Frothy Monkey: This coffee shop has become a Nashville institution, and one of our favorite places to visit when we come to town. They have multiple locations but our favorite is the one in 12 South. (@frothymonkey)
Barista Parlour: Wondering where all the hipsters in Nashville hang out? You’ll find them here. Probably because it’s really cool… and probably because their coffee is really good. This is typically where we get some work done when we’re in town, even though we don’t feel like we’re ever dressed cool enough for it. (@baristaparlour)
Crema: Arguably the best (and strongest) coffee in Nashville, you can’t go wrong at Crema. They’ll impress even the snobbiest of the coffee snobs. (@cremacrema)
Dose: While we love the vibe and the friendly baristas at Dose, there’s one thing that keeps us coming back - and that’s The Barcelona. Iced coffee topped with salted whipped cream. You won’t know until you try. (@dosenashville)
Steadfast: Located in one of the super hip areas of Nashville, Germantown, this minimal and industrial style coffee house is as trendy as it is charming. Try the Coffee Soda. (@steadfastcofffee)
The Well: We couldn’t love the heart behind this local favorite coffee shop more. They’re devoted to making a difference in Nashville and around the world - they’ve built 23 wells with their profits! At The Well you’re not just buying a cup of coffee - you’re supporting people in need… and we’ll cheers to that! (@wellcoffeehouse)
Breakfast
Pancake Pantry: You haven’t been to Nashville until you’ve been to The Pancake Pantry. This breakfast spot is iconic, and definitely touristy, but for good reason. Go early to avoid the long line… and get ready for some of the best pancakes of your life. (@thepancakepantry)
Bobby’s pick: Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes
Alli’s pick: Sweet Potato Pancakes
Biscuit Love: What’s a trip to Music City without a Southern style brunch? And it doesn’t get more Southern than brunch at Biscuit Love! You’ve never tasted biscuits as good as these!! (@biscuitlovebrunch)
Bobby’s pick: S.E.C.
Alli’s pick: Egg Plate
Loveless Cafe: This quaint country cafe has been a Nashville landmark for over 50 years, and they serve their famous breakfasts all day long! Make sure you try their hashbrown casserole - and get there early if you don’t want to wait. (@lovelesscafe)
Fido: This fun and welcoming coffeehouse serves some delicious and healthy breakfast options, and their coffee is great too. And it’s usually jamming with aspiring musicians and creatives! (@fidonashville)
Proper Bagel: Bagel lovers, this is your heaven. Their kettle-boiled bagels are made from scratch and baked in their stone-lined oven daily… and they’re to die for. (TDF, as Alli likes to say.) From breakfast bagel sandwiches to custom cream cheeses and homemade butters, the bagel options are endless. And you really can do no wrong. Oh, and they also serve Barista Parlor coffee… so win freaking win. (@proper_bagel)
Bobby’s pick: the New Yorker Bagel Sandwich
Alli’s pick: the Ricotta and Egg Bagel Sandwich
Lunch/Dinner
*Honestly, this list could go on for days. The amount of good restaurants in Nashville is almost comical, and new ones are popping up on the daily!! We’ll do our best to keep this list updated - but please reach out if there’s a spot we’re missing!
Milk & Honey: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, gelato, baked goods… this place has it all! And it’s ALL good. We recently came for lunch, but we’ll be back soon for everything else. (@milkandhoneynashville)
Bobby’s pick: Pork Confit Pizza
Alli’s pick: Falafel Sandwich
Pinewood Social: So much more than a trendy restaurant… Pinewood Social is a destination. From the work space, to the bowling alley, to the swimming pools, bocce ball court, coffee shop, cocktail bar… they literally have it all. And the food is really good, too. Make reservations in advance. (@pinewoodnashville)
Bobby’s pick: Pastrami Rib
Alli’s pick: Grain Bowl with Chicken
The Pharmacy: This old time burger parlor and beer garden is one of our Nashville staples. Nothing is better than a famous Pharmacy Burger and an old fashioned soda at their outdoor patio when the weather’s warm! (@thepharmacynashville)
Burger Up: Speaking of burgers… it’s not a trip to Nashville without burgers at Burger Up. They’re fresh, made with the best local ingredients, and are mouth-wateringly delicious. Not to mention they’re served with some of the best sweet potato fries in town! (@burgerup)
Bobby’s pick: Double Up
Alli’s pick: Turkey Burger
Butcher & Bee: Hailed from Charleston, this new Nashville restaurant is a foodie’s dream. Everything is locally sourced, using only the best and finest ingredients, their menu is fresh and healthy and hearty... and basically everything you’d want in a date night spot. No matter what your food preferences are, you’ll find something you love here. Make a reservation in advance. (@butcherandbee)
Bobby’s pick: Bear Creek Meatballs
Alli’s pick: “Chicken Fried” Cauliflower
Bartaco: Hands down one of the hottest restaurants in Nashville, this 12 South Mexican food eatery is the place to see and be seen. And the food is really tasty, and surprisingly affordable! Order some chips and guac, a few tacos, and their amazing grilled corn. And wash it all down with a margarita or two, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for country music celebs! (@bartacolife)
Rolf And Daughters: If you’re looking for a sexy, industrial-chic restaurant for a special occasion or date night, this is it. Their menu is as fancy as it is innovative, and will have you amazed at the many unique flavors they’re able to put together. Make a reservation in advance. (@rolfanddaughters)
