A Foodie's Guide to Nashville
GOOD FOOD, BETTER CITY
I lived in Nashville for a little under six years. It is my home away from home. I watched the city change from 2013 up to 2019. And now I keep coming back as a visitor and trying some new spots and of course my old favorites. One of my most asked questions are for Nashville food recommendations. You ask and you shall receive! Below is a list I’ve complied of all my favorite restaurants, sweet shops, coffee and more below.
Coffee:
Frothy Monkey: located on 12th south (+ other locations) this coffee shop is delicious and always busy. Ever snowed in while in Nashville? Not a problem for Frothy - they will be open!
Barista Parlor: a trendy spot full of great coffee, friendly staff && delicious food! Thier bourbon vanilla iced latte and whiskey caramel iced latte’s are too die for. I’m sure they are good hot too; i’m just an iced coffee gal.
Steadfast Coffee: a hidden gem in Germantown with modern feels and one of my favorite iced lattes in town.
Coffee & Coconuts: a little drive from Nashville, Coffee & Coconuts makes you feel like you are at the beach and living in a landlocked state doesn’t everyone want that? Iced coffee + Beach - yes please!
Cafe MaKai: AKA The Jam Coffeehouse. They recently did a rebranding but don’t worry your favorite latte is still on the menu.
Breakfast:
The Butter Milk Ranch: One of my “newish” favorite spots for coffee, breakfast or brunch! Their isn’t one thing on their menu that I don’t love and their coffee is fabulous!
Pancake Pantry: Everyone has their own opinion on this place, but for me it’s delicious and a must. Yes the line is long BUT it does move fast. If you have flexibility in your schedule, try to either get there right when they open or just before they close. Also week day non holiday mornings are not too busy. Also want the same famous & delicious meal but from the comfort of your home? Order to go! Super easy, quick and no lines!
The Loveless Café: A little bit outside of Nashville (30 minute drive) but so worth it. The biscuits are THE BEST BISCUITS EVER and you will eat dozens of them and probably won’t even have room for the rest of your delicious breakfast.
Fido: I may be sweet potato obsessed but their sweet potato french toast is incredible but you also can’t go wrong with their McFido bagel sandwich!.
Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar: They have cereal, ice cream and coffee, but let’s be honest we all go here for the experience! It’s fun and delicious but in my opinion, just a one-time experience!
Brunch:
Biscuit Love: Brunch is served all day long (7:00am - 3:00pm) at all three of their locations: The Gulch, Hillsboro Village & Downtown Franklin. Their fruit tea + bonuts are their perfect starter to a chicken biscuit or my personal favorite “the lily”: a blueberry lemon biscuit french toast. (pictured below) Not to mention the ambiance of their restaurants are homey and totally Nashville.
Liberty Common: This spot opened while I was living in Germany and when I moved home this place was first on my to do list. It’s location is prime- right on the river and a quick walk downtown. The pastel blue booths and tiled floors are too die for. Not to mention their food was fabulous.
The Hampton Social: Make all your brunch dreams come true with the new trendy spot in downtown Nashville. Be sure to make a reservation on OpenTable to make your life easy and the wait short. It also has the cutest inside with plenty of photo opportunities with your favorite brunch people. Oh and instead of ordering a pither of brunch cocktails to share, here they bring your favorite cocktails out to share in one giant seashell.
Proper Bagel: I mean who doesn’t need a fancy, mouth watering delicious bagel in their life? These bagels live up to the hype and will fill you up. Their menu is large
Lunch:
Edley’s BBQ: voted best BBQ in Nashville…need I say anything else?! Don’t let the line discourage you; it moves fast and the food is well worth the wait
The GOAT: one of the newest and trendiest spots in Germantown with a community inspired menu. They’ve got a little bit of everything, their drink selections are plentiful, and if want to watch a college football game or NFL game this place is the spot to be! Such a fun and happening atmosphere!
Taco Mamacita: one of the best taco spots in nashville; my three favorites- Korean BBQ, Caribbean jerk and the memphis
Taqueria del Sol: located on 12th south (and Charlotte Ave.)
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: a Nashville Crowd favorite! The line is always long but if you love hot chicken it’s the place to be! There are three Nashville locations.
Dinner:
The Twelve Thirty Club: this place is the perfect ambiance for a night out. They have a Supper Club Dinning Area / Expereince, rooftop terrace and restaurant on the first floor called Honky Tonk. You can’t go wrong when you make a dinner reservation here!
Sixty Vines: The perfect place to WINE and DINE! Atmosphere is amazing, the staff is helpful and I may be bias but the perfect spot to celebrate your birthday at!
Burger Up: who doesn’t love a good burger? Their burger menu includes a bison burger, lamb burger and a quinoa + black bean burger. Personally my go to item are their delicious sweet potato fries with the bison burger. Their homemade sauces are the perfect touch to their meals.
Bar Taco: looking for Mexican food + a party atmosphere? Look no further. This place is always popping and especially on a beautiful Nashville day / night. Their restaurant opens up to the street (12th south) which is one of the most happening places in Nashville. Their food + margs are to die for.
Virago: the best sushi ever combined with an incredible atmosphere that sets the mood for one fabulous date night! This restaurant is located in the Gulch and you can make a reservation online!
The Pharmacy: another burger spot + beer garden that you can’t pass up. It might be a little drive outside of Nashville but worth the drive + wait.
Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria: the cutest spot + the best pizza in nashville! There are two nashville locations!
Dessert:
NoBaked: cookie dough, cookie dough milkshakes, ice-cream on top of cookie dough + all the toppings in the world…. don’t mind if i DOUGH! Their cookie dough has vegan and dairy free options and they are always adding new flavors. Not to mention, their shops are ADORABLE and perfect instagram worthy locations! Pink + cookie dough = my love language.
Gracie’s Milkshake Bar: located inside the new trendy L&L Market, this sweet shop should be your next spot. Don’t go on a Monday because they are CLOSED.
Five Daughters Bakery: you DONUT want to miss out on this spot while in Nash. These seven layered donuts are some of the best in Nashville.
Drunken Donuts: they make and deliver these delicious cake donuts with liquor glaze. Check out their menu online and then it’s easy to order online as well!
Baked on 8th: the cutest bakery with all the delicious grab and go sweets. And if you need a cake or other type of celebration dessert this is your place to go!
Legendairy Milkshake Bar: these milkshakes really are LEGENDARY. Create your own milkshake or choose from one of their menu items like “Death by Chocolate” or “Rolling in the Cookie Dough.” Their milkshakes are one of a kind with life size toppings. Located downtown, it’s a perfect stop before or after broadway!
The Trifecta:
These three are some of my favorite spots in Nashville && all three of these restaurants offer Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menus.
Fifth and Broadway + Assembly Food Hall: located in the heart of Nashville on Broadway this area has every shop and restaurant you could possibly imagine.
Pinewood Social: work, play, socialize, parties - from an indoor bowling alley, to work space tables, to delicious food, to an outdoor patio - pinewood social does it all!!!
The Mockingbird: home of the punchin’ bag aka adult fruit punch, the mockingbird’s delicious sharable entrees are ones you can’t pass up
