Nashville has been recognized as an up-and-coming foodie destination in America, which, of course, everyone here has known for a long time. Our food is an integral part of our heritage and our identity, but there are just some things that you don't do when it comes to food in Nashville. Here's just some of the faux-pas that you should avoid at all costs.
Why would you ever drink iced tea that isn't sweet? Just try to order unsweetened tea at any restaurant in Nashville -- the reaction from the waiter will be all you need to confirm that this is a huge faux-pas.
Biscuit Love is famous for these little guys, and they're definitely worth the hype. If you go and don't get any, you're definitely not doing it right.
4. Expecting to Not Pay a Fortune at Barista Parlor
Okay, maybe if you're there when they open, you'll be able to walk right up. Otherwise, there will be a wait. Slim and Husky's definitely earns the hype though -- be sure to check it out!
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2. Ordering Seafood (Unless it's from Henrietta Red)
We're in a landlocked state, people. Your best bet is to generally avoid seafood. But the dishes at Henrietta Red are the exception to this rule. Their food is fresh and is definitely worth a visit.
When the new year rolls around so do all sorts of lists and plans and goals for the twelve months swiftly on their way. Here in Nashville, the city has exploded into one of the top foodie destinations in the nation, and we've put together an entire year of great hot spots to eat and drink and be merry. How many of these bucket list restaurants in Nashville have you experienced for yourself? We love them all, but can't wait to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Things tend to be chilly in the first month of the year, so warm up in a tropical setting at the Pearl Diver. This unique theme takes the best of island life and brings it to Music City. You might not want to eat on the patio during this month but inside you will be treated to some moody lighting and even portholes as windows. The menu features great tropical flavors and is a great break from the norm. The food is so good it may have you considering this the best place to dine in Nashville.
Folk opened its doors a few years ago in East Nashville and continues to serve the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in the business. If you're going for an appetizer make sure you try the homemade sourdough bread, and the cocktail menu is perfectly situated to offset the seasonal pies.
Margot is an intimate located in East Nashville in the 5 Points area. Not only is it located in one of the most walkable areas in the city, but it also serves up a seasonal, French-inspired menu that runs the gamut from roast chicken to ravioli.
When April rolls around, Henrietta Red and its fresh seafood add the perfect bite to the slow change of the seasons. The chic space serves quality seafood small plates with an emphasis on platters of oysters. Yum!
Ladybird Taco is THE place for a breakfast taco here in Nashville, and the open, airy interior is welcoming for parties of all sizes. Make sure you come with a little time to spare, though. These foil-wrapped tacos are made fresh for every visitor and the line can get a bit long!
Emmy Squared has a few locations here in Nashville nowadays, and it's an imported pizzeria that serves hefty slices of pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. You'll also find locally sourced ingredients and products that are consistently found on the menu.
City House has long been a Music City hot spot, and it's where you'll find rustic Italian fare served in a stunning Germantown space. The pork belly pizza is a cult classic and the Sunday suppers are truly indulgent. Another fun thing to note? City House was the first spot in Nashville that snagged a James Beard Award for its head chef, Tandy Wilson.
Mas Tacos is THE cult classic favorite of Nashville. What used to be a cash-only eatery has expanded its $3 taco into the credit card realm and only continues to grow in popularity. We'd recommend the pork taco or perhaps one of the daily specials like fried avocado tacos. Feeling a little low? The tortilla soup is sure to cheer you up, and it has quite a bite!
Indian food in Nashville doesn't tend to get the attention it deserves, and Chauhan is one of the premier spots in the city. Located in the Gulch, Chauhan's take on upscale Indian street food is elevated by the moody space and Bollywood movies projected on the walls.
Redheaded Stranger is a Tex-Mex dream on the east side of the city, known for its quirky take on the Crunchwrap and multiple hot sauce options for tacos. Your queso and guac are served with flour tortillas instead of chips, so be aware, and make sure you snag a Topo Chico if you're parched.
Slim & Husky's opened a few years ago to local fanfare and has only continued to grow and expand in recent years. The make-your-own-pizza concept may not be new, but the locally owned and operated eatery focuses on indulgent toppings served with aplomb. You can choose a slim or husky size depending on your mood and nosh on freshly baked pizza to your heart's content.
