Nashville has become quite the haven for the foodies. It’s a lot more than just barbecue, hot chicken, and meat-and-threes these days, though there isn’t anything wrong with the Nashville staples. It feels like every day there are a dozen new restaurants in the Music City. Some will become hip new spots. If they’re good, they may just make it long enough to become a staple. Many more will close after a few months of being open. I’ve taken the liberty and compiled my list of my favorite spots in Nashville for 2020 – the ones that will hopefully make it…
The criteria is pretty simple:
- Which meals did I enjoy the most in 2019?
- Which places did I frequent the most?
Boom – that’s all. I’m a regular dude. I eat regular food, and don’t pretend to have some refined palate or be a legit food critic. My catalogue of reviews on this site consist of a lot of ordinary bar food. Someone once told me I do good “every-man reviews.” That’s my lane, so I’ll stay in it.
Best Meals
Barcelona Wine Bar – The official ‘Date Night Meal of 2019’ according to the girlfriend and me. Excellent wine selection, and the tapas menu is out of this world. I’d recommend the bacon-wrapped dates, hanger steak, spiced beef empanadas, chorizo and figs, and/or the patatas bravas. It’s not the cheapest date night. We dropped around $120 on three tapas, four glasses of wine, and a gin and tonic. Probably wouldn’t be so bad if you’re not a drunk like me.
Butcher & Bee – Full review – Another primetime date night spot with bacon-wrapped dates that are to die for (I swear this is not just a list of the best bacon-wrapped dates in Nashville). The whipped feta and avocado crispy rice are other highlights of the menu.
Rudie’s Seafood and Sausage – I’ve been going to Rudie’s after Southern Underground Pro shows for a couple of years now and maintain that it is Nashville’s hidden gem. I rotate between the tremendous poutine and shrimp n’ grits, but don’t sleep on the fish n’ chips or the beer brat. Rudie’s may be known for seafood and sausage, but they’ve also got a great burger on the menu, too.
Snow White Drive In (Lebanon) – Good old fashioned country eats and stellar milkshakes await you if you’re up for making the drive out to Lebanon. Snow White has the best hamburger steak in town with all the sides to go with it. If you want something simpler, you can’t miss with their beans and cornbread.
Voodoo Smokehouse (Lebanon) – There have to be hundreds of barbecue joints in Nashville, but not one of ’em is like Voodoo Smokehouse. Specializing in Caribbean style barbecue, it’s well worth the trip out to Lebanon.
The Stillery – A nice homage to Southern cooking with a modern twist, the menu at The Stillery is as diverse as you’ll find in Nashville. They boast what is low-key some of the best hot chicken on the Nashville hot chicken scene, but the catfish and pizzas are excellent as well. If you’re looking to escape the madness of Broadway and 2nd Avenue, head over to their location in Midtown for a much more chilled vibe.
Emmy Squared – Discovered Emmy Squared for the first time in 2019, and I can honestly say that I am a better human being for it. Waffle fries Zia style will change your life as well. Their burgers are renowned all across the city, but I haven’t been able to veer off from the Big Ang pizza. Hide out at the Green Hills location if you don’t want to mess with the Nashville congestion.
Martin’s BBQ – This might qualify as a hot take, but for my money, Martin’s is the best barbecue in Nashville. I’ve never had a bad plate there, the fixin’s are fantastic, and their smoked wings present a strong case for the best in town. Smother everything you get in their Alabama white sauce.
Best Watering Holes
The Crying Wolf – I love a good McWolf as much as the next guy, but it’s the A+ Old Fashioned that lands The Crying Wolf on my favorite spots in Nashville list. The ambience and character of this place makes it one of if not my absolute favorite place in East Nashville to grab a drink.
Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven (Hermitage) – Full review – I haven’t found anything that quite heals a hangover like the Trash Hash off of Nadeen’s menu, but Nadeen’s is also a fun spot to grab a beer if you’re east of town and don’t feel like driving downtown.
Tailgate Brewery – Tailgate has become a Nashville icon. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Charlotte Pike location. Excellent beer tap, excellent dining room, and excellent pizza. You might not be expecting it, but the apple cinnamon dessert pizza could be the show-stealer off their menu. Grab a pint, and wander out to enjoy the scenic views out back.
Homegrown (Donelson) – I’ll say it – the best, most refreshing beer selection east of Nashville. Get all the vibes of the big breweries without leaving the neighborhood.
The heavy rotation
Nectar: Urban Cantina (Donelson) – Full review – The best tacos in Nashville, but also one of if not the most creative menus in the city, too. It’s ever-changing, too – you never know what you might stumble into. I make no bones about it – this is my favorite restaurant in Nashville right now. Excellent brunch and an excellent coconut mocha, too.
Hurts Hot Chicken (Mount Juliet) – Alright, I’m ready to say it – Hurts Hot Chicken has the best Nashville hot chicken in the game. Tenders, crinkle cut french fries, and a pepper sauce that’s to die for. Not to mention, they have a few unique takes on hot chicken like the hot chicken cheese fries. Look for the food truck parked around Mount Juliet.
Catch 22 (Mount Juliet) – Full review – A really unique menu and beer list from this gastropub tucked away in Mount Juliet. The Cheerwine red pepper wings are my favorite in town, their burgers are excellent, and the solid street tacos change weekly. I’ve yet to try their ramen specials, but the photos on Instagram sure look damn good.
Steamboys – You won’t find much better comfort food in town than a giant bowl of flank steak noodle soup and a nice warm bao (choice of beef, pork, or veggie).
Five Points Pizza – Given how much I ate at Five Points in 2019, I can’t leave them off the heavy rotation list, even if it does make me the Nashville equivalent of a basic bitch. I mean, hey – if everyone loves it, it has to be good, right?!?! Prosciutto and basil for life.
Saigon Basil (Mount Juliet) – If you would’ve told me 20 years ago that Mount Juliet would have such an excellent pho and Thai restaurant, I would’ve called you crazy. But, the Pho Tai is excellent, as is the pad Thai. Plus, you can’t stop by without an order of their fresh shrimp rolls.
Jeni’s – I mean…come on…..who lives in Nashville and doesn’t eat Jeni’s ice cream on a regular basis?! Frosé sorbet all damn day.
Kobe Asian Fusion – My quest for the best pad Thai in Nashville has me landing on Kobe Asian Fusion over off Murfreesboro Road by the airport for the time being. A really unique and diverse flavor with as much heat as you want to order.
What did I leave off? Feel free to weigh in with your favorite spot in Nashville.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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