When you’re done putting up the stockings, trimming the tree, and wrapping the gifts, there are plenty of delicious reasons to cut yourself a break and let someone else handle a meal or two. Check out these new additions to Nashville’s culinary scene!
Dos Santos
Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston
More info: dossantostacos.com
This family-owned Mexican taqueria from Denver is helping the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood celebrate Mexican heritage and culinary traditions. The restaurant offers authentic Yucatan-inspired dishes, including tacos like Cochinita Pibil and Carne Asada, alongside an extensive tequila and mezcal selection.
Dos Santos offers rotating specials, plus themed days like Taco Tuesday and Wu-Tang Wednesday with discounted food, drinks, and old-school hip-hop. You can also enjoy a raw bar and a walk-up window serving breakfast burritos, espresso, and fresh juices every morning.
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings
Neighborhood: Antioch
More info: hangryjoes.com
Hangry Joe’s is bringing the heat … and that’s no joke. The restaurant is taking Nashville hot chicken to the next level with its signature sauce, blending classic spice with a unique kick. From wings to chicken sandwiches, this eatery is memorable for its five spice levels — particularly if you order the “Angry Hot,” for which you have to sign a waiver. That’s some seriously hot chicken!
Kase x Noko
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More info: kasexnoko.com
Prepare to be wowed in a big way. Kase (pronounced kah-say) is Nashville’s newest omakase experience, and boy, is it worth it. Created by the team behind Noko (and it’s Noko-adjacent), it’s 14 courses of exquisitely prepared sushi that showcase beautiful pieces of fish and flavors you’ll think about long after you’ve left the restaurant.
You’ll find favorites of your own, but we can’t stop thinking about the Otoro and the salmon with caviar. There are also three additional courses you can add on — and should. Sushi preparation is truly an art, and this crew nails it.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Neighborhood: Donelson
More info: kekes.com
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe has expanded yet again! The Florida-born favorite recently opened its third Tennessee location in Donelson. Known for its “Fresh Starts” daily, Keke’s offers all the classics and then some — from waffles and stuffed French toast to omelets and beyond. You can also grab lunch, with light options like sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Mesero Nashville
Neighborhood: 12 South
More info: mesero.net
The 12 South neighborhood isn’t lacking in tacos, that’s for sure! The first location outside of Texas, Mesero recently opened above Rag & Bone in the 12 South Collection, offering folks a chance to indulge in Tex-Mex favorites like bacon-wrapped shrimp, ahi tuna nachos, brisket tacos, enchiladas with mole sauce, and so much more.
The cocktails are just what you want to accompany your feast — from the frozen housemade sangria to several margarita options. There’s even a covered patio!
Now & Then Coffee
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More info: nowandthennashville.com
Now and Then Coffee is a cozy, 10-seat coffee shop nestled inside Sean Brock’s Audrey in East Nashville. Owned by Demi Chacon and Davy Ball, it offers handcrafted drinks and an extensive tea selection, all served to the soothing backdrop of jazz music.
Known for its curated, small-batch beans sourced globally from top roasters, the shop uses special brewing tools to craft rare and exceptional beverages. Originating in Bar Continental, this is a hidden gem for coffee enthusiasts.
Two Hands Franklin
Neighborhood: Franklin
More info: twohandshospitality.com
Two Hands, the vibrant Australian-inspired restaurant in The Gulch that we’ve come to know and love, has opened its second location — this time in The Factory at Franklin. Known for its health-conscious and locally sourced menu, Two Hands offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dishes like smoked salmon toast and a harissa chicken bowl.
For dinner, savor favorites such as pesto cavatelli or steak au poivre. Pair your meal with handcrafted cocktails like the Banana Bread Espresso Martini or Boozy Lavender Lemonade.
HONORARY MENTION!
Judith
Location: Sewanee, TN
More info: judithtavern.com
If you’re a fan of Chef Julia Sullivan’s Germantown restaurant, Henrietta Red, you’ll be thrilled to hear about her latest project located in nearby Sewanee, TN — Judith — featuring seasonal, ingredient-driven fare. Keep this on your radar for 2025 road trips!
