Y'all Ready for This? RecFest Recs:
A Nashvillian’s Guide to Music City
From hot chicken that’ll set your taste buds on fire to hidden gems that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy, we’ve got the inside scoop on everything that makes Nashville tick. Whether you’re a country music die-hard, a foodie on a mission, or just looking to soak up some Southern charm, this guide’s got you covered. Let’s turn your RecFest trip into a Nashville adventure you’ll be bragging about for years to come.
Downtown Delights: The Heart of Nashville
- The Frist Art Museum: Currently showcasing a fascinating fashion exhibit.
- Tennessee State Museum: Free admission! Learn about our state’s rich history.
- Country Music Hall of Fame: A must-visit for music enthusiasts.
- National Museum of African American Music: Celebrate the influence of African American artists on music.
- Ryman Auditorium: Take a tour or catch a show at the Mother Church of Country Music.
- Broadway: Experience the neon-lit heart of Nashville’s nightlife and watch people get their honky-tonk on.
- Puttshack: For some indoor mini-golf fun.
- Pins Mechanical: Bowling, pinball, and more for your entertainment.
Places to Visit
- The Hermitage: Andrew Jackson’s historic home and museum.
- Belle Meade Mansion: Learn about Nashville’s equestrian history.
- Nashville Zoo: A great spot for animal lovers. Plus, meet the baby tiger cubs!
- Grand Ole Opry: Catch a show at this iconic country music venue.
- Opryland Hotel: Explore this massive hotel with indoor gardens and waterways.
- General Jackson Showboat: Take a cruise on the Cumberland River.
- Lane Motor Museum: For car enthusiasts and quirky vehicle lovers.
- Radnor Lake State Park: Perfect for a peaceful nature walk.
- Edwin and Percy Warner Parks: Extensive hiking trails and scenic views.
- 12 South Neighborhood: Shop local boutiques and enjoy great restaurants.
- Grimey’s Records: A must-visit for vinyl enthusiasts.
Our Culinary Scene
Traditional Nashville Eats
- Hattie B’s: Famous Nashville hot chicken.
- Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack: The original hot chicken joint.
- Monell’s: Family-style Southern cooking.
- Loveless Cafe: Worth the short drive for incredible biscuits and country ham.
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Classic meat-and-three.
- Pancake Pantry: Breakfast institution with a devoted following.
- Brown’s Diner: No-frills burgers in an old trolley car.
- Elliston Place Soda Shop: Classic diner fare in a retro setting.
- Swett’s: Another great meat-and-three option.
- Wendell Smith’s: Home-style cooking in a casual setting.
- Jack Brown’s
- Sperry’s
Germantown
- City House
- Henrietta Red Seafood and oyster bar.
- 5th & Taylor American cuisine in an artsy space.
- Butchertown Hall
- O-Ku
- Rolf and Daughters Rustic Mediterranean in a historic factory space.
- The Optimist
East Nashville
- Audrey
- Folk
- Kisser
- Lou Nashville
- Noko
- Butcher & Bee: Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients.
- Hawkers
- Lockeland Table: Community-focused eatery with great pizzas.
- Mas Tacos Por Favor: Some of the best tacos in town.
- Margot Cafe & Bar: Farm-to-table in a cozy setting.
- Once Upon a Time in France
- Pelican & Pig
- Red Headed Stranger
- Soy Cubano
- Two Ten Jack
The Gulch
- Adele’s
- Chauhan Ale and Masala House: Indian fusion cuisine from a celebrity chef.
- Kayne Prime: High-end steakhouse.
- 404 Kitchen
- Biscuit Love: Breakfast and brunch hot spot.
- Carne Mare
- Electric Blue
- Luogo
- Mockingbird
- Otaku
- Party Fowl
- Superica
- Virago
Super Fancy (May require advance reservations)
- Bastion: Inventive cocktails and a hidden restaurant.
- The Catbird Seat: Intimate chef’s tasting menu experience.
