Nashville may have built its reputation as a music mecca, but more and more people are making the pilgrimage here to check out the food scene. High profile James Beard award-winning chefs are coming from other cities to open up restaurants; artisans are setting up shop to make craft spirits and chocolates; and Grammy award-winning musicians are investing in hipster coffee shops. But fear not, it’s not all glitz and glamour. You can still enjoy the classics like the meat n’three Southern diners, the hot chicken joints and the honky tonk bars. 

Here is a guide for the first time you visit Music City with recommendations for both quintessential Nashville places and more current spots, all recommendations from chefs and bartenders.

MORNING

Breakfast & Brunch

OLD SCHOOL

Loveless Cafe

Hot biscuits, country ham, fried chicken, pit-cooked pork barbecue and lots of other Southern greatest hits.

"This is a classic place that I recommend for either breakfast and brunch.
FED Pro > Chef Margot McCormack of Margot Cafe & Bar

"They have great breakfast all day and really, it's like when you come to Nashville you have to check out Loveless Café."
FED Pro > Chef Kevin McCauley of Hattie B's Hot Chicken

400 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221
T: 615.646.9700 | www.lovelesscafe.com  

Monell's Dining

For old fashioned traditional Southern cooking served in a restored Victorian brick house from the early 1900s.

"Decidedly Southern with its big breakfast buffet. The fried chicken is ridiculously good, as is the corn pudding and all the pies." 
FED Pro > Chef Margot McCormack of Margot Cafe & Bar

1235 6th Avenue North, Nashville, TN
T: 615.248.4747  | monellstn.com  

NEW SCHOOL

Biscuit Love

"This Nashville darling went from an airstream food truck to being one of the most popular brunch spots in town (note: there will be a long line, accept it, become one with it). We have the notable distinction of being the last wedding Karl and Sarah catered before the restaurant swallowed them whole. Our favorite things are the Nasty Princess - which is what happens with you combine the Easty Nasty and the Princess to create hot chicken biscuit sandwich - and the Lindstrom, a shaved brussels sprout salad (we use the term salad here loosely) with poached eggs, hazelnuts, lemon, and paremesan. Don't forget to order the bonuts."
FED Pros > Chef Luke Williams of The 404 Kitchen and Brewmaster Bailey Spaulding of Jackalope Brewing Co.

Hillsboro Village: 2001 Belcourt Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212
The Gulch: 316 11th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 | T: 615.490.9584
biscuitlove.com

Proper Bagel

"While a Southerner waving the bagel flag might seem weird, they are making everything from scratch and it is all delicious!
FED Pros > Chefs Karl and Sarah Worley of Biscuit Love

2011 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212
T: 615.928.7276 | properbagel.com

Husk Nashville

The second location of the popular Charleston restaurant with a menu featuring ingredients sourced from the South.

"Absolutely fantastic for brunch. Sometimes you'll see that second location of restaurants seem to lack the soul of the original, but not here."
Chef Jacob Sessoms of Table, The Imperial Life

37 Rutledge Street, Nashville, TN 37210
T: 615.256.6565 | www.husknashville.com

BREAKFAST SANDWICH

Sweet 16th Bakery

Get your sugar rush from their fresh baked treats or opt for a savory breakfast quiche, sandwich or gritatta (an original creation of baked grits with aged provolone cheese and topped with an egg custard, portobello mushrooms, green onions, and sundried tomatoes).

"The best breakfast sandwich in town. It is an egg and cheddar cheese souffle served on a cheddar cheese scone."
FED Pro > Chef / Butcher Chris Carter of Porter Road Butcher

"We have coined this breakfast sandwich 'The Crack Sandwich' because it is so delicious you always want more."
FED Pro > Chef / Butcher James Peisker of Porter Road Butcher

311 North 16th Street, Nashville, TN 37206
T: 615.226.8367 | www.sweet16th.com  

COFFEE

"It's a little geekier, like a real intense coffee geek spot." - Chef Philip Krajeck

Barista Parlor

"It's super cool, well-designed in a old transmission shop. They serve Stumptown, Intelligentsia and Sightglass and have their own unique thing going on." FED Pro > Chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf & Daughters

