Nashville Top Bites
Working 9-5? More like eating 9-5. Well, more like eating 8am-3am when it comes to the food in this city.
Clean streets, cute trinket shops, friendly people (literally everyone), and most importantly - some damn good food! So let’s talk about where you should be eating every meal on your next trip here!
Breakfast
The Butter Milk Ranch
This spot might just be the most hyped up brunch in Nashville. And while I didn’t have a sit down meal here, I can attest and say it is probably fab, based on how good this one pastry I had was - the Salted Honey Butter Croissant. Absolute pure indulgence. It comes served warm, has insane lamination, is crispy, flaky, sticky, and the best part - the undercarriage… It’s so caramelized, it could be a kouign amann. Long story short, one of the best croissants I (and probably you), will ever have. They also have a bunch of other fun pastries, like croissant crab rangoons, that everyone hypes up, so be sure to try!
La La Land
I kid you not, if there was a La La Land within 30 minutes of me, I would probably be there at least 4 times a week. Their matcha is unfortunately pre batched, yet it tastes like it was whisked right in front of you, the math ain’t mathin’ here! And it’s so good because of their crazy stupid, ridiculous, good cold foam that is just so thick and luscious (they add some cool whip in there to amplify the creaminess) making it so so perfect! They are all delish, but my favorite, by far, is the banana matcha latte. If you have never been, and you are a coffee or matcha over, this spot is truly a no skip.
Frothy Monkey
Not sure why this place has so much hype, because it wasn’t crazy, but it’s worth a stop if your’e on 12 South (the cutest street ever btw - filled with boutiques and trinket shops). They are known for their banana syrup (I got it with matcha), which was just average. I enjoyed it, as it was very banana-y, and you might too! And let’s be real, the name is too cute to not pop your head in.
Ugly Mugs
A cute, and very busy, coffee shop with food and very fun drinks; mainly for the locals as it’s a bit off the trodden path! I got the ube, coconut, and vanilla matcha and all the flavors were spot on and each one really came through with each sip! They also have a solid breakfast burrito and some delish cold foam that tastes like melted ice cream.
Biscuit Love
Yeehaw! Can’t go to the South without having some biscuits! Basically this is one of the most popular biscuit shops in the city and for good reason. I got their Nashville hot chicken biscuit which sounds good in all the right ways. The chicken is extremely tender and juicy and just falls apart as if it’s pulled pork. It had just the right amount of heat and was topped with a dash of homemade mustard to give it a sharp heat. And super random, but apparently they are known for their fresh squeezed OJ? I got a mimosa but it was made right (95% champagne and 5% juice) so I couldn’t really taste the freshness that much… Make sure to get there early since the line builds up quickly!
Pfunky Griddle
“Why would I pay to make my own breakfast?” Because it’s fun Karen, that’s why! Sorry, just had to rant really quickly, since those were all my comments.
This place is fun - for non Karens, because you sit at a table where, right in the middle, lo and behold you have your very own griddle. All you can eat buttermilk pancakes that comes with a few toppings: anything from Nutella, to fruits, and candy, and your savory sides, like bacon, hash browns, potatoes, and sausage. Once you figure out that part, it’s time to change your Mr or Miss to Chef. Your’e handed a spatula, butter, and you get to work! Making as many pancakes with as much syrups and sweets as your heart desires. It really is such a fun and unique experience!
And don’t worry, you don’t have to do any dishes after…
Lunch
Bar Taco
I’ve never visited a restaurant as frequently as I have, to Bar Taco. We’re talking 50+ times (Mainly for the drinks, but I almost always get at least one taco!) So, when I spotted one out of the corner of my eye, it was time to pivot turn into that thang. Just go for happy hour to enjoy half off drinks, aka the best drinks EVERRRRR. And if your’e in the mood to eat, the tacos are so cheap ($3-$5 each). And basically, everything on their menu hits. Cheap and delish - the best combo!
St. Vito Focacceria
Ever heard of a speciality focaccia place? Me neither… until now. Make sure to get their whipped ricotta which was sooo creamy and rich it was reminiscent to a cream cheese. It pairs nicely with their focaccia which was great, and should be, if it’s in the name of the restaurant.
As for the “pizzas” there’s a few to choose from and they are BIG. It really isn’t a pizza because you can’t eat it without your hands due to its size and excessive amount of toppings that would fall off if you tried lifting it with your hands.
The bread itself is special. Super fluffy, soft, and a bit moist from all the toppings dripping down and getting soaked in it. However, I didn’t love the sauce on mine - it was a bit too peppery and overpowering, but I think we just ordered incorrectly. So please try it, but just don’t get the one with buratta and instead, order the pepperoni or potato slice!
