Nashville
Your field guide to Music City from the folks at the
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WITNESS HISTORY These boots were made for George Jones by Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors in 1969, and Jones gave them to Marty Stuart in 1987 “in perfect condition.” By the end of ’87, which Stuart called the roughest year of his life, the boots “were a perfect reflection of me, worn out.” From the exhibit Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present RESERVE TODAY
artifact: Gift of Marty Stuart, Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation,
and Loretta and Jeff Clarke. From the Marty Stuart Collection artifact photo: Bob Delevante
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welcome First, let us congratulate you on your choice of vacation destinations. You’ve selected
Nashville, aka Music City, a place where folks are friendly, visitors are welcome, and
every child exits the womb with the ability to flat-pick. For the length of your stay, you’re not going to have a disappointing meal, see a bad show, or hear anything less than some of the best music you’ve ever heard in your life — be it honky-tonk, hip-hop, pop punk, indie rock or classical. All you need is somebody to steer you in the right direction. That’s where we step in.
At the Nashville Scene — the city’s free alternative newsweekly and guide to the daily
avalanche of musical, cultural and culinary offerings — we’re used to navigating a ton of options competing every day, around the clock, for limited time, money and attention.
You can only do so much in a day, right? Well, we’re used to testing that theory, and we’re going to help you do the same during your stay in Nashville. Consider this guide our
handpicked tour of some of the best Nashville has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a bluegrass club, a scenic walk, a sharp place to shop, a trip through country music history or a place to sample our indigenous delicacy, hot chicken — keep a fire extinguisher handy — you’ll find it here.
Just remember: No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong. You’re in Nashville
now.
* Denotes advertorial content STAFF: Editor-in-Chief: D. Patrick Rodgers; Project Manager: Laura Hutson Hunter; Art Director: Elizabeth Jones; Copy Editor: Dana Kopp Franklin; Illustrator: Mary Louise Meadors; Photographers: Angelina Castillo and Eric England; Writers: Logan Butts, Hannah Herner, Laura Hutson Hunter, Elizabeth Jones, D. Patrick Rodgers, Stephen Trageser City Guide is produced annually by the Nashville Scene. For information on advertising or distribution, please email Chelon Hasty at chasty@fwpublishing.com or call 615-844-9272. 7
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FREE SELF-GUIDED TOURS written and narrated by locals and experts
the u o y g n i w o Sh ind h e b y r o t s i h ost m s ’ e l l i v h s Na ies! r o t s c i n o c i
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NASHVILLESITES.ORG
contents Food & Drink
Things to Do
Award Winners......................... 15
Art....................................................51
Breakfast & Brunch.................. 17
Bookstores.....................................53
Beer Map.................................... 18
Date Nights....................................55
Beer & Cocktails....................... 21
Museums & Culture.....................57
Casual Dining............................ 25
Music Venues................................61
Cheap Eats................................. 31
Outdoor Activities.......................63
Coffee......................................... 33
Record Stores................................65
Desserts & Ice Cream ............. 35
Shopping........................................67
Family-Friendly........................ 37
Sports.............................................71
Fine Dining................................ 39
Tours...............................................73
Food Halls ................................. 41
Vintage Stores Map.....................74
Hidden Gems............................ 43 Hot Chicken............................... 45 Vegetarian................................. 47
Throughout the City Guide, you will see locations color-coded to indicate what neighborhood they’re in. The neighborhood key: 12South Donelson Downtown East Nashville Edgehill Germantown Green Hills The Gulch
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Hillsboro Village Midtown North Nashville South Nashville West Nashville Wedgewood-Houston Outside City Limits Multiple Locations
Elsewhere (Nashville’s layout can be confusing — sometimes beloved locations exist outside of neighborhood lines. We’re naming all those spots “Elsewhere” in this issue.)
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Food & Drink BABYCHAN
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Award Winners Bastion
We love Bastion’s multifaceted approach to dining: The local favorite with a Michelin star has a casual cocktail bar that is open to the public, in addition to a 24-seat finedining restaurant with reservations required.
The Catbird Seat
Recent Michelin star recipient The Catbird Seat perches at the pinnacle of memorable upscale dining in Nashville. The food is avant-garde yet delicious, and the kitchen has enhanced the résumés of many brilliant chefs.
Cafe Roze
Peninsula
Chef-owner Jake Howell recently earned a coveted Michelin star for his work at East Nashville’s Peninsula, a fine-dining destination put on the map by Howell’s creative Spanish- and Portuguese-inspired dishes and a lineup of custom gin-andtonics.
Sho Pizza Bar
Riverside Village’s Sho Pizza Bar is chef Sean Brock’s most recent restaurant project, and it’s one of our favorites yet. In addition to a 30-seat dining room, there’s a chef ’s counter that offers a front-row seat of the action. Michelin awarded it a Bib Gourmand recommendation.
For an understated chic atmosphere, East Nashville’s Cafe Roze is hard to beat. In 2025 it was highlighted as a Michelinrecommended eatery.
Junior
The latest creation from award-winning chef Philip Krajeck, Junior — in the site of a former Piggly Wiggly, if you can believe it — is one of Nashville’s hottest new finedining destinations.
Locust
Chef Trevor Moran’s Japanese-influenced 12South outpost won Food & Wine’s award for Restaurant of the Year in 2022, and was awarded a Michelin star in 2025.
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16 DOZEN BAKERY
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Breakfast & Brunch Adele’s
Serving Southern staples like shrimp-and-grits and chicken-fried-steak biscuits, Adele’s is a go-to weekend brunch spot.
The Butter Milk Ranch
Find a variety of small-batch baked goods in addition to a full-service dining room. We’re particularly fond of the beignets.
Dose
At its locations in East Nashville, West Nashville and Old Hickory, Dose serves up coffee, baked goods and the best breakfast sandwich around.
Dozen Bakery
This cafe boasts some of the best baked goods, soup and sandwiches in the city. Keep it simple with a cappuccino and an extra-flaky croissant.
The Loveless Cafe
Since 1951, this local landmark has been dishing out its famed biscuits, country ham and fried chicken to everyone from struggling songwriters to foreign dignitaries.
The Pancake Pantry
The Pancake Pantry is so popular that you’ll see a line winding around the Hillsboro Village building and onto the sidewalk, and for good reason. Now with an additional location downtown.
Redheaded Stranger
This East Side taco shop isn’t just great for lunch — its egg-and-cheese-filled breakfast tacos will power you through the day.
Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch
Nashville has plenty of brunch options, but only one qualifies as a true experience. Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch is a two-hour interactive party with three fabulous queens who serve looks along with delicious food.
