INSIDERS’ GUIDE® to Nashville

Hungry? If you're not right now, you will be by the time you read through a few pages of this chapter. We're going to stimulate your appetite by telling you about some of the Southern-style comfort food, hearty pastas, thick and juicy steaks and burgers, freshly baked breads, tasty vegetarian meals, delectable desserts, and spicy international dishes you can find in Nashville. We list ethnic eateries, fine dining spots, barbecue joints, catfish houses, romantic bistros, and much more. Nashville is probably best known, though, for “meat-and-threes.” For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, a meat-and-three is a place where you can get a down-home Southern entree—like fried chicken, meat loaf, turkey and gravy, or country-fried steak—accompanied by 3 vegetables. And when we say vegetables, we mean anything from mashed potatoes, corn, and green beans to deviled eggs, macaroni, and Jell-O. Corn bread, rolls, or biscuits come with the meal, too. We have an abundance of these beloved meat-and-threes, places like Swett's, Sylvan Park, and Elliston Place Soda Shop. They are longtime favorites, and we highly recommend them for their good home cooking and Southern hospitality. Some of our restaurants are nationally known (places like the Loveless Cafe and the Pancake Pantry), and other establishments that started here have gone on to become national or regional chains—places such as Houston's, O'Charley's, J. Alexander's, and Whitt's Barbecue.

OVERVIEW

In this chapter we're primarily highlighting places that are unique to Nashville. We have lots of fast-food restaurants, bars, pizza franchises, and family-style eateries (including the always-popular Cracker Barrel and P.F. Chang's China Bistro), but you already know what to expect from those places. We want to steer you to some of our local favorites. We've arranged this chapter alphabetically by category of cuisine—American, Asian, barbecue, Italian, steak, and so on.

Most major restaurants take credit cards and debit cards. Some of the smaller establishments, like a few of the meat-and-threes, take cash and personal checks only. Finally, keep in mind that Nashville's restaurant scene seems to be constantly growing and changing. Operating hours change, businesses change hands, chefs play musical chairs, eateries close and reemerge with new names and menus, and new restaurants open up regularly. If you're planning a special meal out, it's a good idea to call first, at least to make sure of the operating hours.

Use the following price code as a general guide for the cost of dinner entrees for one, excluding appetizers, alcoholic beverages, desserts, and tip. Keep in mind that drinks, desserts, and extras for two can significantly add to the bill and will often put you in a new price category. Your tab for breakfast and lunch will most likely be less expensive.

AMERICAN/CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN

BEACON LIGHT TEA ROOM, 6276 Hwy. 11, Bon Aqua, TN 37025; (931) 670-3880; beaconlighttearoom.com; $$. A few miles past the famous Loveless Cafe is the Beacon Light, a restaurant that has dished up Southern food along with spiritual succor since 1936. Beacon Light is known for its delicious country ham, biscuits, and homemade preserves, but it's become notorious for the decor, which can only be described as Christian kitsch. Jesus tchotchkes, Jesus paintings, porcelain lions and lambs, and religious knickknacks of all types crowd every nook and cranny of the place. There are even plastic “our daily bread” boxes on each table; toaster shaped, they dispense scripture passages instead of bread. The Southern-fried menu is excellent, by the way. Beacon Light is open for dinner Tues through Fri and breakfast, lunch, and dinner Sat and Sun. Reservations are accepted.

THE BOUND'RY, 911 20th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 321-3043; boundrynashville.com; $$$. The Bound'ry, about a block from the Vandy law school, has become a big local favorite. We've found it's a reliable choice for good food and a great atmosphere. There are several cozy dining rooms, all dimly lit and strung with tiny white lights. We like to dine upstairs on the open-air deck. The Bound'ry serves “global cuisine.” From the top-selling planked trout to the Tennessee ostrich, there's something for everyone. The filet mignon, wood-oven pizzas, and “wood fish of the day” are among the other favorites. The restaurant is known for its excellent assortment of tapas (a collection of appetizers); you can create a meal from a couple of these choices or order a variety to enjoy family-style. The restaurant is open nightly for dinner. Reservations recommended.

CAPITOL GRILLE, Hermitage Hotel, 231 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37291; capitolgrillenashville.com; $$$$$. More than a few restaurant critics consider the Capitol Grille to be Nashville's premier dining establishment. The elegant restaurant is located under the lobby of the historic and luxurious Hermitage Hotel. The Capitol Grille is pure luxury—think truffles, foie gras, caviar, and lobster, all of which are, naturally, on the menu. Creative Southern cuisine is the specialty. While the menu changes from time to time, expect to find such standout dinner entrees as grilled Tennessee Black Angus beef tenderloin with foie gras hollandaise. Fabulous side dishes include fried green tomatoes with spicy pepper relish and white truffle mac and cheese. Desserts don't disappoint. For breakfast there are the traditional eggs and bacon, pancakes, and cereals, as well as Maine lobster and shirred eggs, and eggs Benedict with beef tenderloin medallions. The lunch menu might include Vidalia onion bisque with a miniature Brie cheese sandwich and smoked Virginia bacon; grilled salmon BLT; or Maine lobster raviolis. Reservations are recommended.

