You know how much I love a good taco, the kind you can't stop thinking about, the buzz of a place full of energy, and let's not forget the people-watching. If you ask me where I'd spend a day in Nashville, chances are I'm heading straight to Midtown. It's that perfect mix of great food, live music, bars that feel easy and familiar, and the guarantee you'll run into someone you know. Here's how a day in Midtown goes down, my way.
Lunch at Velvet Taco
I always kick things off at Velvet Taco because, let's be real, I can never say no to tacos. And not just any tacos, these are on another level. Spicy chicken tikka, Nashville hot tofu, slow-roasted pork... every time I go, I talk myself into ordering way too many because how do you even choose? If the weather's good, I grab a seat on the patio, soak up the sunshine, and people-watch while easing into the day.
Afternoon Coffee + Exploring
After tacos, I like to move a little. Midtown has this fun mix, Vanderbilt students buzzing around, locals hanging out, and music spilling out from random corners. Most days I'll swing by Just Love Coffee Café for an iced latte. From there, it depends on my mood, sometimes I'll head to the Frist Art Museum, right on the Midtown/Downtown edge, and spend an hour wandering through the rotating exhibits. Other times, I'll poke into shops along Broadway or Demonbreun and see what I can find. Either way, it's the perfect reset before the night takes off.
Dinner at The Slider House
By dinner, I'm usually at The Slider House. Their sliders are the move, small enough to mix and match a couple but packed with flavor. My go-to combo? The spicy jalape˜no and the classic cheeseburger, always with the truffle fries. It's the perfect fuel for what's coming next.
Live Music at The Stillery
Midtown without live music? Not happening. The Stillery is a favorite because it's always a surprise, sometimes it's a songwriter with just a guitar, other times it's a full band that feels like they're Broadway-ready. The vibe is laid-back, the drinks are solid, and the music is what makes Midtown, Midtown.
Late-Night Drinks at Loser's
To wrap things up, it's usually Loser's Bar & Grill. Total Nashville staple. Country dive vibes, packed with locals, and always a good time. If I'm not quite ready to call it a night, I'll slide over to Riley Green's Duck Blind, which connects right next door. Between the two, it's hands-down one of the best late-night hangs in town.
By the time I finally call it, Midtown reminds me every single time why it's one of my go-to neighborhoods. Tacos on the patio, an art fix at the Frist, sliders and truffle fries, live music, and closing it down at Loser's with friends, it's the kind of day I'll happily do again and again.
Sources: Davidson Country Source, Slider house, Nashville Guru, Frist Art Museum, Cold Beer Entertainment