SweetMilk
Scene staffers agree: SweetMilk is worth the
trip to Donelson. The spacious venue offers an outsized menu of breakfast favorites, including country breakfast, steak and eggs, shrimp-andgrits and more.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNER Best Breakfast Bagel: Mr. Aaron’s Goods
An insider’s tip from contributor Ashley Spurgeon Shamban: “Give the bacon-egg-and-cheese a go, but a personal favorite is the lox with perfect, thinly sliced tomato, onion and cucumber, as well as capers and a hearty schmear. Get a dozen to go and be the office hero, or stop in for breakfast — and grab some good fresh pasta for dinner.” 17
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Beers & Cheers YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL BREWERIES, WINERIES AND DISTILLERIES
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BREWERIES
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BARRIQUE BREWING & BLENDING barriquebrewing.com
29. YAZOO BREWING CO. 24
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BEARDED IRIS beardedirisbrewing.com
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BLACK ABBEY blackabbeybrewing.com
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BLACKSTONE BREWING blackstonebeer.com
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CRAZY GNOME BREWERY cgbrewing.com
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DISKIN CIDER diskincider.com
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EAST NASHVILLE BEER WORKS eastnashbeerworks.com
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10. FAIT LA FORCE BREWING 8 faitlaforcebrewing.com
East Nashville
11. FAT BOTTOM BREWERY fatbottombrewing.com
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HALF BATCH BREWING halfbatchbrewing.com
15. HONEYTREE MEADERY honeytreemeadery.com
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16. JACKALOPE BREWING CO. 12 jackalopebrew.com
17. LITTLE HARPETH BREWING 13 littleharpethbrewing.com 18. LIVING WATERS BREWING 14 livingwatersbrewing.com
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19. MARBLE FOX BREWING CO. 15 marblefoxbrewing.com 21. MILL CREEK BREWING 16 millcreekbrewingco.com 22. MONDAY NIGHT BREWING 17 PRESERVATION CO. mondaynightbrewing.com
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28. YEE-HAW BREWING CO. yeehawbrewing.com yazoobrew.com
DISTILLERIES 30. 1 BIG MACHINE bigmachinevodka.com 31. CORSAIR 2 corsairdistillery.com 34. NEAREST GREEN DISTILLERY 3 unclenearest.com 35. NELSON’S GREEN BRIER 4 greenbrierdistillery.com 36. OLE SMOKY 5 6thandpeabody.com 37. PICKERS VODKA 6 pickersvodka.com 39. 7 SOUTHERN COLLECTIVE SPIRIT CO. southerncollectivespiritco.com 40. TENNESSEE LEGEND 8 tennesseelegend.com
WINERIES 41. AMBER FALLS WINERY 1 amberfallswinery.com 42. 2 ARRINGTON VINEYARDS arringtonvineyards.com 43. BELLE MEADE WINERY 3 bellemeadewinery.com 44. CITY WINERY 4 citywinery.com 45. LOVE & EXILE WINERY & BAR 5 loveandexile.com 46. NATCHEZ HILLS WINERY 6 natchezhills.com
23. NEW HEIGHTS BREWING CO. 18 newheightsbrewing.com
24. SOUTHERN GRIST (2 locations) 19 southerngristbrewing.com
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25. TAILGATE (6 locations) 20 tailgatebeer.com
26. TENNESSEE BREW WORKS 21 tnbrew.co 27. SMITH & LENTZ 22
smithandlentz.com
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SCAN THE CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE 20
30 MILES SOUTH OF NASHVILLE OPEN DAILY FOR WINE TASTINGS LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS
Beer & Cocktails Attaboy
Low lighting, speakeasy vibes and extremely knowledgeable bartenders make East Nashville’s Attaboy a unique spot. No menu — just tell the bartenders what you’re in the mood for, and they’ll whip you up something special.
Chopper
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
With its 1920s Art Deco influence, velvet booths and warm brass and gold fixtures, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club has class. It also has an expertly curated menu of craft cocktails and liquors.
Germantown Pub
In a meticulously curated space, Chopper offers its own takes on traditional tiki drinks like the mai tai, the jet pilot and the painkiller.
Thanks to plenty of drink specials and a classic bar-food menu, the neighborly vibes at Germantown Pub encourage you to relax and take a load off.
Dino’s
Henley
East Nashville’s unassuming neighborhood bar offers one of the best classic cheeseburgers you’ll find in town, not to mention cheap domestic beers and a great patio when the weather’s right.
The menu at this Midtown brasserie features some of the most creative cocktails anywhere in town and gives the old standards new twists.
Duke’s
It’s a little more than a decade old, but Duke’s feels like it’s been in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood forever. That’s thanks to great drink specials, a killer sandwich lineup, fun bartenders and nightly DJs spinning rocksolid rock ’n’ roll.
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WE USE AUTHENTIC INGREDIENTS IMPORTED DIRECTLY FROM THE CAMPANIA REGION OF ITALY. BELLEVUE
GERMANTOWN
8129 Sawyer Brown Rd #401, Bellevue, TN
1012 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN
BROADWAY 5055 Broadway, Nashville, TN 22
Beer & Cocktails Inglewood Lounge
This East Side spot offers a succinct but diverse cocktail menu. Reliably inventive, the menu rotates throughout the year.
Pearl Diver
This tropical-themed bar has a menu featuring expertly crafted (and aesthetically appealing) daiquiris, piña coladas and a rum-and-soda concoction known as the Ting Wray.
Pushing Daisies
Restaurateur Sam Fox’s Pushing Daisies is unlike anything else on Lower Broad — a hiding-in-plain-sight subterranean margarita bar that’s spiritually miles away from the neighboring honky-tonks.
Smith & Lentz
You wouldn’t think one of Nashville’s best pepperoni pizzas can be found at a brewery. But you’d think wrong. And needless to say, they’ve got a great beer lineup too.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNER Best New Bar: Close Company
Scene staffer Hannah Herner has a tip for visitors to this Neuhoff District spot: “Whatever you do, don’t order something basic like a vodka tonic. The big, open adaptive-reuse space is full of energy and color — and retrieving your food from a novelty cubby counter adds to the novel experience.”
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Casual Dining Bag Lady’s Fry Joint
Get hand-cut fries, chips or cauliflowerloaded protein, vegetables, cheese and sauce at Bag Lady’s. The unique menu includes pizza fries, hot chicken fries, Philly cheesesteak fries and gyro fries, plus burgers, gyros, lamb and more.
Bill’s Sandwich Palace
At Bill’s Sandwich Palace, you’ll find unique, messy and, most importantly, well-portioned sandwiches of all stripes. To complete the meal, add a side of Bill’s homemade Cheddy Ranch Puffs.
