This has been one of my most requested topics, so I am so excited to share my favorite Nashville spots with you all today!
Many of you may not know that I was born and raised in Nashville. I have seen the city transition over the last decade and, although the current rate of growth is kinda scary, I have really enjoyed watching my city expand. There is literally so much to do- so many new restaurants and hotels have opened over the last few years! There is always something going on from sporting events, festivals, and concerts- I really feel like there is something for everybody!
HOTELS
1. Noelle: Hands down my favorite hotel. As soon as I stepped inside, I was immediately taken back to my time in Paris, France. The décor is glamourous and gives “Great Gatsby” vibes. Their main level bar is beautiful, but for some amazing views head to the rooftop bar, Rare Bird. They also have a restaurant downstairs, Makeready Libation & Liberations (just had brunch there!), as well as a sexy little speakeasy. Side note: they have the most delicious scent pumping through their ventilation system- for real! It smells like heaven as soon as you walk in!
2. Thompson Nashville: This hotel is located in the center of the Gulch and is absolutely beautiful. I could live in their bathrooms and seriously want to redecorate mine to look just like it! Excellent location!
3. Westin Nashville: Scott and I love staying in Westin hotels and this one is one of our favorites! They have one of the BEST rooftop bars in Nashville with the most stunning views! Such an elegant hotel with a prime location in the heart of downtown!
4. Bobby Hotel: A little more eclectic than the others, the Bobby Hotel boasts rooms designed with pieces from Paris, Amsterdam, New York, and Rome. We recently went to their rooftop bar, complete with a 1956 retrofitted Greyhound bus, and absolutely loved it! Also love that this hotel is pet friendly!
5. Fairlane Hotel: One of the newer hotels in Nashville, the Fairlane provides a retro-modern experience with a nod to the 1960’s-1970’s. We haven’t tried this one yet, but have heard amazing things!
ROOFTOPS
1. LA Jackson: With incredible views of Nashville (seriously, they are insane), this rooftop resturant and bar is located at the Thompson hotel. They carry a large selection of beer from Southern breweries (which hubs loves) and an extensive wine list! This is my number one pick for a reason!
2. L27: This rooftop, located at the Westin Hotel, also has INSANE views. We wanted to take our families here for sunset photos when they were all in town for my husband’s birthday, but we ran out of time and I was so sad. There is an outdoor terrace which allows you to take in the incredible skyline as well as a cozy indoor louge. They serve light bites and yummy drinks!
3. Rare Bird: Part of the Noelle, this rooftop bar has stunning skyline views of Nashville as well as the Cumberland River. The decor is very upscale and you can get great photos here!
4. Rooftop Lounge at Bobby hotel: Just spent a Sunday Funday here! The views are pretty good (not as good as the other three above in my opinion), but they have a small dip pool and an old Greyhound bus that you can hang out in! Sounds odd, but it is really cool and makes for some fun photos!
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
1. Urban Grub: Located in the 12S area; Hands down best brunch in Nashville- the buffet spread is insane (oysters, crab legs, shrimp and grits, plus the regular breakfast fare). Heads up- don’t order the “all you can eat” buffet option (it will set you back $50!)- just get the “one time” buffet option and pile that plate as high as it can go! Scott and I didn’t realize how expensive the unlimited option was and both of us ended up eating only one plate!
2. Five Daughters Bakery: Located in the 12S area; Okay, if you are needing a sweet breakfast option, this is for you! This place has the BEST donuts I have ever eaten- like I dream about their donuts. It is also super cute inside and you can definitely get some cute photos here!
3. Biscuit Love: Located in the Gulch; Last time I ate here, I thought I died and went to heaven. They have the most amazing breakfast and their biscuits are delish! I love the ‘Princess” (go figure) and Scott likes the “East Nasty.” Fun fact- we had a “biscuit bar” at our wedding reception and it was such a hit!
4. EiO and The Hive: Located in the Nations; Seriously the cutest little place! This is a more healthy option with all-organic dishes created from locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. Super cure inside with the best decor!
5. Pancake Pantry: Located in Hillsboro Village; This breakfast hotspot ALWAYS has a line wrapped around the outside of people waiting to get in (aka wear comfy shoes!). Known for their pancakes (obviously) and real whipped butter, you will not leave here hungry. Definitely worth the wait!
6. Proper Bagel: Okay, who doesn’t love bagels (and sandwiches and salads?!). This New York-style joint/market has a ton of yummy options for breakfast. The space is stunning and you can get amazing photos outside!
LUNCH
1. Flipside: Located in 12S; LOVE this place- the inside is super cute! The menu features pan-sauteed chicken with a variety of different toppings (sounds weird, but so good!), milkshakes (yumm!), and beer. Oh, and get the bloody mary- you’re going to die!
2. Pinewood Social: Located in SoBro (South Broadway); This trendy hangout spot features delicious menu items as well as bowling in an inductrial-chic atmosphere. Super fun, especially if you’re with a large crowd!
3. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Located in Midtown; Did you even go to Nashville if you didn’t eat hot chicken? It’s what Nashville is famous for so it is a definite must! I like the “hot” chicken-perfect amount of heat!
