Ultimate Guide to Nashville, TN
Labeled Music City for a reason, Nashville is addictively lively, eclectic and full of energy. Nashville not only is the mecca of rich music history, it has so much more to offer than just the Broadway area. Don’t get me wrong, Broadway is just as amazing as you hear about, but don’t sleep on exploring nearby neighborhoods – they will not disappoint. Check out my ultimate guide to Nashville, TN to help plan your trip!
The Best Restaurants in Nashville
Nashville is more than just amazing (aka the BEST) hot chicken, the restaurant scene is just as energized as the music scene. Below were my favorite restaurants of the trip:
Ok, ok, ok. Yes, this is a chain and yes, you must go. Not only was the hot chicken amazing, you can chose your own spice level, so everyone can enjoy. As a gal who loves a good hot sauce, this was very much worth the hype.
A classic staple in Printer’s Alley (a short walk off Broadway), this is a great date spot or a more upscale dinner with a group. It’s a steakhouse with a mature cocktail list and an old school supper club vibe. They have live jazz music, burlesque dancers and espresso martinis – enough said.
Espresso Martini, Skull’s Hatti B’s Escargot, Skull’s
Located in Germantown, they offer a seasonal fresh menu with incredible cocktails to accompany. This was actually my favorite restaurant of the trip with pasta that I still talk about – if you see agnolotti on the menu, get 2. The atmosphere, service and food was great, it gave me a Brooklyn, NY vibe.
Just west of Chestnut Hill is a brunch spot that you can not miss! Whether you’re with a group or just a few people, you can’t miss this unlimited brunch. Its unlimited mimosas from 10am – 2:30, but make sure you make a reservation as it’s not the largest spot.
Agnolotti, R+D Earnest Earnest Cocktails, R+D
As a former resident of NYC, this was one of my favorite Detroit style pizza places so we had to check out the original. If you’ve never been and you like Detroit style pizza, put this on your list. Emmy Squared has also won awards for their burger – it’s kind of a big deal.
Another fan favorite for brunch and quite a scene. Go for the food and cocktails (one has edible glitter), but stay for the people watching. Very Instagramnable décor – I’m talking flower wall backdrops, neon signs, wall turf, swings and oversized couches. Want more Instagram tips, head over to my post about the most Instagram worthy places in Nashville 🙂
Bowling, food, old school office décor all under one roof. To house a bowling alley, you know this place is quite large. It’s in trendy-chic warehouse offering a great place for groups to eat, drink and bowl.
Le Matt Burger, Emmy Squared Hampton Social Colony, Emmy Squared Bloody Mary, Hampton Social
BBQ
I was on the hunt for great BBQ and Martin’s and Edley’s came highly recommended. Martin’s BBQ sauce is more Carolina style (vinegar based) while Edley’s is more classic BBQ. They were both amazing and would highly recommend both – get the dry rubbed ribs, brisket and mac at Martin’s and the pulled pork + brisket at Edley’s.
The Best Bars in Nashville
Once you enter Broadway you have no choice but to be immersed into the live honky tonk music scene. Every place (and I mean every place – even Taco Bell) has live music all around the clock. Nashville definitely offers an array of genres, so there is something for everyone and you can’t go wrong with any place you stumble upon. Below are the best bars in Nashville:
Tootsie’s
Nashville’s historic watering hole consisting of 3 floors with live music on all. You can’t pass by this iconic bar or the eye catching purple building it’s in. They have a rooftop perfect for watching people stroll by on Broadway.
This place is huge. If you’re looking for live music and a dance floor, this is your place. With 3 floors, 1 consisting of a rooftop, this is a place to drink and dance the night away.
Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock ‘N Roll
I mean, need I say more. It’s rock ‘n roll (and probably the loudest bar on the strip) and FUN. Another place to dance the night away if you’re down for rock ‘n roll.
If a small dive bar that only takes cash, is decorated for Christmas all year round and has karaoke every night is what you are looking for? Then you’re welcome. You better watch out (you better not cry, ok I’ll stop) – you’ll love this place.
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Located in Printer’s Alley (close to Skull’s – read about Skull’s here) we stumbled here because it started raining and it was fate. If jazz/blues isn’t your jam, make it your jam and go here. Its small, but you can reserve tables, or get there early and get a seat upstairs overlooking the stage. We came here to avoid the rain and stayed all evening.
No frills dive bar that gets rowdy at night. It looks like nothing from the outside, but its a good time. Done.
Rooftop in the Thompson Hotel that exudes trendiness with a view. The inside is a chic 70s vibe with views perfect for your next Instagram pic – need more Instagram-able spots – check out this post!
If I didn’t like bluegrass before, I do now. Low-lit bar serving hand crafted cocktails that is easy to pass by. The bluegrass bands will be a delightful change up from country (if needed).
What to do in Nashville
It’s a clear response when asked “what should we do in Nashville” (listen to live music), but Nashville has various ways to explore the city and dive into the rich music history. Below are a few recommendations to start planning a trip:
Bowl at Pinewood Social
Eat, drink and bowl at Pinewood Social. Great place to get a group together and have a great time. Their cocktail list will make you better at bowling.
Hit Broadway
Broadway is the central point of Nashville to party. Just walk down the street and pick the venue depending on the music you hear – you won’t make a wrong decision. Broadway contains the sounds of music with the strong smell of leather.
Go on a Brewery Tour or Just Go to Yee-Haw
Ok, its not an official tour, but we made our own and were able to hit a few. The places we drank some flights at were Jackalope, Tailgate, and Yee-Haw. Even if you’re not a beer drinker, Yee-Haw is more of a scene with a large indoor area, outside patio with live music and a distillery with moonshine aka it has something for everyone.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Because why wouldn’t you? Get your history on in one of the world’s largest museums telling the tales of many of the greatest country musicians. Don’t worry, its right by Broadway, so you can head there after.
Booze Cruise/Ride/Hot Tub/Tractor/Bus, etc
You read that right and what am I talking about? Once you get to Nashville, you will see what I’m talking about. You can book literally any kind of vehicle that has 4 wheels to drive you around Nashville on a boozy tour – I’m talking buses (with or without hot tubs), tractors, princess carriages, old army tanks and the list goes on. If you have a group, this seems like the thing to do.
Best Places to Work Remotely – with Free WIFI
This adorable black barn establishment is a great place to work remotely. Its a front end coffee house with a cocktail lounge in the back. They offer free WIFI, coffee, breakfast + lunch and open up the lounge as additional seating.
This was also on my list of ‘things to do’ but not only is it a restaurant/bowling alley, it’s also a hot spot to work. Offering free WIFI, you can reserve desks to comfortably work and order your favorite cup of joe. They have their own onsite coffee short order spot inside the restaurant. Its a social scene – but you can also get some work done. Best of both worlds?!
Not only does this place offer free WIFI, it’s also right by 2 of Nashville’s iconic murals – so you can hit both! With an outdoor and indoor seating area, they have coffee, food seasonal cocktails.
Another no frills, great coffee great free WIFI place to work. It’s a rather spacious place where you can find a quiet corner to take calls if needed