Emmy Squared
Emmy Squared offers up fantastic Detroitstyle pizzas and sandwiches and is a contender for the best burger in town.
Epice
Among Nashville’s many great Mediterranean restaurants, Epice stands out by making its Lebanese cuisine elegant as well as delicious.
Gordo’s Taqueria
This elevated burger restaurant — that’s what the “Up” in its name implies — has been around for more than 15 years, and remains as popular as ever.
Specializing in tacos and Mission-style burritos, Gordo’s has been a part of the Bay Area’s culinary scene since 1977, and just launched its first sister location in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood with a menu designed for customers to build their own burritos and tacos just the way they want them. *
DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana
Greko Greek Street Food
Burger Up
Neapolitan-style pizza — made with fresh, hand-tossed dough and baked in a wood-fired oven — is the raison d’etre of DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana, a Scene favorite since 2012. DeSano says it follows the rules of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, “preserving the centuries-old craft of making authentic Neapolitan pizza.” *
Degthai
Degthai specializes in Thai street food, but it consistently wins our Best of Nashville readers’ poll for Best Thai Food, full-stop.
One of Nashville’s best and most authentic Mediterranean spots, Greko Greek Street Food lives up to its name with classic Greek street dishes like souvlaki and Monastirakistyle beef.
The Grilled Cheeserie
This is a great place to grab a cheesy, melty, satisfying sandwich, with a side of house-made soup and a milkshake.
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Find us in 12South— walk over for the margaritas, stay for the tacos, and make
your new neighborhood favorite.
2803 12th Ave S #202 629.777.1093 Mesero.net @meseronashville 26
Casual Dining Hawkers Asian Street Food
Mesero
Limo Peruvian Eatery / The Inka Trailer LLC
Miss Saigon
If you’re looking for a restaurant where you can mix and match a selection of pan-Asian favorites, Hawkers Asian Street Food is the pick. You can get high-quality bao buns, pad Thai, dim sum and udon all at the same spot.
On the East Side, chef Marcio Florez’s Peruvian eatery Limo has delicious tapas and a great lineup of ceviches. It won Best New Restaurant in the Scene’s 2024 Best of Nashville readers’ poll, and continues to impress us with a wide array of options, from traditional to vegetarian and vegan options, and even a sampler platter that showcases many of Peru’s iconic flavors.*
Maiz de la Vida
Making tortillas is an art form at Maiz de la Vida. At both its East Side food-truck location and its Eighth Avenue brick-and-mortar, Maiz de la Vida serves a variety of delicious offerings — tacos, quesabirria, elote and more — that split the difference between traditional and innovative.
Mas Tacos Por Favor
From pulled-pork tacos to vegetarian quinoa tacos, fried plantains and its regionally famous chicken tortilla soup, Mas Tacos Por Favor never fails to satisfy.
This elevated Tex-Mex spot has some of the best queso in town, not to mention eight different kinds of enchiladas — each of them outstanding. Other menu highlights include an unmissable shrimp ceviche, guacamole-covered flautitas, ahi tuna nachos and more.*
There’s a whole complex of Vietnamese dining in this former big-box storefront on Charlotte Avenue, but Miss Saigon is the hub. Try the Bún Miss Saigon, the signature vermicelli dish that’s served with an egg roll, barbecue pork, chicken, shrimp and fresh herbs.
S.S. Gai
Based out of East Nashville’s The Wash, S.S. Gai offers Thai chicken in two styles: gai tod (crispy and fried) and gai yang (smoky and grilled). Both are served with sticky rice, fried garlic and shallots, tamarind chili fish sauce, aromatic chili vinegar and local veggies and herbs.
Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria
It’s been open for less than 10 years, but Slim & Husky’s is already a Nashville institution. The hip-hop-themed artisanal pizza joint offers some of the best pies around, from the vegan Nothin but a “V” Thang to the classic Got 5 on It.
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TURKEY AND THE WOLF ICEHOUSE
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Casual Dining Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse
Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse brings NOLA to Nashville, with a fun atmosphere matched by a unique menu that includes Southern hits like the collard melt and the fried bologna sandwich.
Two Ten Jack
Waffle Taco
The welcoming, bustling, multicultural atmosphere is just as big a draw at Antioch’s Waffle Taco as the food, which includes just about anything you might think would go well on a waffle you can fold and eat like a taco.
Some of the best ramen in Nashville can be found at the Japanese-inspired izakaya restaurant Two Ten Jack. Order the tebasaki gyoza as your appetizer for a delicious dumpling-chicken-wing mashup.
Xiao Bao
Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen
Yellow Table Café & Crêperie
Given Von Elrod’s menu of artisan sausages and sandwiches plus a darn fine cheeseburger, the idea of enjoying the midday meal at this spot — accompanied by a selection from its vast array of craft beers in the convivial atmosphere of a breezy biergarten and expansive patio — is a no-brainer.
Xiao Bao is home to some of the mostdiscussed noodles in Nashville. And make sure to make room for the okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese cabbage pancake.
This French-inspired cafe has just 12 seats inside and 12 outside (weather permitting) and serves breakfast and lunch five days a week. Our favorite dishes include the sweet crepes with salted caramel, jam or Nutella fillings, all topped with powdered sugar.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNER Best New Fast-Casual Joint: Little Rey
Acclaimed Atlanta chef and restaurateur Ford Fry’s West End spot is ideal for happy hour or a family dinner. Contributor Ashley Brantley suggests you try the green salsas: One is mild and citrusy, the other spicy and creamy. 29
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515 B Merritt Ave. Nashville TN 37023 gordosnashville.com
SKINNY DENNIS Join us on the East Side at Skinny Dennis for live music, the coldest beer, hottest peanuts, and one of the best dance floors in town! 2635 GALLATIN PIKE MON–THURS: 2PM-2AM FRI–SUN: 12PM-2AM Photos by: Zach Roberts 30
Cheap Eats Calypso Cafe
It’s no secret that Calypso serves up fresh and delicious food for cheap — the cafe, which has locations on With Charlotte Avenue and Thompson Lane, has been a go-to for years for their rotisserie chicken, Boija Muffins, and beans-and-three options. We also love their delicious black bean salad made from a mountain of romaine lettuce, a heaping pile of rice, a handful of tortilla chips and all the fixins.
Taqueria Andrea
Everything on the menu is solid gold — the quesadillas, the burritos, the tacos — but bangfor-your-buck-wise, you can’t beat the torta, a savory Mexican sandwich about the size of a cheeseburger-and-a-half.
Taquería La Juquilita
Ask for whatever the daily soup is, point at a few pupusas and tacos, and get ready to enjoy.
