MUST EATS & SEES: A True Local's Guidebook
Local "Must Have" Food Scene
Huge Portions of the authentic Nashville Hot Chicken! Cant go wrong with the huge Tenders or white meat plate with MacNCheese or Collards!
211 locals recommend
Hattie B's Hot Chicken - West Nashville, TN
5209 Charlotte AvenueHuge Portions of the authentic Nashville Hot Chicken! Cant go wrong with the huge Tenders or white meat plate with MacNCheese or Collards!
Title speaks for itself! Laid back, casual, hipster style burgers, good food!
778 locals recommend
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
731 Mcferrin AveTitle speaks for itself! Laid back, casual, hipster style burgers, good food!
Nicky's Coal Fired
5026 Centennial BlvdBecause Pizza is always a group go to...
Delicious classic style burgers, hot dogs and man-oh-man the milkshakes. Compare it to Atlanta's The Varsity.
24 locals recommend
Hugh Baby's
3001 West End AveDelicious classic style burgers, hot dogs and man-oh-man the milkshakes. Compare it to Atlanta's The Varsity.
Locally owned and a great spot for our guest. Easy atmosphere welcoming for families and pups.
39 locals recommend
51st (Fifty First) Kitchen & Bar
5104 Illinois AveLocally owned and a great spot for our guest. Easy atmosphere welcoming for families and pups.
The Southern Steak & Oyster
150 3rd Ave SFive Points Pizza West
4100 Charlotte AvenuePizza. Local chain not far from the house!
Lockeland Table
1520 Woodland StA favorite for Happy Hour drinks and "Worth it" food!
Complete with Retro bowling alley, hipster foodie vibes, boche ball, 3 ft pool, and a large outdoor space with city views!
571 locals recommend
Pinewood Social
33 Peabody StComplete with Retro bowling alley, hipster foodie vibes, boche ball, 3 ft pool, and a large outdoor space with city views!
Eastland Cafe
97 Chapel AveHappy Hour Must
I Dream Of Weenie
113 S 11th StJust some good ole soul food the way Grandma used to make it. Catfish, biscuits, beans and Collard Greens!!! Nothing fancy but all the flavor. Family style large portions.
303 locals recommend
Monell's
1235 6th Ave NJust some good ole soul food the way Grandma used to make it. Catfish, biscuits, beans and Collard Greens!!! Nothing fancy but all the flavor. Family style large portions.
2 locations, one iconic flavor. A Locals best kept secret! Nothing fancy or hipster about this place but all the flavor.
151 locals recommend
Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish
624 Main St2 locations, one iconic flavor. A Locals best kept secret! Nothing fancy or hipster about this place but all the flavor.
Celebrity Chef farm to table with a southern spin... using only the best heirloom ingredients!
A visit to Husk restaurant is a highlight of any trip to Nashville. Husk has been one of the most popular restaurants in the city—and, in fact, the country—since it opened in 2013. Set in an 1880s-era mansion just a few blocks off Broadway, the vibe is welcoming and the service is excellent (our server couldn’t wait to provide lots of local recommendations).
With a focus on strictly Southern ingredients presented in a contemporary way, the menu is constantly changing. We loved the shrimp and grits, the cornbread, the perfectly cooked filet mignon, and every other bite we had. The cocktails are excellent, too. If you’re a whiskey lover, this is your spot.
223 locals recommend
Husk
37 Rutledge StCelebrity Chef farm to table with a southern spin... using only the best heirloom ingredients!
A visit to Husk restaurant is a highlight of any trip to Nashville. Husk has been one of the most popular restaurants in the city—and, in fact, the country—since it opened in 2013. Set in an 1880s-era mansion just a few blocks off Broadway, the vibe is welcoming and the service is excellent (our server couldn’t wait to provide lots of local recommendations).
