Nashville—my new city! I am so excited to share a few of my favorite spots with you today.
I labeled this post volume one because I know I’ll have to do multiple guides as we get to know Nashville and try more places. Our list of places we’ve never even been is still VERY long, and then there are also lots of places that we’ve been and loved but want to go back to and snap a few photos for you!
For this first guide I am rounding up all the places I’ve recommended in the past on various blog posts as well as sharing some new spots that we tried this past month!
One thing we’ve been amazed by on our recent trips to Nashville is how friendly the city is. It’s seriously the friendliest city in the US, in my humble opinion. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to add a bunch of these spots to your list!
Marché. We’ve raved about this spot for a long time. It was one of Emma and Trey’s first date spots (can I get a group “awwwwwwe!”), and Jeremy and I recently made it our “special spot” when we had breakfast there the morning of our house closing.
The menu is constantly changing. Emma loves the croissant french toast and I love the fruit tartine. I’ve also had a lot of really fresh meals there (I call em “breakfast salad”) comprised of mostly veggies. It’s one of our go-tos. As with most brunch spots in Nashville, it’s very busy on the weekends, but during the weekdays (when we usually visit) it’s super chill.
Loveless Cafe. There’s a reason why Loveless is on every Nashville list ever. It’s SO good. They’re famous for their fluffy biscuits (which I have no photo of—what’s wrong with me??), but we love a lot of other things there as well. It’s like the best little diner ever. I’m always looking for an excuse to go.
It’s not really IN Nashville, so it’ll probably be a bit of a drive, but don’t worry—it’s more than worth it!
Barista Parlor We love this spot. It’s beautiful and the menu is fun. We sometimes get these sausage biscuits with peach jam—so good. You’ll like it. Everyone likes it.
My not-so-secret favorite thing about Barista Parlor is their insane chocolate selection. I can geek out on that all day. It’s SO pretty.
Biscuit Love. OMG, you guys. The biscuit donuts (pictured above) are on another planet. It’s one of those foods you wish you could un-know (yeah, that good).
Plus…it’s the place that has this awesome sign you’re always seeing on Instagram—
Photo via Biscuit Love.
Pinewood Social. Around the time they first opened was when we started making frequent trips to Nashville. Pinewood has always been pretty high up on our list. I usually order a kale caesar salad and we usually order fried broccoli. They are basically always open (brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks, etc.), and they have a pool now (on our list of things to do SOON!). It’s a really great space, awesome copper bar, and the bowling alley in the back is pretty cute too. Added it to your list yet? Go ahead. 🙂
The Treehouse. Love love love! I wish I had pics. We didn’t get to sit in the actual “treehouse” this time (website says you can only reserve it if you have 6 or more people), so hopefully we can do that next time because it looks really fun. Anyway! We had epic cocktails, tried red wine and coke for the first time, had awesome fried rice and just loved the whole experience. I definitely want to go back with Jeremy soon! The menu changes daily.
The Local Taco. There are a whole bunch of locations, but these pics are from the East Nashville one. I actually haven’t even ordered a taco there because this place has my favorite kale salad ever (!!!), so I always get that. Jeremy has ordered a bunch of tacos, though, and his favorite is The Local BBQ. We also love this drink called Rosa Botanica (pictured above) which is made with vodka, St-Germain and grapefruit juice. Plus, it’s decorated really cute and open (I LOVE patios). ps—order the green salsa.
Mas Tacos Por Favor. Since we’re already on the subject of tacos…super legit and delicious food. Best tortilla soup I’ve ever had!
Burger Up. This spot is always on a lot of lists, and for good reason! I actually haven’t been there very recently, but we’ve been a few times and ordered both burgers and salads (oh and drinks!) that were SUPER good. Plus, just for the record, fried pickle chips are the right way to do it. 🙂 Yes, please.
The Pharmacy is SO CUTE. I know they have great burgers and yummy homemade sodas, but honestly—the reason I love going there is because the outdoor seating is so cute. I am planning my next trip when the fall weather sets in because that sounds just perfect! Order a homemade soda for sure.
Photo via Music City
The Patterson House. Honestly one of the best bars I’ve been to in my life. The menu is so fun and creative. It was a total treat and I cannot wait to go back! It was over a year ago now, so I can’t remember anything we ordered, but you can’t go wrong. Oh, and get there early because it is VERY popular.
More fun spots (I’ll try to get photos for the next guide!): Jeni’s (Brown Butter Almond Brittle 4Ever!), Crema (my personal favorite coffee shop!), I Dream Of Weenie (can’t wait to try weenie brunch!), Two Ten Jack (best ramen and cocktails).
And maybe a couple of non-foodie spots?
White’s Mercantile. Love this shop! It is beautifully curated. I want to move in! I always buy a few gifts every time we visit, a bunch of greeting cards and at least one journal. Love it!
Old Made Good. We found this place randomly (on Gallatin) because our co-worker, Jacki, wanted to take a photo with their OMG sign. We ended up going in and it was so cute. A quirky, curated vintage/flea market with some handmade items and a glitter floor (I repeat—the floor is made of gold glitter). Good fun!