Fogatas Authentic Mexican Food
You can get everything from standard Tex-Mex combos to a breakfast plate of steak and eggs with grilled cactus on the side — and there’s a fresh juice bar too.
Tacos y Mariscos Lindo Mexico
A $20 bill can get an entire roasted chicken with rice, beans, tortillas, pico and toppings, with some cash still left over. Tip big, these people are the best.
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CAFE32 BABU
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coffee 8th & Roast
The Horn Coffee
Bongo East
Stay Golden
8th & Roast serves up reliably delicious espresso drinks, pour-over coffee and a variety of baked goods and premade sandwiches and salads.
This East Side establishment delivers a reliable cup of great coffee as well as innovative espresso drinks, fresh salads, panini and breakfast all day long — and you can choose from dozens of board games to play.
Crema
Crema is an artisan coffee pioneer known for reliable coffee, eco-friendly practices and sharing its knowledge via classes.
In this warmly lit Somali cafe, the team offers many delectable foods, including a savory pastry called the sambusa, a Somali variation on the Indian samosa.
Nashville’s Stay Golden is a local favorite, thanks to its tasty and affordable menu items, an inviting space and, most importantly, a really good cup of coffee.
Steadfast Coffee
Drinks are perfectly balanced, from The Rested Butterscotch Latte to The Atlas, in which a thick layer of cool, sweet foam delicately sits upon steaming-hot coffee like a complex, delicious science experiment.
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey is among Nashville’s most essential coffee shops, and its specialty is, of course, its locally roasted coffee.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNER Best Patio: Cafe Babu
We love Cafe Babu’s Mediterranean-inspired interior and the house-special latte with cardamom syrup, but contributor Margaret Littman is especially fond of the patio: “With its prime people-watching and transformation from coffee shop in the a.m. to cocktail bar in the evening, Babu’s patio makes this a sought-after al fresco experience.” 33
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www.waymoresnashville.com www.waymoresnashville.com
Waymore's Guest House is a boutique hotel in East Nashville Waymore's Guest House is a boutique hotel in East Nashville with 93 stylish rooms and suites, offering an authentic Music City with 93 stylish rooms and suites, offering an authentic Music City experience. Guests can enjoy comfort food and cocktails at Short experience. Guests can enjoy comfort food and cocktails at Short Stories Café in the lobby lounge or head to Tall Tales, the rooftop Stories Café in the lobby lounge or head to Tall Tales, the rooftop cocktail bar, for craft drinks, light bites, and the best sunset view in cocktail bar, for craft drinks, light bites, and the best sunset view in Nashville! Nashville! 34
811 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 811 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206
Desserts & Ice Cream The Baked Bear
You no longer have to choose between ice cream and cookies. The Baked Bear’s ice cream sandwiches mean you can have both, plus you can customize your order and get, say, a pair of buttery snickerdoodles with blackberry crumble ice cream in between.
Baked on 8th
This bakery is a sweets lover’s dream, with cake by the slice, gooey brownies and oatmeal cream pies. The Galaxy Brownie is a longtime staple at Scene birthday parties.
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip
This nostalgia-inducing spot has been serving Nashville’s best milkshakes for more than 70 years. It’s open seasonally, so plan your trips accordingly.
The Cupcake Collection
The perfect ratio of icing to cake does exist! Try a specialty flavor, or stick with the best strawberry cupcake in the city.
D’Andrews Bakery
This downtown spot specializes in sophisticated, stylish pastries like fruit-shaped mousse desserts and flaky brioche doughnuts.
Fox’s Donut Den
Legendary longtime Green Hills spot Fox’s Donut Den makes one of the best sweets you’ll get in Nashville — an apple fritter nearly the size of a dinner plate.
HiFi Cookies
Here’s a locally owned and operated favorite with music-inspired cookies and unique flavors. The colorful funfetti-and-sprinkles Bowie cookie is a staff favorite.
KOKOS Ice Cream
This cute plant-based ice cream spot is perfect on a warm day, and there’s almost always plenty of outdoor seating.
Sarabhas Creamery
If you’ve never had Indian-style ice cream before, get ready for the creamiest mango, chai spice or saffron flavors.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNER Best New Cafe and Bakery: Babychan Restaurant & Cafe
From the creators of Kisser, Babychan has Japanese-inspired sweet treats like Strawberry Sando and Black Sesame Swiss Rolls alongside savory choices like their Kurobuta Sausage Rolls and Japanese Curry. 35
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Family-Friendly 51 North Taproom
Located in the heart of The Nations, 51 North Taproom has something for everyone — from tacos and quesadillas to Southern fried chicken. A weekend brunch menu includes breakfast nachos — fried eggs over black beans and chips covered with a Gouda queso. It’s a craft-beer focused spot, with 30 constantly rotating taps and 75 bottles or cans of craft beers and ciders, but it’s also family-friendly, and the menu includes plenty of options for the kids.
Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Place Soda Shop is old-fashioned in the best ways — think creamy milkshakes, scrumptious patty melts and meringue pies so tall it almost seems like a practical joke. A period-correct jukebox seals its status as a classic Nashville icon.*
Legendairy Milkshake Bar
These are the most over-the-top milkshakes you can order without tipping over the table they’re served on.
Monell’s
Operating out of a refurbished Victorian home, Monell’s is not your typical meat-and-three, but more like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house.
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
You’ll definitely want to come to Pharmacy for the fresh, locally sourced burgers. But you should stay for the sodas — we love the creamsicle phosphate made with orange soda, cream and vanilla syrup.
Fryce
Nothing hits the sweet-salty balance as well as soft-serve and french fries — it’s a classic combo that Fryce does better than anyone else.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNER Best Throwback to Childhood: Sprinkle Crunch at Tabla Rasa Cafe Tabla Rasa is a smartly curated kids’ toy store with a lot to offer, including a massive outdoor seesaw, a skate ramp that’s just for kiddos, and a nostalgia-inducing soft-serve ice cream window.
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38 BUTCHER & BEE
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Fine Dining Bad Idea
Lockeland Table
Butcher & Bee
Marsh House
Located inside a former church sanctuary, this wine bar and restaurant offers unexpectedly delectable dishes that you can’t find anywhere else.
This East Nashville spot has been serving some of the city’s best dishes for more than 10 years, and we’re still recommending it to visitors. Here’s a tip from contributor Chris Chamberlain: “Take advantage of Butcher & Bee’s ‘Order Like a Pro’ prix-fixe option, in which you put yourselves in the capable hands of the cook staff, who prepare and present their current favorite dishes of the moment.”
Folk
One of award-winning chef Philip Krajeck’s three fantastic fine-dining destinations, East Nashville’s Folk is both elevated and unassuming. Try the clam pizza, and then wander next door to Wilburn Street Tavern for a no-frills nightcap.
