A Nashville, TN Food Guide

Nashville is an important and special city to me, and not just because I grew up forty minutes south of the city. I spent a TON of time in Nashville growing up, whether that was for various field trips when I was in school, or actually living and going to college there briefly.

As such, I know a thing or two about food to eat over there. Sure, Nashville is the center of country music, but it’s also a great hub for all kinds of great cuisine. I’ve lived in Tennessee all my life, and I still don’t think there’ll be a moment where I will have visited every eatery in Nashville.

So, what are my all-time favorites? (Just like the Franklin food guide, I will be listing by lunch/dinner and coffee [and also dessert!] places, as well as local places only.)

Lunch/Dinner

• Cantina Laredo - I love this Mexican restaurant in the Gulch mainly for its mole burritos. (Mole - pronounced “moh-lay” - is a sauce made from chocolate, and it’s phenomenal)
• Loveless Cafe - Nothing beats Loveless biscuits and fried chicken.
• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken - This has become a Nashvillian staple in recent years, and for great reason: this is the best hot chicken place in Nashville by far. I’ve only been there once, but I really liked their hot chicken tenders and pimento mac n’ cheese.
• Otaku Ramen - This. ramen. shop. is. the. best. I’ve had some of the best girls’ nights out here!
• The Flip Side - Do you like Chicken Parmesan? Or, do you just like really great breaded chicken? Now, do you like an extensive choice of toppings for said chicken? Then this place is for you. I spent my 25th birthday lunch with my girls at this restaurant with adorable 60’s inspired decor. It was phenomenal.
• Fido - This is a classic and cute place in Nashville's Hillsboro Village. I love the atmosphere and their breakfast-for-lunch offerings, but you can't go wrong here.

Coffee/Dessert!

• Barista Parlor - Best. coffee. in. Nashville. The original location is located in East Nashville towards Gallatin, but there’s also a location more central to Downtown in the Gulch called Barista Parlor Golden Sound. The former is a converted auto mechanic shop, the latter is a converted recording studio. Both have great coffee and homemade pop tarts and other goods.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - I only just had this ice cream last year…around my 25th birthday, actually. But, guys, if you like homemade ice cream (and want to try some unique flavors), then I can’t recommend this place enough. Their goat cheese and cherries ice cream is fabulous.
• Las Paletas - Homemade popsicles. Need I say more?

And that, dear readers, is my Nashville food guide! Have you ever been to Nashville and/or tried any of these local places before? Do you have any favorites? Let me know in the comments! :)