- June
- Locust
- Present Tense
- Tailor Nashville
- Yolan: Upscale Italian cuisine
Nashville: Taylor’s Version
- Bluebird Cafe: Where Taylor Swift was discovered. Catch a songwriter’s night here for a true Nashville experience.
- Music Row: Drive down 16th Avenue South, where Taylor’s music career began at Big Machine Records.
- Centennial Park: Featured in Taylor’s “Mine” music video. Also home to our full-scale Parthenon replica. Bonus: this park is also mentioned in her Folklorian song “Invisible String.”
- Hillsboro Village: Grab a coffee at Fido, one of Taylor’s favorite local spots during her early Nashville days.
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Taylor shot her “Love Story” video here. It’s a beautiful botanical garden and museum.
Nashville's Spirited Side
- Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery: Taste history in a glass.
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery: Take a day trip to Lynchburg (about an hour away) for this iconic tour.
- Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Learn about an important piece of Tennessee whiskey history.
- Jackalope Brewing: Enjoy Nashville’s thriving craft beer scene.
- Nashville Barrel Company: Experience small-batch whiskey.
- Yazoo Brewing: Another great local brewery option.
- Tennessee Brew Works: Enjoy craft beers with a side of live music.
BBQ Joints
- Martin’s
- Peg Leg Porker
- Edley’s Bar-B-Que: (12 South): Solid barbecue with great sides.
- Jack’s BBQ
- Shotgun Willie’s: (Short drive)
- Bringles
Downtown/WeHo
- Bourbon Steak: Fine dining with a view at the top of the JW Marriott (also in SF).
- Etch: Eclectic cuisine in the heart of downtown.
- Pinewood Social
- Husk: Modern approach to classic Southern ingredients.
- Black Rabbit
- Boqueria
- Cledis Burgers and Beer Garden
- Deacon’s New South
- Degthai
- Dicey’s Pizza
- Drusie and Darr
- Earnest
- Gannon’s
- Puckett’s
- Riddim n Spice
- Sinatra’s
- Skull’s Rainbow Room
- The Diner
- The Southern
12 South
- Butter Milk Ranch: (Breakfast/Brunch)
- Fryce Cream: (Fun experience)
- Urban Grub
- Epice
- Five Daughter’s
- Frothy Monkey
- Josephine
The Nations/Sylvan Park/Midtown
- Answer
- Chef and I
- International Market
- Midtown Cafe
- 51st Deli
- Avo
- Bare Bones Butcher: (Lunch): Excellent sandwiches and meats.
- Black Dynasty Secret Ramen House
- Hall’s Chophouse
- Hathorne
- Miel
- Nicky’s Coal Fired
- Pastaria
- Tavern
Cocktail Spots
- The Patterson House: Craft cocktails in a speakeasy setting.
- Old Glory: Unique drinks in a converted boiler room.
- Attaboy: Bespoke cocktails tailored to your preferences.
- Pearl Diver: Tropical tiki bar with a laid-back vibe.
- Rosemary & Beauty Queen: Cocktails in a converted historic home.
- The Red Phone Booth: (Dial 615-334-9844, check website for dress code)
- Mother’s Ruin
- Hidden Bar at Noelle
- Pushing Daisies
- Lou/na
- Tiger Bar
- Bar Continental
Pro Tips from a Local
- Use rideshare apps for easy transportation around the city.
- Venture beyond Broadway to experience the real Nashville in neighborhoods like East Nashville, 12 South, and Germantown.
- Always carry cash for tipping musicians.
- Try our local coffee shops like Frothy Monkey or Barista Parlor for your caffeine fix.
- If you’re into karaoke, check out Santa’s Pub for a uniquely Nashville experience (cash only).
- The “hot” in hot chicken is no joke – start mild and work your way up.
- Don’t miss out on our food halls like Assembly Food Hall or Nashville Farmers’ Market for a variety of local eats.