OK, it’s your turn!! I am still a total rookie to Nashville and I need your guidance! What should we try next? What are your favorite hidden gems in Nashville (and the nearby surrounding areas)? Jeremy and I (and Laura and Todd too) will add your recommendations to our mile-long lists! Oh, and if you’re a Nashville local, I hope we did you proud. xx. Elsie
Credits// Author and Photography: Elsie Larson. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
Is there a volume two?
Here you go!
https://abeautifulmess.com/2016/04/how-to-spend-24-hours-in-nashville.html
I’ve lived in Nashville for the last 10 years and just love it. This article really captures so much of what is just so wonderful about this place. My wife and I moved here and are here to stay. It’s a wonderful place to bring up kids and run a business.
Thanks for some great tips too!
http://www.nashvilleschiropractor.com
Great blog! Thankyou for sharing! I would add one more thing! MASSAGES! People love massages when they are on holidays! We are Nashville’s #1 mobile massage service! That’s right we bring the massage to you at your hotel, Airbnb and vacation get away! You won’t be disappointed! Thank You! ????❤
Nashvillemassagecompany.com
Hi! I absolutely adored and loved this blog! I am currently planning my next weekend adventure and have chosen Nashville as my next spot. I have so many food places to try now! Thank you again for writing this!
Best,
Monica
Nashville is really amazing, the places are all magical and the people are so receptive!
It’s blogs like yours that showcase our beautiful city for its uniqueness, charm, and flavor; thank you for creating such a list or locations. We love your designs and images. Thank you.
Thank you for this! I’ve been following for years, but recently took a break from my Feedly and I’m playing catch-up!…anyway, I’m reaching out because we’re heading to Nashville next month (a quick, long weekend without kids!) and I don’t even know where to stay! Can you recommend an area with fun bars, restaurants, and ‘things to do’ within walking distance? I want to eat and drink my way around your new city and hit up the local faves!
PS: I don’t know how I originally found you guys, but I’m a Missouri State girl living in STL, so I loved catching glimpses of Spfd through you!
I have lived here for 4 years and have not even heard of half of these places!! I feel like I have found new treasures. Thank you for posting! xoxo
I graduated from Belmont in 2007 and haven’t had a chance to go back to Nashville since – and I haven’t heard of any of these places! I can’t believe it! I’ve been wanting to go back recently and I’m looking forward to seeing all the change. Just gotta get my Bongo Java and Las Paletes (and Pancake Pantry) fix before moving on to strange new territory!
You MUST try the pizza at Desano Pizza Bakery. My husband and I went on a recent trip to Nashville, and it is fantastic! I once spent 10 days in Italy, and the pizza wasn’t this good. No joke. We got the one with broccoli. Yum. We don’t drink, but we thought it was cool that you can actually bring your own wine. Check it out for sure.
I so wish I had seen this list before my trip to Nashville on the 17th! Guess I need to go back so I can try these places out 🙂
Jackson’s Bar & Bistro has cookie-dough egg rolls that are pretty much to die for … I think there’s a location in Birmingham as well, so although it may not be an “only-in-Nashville” place, it was still good!
I also suggest Fido – if you go order the steak and hash, it is one of my favorite meals in town. Goozy over in Green Hills is another great spot for casual dessert and drinks. Their desserts are incredible! They have food too, but I haven’t tried that portion of their menu yet.
My BF and I visited recently and had some of the BEST hotdogs at The Dog of Nashville. You have to check that place out! It’s legit. Here’s the photo I took if this doesn’t entice you (left – deep fried hotdog wrapped in bacon called “Diet Starts Tomorrow.”
https://instagram.com/p/2jW2I7kr54/
You should check out my friend Shantell Martin’s amazing artwork on the side of the Rolf & Daughters building downtown! Great place for photos 🙂
http://www.shantellmartin.com/tag/nashville/
Love this post! My husband and I are planning an anniversary trip to Nashville in October and I now want to go to every one of these places.
Monell’s! THE best Southern food you can find anywhere. It is my favorite, and I try to go eat there whenever I’m back in town. It’s family style, which adds a fun twist to the experience. Seriously. Monell’s! There are 4 locations around Nashville but the original is in Germantown.
-Sinema in Melrose is great for drinks – their women’s bathroom is insanely cool!
-I agree with one of the commenters above on 12 South Taproom – right near my house, great place to grab a beer.
-Taco Mamacita over in Edgehill! Great margaritas, guac and the Mexican street corn is to die for!
Both of your outfits at the pharmacy are so cute! I don’t know much about Nashville at all but you two make it sound so cute and lovely. Maybe I’ll have to see for myself one day.
-M
www.violetroots.com
Great photos. I will have to visit her one day!
http://xoxobella.com/
I lived there for 3 years and when I found Thai Phooket, I was pretty sure I was going to die of some intestinal disease based upon the look from outside but after trying— amazing. No other word. Favorite place. Titans players are always in there too. If 300 lb linemen think it’s the best, listen to them.