In the mood for some amazing Tex-Mex in one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods? Superica is the place! The vibe here is somewhat upscale and fun but not “wild”. They have an adorable inside as well as the cutest outdoor patio (with a ping pong table!) You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu; every single food item and cocktail is made to perfection.
Local’s tip: They don’t take reservations and there’s usually a wait, BUT you can join the waitlist online on their website (awesome!) and go get a drink nearby while you wait (L.A. Jackson rooftop or The Pub would be my choice)! Or, go straight to the bar where seating is first come, first served.
Local’s tip #2: I always recommend taking an Uber/Lyft, especially if you’re drinking. The Gulch and neighborhoods close to downtown are busy during the weekends. However, if you do drive, park in the parking garage located right beside Superica. This parking garage is lesser known and never as crowded. You pay by downloading an App. It’s really easy!
Local’s tip #3: Order the “Bridal Party Shot”. It’s not on the menu and your server will have to find the bartender who knows how to make it. It’s a delicious, semi-sweet “shooter” shot that will take your night out to the next level!
Cheese enchiladas with rice and beans and an “O.G. Margarita”.
website
hours
MON – THU: 4:30 – 10 PM
FRI – SUN: 5 – 10 PM
Brunch
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS : 10 am 3 pm
address
605 Overton St.
Nashville TN 37203
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
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
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
Emmy Squared
Emmy Squared is my favorite pizza place in Nashville. There, I said it.
Emmy Squared is my favorite pizza place in Nashville. There, I said it. I’m usually a thin-slice girl, but their thick, soft-but-crunchy, Detroit-style pizza has me questioning my loyalty to the New York style. They have three locations: Green Hills, The Gulch, and Germantown. The one in The Gulch is small, so I recommend making reservations for that one on peak days, although reservations aren’t required. My favorite things on the menu are the “Classic” pizza and the “Emmy” pizza, the Cheesy Garlic Sticks, and the “Zia” Waffle Fries that come topped with hatch chili pimento cheese, scallions, Bentonʼs bacon, and ranch. Some people love the “Le Big Matt” Burger, but I much prefer the pizza. You’ll just have to try everything, so you can decide for yourself what you like best.
The “Classic”
The “Zia Waffle Fries”
hours & locations
Green Hills
3821 Green Hills Village Drive, Nashville, TN 37215
Sunday - Thursday: 12 - 9PM
Friday + Saturday: 12 - 10PM
Indoor dining, heated outdoor patio dining, to-go + delivery:
Free parking is available on the theater level parking garage
The Gulch
404 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
Sunday - Thursday: 12 - 9PM
Friday + Saturday: 12 - 10PM
Indoor dining, heated outdoor patio dining, to-go + delivery:
Germantown (coming May 2021)
North Italia
Grab weekend brunch, lunch, or dinner at North Italia in the Green Hills Mall. Everything is so delicious!
North Italia in Green Hills is attached to the mall and offers weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner. We stopped here for lunch unexpectedly, and I’m glad we did! Everything was so delicious. The Bloody Mary came with an entire charcuterie board (haha) and our food was cooked to perfection. I got the Arugula & Avocado Salad with Salmon and my sister got the Meatball Sandwich. She let me try a bite of the meatball sandwich, and it was spectacular. Reservations recommended, but they also take walk-ins!
website
hours
BRUNCH
Sat - Sun
10am - 4pm
LUNCH
Mon - Fri
11am - 4pm
DINNER
Sun - Thu
4pm - 10pmFri - Sat
4pm - 11pm
HAPPY HOUR
Mon-Fri
3pm - 6pm
address
Sonny's Patio Pub & Refuge
Sit on the patio and order some mimosa flights and “Good Mood Food” like pretzel bites with cheese and mustard at Sonny’s in Germantown.
Sit on the patio and order some mimosa flights and “Good Mood Food” like pretzel bites with cheese and mustard at Sonny’s in Germantown. They also have beer flights, margarita flights, and brunch on the weekends! Reservations are available on their website.
website
hours
Tues-Sun: 11am-11pm
HAPPY HOUR
Mon-Thurs: 6-8pm
Friday: 3-8pm
BRUNCH
Sat & Sun: 11am-2pm
location
1322 6th AVE N
NASHVILLE, TN 37208
O-Ku Sushi
O-ku in Germantown is the perfect place for sake, edamame, miso soup, and specialty sushi rolls.
