Updated September 2024 by Alissa Harb
It took the 12 South neighborhood more than a few years to establish its reputation as one of Nashville’s trendiest pockets — an identity that has been shaped and reshaped by the storefronts and eateries that stretch from one end of the eight-block neighborhood to the next. And just when we thought this little neighborhood couldn’t grow anymore, its retail scene welcomed a wave of impressive national brands, with more on the way. Check out this updated list of the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore in 12 South!
Use the links below to skip ahead:
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK
Whether you’re seduced by the smell of barbecue emanating from Edley’s flagship location, popping by Burger Up for a juicy burger and truffle fries, or hitting up Locust for some of the most highly acclaimed food in town, 12 South is bursting with food and drink options.
- 12 South Taproom has been a longstanding pillar of the neighborhood since 2006. A local go-to, it features an extensive roster of draft beer along with a menu of grill favorites like smoked wings, brisket quesadillas, and burgers.
- bartaco brings Baja flavors to the neighborhood and has been serving street tacos and wildly popular margaritas since 2015. The trendy eatery is also home to one of the best patios in the area, so it stays packed during the temperate months.
- Bottle Cap touts “fresh cocktails, cold drafts, lots of TVs, friendly service, and delicious pub food favorites.” It’s also an excellent spot for Tuesday night trivia and game-watching.
- Burger Up: Located at the neighborhood’s south end, Burger Up is one of 12 South’s earlier residents. You can look forward to community seating and a stellar menu featuring everything from a Bison Burger to a French Onion Burger with caramelized onions, brie cheese, and truffle aioli. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too!
- The Butter Milk Ranch is a small-batch bakery that features delicately delicious goods like a salted honey butter croissant and a corn and tomato tart. It’s also open for full table service from Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., when you can snag plates like Wagyu Steak and Eggs, grilled salmon, or a watermelon and burrata salad.
- Christie Cookie Co: From traditional shortbread to oatmeal raisin and rocky road, Christie’s is the perfect place to find custom and corporate gifts or simply indulge your sweet tooth.
- Edley’s Bar-B-Que: When the smell of barbecue wafting down 12th Avenue starts making your mouth water, rest assured Edley’s is the source. From classic brisket and pulled pork sandwiches to an extensive roster of sides like potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, and banana pudding, the feast awaits.
- Embers Ski Lodge: This rustic neighborhood bar is inspired by the après-ski scene. Stop in for gastropub fare like hand-cut Belgian fries, wings, burgers, and a cocktail or two.
- Epice: A StyleBlueprint favorite, Epice is a cozy bistro with authentic Lebanese fare in a contemporary setting. The Epice Salad is one of the best things to order in all of Nashville (in our opinion!).
- Five Daughters Bakery is a must for sweet tooth sufferers. Just off the main drag, the donut destination rose quickly in popularity and now boasts multiple locations around the city, including East Nashville, Charlotte Avenue, and Franklin.
- Fonda is a new addition to the lineup this year, occupying the space that formerly housed Josephine (gone but not forgotten!). It’s serving up an elevated selection of Mexican dishes like queso, guac, seafood tostadas, taco boards, and more.
- Frothy Monkey, a breakfast, lunch, and dinner cafe offering fresh fare and locally roasted coffee, has been in the neighborhood since 2004.
- Fryce Cream: If you like to dip your fries in ice cream, this is the place for you. Offering a multitude of French fry and artisan soft serve options, this is a fun treat for kids and grownups alike. Not to mention, they make homemade toppings like bourbon bacon pretzel crunch!
- Hearts: The second Nashville outpost, this Australian-inspired eatery offers breakfast, brunch, dinner, and a delicious selection of coffees and sparkling cocktails.
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: If you’re looking for memorable ice cream, look no further. Indulge in flavors like Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Brambleberry Crisp, Gooey Butter Cake, and Sweet Cream Biscuit with Peach Jam.
- Ladybird Taco is slightly off the beaten path on 10th Avenue, but it’s worth the minor detour for breakfast tacos, lunch tacos, and sides like queso and Mexican street corn.