Henrietta Red
Chef Julia Sullivan creates some of the best dishes in town. Henrietta Red is known for its fresh ingredients — especially its oysters — and its airy atmosphere.
One of the highest-caliber culinary stops in Nashville as well as one of the coziest neighborhood joints, Lockeland Table makes magic out of fresh local ingredients.
Inside the Thompson Hotel, Marsh House focuses on seafood — lobster tart, snapper stew — with Southern flair. Leave room for dessert.
Noko
Wanna dine like an in-the-know East Sider? Every savvy eater east of the Cumberland River knows that the wood-fired, Asianinspired dishes at Noko make for a reliable special-occasion outing — or a treat-yourself weeknight dinner, why not?
Tailor
This Germantown supper club offers authentic Indian cuisine with Southern sensibilities. Chef Vivek Surti is known to keep the dining experience lively with his warm personality shining through as he introduces each course and tells the stories that inspired them.
Husk
Lunch and dinner menus change every day depending on what local growers have to offer and are cooked in an open kitchen at the center of the Victorian mansion.
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authentic Sicilian Pizzeria with wood-fired pizzas made with the freshest ingredients and our handmade pasta dishes that are bursting with flavor.
Enjoy 5851 handmade Old Hickory pasta, Blvd Hermitage, TN 37076 wood-fired pizza, and true tuttidagio.com | 615.622.6078 Italian recipes straight from Milazzo, Sicily. Buon appetito! tuttidagio.com | 615.622.6078
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393 E Main St, Hendersonville, TN
food halls Assembly Food Hall
Plaza Mariachi
Hunters Station
The Wash
Located inside Fifth + Broadway is this massive food hall, which features more than 30 different dining options. This is a great way to experience a ton of Nashville’s best eateries in one trip — Prince’s Hot Chicken, Thai Esane and Hattie Jane’s Creamery are just a few of our favorites.
This convenient food court is home to locations of Hugh-Baby’s BBQ & Burger Shop, Vui’s Kitchen, Radish Kitchen and more. To top it off, there’s a dog-friendly outdoor dining area.
Whether you’re looking for cuisine from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru or elsewhere, Plaza Mariachi offers some of the city’s best Latin dishes, alongside consistently strong live entertainment, international shopping and a dedicated kids’ arcade — easily enough to fill an entire day.
This East Nashville hub has something for everyone — top-notch Thai, Cuban and Peruvian fare, a cocktail bar and more.
Nashville Farmers’ Market
You can spend hours at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, which offers everything you’d expect from a traditional farmers market, as well as a food court with options that span the gamut from Music City Crepes to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams to Bella Nashville Pizzeria.
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VISIT THE BEST LOCAL BUSINESSES IN NASHVILLE! SCAN TO VIEW THE 2025 BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNERS Check out our categories! Arts, Culture & Music | Food & Drink Health, Beauty & Fitness | Home & Garden Kids & Pets | Media & Politics People & Places | Retail & Services
Explore the best that Nashville has to offer! Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville Reader’s poll results here
VISIT NASHVILLESCENE.COM/BON/2025
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Hidden Gems Butterlamp
This self-described bread house and wine bar is located on a property that used to house a Methodist church, and landed on The New York Times’ “25 Best Nashville Restaurants Right Now” list three months after it opened. We love the deviled eggs in a skirt, marinated olives and pork-fat fries.
Kisser
This lunch-only spot specializes in Japanese comfort food and is insanely popular among inthe-know locals. Try the onigiri — the seasoned, filled rice balls never disappoint.
Osh
Nashville’s first Uzbek restaurant is a staff favorite, both for its service and its delicious specialties — from savory starters like somsa and suzma to the crispy, cheesy, subtly sweet dessert called kunefe.
Pupuseria Reina la Bendición
At this Salvadorian spot, the pupusas are monsters, big masa cakes filled with cheese and other goodness (pork, chicken, beans, etc.), then griddled into submission until there’s a char on both sides.
St. Vito Focacceria
In addition to the always-superb sfincione (don’t sleep on the potato sfincione, or the Classic Vito), chef Michael Hanna has been riffing on stracciatella, pastas, salads and a whole lot more — with great success.
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ
Every Wednesday through Sunday, Shotgun Willie’s provides Madison with some of the tastiest live-fire barbecue in town. Order a plate and get a half-pound of meat with two scratch-made sides (dill pickle potato salad and honey poppy seed slaw are two favorites) and all the fixin’s. Save room for bourbon banana pudding for dessert.*
Tutti Da Gio
The unassuming Tutti Da Gio in Hendersonville offers some of the best Italian food you’ll find in the Nashville area, and possibly anywhere. The menu includes handmade gnocchi and pasta, paper-thin prosciutto and thin-crust pizzas baked in a brick oven that we like so much we gave their now-closed Hermitage location Best New Italian writer’s choice in the Scene’s 2022 Best of Nashville issue.*
Rice Vice by Proper Sake Co.
This cozy sake brewery and bar is tucked away in a hidden East Nashville space — a fun, charming, vibey spot for drinks and delicious pop-up food offerings.
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44 PRINCE’S HOT CHICKEN SHACK
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Hot Chicken 400 Degrees
In our book, Aqui Hines’ glorious deep-fried bird rivals the mighty Prince’s for its crackling crust and its proportion of flavor to pain. Thick-cut pork chops and crinkle-cut french fries also benefit from a dash of chef Hines’ hot seasoning powder.
Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
A loyal clientele considers this the equal of Prince’s, and some prefer it. It’s just as wellknown for its hot fish — the distantly related Nashville specialty consisting of fried fish doused in mustard and hot sauce.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
With locations in Midtown, on Lower Broad, in Melrose, on Charlotte and beyond, Hattie B’s has built an impressive hot chicken empire. They’ve also landed at the top of the readers’ poll results in more than one installment of the Scene’s Best of Nashville issue. With heat levels ranging from “Southern” (i.e., no heat) all the way up to “Shut the Cluck Up!!!” — not to mention an array of addictive sides — the popular purveyors of fiery fowl have a little something for everyone.*
Helen’s Hot Chicken
Helen’s started in a little trailer on the side of a Nashville road, and it’s expanded to four Middle Tennessee locations and three spots out of state.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNER: Best Hot Chicken: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
The restaurant that made Nashville hot chicken a world-famous specialty serves it up in four varieties: mild, medium, hot or, for the truly reckless, extra hot. Prince’s is the yardstick by which everyone measures hot chicken in Nashville.
