Geist
Geist in Germantown is a great spot to get brunch with the girls or a romantic dinner option.
Geist in Germantown is a great spot to get brunch with the girls or a romantic dinner option. Request to sit on the covered patio “the champagne garden” next to the fireplace or in the chic, brick interior space. This place is perfect for getting a pretty Instagram photo and chowing down on some quality food and drinks. Reservations recommended. Oh, and be sure to check out the bathroom! I love the ~ vibe ~ in there.
A Local’s Tip: If you want to keep the brunch party going, walk to Von Elrod’s beer garden afterwards and get a B.A.M. (Big Ass Mimosa) and a soft pretzel (if you sit in the uncovered beer garden you must order from the bar… there’s no table service out there).
Brunch at Geist is always a good idea!
Biscuits & Gravy
“Coffee & Donuts”: house beignets, coffee pot de creme, & cocoa whip
website
hours
Mon: Closed
Tues-Thurs: 5-10pm
Fri: 5-11pm
Sat: 10am-11pm
Sun: 10am-10pm
address
311 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208
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
Margot Café & Bar
This French-inspired café makes you feel like you’re a world away from Nashville.
Margot is a French-inspired café with a Southern flare. The cute, European atmosphere is what does it for me. You feel like you’re in a different country and time zone in here. To drink, they have coffee, lattes, tea, etc and cocktails, beer, or cider. We went for breakfast, but they also serve lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekend.
To eat, I got the Croissant French Toast, and my husband got the Breakfast Sandwich (egg, bacon, and cheese on a croissant). Mine was delicious, but he wasn’t crazy about his. He is a super picky eater (the bacon was too soft and, “why is there aioli on this?”), and since this place is French-inspired, be aware that picky, American food-lovers might not be thrilled. There’s always a Chocolate Croissant option for these people, though! That’s what we should have gone with.
Reservations are recommended, but they do take walk-ins for their patio seating. We made reservations and once we got there, they let us decide if we wanted inside or outside. I would have loved to sit outside on their adorable patio, but it was really hot the day we went, so we opted for inside (which was actually just as cute!).
website
hours
Breakfast: Wednesday through Friday 8:00am to 11:00am
Lunch: Wednesday through Friday 11:00am to 2:00pm
Dinner: Wednesday through Sunday 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 2:00pm
address
1017 Woodland Street, 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
SandBar
Drink cocktails out of a coconut in your beach attire and play a game of volleyball at this sandy bar in West Nashville.
Drink cocktails out of coconuts and pineapples at SandBar in Sylvan Park. You can play volleyball or just watch the action! Beach attire is encouraged; I wore black my first time there and definitely felt out of place, haha.
website
hours
Mon-Fri: 12pm-9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am-9pm
Happy Hour:
Monday-Thursday, 4-7pm. Every boozy beverage comes with a Jell-O shot.
address
3 CITY AVE SUITE 500
NASHVILLE, TN 37209
To plan an event or to reserve a volleyball court, email EVENTS@SANDBARNASHVILLE.COM
Jacqueline
The Optimist’s new outdoor bar, “Jacqueline” has ample seating, delicious cocktails, and seafood apps for you to enjoy while you soak up the sun.
The Optimist’s new outdoor bar, “Jacqueline” has ample seating, delicious cocktails, and seafood apps (like the Lobster Roll pictured below) for you to enjoy while you soak up the sun. This is one of my favorite places! Jacqueline is attached to The Optimist seafood restaurant in East Germantown. No need to enter through Optimist’s front door, just walk around to the side and you’ll see the outdoor bar area. No reservations needed.
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!
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
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
Red Bicycle Coffee
You can’t go wrong with anything at this cute coffee shop: choose from breakfast sandwiches and tacos, lunch sandwiches and burgers, crepes of all flavors, and of course all the espresso drinks you can imagine.
At Red Bicycle you can dine inside in their spacious, airy, and modern yet cozy space or on the front or back patio. Or, you can skip the line and order to-go! Their menu is extensive and includes breakfast sandwiches and tacos, lunch sandwiches and burgers, crepes of all flavors, and of course all the espresso drinks you can imagine. If you go for lunch or dinner, you can also order wine or beer!
Breakfast Burrito: Eggs, hash browns, and your choice of meat and cheese. Side of salsa. Front porch at The Nations locations.
“The Avo”: avocado, fried egg, and Brie on your choice of bagel or biscuit.
website
hours & locations
The Nations
712 51st Avenue N
Nashville, TN 37209
Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Woodbine
2190 Nolensville Pike
Nashville TN 37211
Every Day: 7am-7pm
Otto's Bar
Creative and classic cocktails, beer and wine, and snacks like nachos and chips & guac is what Otto’s is made of. Enjoy the outdoor patio and happy hour from 4-6 on weekdays.
One of the things I love about Nashville is that you are always discovering places that have been right under your nose the whole time! Otto’s is an adorable cocktail bar just down from M.L. Rose in the Nations that opened in October, 2020. I’ve driven by here countless times since then, but never noticed this hidden gem so close by. Otto’s is camouflaged between businesses and at a quick-glance, looks like an auto shop. That’s because, well, it used to be one. They have parking in the front and rear, a cozy-cool decorated indoor space, and a semi-covered outdoor patio with plenty of heaters to keep you warm during colder weather. Not to mention dainty string lights to set the mood.
Creative cocktails, classic drinks, tacos and more.
Partially covered outdoor patio with heaters.
The menu is full of creative cocktails as well as classics, and options for beer and wine lovers, too. They have several food options: think things like tacos, chips and queso, and nachos. Happy hour is from 4-6, with drink specials galore. I will definitely have to check out brunch from 11-3 on Sundays.
The “Painkiller”: Ron Hacienda Santa Ana Cask Strength Rum, Pineapple Juice, Crème de Coconut, Nutmeg, and Cherry.
$5 Chips & Queso
website
hours
Wednesday-Saturday: 4pm-10pm
Sunday Brunch: 11am-3pm
Happy Hour: 4pm-6pm
address
4210 Charlotte Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37209
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
Nashville Jam Company
Known for their biscuits and jam and their “Bronut”: a fried biscuit stuffed with cheesecake and topped with a blueberry filling.
Nashville Jam Company is known for their biscuits and jam and their “Bronut”: a fried biscuit stuffed with cheesecake and topped with a blueberry filling. The place has a country feel to it; it’s simple, quaint, and has an outdoor area that feels like a porch.
Breakfast tacos: 3 tacos with bacon or sausage, egg, cheddar, and pico de gallo.
website
hours
Mon - Fri, 8am - 2pm
Saturday, 8am - 2pm
Sunday, 8am - 3pm
location
2806 Columbine Place Nashville, TN 37204
Big Machine Distillery & Tavern
This place is so CUTE! I love their brunch (Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm) and their adorable outdoor patio.
This place is so CUTE! I love their brunch (Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm) and their adorable outdoor patio. They are located in Berry Hill, which has a handful of quaint bars and restaurants, all within walking distance.
website
hours
MON: 11AM-8PM TRIVIA
TUE: 11AM-9PM SINGO!
WED: 11AM-8PM WRITER’S ROUND
THURS: 11AM-10PM TRIVIA
FRI: 11AM-10PM LIVE MUSIC
SAT BRUNCH: 10AM-4PM - DINNER: 5PM-10PM LIVE MUSIC
SUN BRUNCH: 10AM-4PM
location
2824 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204