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 2021 – the ones that will hopefully make it…
The criteria is pretty simple:
- Which meals did I enjoy the most in 2020?
- 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
Treehouse – I tried Treehouse for the first time for Valentine’s Day in 2020, and it immediately took up a spot on my Nashville Dining Mount Rushmore. Just such a diverse menu with a little bit of anything for any palate, I love the atmosphere and the location. It’s the perfect spot for a nice date night.
Barcelona Wine Bar – Tapas, tapas, tapas – Barcelona is the gold standard for tapas. Did I mention tapas? Tapas out the ass. Not to mention, I mean…yeah…it’s a helluva wine bar, too. Perfect spot for a good, big meal.
Etch – Don’t sleep on Etch in Nashville’s fine dining scene. It’s one of the most creative menus I’ve ever read, and delivers on everything. This one gets my quintessential ‘special occasion’ spot.
Catch 22 (Mount Juliet) – You can get some high quality meals without venturing into the city, such as Mount Juliet’s gastropub, Catch 22. It has one of the most unique menus in the area, and it’s one of those places you go to load up – start with a pretzel and some Cheerwine red pepper wings, then move on to your main course, and polish it off with a good cold beer. Hell of a meal without all of the fuss of downtown.
The Heavy Rotation
Nectar: Urban Cantina (Donelson) – Look, those of y’all who know me best know I’m at Nectar pretty much every Friday night I’m in Nashville. You just can’t beat it – the menu is great, but you HAVE to pay attention to the specials each week. All in all, it’s my favorite spot around town.
Daddy’s Dogs – Let’s face it – Daddy’s Dogs has become somewhat of a Nashville institution. It’s apart of the soul of the city at this point. I don’t know that anything in town hits quite like Daddy’s Dogs. I go with the Carolina dog, but don’t be afraid to try that Georgia dog. Oh, and don’t forget the loaded tots!
Hurts Hot Chicken – I’ve been shouting about Hurts Hot Chicken for years now, and even after all this time, I’m still holding firm – it’s the best hot chicken you’ll find around Nashville. Just be sure to check the Facebook page so you’ll know where the truck’s parked.
TennFold Brewing (Donelson) – This was a spot that got a lot of buzz from the SoBros team throughout the year. Several members of the team are out there toutin’ TennFold, and for good reason – the pizza is phenomenal. For me though, it’s the wings that make TennFold so special.
Red’s 615 Kitchen – A bit of a newcomer in the Nashville hot chicken game, Red’s 615 Kitchen may have the best hot chicken sandwich in the city with their Southern Dirty Bird Sandwich – two hot chicken tenders loaded up with pimento cheese, pickles, comeback sauce, and hot sauce. *chef’s kiss*
Yummy Pho Bac (Mount Juliet) – Ever since Taki closed down in Hermitage, I have been looking for a new pad Thai spot that routinely delivers quality. Yummy Pho Bac became that new spot in 2020 – I’ve yet to have a bad meal from that place, so if you’re east of town like me, be sure to give it a shot.
Applebee’s – Fuck yeah I’m putting Applebee’s on my favorite spots in Nashville! Why wouldn’t I? It’s high time we BRING BACK APPLEBEE’S!
What’s your favorite spot in Nashville? Feel free to weigh in down in the comment section. I’ll add your comments to this piece.
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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