- Locust: This minimalist-modern eatery (starring Japanese dumplings and shaved ice) from Chef Trevor Moran is only open on Fridays and weekends, and reservations are a must. It has been tough to get into since Food & Wine named it “Restaurant of the Year” in 2022, but it’s more than worth the effort to snag a table.
- MAFIAoZA’s is the spot for hearty Italian fare. Grab some Ravioli Cheese Sticks, then move on to a pizza like the Brother Fredo (spinach, artichokes, chicken, and alfredo sauce) or The Last Request (pepperoni, sausage salami, black olives, onions, green peppers, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, and jalapeños). It’s also a go-to on Tuesday nights when slices and beers are two for the price of one.
- Nashville Street Taco serves up tacos, burritos, and “cheese crisps” — 14-inch tortillas layered with toppings and baked like a Mexican pizza!
- Tennessee Cobbler Company: Owned by a husband-and-wife duo with an affinity for Southern nostalgia, this dessert-lovers go-to has everything from sweet tea and ice box pies to … you guessed it, homemade cobblers.
- Urban Grub: From Crab Beignets and wood-fired oysters to Memphis-style ribs and a Creekstone Farms bone-in New York strip steak, this restaurant has an extensive menu that covers all the “craving” bases.
- Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar: Cereal-centric with milkshakes and granola bowls, this fun eatery is as wonderful as it is whimsical.
WHERE TO SHOP
While longtime Nashvillians will remember places like Becker’s Bakery, Katy K’s, Granny’s Flower Shop, and TRIM, these businesses — early definers of 12 South’s identity — have been replaced with a number of new businesses that sell everything from handmade jewelry to vintage knick-knacks and apparel.
12 South landed on the map as a shopping destination when custom denim shop Imogene + Willie opened in a converted gas station back in 2009, garnering national attention. Now, the storefronts along 12 South are starting to look like well-known shopping districts in larger cities, like Austin’s South Congress Avenue.
We celebrate this growth and love having these brands close at hand, but because we love shopping local whenever possible, we’ve separated this retail list into two categories — Nashville-based retail and larger chains.
Nashville-Based Retail
- Crue: Stop in for elevated athleisure for women — from bras and comfy work-from-home lounge sets to beachwear and sweats.
- Draper James may be on the map thanks to celebrity (and Nashville-raised) founder Reese Witherspoon, but its success also has a lot to do with its Southern charm-drenched clothing and accessories. This brand is as quintessentially Southern as it gets, from floral-printed sundresses to chambray blazers.
- Emerson Grace: Thanks to trendsetting owner Kimberly Lewis, this boutique offers contemporary women’s fashion that instills stylish confidence — from sunglasses to denim and dresses.
- Finnley’s: Shop trendy women’s clothing — such as dresses, outerwear, handbags, and hats — in a casual atmosphere.
- FWD Clothing: Attached to Embers Ski Lodge bar, this flagship shop offers surf-inspired clothing and accessories.
- Hero Boutique: Founded by a celebrity stylist, this shop features everything from beautiful cashmere sweaters to playful accessories, including one-of-a-kind items.
- Imogene + Willie: This longtime 12 South resident is the ideal spot to channel your cool kid vibe. Renowned for its denim collection, you can also shop for tees, tanks, knits, and more — for both men and women.
- Judith Bright brings locally handmade jewelry to the neighborhood. Since the store’s 2014 opening, the brand has garnered a cult following that stretches across the South but is loudest and strongest right here in Music City.
- Made in TN might just be the best spot for gifts that we can think of. All the merchandise is locally sourced, and you can find everything from Goo Goo Clusters and Moon Pies to Nashville Hot Peanuts and Tennessee Whiskey candles.
- MODA Boutique is the OG women’s boutique in 12 South. Inside, you’ll find a selection of fashionable clothing, accessories, jewelry, and unique home goods and gift items.
- Molly Green offers trendy clothing and accessories for women at an affordable price point.
- Planet Cowboy offers a playful ’60s and ’70s retro vibe that draws crowds. The Western-inspired handmade hats and custom-designed boots from owner Jaylin Ramer are fun, festive, and very Nashville.
- Ranger Station: This shop features some of the best locally made, hand-poured candles in Nashville — set in reusable cocktail glasses, no less! You can also snag amazing unisex perfumes, as well as hand, body, and even limited-series pet care products.