O-Ku Sushi in Germantown is a hot spot for sushi, so be sure to get your reservations as soon as possible! Start off with some edamame, miso soup, or the Kung Pao Cauliflower, a chef specialty. Next, order some sushi rolls to share. To drink, they have sake of course, as well as cocktails with a Japanese flare. If you’re celebrating, get the Jello Shots! I love that they also provide mocktails for those who don’t drink alcohol! The atmosphere is fun while at the same time romantic and dimly lit. This is a great date-night spot or an enjoyable place to meet with friends.
website
hours
Sunday through Thursday
5pm – 9pm
Friday & Saturday
5pm – 10:00pm
Happy Hour:
Sushi Mondays: 5pm – 7pm
Nomu Wednesdays: 5pm - 7pm
location
The Optimist
The Optimist in Germantown is a must-try. From the cocktails, to the service, to the seafood, to the Beignet Hushpuppies served with cane syrup butter… everything here is perfection.
The Optimist in Germantown is a must-try. They have a spacious inside, an adorable patio, an upstairs bar, as well as a separate outside bar, “Jacqueline” which serves shaved ice, cocktails, appetizers, and has lawn games. Everything here is perfection from the food to the service. We had dinner reservations somewhere else but had time to stop by for a drink and an app at their bar, and I’m so glad we did. We ordered the Corn Milk Hushpuppies which come “beignet style” (powdered sugar!) with cane syrup butter. Let me say that again: cane syrup BUTTER. WHAT. To drink, I got “Into the Sunset”: gin, passion fruit, campari, vermouth, and lemon. They also served us warm, rolls covered in butter. Can’t wait to go back to try their lobster rolls, oysters, shrimp, scallops, salmon… I want to try everything, basically. This place is great for a date night or a fun thing to do with a group so you can try everything on the menu.
website
hours
Sunday - Thursday 5:00 - 9:00
Friday & Saturday 5:00 - 10:00
(Their outdoor bar, Jacqueline, is open Thursday-Sunday 4-9pm, as of right now. Call the restaurant (Tel: 615-709-3156) for latest updates on hours for Jacqueline.)
location
1400 Adams Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37208
Urban Grub
Urban Grub in 12 South is a classic, tried-and-true favorite of ours. Great for a romantic dinner or a fun brunch with the girls.
Urban Grub in 12 South is a classic, tried-and-true favorite of ours. Great for a romantic dinner or a fun brunch with the girls. No matter when you decide to go, be sure to make reservations. For dinner, definitely start with a charcuterie board and a cocktail. The Filet Mignon, Stone Oven Mac & Cheese, and the Shrimp & Grits are some of my favorite dinner items. For brunch, go with the sweet and savory Chicken & Waffles or one of the many Benedict options. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11-3.
Chicken & Waffles… our favorite item on the brunch menu.
Romantic dinners always end with dessert. This is the Mocha Ice Cream with a side of seasonal syrup.
website
hours
Tuesday–Friday
4pm–10pm
Saturday & Sunday
11am–10pm
(Brunch til 3pm)
address
2506 12th Ave S. Nashville, TN 37204
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:
bartaco
It seems like there are always people gathered around outside waiting for a table at Bar Taco; while I like visiting more small, local businesses, I can’t deny that this place is fun!
bartaco, with locations in a dozen states, is one of the most popular restaurants in the 12 South neighborhood of Nashville. It seems like there are always people gathered around outside waiting for a table. They do not take reservations, but you can call ahead or use their app to put your name on the waiting list. May I suggest grabbing a beer to-go at The Filling Station while you wait? I like their Baja fish tacos, brown rice, and margaritas (or their Paloma cocktail is really good, too). I also like that they have gluten free options, like the ahi tuna bibb lettuce tacos, pictured below. On nice weather days, they have a great outdoor patio, and even on cold weather days, it’s still available with heaters.
The “tuna tatako”: ahi tuna and asian slaw on bibb lettuce with a side of brown rice paired with a margarita.
website
Hours
Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm
address
2526 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint in Edgehill… the best damn burger I’ve ever tasted.