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know.
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UPDATES FROM NOVEMBER 2024
If you’re already starting to feel a touch of “culinary overwhelm” as we head into the holidays, it might be time to try a couple of Nashville’s many recently-opened restaurants. From festive cocktails to pizza slices and homemade ice cream, there are tons of new spots to savor!
The Asbury
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More info: theasburynash.com
Happy hour food, live music, and a New Jersey vibe abound at this new spot on Demonbreun. The Asbury is a place to kick back, sip on espresso (or an espresso martini!), and enjoy some authentic East Coast food from Castellucci’s — think meatball-parmesan grinders. Even better, since this spot is Tin Roof-adjacent, it’s open late!
Carlsbad Pizza
Neighborhood: The Nations
More info: cbadpizza.com
Get ready for some thin-crust, hand-tossed East Coast-style pizzas! This family-owned spot hails from Oceanside, CA, and it’s settling into The Nations quite nicely. You can look forward to toppings like meatballs, marinated artichoke hearts, and housemade hot sauce. Plus, since it’s affiliated with Urban Dog Bar, you can watch your pup run around as you dine.
Etch
Neighborhood: Franklin
More info: etchrestaurant.com
Chef Deb Paquette has been knocking our socks off for years with her dining concepts and delicious signature dishes. Now, The Factory at Franklin is home to her second etch location. Located in the former Viking Store space, the new restaurant features a vibrant, globally inspired menu with favorites like roasted cauliflower, Argentinian beef tenderloin, and wasabi-crusted salmon.
As always, the etch menu also has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options (or dishes that can easily accommodate any dietary restrictions). At a whopping 4,700 square feet, the space also features a chef’s counter and plenty of room for private dining. There’s even a patio!
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Neighborhood: Franklin
More info: handelsicecream.com
Ice cream knows no season. Despite the incoming cooler weather, we’re all about a homemade scoop! Lucky for us, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has opened its first location in Franklin. Prepare your tastebuds for flavors like Bananas Foster, Pumpkin Cheesecake Chunk, Peppermint Bark, and Deep Dish Apple Pie. And that’s barely touching the surface of the 45-plus rotating flavors you can choose from. Did we mention there’s a walk-up window?
Haraz Coffee House
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More info: Instagram
This Yemeni coffee franchise is serving up exotic flavors in East Nashville — from pistachio lattes and cardamom-ginger coffee to saffron and rose-flavored milk cake. Located on Woodland Street near Butcher & Bee, it’s the perfect spot to stop in for a quick pick-me-up. If you’re head over heels for their coffee, you can also purchase beans, saffron threads, and other coffee-related products through the company’s online store.
Joyland
Neighborhood: Sylvan Heights
More info: eatjoyland.com
Chef Sean Brock’s third Joyland location will open in Sylvan Heights on Tuesday, November 19, in the spot formerly occupied by Hero Doughnuts & Burgers. This outpost will serve up Joyland’s signature burgers and fries, plus chicken on a stick, a serious Chicago dog, milkshakes, AND biscuits and burritos for breakfast.
Neighborlily
Neighborhood: Germantown
More info: neighborlily.com
Sure, Neighborlily has been around since January of this year. But did you know you can now dine in? In addition to its grab-and-go items, you can now order from an in-house menu that includes breakfast items like the Chorizo & Eggs Bowl or Roasted Mushroom & Ricotta Toast and lunch options such as a Tex-Mex Burrito and Southwest Salad. Of course, you can also snag pastries, coffee, and more!
P.F. Chang’s
Neighborhood: Opry Mills
More info: pfchangs.com
P.F. Chang’s is a longstanding Nashville staple — after all, its first Nashville locale opened on West End nearly 25 years ago! Now, Opry Mills can claim a branch of its own, which is perfect for grabbing a bite before or after you hit up a concert at the Grand Ole Opry or attend Gaylord Opryland’s ICE! If you haven’t been in a while, P.F. Chang’s is still serving up nostalgic favorites like chicken lettuce wraps, egg drop soup, Mongolian beef, and Chang’s spicy chicken.