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AVO 46
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Vegetarian AVO
Check out the signature cocktails and The Wild Nashville — arguably the most filling salad we’ve ever eaten, featuring freshly foraged greens and all sorts of goodness grown right here in Music City.
E+Rose Wellness Cafe
You don’t need to lead a plant-based lifestyle to enjoy this chain’s delicious superfood bowls. They start with açaî or dragon fruit as a base, blend them with nut milks and butters, and top them high with ingredients like fresh fruit, nuts and local honey.
Sunflower Cafe
Sunflower Cafe serves its food cafeteria-style, so you can sample bits and pieces of the rotating menu of entrées and sides. Glutenfree, oil-free and soy-free options are available.
BEST OF NASHVILLE WINNERS: Best Vegan: Graze
At Graze, you can go pig out on your favorite comfort foods made vegan, like Mac & Chorizo, Nashville Hot Tempeh and even a cashew-based cheesecake.
Best Vegetarian: Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
The best vegetarian restaurant in Nashville is also the best Indian restaurant in Nashville. The entire menu is outstanding, but if you really want to sample a wide range of dishes, plan your visit around lunchtime — Woodlands has an excellent lunch buffet, offered seven days a week. 47
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Making Moments Together Extraordinary
Unforgettable memories are made here! Enjoy endless adventure and fun in the sun together in one extraordinary place. GaylordOprylandLocal.com Tennessee Residents get up to
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SoundWaves Experience Package
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*Proof of residency required at check-in. Davidson County, TN residents save up to 40% with code L9Z. Tennessee residents save up to 25% with code E7215. Offers valid select dates in 2026. Seasonal outdoor attractions are open Memorial Day thru mid-August then weekends only thru Labor Day. Restrictions apply.
things to do THE PARTHENON IN CENTENNIAL PARK
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art The Arcade
Built in 1902, this architectural landmark spans two city blocks and has been thoughtfully updated. Artists’ studios line the periphery of the upper floors, while the ground-level storefronts feature a range of contemporary tenants.
Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University
This gallery on Fisk University’s campus is often curated with art by a mix of historic artists of the 20th century, like Aaron Douglas and Greg Ridley, and contemporary ones from around North Nashville. The exhibitions reflect the tremendous range of Fisk’s impact.
David Lusk Gallery
David Lusk Gallery is the best WedgewoodHouston spot for serious art collectors and connoisseurs, with a selection of works from the region’s biggest talents — from William Eggleston to Red Grooms.
Elephant Gallery
Some of the most interesting contemporary art in town happens at Elephant Gallery. The gallery, which also houses a handful of artists’ studios, hosts solo shows from emerging locals as well as offbeat curated exhibitions you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Frist Art Museum
Nashville’s best art museum has a rotating selection of traveling exhibitions as well as a few original shows curated into the bunch. Expect a wide variety for both the specialist and the nonspecialists in your crowd.
Hatch Show Print
Hatch is the legendary letterpress print shop that helped create Nashville’s first signature style — woodblock prints of country music acts. A must-see spot for lovers of history, country music, printmaking and art.*
Red Arrow
Red Arrow is East Nashville’s most relevant gallery. The modest white-box space packs an outsized punch with its forward-thinking curation of local, regional and nationally recognized artists.
Tinney Contemporary
In 2026, Tinney Contemporary celebrates its 20th year in its downtown building. The contemporary gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of established and emerging artists from all over, including Nashvillebased artists Wendy Walker Silverman, Marilyn Murphy and James Perrin.
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52 NOVELETTE
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bookstores The Bookshop
The best bookstore in Nashville if you’re looking for a tightly edited selection of literary fiction and nonfiction essay collections — with a smattering of cookbooks and books for kids to round things out — is conveniently located next door to Hanna Bee Coffee.
The Green Ray
A niche shop that stocks a wide array of photo books and art books, plus the occasional poetry collection and chic cookbook. And don’t get us started on the luxe fragrances and home goods.
McKay’s
A book lover’s paradise, the ground floor of McKay’s is crammed with worn classics, paperbacks, DVDs, cookbooks, Xbox games and how-tos of every description; overlooking it is a balcony ringed with thousands of CDs and records.
Parnassus Books
Owned by internationally renowned writer Ann Patchett, Parnassus is the pride of Nashville’s literary community. The Green Hills shop offers a wide selection of books and some of the best author events in town.
Rhino Booksellers
One of the greatest used bookstores around, Rhino has a massive selection of high-quality secondhand books. There are lots of out-ofprint titles and first editions too.
Slow Burn
The only bookstore in town that specializes in romance novels, erotica and straight-up smut.
Novelette
This well-curated queer-owned spot specializes in contemporary fiction and has some of the coolest indoor murals in town.
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date nights Holiday Salon & Bathhouse
A gorgeous Finnish-inspired salon and bathhouse. The roomy bathhouse includes a saltwater soaking pool for up to 10 people, and a soak-and-sauna room that’s perfect for one or two people.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center/ Soundwaves
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
There’s no better cheap date than a walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, named for the city’s famed journalist and First Amendment advocate. It’s a rite of passage for many Nashvillians — almost everyone has a story that takes place there.
Located near both the Opry Mills mall and the legendary Grand Ole Opry House, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center features nine acres of indoor gardens under glass roofs — along with 2,800 guest rooms and more than 750,000 square feet of convention space. An additional perk is SoundWaves, an upscale indoor/outdoor water park with big, fast water slides as well as two lazy rivers, a wave pool and “water obstacles.” *
NASHVILLE SCENE DATE NIGHT COLUMN: For more date night recommendations, check out the Nashville Scene’s recurring column Date Night, penned by contributor Danny Bonvissuto. Visit nashvillescene.com/food_drink/date_night for her complete list. 55
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56 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC
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Museums & Culture Adventure Science Center
From its iconic pyramid-shaped exterior to the Sudekum Planetarium inside, Adventure Science Center has long been a favorite for Nashville’s children and families. Originally founded as the Nashville Children’s Museum, the Fort Negley spot celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2025. *
The Belcourt Theatre
Founded in 1925, the Belcourt is one of the country’s leading arthouse cinemas — a movie lover’s haven for foreign and indie films, repertory tributes and raucous midnight screenings with accompanying drink specials.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Because the museum’s collections and stories are so well-presented, and because the exploration of country music runs so deep — even verging into blues and gospel at times — there’s plenty for all music fans to appreciate.*
Historic RCA Studio B
Opened in 1957, this Music Row site where country music titans made bedrock recordings in the genre is open for tours daily via the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Lane Motor Museum
Among the 150 or so vehicles on display in this unique museum, there are radical designs from engineers manifesting their visions in metal, from tiny bicycles and scooters to capacious people-carriers.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the crucial contributions of studio musicians to the sound of classic records across all genres. Included in the array of instruments and memorabilia is the new interactive Grammy Museum Gallery. *
National Museum of African American Music
Officially opened in 2021, the National Museum of African American Music — or NMAAM — quickly became a global destination for music lovers. With galleries dedicated to R&B, jazz, blues, gospel and hiphop, the downtown museum offers something for every generation.