- Savant Vintage is the neighborhood’s only vintage shop, a small structure overflowing with vintage items and even a taxidermy collection.
- Serendipity: Gifts and clothing and jewelry, oh my! Whether you’re searching for the perfect hostess offering, the next journal for your thoughts, or a unique birthday gift for your hard-to-buy-for niece (think a pocket microscope or a Taylor Swift prayer candle), you’re in luck. Serendipity offers all of that and more!
- Summer Classics: Shop elevated outdoor furniture, including patio loungers, umbrellas, performance pillows, and dining sets.
- The Filling Station is a tucked-away spot for craft beer lovers. Right around the corner from Edley’s, it’s a great spot to spend an afternoon sipping local brews and playing board games, but you can also fill up a growler to take home.
- Vinnie Louise is the place for Hampton-inspired clothing and accessories, from maxi dresses and tunics to on-trend gold jewelry.
- White’s Mercantile: A gas station-turned-gift shop, this neighborhood gem is much-beloved by locals and visitors alike. Owned by Holly Williams, it’s one of the city’s hottest hubs for home goods and gift items, and it’s stocked with Southern brands — from candles and jewelry to pantry items.
Larger Chains
- Alice + Olivia
- Away
- Buck Mason
- Faherty
- gorjana
- Grace Loves Lace
- Hart
- Jenni Kayne
- King Baby
- Krewe
- La Vie Style House
- Lele Sadoughi
- LoveShackFancy
- Madewell
- Marine Layer
- Mejuri
- Oliver Peoples
- PAIGE
- Rag & Bone
- Sewing Down South
- STAG Provisions
- Stoney Clover Lane
- UAL
- Vuori
Every Tuesday, May Through October!
- At 12 South Farmers’ Market, shop all things local, from soaps and honey to homemade bread and fresh produce.
WELLNESS + BEAUTY
While 12 South may be best known for shopping and dining, it’s also home to several salons and fitness studios.
- Element Salon is a casual, friendly space for boutique hairstyling services like cuts and hair extensions.
- FACE offers facial services of all kinds, from waxing and lashes to spa facials and chemical peels.
- Fahrenheit Yoga is the neighborhood go-to for yoga and sound baths.
- Full Ride Cycling is great if you’re looking for something with a higher intensity level!
- Green Pea Salon: The place to go for everything from color correction and conditioning treatments to updos for a night on the town.
- Marathon Fitness offers fitness motivation galore, such as personal training, strength training, and boot camps.
- Marathon Pilates: Expert trainers are ready to whip you into shape at a full-service wellness studio specializing in Pilates.
- Pure Sweat is a charming studio offering infrared sauna sessions.
- The Happy Hour is a mental wellness studio offering therapy, holistic life coaching, energy work, and nutrition coaching.
- 12 South Dental Studio is an ideal home base for dental care if you’re new to the neighborhood.
COMMUNITY
As you venture through the neighborhood, you’ll find a photo opportunity around every corner. Between the many murals, charming storefronts, people-watching, and fun pop-ups, the area is a picture-perfect weekend destination and ripe for exploration. Here are a few more things that make the neighborhood even more vibrant.
- Islamic Center of Nashville: One of the oldest mosques in Tennessee, this center offers a place for prayer to Nahvillians of over 40 nationalities.
- Midtown Fellowship: A single church comprising multiple congregations rooted in the Christian faith.
- Sevier Park Community Center: This neighborhood center features a new gymnasium with an upper-level walking track, a dance space, a fitness center, and a community gathering area. It is surrounded by beautiful Sevier Park, which offers picnic shelters, a playground, and plenty of space for sitting beneath a tree and enjoying the views.
COMING SOON
As the neighborhood continues to grow, we look forward to the introduction of a mixed-use development — featuring dining, retail, and office space — that’s set to complete construction in late 2024. The development has already broken ground, and already-announced tenants include a Two Hands restaurant location, Clayton & Crume leather goods, and a sushi restaurant.
Other restaurants coming soon to 12 South include Mesero, The Henry, Postino Wine Café, and The Salty.
Did we miss something? Please reach out to [email protected] to let us know!
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About the Author
Jenna Bratcher