Postino Wine Bar
Neighborhood: 12 South
More info: postinowinecafe.com
If you’re looking for a new spot in 12 South to post up with a great glass of wine and tasty food, Postino is the place to be. Located across from Jeni’s Ice Cream, Postino is open for lunch and dinner and boasts a great patio. Head in for snacks like the crispy cauliflower and seasonal Burrata plate, or feast on one of the incredible bruschetta boards, such as mushroom and mascarpone, brie with apple and fig, or ricotta with dates and pistachio. Yum! Did we mention there are $6 glasses of wine daily until 5 p.m.?
Primitive Coffee Company
Neighborhood: Woodbine
More info: Instagram
If you’re looking for the feeling of enjoying a cup of coffee in your living room without having to make a pot at home, Primitive Coffee Company has the ambiance down pat. Stop into the cozy new Woodbine shop for an Ontario (a seasonally inspired chai latte with maple syrup and oat milk) and grilled cheese sandwich, then settle in for a leisurely afternoon of reading, journaling, or getting to know your neighbors.
Turmeric & Company
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More info: turmeric-and-company.com
East Nashville’s Hunter’s Station is upping its game. Last month, Amanda Frederick opened her newest Radish location. This month, Turmeric & Company is hitting the scene. From a shredded South Indian street salad to main dishes like lamb meatballs and yogurt-marinated chicken, this Indian fusion cafe and cocktail bar brings wonderful, aromatic flavors to the indoor food hall. Snag a seat at a table adorned with adorable potted chili peppers and feast on everything from chaat to chutney.
Ugly Bagel
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: uglybagel.com
Ugly Bagel’s motto is “Get ready to embrace the ugly!” and we’re all about it — especially if it means tasty bagels with equally tasty schmears! New to The Arcade, this fast-casual, Nashville-born eatery offers self-checkout kiosks and a “rolling window,” where you can admire the bagel-making process. The menu is entirely customizable, and you can even get bagel sandwiches.
Get ready for coffee, hot chocolate, and seasonal bagel flavors like this month’s Gingerbread Bagel, Cranberry-Walnut Bagel, or Sage and Onion Cream Cheese. And stay tuned for more Ugly Bagel locations coming soon to neighborhoods like Wedgewood-Houston!
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer
Neighborhood: Nolensville
More info: waldoschicken.com
Waldo’s continues to grow its Nashville presence. The chicken and beer chain just opened its seventh location — this time, in Nolensville. Grab an OG chicken sandwich and sides like French fries, coleslaw, and collard greens, then grab a seat on the heated, covered patio. There’s also a drive-through and curbside pickup!
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know.
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UPDATES FROM OCTOBER 2024
It’s official, folks. Fall is in full swing. And what better way to “embrace the cozy” than by settling into a seat at one of Nashville’s newest eateries? From pumpkin spice lattes to lobster bisque, here are the latest additions to the local food scene. Dig in!
Alba’s Empanadas
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More Info: albasempanadas.com
Bringing a taste of home to Nashville by way of Los Angeles, Alba’s Empanadas had numerous pop-ups on the West Coast before it made its way to a brick-and-mortar in The Gulch. Now, you can get four signature empanadas via its walk-up window, including the Jah Mama chicken (a secret family recipe), Wagyu steak, and Jah Mama mushroom and cheese. There are also plenty of Caribbean-inspired sides and a sweet potato empanada for dessert.
The Ariston
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: thearistonbar.com
Get ready for a cocktail-and-cigar combo at Downtown’s new lounge, The Ariston. With a grand opening on October 5, this new spot offers a loungy atmosphere where you can enjoy curated cocktails and premium cigars. Open daily from noon to midnight, it’s a great spot to indulge in small plates and conversation. The Ariston also offers the Byron Lounge for private events as well as culinary experiences, such as caviar paired with champagne.