OZ Arts
This former cigar warehouse has been transformed into a destination for cutting-edge contemporary art experiences.
Johnny Cash Museum
This downtown spot just off Lower Broadway boasts the most thorough collection of materials telling the story of the country and rockabilly legend. 57
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58 ZANIES
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Museums & Culture The Parthenon
Securing our reputation as the Athens of the South is our full-scale replica of The Parthenon. There’s a museum inside with paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, and just like the Parthenon in ancient Greece, this one holds a 42-foot statue of Athena.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
The city’s multipurpose center for the performing arts boasts three separate stages capable of housing everything from national Broadway tours to lavish Nashville Opera and Nashville Ballet productions and works from the excellent Nashville Repertory Theatre.
Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum might be the best place to learn about local culture and history. Check out the special exhibitions that celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary — they’re not to be missed.
The Ryman Auditorium
The historic Ryman is a Nashville institution, and is nicknamed “the Mother Church” for a reason — with stained-glass windows, pews instead of traditional theater seating and rich history wafting through the air, a Ryman show is like a spiritual experience.
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center
The Schermerhorn is the home of the Nashville Symphony, which as of 2026 is being led by revered conductor Leonard Slatkin. It’s a gorgeous downtown venue that hosts a variety of classical, pop, blues and jazz.
Zanies
Nashville’s flagship comedy club hosts a wide variety of shows, from local comic showcases to national headliners like Janeane Garofalo, Chris Rock, Marc Maron and countless more.
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WE BELIEVE THAT NEEDLEPOINT SHOULD BE FUN, AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE! Kick Ass Needlepoint—a fresh, irreverent take on the traditional craft. Whether it’s with a needle, thread, or precious metals, we continue to redefine what it means to make art that’s both beautiful and badass. 850 Hillwood Blvd #6 | Nashville, TN 37209 marykathryndesign.com @marykathryn_design kickassneedlepoint.com @kickassneedlepoint
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Music Venues The Basement
A small-capacity venue, The Basement is one of the most beloved and longest-running rock clubs in town. Metallica played a secret show there in 2008, and people are still talking about it.
The Basement East
An updated, larger space than its sister venue, The Basement East still carries the same Old Nashville vibe, and hosts some of Nashville’s best rock shows. Locals lovingly call it The Beast — and if you’ve heard someone refer to The Basement as “The O.G. Basement,” now you know why.
Brooklyn Bowl
This midsize Germantown venue has great sound, plenty of space and a bunch of very nice bowling lanes. In addition to hosting shows booked by Live Nation — which has a partnership role in the venue — Brooklyn Bowl also puts on tons of concerts organized by independent local promoters.
Drkmttr Collective
This nonprofit all-ages club is the best spot to visit if you’re in the mood for something weird, outré, underground or avant-garde.
Eastside Bowl
This completely reimagined space — formerly a Kmart — sports a snazzy 16-lane bowling alley, a cozy bar and a midsize show space, as well as two smaller stages named the Low Volume Lounge and The ’58. Plus it’s got a pretty good burger.
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The End
A stalwart of Nashville’s storied Rock Block, The End was the greatest punk venue of its time, and is still a good spot to catch indie and punk shows.
Marathon Music Works
Located in historic Marathon Village, the spacious 1,500-capacity room features two full bars and hosts pop, rock, hip-hop and country shows.
Skinny Dennis
An outpost of the Brooklyn venue named for country bassist Skinny Dennis Sanchez, the Gallatin Pike spot is a solid addition to East Nashville, regularly hosting performances from top-shelf country artists including Chris Scruggs, Joshua Hedley, The Cowpokes and Best of Nashville writers’ choice winner Kristina Murray.*
The Station Inn
The homey no-frills vibe is part of the charm at this world-famous bluegrass mecca. Your odds of hearing jaw-dropping instrumental and vocal talent any night of the week are roughly 1:1 — this is where tomorrow’s bluegrass superstars hone their chops and today’s drop in and unwind.
Robert’s Western World
Lower Broadway is lined with honky-tonk options, and while many of them are a good time, they pale in comparison to Robert’s, with boots lining the walls and incredible fried bologna sandwiches.*
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62 NASHVILLE ZOO AT GRASSMERE
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outdoor activities Arrington Vineyard
Located 25 miles south of Nashville, Arrington Vineyards is on a lush 95-acre property — 16 acres of which are vineyards. With five tasting rooms and music on weekends (from April through November), plus 22 award-winning wines that are bottled on site, it’s a great spot for wine lovers to visit while in Music City.*
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
The city’s elegant longtime home for the arts offers attractions all year round, from quality art exhibitions in the estate’s museum to a woodland sculpture trail and the annual Holiday LIGHTS extravaganza.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
At the Nashville Zoo you can feed birds while they sit on your hand (or sometimes head), pet kangaroos (which are softer than chinchillas), hang out in a petting zoo filled with goats and llamas, and visit more than 300 different species of animals, including red pandas, tigers and so many more.
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64 VINYL TAP
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record Stores Daydream Records
Third Man Records
The Great Escape
Vinyl Tap
Daydream is a relatively new addition to Nashville’s indie record retail landscape, but the modest East Nashville store quickly made a name for itself with its impressively curated selection of used media, primarily vinyl and cassettes.
Dating back to the now-shuttered original Midtown shop opened in 1977, The Great Escape’s three area locations (Charlotte Pike, Madison and Murfreesboro) serve as Nashville’s old-school used media and collectibles outlet, offering records, comics and much more.
Also featuring pristine-sounding show space The Blue Room, Jack White’s Third Man Records is a color-coordinated record label and storefront that caters primarily to rock ’n’ roll aficionados, audiophiles and collectors.
Ever wish your neighborhood beer hall had DJs, shows and record crates you can dig through? Or that your neighborhood record store had an impressive lineup of beers on tap? East Nashville’s Vinyl Tap has you covered.
Grimey’s New and Preloved Music
Since namesake and co-owner Mike Grimes launched it in 1999, Grimey’s has grown into the flagship of Nashville’s fleet of mom-andpop record shops, offering a substantial array of used and new vinyl and CDs and hosting events for myriad local and touring artists alike.
Phonoluxe
Phonoluxe has offered used media on Nolensville Pike since 1987 and continues to bring out newly acquired vintage stock each week during its limited operating hours Friday through Sunday.