4. Nada: Located in Midtown; This is Scott’s favorite place- we had his 30th birthday here! Perfect for lunch or dinner, this upscale Mexican restaurant has THE MOST delicious food- get the queso and guac! The tacos are small, but super flavorful and fresh. And guys- get the potatoes. Dear lord…it’s heaven.
DINNER
1. Saint Anejo: Located in the Gulch; Favorite upscale Mexican restaurant! We love coming here for dinner- and they have over 100 different tequilas if you’re looking to get rowdy!
2. Urban Grub: Located in 12S; Not only do they have a yummy brunch, but their dinner is superb! Scott and I love this spot for a fancier date night! It is very ‘rustic’ on the inside with woodwork, stone fireplaces, and cozy corners. They have a great selection of fresh seafood and prime dry-aged steaks.
3. Bartaco: Located in 12S; Almost a tie with Saint Anejo for favorite Mexican! By far my favorite margarita in Nashville- love their jalopeno one (maybe that’s because I always end up drinking like three and then I loveeeeee everything haha!). Excellent food, decor, and service!
4. Le Sel: Located in Midtown; One of the best (and only!) French restaurants in town. The decor is fantastic- lots of pink velvet and whimsical artwork- and the menu boasts both tradtional French dishes as well as some twists on French classics. Went to an event here and it was so fun!
5. Henrietta Red: Located in Germantown; Just recently ate here for the first time and fell in love! The decor is very crisp and sophisticated (simple white brick walls, sconces) and the menu focuses on simple, fresh ingredients. Seafood and vegetable dishes mainly drive the menu, but everything is presented beautifully and is delicious!
6. The Southern: Located in SoBro; Another one of my favorites for a date night. I love that they serve a wide range of menu options including wood-fired meats, Southern staples, and an oyster bar! Side note- right by Broadway, so you can quickly hit the honky tonks after dinner!
BARS
1. FGL House: Located on Broadway; Guess who owns this new bar? If you guessed Florida Georgia Line then you would be right! So, the new thing in Nashville is that all the famous country singers are now opening bars on Broadway- and this was one of the firsts! We actually haven’t been here yet, but I hear that it is an absolute blast! Side note- this space used to be an event venue and is actually where we had our wedding reception!
2. Ole Red: Located on Broadway; Guess who just opened this bar? Blake Shelton! This restaurant, bar, and live music joint recently opened and everyone has been talking about it! Again, we haven’t been yet (going to be honest- many locals don’t actually go to the bars on Broadway haha), but definitely another one that’s on our list!
3. Tootsie’s: Located on Broadway; This world famous honky-tonk is a MUST. They have three different stages that host local musicians nightly- and guys, these people are GOOD. This place is such a piece of Nashville history (it’s been around for 50+ years), so definitely check it out while you’re here!
4. Acme Feed and Seed: Located on Broadway; We used to go to this multi-level bar a lot when it first opened, but we haven’t been in a while (told ya- the locals never make it to Broadway!). Love this rooftop (gorgeous views of the Cumberland River and football stadium) and the live music on the first floor is always amazing!
*To be honest, most of the bars along Broadway are fun no matter which one you go to. Nearly all offer live music and many have multi-levels that you can travel through listening to different musicians. Most have rooftops that offer gorgeous views of the city (and really good people watching). Like I said before, many locals do not go out to Broadway on the weekends because it is mainly tourists. We tend to stick to the hotel bars/rooftops mentioned above. Also, I am a huge homebody and love staying home too!
SHOPPING
1. 12S Area: Many of the places I mentioned above are located along this cute street. One of my favorite places in town, they have the cutest shops including Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, Amelia’s Flower Truck, White’s Mercantile, and many other cute boutiques. They also have really pretty walls/murals, so it is the best place for some cute photos!
2. The Gulch: This trendy spot in town has many cute boutiques (love E. Allen and Blush) as well as an Urban Outfitters. You’ll love walking around this area- and this is where the giant angel wings mural is! Side note- be prepared to wait in line for a photo here!
3. Green Hills Mall: Okay, this is about 10 minutes outside of downtown, but this is my favorite place to shop. I live at the Norstrom here (I really should just bring a tent and sleep in the parking garage) and they have numerous designer stores (Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, David Yurman, etc). This is also where the Restoration Hardware is- it was recently remodeled and is absolutely breathtaking! Definitely recommend lunch here- you can also grab a glass of wine from the bar (yes, there is a bar!) and walk throught multiple floors of beautiful home decor (and then feel sad that you can’t afford one thing except for the glass of wine). Make sure to check out the rooftop too!
4. Hill Center: This is located a few streets over from the Green Hills Mall. This street is so cute and has a West Elm, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, and other local boutiques. There is even a Whole Foods and a few resturants in case you need to grab a bite!
Okay, I hope you guys enjoyed this guide and hopefully you will find it useful if you are ever visiting Nashville. Feel free to reach out to me anytime if you ever have any questions! As always, thank you for reading and sharing! -A