DEMOS’ STEAK & SPAGHETTI HOUSE, 300 Commerce St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 256-4655; demosrestaurants.com; $$. While its name is frequently mispronounced, Demos’ (DE-mo-SEZ) menu never leaves you guessing. This American-Italian-Greek restaurant has lots of pastas with a variety of sauces and 4 or 5 steaks that are good for the price. Demos’ has a nice, semi-casual/semi-upscale, family-friendly environment. The blackened chicken pasta and Greek-style chicken salad are good choices. Demos’ has a weekday lunch special, but be prepared to wait about 20 minutes for a seat, and it's always first come, first served. Demos’ is open daily for lunch and dinner. Other locations are at 1115 Northwest Broad St., Murfreesboro (615-895-3701); 161 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville (615-824-9097); and 130 Legends Dr., Lebanon (615-443-4600).

EASTLAND CAFE, 97 Chapel Ave., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 627-1088; eastlandcafe.com; $$$. Like its name says, the Eastland Cafe is located in East Nashville and has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. No wonder. The Eastland has a welcoming atmosphere, comfortable surroundings, and ever-changing good food. Casually elegant, the restaurant features dark mahogany wood panels and warmly lit tables. Start with low country shrimp and grits with tasso gravy or goat cheese brûlée with chestnut honey, grilled flatbread, and balsamic syrup–drizzled oven-roasted tomatoes and peppers. Favorite entrees include grilled Idaho cold water trout cooked with maple balsamic jus, served with sweet potato puree and country green beans sprinkled with spiced pecans; or pan-seared chicken breast with braised collard greens with bacon, cheddar grits, and red pepper jelly. For dessert, blueberry beignets with warm white chocolate sauce and powdered sugar are tops.

ELLISTON PLACE SODA SHOP, 2111 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 327-1090; ellistonplacesodashop.com; $$. Plate lunches and milk shakes are the claims to fame of this 1950s-style diner. One of Nashville's oldest restaurants, Elliston Place Soda Shop first opened in 1939, and little has changed here over the years. The restaurant has had only 3 owners, and it still has some of its original chairs and booths. Old miniature jukeboxes sit on each table; they don't work anymore, but the big jukebox still spins hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Mon through Sat, diners can choose from 4 entrees, including daily specials like turkey and dressing, fried chicken, and catfish. For the “three” part of your meat-and-three, choose from among 10 vegetables and side dishes, including fresh turnip greens, fried corn, baked squash, and macaroni and cheese. Your meal comes with corn bread or a biscuit. If you want to indulge further, have one of the soda shop's celebrated shakes.

ETCH, Encore Tower, 303 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 522-0685; etchrestaurant.com; $$$$. For a hint at how special this restaurant is look no farther than the first items on the appetizer list—butter and cauliflower. Really? But this is no ordinary stuff. The “Butter Tasting” offers unusual butters to savor—prosciutto truffle, smoked parmesan black pepper, ginger cashew, and malt vinegar. Although cauliflower is not at the top of many people's favorite veggies, the Etch's roasted cauliflower with truffled pea pesto, salted almonds, and feta cream is glorious. And you haven't even gotten to the entrees yet. Just imagine those. Opened in 2010 by Nashville favorite chef Deb Paquette, Etch is located on the ground floor of the Encore Tower in the SoBro district. The restaurant features two private dining rooms, a full bar, and an open kitchen with bar-style seating. Lunch and dinner are served. Etch offers local and regional craft beers, classic and couture cocktails, and an extensive wine list.

THE FARM HOUSE, 210 Almond St., Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 522-0688; thefarmhousetn.com; $$$$. Opened in 2013, the Farm House serves food exactly as its name describes—straight from the farm. The menu offers traditional Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist. House-cured meat and local ingredients are featured. An example is the popular Springer hot chicken with pickled garlic, potato, and biscuit. Another creative offering is the octopus with seafood sausage, fingerlings, dill, Serrano, and beurre blanc. Located in Nashville's SoBro neighborhood, the restaurant decor uses furniture made from repurposed barn wood, barn doors, barn-like ceiling, handcrafted woodwork, handmade accents, and Tennessee heirlooms. Tennessee and regional craft beers are featured, as is a special blend Tennessee wine made specifically for the Farm House, plus high-quality bourbons and a house-flavored moonshine.