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66 GIFT HORSE
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shopping Carter Vintage Guitars
A frequent winner of Best Place to Buy a Musical Instrument in the Scene’s annual Best of Nashville readers’ poll, Carter Vintage Guitars has long been one of the city’s most valuable and beloved spots for procuring vintage guitars. Since merging with The North American Guitar in 2022, the Nashville institution has expanded and moved its showroom to a new spot, filled with history for guitarists and music lovers of all stripes.*
Emerson Grace
This corner spot offers a tight curation of feminine, stylish designers, with lots of pretty blouses and designer jeans. Under new management as of January 2026.
Forts
Specializing in men’s streetwear, Forts carries vintage shirts, watches, novelty hats and a large selection of footwear.
Gardens of Babylon
One of Nashville’s favorite plant shops, Gardens of Babylon is the top spot for scoring houseplants and hard-to-find accessories — but perhaps most importantly, really good advice from gardening experts.
The Getalong
The Getalong offers drop-in art and music classes for kiddos, along with a thoughtfully curated mix of toys, games, clothes and more.
Gift Horse
Perhaps the essential East Nashville gift shop, Gift Horse is always stocked with a fresh selection of stationery, novelties and fun local items.
Hail, Dark Aesthetics
The walls of this East Side outpost are covered with the heads of various taxidermied critters and framed bat and insect corpses. It’s not all about death and bones, though — they also carry gorgeous Victorian-inspired jewelry, crystals, Garbage Pail Kids cards and goofy vintage patches.
Hester & Cook
This Hillsboro Village store contains beautiful display platters, golden measuring cups, colorful glassware and all the materials needed to throw a sophisticated party.
Icon Tattoo and Body Piercing
One of Nashville’s longest-running tattoo shops, Icon has been around since 1997 and features a range of tattooers — some specialize in fine-line work, others in traditional styles or realism. That variety means there’s something for everyone.*
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shopping Imogene + Willie
This staple of Nashville’s slow-fashion scene is known for high-quality denim and small-batch graphic T-shirts.
Kick Ass NDLPT/Mary Kathryn Designs
For the crafty and bold among us, Kick Ass NDLPT is the one-stop shop for all things needlepoint. The brainchild of designer Mary Kathryn Martinson, this thread shop offers classes on needlepoint for beginners, and offers a variety of fun, tongue-in-cheek designs for hobbyists. *
The Makeup Altar
Melanie Mills is a longtime television and movie makeup artist with her own line of shining body products, but that’s just a small part of her treasure-filled East Nashville store. She has a bevy of professional beauty brands and tools as well as tarot cards, crystals and the like. *
Perfect Tenn
A Shop of Things
A fun and irreverent gift shop with a clear point of view — cute and weird.
Shoppes on Fatherland
This cluster of locally owned stores offers everything from handcrafted jewelry to quirky gifts, garlicky goods and vintage knickknacks.
STAG Provisions for Men
A satellite of the Austin, Texas-based boutique, this shop is perfect for men’s basics — think of J. Crew’s cooler cousin — at a variety of price points.
Totally Rad Toyhouse
Totally Rad Toyhouse is sure to elicit an “I remember that!” from every visitor — from G.I. Joe to Barbie to Marvel, there’s something for everyone. Collectors can buy, sell and trade, or hunt for rare finds.
Nashville’s legendary Tomato Art Fest is so weird and fun that plenty of locals celebrate it all year long — including the folks at Perfect Tenn. The T-shirts on sale in this East Nashville shop are all designed in-house and feature playful riffs on Tennessee and Nashville culture, from music and possums to tomatoes to sports teams. *
UAL
Serendipity
White’s Mercantile
This 12South staple is a modern mom-and-pop shop that has something for everyone — novelty T-shirts printed by local favorites Friendly Arctic, jewelry, candles, toys for kids and more.*
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When The New York Times wrote about Nashville’s UAL in 2017, the headline was: “Is This Store the Best-Kept Secret in Fashion?” If you’re looking for off-price deals on designer clothes — from Celine to Balenciaga — you might agree that it is.
This gift shop features upscale fashion and accessories along with a good selection of locally made products. Locations are in 12South, Green Hills and Franklin.
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70 NASHVILLE PREDATORS
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sports Dinkville
PopStroke
Nashville Predators
Tee Line Nashville
If you’re wanting to try pickleball but are intimidated by the long lines at local gyms and community centers, visit Dinkville in Nashville Yards, where you and your friends can knock out a few games (and knock back a few drinks) on a rooftop near downtown or underneath Union Station.
Nashville’s roughly 20,000-seat Bridgestone Arena glows gold in winter as hockey takes over, fueled by one of the loudest crowds in the league. If you’re in town during a game — and if it’s hockey season, chances are usually good that there is one — don’t miss the spectacle of Lower Broadway transforming into a hub of full-blown hockey fanaticism.*
Tiger Woods’ new mini-golf extravaganza has multiple courses — both indoor and outdoor — with food and beverage options for the whole family. Day passes are available, which means you can leave and come back throughout the day as you shop at nearby Tanger Outlets.
If the 2026 Winter Olympics turned you into an overnight curling fan, make sure to check out Tee Line Nashville. The only curling venue in Nashville offers lessons for beginners and space for experts as well as food, drinks and even a few bowling lanes.
Nashville Soccer Club / Geodis Park
Geodis Park is a 30,000-seat venue that hosts concerts and special events of all stripes, but its most locally beloved mission is serving as the home pitch for Nashville SC.*
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72 GHOST CITY TOURS
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tours Ghost City Tours
This walking ghost tour company offers a unique look into downtown Nashville’s history, with haunted options for die-hard ghost hunters and the faint of heart alike. Pick your poison, then debrief by grabbing a drink at Skull’s Rainbow Room.
Nashville Sites
The signature project of the Nashville Historical Foundation is a series of selfguided tours, each one written by a scholar whose specialty ranges from county historian to Ph.D. candidate. From the Civil War and Civil Rights to Family Fun and Public Art and Murals, there’s always going to be a guided tour that’s perfectly suited for you and your interests.*
Redneck Comedy Tour Bus
If redneck culture’s your thing, the Redneck Comedy Tour Bus is the sightseeing event for you. Meet them at Scoreboard Bar & Grill on Music Valley Drive, where you can park for free behind Nashville Palace. Featured destinations include Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery — you can find out more at theredneckbus.com.
United Street Tours
This tour company informs visitors — and unaware locals — about Nashville’s impressive and extensive Black history and culture. It offers three different walking tours, each 90 minutes long. There’s a Black history option, as well as tours devoted to the civil rights movement and neighborhood diversity.
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