Yolan is located in the new Joseph Hotel in downtown Nashville, and at its helm, you'll find James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and his wife, wine expert Cathy Mantuano. Expect incredible service and a tasting menu that serves up some of the best pasta in the business.
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What an incredible amount of bucket list restaurants in Nashville! How many will you be knocking off your bucket list...? Which ones have you been to before? Let us know in the comments below and help out a fellow traveler who is looking for some of the best places to eat in Nashville. Need a place to rest your head after all this food-laden adventuring? Book a night at the Sonder Dovetail and rest your fully satisfied self. Are you new to the Volunteer State? Check out this OnlyInYourState video about what Tennessee is known for to learn more about the state we love.
If you’re looking to eat somewhere that honors the BBQ-infused foodie culture of the south, Central BBQ is also a hit!
Nashville has plenty of restaurants to keep locals and visitors alike occupied and well-fed for a very long time. Just about everywhere you look, you'll see a mom-and-pop eatery serving up some of the best Southern food you can imagine right across the street from a brand new concept restaurant serving some unique version of hot chicken. But if you're looking for something more unique and nuanced, look no further than this list of 10 of the most unique places to eat in Nashville.
The Treehouse Restaurant isn't actually up in a tree, but it sure does feel like it when you visit one of the most unique restaurants in Nashville. The restaurant was designed to look and feel like a treehouse, and it's easy to forget you're not in one while you're there. The food is modern and unique, but you can't go wrong. (1011 Clearview Ave)
At Monell's, the dinners are always just like your Southern grandma used to make. And, just like at your grandma's, dinners at Monell's are served community-style with everyone around big tables, passing the dishes to each other. You'll have a great experience and exquisite food at one of the most fun restaurants in Nashville. (1235 6th Ave N)
Ever wanted to eat dinner in a submarine while you look out on the ocean? We don't know where you can do THAT in Nashville, but the Aquarium Restaurant is the next best thing. This is one of the most unique places to eat in Nashville with its 200,000-gallon saltwater tank providing endless dinner entertainment that you can't get anywhere else. (516 Opry Mills Dr)
Hugh-Baby's is one of the most fun restaurants in Nashville and one of the newest additions to the Charlotte Avenue corridor, and they're already known as one of the best burger joints around. Try their famous "slugburger," an updated staple from Depression-era Mississippi. (4816 Charlotte Ave)
The Standard is one of the most unique places to eat in Nashville because it is located in the last remaining historic townhome in downtown Nashville. The food is classic Americana, but be sure to save room for their chocolate mousse cake. (167 Rosa L Parks Blvd)
The Grilled Cheeserie started as an incredibly popular food truck, but is now one of the most fun restaurants in Nashville. Located in Hillsboro Village, they serve up decadent grilled cheeses, but be sure to also order something from their milkshake bar. You won't be disappointed. (2003 Belcourt Ave)
The Catbird Seat is one of the cool places to eat in Nashville and one of the most exclusive reservations. You nearly need to reserve your seats a month in advance. But, if you do, you will be rewarded with what has been called one of the best dining experiences the city has to offer. Each menu is different depending on what the chef wants to make that day, and it's always incredible. (1711 Division St)
Located in the Green Hills neighborhood, what makes The Greenhouse Bar one of the most unique restaurants in Nashville is that it's ... well ... in a greenhouse. The vibe is always cool and earthy, and they serve up some of the best cocktails in the city. (2211 Bandywood Dr)
Straight out of the '50s, Elliston Place Soda Shop is everything you want in true, American diner food. They still serve up hand-spun shakes right alongside some of the best food the South has to offer. Bonus tip - go for brunch and enjoy one of the most fun restaurants in Nashville. (2111 Elliston Pl)
Sky Blue is one of the cool places to eat in Nashville and has everything you want in a breakfast spot. It's small and doesn't take reservations, so you'll need to get there early if you want a table. But once you do get a table, you can pass the time waiting for your meal to arrive by playing the vintage Trivial Pursuit cards kept on each table. (700 Fatherland St)