GRAY'S ON MAIN, 322 Main St., Franklin, TN 37064; (615) 435-3603; graysonmain.com; $$$. Set in a ca. 1876 Victorian building in Historic Downtown Franklin, Gray's on Main serves Southern cooking with a twist. The restaurant takes its name from the Gray Drug Co., a landmark pharmacy located in the building for nearly 100 years. Gray's on Main opened in 2013 with a focus on locally and regionally sourced ingredients. On the second floor, a bar and music hall celebrates the brandy culture of the late 19th century. Gray's is a great place to hear some of the area's finest musicians. The third floor hosts Society supper club, a members-only club that follows the Southern tradition that “breaking bread creates community more than any other social interaction.” Diners’ favorites include fried pimento cheese balls with moonshine pepper jelly; fried green tomatoes with roasted creamy corn and goat cheese; and bacon-wrapped figs with Benton's bacon, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction. Gray's is open for lunch, dinner, late night, and Sunday brunch.

HARDING HOUSE AT BELLE MEADE PLANTATION, 5025 Harding Rd., Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 356-0096; hardinghousebellemeade.com; $$. A charming restaurant at a historic landmark, Harding House features Southern cooking for lunch and brunch. Fried catfish, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, and pimento cheese and green tomato eggrolls are house favorites.

HUSK, 37 Rutledge St., Nashville, TN 37210; (615) 256-6565; husknash ville.com; $$$$. The food fairly sings, “farm fresh.” A big sign brings that message home even more clearly, showing the various farmers and produce origins. With its simple farm-friendly name, Husk serves Southern food gone modern. Nestled in a charming brick house that was built into the side of a hill in the late 1800s and is much bigger than it looks, Husk concentrates on heirloom grains and vegetables, and they grow much of their own produce in the restaurant's garden. The menu incorporates wood-fired and outdoor cooking. A menu that is updated twice daily offers such delicious specialties as American Spot heritage pork with sugar snaps, fava beans, heirloom tomatoes, ramp butter, and feta. A sweet ending to the meal might include butternut chess pie with Georgia peaches and cream.

J. ALEXANDER'S, 73 White Bridge Rd., #130, Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 352-0981; jalexanders.com; $$$. J. Alexander's is another local restaurant success story. Since the first J. Alexander's opened on White Bridge Road in 1991, more have popped up all over the country, from Denver to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The publicly traded company has more than 25 locations. J. Alexander's is known for its casual but nice atmosphere, good service, and contemporary American menu. The restaurant has great prime rib, a variety of salads and homemade dressings, flavorful pasta dishes, homemade soups, and made-from-scratch desserts. One of the first restaurants in the area to open its kitchen to the view of diners, it cooks all the grilled products over a hardwood, open grill. Another Nashville location is at 2609 West End Ave, (615) 340-9901, and a Franklin location can be found at 1721 Galleria Blvd., Franklin, (615) 771-7779.

THE MAD PLATTER, 1239 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208; (615) 242-2563; madplatternashville.com; $$$. The Mad Platter is considered one of the best restaurants in Nashville and has been voted Best Romantic Rendezvous in a local readers’ poll. In a historic building in Germantown, 2 blocks from the Bicentennial Mall, the restaurant establishes its ambience with white linen tablecloths, fresh flowers, and candlelight. The tiny dining room only accommodates 20 or so tables. Gourmet world fusion cuisine is perhaps the best description of the food here. The lunch and dinner menus change daily depending on availability of ingredients, but you can expect expertly prepared and beautifully presented dishes. The Mad Platter serves lunch Mon through Fri, dinner Thur through Sun, and brunch on Sun.

MARGOT CAFE & BAR, 1017 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 227-4668; margotcafe.com; $$$$. If your epicurean fantasies are set in Provence or Tuscany, you'll enjoy dining at Margot, which specializes in rustic French and Italian cuisine. Chef Margot McCormack opened this restaurant in June 2001. It quickly became a hot spot for east Nashville residents, and the buzz spread around town. It's now one of Nashville's in places to dine. Housed in a renovated 1930s gas station building in east Nashville's Five Points area, Margot is cozy and vibrant, with brick walls, antique mirrors, and simple, colorful furnishings setting the tone for either a dress-down or dress-up occasion. Margot also has a nice patio for outdoor dining in the summer. The menu changes daily, and there are usually 6 entree choices. Recent menu samples include tuna tartar with kalamata vinaigrette appetizer; roast pork chop with Gorgonzola, roasted potatoes, and Swiss chard; and braised lamb shank with soft polenta, escarole, and tomato rosemary broth. The restaurant has a nice wine list, with many selections from France and Italy, and about 30 varieties available by the glass. Margot is open for dinner Tues through Sat and Sunday brunch. Reservations are suggested, especially on weekends.

