Neighborhoods.shtml
8th Avenue South
Not
far from downtown, antique stores line both sides of Eighth Avenue South. A
collector's haven, the area has become known as a premier antiques district.
Monthly, a local auction house in the center of the district at Douglas Corner
opens its doors for one night of auctioning mayhem to a standing room only
crowd.
Many diners converge on Eighth Avenue for Southern cooking at
Arnold's Country Kitchen. Open for breakfast and lunch, Arnold's serves some of
the very best of Nashville's indigenous cuisine. Called a meat-and-three, this
style of restaurant refers to the meals served for one price - a choice of meat
plus three vegetables. Proprietor Jack Arnold stands behind the buffet counter
and barks your order as you slide through the long line. One caveat: the seating
is family-style, so you may have to share a table.
The best comedians in
the world frequent Nashville's only comedy venue, Zanies Comedy Night Club,
located at Douglas Corner. For more than two decades, Zanies has been making
Nashville laugh with headliners like Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Tim Allen, Jeff
Foxworthy and Paula Poundstone. Performers appear Wednesday through Sunday.
Zanies offers non-smoking shows, is an 18 and older crowd and requires a
two-item food or drink minimum.
Across the street from Zanies is Douglas
Corner Cafe one of Nashville's most popular listening venues. The venue boasts
live music six nights a week ranging from country to rock to Americana, and many
of the early shows have no cover charge. On some evenings, the stage is even
disregarded when songwriters pull up chairs and perform "in the round" in the
midst of the audience
East
Nashville
East Nashville is home to several historic neighborhoods
that are finding themselves in the midst of a renaissance. Its low-key vibe and
neighborly personality make this community a great place to escape without
leaving town. Although over 600 structures were destroyed in the great East
Nashville Fire of 1916, the area still boasts an eclectic mixture of antebellum
buildings. Historic Edgefield is one of only two locally zoned "historic
preservation districts," requiring that all new construction, additions,
demolition, alterations and fences be approved by the Metro Historical
Commission, giving the neighborhood a timeless feel. Additionally, the area has
been featured on the HGTV network during Bob Vila's "America" and in HGTV's "Our
Place" series. The Lockeland Springs Historic Neighborhood is a
turn-of-the-century streetcar suburb two miles northeast of downtown Nashville.
The tornado of 1998 ripped through this historic neighborhood destroying or
damaging at least 300 homes, but the neighborhood has rebounded stronger than
ever with renovations, additions and new construction.
Edgefield and
Lockeland Springs are linked by a bustling retail area known as Five Points.
Several restaurants, a coffeehouse, hardware store, city library and
neighborhood watering hole anchor this thriving area that is seeing more and
more commercial investment each month. Within East Nashville, sports enthusiasts
frequent the Edgefield Sports Bar and Grille.
A taste of New Orleans and
great live music can be found at the French Quarter Cafe. For folks craving
delicious soups or a sandwichs for lunch, take a trip to Edgefield's Tolar House
Bakery. Radio Cafe, truly an urban pioneer, is open for special music events.
For a taste of old Mexico, visit the Rosepepper Cantina, where guests may find
themselves being serenaded by a Mariachi band. Goodies are baked fresh each day
at Sweet 16th, a great local bakery that makes scones, muffins, cakes, and
Mamarangues, a mixture of chocolate and toffee. Margot Cafe and Bar, housed in
an antique gas station turned brick-and-timber gourmet restaurant, has quickly
become one of Nashville's most outstanding restaurants.
Five Points is
home to several galleries including the Art & Invention Gallery and
adjoining studio, Garage Mahal. Having five to six shows annually, including the
signature Tomato Art Show in August and Holiday Artisan Show in December, Art
& Invention Gallery focuses on inventiveness in fine art, crafts and
original furniture. Named Nashville's "Best Neighborhood Event" in 2005, the
Tomato Art Festival is a laid-back event that has attracted regional and
national attention for its celebration of the fruit. Visitors and locals alike
are increasingly finding themselves crossing the river to sample the varied
eating and nightlife venues available in East Nashville. Whether you're in the
mood for great music or incredible food, you can find them all just east of
downtown.
Elliston
Place
Elliston Place is located just west of downtown near the
Vanderbilt University campus and has a variety of options for dining and
nighttime entertainment. As one of Nashville's young, trendy neighborhoods,
small homes and cafes epitomize the tenants of the area. In the heart of the
neighborhood is the Elliston Place Rock Block, a block-long section of Elliston
Place that is home to six of the loudest nightclubs in town. The legendary
Exit/In has played host to many of today's hit-makers since 1971. This
cornerstone of Elliston Place shows no signs of slowing down. The legendary
Jimmy Buffett got his start at Exit/In shortly after it opened, as did the young
comedian Steve Martin. For those with more alternative musical tastes, walk
across the street to The End, a club firmly entrenched in Nashville's rock scene
and definitely worth a listen.
There are also several bars on Elliston.
The Corner Bar is unabashedly basic - good drinks, good pool and good people.
