Fora’s Take
East Nashville is away from all the Broadway and Honky Tonks crowds of downtown Nashville. It is laidback and diverse. Here, you can relax and be yourself. There are so many local spots to explore, including numerous farm-to-table restaurants with sustainable produce. East Nashville restaurants cannot be matched.
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Day 1: Welcome to the Neighborhood
Depending on what time you arrive, you are going to be hungry. (Pro tip: East Nashville restaurants are some of the best around, so make reservations ahead of time.) There are too many options to name, but here are a few good ones.
Lunch
Red Headed Stranger: Com here for good Tex-Mex grub!
Hearts: Known as the spot with all-day, Australian-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch with great coffee (vegetarian and vegan options available).
The Wild Cow: (Vegan) Fun place with a great outdoor deck and a dog-friendly patio.
Dinner
Peninsula: Incredible Iberian dishes and by far the best G&T menu in Nashville (reservations highly recommended).
Margot Café & Bar: French-inspired café with southern influences located in the Five Points area of East Nashville (reservations highly recommended).
Lockeland Table: A space with a farm-to-table focus and seasonal produce.
If you are up for some fun after dinner, boogie at The 5 Spot, one of East Nashville's music venues known for its 80's nights dance parties (every first Friday of the month) and Motown Mondays. Fun fact: The 5 Spot was featured on Nashville, the TV series.
Day 2: Exploring the Neighborhood
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day:
Café Roze: From shakes to bowls, they have an all-day cage menu that is delicous.
Sky Blue Café: One of East side's OG brekkie spots. Super cute, diner-styled space with local coffee and a great breakfast menu.
Now that your tummy is full and you have gained the energy for the day, stroll around the local stores in East and enjoy the area's funky murals.
Some of the places for shopping include the shops on Fatherland and Porter East, The Book Shop (next to Hannah Bee Coffee Shop); Natalie Busby, a women's clothing store that has the prettiest, sustainably made clothes; and Vinnie Louise, another darling women's boutique.
Murals
Kelsey Mountague Hot Air Balloon Mural
East Nashville Mural, at Donut Distillery
Dolly Parton Mural, next to The 5 Spot
The Rainbow Pizza, next to 5 Points Pizza (grab a slice while there; it is an East Nash staple)
Flower Balm Mural
Stay Tuned Mural
When you're ready to give up on the shopping, it is time for an ice -cold treat and lunch:
East Nashville Beer Works: Great for groups and dog-friendly, with a great outdoor area. They have live music some weekends, plus great beer and pizza.
5 Points Pizza: A classic.
Mas Tacos Por Favor: The best tacos in Nashville,. If it is rainy, get the Tortilla Soup. (Pro-tip: They only take cash, but there is also an ATM.) After lunch, grab an ice cream at Jeni's.
Dinner
Lyra: A neighborhood fave where your Middle Eastern cuisine dreams come true. They have the freshest pitas and hummus. (Veggie friendly.)
Pelican & Pig: A farm-to-table set-up where they cook what's in season and love celebrating cooking on an open fire.
Once Upon A Time In France: Think French bistro, hearty meals and an off-the-charts wine list. (Pro-tip: If you cannot manage to get a reservation you can get on the waitlist and wait at their sister property across the street, called The Authentique, while enjoying pre-dinner drinks.)
Drinks
The Fox Bar: Speakeasy feels and swanky craft cocktails (a can't-miss among East Nashville bars).
If you're up for some more music, check out the Basement East. You can check their calendar on their website ahead of time to see who is performing.
Late night eats
Dinos Dive Bar & Burger: East Nashville's oldest dive bar, a true classic. Dinos is known to have one of the country's best cheeseburgers. This is an absolute must any time of the day. Definitely not to missed!
Dukes: For a sandwich. Dukes is one of the smaller bars in the neighborhood, but not to be overlooked. Affordable drinks and amazing sandwiches.
Day 3: Until Next Time
Nothing beats a Sunday brunch, especially at Butcher and Bee. Make reservations and be sure to order the whipped feta.
After brunch, walk off the food at Shelby Bottoms Nature Centre and Greenway, where there are scenic river outlooks. You might even spot some wildlife. Also visit the Red Arrow Gallery to buy a local artisan keepsake before you leave, or get some souvenirs from the IDEA hatchery, located at the Five Points Alley Shops.
Music fans can shop for records at Grimey's, a classic East Nashville record store with new and preloved options.
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