Babu
Neighborhood: Chestnut Hill
More Info: cafebabu.com
From espresso to Indian Masala Chai and fresh pastries, the menu at Babu offers a dose of caffeine, light breakfast bites, and beyond. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, try the prosciutto and fig sandwich, which also features gruyère cheese and caramelized onions atop toasted potato-rosemary bread. The cafe is open from Tuesday through Friday until 2 p.m., but those hours are slated to extend once Babu has the go-ahead to serve wine and cocktails. Stay tuned!
Fast Times Coffee
Neighborhood: 12 South
More Info: fasttimescoffee.com
Located inside Buck Mason, this coffee shop is a bit of a hidden gem. Surrounded by gorgeous coffee table books sits a small counter offering up your daily dose of caffeine — the perfect opportunity to refuel and simultaneously enjoy a bit of retail therapy.
Halls Catch
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: hallmanagementgroup.com
Located adjacent to Halls Chophouse, Halls Catch is a seafood-centric restaurant from the same South Carolina-based restaurant group. The menu offers everything from sushi selections and oyster shooters to Beluga caviar, charred octopus, and Maine lobster. Of course, if you so desire, you can also snag a meatier entrée with dishes like Colorado lamb chops, Japanese Wagyu, and even a Tomahawk prime rib steak for two.
Hey Hey
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: heyheyeats.com
The Team behind AVO is at it again, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. For years, we’ve been following every culinary move Annie Choo has made, and this one is no exception. As with AVO, the menu at Hey Hey relies on plant-based Asian flavors, with standout dishes such as crispy rice cakes, kung pao Brussels sprouts, and Sichuan citrus butter vermicelli.
Kokomo Trading Company
Neighborhood: Franklin
More Info: kokomotradingco.com
This locally owned spot recently opened in Westhaven Town Center, and it’s quickly becoming a local favorite. The menu offers an array of island-inspired items, from Cozumel queso and Jamaican-style Caribbean patties to a Cuban sandwich and a Creole bowl. To really channel those island vibes, you can also enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. And don’t forget to order a colada or other beachy frozen beverage!
Lowbar
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: Instagram
Woodland Street has a new hang, and it’s an underground bar beneath the Basement East. Naturally, you can expect drinks — but you can also look forward to darts, billiards, karaoke, and a moody, low-lit atmosphere perfect for relaxing with a beverage in your hand. Food trucks and a patio are also a draw!
Maiz de la Vida
Neighborhood: Paseo South Gulch
More info: maizdelavida.com
Neighborhood taco truck extraordinaire Maiz de la Vida is moving its locale from East Nashville to the South Gulch. James Beard-nominated Chef Julio Hernandez is turning his popular mobile joint into a brick-and-mortar on 8th Avenue, and you can anticipate authentic Mexican dishes like his famous corn tortillas and quesabirria tacos. There’s a lot of buzz, so you might also hit some lines to get in!
Noble’s Central
Neighborhood: Metro Center
More Info: central.noblesbeerhall.com
Noble’s is spreading its wings to Metro Center, and this location comes with waterfront views! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the eatery offers the same menu as its sister restaurant in East Nashville, complete with favorites like cheese curds, burnt-end sliders, fried green tomatoes, burgers, and so much more. Plus, the patio is dog-friendly!
Radish
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: radishkitchen.com
Chef Amanda Frederickson just opened her third location of Radish — this time, in Hunters Station! As with its sister restaurants in Sylvan Supply and Franklin, you can enjoy your favorite healthy eats — from the Rad Cobb salad to the harvest grain bowl and wraps galore.
Stay Golden
Neighborhood: The Nations
More Info: stay-golden.com
Flanked by favorites like Tinwings and Bare Bones Butcher, Stay Golden is settling into its newest digs in The Nations. We may be saying goodbye to its former spot on Sidco, but the new shaded patio and centralized location make it all worth it. You can still look forward to all of your menu favorites (though the current menu is limited while everyone eases in), and according to recent social media posts, we can look forward to “boozy beverages coming soon!”
