A City Transformed
Nashville is hot. And I’m not just talking about its chicken.
The Tennessee capital, known to be the home of country music and birthplace of bluegrass, has long been a captivating destination with its myriad of live music venues and 365-day party scene on Lower Broadway.
And while the music is still boomin’ and Broadway is still buzzin’, the city has transformed into so much more than those two things.
Since the New York Times published an article declaring Nashville the next “it” city a decade ago, Music City hasn’t stopped flourishing.
Whether it’s the city’s rapidly expanding skyline, record-14.4 million visitors in 2022, or recent ranking as one of the hottest real estate markets in the U.S., the signs of prosperity are everywhere.
Perhaps the best part of this impressive surge is that neighborhoods once deemed sleepy, undesirable, or abandoned altogether have experienced a complete re-birth. New cafes, restaurants, bars, breweries, and boutiques are popping up everywhere.
You could spend an entire week exploring a different neighborhood each day and never run out of things to do. The evolution is simply astounding.
When you’re ready to come and experience the new and improved Nashville for yourself, check out these hot neighborhoods and prepare to be impressed!
The Gulch
If you’re coming to Nashville in search of the most “see or be seen” neighborhood, go ahead and put the Gulch at the top of your priority list.
Formerly home to a busy railroad yard, the area experienced a sharp downturn when passenger rail halted in the 1950s and was all but abandoned for the next fifty years. Fortunately, a group of developers got together with a master plan to reinvent the neighborhood. Two decades later, I think it’s safe to say their plan worked!
The neighborhood’s not-so-long-ago empty lots have been replaced by upscale condos, hotels, restaurants, and boutiques, while the once-deteriorating infrastructure has been transformed into a LEED-certified community (leader in energy and environmental design).
The Gulch’s centralized location to the rest of the downtown core only adds to the neighborhood’s appeal. A half-mile walk will get you to the heart of Broadway (Expert tip: take the stairs at Demonbreun and 11th), and other popular neighborhoods like SoBro, Midtown, and Wedgewood-Houston are just minutes away.
It Starts With Brunch
So where should your adventure in this fashionable neighborhood begin?
In my opinion, a true Gulch experience always starts with brunch. The neighborhood plays home to some of Nashville’s absolute best brunch spots with a variety of cuisines to choose from.
Adele’s, which only does brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, is my go-to weekend option. The restaurant’s menu includes an open buffet with all the breakfast staples, some lunch and dinner fare mixed in, and even a dessert bar. All their ingredients are fresh, and their bacon is out of this world!
Nearby, Biscuit Love has developed a bit of a cult-like following thanks to its savory biscuits and Southern hospitality. Because of their popularity and counter-service format, their lines can be downright long. I’d suggest getting there when doors first open, though if you do get stuck in line, you can take turns jumping into the other line for the famous WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural right around the corner.
Beyond those two hearty brunch options, there are plenty of other establishments to choose from, including Milk & Honey (traditional), Saint Anejo (Mexican), Superica (Mexican), Party Fowl (hot chicken), and Marsh House (seafood).
If all you need is a hot cup of joe in a trendy setting, Barista Parlor, located inside the W. Nashville Hotel, has you covered!
Daytime Activities
Once you’ve taken care of the day’s most important meal, there’s plenty more neighborhood waiting to explore.
If you’re interested in shopping, the Gulch has several popular retailers, including Patagonia, Urban Outfitters, Nashville Boot Co., Uncommon James, and Finnley’s.
For a true Music City experience, you can also swing by Carter’s Vintage Guitars, which boasts an extensive collection of guitars and string instruments that is certain to impress musicians and non-musicians alike.
Those looking for fresh air (and perhaps, a bit of exercise between indulgences) will appreciate the newly-unveiled Gulch Greenway. The mile-long trail starts at 11th and Porter and ends at Franklin Pierce Park, a family-friendly space featuring a playground, dog park, and volleyball court.
En route to the park, you’ll encounter the modern Capitol View district, which includes several shops and quality restaurants such as craft beer and burger joint, M.L. Rose, and build-your-own-taco concept, Condado Tacos.
Once the clock strikes happy hour, head back to the heart of the Gulch and stop in Hops and Crafts, a cozy hangout with an impressive local beer list, or The Pub, a fun British establishment with plenty of ales on tap.