With a focus on strictly Southern ingredients presented in a contemporary way, the menu is constantly changing. We loved the shrimp and grits, the cornbread, the perfectly cooked filet mignon, and every other bite we had. The cocktails are excellent, too. If you’re a whiskey lover, this is your spot.
Sightseeing
FREE PARKING AND TROLLEY PICKUP! Better have your tickets ahead of time online. The only full size replica of the actual Greek Parthenon in the world. Built to commemorate the 100th birthday of Nashville but was going to be torn down after the celebration if not for.... find out why and learn fun facts when you see it for yourself at Centennial park in Downtown!
699 locals recommend
The Parthenon
2500 West End AveFREE PARKING AND TROLLEY PICKUP! Better have your tickets ahead of time online. The only full size replica of the actual Greek Parthenon in the world. Built to commemorate the 100th birthday of Nashville but was going to be torn down after the celebration if not for.... find out why and learn fun facts when you see it for yourself at Centennial park in Downtown!
Historic stage and auditorium! check the show schedule for big name acts! Tours also available
1292 locals recommend
Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Ave NHistoric stage and auditorium! check the show schedule for big name acts! Tours also available
Classic Big name Country music stars perform and shows daily! ESPECIALLY gorgeous during Christmas! Parking can be expensive ($26) or park at the mall next door and take the $5 shuttle.
751 locals recommend
Grand Ole Opry
600 Opryland DrClassic Big name Country music stars perform and shows daily! ESPECIALLY gorgeous during Christmas! Parking can be expensive ($26) or park at the mall next door and take the $5 shuttle.
10 minutes from the house with a free wine tasting at tthe end of the tour!
Once home to the wealthiest family in Nashville, the Belle Meade spanned over 5400 acres in the late 19th century. The tour tells the story of the Harding family who were among Nashville’s elite alongside stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
283 locals recommend
Belle Meade Winery
5025 Harding Pike10 minutes from the house with a free wine tasting at tthe end of the tour!
Once home to the wealthiest family in Nashville, the Belle Meade spanned over 5400 acres in the late 19th century. The tour tells the story of the Harding family who were among Nashville’s elite alongside stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
American Pickers has a storefront showing off a few pieces of their collection from the show. Also home to Corsair brewery and string of cutesy stores while the women shop, the men can enjoy a beverage or a tour of the factory thr brewery is now located in the old Marathon Motor Factory.
52 locals recommend
Antique Archaeology
1300 Clinton StAmerican Pickers has a storefront showing off a few pieces of their collection from the show. Also home to Corsair brewery and string of cutesy stores while the women shop, the men can enjoy a beverage or a tour of the factory thr brewery is now located in the old Marathon Motor Factory.
Get away from the city for a bit and chill on the "beach" by the lake!
171 locals recommend
Percy Priest Lake
Get away from the city for a bit and chill on the "beach" by the lake!
1.5 hour excursion South of Nashville to Lynchburg. look online for the list of tours the now provide from the always fun free tour to tastings to all day food affairs with the town! Just remember Lynchburg is in a dry county so if you don't buy the Jack at the factory, you won't get any until you get outta town!
204 locals recommend
Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center
133 Lynchburg Hwy1.5 hour excursion South of Nashville to Lynchburg. look online for the list of tours the now provide from the always fun free tour to tastings to all day food affairs with the town! Just remember Lynchburg is in a dry county so if you don't buy the Jack at the factory, you won't get any until you get outta town!
1.1 hour excursion North to Kentucky for the nature enthusiast. You have to book tours ahead of time and be sure to read the description carefully. There is something for everyone but be sure to wear the right attire or they may not let you hike!
274 locals recommend
Mammoth Cave
1.1 hour excursion North to Kentucky for the nature enthusiast. You have to book tours ahead of time and be sure to read the description carefully. There is something for everyone but be sure to wear the right attire or they may not let you hike!
