Nashville has created a solid reputation for itself in the last couple of years as the new foodie destination of the south. From Italian-infused southern classics to the cult-following behind our cayenne pepper slathered hot chicken, there’s something for everyone in Music City. It’s the hole-in-the-walls, however, that end up being a bit harder to find. We have 13 spots that locals love to call their own – and you will, too.
- Nashville Biscuit House
4bird1 - TripAdvisor
kbwilkerson - TripAdvisor This east Nashville eatery isn’t JUST for biscuits - nah, you can get yourself a good burger, too. The tiny restaurant boasts a drive-thru window and a menu full of comfort food for both breakfast and lunch. (805 Gallatin Avenue)
- Rotier’s Restaurant
paolandra - TripAdvisor
A2MTravel - TripAdvisor Rotier’s is a Nashville classic, a favorite spot for stars like Charlie Daniels for a hefty meal at any time of the day. They’re well-known for their burgers on french bread, a carb-filled dinner perfect for locals and tourists alike. (2413 Elliston Place)
- Dino’s
Dino’s - Facebook
Dino’s - Facebook Dino’s is known as one of the oldest bars in Nashville, and it’s DEFINITELY the oldest in east Nashville. The small, brick-laden restaurant storefront is right off of Gallatin and great for fries and PBR’s. (411 Gallatin Avenue)
- Mas Tacos Por Favor
Mas Tacos - Facebook
Mas Tacos - Facebook Every day is taco day at Mas Tacos! It’s only $3 for a taco, which means you and a date could easily make it out under $15 for a delicious fried avocado or pulled pork Mexican delicacy. (732 Mcferrin Avenue)
- Riverside Grill Shack
Riverside Grill Shack - Facebook
Riverside Grill Shack - Facebook Riverside Grill Shack is another great spot for burgers, but it’s their wedge fries that truly set it apart from the rest. You won’t have to drive through the hipster studded streets of east Nashville, either - this spot is stuck hard in the middle of the residential Riverside area. Score! (1000 Riverside Drive)
- Prince’s Hot Chicken
Prince’s - Facebook
Prince’s - Facebook Prince’s is the king (ha) of hot chicken in Nashville. Most tourists will flock to Hattie B’s like there’s no tomorrow, but this quirky storefront and delicious menu are perfect if you have the time to wait. (123 Ewing Drive)
- Brown’s Diner
Browns Diner - Facebook
brougham - TripAdvisor There’s nothing like an old school diner, especially if you’re visiting Brown’s. You can find it stuck between Hillsboro Village and Green Hills, a tiny spot for those with a big appetite. We’d recommend their breakfast platters! (2102 Blair Blvd)
- Hermitage Cafe
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook The Hermitage Cafe is a watering hole for those folks down on Broadway who drank a bit too much the night before and need a hefty breakfast to ward off a hangover. We love their pancakes, but here it’s quantity over quality - not a bad thing if you’re starving, folks. (71 Hermitage Avenue)
- Samurai Sushi
amandafsm - Flickr
cuda2013 - TripAdvisor Located just short of West End, Samurai is a sushi hole in the wall that’s affordable AND delicious. We’d recommend the classic California roll or their famous strawberry roll - yes, there’s fruit on it. Yes it’s fabulous. (2209 Elliston Place)
- Hog Heaven
Hog Heaven - Facebook
Lynn C - TripAdvisor Hog Heaven is a screened in bbq joint right next to Centennial Park. It may not look like a lot, but it’s actually one of the best spots to grab a pulled pork sandwich in the city. Don’t let a first look run you astray! (115 27th Ave N)
- Gabby’s Burger & Fries
Melanie F - TripAdvisor
Gabby’s Burger & Fries - Facebook You’ll get kicked out of Gabby’s if you linger too long after your meal, simply because it’s TINY and everyone needs a chance at their perfectly salted fries and gooey cheeseburgers. It’s a Nashville classic, and a must-visit. Just and FYI - they’re only open for lunch! (493 Humphreys Street)
- Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Mickeymot - TripAdvisor
Mickey Mot - TripAdvisor Arnold’s downtown is the perfect Nashville spot for a meat and three. The cafeteria-style restaurant is perfect for big groups or a hefty appetite - but hey, just come by yourself if you want to. Everyone is kind and happy you’re there, and you won’t be finding any tourists! (605 8th Ave S)
- The Smiling Elephant
minsworld - TripAdvisor
The Smiling Elephant - Facebook This quirky Thai restaurant is a favorite amongst local college students and has given 8th Avenue South a bit of an Asian culture infusion. We love the Pad Thai, but anything you order from this wood-laden eatery is delicious and fairly easy on the wallet. (2213 8th Ave S)
Here’s another hidden gem – you’ll never want to leave this massive antique mall in downtown Nashville!