Dinner and Entertainment
Like brunch, the dinner scene is another pillar of the Gulch experience. The list of quality establishments is lengthy, and you can find just about any cuisine you’re searching for.
Critically acclaimed Emmy Squared is known for its Detroit-style pizza and grills up some phenomenal burgers (The Le Big Matt was named the best burger in Nashville). If you’re in a celebratory mood, Kayne Prime or STK Steakhouse will deliver with their high-end fare and stylish environments.
Other superb options include Marsh House (seafood), Luogo (new Italian hot spot), Peg Leg Porker (mouth-watering barbecue), and the aforementioned Adele’s (farm-fresh American).
After dinner, the Gulch offers several unique, high-quality entertainment options.
The Station Inn is an old-school establishment that’s been playing Bluegrass seven nights a week for over forty years. It’s a fun, no-frills joint that serves up concession-style food and beer, and seats are first come-first served.
A few blocks over, Rudy’s Jazz Room offers an intimate musical experience in a setting self-described as a “New York meets New Orleans vibe.” From the service to the cocktails to the delicious New Orleans-inspired cuisine, everything about the place is simply superb.
Lastly, if you’d prefer to trade in the live music for bumpin’ tunes and stunning skyline views, check out L.A. Jackson. My wife and I always have a good time here, and their cocktails are the perfect nightcap to a day in the Music City!
Germantown
Just north of downtown lies Nashville’s oldest neighborhood, Germantown.
Established by European immigrants in the 1840s and added to the Registered Historic District in 1979, modern-day Germantown is equal parts charming and trendy.
The neighborhood’s mixture of beautiful, historic homes alongside modern residential complexes gives it a true “new meets old” feel, while the bustling food and drink scene has turned it into an ideal work, live, play community.
Germantown’s location is also just far enough away from downtown that it’s able to maintain a local feel without the tourist-driven chaos you’ll find in other parts of the city.
Early Day Options
When you’re ready to start the day, Germantown has plenty of establishments to meet your caffeine and early meal needs.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, start the day at Monell’s, a neighborhood institution that serves southern food family style. You’ll grab a seat at a community table and then pass around an assortment of dishes, including biscuits and gravy, country ham, pancakes, and more. The restaurant’s mantra is “Enter as strangers, leave as friends,” so be prepared to make new acquaintances while you chow down!
Seafoodies will surely enjoy Henrietta Red’s brunch menu featuring oysters, crab cakes, and other elevated dishes. The restaurant is the pride of Nashville native chef Julia Sullivan, who’s received national recognition for her delicious cuisine.
If you’d prefer a high-quality brunch that’s a bit more “standard,” local favorite Germantown Cafe has you covered with their delicious monkey bread, half-pound plates of bacon, and bottomless mimosas.
The neighborhood also plays home to several quality coffee spots.
Steadfast Coffee has a peaceful, friendly atmosphere with plenty of outdoor space, and the breakfast tacos are muy deliciouso! A few blocks over, Red Bicycle can deliver on your hot or cold beverage needs, while serving up one of their savory crepes.
For an early afternoon drink, head over to German-influenced Von Elrod’s. The restaurant has one of the best patios in the neighborhood, and their known for their B.A.M.s (Big A** Mimosas) served in liter stein glasses.
Take a Stroll or Catch a Game
If the weather is nice, Germantown is a great place to take a stroll with its brick sidewalks and tree lined-streets (The neighborhood has been named a city arboretum with over 100 tree species!).
You may also want to check out Bicentennial Park, which boasts impressive views of the state capitol and hosts many notable events throughout the year. Learn about the state’s history by observing the park’s well-done memorials and plazas, or enjoy the open lawn by throwing down a blanket or tossing a frisbee around.
After exploring the park, pop into the Nashville Farmer’s Market where you’ll find a diverse food hall, vendors selling produce and goods, and one of the area’s most well-known plant shops.
If your visit coincides with baseball season, try to catch a Nashville Sounds game at First Horizon Park. The Sounds led all minor league baseball teams in 2022 attendance, so the atmosphere at the ole’ ballpark is stronger than ever, and you won’t find a bad seat in the house.
You can also watch the game from Third and Home, a lively social bar perched down the third base line.
