5 Ways to Eat Your Way Through Nashville

Well, we got away recently for short trip to Nashville. If you don’t know it already, Nashville is awesome. It’s one of those great cities where you can visit for a few weeks or 3 days and find a way to enjoy it regardless. We enjoy it so much and manage to disover something new every time we go. 

On this trip, we decided to dedicate most of our planning to exploring Nashville’s amazing food scene. “Y’all” (as they say in Nashville) - it was all so good! We literally had so much fun putting on our city shirts and eating around town that we decided to basically give away our Nashville foodie playbook. We recommend all of them 100% (as well as our great Nashville apparel to go out in). We hope you enjoy! 

WHERE WE STAYED:

Noelle Nashville

200 Fourth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219 

This was our first time staying at Noelle…but it won’t be our last! After some disappointing stays at larger hotels in the city on previous visits (too big. too “conferencey”), we were looking for a smaller, more local and boutique-feeling hotel. Noelle was just that…and more! It’s perfectly situated right near Printer’s Alley downtown.  Walk in the front lobby and you’ll almost wonder if you’re in a hotel at all. The ground floor design is set up as part-boutique store and part local coffee shop… that just so happens to include some friendly staff and desks to help you check in. If you’re looking for a comfortable and urban cool greeting, you’ll get it.  (The only thing that could be better: they need to stock their store with some of our soft and trendy Nashville-inspired city shirt co shirts and hoodies) ;) The rooms were amazingly designed and well appointed. The views were stunning. The service was phenomenal! Don’t think twice, just trust us and book it. 

WHERE WE ATE:

1. Rare Bird

Rooftop: 200 Fourth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

On their website, they say: “Whether you’re celebrating a hard day’s work or putting the finishing touches on a long day of play, when you’re in the mood for something different there’s only one place to head: to the roof. Draft cocktails and uncaged spirits abound in this colorful airborne bar scene overlooking downtown Nashville.” Well, we went. And they weren’t lying. We love a good rooftop. We love a good city view (especially that includes river views!). We love a good creative cocktail. That’s why we loved Rare Bird. If you’re like us, you will too. If you stay at Noelle, it’s just an elevator ride upstairs. If you’re not, make your way to the hotel lobby and they’ll help you find it from there. Well worth the trip! 

2. Sixty Vines 

5055 Broadway Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

Ok you guys. If there’s any restaurant that you must go to in Nashville, this is it. While it’s not native to Music City  it feels like it should be. Everything about it “fits.” Sixty Vines is situated in the amazing, sleek new development in the heart of the city known as “Fifth and Broadway.” While the development is filled with shops and restaurants, there is one on top of them all- literally and figuratively. Head upstairs to the third floor (pro tip: you can enter an elevator right off of Fifth Street with the Sixty Vines logo above it, or meander your way through the shops and food court up the series of escalators to find it).  

The restaurants name reflects the sixty different wines they keep on tap. We’re not going to lie: we were a bit skeptical about wine on tap and not from the bottle. However, admit we were wrong. The menu (food) is perfection. Thoughtfully prepared and beautifully served creative dishes. Everything is shareable, which gives you options to try a lot of fun things. Split a salad, share a yummy pizza, try a few desserts, you see? Each dish and course can be perfectly paired with one of their wines, which are thoughtfully available in a variety of pour amounts to fit your taste and budget. Not sure what to order or pair? Just follow our example: as the wait staff to take the lead. They are fun, friendly, and experts on the menu. 

Make a reservation. This place is very popular … you’ll soon see why. Enjoy it! And tell them we sent you! 

3. The Optimist

1400 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 37208

We have a confession. This was our third trip to The Optimist. There’s a reason why, of course. We can’t stay away. Its a new staple for a visit to Nashville. A 5-10 minute ride from downtown, the seafood restaurant is located right on the river in an upcoming new area of town. From the moment you step inside, you will feel the vibe that keeps us coming back for more. But just wait until you try the fresh seafood.

We recommend: 1) The oysters - fresh, flown in daily from the best places in the country - are amazing. 2) The fish dishes. They’re all so creatively and perfectly prepared . 3) The hush puppies. Five words why: They’re coated with powder sugar. 4) The banana cake . We’ll send you our address so you can write us a thank you card. 5) Cocktails. Any of them.

4. Etch 

303 Demonbreun Street, Nashville, TN 37201

So we are currently having a little love affair with this cute little restaurant tucked in to the corner of Demonbreun and Almond Streets downtown. Full disclosure: we’ve only ever eaten here for lunch. And it’s been delightful every time. While we’ve no doubt the dinner menu is amazing, we can only speak for lunch. It’s amazing.

The chef here is widely known and loved in the city, and for good reason. A couple items on the menu we recommend: For starters, get the roasted cauliflower. It is perfectly prepared and comes with four creative and delicious dips to try then with. For main, order either the Springer Mountain Farms Indian Chicken (seriously one of the most flavorful and amazing Indian dishes we’ve ever had!) or the Argentinian Beef Tenderloin. In fact, these dishes are so good they may inspire one of our next  Nashville cityshirtco shirt or hoodie designs. For dessert, ask for the Olive Oil Almond Cake. Pair with the seasonal gin or your favorite glass of wine from their extensive list. Oh, we wish we could meet you there for lunch! 

5. Chauhan Ale & Marsala House 

123 12th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

We wanted to try something new and a little more off the beaten path this trip, so we made reservations here. It was highly rated on OpenTable by thousands of people, so we gave it a shot. Oh boy, we are so glad we did! If you want to try some spectacular Indian cuisine in a lively urban environment, this is your place! On the edge of downtown, you can easily walk, scooter, or ride share. The environment is relaxed and casual…the kind of place that feels friendly and cozy like a neighborhood hangout. 

The food is truly great. We tried a variety of naans(garlic was our fave!), a variety of sauces (korma was our fave!), and a variety of protein choices (try the lamb if you eat meat!) . They have a great beer and wine list if you’re interested in pairings too! If you’re looking for a change up from American cuisine, check out Chauhan Ale & Marsala House! PS - No need to dress up here. Throw on some jeans, your favorite Nashville T-shirt and go!

6. Merchants (Bonus)

401 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

 So when you travel down south, you have got to include some good ‘ole southern cooking in the mix! We recommend the historic and famous Merchants on Broadway! By night, Merchants offers a more upscale dining experience on the upper floors of the building. (Ask the staff for stories of the building’s history…including rumored paranormal activity). By day, you can eat downstairs in the cute Merchants cafe space. 

You’ll be taken back in time a bit in the lunch space, greeted by black and white tile floors, high back booths, and a bar that reminds us of an old soda fountain. You can still see the scuff marks from the feet of the bar stools left over the last decades! The menu is classic southern fare…and does not disappoint. We had the Chicken Fried Chicken (as if fried chicken isn’t enough, this kind is smothered in white gravy). The side of mashed potatoes is delicious…buttery good. You’re in the South…go eat southern food at Merchants,..and buy some clothes to represent Music City in style!

-The City Shirt Co Team

NASHVILLE APPAREL YOU CAN BE PROUD OF!

Nashville T-Shirts, Nashville Hoodies, Nashville Sweatshirts, Nashville Hats

"If you are looking for a fresh design for your favorite city, this is it. This modern shirt combines the best of style and comfort. Designed by an urban artist, this is one Nashville shirt that looks as great as it feels to wear. Dress it up for going out or wear it for a comfy day around the house. It is soft and lightweight, with just the right amount of stretch. It’s comfortable and flattering for both men and women. There’s a reason we named it “Urban Dweller”: it is the perfect shirt for local residents who want to represent Nashville in style."