Peg Leg Porker
These are dry rub ribs that I might like better than regular ribs for 2 reasons - 1. portion control. There are a few sauce bottles on the table so you get to put as much or as little as you’d like on each rib. And 2 - you minimize having messy and sticky fingers since they are just coated with seasoning instead of sauce. They are seasoned very, very nicely and have a great smokey flavor to them. As for the sides, I got mac and coleslaw which were both fantastic. I don’t even know how they made that mac so damn good!!! Ultra velvety and creamy and just shockingly good. The coleslaw was crunchy and bright and not too mayo-y. Def a must visit spot!
Hattie B’s
A classic. You gotta try when you are in the city! A solid Nashville hot chicken sandwich that is tasty and spicy.
Hampton Social
I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the brussel sprouts from here actually changed my life. Crispy and sweet brussels, honey, and goat cheese. PHENOM!!!!! All the other food options are great and you really can’t go wrong with any. I know it’s a chain, but no one does it like the one in Nash. It’s a party and the food is just so much better than the other two I have been to - Orlando and Miami. Also a great spot for a boozy brunch to get lit with your bestie(s).
White Limozeen
Dolly Parton’s restaurant! Def a touristy spot but the views from the rooftop are great and it’s super cute inside with good brunch/lunch food.
Dinner
Pelato
Italian food has never hit as hard as it did for me than from here. A must must must visit! Let me break it all down for you: To start, we had some garlic bread that even Texas Road House fears. Garlicky and soft, paired with the most insane parmesan dip that was smooth and rich. Chicken parm was sweet, crispy, and not soggy which I feel that most are. Crispy potatoes topped with a mound of shredded cheese and paired with what it seemed to be a pure garlic sauce (it’s aioli but very so strong), are another must. However, the star of the show was the spicy rig. Better than Carbone and any other place I have ever written about. Literally, please go. Bolding this so you don’t miss it. 10/10 seriously. And great reasonable prices!!!!!
San Sushi
Again - the prices are great! We ordered sooo much food and the bill was under $150for three people. This restaurant is vibey and has a Japanese style to it. Service was great, sushi quality was on point, and everything was a hit!
Noko
Only reason I am including this spot is for the dessert, brussel sprouts, and salmon carpaccio. I was a bit confused after having the first few bites of food because this resteraunt has won loads of accolades and has a 4.9 rating out of 1,000 reviews. However, I beg to differ. Everything was served COLD which was upsetting because the food had a lot of potential but was ruined because of someone not knowing proper time management.
Dessert
Five Daughter Bakery
Home of the 100 layer croissant doughnut, aka cronut. It really is so impressive how this bakery has expanded so quickly at such a large scale! They are literally monopolizing the donut industry in Nashville and are basically a Krispy Kreme. They have really insane flavors that are all sooo good, but I will say, their plain, warm, glazed donuts really knocked my socks off. SO flaky and just melts in your mouth! You’ll definitely see a Five Daughter’s Bakery on foot so don’t worry too much about how to get there.
Blue Stripes Cacao
Chocolate shots? Yeah, you read that right! You can get a shot of warm milk, dark, or white, melted chocolate in a mini shot glass to cheers with your bestie. As a chocolate lover I actually really enjoyed this!
No Baked Cookie Dough
2015 Ava screamed when she saw an edible cookie dough store in person. During those years I would watch an excessive amount of INSIDER Dessert videos that included multiple shots of edible cookie dough. I was always full of envy because they didn’t have a store in Miami, but the day finally changed when I saw one in this city! 10+ flavors of really soft cookie dough that seems a bit illegal to consume in that quantity…(Don’t worry it’s egg free!)
The Baked Bear
Hear me out - a build your own ice cream sandwich shop that has the potential to put build a bear out of business. They have every cookie imaginable - snickerdoodle, cookie monster, sugar, chocolate, and even brownies + loads of different ice cream flavors too. You can mix and match the cookies or stick with the same top and bottom cookie if your’e boring (kidding).
Once you make your selection, they heat press it, and you get this ultra gooey sandwich that you can decorate with additional sundae toppings. I really really enjoyed every bite of it!
Sushi San
If Pinterest had an ice cream page, this would be it. There's a small window you order from where you have the option to choose vanilla or pineapple soft serve and then a dip - strawberry, ube (my choice), chocolate, etc. Once it’s ready, an employees hand will pop out of the window where she will be handing you your treat to pick up. ‘Thing’ from Addams Family wishes it was here…
Wanna Spoon
If you were limited to which cereals you could have when you were a kid because you had an almond mom, like me, this place is where you shine. We’re talking every sugary, red 40, artificial flavor cereal in the book baby! You can either get just a bowl of cereal and mix and match the brands, or get a milkshake or swirl. You choose your cereal mix- ins and then they blend it with ice cream and milk. I loved the Lucky Charms + Frosted Flakes one, but who wouldn’t with an elite combo like that?
Sorry Mommy, I went crazy here….
And then obviously a trip to Nashy is not complete without a night on broadway!!
Thank you for reading, always x
HAVE FUN!!!