Nashville Symphony | Schermerhorn Symphony Center
1 Symphony PlDowntown Franklin is an adorably historic place for families, couples, and groups. If you have a car, take a 30-minute ride this little town fur good food, drinks, and shopping even if only to break the hustle and bustle monotony of the big city.
251 locals recommend
Franklin
Downtown Franklin is an adorably historic place for families, couples, and groups. If you have a car, take a 30-minute ride this little town fur good food, drinks, and shopping even if only to break the hustle and bustle monotony of the big city.
home to lots of coffee shops and Reese Witherspoon's store. Plus the "I believe in Nashville" Mural.
353 locals recommend
12 South
home to lots of coffee shops and Reese Witherspoon's store. Plus the "I believe in Nashville" Mural.
Have you seen those famous Wings on Instagram? You can go see them for yourself.
455 locals recommend
The Gulch
Have you seen those famous Wings on Instagram? You can go see them for yourself.
If you're a Johnny Cash fan then you'll appreciate this Museum.
466 locals recommend
The Johnny Cash Museum
119 3rd Ave SIf you're a Johnny Cash fan then you'll appreciate this Museum.
The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the largest museums in the world. With over 2.5 million artifacts, it is full of some of the most significant items in country music, including recordings, photos, costumes, instruments, and more.
1208 locals recommend
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Rep. John Lewis Way SThe Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the largest museums in the world. With over 2.5 million artifacts, it is full of some of the most significant items in country music, including recordings, photos, costumes, instruments, and more.
A historic hotspot boasting some of the best concerts and also tours provided.
1292 locals recommend
Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Ave NA historic hotspot boasting some of the best concerts and also tours provided.
For the Kiddos
Great place to visit for the kiddos to hands on explore science!
227 locals recommend
Adventure Science Center
800 Fort Negley BlvdGreat place to visit for the kiddos to hands on explore science!
Hand feed the giraffes and take a walk down memory lane to your childhood zoo memories.
353 locals recommend
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville PikeHand feed the giraffes and take a walk down memory lane to your childhood zoo memories.
Do the kids need a quick pick me up? Check out our Chick-fil-A just down the hill on your way to Publix.
PRO TIP: Go to the red light to cross Charlotte. it's safer and blind spots.
ALSO download the app to order ahead and skip the lines. just make sure its the correct chikfila.
27 locals recommend
Chick-fil-A
6500 Charlotte PikeDo the kids need a quick pick me up? Check out our Chick-fil-A just down the hill on your way to Publix.
PRO TIP: Go to the red light to cross Charlotte. it's safer and blind spots.
ALSO download the app to order ahead and skip the lines. just make sure its the correct chikfila.
Fun Wax Museum for the kids! Take pictures with lifelike wax figures of favorite stars!
21 locals recommend
Madame Tussauds Nashville
515 Opry Mills DrFun Wax Museum for the kids! Take pictures with lifelike wax figures of favorite stars!
Another pretty place to visit on your Nashville getaway is Cheekwood Estate & Gardens just 2 miles from Belle Meade. With 12 cultivated gardens and a walking trail, it’s a beautiful spot to spend a little time outside. The estate’s art galleries exhibit works from its extensive permanent collection of art, sculpture, and artifacts from around the world.
If your visit falls in December, the estate hosts a massive light display that’s one of the most popular Christmas activities in town.
593 locals recommend
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
1200 Forrest Park DrAnother pretty place to visit on your Nashville getaway is Cheekwood Estate & Gardens just 2 miles from Belle Meade. With 12 cultivated gardens and a walking trail, it’s a beautiful spot to spend a little time outside. The estate’s art galleries exhibit works from its extensive permanent collection of art, sculpture, and artifacts from around the world.
If your visit falls in December, the estate hosts a massive light display that’s one of the most popular Christmas activities in town.
Essentials
need some groceries, snacks, drinks or a toothbrush? check out these super convenient shops just "down the hill" from our home in the super clean, super safe Nashville West Shopping center!