4bird1 - TripAdvisor
kbwilkerson - TripAdvisor
This east Nashville eatery isn’t JUST for biscuits - nah, you can get yourself a good burger, too. The tiny restaurant boasts a drive-thru window and a menu full of comfort food for both breakfast and lunch. (805 Gallatin Avenue)
paolandra - TripAdvisor
A2MTravel - TripAdvisor
Rotier’s is a Nashville classic, a favorite spot for stars like Charlie Daniels for a hefty meal at any time of the day. They’re well-known for their burgers on french bread, a carb-filled dinner perfect for locals and tourists alike. (2413 Elliston Place)
Dino’s - Facebook
Dino’s is known as one of the oldest bars in Nashville, and it’s DEFINITELY the oldest in east Nashville. The small, brick-laden restaurant storefront is right off of Gallatin and great for fries and PBR’s. (411 Gallatin Avenue)
Mas Tacos - Facebook
Every day is taco day at Mas Tacos! It’s only $3 for a taco, which means you and a date could easily make it out under $15 for a delicious fried avocado or pulled pork Mexican delicacy. (732 Mcferrin Avenue)
Riverside Grill Shack - Facebook
Riverside Grill Shack is another great spot for burgers, but it’s their wedge fries that truly set it apart from the rest. You won’t have to drive through the hipster studded streets of east Nashville, either - this spot is stuck hard in the middle of the residential Riverside area. Score! (1000 Riverside Drive)
Prince’s - Facebook
Prince’s is the king (ha) of hot chicken in Nashville. Most tourists will flock to Hattie B’s like there’s no tomorrow, but this quirky storefront and delicious menu are perfect if you have the time to wait. (123 Ewing Drive)
Browns Diner - Facebook
brougham - TripAdvisor
There’s nothing like an old school diner, especially if you’re visiting Brown’s. You can find it stuck between Hillsboro Village and Green Hills, a tiny spot for those with a big appetite. We’d recommend their breakfast platters! (2102 Blair Blvd)
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook
The Hermitage Cafe is a watering hole for those folks down on Broadway who drank a bit too much the night before and need a hefty breakfast to ward off a hangover. We love their pancakes, but here it’s quantity over quality - not a bad thing if you’re starving, folks. (71 Hermitage Avenue)
amandafsm - Flickr
cuda2013 - TripAdvisor
Located just short of West End, Samurai is a sushi hole in the wall that’s affordable AND delicious. We’d recommend the classic California roll or their famous strawberry roll - yes, there’s fruit on it. Yes it’s fabulous. (2209 Elliston Place)
Hog Heaven - Facebook
Lynn C - TripAdvisor
Hog Heaven is a screened in bbq joint right next to Centennial Park. It may not look like a lot, but it’s actually one of the best spots to grab a pulled pork sandwich in the city. Don’t let a first look run you astray! (115 27th Ave N)
Melanie F - TripAdvisor
Gabby’s Burger & Fries - Facebook
You’ll get kicked out of Gabby’s if you linger too long after your meal, simply because it’s TINY and everyone needs a chance at their perfectly salted fries and gooey cheeseburgers. It’s a Nashville classic, and a must-visit. Just and FYI - they’re only open for lunch! (493 Humphreys Street)
Mickeymot - TripAdvisor
Mickey Mot - TripAdvisor
Arnold’s downtown is the perfect Nashville spot for a meat and three. The cafeteria-style restaurant is perfect for big groups or a hefty appetite - but hey, just come by yourself if you want to. Everyone is kind and happy you’re there, and you won’t be finding any tourists! (605 8th Ave S)
minsworld - TripAdvisor
The Smiling Elephant - Facebook
This quirky Thai restaurant is a favorite amongst local college students and has given 8th Avenue South a bit of an Asian culture infusion. We love the Pad Thai, but anything you order from this wood-laden eatery is delicious and fairly easy on the wallet. (2213 8th Ave S)
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Address: Nashville, TN, USA