The Tornado Room
Neighborhood: Leipers Fork
More Info: Instagram
As if Leipers Fork weren’t enough of a draw on its own, there’s a fun new speakeasy that just opened beneath Country Boy Restaurant. The Tornado Room doesn’t have a set menu, but it definitely offers an experience — complete with craft cocktails, bar bites, live music, and more. As one recent artist who performed there says, it might just be “the classiest speakeasy in Franklin!”
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know.
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UPDATES FROM SEPTEMBER 2024
It’s officially fall, leading up to the busiest time of year for most of us — but also, plenty of opportunities to gather with loved ones over delicious food and drink. Fortunately, the local restaurant scene has plenty of new offerings to explore. From colorful cookies to elevated Japanese fare, here are 12 new spots to have on your radar.
888
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: 888nashville.com
We’ve noticed a recent trend in restaurant listening lounges, and 888 certainly fits the bill. This intimate venue delivers exquisite Omakase-style Japanese fare — including incredible sushi — while you enjoy a curated music experience courtesy of vinyl records and killer acoustics.
From nigiri to Miso Black Cod and a Wagyu filet, you’re in for a treat. In fact, SB Account Executive Brandon Smith, who recently dined there, said, “The fried rice was hands down the best fried rice dish I’ve ever had.” There’s even a stellar sake selection!
Café Cheeserie at The Frist Museum
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: grilledcheeserie.com
As if The Frist Art Museum couldn’t get any cooler … now, it’s partnering with food truck favorite The Grilled Cheeserie! Café Cheeserie features a cheese-centric, bistro-inspired menu that offers weekly and seasonal specials. Even better, it’s open for business as long as The Frist’s doors are open.
You can look forward to pastries, scratch-made sandwiches (with loads of cheesy goodness!), soups, salads, charcuterie boards, a burger, grab-and-go snacks, and more.
E+Rose: Germantown
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: eandrose.com
Germantown is the locale for E+Rose’s newest eatery. Like its other branches, the cafe is serving up all kinds of healthy eats, from cold-pressed juices and smoothies to plant-based salads and açai bowls. If you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, the new location also offers a full coffee and tea menu.
East Creamery
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: Instagram
The Shoppes at Fatherland, home to favorites like Abode Mercantile and Maru Sushi & Grill, is now scooping up tasty sweet treats in the form of ice cream and other desserts. East Creamery recently opened, offering ice cream floats, cobblers, giant chocolate chip cookies, and other fun goodies.
You can check their Instagram page for updates on the current offerings … the Chocolate Molten Cake with a scoop of Bourbon Crunch sounds insanely good!
The Henry
Neighborhood: 12South
More Info: thehenryrestaurant.com
This new seafood-focused 12 South spot serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a perfectly complementary cocktail menu. Settle into a comfy leather banquette and feast on dishes such as sea scallops with parsnip crème fraîche, filet mignon, braised short rib, and sushi selections. If you’re in a cocktail mood, try the smoked pineapple margarita or Thai Grapefruit Smash, which features vodka, Thai basil, and grapefruit.
Jar 10
Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village
More Info: jar10nashville.com
Hillsboro Village keeps growing, and that’s in large part thanks to the Make a Play hospitality group. The team behind Supper Club, Sunset on Belcourt, and Bungalow10 has opened yet another concept — only this time, it’s a rebrand of their former lounge, Jar. Now called Jar 10, the speakeasy-style spot has all-new everything, from the menu to the vibe. You can snack on small plates like empanadas, red snapper, and even late-night bites like pizza or wings.
Pink Door Cookies
Neighborhood: Sylvan Heights
More Info: pinkdoorcookies.com
You can’t miss the new Pink Door Cookies in Sylvan Heights, and we aren’t kidding — the building is pink, there’s a unicorn mural, and the patio tables are a rainbow of fruit flavors. It’s a vibrant spot that will make you smile and satisfy your sweet tooth! Pastry Chef Mathew Rice delivers happiness in the form of cookies, with flavors like blueberry pancake, oatmeal butterscotch, s’mores, and peach chamomile.