Grab the essentials for your stay at the neighborhood grocery store less than a mile from the home. Snacks, beverages, balloons and birthday cakes. Publix has it all!
31 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Hill Center at Nashville West
6614 Charlotte PikeGrab the essentials for your stay at the neighborhood grocery store less than a mile from the home. Snacks, beverages, balloons and birthday cakes. Publix has it all!
Need a Costco box of snacks or essentials? Less than a mile from our home you will find all your needs.
27 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
6670 Charlotte PikeNeed a Costco box of snacks or essentials? Less than a mile from our home you will find all your needs.
Target
26 White Bridge RdForgot your bathing suit, toothbrush snacks? Here is your one stop shop.
3 buck chuck. Need I say more? If you don't know TJs $3 wine selection then venture down the road a mile or 2 to trader Joe's and get you a 3 liter box of Rose for the group or stock up on the 3 buck chuck!
176 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
90 White Bridge Rd3 buck chuck. Need I say more? If you don't know TJs $3 wine selection then venture down the road a mile or 2 to trader Joe's and get you a 3 liter box of Rose for the group or stock up on the 3 buck chuck!
Walmart
2421 Powell AveBest Times You'll Never Remember
Named for the famous designer to the country stars wearing like Elvis and Dolly Parton. The "Nudie Suit" was as famous as it was gaudy with tassles and fringe! You knew you made it once you could afford a Nudie suit. There is an old Cadillac on the wall of the bar with live music daily!
45 locals recommend
Nudie's Honky Tonk
409 BroadwayNamed for the famous designer to the country stars wearing like Elvis and Dolly Parton. The "Nudie Suit" was as famous as it was gaudy with tassles and fringe! You knew you made it once you could afford a Nudie suit. There is an old Cadillac on the wall of the bar with live music daily!
Legends Corner
428 BroadwayFun Broadway bar with live music and busy dance floor!
Talk about a good time! this place will make you feel Nashville the next day. Make sure you tell them it's your birthday!
61 locals recommend
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row
400 BroadwayTalk about a good time! this place will make you feel Nashville the next day. Make sure you tell them it's your birthday!
Say hello to one of the oldest bars in town. With live music and dancing it's a guaranteed good time.
559 locals recommend
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
422 BroadwaySay hello to one of the oldest bars in town. With live music and dancing it's a guaranteed good time.
Tired of country music yet? this hangout spot usually has a good DJ and packed dance floor.
36 locals recommend
The Valentine
312 BroadwayTired of country music yet? this hangout spot usually has a good DJ and packed dance floor.
The must-see Bourbon Street equivalent of Nashville. live music, drinks, bars , or just plain old people watching. This place is always packed as foot traffic, bachelorette parties, and birthdays. ONLY a 10-minute Uber from the house, for the cost of parking or hassle of traffic Uber/Lyft are totally worth it.
575 locals recommend
Broadway
BroadwayThe must-see Bourbon Street equivalent of Nashville. live music, drinks, bars , or just plain old people watching. This place is always packed as foot traffic, bachelorette parties, and birthdays. ONLY a 10-minute Uber from the house, for the cost of parking or hassle of traffic Uber/Lyft are totally worth it.
A local hot spot in the nation's neighborhood just 10 minutes from the house. Perfect for any hot day.
152 locals recommend
Fat Bottom Brewing Co.
800 44th Ave NA local hot spot in the nation's neighborhood just 10 minutes from the house. Perfect for any hot day.
Two step, order some local brews, and don’t forget to tip the band!
123 locals recommend
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
220 Printers AlleyTwo step, order some local brews, and don’t forget to tip the band!
The 5 Spot
1006 Forrest AveNo 308
407 Gallatin AveHipster Cocktail bar
3 Crow Bar
1024 Woodland Stspacious dive bar and Local hangout
The Patterson House
1711 Division StRETRO style speakeasy
Tiny Alley historically house vaudeville and burlesque now lined with bars including Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie, British Pub Fleet Street, and several karaoke bars
83 locals recommend
Printers Alley
Printers AlleyTiny Alley historically house vaudeville and burlesque now lined with bars including Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie, British Pub Fleet Street, and several karaoke bars
This is a fun Broadway spot with a great rooftop bar called Lookout getting birdseye views of Nashville skyline and people watching down below.
