After years of being known mostly for its country music and supposedly flattering similarity to the ruins of an ancient Greek city, Nashville is now truly coming into its own, and is fast becoming one of the country’s finest culinary destinations. From local breweries to the city's famous hot chicken, these are some of the best spots to eat and drink like a local. But if you find yourself needing even more, head to Thrillist Nashville for hot openings and the rest of our longtime favorites.
Belmont Why you're here: Classic Tennessee BBQ What you're getting: There's no dearth of barbecue joints in town, but Martin's has taken the prize for the one most beloved by locals. The classic pulled pork BBQ sandwich drenched in the Sweet Dixie Sauce reigns supreme, but the brisket is mighty fine, as well. Not a fan of Southern-style barbecue? First of all, you need to take a long, hard look at your life, but second, there are plenty of other items on the menu that might entice, like the Redneck Taco, turkey legs, or fried bologna sandwiches. Martin's original location is out in Nolensville and has expanded to include two additional locations in the 'burb of Mount Juliet and up in West Virginia.
8th Avenue South Why you're here: A classic, three decades-old meat-and-three What you're getting: Catfish, chicken & dumplings, fried green tomatoes, cornbread -- Arnold's serves a little of everything, and it's all done cafeteria-style (and cheap at that, with meals topping out around $8). Don't miss the banana pudding, though the scratch-made chess or chocolate pies aren't shabby, either. Important note: the small, red restaurant is only open for lunch on weekdays so plan accordingly.
SoBro Why you're here: Bowling with a side of amazing cocktails before or after dinner What you're getting: The Goldberg brothers always stand at the forefront of the local F&B scene (think: The Patterson House, The Catbird Seat), and Pinewood Social is no exception. Never did a Nashville eatery debut to such national media buzz; after it opened in December 2013, you couldn't flip to the food section of a national magazine without seeing the dapper twosome grinning back at you. While the food is indeed tasty -- after all, Catbird Seat veteran Josh Habiger helms the kitchen -- people seem to gravitate to Pinewood for the social scene, because that's what happens when you put six bowling lanes in your resto, and because of the heavy-pour cocktails bar director Matt Tocco throws together. Keep an eye out for the outdoor space to debut late summer, as eventually it will have a swimming pool, private cabanas, bocce ball, and other fun components. (Editor's note: The Catbird Seat would make our list, as well, if it weren't one of the hardest tables to book in town.)
East Nashville Why you're here: An award-winning bar and Epicurean restaurant on the East side What you're getting: Holland House is a place you can go and put your experience in the hands of the bartender. This is probably not the place to order a Jack and Coke, unless you want the cola smoked and the whiskey infused with bacon or jalapeños. Don't be afraid to go off-menu, these creative mixologists love the challenge.
Midtown Why you're here: Bushwackers, darts, and bushwackers What you're getting: Broadway Brewhouse has five locations throughout Nashville, but Midtown was the first and the “original home of the bushwacker” using a passed-down recipe from the Sandshaker Lounge in Pensacola. With 71 draft lines and over 75 bottles, the beer selection is one of the best in town and the Cajun menu from Mojo Grill will help sop up your choices.
Midtown Why you're here: The frontrunner among Nashville's hot chicken establishments What you're getting: This tourist-friendly spot is located in the middle of town and, while it is indeed small inside, it won't keep you waiting around all day (ahem, Prince's, we're looking at you). The ambiance is pleasant, the location is central, the staff gets a fist bump from us, and the chicken is juicy and excellent (though not quite the level of spice as others on this list). The names (Shut the Cluck Up, etc.) and the sides (like the pimento mac & cheese) are just the non-literal icing on the cake.
East Nashville Why you're here: Way back when, Prince's set the bar for the hot chicken scene and allowed others to ride its coattails. What you're getting: Order it medium, and you'll get a barely manageable heat. Ask for it hot and you'll get "crying-from-your-eyes-and-nostrils-and-other-orifices" heat. Order extra hot and your tongue will curl up in the corner, and pray for death's swift, sweet kiss. The one big hold-up with Prince's is the unbearable wait; it can be hours, and we're not exaggerating, as the small establishment cooks each dish to order. If you've got time to kill, it's your place. If you're on a schedule, you'd be better off looking elsewhere.
Looking for more places to eat and drink? Check out the rest of our guides to Music City or sign up for our daily Nashville email.