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Nashville Original Restaurants and Venues - recommended by a Nashville Native
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items Nashville Favorites - Places to Eat and Places to Visit to get to know the REAL Nashville
Sections
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Eateries
Places to Visit
Eateries
My long time go to for steak. Great traditional steakhouse atmosphere - do NOT skip their bananas foster - it's to die for
Sperry's Belle Meade
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Since 1939! Hop up to the counter and order a burger, fries and a milkshake. Hot Fudge is my favorite!
Elliston Place Soda Shop
The original Hot Chicken restaurant in Nashville since the 1930s. The story goes that the girlfriend of Thornton Prince III caught him cheating and decided to exact revenge. She added an excessive amount of cayenne pepper to friend chicken in the hopes of punishing him. Instead, he ended up loving it and opened the restaurant. If you're into spice, you'll love it!
Prince's Hot Chicken
Great pizza! Not a Nashville original in terms of longevity, but worth a mention. Multiple locations - must try the “Colony” which features hot honey, pepperoni and jalapenos. Nom nom!
Emmy Squared Pizza: Germantown
Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village is one of THE original spots for songwriters after an intense night of writing. The crowds are unreasonably big, so I try to go either really early in the morning (think 6:30) or I go on the “off” days (random Tuesdays for example). I love their pancakes and the atmosphere is very old Nashville.
The Pancake Pantry - Hillsboro Village
Number One Greasy Spoon - have a burger and some tater tots. Also a yummy spot for breakfast
Brown's Diner
When I was growing up here, this was actually a pet store that we visited. Now it's one of the best spots for coffee and eats in Hillsboro Village. And there is actual parking behind the building, so there's that. Get your brew on!
Fido
I go to Loveless on random Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when the crowds are crazy. It's super popular, but when I was a kid it was just a nice Southern breakfast/biscuit type of place. It's been around since the 1950s and while they've developed sto...
The Loveless Cafe
Places to Visit
In business since 1927, The Grand Ole Opry has been running shows for nearly 100 years now! There's everything from country music to comedy. The legendary theater is a must-visit when in Nashville
Grand Ole Opry
As an avid gardener, I run over to Cheekwood throughout the year to get ideas and inspiration. The season passes aren't expensive, either. I do the Family One + 1, which allows two adults and up to five kiddos at any given time. This particular pass is $150, but they usually send out emails providing discounts. The other passes start at $70.
Cheekwood
New location, same vibe. Guitars galore - anything and everything you need to up your guitar game. Prepare to ogle the super expensive vintage instruments while browsing
Carter Vintage Guitars
This building began as a church (Union Gospel Tabernacle) in 1892. From 1943-1974 the Grand Ole Opry called it home. When they moved to their current location, the Ryman was restored and now hosts so many musicians and groups. The musicians say that it's haunted and that those spirits guide them for a spectacular performance every time. I once saw the curtains set on fire while Patty Griffin was playing there. The flames were quickly put out!
Ryman Auditorium
Used to be located on Demonbreun Street when I was growing up here, but this newer building is fabulous. I done everything from museum viewing to tribute concerts to attending weddings there. It never disappoints
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The home of our 7th President, Andrew Jackson's home is on display for visitors. I really like the long tree-lined driveway leading up the house and great care has been taken to authenticate this historical home.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Even though this isn't a Nashville original, I honestly think this is the best way to see Nashville. You can hit a lot of the highly trafficked tourist spots and also get an idea of where you might like to go back and visit further. I took my son on this one day and we had the best time.
Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville
“The Athens of the South” - Centennial Park on West End in Midtown is definitely a spot not to be missed. The Parthenon was constructed for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897. It was originally meant to be temporary, but was rebuilt to be permanent. It's a full-size replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece and there's an enormous Athena inside not to be missed. The Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a sunny day and there are frequently events and festivals held there
Centennial Park