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint in Edgehill… the best damn burger I’ve ever tasted. The fries and fried Oreos are equally amazing. The prices are cheap, the beer is great, and the laid-back, dimly-lit ambiance is on point. I got the classic cheeseburger and fries, and my husband went with The Frankie Brady: A flip-flop potato roll, 2 slices of Cheese, house-made Mac n’Cheese & BBQ potato chips. Mac n Cheese and chips on a burger. GENIUS.
Love the cozy Christmas lights and dim lighting.
Cheeseburger (served plain) comes with fries, dipping sauce, and a pickle.
The “Frankie Brady” Burger: A flip-flop potato roll, 2 slices of Cheese, house-made Mac n’Cheese & BBQ potato chips.
Don’t forget to order a fried oreo!
Visit Website
Hours
TEMPORARY HOURS (check website for latest updates):
Open Daily for Phone and Online Orders
11 am – 11 pm
REGULAR HOURS:
Open Daily 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Location
Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak on the 34th floor of the JW Marriott Hotel makes the best date night ever. Sweeping views of the city, delectable food, and hand-crafted cocktails.
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Bourbon Steak on the 34th floor of the JW Marriott Hotel makes the best date night ever. Sweeping views of the city, delectable food, and hand-crafted cocktails. Reservations are a must, and if you request a window table in your reservations notes, they might make that happen! I highly recommend the filet mignon and the potato purée. It is unimaginably good. Not to mention the bathroom (or the women’s bathroom at least) which also has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. This is a place where you won’t feel overdressed… put on those heels and that dress you never get to wear!
website
hours
5PM – 9:30PM, DAILY
dress code
Whether you’re arriving straight from the office or the recording studio, business attire and smart casual dress fit the BOURBON STEAK vibe to a T.
Reservations strongly recommended. Complimentary Valet Parking for up to 4 hours.
location
201 8th Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Black Rabbit
Located in the historic Printer’s Alley downtown, Black Rabbit has a cozy yet spacious speakeasy atmosphere.
Located in the historic Printer’s Alley downtown, Black Rabbit has a cozy yet spacious speakeasy atmosphere. They have some great small plates and cocktails, an awesome Happy Hour, and they also have outdoor seating! Reservations are available from 4-8:30pm on Resy.
website
hours
KITCHEN HOURS
TUESDAY - THURSDAY
4 P.M. TIL 9 P.M.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
4 P.M. TIL 9:30 P.M.
BAR HOURS
TUESDAY - THURSDAY
4:00 P.M. TO 9:30 P.M.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
4:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.
HAPPY HOURS
4 P.M. TIL 6 P.M.
TUESDAY - SATURDAY
$5 COCKTAILS
$5 DRAFT BEER
2 FOR 1 CAN BEER
location
218 3RD AVENUE NORTH, NASHVILLE, TN 37201
St. Añejo
Fun, busy, atmosphere with amazing margaritas and queso dip!
St. Añejo is always poppin’. It seems like there is always a super long wait, but since they grab your number and text you when your table is ready, you can simply hop to another bar to grab a drink while you wait. (Keep in mind they only give you 5 minutes to claim your table so don’t wander too far). Last time I went they were serving margaritas while you waited, and that was amazing! Keep in mind they only take reservations for groups of 6-8. Another option while waiting for your table is walking around and taking pictures by the murals while you wait. I’ll be honest… everyone LOVES the food so maybe I’m weird, but honestly… the food is just OK to me (well, their queso dip is really good!). I LOVE their margaritas (I always get the “Golden Coast” which is the skinny margarita i.e, they don’t put as much crap in it). And their atmosphere is really fun. On weekends it can get loud and rowdy, just to warn ya! If you’re not a grandma like me, you may even like that. They also serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday!