Tash Tea Cafe
Neighborhood: Antioch
More Info: Instagram
This Kurdish and Turkish eatery specializes in breakfast and brunch. Open every day, the family-owned and -operated restaurant offers authentic dishes and the most fabulous brunch spread you’ve ever seen, with everything from olives and fruit to cheese, eggs, yogurt, and so much more. Don’t leave without ordering baklava and a Kurdish coffee, which is made over sand. It’s an experience that doesn’t disappoint!
Top Note
Neighborhood: Capitol District
More Info: topnotenashville.com
We miss the days of sitting on Zeppelin’s patio, watching a sunset, and sipping a tasty beverage. Fortunately, we can still do that … sort of. Taking over the former Zeppelin space, Top Note is Capitol District’s newest rooftop bar. Dine on dishes like chicken lemongrass potstickers, prime rib Philly with horseradish cream, and warm crab dip. The cocktail menu is equally festive, with specialty drinks like the Blueberry Bliss. Did we mention they serve a s’mores charcuterie board to enjoy over the cozy fire pits?
Torchy’s Tacos
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: torchystacos.com
With locations in nearly every state across the U.S., Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos is spreading like wildfire. And now, you can find one here in Nashville, right at the Broadway-Division split! This eatery started in a food truck, and it brings tacos to a whole new level of pizazz. You can look forward to tacos filled with ingredients like beef barbacoa, pork carnitas, Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled corn relish, and tomatillo sauce. Oh, and rumor has it that the green chile queso is award-winning!
Vega Shawarma
Neighborhood: Madison
More Info: Instagram
Lyra fans, this one is for you! The East Nashville favorite just opened the doors on a new restaurant in Madison. You can look forward to fast-casual Middle Eastern street food, including shawarma (naturally) with various types of protein, hummus, falafel, za’atar fries, tabbouleh salad, and other tasty bites.
Villa Castrioti
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: villacastrioti.com
Hailing from Memphis, Villa Castrioti has made its way to Nashville. Located downtown in the former Demos’ space, the authentic Italian ristorante is serving up everything from classic dishes like lobster cacciatore, gnocchi, and veal scallopini to hand-tossed brick oven New York pizza.
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know.
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UPDATES FROM AUGUST 2024
We’re inching toward fall, with its patio-perfect weather and colorful foliage. To see us through these final few temperature spikes, we’re celebrating the latest additions to the local culinary scene — from Peking-style roast duck and international tapas to an endlessly charming new wine bar. Check out these 11 new spots!
Butterlamp Bread & Beverage
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: butterlampnashville.com
A bread- and wine-centric restaurant? You’re speaking our language. This brand-new Eastwood Village wine bar-meets-artisan bread house on Chapel Avenue features everything from warm cracked pepper sourdough with cultured butter to roasted oysters and pork fat fries, and you can look forward to a rotating menu. The eatery, owned by husband-and-wife duo Katie Rose Tyson and Benjamin Tyson, offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.
Choy
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More Info: choynashville.com
Unfortunately, Tánsuŏ is out; fortunately, Choy is in! The Gulch is now home to an Art Deco Chinese-American restaurant specializing in authentic favorites like Peking-style roast duck along with a seasonally-inspired menu that currently includes beef chow fun, squid ink wontons, shrimp fried rice, and so much more. Don’t forget to accompany your meal with a cocktail, most of which were inspired by early 20th-century hotel bars from around the world.
Daddy’s Dogs: Madison
Neighborhood: Madison
More Info: daddysdogs.com
If you’re a Daddy’s Dogs fan, Madison is your newest go-to! With more than a dozen hot dog options, you can satisfy whatever flavor profile you’re craving — from the Lone Wolf (a simple all-American dog with ketchup, mustard, and relish) to the Carolina (a dog topped with coleslaw, bacon, the secret house sauce, and BBQ sauce). Of course, you can also snag some stellar sides, including loaded tots, chili, mac & cheese, and slaw.
Ernie’s Boondock
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: Ernie’s is being elusive. For now, visit Up-Down’s Instagram!