This place is a favorite among locals looking for a low-key night of simply
hanging out. The Gold Rush doesn't claim to be a pool hall; actually, it doesn't
claim to be anything. This no-frills bar is a late-night hangout where many
bands have been known to appear after their gigs at larger venues around town.
No trip to Elliston Place is complete without a stop at the Elliston
Place Soda Shop. An institution for seven decades, Elliston is a meat-and-three
favorite with a 1950's decor. Known for its fried chicken and milk shakes, this
authentic old-time soda fountain has a faithful following among the locals. Just
down from Elliston Place Soda Shop is Elder's Bookstore, which has been serving
Nashville's literary set since 1930. This modest-looking bookshop stocks some of
the rarest of the rare: first edition Faulkner, limited edition Warren, and
signed Hemingway. A superior selection of Southern and classic literature,
leather-bound volumes, illustrated children's classics, antique maps and
Tiffany-style lamps can all be found here. A little further up the street is
another local favorite with the same down-home charm. Rotier's has been serving
up the city's best cheeseburger for decades. Take your waiters' suggestion and
try their burgers on French bread.
Germantown
One of
Nashville's historic neighborhoods is bringing people closer to town to live and
play. Germantown, so named because of the influx of German immigrants in the mid
19th Century, was Nashville's first suburb. The district is one of Nashville's
most architecturally heterogeneous neighborhoods, containing a significant
concentration of Victorian building styles. Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places since 1979, the neighborhood now is being restored to its
original grandeur.
Germantown Cafe specializes in straightforward
traditional cooking with a subtle twist. Recently featured in Bon Appetit, this
unpretentious restaurant serves bistro fare with the menu changing seasonally.
Nearby in a restored Victorian home, Monell's is a staple of the Nashville food
scene. A traditional meat-and-three restaurant, meals at Monell's are served
family-style. Seated at tables of 10 or 12, patrons pass the bottomless bowls of
fried chicken and hot rolls to the diner on their left. Get there early as
Monell's doesn't accept reservations. Located down the street from Monell's is
the Mad Platter Restaurant. With a menu that changes seasonally, is intimate and
inviting restaurant was one of the first local cafes in Germantown. Guests are
encouraged to try the signature dessert - Chocolate Elvis, a three-layer terrine
with dark and white chocolate ganache and Italian milk chocolate buttercream on
an almond graham cracker crust.
Green Hills
An area
that sports some of Nashville's most desirable homes, Green Hills also has its
fair share of exciting destinations for a night out. The Bluebird Cafe has a
national reputation as the place to be heard in Nashville if you want to make it
as a songwriter. In this intimate setting you can witness a moment "in the
round." In this format, three or four songwriters sit in a circle, sharing songs
and the inspirations behind the music. This format has become an important part
of The Bluebird Cafe's tradition. The audience is given a unique opportunity to
hear original material from different points of view in a casual, comfortable
environment. It's a chance to discover up-and-coming writers or to hear hits,
new and old, from some of the best of the best. The Bluebird serves a variety of
alcoholic beverages, and sports a small but interesting menu. The talent that
has graced the Bluebird stage includes Garth Brooks, Michael McDonald and Faith
Hill.
For the jazz lover, look no further than F. Scott's Restaurant
& Jazz Bar. The restaurant has an award-winning menu, wine tastings every
Monday and jazz nightly. F. Scott's serves contemporary American cuisine in a
setting that combines the comfort and familiarity of a neighborhood restaurant
with flair and sophistication. For the ultimate change in scenery, stop by the
Greenhouse Bar. This place really is a greenhouse complete with hanging plants,
gravel floor and fountain. Try one of their specialty drinks or step up to the
beautifully crafted bar for a beer. A few doors down from the Greenhouse are a
couple of watering holes for the sports-minded patron. The Box Seat has TVs
everywhere, so you won't miss your favorite team in action. It gets crowded on
game days so arrive early.
From boutiques to an upscale mall, some of
Nashville's best shopping can be found in Green Hills. Stores like Bamboo and My
Friend's Place offer trendy, chic clothing lines in a boutique setting. Anchored
by Dillard's and Macy's department stores, The Mall at Green Hills features such
stores as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Kiehl's, Pottery Barn,
Sigrid Olson and many others.
Hillsboro
Village
Conveniently located near Vanderbilt and Belmont
Universities, Hillsboro Village is a collection of shops, boutiques and
restaurants perfect for a day's stroll. A four-block radius with all the makings
of its own village, this quaint Nashville neighborhood has rejuvenated the
community and attracted young professionals for living and playing.
If
hungry customers are hoping to rub elbows with Music Row execs or simply want to
eat something from the extraordinary half-price late night menu, look no further
than the venerable Sunset Grill. A long-time staple of Nashville's dining
landscape, Sunset Grill offers a great wine menu, inspired entrees and a cool
atmosphere. Across the street is the popular Cabana, a versatile restaurant and
bar. This mellow restaurant morphs into an upscale hot spot with live music and
DJs in the evening. Behind Sunset Grill is the trendy Jackson's Bar and Bistro.
Specializing in French Bistro style food as well as eclectic European fare, this
neighborhood bistro encourages patrons to come as they are and be themselves.