Other ideal game-day spots in the neighborhood include Neighbors, a true local sports bar, and Sonny’s Pub and Patio Refuge, an indoor/outdoor space that features lawn games and plenty of tail-waggers sniffing around.
Beer connoisseurs will enjoy checking out one of Nashville’s most esteemed breweries, Bearded Iris. The brewery, which gets a lot of credit for breathing new life into the neighborhood, brews up some of the best IPAs in the state of Tennessee.
Two blocks south along the river, Monday Night Brewing has an expansive, picturesque space at the site of a former meat-packing Company. Their service and beers are top-notch, and it’s hands-down one of my favorite spots in Nashville!
From Greasy Burgers to Award-Winning Cuisines
Germantown’s lunch and dinner scene covers just about all the bases when it comes to cuisine and price point.
Jack Brown’s is an always-busy burger joint that doubles as a dive bar with a fun, retro vibe. You won’t find much besides burgers on the menu because they’re just that good. They also have a massive selection of bottled and canned beer to go with one of their creatively cooked masterpieces.
Butchertown Hall is the go-to spot for wood-fired barbecue and Tex-Mex grub. The restaurant is a personal favorite of mine, with a great ambiance and some of the best brisket I’ve ever had. If the weather cooperates, they also have a lovely patio space.
Those looking for something more upscale will find several Germantown restaurants that make the short-list of best dining experiences in all of Nashville.
City House, a James Beard award-winning restaurant, serves up some of the best Italian food you’ll ever have, with a variety of carefully curated wines to pair with your delectable meal.
Those with adventurous palettes will appreciate Tailor, a South Asian-American-inspired restaurant that features flavorful multi-course meals. To add to the experience, the chef provides a brief backstory on the influence behind each dish. It’s a truly unique experience!
The Optimist (seafood and oysters), Mother’s Ruin (American), and Rolf & Daughters (new-American) are just a handful of the other quality alternatives that combines quality food with a great ambiance.
If your delicious dinner hasn’t sent you spiraling into a food coma, head over to Star Rover Sound, a recent addition to the neighborhood that features live music Thursday through Saturday. Next door, you can also stop by Le Loup, a new, classy cocktail lounge that’s received rave reviews since it opened.
While Germantown isn’t known for its late-night bar scene, Mother’s Ruin still does its best to fill that niche, and the later it gets, the more buzzin’ the New York concept becomes.
Located on both levels of a historic building, it may even have you feeling like you’ve suddenly landed in the Big Apple, with its dim lighting, unique decor, and hoppin’ atmosphere. Looking to party on a Monday? Don’t worry. The bar is open 365 days a year, and the party doesn’t stop until 2 a.m.
12 South
Suburb meets the city. That might be the best way to describe the character of 12 South, one of Nashville’s hottest neighborhoods found two miles south of downtown.
The area, mostly comprised of traditional single-family homes, has fully transitioned from “up and coming” to “extremely desirable,” with many property values increasing by a whopping one thousand percent over the last two decades!
With this rise in appeal, many restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques have filtered into the area and turned 12th Avenue South, which bisects the neighborhood, into one of the most walkable stretches in the city.
Since 99% of the neighborhood’s activity is along the same street, exploring the area is a breeze!
Speaking of breezes, if you’re coming from downtown and the weather is nice, consider renting an e-bike and cruising down the brand-new bike lanes on 12th Avenue South!
Fuel Up and Grab a Donut
There may be no better way to start a day in 12 South than to stop at Frothy Monkey, Nashville’s beloved coffee chain. Whether you need a quality latte or a full brunch meal, Frothy has it all. Their menu even has a handful of healthy lunch and dinner options. The indoor space is cozy, and the patio out front is one of the neighborhood’s best.
If you’re looking for the new and trendy Nashville vibe, check out The Butter Milk Ranch, which has an expansive brunch and cocktail menu, and whips up a variety of delicious croissants from scratch.
For a quick caffeine boost before partaking in some retail therapy, stop into White Bison Coffee. The establishment has a unique, convenient store-meets-cafe set-up that offers plenty of snacks and beverages in addition to the standard cafe menu.
