Living and working in Nashville exposed me to so many fun and exciting places. Not just places to tour, but places to eat and drink – some which only the locals really knew about. In this post I wanted to list my top 10 favorite spots to eat and drink in and around downtown Nashville that I hope you will enjoy just as much as we did!
1.) Edley’s BBQ
This is definitely my favorite BBQ place that I’ve been to in the United States hands down. Nashville is home to a few Edley’s – each with their own atmosphere, but with the same delicious food. Read more about Edley’s on my previous post here.
2.) The Valentine
Many tourists love Honkey Tonk Boulevard and so did I. It was always so fun to walk down the strip and bar hop. This isn’t a hidden place by any means that only locals go to, but it is a great place nonetheless. The Valentine is known for their drinks, not so much their food. It’s a fun bar with many different levels. You have the 1st floor level which is usually the busiest. Then you have the 2nd floor and then you have the top floor – the rooftop. The rooftop has a bar as well and you can get some beautiful views of the city.
3.) Clyde’s on Church
Clyde’s on Church is a great place to hang out with groups of friends. They have couches to hang out on, ping pong courts, and even mini shuffleboard tables. You can sit inside OR spend time outside on their large enclosed patio rain or shine. Read more about Clyde’s on Church in my previous post here.
4.) M.L. Rose
M.L. Rose is just outside of downtown going towards Belle Meade. It’s a fun joint to drink some beers and sit outside on their patio with their fire pit. I went here many times and the one time I remember the most is drinking by the fire on Christmas Eve! They also let you bring your dogs out on the patio. Not sure if Nova loved this or hated it when we brought her.
5.) The Southern
After a long night on Honky Tonk Boulevard, The Southern’s brunch is all you need. The Southern is located just off of the Boulevard on 3rd Ave within walking distance to all the local tourist stops. It’s more of an upscale and trendy spot with its wood-fired meats and Southern fried staples.
6.) Adele’s
Speaking of brunch. Adele’s is one of Nashville’s hidden secret farm-to-fork restaurants with plenty of cocktails and wide open spaces. Every weekend they have a brunch buffet. I’m talking eggs any style you’d like, bacon, sausage, fruit, and more. Their brunch is hands down one of the best brunches I’ve ever had. Mimosa’s anyone?
7.) Oscar’s Taco Shop
Some days out of the week I would be working on Church St in downtown and loved walking to Oscar’s Taco Shop for their daily Mexican food lunch specials. I can’t stop dreaming about their tostadas. For being a walk-in Mexican joint in downtown, their prices are unbeatable. You get a lot of food for your buck.
8.) Two Bits
If you love classic arcade games, this is the place for you. Two Bits is a hip place to drink or eat and spend time playing video games. Many of the tables inside are actual arcade games where you can play while you eat your food. The games are well cared for and did I mention their free? You can spend hours in this place and not even notice.
9.) The Pfunky Griddle
Haven’t you ever wished you could make your own breakfast at a restaurant? Well, now you can. At The Pfunky Griddle, guests can cook their own pancakes and dabble in their wide array of toppings. They also offer a wide variety of handmade and custom teas and coffees. It’s only open during the day, and there are two in the Nashville area (Bransford & Murfreesboro).
10.) Loveless Cafe
I know this place isn’t in downtown, but it is definitely worth mentioning. If you don’t mind a short quiet drive outside of the city, Loveless Cafe is a must. Everything is home made and their biscuits are to die for. Probably the one thing that this place is known for is in fact their biscuits. Plus, they have a couple of adorable on-site shops.
What is your favorite place to eat/drink in Nashville? Where would you recommend?
Love & Gratitude,
Crystal & Shane
I have always wanted to go to Nashville! Now I really want to go! Awesome post!