Across the street is arguably Nashville's most famous restaurant. A Nashville
breakfast tradition, the Pancake Pantry boasts a menu with 21 pancake
selections. Combining some surprising ingredients with family flapjack recipes,
the ending results are pancakes that melt in your mouth. (Try chocolate chip or
sweet potato flavors.) Saturday and Sunday mornings are especially popular at
the Pantry, and the waiting line usually wraps around the building down 21st
Avenue. For Parisian-style fare, Provence Breads and Cafe offers gourmet
sandwiches and decadent baked goods in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere.
In
the center of the Village is one of Nashville's local breweries. Boscos brews
handcrafted beer and has won many awards for its Tennessee original Flaming
Stone beer. There are more beers on the menu, too, suited to every beer taste
imaginable, plus a variety of pasta dishes, oven-fired pizzas and great
sandwiches. Sam's Place is a fully functioning sports bar with great food. A bit
younger crowd than at the other Village spots, Sam's is a place where patrons
can feel comfortable dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. Across the street from
Sam's Place is Fido. This funky coffeehouse is the heart and soul of Hillsboro
Village. Fido draws a mix of Vandy students, Music Row execs, musicians and
neighborhood locals. Coffee is the main attraction, but large sandwiches and
all-day breakfasts are crowd pleasers.
Hillsboro Village may seem small, but
unique boutiques and specialty stores abound. From industrial espresso makers to
egg timers, Davis Cookware carries a myriad of kitchen items. BookMan/BookWoman
Used Books offers more than 150,000 used volumes and a search service to help
you find what you need. You can even turn trash into treasure at Nashville
Lights, where almost anything can be made into a lamp. Pangaea, Fire Finch and A
Thousand Faces each offer their own varied selection of art, jewelry, office
accessories, furniture and gifts. For unique gifts or rare finds, these stores
are a must. Posh Boutique offers a wide selection of the latest styles with
prices ranging between $10 and $200, accommodating all budgets. Even glasses
aren't spared by this neighborhood's chic style. SEE (Selective Eyewear
Elements) features unique European designer eyewear.
Midtown
Every city
seems to have a midtown, and Nashville is no exception. The funny thing is,
nobody here ever calls it that. If you were to ask a local where Midtown is, you
might receive some confused looks. But ask about places like South Street,
Bound'ry or Virago, and they'll be able to tell you exactly how to get there. A
Nashville favorite for years, South Street Original Crab Shack & Authentic
Dive Bar is known by locals as simply South Street. This Cajun restaurant serves
large portions, spicy entrees, seafood and barbecue. With a 'convertible' dining
room and an open upstairs called the Treehouse, South Street is perfect for a
casual atmosphere on a warm southern night. A few doors down and a world away,
the Bound'ry is one of Nashville's most unusual places to spend an evening.
Dining at the Bound'ry is a true experience. The upscale global cuisine is
delectable, and the restaurant itself is a work of art. The decor is best
described as a Salvador Dali painting gone wild. It is eclectic and beautiful at
the same time, combining the five senses into one grand experience. The Broadway
Brewhouse is a place for the true beer connoisseur with over 70 beers on tap and
another 100 or so in the coolers. Attached to the Brewhouse is the very
affordable Mojo Grill. Specializing in Cajun-inspired dishes that will fill your
stomach without emptying your wallet.
One of the hottest spots in
Midtown is Virago. This restaurant is rather upscale with a very contemporary
menu. Patrons can choose to lounge around the sushi bar for a more casual dining
experience or sit in the main dining room surrounded by Paul McLean's artwork.
Part sushi bar, part upscale restaurant, part late night cocktail lounge, Virago
plays all of its roles well. Noshville is a New York-style deli that offers a
broad menu of deli favorites like the Reuben and corned beef. Try one of the
exceptionally large servings of dessert or the sour pickles found on every
table. With a second location in Green Hills, Noshville brings a bit of the Big
Apple to the Music City.
Sylvan
Park
Southwest of downtown Nashville lies the quaint and quiet
neighborhood of Sylvan Park, a beautiful setting with homes and businesses that
run the gamut from funky to upscale. Here 1920's clapboard homes and 1930's
stone bungalows look right at home together.
The neighborhood's namesake
restaurant, Sylvan Park Restaurant, has been serving Nashville residents
old-fashioned Southern cooking for more than 50 years. The restaurant's
continuing popularity is demonstrated by the proliferation of Sylvan Park
restaurants around the city. Called a "meat-and-three" this style of restaurant
refers to the meals served for one price - a choice of meat plus three
vegetables. Across the street, Caffe Nonna is a cozy, neighborhood Italian
bistro. Seating 45 people, the cafe has an intimate ambience with servers who
maneuver deftly between wooden tables. Next door to Caffe Nonna is Park Cafe,
comfortable and quirky; this fusion eatery serves creative dishes with
influences from Asia, India, France and Italy. Known for its upscale dining,
Park Cafe has become a top choice for many of Nashville's prominent faces. At
The Produce Place, one can find a wide selection of fresh food and produce,
including organic and gourmet items. This small establishment offers fresh bread
from local bakeries and a varied selection of fine cheeses as well as
preservative-free juices and soups.
