OVERVIEW:
The secret about Nashville has been out. In fact, Nashville has been having a moment for so long it is almost surprising Andy Cohen does not have a Southern Charm series based on the Tennessee capital. A variety of factors have accelerated the dynamo that is Nashville - a culturally relevant music metropolis; a world class cuisine that is expanding in breadth from classic Southern cuisine to innovative New American and to an ever growing list of international chefs calling Nashville home; its evolution into the ultimate bachelorette party destination; and major infrastructure improvements over the past few years in airport, hotels, and hosting venues drawing droves of musicians, artists, and tourists from across the country and globe. Inevitably, the constant burnishing of light onto Nashville drew new citizens and dreamers to the “Music City” or “Nashvegas”. As Nashville has matured and real estate pricing has inevitably soared, some creative (artists, chefs, mixologists, and restauranteurs) types have ventured into the East Nashville neighborhood. Although we are no longer at the beginning of East Nashville’s rise; one could actually safely surmise a Churchill-ian aphorism: “. . . it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” A decade from now East Nashville will undergo a total metamorphosis from its current state. But if you want to see a Williamsburg (NYC) or Inman Park (Atlanta) at their genesis, then East Nashville is worth a quick visit while you are exploring greater Nashville. Here are some of our recommendations to eat and drink at when you stop by East Nashville (or greater Nashville for that matter).
EAST NASHVILLE FOOD:
REDHEADED STRANGER
-Some fantastic Southwestern & Tex-Mex culinary options abound here with 70s decor. We loved this spot with a lot of unique and classic choices
https://redheadedstrangertacos.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/redheaded-stranger-nashville
LOU
-A foodie must if visiting East Nashville. An old house retrofitted as a wonderful, intimate restaurant with a distinctive menu, a curated wine list, and really attentive staff. We went for an anniversary dinner here and so glad we made this choice.
https://lounashville.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/lou-nashville
EAST NASHVILLE DRINK:
FOX BAR & COCKTAIL CLUB
-Really well-made/well-balanced cocktails with an expansive list of choices
https://www.thefoxnashville.com/
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-fox-bar-and-cocktail-club-nashville
Lou’s
OTHER GREATER NASHVILLE RECOMMENDATIONS WE LOVE:
ASSEMBLY FOOD HALL (DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE)
-One of the most impressive food halls we’ve ever seen in all of our travels. A lot of amazing savory and sweet options. Many of the best restaurants in Nashville have a stall/space in this food hall. So if you are short on time in Nashville, hit this place up, and you and those you are traveling with can sample a bunch of goodies at once (from OG Hot Chicken to Desserts.)
https://www.assemblyfoodhall.com/bars-and-eateries/?category=&dietary-need=
BAKED BEAR (CLOSE TO VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY)
-One of the best custom ice cream sandwiches bookended by cookies or brownies. Yup. Heaven.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-baked-bear-nashville
THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN (FRANKLIN, TN)
-If you are in the southern suburbs of Nashville (Franklin / Brentwood, etc), this mixed use space with dining and shopping is definitely worth checking out.
https://factoryatfranklin.com/