Nashville may be known as one of the best new foodie cities in the United States, but there are still a few traditional eateries that hearken back to its earlier small town glory. Music City is constantly a changin’, but there’s nothing better than a decadent meal enjoyed with a few locals and regulars. These 9 humble little restaurants are scattered throughout Nashville, and they’re delicious enough that you may find yourself a regular. How many have you knocked off your bucket list…?
- Brown’s Diner
Brown’s Diner - Facebook
Brown’s Diner - Facebook Brown’s Diner remains one of the oldest restaurants in the city, having operated as a local hot spot since 1927. The family-owned and operated diner is known for its great burgers and low-key, understated space.
- Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Place Soda Shop - Facebook
Elliston Place Soda Shop - Facebook If you’re in the mood for a milkshake or a malted, Elliston Place Soda Shop in Midtown is the place to go. It’s been a Nashville institution since the early twentieth century, and remains and fully operational diner and time capsule of sorts, complete with American cuisine and a fun, neon-studded interior.
- Sweet 16th Bakery
Sweet 16th - Official Website
Sweet 16th - Official Website Sweet 16th Bakery is tucked away in the heart of East Nashville, and it’s a true neighborhood bakery. With both sweet and savory items on the menu and a breakfast sandwich that’s put Nashville on the map, it’s a hidden gem. Make sure to snag a few cookies to go, or try a blueberry muffin. They’re both incredible!
- Sky Blue
Sky Blue - Facebook
Sky Blue - Facebook Sky Blue is perhaps one of the most popular brunch spots amongst locals in East Nashville. The space was once used in the hit tv show, “Nashville,” which catapulted this cozy eatery into the nation’s eye. Known for their pancakes and decadent French toast, come early to snag a table.
- Samurai Sushi
Samurai Sushi - Facebook
Samurai Sushi - Facebook Samurai Sushi is located right in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, and has been serving the local public for over a decade. Although its small storefront may not seem like much, inside is a cozy eatery with an expansive menu. The sushi is both inventive and affordable, so if you’re looking for a strawberry studded sushi roll? It’s well within reach.
- Headquarters
Headquarters - Facebook
Headquarters - Facebook Headquarters Coffee & Tea is a westside original! This itty-bitty coffee shop serves up an entire menu of espresso and coffee based beverages and boasts both a pastry and cold case. There’s a patio out back, and limited seating in the front of the shop if you’re looking to snuggle up and read with your neighbor.
- Hermitage Cafe
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook The Hermitage Cafe is a SoBro standard that has late hours and a hefty menu, both of which serve the early morning crowd stumbling off of Broadway after a busy night. Here, you’re bound to run into locals and tourists alike, rubbing elbows and bonding over coffee, pancakes and freshly baked biscuits.
- Grillshack Burgers and Fries
Grillshack Burgers and Fries - Facebook
Grillshack Burgers and Fries - Facebook This roadside Nashville joint serves up some of the best burgers in the city for a highly affordable price. You can indulge in a full meal for under $10, and its off-the-beaten-path location caters to a whole heap of locals.
- Dino’s Bar
Dino’s Bar - Google Maps
sean connor - GoogleMaps Dino’s is one of the oldest bars in Nashville, if not the absolute oldest, and its traditional dive bar vibe is great for a Friday night. Known for their humble menu, Dino’s serves classic American fare in all its glory. We’d recommend snagging a beer and a burger, and ordering a side of cheese fries if you’re feeling frisky.
There’s more fun to be had in Nashville! The Dogwood has two patios, making it a fantastic NEW eatery to check out while you’re in the city.
Brown’s Diner - Facebook
Brown’s Diner remains one of the oldest restaurants in the city, having operated as a local hot spot since 1927. The family-owned and operated diner is known for its great burgers and low-key, understated space.
Elliston Place Soda Shop - Facebook
If you’re in the mood for a milkshake or a malted, Elliston Place Soda Shop in Midtown is the place to go. It’s been a Nashville institution since the early twentieth century, and remains and fully operational diner and time capsule of sorts, complete with American cuisine and a fun, neon-studded interior.
Sweet 16th - Official Website
Sweet 16th Bakery is tucked away in the heart of East Nashville, and it’s a true neighborhood bakery. With both sweet and savory items on the menu and a breakfast sandwich that’s put Nashville on the map, it’s a hidden gem. Make sure to snag a few cookies to go, or try a blueberry muffin. They’re both incredible!
Sky Blue - Facebook
Sky Blue is perhaps one of the most popular brunch spots amongst locals in East Nashville. The space was once used in the hit tv show, “Nashville,” which catapulted this cozy eatery into the nation’s eye. Known for their pancakes and decadent French toast, come early to snag a table.
Samurai Sushi - Facebook
Samurai Sushi is located right in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, and has been serving the local public for over a decade. Although its small storefront may not seem like much, inside is a cozy eatery with an expansive menu. The sushi is both inventive and affordable, so if you’re looking for a strawberry studded sushi roll? It’s well within reach.
Headquarters - Facebook
Headquarters Coffee & Tea is a westside original! This itty-bitty coffee shop serves up an entire menu of espresso and coffee based beverages and boasts both a pastry and cold case. There’s a patio out back, and limited seating in the front of the shop if you’re looking to snuggle up and read with your neighbor.
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook
The Hermitage Cafe is a SoBro standard that has late hours and a hefty menu, both of which serve the early morning crowd stumbling off of Broadway after a busy night. Here, you’re bound to run into locals and tourists alike, rubbing elbows and bonding over coffee, pancakes and freshly baked biscuits.
Grillshack Burgers and Fries - Facebook
This roadside Nashville joint serves up some of the best burgers in the city for a highly affordable price. You can indulge in a full meal for under $10, and its off-the-beaten-path location caters to a whole heap of locals.
Dino’s Bar - Google Maps
sean connor - GoogleMaps
Dino’s is one of the oldest bars in Nashville, if not the absolute oldest, and its traditional dive bar vibe is great for a Friday night. Known for their humble menu, Dino’s serves classic American fare in all its glory. We’d recommend snagging a beer and a burger, and ordering a side of cheese fries if you’re feeling frisky.
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Address: Brown’s Diner, 2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212, USAAddress: 311 N 16th St, Nashville, TN 37206, USAAddress: Sky Blue Cafe, 700 Fatherland St, Nashville, TN 37206, USAAddress: 2209 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USAAddress: 4902 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, USAAddress: 71 Hermitage Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, USAAddress: Dino’s Bar, 411 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
