Where To Eat & Drink In East Nashville

3 Days/2 Nights "off the beaten path" exploring East Nashville's offerings of eats and drinks. Bonus is a self guided walking tour for a history lesson of the area.

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Welcome to Nashville, a vibrant city brimming with Southern charm, rich history, and an exciting culinary scene. This was my 4th trip to Nashville, so I wanted to explore a specific neighborhood of the city when the hotel and majority of the restaurants I had interest in all landed in greater East Nashville I knew I found the neighborhood to explore. And explore we did! We packed a lot of steps and bites in under 3 days.

Here’s a rundown of my itinerary that showcases the best of what Nashville has to offer if you are looking for a more local Nashville trip. I hope you pack your appetite!

Stay

The Russell

@heatherperez

Staying at The Russell was a dream! The unique ambiance of a church turned hotel created a mesmerizing backdrop for my Nashville adventure. Keep in mind this a modern hotel, without a traditional front desk. Almost an AirBnB style check-in. Communication was seamless via text to coordinate check-in and arrange parking. So don't let that scare you. The rooms are all unique with carefully curated design details.

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Eats

Margot Cafe & Bar

@heatherperez

A must-visit for its innovative American-French dishes and cozy atmosphere. If you are there during peak weather I would recommend the patio to soak up the fresh Tennessee air! ***Bonus, it is walkable from The Russell!

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Butcher & Bee

@heatherperez

A James Beard Finalist in 2022, this restaurant offers a creative, seasonally inspired menu with dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Located in East Nashville, the restaurant prioritizes partnerships with local farmers, making it one of the city's largest purchasers of Tennessee produce. ***Bonus, it is walkable from The Russell!

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The Wash

@heatherperez

A food hall where you can find delectable cuisines like: Peruvian, Cuban, Thai, and Vietnamese! Do not skip out on SS Gai, they deserve the recognition from NY Times (https://www.nytimes.com/article/best-nashville-restaurants.html) aka Best New Restaurant list for Nashville in October 2024. Also don't forget to scoop a guava pastry from the Cuban stall. One bite will transport you to Miami.

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Redheaded Stranger

@heatherperez

Fun Fact: This is a sister restaurant to Butcher and the Bee! Redheaded Stranger is a cozy taco shop in East Nashville, featuring a Southwestern-inspired menu with a focus on tacos, brisket, and Hatch green chiles. Open daily with special menus for morning and evening, it’s a casual, first-come, first-serve spot known for fresh, flavorful dishes and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. Every bite was perfection. The Green Chili Cheeseburger needs an award (of best burger!) and the crunchwraps are also insanely delicious. The cocktails we shared were also the perfect accompaniment to each bite. ***Hot Tip: Arrive early or late to avoid the midday lunch rush! And Parking can be hard midday, I would recommend you drive down Arrington Street, you can find very economical paid parking at the church!

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Locust

@heatherperez

**Pro Tip: You MUST have a reservation. Zero walk-in space. Locust is a unique dining spot located in Nashville, known for its minimalist aesthetic and creative menu focused on seasonal ingredients. Chef Trevor Moran, a former chef at Noma in Copenhagen, founded the restaurant, bringing his inventive approach to food to the city's dining scene. And after following this restaurant for years on Instagram, I was PUMPED when I was able to score a Friday lunch reservation. We ended up getting seated at the best table, right off the working open kitchen. This enhanced the culinary experience of being able to watch the chef place finish touches on each table's dish. The restaurant vibe is very intimate and cozy and each bite is somehow more impressive than the last. They are very accommodating for 2 people dining (a lot of the dishes on the changing menu can be halved). Although I would recommend rounding up a group of four patrons so you can YOLO and get every plate.

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***Note: Locust is NOT in East Nashville, as indicated on the map. But, it is worth the short trek if a reservation is secured.

Yeast Nashville

@heatherperez

A charming bakery just around the corner from the hotel, perfect for a delightful start to your day. Kolache's are delightfully fluffy, not as dense as the ones in Texas (but still not as authentic as what my Czech-American mother grew up eating!). I still had to pop in each morning for an espresso and a Kolache-of-the-Day!

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Lyra

@heatherperez

Perhaps you have already been to Butcher & The Bee's sister restaurant in Charleston but you still crave a bite of middle eastern fare. I think might be a would be a better fit for you! Lyra is a highly regarded restaurant in Nashville that specializes in modern Middle Eastern cuisine. Located in East Nashville, it combines traditional Middle Eastern flavors with creative techniques and local ingredients. Known for its inviting ambiance, Lyra offers dishes with a focus on bold flavors, using items like house-made pita and spreads, seasonal vegetables, and unique spice blends. Popular dishes include the mezze platter, lamb dishes, and a standout charred eggplant. The restaurant also features a curated drink menu with cocktails that complement the vibrant food flavors.

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Peninsula

@heatherperez

Peninsula is a Nashville restaurant inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically the cuisines of Spain, Portugal, and France. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate setting and offers a creative menu that focuses on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, delivering bold and inventive dishes. Peninsula is known for its vibrant cocktails, thoughtfully curated wine list, and an adventurous dining experience that blends classic flavors with a modern twist. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it ideal for a unique, upscale dining experience.