56 locals recommend
Ole Red
300 BroadwayThis is a fun Broadway spot with a great rooftop bar called Lookout getting birdseye views of Nashville skyline and people watching down below.
L.A. Jackson
401 11th Ave SListed in 2023 top rooftop bars in the US.
Brunch
BRUNCH CAFE! Great Havana Latte and the breakfast/brunch sandwiches are an eclectic delight! Located in famous Nations neighborhood!
547 locals recommend
Frothy Monkey
2509 12th Ave SBRUNCH CAFE! Great Havana Latte and the breakfast/brunch sandwiches are an eclectic delight! Located in famous Nations neighborhood!
Brunch spot chain but always good food! Mimosas and Bloody Mary Pitchers!
37 locals recommend
Another Broken Egg Cafe
208 Commerce StBrunch spot chain but always good food! Mimosas and Bloody Mary Pitchers!
Great coffee and Crepes for all. Perfect for a quick breakfast and a cup of joe.
134 locals recommend
Red Bicycle Coffee & Crêpes
1200 5th Ave NGreat coffee and Crepes for all. Perfect for a quick breakfast and a cup of joe.
Marché Artisan Foods
1000 Main StGreat Crepes and salads!
A place with “steak & oyster” in the name may not make you immediately think that it’s a fabulous brunch option, but it is. The Southern Steak & Oyster offers shucked-to-order oysters, specialties from their food-fire grill, and culinary elements from the American South, the Caribbean, and beyond. Plus, they have killer cocktails.
At brunch, there’s lots to choose from. The crab cake hash was one of our favorites, and the New South Caesar salad was also a winner. They also do the basics like pancakes and fried eggs to perfection. Wash it all down with a blood orange mimosa or Bloody Mary for a delicious start to the day.
279 locals recommend
The Southern Steak & Oyster
150 3rd Ave SA place with “steak & oyster” in the name may not make you immediately think that it’s a fabulous brunch option, but it is. The Southern Steak & Oyster offers shucked-to-order oysters, specialties from their food-fire grill, and culinary elements from the American South, the Caribbean, and beyond. Plus, they have killer cocktails.
At brunch, there’s lots to choose from. The crab cake hash was one of our favorites, and the New South Caesar salad was also a winner. They also do the basics like pancakes and fried eggs to perfection. Wash it all down with a blood orange mimosa or Bloody Mary for a delicious start to the day.
Start the last morning of your Nashville trip with a visit to Biscuit Love. There are two locations—one in the Gulch near downtown and the other in Hillsboro Village. Either one will put you close to some lovely works of street art.
Biscuit Love, as you might imagine, is most popular for its buttery, pillowy biscuits. And it is very popular. Like, line out the door kind of popular. So, there will probably be a wait. But that way you’ll be properly hungry once you’re inside, which is good, because there’s a chance you’ll want to sample everything on the menu.
309 locals recommend
Biscuit Love Gulch
316 11th Ave SStart the last morning of your Nashville trip with a visit to Biscuit Love. There are two locations—one in the Gulch near downtown and the other in Hillsboro Village. Either one will put you close to some lovely works of street art.
Biscuit Love, as you might imagine, is most popular for its buttery, pillowy biscuits. And it is very popular. Like, line out the door kind of popular. So, there will probably be a wait. But that way you’ll be properly hungry once you’re inside, which is good, because there’s a chance you’ll want to sample everything on the menu.