Five Points has scored a new resident. Say “hello” ( and “cheers!”) to Iowa-born watering hole Ernie’s Boondock. Located in the basement of Up-Down, the dive bar-style joint features beverages, billiards, and boondock shenanigans. Make a night of it by hitting up the Up-Down arcade and Skee-Ball, then head downstairs for beer and a friendly game of pool.
Fancypants
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: wearefancypants.com
Offering a unique “choose your own adventure” dining experience, Fancypants recently opened its visually stunning space on East Nashville’s Dickerson Pike. Emphasizing fun, creativity, and a lively atmosphere, the veggie-focused eatery features a menu that allows you to mix and match. Standout dishes include potato chip-crusted chicken fried cauliflower with coconut gravy, miso butter Mafaldine (a pasta featuring zucchini ribbons and peanut chili garlic crunch), and grilled lion’s mane mushroom with potato purée. There’s even an interactive sundae bar!
Koré
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: Instagram
Samurai Sushi may have closed on Chapel Avenue, but you can still dine on a few Asian-inspired dishes at the building’s newest resident, Koré. The international tapas restaurant is serving up shareable plates from nearly every region across the globe — from sticky ribs, dumplings, and kimchi bacon risotto to lamb skewers and a crème brûlée Basque cheesecake.
Mr. J’s Original
Neighborhood: Hermitage
More Info: mrjsoriginal.com
This West Coast-style burger joint has an eclectic menu featuring a bacon dog, burgers, a pastrami sandwich, chili cheese fries, onion rings, fried zucchini, and chicken tenders. There’s something for everyone! Open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the family-friendly neighborhood stand even serves breakfast, with options like pancakes, pastrami hash and eggs, and breakfast burritos.
Sidecar Bar
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: sidecarbarnash.com
Offering late-night fun, live music, and a great happy hour, Sidecar Bar is Germantown’s newest hot spot. Jumbo chicken tenders and fries make up most of the snack menu — the poutine fries caught our eye, generously topped with mozzarella cheese curds, brown gravy, chives, and crushed red pepper flakes. Yum! Other snacks, such as fried pickles and buffalo cauliflower, are an excellent balance for cocktails. Sip on wine, beer, or other spiked beverages; there’s even a whole list of shots!
TailGate Brewery: Murfreesboro
Neighborhood: Murfreesboro
More Info: tailgatebeer.com
Murfreesboro welcomes TailGate’s sixth taproom, which boasts all your favorite amenities — housemade pizzas, craft beer, a Thursday-night Friends & Family Happy Hour, and even a covered patio. Grab a small-batch brew, order a Mexican street corn or hot honey pizza with a side of chicken wings, and enjoy some casual conversation with friends. Sounds like the perfect evening!
NATIONAL CHAINS
We typically focus on local businesses, but we’d be remiss not to mention these two franchise openings that caught our eye this month — one regional and one global!
Eggspectation
Neighborhood: Antioch
More Info: eggspectation.com
Making its way through the South with locations in other states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas, Eggspectation is spreading the love. The eatery features an all-day breakfast menu with dishes like huevos rancheros, a breakfast poutine, and Cajun shrimp & grits. You can find this new location at the Tanger Outlets adjacent to Prince’s Hot Chicken.
Paris Baguette
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: parisbaguette.com
The Paris Olympics may have come to a close, but we’re still embracing the excitement. Luckily, Paris Baguette opened its doors downtown — an opportunity to snag croissants, French pastries, coffee, and more. Believe it or not, the restaurant originated in South Korea, expanding to encompass franchises across the U.S. — including its newest locale around the corner from the Frist Museum!
Still hungry? Keep scrolling for even more recent openings, and sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know.
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UPDATES FROM JULY 2024
In between beach trips and lake days, carve out some time to explore all the new dining options that have made their way onto the scene. From soul food classics and Texas-style barbecue to chicken and waffles, there’s plenty of flavor waiting for you. Check out these 10 new Nashville restaurants!