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Kisser

@heatherperez

I had to flip a coin if I was going to dine here or Locust. If you have gotten this far you know I picked Locust. But this was a VERY close second pick. At the moment they do not take reservations, so plan accordingly. But the menu is so very drool worthy! Kisser is a restaurant located in Nashville, Tennessee, known for offering Japanese comfort food with a local twist. Founders Brian and Ana Lee Carr, who previously ran the popular Two Ten Jack, emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and showcase Japanese flavors in an approachable, home-style way. The menu includes a range of items like donburi bowls, grilled yakitori, and seasonal small plates that blend traditional Japanese techniques with regional Southern ingredients. The ambiance of Kisser is warm and casual, focusing on a cozy, welcoming vibe for diners looking to explore Japanese flavors in a relaxed setting.

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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

@heatherperez

Even thought I live in Atlanta and have access to multiple Jeni's locations, I still feel the need to have at least one serving of Jeni's when in Nashville. With multiple locations it will be easy to find one when you are out and about. I love the unique flavor profiles of the ice cream and the rotating seasonal flavors (it's like Pokemon, you gotta catch them all!). Jeni's never misses!

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Drinks

Rosemary & Beauty Queen

@heatherperez

Rosemary & Beauty Queen is a distinctive cocktail bar located in Nashville's Eastside. It has a vintage, bohemian vibe, set within a two-story historic house. The bar is known for its creatively crafted cocktails, often featuring unique, seasonal ingredients. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a charming patio that enhances the cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Rosemary & Beauty Queen is celebrated for its intimate ambiance, making it popular for dates and small gatherings. Its rotating menu keeps regulars coming back for new flavors and inventive drinks.

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Attaboy

@heatherperez

Attaboy Nashville is an acclaimed cocktail bar, sister to its original New York City location. Known for its intimate, speakeasy-style ambiance, I would recommend trying to pop in on a Thursday if you can. No menus just vibes. The ordering experience is very intimate and tailored to your cocktail preferences. We got two rounds of classic cocktail riffs: a Hemmingway Daiquiri and Rosita. Both 10/10!

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Coral Club

@heatherperez

A new cocktail spot in East Nashville. It was out of our walking radius, and we just never wanted to hop in the car. So we didn't make it this time. If I am back in Nashville soon, I will prioritize sipping a tropical cocktail here!

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Urban Cowboy Nashville

@heatherperez

Another water hole that came highly recommended from my internet research was Urban Cowboy. We drove past when we were driving to get Jeni's Ice Cream. It has a super gothic cowboy feel. I really with we would have been able to make it during this trip. Next time! **This location also doubles for a cool lodging option!

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Urban Cowboy can also fall under the stay

Listen

The 5 Spot

@heatherperez

Dive-y little spot in the 5-Points district (which is still a VERY easy walk from The Russell!) where you can find a different artists pop on stage for some live music. We had a great time here!

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The Basement East

@heatherperez

The Basement East, commonly referred to as "The Beast," is a popular live music venue located in East Nashville. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic lineup of artists, and strong connection to the local music scene. The venue hosts a diverse range of events, from up-and-coming local bands to nationally touring acts, spanning various genres like rock, indie, hip-hop, and more. The venue is celebrated for its intimate setting, allowing music lovers to experience performances up close. Despite suffering extensive damage during the March 2020 tornado, The Basement East made a remarkable comeback, solidifying its status as a beloved staple in Nashville’s music community.

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Nashville Sites

@heatherperez

We did the East Nashville self guided walking tour and would highly recommend. I love history (almost as much as I love eating and drinking!) and I have always enjoyed a walking tour when traveling. So this was a win/win find. We split the tour into 2 days, which I would recommend. This site also offers other walking tours available around Nashville.

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Hatch Show Print

@heatherperez

Hatch Show Print, established in 1879, is one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the United States. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, it has played a crucial role in shaping the visual culture of American entertainment, especially through its association with country music. Over the years, the shop has produced iconic posters for a wide array of performers, from early vaudeville acts to country music legends like the Grand Ole Opry stars and modern artists such as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Known for its vibrant, bold, and tactile designs, Hatch Show Print continues to operate using traditional letterpress techniques, including hand-carved wood blocks and hand-set type. This dedication to craftsmanship has allowed it to remain relevant even in the digital age, producing posters that are both artistic and functional. The shop’s close connection to Nashville’s music scene and its heritage in commercial printing makes it a unique cultural and artistic institution.

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Nashville is a culinary haven waiting to be explored. Whether you’re indulging in gourmet meals or sipping craft cocktails, this city has something for everyone. I can't wait to return and discover even more hidden gems!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Perez

Hi, I'm Heather! I’ve been exploring the world for roughly 30 years, visiting 19 countries (with multiple repeats to France, Italy and Mexico!) and 39 States. I have a knack for discovering hidden gems that go beyond the usual tourist haunts. My passion for travel started when I did a study abroad program in college, and since then, I've been on a mission to inspire others to experience this wide world and take in as much as they can! What I Offer Through Thatch, I aim to provide insider tips, detailed itineraries, and personal stories to help you make the most out of your adventures. Whether you're looking for unique local experiences, must-try food spots, or off-the-beaten-path destinations, I am sure I have got you covered! I have been making travel itineraries for group trips (where are my overly organized Project Managers?!) for years and the feedback I have consistently gotten is the trip never feels rushed and everyone feels like they perfectly balanced in taking time to reset but also maximizing the location (ultimate productivity praise!). Fun Facts About Me - I will never be caught on trip without a travel sound machine (and an eye mask). - I always try to find a walking tour early in the trip, the best way to explore anywhere new is on foot, and a bonus is the guide is local and can provide additional recommendations! - I am always going to spring for something savory. My favorite part of my Asia 2023 trip was the access to all the savory untraditional breakfast options. Let's Connect! I love hearing about your travel plans and answering any questions you might have! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Happy travels! 🌏🚂✈️🚗

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Nashville, TN, USA