Nashville

3.18.2022 – 3.21.2022 || East Nashville | Tennessee

One of my childhood BFFs moved to Nashville in the Fall of 2021 and I couldn’t wait to visit. I have been to Nashville on two other occasions (flying in to drive to Paducah, KY and for a work conference) but I never posted any recommendations. I thought the third time around would make for a solid post. Nope. I had a blast, but once again, I don’t have a ton of pictures. However, I do have some great finds for where to eat and drink in East Nashville where my friend lives.

If you aren’t familiar with Nashville most tourists go to the downtown area and head right to the honky tonk bars along Broadway for live country music. We did that for about an hour total but found it too crowded. We ate lunch at the Assembly Food Hall around 5th & Broadway and briefly checked out Robert’s Western World bar and Printer’s Alley before heading back to East Nashville.

East Nashville is across the river from downtown and as the name implies, is the area east of Nissan Stadium where the Tennessee Titans play football. East Nashville has a quirky vibe, a strong food scene, and plenty of trendy, modern bars. Three nights and two days was not enough time to fully explore East Nashville but we covered some ground. Check out my recommendations below for where to eat and drink in East Nashville.

Where to Eat in East Nashville:

Cafe Roze – We went for breakfast on Monday morning before heading to the airport. Super cute all-day café with black and white décor that reminded me of Cafe Tropical in Shitt’s Creek except way more modern. If I lived in East Nashville I would go multiple times a week for their signature latte with cardamom and dried rose petals.

Five Daughters Bakery – I usually pick savory over sweet but a croissant style 100 layer donut (pictured second from the left) and the Quinn, a 100 layer dough with sugar and salt (upside down second from the right) are not to be missed if you are near a Five Daughters Bakery. Donuts are better shared with friends.

Lyra – A modern take on middle eastern cuisine. Be ready to share as most dishes are served as small plates. The fried Cauliflower with roasted garlic tahina was so good that we ordered a second one.

Red Headed Stranger – I was not expecting to have one of the best tacos I have ever eaten in Nashville. This is a go to taco shop for locals so be prepared to wait – luckily they have delicious margaritas to go. The taco with refried beans, American cheese, and Dr. Pepper hot sauce is a must have. Be sure to get some tator tots and queso as sides. Be warned there are no tortilla chips but I guarantee you won’t miss them. They know how to do tacos here.

Urban Cowboy Public House Bar – I didn’t even realizse this was a hotel bar at the time. Order some drinks and food at the bar then head outside to the spacious patio that is first come first-served seating around fire pits. The wood fired margherita pizza and the burrata appetizer were delicious and great to share.

Xiao Bao Biscuit – With popular restaurants in Charleston and Charlotte, they opened a food truck at The Dive Motel (a retro motel, bar, and swim club that I need to explore next trip) while their Nashville location is currently being built. They serve Asian comfort food and offer a limited menu that changes often. We had the crab fried rice and Okonomiyaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake.

Where to Drink in East Nashville:

Love & Exile Wine Bar – After attempting to hang out on Broadway at a honky tonk bar this was our first stop back in East Nashville. A super cute, modern wine bar with a fun vibe that makes you want to hang out all afternoon.

Pearl Diver – A super cool lounge with a tropical vibe and outside patio with cabana seating. This is the place to go to temporarily escape the crowds and urban setting of Nashville. I had the El Padrino (with black sea salt) off of the cocktail list. The inside is super dark so try and get a spot on the patio.

Rosemary & Beauty Queen – A cocktail bar set in an old yellow historic house. Each room and outside area has a slightly different vibe making it feel like you are at a friend’s house party. Would love to go back when it is warmer to sit at the swing bar on the rooftop.

Question: What should I do next time I am in Nashville?