Backstage Midtown
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: thechefandinashville.com
If you love The Chef & I, you’re in for a treat. The team behind the exquisite dining spot recently launched a new “gourmet fast casual” eatery — Backstage Midtown. A lunch concept, the restaurant features a menu of approachable dishes, such as the Asian-Style Salmon Wrap, Green Chile Chicken Melt, and Hot Fish Sandwich.
Bayou Keys Dueling Piano Bar
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: bayoukeys.com
Louisiana is descending upon Lower Broadway with a fun new, interactive dueling piano lounge that’s open from Thursday through Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. Make requests and sidle up for live music, signature cocktails, and a menu of shareable bites that include flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and hummus trays.
Birria Babe
Neighborhood: Berry Hill
More Info: Instagram
Nashville’s self-proclaimed “Birria Queen” has opened a birria-centric brick-and-mortar inside Cyanide Cider, so you can sip as you dine. Open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 7 p.m., the quaint eatery offers a menu that includes black bean nachos, a birria ramen bowl, and, of course, birria tacos. Oh, and she makes homemade hot sauce, too!
Chicago’s Chicken & Waffles
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: chicagoschickenandwaffles.com
This soul food eatery opened quietly, but it deserves to be on your radar. Of course, if you’re a fan of chicken and waffles, you may already be planning a visit. But the menu goes way beyond the popular combo. Feast on classics like fried catfish, biscuits and gravy, and every Southern side you can think of — from greens and cornbread to red beans and rice and mac and cheese.
MR*T
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: Instagram
If you’re visiting or passing by Midtown’s Kenect complex, stop into its newly opened cafe and market, MR*T. Aside from all your market essentials, including treats from local institutions like The Loveless Cafe and Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co., you can also find a coffee bar, tasty pastries, smoothies, boba teas, and more. It’s also a great space to work remotely!
ONDA Nashville
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: ondanashville.com
We’re sad to see Midtown pub Scout’s close after only two years, but newcomer ONDA certainly has us intrigued. The “groovy Korean restaurant and bar” bestows Korean culture and tasty authentic dishes on the neighborhood. The bright and airy space sheds some natural light on a menu that includes kimchi fried rice, spicy pork bulgogi, bossam (slow-cooked pork belly), and so much more.
Shotgun Willie’s
Neighborhood: Madison
More Info: sgwbbq.com
Nashville sure loves some brisket! With a grand opening just before the Fourth of July holiday, Shotgun Willie’s expanded to Madison. This beloved Texas-style barbecue joint started out in a food truck, later moving to its inaugural East Nashville location in 2020 amid the pandemic. Now, Madison can brag about its newest go-to for Texas Hill Country sausage, Tennessee pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Wagyu brisket. Yum!
Sunset on Belcourt
Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village
More Info: sunsetonbelcourt.com
The team behind Supper Club and Bungalow10 has done it again, recently opening an al fresco restaurant and cigar bar, Sunset on Belcourt, in Hillsboro Village. Beat the summer heat with cocktails, tapas, live music, and cigars, and enjoy dishes like cilantro lime hummus, pesto Caprese salad, and a Wagyu burger.
Sushi|Bar + Golden Sound
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More Info: sushibarhospitality.com
If someone had told us last year that we’d welcome an “omakase speakeasy” to Nashville, we might have been skeptical. But that was before the introduction of Sushi|Bar, located inside the new cocktail lounge Golden Sound. Now, the exclusive, intimate, two-hour dining experience is open and taking reservations for 12 people per seating (there are three seatings per night). Nashville is the fifth city to offer this 17-course dinner that consists of top-tier, seasonally rotating nigiri presentations with fish flown in weekly from Japan. And don’t forget to ask for a sake pairing!
Toastique
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: toastique.com
You can find this “gourmet toast and juice bar” throughout the United States, and now, that includes Germantown! If you thought breakfast toast was a one-trick pony with smashed avocado, think again. From lump crab and sriracha aioli to tomato and burrata with pesto and balsamic glaze, these toasts are anything but average. Snag a wellness shot, cold-pressed juice, smoothie, or coffee to top off your breakfast.
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