Visit Website
Hours
Monday-Thursday — 4 pm-11 pm
Friday— 11 am-11 pm
Saturday— 10 am-11 pm
Sunday — 10 am-4 pm
BRUNCH
Saturday— 10 am-3 pm
Sunday— 10 am-4 pm
HORA DEL SOL
Monday-Thursday — 4 pm-6 pm
Friday — 2 pm-6 pm
Half-price pitchers + buckets of beer
(5-for-3)
TEQUILA TUESDAY
Tuesdays — 4 pm-11 pm
Half off tequila flights
Enjoy 2 oz pour of all tequila at a 1 oz value
Address
1120 McGavock Street Nashville, TN 37203
The Chef and I
The Chef and I offers “innovative cuisine in a fun environment.” I love it because they serve brunch EVERY DAY from 10:30-2; it’s a great place to grab Bottomless Mimosas or a Brunch Mimosa Bucket.
The Chef and I offers “innovative cuisine in a fun environment.” This fancy place is small and intimate, and you get to watch the chef make your food! For weekend brunch, they offer Bottomless Mimosas or a Brunch Mimosa Bucket (picture below) which comes with a bottle of champagne and a variety of juices to make your own mimosas! You’ll have a hard time deciding what to pick to eat due to all the delectable items on the menu such as Duck and Waffles, the Classic Breakfast, and the Spiced Shrimp & Grits. If you need an amazing date night spot, head here for dinner. You can get a 5 or 7 course chef’s tasting (highly recommend!) or order an entree alone such as Jumbo Sea Scallops, Crispy Duck Breast, or Wild Caught Fresh Fish. Reservations are recommended.
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Hours
Brunch
Friday - Sunday 10:30am to 3pm
Dinner
Sunday - Saturday 4pm to 10pm
Happy Hour
Every day from 4pm to 6pm
Address
Merchants (First Floor)
Merchants (First Floor Bistro) in downtown Nashville is right on the Honky Tonk Strip on Broadway. I like this place because while the honky tonks are fun and all, sometimes I need a break for some quality food and a nice cocktail.
Merchants (First Floor Bistro) in downtown Nashville is right on the Honky Tonk Strip on Broadway. I like this place because while the honky tonks are fun and all, sometimes I need a break for some quality food and a nice cocktail. Merchants is the place for that. Make a reservation and go for dinner one night, you won’t regret it! If you’re visiting Nashville in the summertime, this is also a great place to cool off (they have air conditioning while most of the Honky Tonks do not). Their food is amazing: think tater tots, burgers, salmon, steak, deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, soup, salad, sandwiches… they have everything! Make sure to try one of their signature cocktails while you’re there! Depending on what day you’re there, you may need to make reservations. Merchants also has a separate upstairs dining area that’s open for dinner and has offerings like steak, salmon, and burgers.
Visit Website
Hours
Bistro Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11am -11:00pm
Saturday / Sunday: 10:30am - 11:00pm
2nd Floor Hours:
Dinner: 5pm - 10pm daily
Address
401 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
The Mockingbird
The Mockingbird in the Gulch is a great place for brunch with the girls or date night! Their famous “Punchin’ Bag” is a hibiscus lemon punch with your choice of booze served in a bag!
The Mockingbird in the Gulch is a great place for brunch with the girls or date night! I recommend making reservations because they get really busy during peak days and hours. Their famous “Punchin’ Bag” is a hibiscus lemon punch with your choice of booze served in a bag! While not very environmentally friendly… it does make you feel like you’re a kid drinking out of a capri-sun and is delicious. During brunch they serve “Bubbles in a Bag” which is the daily punch spiked with champagne.
From the casual totchos (which you know that’s what I ordered) to a fancy NY Strip, their menu has a huge range and lots of unique options. Get the double cheeseburger or go for the seared mahi mahi. Brunch options are extensive and include pastries, classic breakfast options, breakfast tacos, and fried chicken and biscuits. I can’t decide which is cuter… the patio or the indoor decor. You won’t be disappointed with either!
We chose to sit on the patio this time!
VISIT WEBSITE
Hours: (check website above for updates)
Hey Friends! We have opened our dining room with all current COVID19 safety guidelines being followed. Hours will be changing in the future as we get further restrictions lifted through health officials and their recommended procedures in the combat of COVID19.
DINING ROOM & PATIO NOW OPEN
WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 4pm-9pm
SATURDAY BRUNCH 10:30am-2:30pm
Address:
121A 12TH AVENUE NORTH
NASHVILLE, TN 37203