"It’s a great open space and they’re sourcing amazing coffee and applying them to almost rigorous technique with the best equipment that they can put it through. They’re pulling flavors out of coffee that we didn’t know existed too long ago."
FED Pro > Chef Tandy Wilson of City House

East Nashville: 519 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206 | T: 615.712.9766
Golden Sound: 610 Magazine Street, Nashville, TN 37203 | T: 615.227.4782
Germantown: 1230 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208 | T; 615.401.9144
Hillsboro Village: 1817 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN | T: 615.750.2355
Marathon Village: 1200 Clinton Street, #25, Nashville, TN 37203 | T: 615.227.4782
 www.baristaparlor.com

Crema

"They roast their own beans. Super informative and super passionate. I like a hot black and bitter coffee like the Costa Rican one, San Lorenzo de Tarrazu. Notes of key lime, black cherry and maple."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Bolus of The 404 Kitchen

"When I saw the barista weighing coffee grounds with a gram scale and then weighing out the actual espresso shot, I was impressed. The baristas here really love their jobs and it’s just a really cool shop. They do great seasonal coffee drinks as well. They have one in the summer called the Café Tom Kau that’s a double espresso with Kaffir lime leaf syrup and coconut milk shaken like a cocktail."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Habiger of Pinewood Social

15 Hermitage Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204
T: 615.255.8311 | www.crema-coffee.com

FARMERS MARKET

Nashville Farmers Market

"It is open seven days a week, which is very rare, and is one of the best in the country. There are so many purveyors and also a beautiful nursery attached to it with lots of potted herbs and plants."
FED Pro >  Chef Sean Brock of Audrey

900 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208
T: 615.880.2001 | www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org

SHOPS

Small-Batch Artisan Chocolates | Olive and Sinclair

Artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate makers. Chef-turned-chocolate maker Scott Witherow worked at famous restaurants like the Fat Duck and Nobu in London and Alinea in Chicago. Drop by their shop located in an old grocery store built in 1900.

"What is cool is that any dish with their chocolate in it is so outrageous, because this chocolate is so incredible."

FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Audrey

1628 Fatherland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
T: 615.262.3007 | www.oliveandsinclair.com   

LUNCH

Quintessential Nashville

Hattie B's Hot Chicken

They take hot very seriously here. They fry to order and you can choose from Mild, Medium, Hot and Damn Hot.

"A Nashville must-eat. I love their hot chicken - the consistency, the flavor, the amount of spice that they put on is all spot on. I order Southern all the way to Shut The Cluck Up, which is the hottest. I’d say I get either medium or the hot. Order a local Jackalope beer."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Bolus of The 404 Kitchen

Midtown: 112 19th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 | T: 615.67.4794
West: 5209 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209 | T: 615.576.3900
Melrose: 2222 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 237204 | T: 615.970.3010
Lower Broadway: 5069 Broadway Place, Nashville, TN 37203 | 615.576.8700
www.hattieb.com   

Arnold's Country Kitchen

One of the best known meat and three restaurants. You get one main dish and three sides.

"It’s a Nashville institution. You walk through a cafeteria-style line and choose three side dishes from 8-15 options and one protein from four or five options. You have to try the brisket, jalapeno cheese grits and bread pudding."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Habiger of Bastion

"The green beans and the pies are incredible. The meatloaf is my absolute favorite."
FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Audrey

"Where else do you find a place where they still make yeast rolls? Not many. They’re making their own pie crust. Everything is seasoned to perfection."
FED Pro >  Chef Tandy Wilson of City House

"It is lunch-only and just amazing Southern food, done really well. I love the tomato pie, fried livers, and the pork chop."
FED Pro > Chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf & Daughters

605 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
T: 615.256.4455 | www.arnoldscountrykitchen.com

Mas Tacos Por Favor

"This gets a line within an hour of opening, so get there early or expect to wait!"
FED Pros > Chefs Karl and Sarah Worley of Biscuit Love

732 Mcferrin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206
T: 615.543.6271

AFTERNOON SWEETS

Five Daughters

"If you are looking for an afternoon pick me up, a donut from Five Daughters will hit the spot. It is located in the 12 South neighborhood and features delectable 100 layer donuts, donut ice cream sandwiches, and even features several gluten-free options."
FED Pros > Chefs Karl and Sarah Worley of Biscuit Love

