Although most folks have come to find Nashville synonymous with hot chicken, that's not all the city was built on. Nope, not at all. Hot chicken may be a more recent development, but catfish is born and bred Tennessee territory. We've found a solid couple of restaurants scattered across the town that are perfect no matter where you're located, each one offering up a catfish sandwich that's great for an afternoon or evening indulgence.
The catfish sandwich is a classic Tennessee meal, offered all the way across the state but with a solid emphasis on Music City. Tourists may love hot chicken, but catfish runs in our blood.
Bolton's may not look like much, but it sure does pack a punch in the taste department. We'd recommend their catfish sandwich any day of the week, but you can also enjoy a chicken base if you aren't in the mood for seafood.
At Edley's, you can get catfish either in a sandwich or on a platter. We'd highly recommend it either way, plus its ease of location is great no matter what side of town you happen to be on.
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4. Papa Turney's BBQ Nashville Shores Marina - 3979 Bell Road
Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, this low-key Hermitage spot is great for a chill night out with the family. Their catfish offerings are fresh and crispy, charred to perfection or fried, if that's what you'd prefer.
Monell's is famous for their homecooked southern meals and gorgeous, southern charm. The atmospheric edge of this beautiful space is perfect for folks who are looking to enjoy a meal with a group.
Capitol Grille is a gorgeous, stunning restaurant located in downtown Nashville, and their menus are seasonally revolving and always fresh and high quality. This is the kind of catfish you order to celebrate a big event or a holiday - it's just that good. Insider tip: the meal is located on the Blue Plate Special.
If you're still hungry, you should check out how Nashville became one of the best dining destinations in the country.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
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!