Donut fans such as myself will want to swing by Five Daughter’s Bakery, a local favorite started by a couple with- you guessed it- five daughters! Their service is simply outstanding, and the donuts are on par with the best I’ve ever had. (Oh, and they’ve got vegan options!) Seriously, stopping here is a must.
Retail Therapy
If you need some retail therapy, there may not be a better spot to go in all of Nashville than 12 South. From locally-owned retailers to name-brand chains, you’re sure to find something to boost your style.
Popular local retailers include Draper James, FWD Clothing, Finnley’s, Planet Cowboy, and Judith Bright, and more well-circulated brands such as Marine Layer, Madewell, Faherty, and Outdoor Voices call the neighborhood home as well.
For a unique gift, check out Serendipity or White’s Mercantile, a modern-day general store.
It’s also not uncommon to see pop-up shops and events in the area. Whether it’s a mobile sunglass stand, a jewelry truck, or a vintage clothing pop-up, you never know what you’ll encounter!
Sevier Park, located on the southeast corner of the main drag, also hosts a bustling Farmer’s Market every Tuesday.
On any other day, the 20-acre park is a great place to enjoy some fresh air in a tranquil setting. A great walking path that winds beneath large tree canopies, and you’ll find a multitude of squirrels enjoying this urban oasis as well (The number one reason my dogs love this place!).
Afternoon Cravings and a Smorgasbord of Dinner Options
When you’re ready for an afternoon beverage, The Filling Station, tucked just off the main strip, has a great selection of beers to pick from. Just up the street, Ember’s Ski Lodge gives off mountain resort vibes and has some of the best happy hour deals around.
If your afternoon cravings are sweet tooth-related, 12 South has several establishments to fulfill those desires.
Located directly across from Five Daughter’s, Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar host’s an expansive cereal and ice cream bar where guests can load up either one with all of their favorite toppings.
Cookie fanatics will appreciate Christie’s Cookies, a locally owned business that has distributed freshly baked treats to Nashville residents for forty years.
Come dinnertime, 12 South offers a smorgasbord of options.
Edley’s Barbecue, a family-friendly joint with plenty of smoked meats to choose from, is a local institution that I always enjoy bringing first-time visitors to Nashville.
Down the street, bartaco offers up a stylish space with a lively atmosphere. Their cooks know a thing or two about quality street tacos, and the margaritas made with freshly squeezed lime juice are the perfect way to wash them down.
For a fine dining experience, check out Locust, recently named Food and Wine Magazine’s 2022 restaurant of the year. Reservations are hard to come by at this award-winning restaurant as their flavorful dishes and warm setting are hard to beat.
Other eateries worth checking out include Taqueria del Sol (Mexican), Josephine (upscale American), Urban Grub (seafood), and MAFIAoZA’s (Italian).
Though the 12 South area turns in a bit earlier than other parts of town, Bottle Cap and 12 South Taproom each offer welcoming environments to unwind or catch a game.
Stay Tuned for Part Two!
Sample Gulch Itinerary:
- Head to Adele’s for brunch, buffet-style
- Do some shopping and stop inside Carter’s Vintage Guitars to admire their collection
- Grab an afternoon beer at The Pub, then hit the Greenway for a little fresh air
- Check out the shops at Capitol View and grab a taco at Condado Tacos
- Head to Emmy’s Squared for dinner and order their top-rated burger or split a pie
- Finish the night New Orleans-style at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Sample Germantown Itinerary:
- Start the day at Monell’s for a southern, family-style brunch
- Take a stroll around Bicentennial Park and pop into the Farmer’s Market and check out the vendors
- Head over to Von Elrod’s for a drink on their patio
- Spend an hour roaming the neighborhood streets and stop in a few of the local shops
- Grab a burger at Jack Brown’s
- Grab a post-dinner cocktail at Le Loup then catch some live music next door at Star Rover Sound
Sample 12 South Itinerary:
- Start the day with a bevarage from Frothy Monkey then head over to Five Daughter’s Bakery for an unforgettable donut
- Partake in some retail therapy up and down 12th Avenue South
- Grab a beer at the Filling Station or a treat from Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar
- Escape the hustle and bustle for awhile at Sevier Park
- Chow down on some of Edley’s delicious barbecue
- Cap off the day with a beverage at Bottle Cap or margarita from Bartaco