12 South: 1110 Caruthers Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204 | T: 615.490.6554
East: 1900 Eastland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206 | T: 615.891.1293
The Factory: 230 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN 37064 | T: 615.933.9332
www.fivedaughtersbakery.com

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

"I think Jeni does a phenomenal job with her flavors, which are so much fun."
FED Pro > Ice Cream Maker Kim Malek of Salt & Straw

Nashville Locations

BOOZE TASTING & TOURS

Yazoo Brewery

Started in 2003 by founder and brewmaster Linus Hall, who started his beer brewing escapades in college in the '90s. Their tours cost $7.00, but you get a souvenir logo glass and plenty of samples of their beer.

"They’re our local beer in town and we sometimes collaborate with them."
FED Pro > Chef / Chocolate Maker Scott Witherow of Olive & Sinclair

900 RiverBuff Drive, MadisonTN 37115 | T: 615.891.4649 | yazoobrew.com

DINNER

New American | Rolf & Daughters

Housed in a historic 100-year-old Werthan Factory with food that is Mediterranean-influenced and made using Southern ingredients. Chef Philip Krajeck changes his menu weekly depending on seasonality.

"I love what chef Phil Krajeck does. It’s rustic peasant food with a simplicity. He makes beautiful pasta, bright flavors, and he is constantly changing the menu. The octopus bucatini is great and the squid ink cavatelli is beautiful."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Bolus of The 404 Kitchen

"The pastas are some of the best I’ve ever had anywhere, and the roast chicken too." 
FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Audrey

"The food here is pretty epic. They do the best fresh pasta ever. Their garganelli verde pork ragout is amazing. This is one of the places where you take a bite and you just chew real slow."
FED Pro > Chef Kevin McCauley of Hattie B's

700 Taylor Street, Nashville, TN 37208
T: 615.866.9897 | www.rolfanddaughters.com

Italian & Pizza | City House

Chef Tandy Wilson’s Germantown Italian menu includes artisan pizzas, cooked in a wood-fueled oven, house-cured salami, a few pasta selections and even a few southern favorites like catfish and trout.

"City House is our go-to. Tandy Wilson makes super thoughtful, Italian-based food, but with really strong Southern influences. They make really great pizzas, charcuterie and catfish, but with Italian-style condiments. They do Sunday suppers, which are more eccentric, playful pork-centric dishes. Like pork rinds which cheese dust or hot chicken spice."
FED Pro >  Chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf & Daughters

"On Sundays, go for a headcheese burger and pork belly pizza. All pizzas come with the option of having a fried egg on top."
FED Pro > Chef Matt Bolus of The 404 Kitchen

"Order the pan-roasted octopus, Frico and Carolina trout."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Habiger of Bastion

1222 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208 | T: 615.736.5838 | www.cityhousenashville.com    

American | 404 Kitchen

Housed in a former shipping container, chef Matt Bolus sources his ingredients from middle Tennessee. You'll see lots of varieties of vegetables like different kinds of eggplant, okra, dandelion greens and tomatoes. You'll also find Benton's 14 month aged country hams, Anson Mills skillet cornbread, and Kennedy Farms chicken liver pate. Matt loves his burrata dish, made fresh every day.

404 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37203 | T: 615.251.1404 | the404nashville.com

American | JOSEPHINE

"This is our go to dinner spot. Andy and Karen Little are some of the best in the business and their spin on Pennsylvania Dutch food is the real deal. They are sourcing locally, have a top notch wine list, and have a dessert menu that is worth breaking the diet for."
FED Pros > Chefs Karl and Sarah Worley of Biscuit Love

2316 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204
T: 615.292.7766 | www.josephineon12th.com

COCKTAILS

The Patterson House

Music City’s speakeasy pays homage to bourbon, as well as the Tennessee governor who vetoed the return of state-wide prohibition in 1909. You may miss it the first few times you try to find it, but that's part of the game. The list features 30 original and 20 classic cocktails.