Upscale Dinner Options
Perfect spot for a drink and an appetizer or to grab a delicious dinner,
69 locals recommend
Park Cafe
4403 Murphy RdPerfect spot for a drink and an appetizer or to grab a delicious dinner,
Looking for an upscale spot for a celebratory dinner ? gorgeous views of downtown and even better steak. Pricey but well worth it for the occasion. Also not to be confused with the downtown Boogie bar.
58 locals recommend
Bourbon Steak
201 8th Ave SLooking for an upscale spot for a celebratory dinner ? gorgeous views of downtown and even better steak. Pricey but well worth it for the occasion. Also not to be confused with the downtown Boogie bar.
Make sure your men have on long pants and closed-toed shoes and maybe a shower before arrival. The Wagyu steak is a must-have along with the cotton candy bacon.
243 locals recommend
Kayne Prime Steakhouse
1103 McGavock StMake sure your men have on long pants and closed-toed shoes and maybe a shower before arrival. The Wagyu steak is a must-have along with the cotton candy bacon.
Italian food done right. if you have a high expectation and appreciation for Italian food, this is your spot.
45 locals recommend
Moto
1120 McGavock StItalian food done right. if you have a high expectation and appreciation for Italian food, this is your spot.
SUSHI!!!! If you love appreciate quality sushi, this is a must-have. one of our favorite Nashville hot spots guests may not find on their own. perfect for a date night or group dinner. The atmosphere set the tone for a night of fun.
188 locals recommend
Virago
1120 McGavock StSUSHI!!!! If you love appreciate quality sushi, this is a must-have. one of our favorite Nashville hot spots guests may not find on their own. perfect for a date night or group dinner. The atmosphere set the tone for a night of fun.
Highly recommended upscale dining spot with industrial vibes in the trendy Germantown neighborhood!!
441 locals recommend
Rolf and Daughters
700 Taylor StHighly recommended upscale dining spot with industrial vibes in the trendy Germantown neighborhood!!
Super cute place in 5 points with a delicious after hours menu available until 2am and a happening patio!
210 locals recommend
The Treehouse Restaurant
1011 Clearview AveSuper cute place in 5 points with a delicious after hours menu available until 2am and a happening patio!
One of the best spots in town for for Fine Dining with a Fine date or small groups with a reservation in trendy Germantown.
330 locals recommend
City House
1222 4th Ave NOne of the best spots in town for for Fine Dining with a Fine date or small groups with a reservation in trendy Germantown.
Butchertown Hall
1416 4th Ave NThey have the meats!! located in Germantown.
Margot Café & Bar is a French-inspired restaurant with Southern influence located at the Five Points in the heart of East Nashville. The menu changes daily and features locally sourced products and hinges upon seasonality, freshness, and simplicity. It is owned and operated by chef Margot McCormack. The building itself dates back to the 1930’s and was originally Fluty’s service station.
372 locals recommend
Margot Café & Bar
1017 Woodland StMargot Café & Bar is a French-inspired restaurant with Southern influence located at the Five Points in the heart of East Nashville. The menu changes daily and features locally sourced products and hinges upon seasonality, freshness, and simplicity. It is owned and operated by chef Margot McCormack. The building itself dates back to the 1930’s and was originally Fluty’s service station.
I know you're staying with us but next time y'all are in town check this place out too...
The Hermitage Hotel is elegant without being fussy, and the service is top-notch. Don’t miss the Oak Bar and the bathroom that is often listed as the best bathroom in America. Keep your eyes open for possible celebrity sightings, too.
28 locals recommend
The Hermitage Hotel
231 6th Ave NI know you're staying with us but next time y'all are in town check this place out too...
The Hermitage Hotel is elegant without being fussy, and the service is top-notch. Don’t miss the Oak Bar and the bathroom that is often listed as the best bathroom in America. Keep your eyes open for possible celebrity sightings, too.
Bourbon Steak
201 8th Ave SAn experience to remember for a top ranked Steakhouse.
Joe Muer Seafood - Nashville
Started in Detroit and making a name for itself in Nashville.