Nashville has come to be lauded by the nation as a go-to place for music and fun, but our foodie reputation has become a point of conversation in recent years, as well. With all the hipster joints and taco spots opening up, it may be hard to find a true historic restaurant - so we took care of it for you. Have you dined at them all?
10. The Standard at the Smith House
The Standard used to house Union Soldiers during the Civil War and is the last standing grand townhouse in downtown Nashville. The Smith family has owned the house since 2005, and has fully restored the gorgeous locale to its former beauty. This is one restaurant that's worth the check! (167 Rosa L Parks Blvd)
9. Capitol Grille
The fabulous Capitol Grille opened in 1910, and holds the record as one of the most beautiful and old restaurants in the city. It's located downtown, by Capitol hill, and all of the vegetables are brought in from the nearby Glen Leven Farm. This is a restaurant that's deeply rooted in Tennessee history and continues to invest in Nashville society today. (231 6th Ave N)
8. Loveless Motel & Café
Lon and Annie Loveless began serving biscuits from their front door in 1951, and the rest is history.
It used to be only travelers that got to enjoy their secret recipe, but nowadays Loveless Cafe slings hundreds of biscuits a day. It's known for its sweet decor, scads of A-list customers and sweet ode to southern fare. (8400 Tennessee Highway 100)
7. SIlver Sands Cafe
Silver Sands has been serving some of the best soul food in Nashville for over fifty years. Family owned and operated, this is a place that stands strong to their southern values and cooking chops. With three generations of family filtering through their management doors, you know something good is going on in the kitchen. Add 'em to your bucket list! (937 Locklayer Street)
6. Pancake Pantry
Generations of Nashville folk have traipsed through to Pancake Pantry for a short stack (or two) since its opening in 1961. The restaurant is still in the family, and you can tell Music City still loves it by the lines that snake around its Hillsboro Village location on a daily basis. Have you had their sweet potato pancakes yet?! (1796 21st Ave S)
5. Arnold's Country Kitchen
1982 may not be long enough to count this spot as, "historic" on its own, but Arnold's does serve a heck of a lot of southern classics in its cafeteria-style storefront. A great spot for the classic, "Meat & 3", you're bound to fall in love with this quirky Nashville spot. (605 8th Ave S)
4. Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Place Soda Shop likes to tell everyone it's the oldest restaurant in Nashville - that has been located in the same place. That's quite the honor, especially since its been serving up milkshakes with the best of 'em since 1939. Whether you're popping in to the fifties era diner for a quick bite at lunchtime or on a date, it's a most perfect (and delicious) backdrop. (2111 Elliston Place)
3. Hermitage Cafe
As one of the last standing of the great ol' diners of yesteryear, Hermitage serves up classic diner fare from 10 p.m. to 1: 30 p.m. Why the odd hours, you say? Well. It's when they're most needed - this is the kind of place that saves you from a hard night on Broadway. (71 Hermitage Ave)
2. Rotier's Restaurant
Rotier's was established in 1945 and continues to bring in locals from near and tourists from far - it's that good. The smoky bar atmosphere just adds to its quirky character, and you can't do better than their burger on french bread. It's a classic! (2413 Elliston Place)
1. Varallo's Restaurant Too
Founded in 1907, Varallo's actually holds the title as the OLDEST restaurant in the state. The small, no-frill storefront serves up solid fare on the weekdays, and we'd recommend if you've got it on your bucket list and want some comfort food - stat. (264 4th Ave N)
All of these places look fantastic - what a bit of history! Be sure to also check out The Sapphire Pool In Tennessee That’s Devastatingly Gorgeous
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