The Mockingbird: This trendy, feel-good restaurant is a perfect spot for a GNO (Girl’s Night Out), as it’s perfectly vibrant and totally instagrammable. And their cocktails are so fun and quirky, you won’t be able to order just one. Start with the Punchin’ Bag! (@themocknash)
Epice: Lebanese food might be our favorite kind of food, and this spot nails it - and we love the modern vibe. Order a little bit of everything, and get ready to have one of the best meals ever. Not kidding. (@epicenashville)
Hathorne: This brand new family-style eatery is in a renovated fellowship hall, making it bright, welcoming, and perfect for dinner with friends. Their Shaved Brussels are not to be missed. (@hathornenashville)
Chaatable: There’s nothing boring about this quirky and colorful Indian street food restaurant. It opened in November 2018, so it’s very new - but word is spreading fast. Make a reservation in advance. (@chaatable)
Mop/Broom Mess Hall: Whatever you order, you can’t go wrong here - but please if you go - order the BBQ chicken. You’ll thank us later. Oh, and they don’t take reservations, but text them 30 minutes before you go and they’ll put you on the list! (@mopbroomnashville)
Bobby’s pick: BBQ Chicken
Alli’s pick: Spaghetti Squash
Folk: Maybe the best wood-fired pizzas in Nashville - and we love the light, airy and modern atmosphere. Make a reservation. (@goodasfolk)
Santa’s Pub: This double-wide trailer is maybe Nashville’s most iconic and bustling bar outside of the honky-tonks on Broadway. If you’re a fan of cold beer, karaoke, and country music, you must go here. If you’re lucky you’ll even meet Santa himself! (@santaspub)
The Patterson House: This may be the first speakeasy we’ve ever been to, and it’s still one of our favorites. It’s small and you may have to wait, but it’s worth it. The earlier you go, the better. (The Patterson House on Instagram)
Old Glory: What used to be a steam cleaning facility is now one of the hottest new bars and lounges in Nashville… and it’s definitely worth a visit. Their drinks are really creative and fun and strong - so pace yourself! (@oldglorynashville)
Hemingway’s Bar and Hideaway: Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, this refined and chic tavern serves up delicious food, but the cocktails here are the true standout! Grab a seat at the bar and watch their skilled mixologists do their thing! (@HemingwaysNash)
L.A. Jackson: Our obsession with rooftop bars continues with this trendy and hopping bar atop the Thompson Nashville hotel. It’s definitely a scene and it gets crowded (especially when the weather’s nice), but it’s really fun and their drinks are solid. (@lajacksonbar)
Holston House Nashville: Part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, this affordable boutique-style hotel is walking distance to everything downtown and has an epic rooftop pool. The rooms are small, but comfy and chic! (@holton_house_nashville)
Noelle Nashville: Alli describes the Noelle as “Fashionably Pretty”, and it really is. From the modern and welcoming lobby, to the stylish guestrooms and trendy rooftop bar, it’s definitely one of our favorite places to stay in Nashville. (@noelle_nashville)
Kimpton Aertson: We’ve yet to visit a Kimpton we don’t like, and the Aertson is no exception. It’s sleek and clean and comes with all of the Kimpton amenities we’ve come to love and expect. And of course, it’s extremely dog friendly! (@aertsonhotel)
Thompson Nashville: Located in the Gulch, this hip, luxury hotel is where you should stay if you want to keep up with the cool kids! We love the location, and we really love their rooftop bar. (@thompsonnashville)
Urban Cowboy B&B: “Arrive as strangers, leave as friends.” That’s the motto at Urban Cowboy, and it truly is a home away from home! This eight-room boutique hotel is as warm and inviting as it is funky and cool, and will be an experience you’ll never forget. (@urbancowboybnb)
Honky tonks!! Ok, it’s touristy and cliche, but bouncing around from one honky tonk to another is one of our favorite things to do in Nashville! No matter the time of day you’re bound to hear some incredible live performances and make some new friends! A few of our favorites are Tootsies, Robert’s Western World, The Stage, and Honky Tonk Central!
Country Music Tour: Nashville is rich in country music tradition. If you have time, try to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or They Ryman. And stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame!
Visit the Parthenon: Located in Centennial Park, you can visit a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens… and it’s just as jaw-drofpping as the original!
Hike Radnor Lake: Everytime we come to Nashville we find ourselves hiking around Radnor Lake. There’s great trails and stunning views - especially in the fall when the leaves are changing!
Explore Franklin: Just south of Nashville is the little town of Franklin, and it’s one of the best places to window shop and grab a bite to eat! Walk along downtown’s Main Street and you’ll find quaint restaurants, galleries, antique shops, and the CUTEST boutiques. Alli literally comes to Franklin just to shop - so be forewarned. You’ll want everything.
There are tons of dog-friendly parks and outdoor spaces in Nashville, and most patios at restaurants welcome dogs too! We’ve yet to bring Sally (too long of a car ride), so we don’t have many recommendations, but here’s a pretty comprehensive list we found that has a lot of great options!