"The Patterson House makes the best drinks in town. It’s like a clandestine place, a secret thing. There is no sign out front. They have velvet curtains and a hostess seats you, there is no standing room. Because the cocktails are laborious and take time to make, they want the drinks to be really good and not to lose their quality and their craftsmanship. So they don’t open up the place for a lot of people ordering drinks."
FED Pro >  Bartender Matt Tocco of Pinewood Social

1711 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203
T: 615.636.7724 | thepattersonnashville.com   

Bar No. 308

Known for great craft cocktails minus the attitude of a speakeasy. Look for a menu with drinks that give a nod to the literary crowd, with cocktails named after famous writers like Charles Bukowski.

"Because it has a dive bar feel with creative well-made cocktails."
FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Audrey

"308 is more of a hangout kind of place and they make really good drinks. They’re doing a lot of unique things, like carbonating drinks and making their own syrups. It’s a place where the music is going to be really loud and you meet people and roam around the room."
FED Pro > Bartender Matt Tocco of Pinewood Social

407 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206
T: 615.650.7344 | www.bar308.com

MUSIC BARS

Robert's Western World

Music City’s premiere Honky Tonk club. Live hillbilly, rockabilly and traditional country music with no cover charge. On Sundays, they have a morning Gospel Fellowship.

"It is the best honky tonk in town. Get the Recession Special, which is a fried bologna sandwich, a bag of chips and a PBR for $5. Hang-out and enjoy a bit of Nashville's history."
FED Pro > Chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf & Daughters

"For the fried bologna sandwiches, cheap Busch beer in a can, and incredible honky tonk music."
FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Audrey

416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
T: 615.244.9552 | www.robertswesternworld.com

Crying Wolf

A bar, a restaurant and a music venue rolled into one nice package.

"This is part of the new wave of dive bars, tasteful, operated by young kids, a cool patio outside, the perfect place to go for a glass of whiskey with ice in it." 
FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Audrey

823 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
T: 615.953.6715 | www.thecryingwolf.com

Springwater Supper Club & Lounge

Stop in for pool, darts and bands. This is an iconic divy watering hole where the Black Keys shot their video for Little Black Submarines.

"It’s a dive bar with shows and it’s a smoky, grimy place where you shoot pool and listen to music. No liquor license, so you come here to drink beer."
FED Pro > Bartender Matt Tocco of Pinewood Social

115 27th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203
T: 615.320.0345 | www.thespringwater.com

LATE NIGHT

Pinewood Social

This is a catchall social lounge with coffee in the morning, brunch on weekends, cocktails at night and bowling and karaoke all day long. Eat breakfast, lunch or dinner from the menu created by chef Josh Habiger of The Catbird Seat. The drink menu was developed by Matt Tocco, formerly of Rolf and Daughters and The Patterson house.

"With its retro social club vibe, Pinewood Social reminds me of a Southern version of the ACE Hotel lobby in NYC. Throughout the day, creatives of Nashville arrive for drinking in all its forms - a coffee bar from Crema (try the coffee cocktail Easy Like Sunday Morning) and killer cocktails from the Matt Tocco. When the mood strikes, beer and bowling is in the next room."
FED Pro >  Bartender Brooks Reitz of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co, Leon's Oyster Shop

Open until 1am
33 Peabody Street, Nashville, TN 37210
T: 615.751.8111 | pinewoodsocial.com 

Prince's Hot Chicken

One of the most famous hot chicken joints in the country.

"Everybody likes Prince's, it's a classic fried chicken joint. They fry the chicken in a cast iron pan on a home stove in the back and they cook it to order. It is wicked hot and it's killer, but if you eat it all the time it will take years off your life."
FED Pro > Chef Philip Krajeck of Rolf & Daughters

"One of America's most amazing regional dishes. The chicken can't be fancy, with ton of spices packed on, and served on a styrofoam plate or paper boat. And it has to hurt."
FED Pro > Jeni Britton Bauer of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

"Hot fried chicken, not wings, and it's the color of smoked paprika. It’s a slow burn, with white bread, pickles. It's awesome."
FED Pro > Chef / Chocolate Maker Scott Witherow of Olive & Sinclair

Open until 4am on weekends
123 Ewing Drive, Nashville, TN 37207 | T: 615.226.9442