THE MELTING POT, 166 Second Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 742-4970; meltingpot.com/nashville; $$$$. Voted Best Restaurant in Nashville and Best Place for a Romantic Dinner in a Nashville Scene readers’ poll, this fondue restaurant is a fun spot when you're in the mood for something a little different for dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate. Allow 2 hours for the complete Melting Pot experience. The menu is based on courses. Your meal starts with a cheese fondue course, prepared by the server; the cheese course is followed by a salad. For the entree course, you cook your choice of meats or vegetables in the melting pot in the center of the table. Lobster tails, center-cut fillet, Cajun-rubbed meats, and sausages are just a few of the choices. The final course is the dessert fondue—a variety of chocolate fondues in which you dip pound cake, cheesecake, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and nutty marshmallows. It's a good idea to have reservations, especially on the very busy Fri and Sat nights. The Melting Pot is open daily for dinner.

THE MERCHANTS, 401 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 254-1892; merchantsrestaurant.com; $$$$. Downtown Nashville's Merchants is a casual fine-dining restaurant that serves American food with a Southern flair. The romantic atmosphere and excellent food make this a good choice for a special dinner. The restaurant occupies 3 floors of a historic building that once housed a pharmacy and hotel. The second floor is the main dining room—it has a more upscale atmosphere and menu than the first floor; the third floor is a banquet space. If you're dining on the second floor, try the pan-seared salmon fillet with caper dill beurre blanc atop a bed of linguine with shrimp and scallops, all enclosed in a pastry net. Lamb chops are a favorite, too. Your tab will be about 50 percent less in the first-floor Casual Bar & Grill, where a popular entree is the New York strip. Merchants does a brisk weekday lunch business and opens both floors for the lunchtime crowd. The restaurant has a good wine selection.

Reservations are recommended for second-floor dining, especially on busy Fri and Sat nights. Merchants is open for lunch and dinner Mon through Sat and opens at 4 p.m. Sun.

MIDTOWN CAFE 102 19TH AVE. S., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 320-7176; midtowncafe.com; $$$. This small restaurant just off West End has a devoted following of Insiders who like the eclectic American cuisine and casually elegant atmosphere. At lunch it's a prime spot for high-ranking business lunches, while the dinner crowd ranges from business types to romantic couples, mostly 40-somethings and up. Midtown's crab cakes are great as an appetizer, entree, or sandwich. The fresh catch of the day is always in demand, and the Caesar salad is a lunch favorite. Veal, pasta, steaks, and lamb dishes round out the menu. Midtown has a fantastic wine list, too. The restaurant is open for lunch Mon through Fri and for dinner nightly. Reservations are recommended.

MONELL'S, 1235 Sixth Ave., Nashville, TN 37208; (615) 248-4747; monellstn.com; $$. At Monell's on Sixth Avenue you sit at a big table with other guests and enjoy an all-you-can-eat family-style meal. Guests pass bowls and platters of food around the table and serve themselves. The food is Southern, with entrees like meat loaf, fried chicken, and country-fried steak; plenty of fresh vegetables; home-cooked side dishes; biscuits; and corn muffins. Monell's original location on Sixth Avenue N. is in Germantown in a renovated Victorian house next door to the Mad Platter. Monell's is open for lunch Mon through Fri, for dinner Tues through Sat, and for “Sunday dinner” (also known as lunch) until around 3:30 p.m. Breakfast is also served Sat and Sun. Monell's doesn't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own wine. Seating is first come, first served. Cafe Monell's at 2826 Bransford Dr. (615-298-2254) features the same menu, but it's served cafeteria-style. Another location is Monell's at the Manor, 1400 Murfreesboro Pike (615-365-1414).

PANCAKE PANTRY, 1796 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212; thepancake pantry; $$. While famous as a breakfast place, Pancake Pantry packs ‘em in at lunch, too. Southern plate lunches and meat-and-three dishes join more traditional fare like patty melts and BLTs.

PARK CAFE 4403 MURPHY, Rd. Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 383-4409; parkcafenashville.com; $$$$. Delicious food, low-key sophistication, and a creative environment have made this restaurant in west Nashville's Sylvan Park neighborhood a favorite. Colorful art and funky accessories adorn the maze of cozy, dimly lit dining rooms. The frequently Asian-inspired menu is equally interesting. It isn't too lengthy, which simplifies the selection process. Favorites include the pan-seared salmon with coconut jasmine rice, Szechuan green beans, chile plum sauce, and grilled lime, and the grilled tenderloin with bearnaise sauce, sauteed asparagus, and pommes frites. Park Cafe's desserts are really too good to share with your dining partner, so if you have a sweet tooth, you'll want to order your own. The crème brûlée Napoleon and warm molten chocolate cakes are always popular. Park Cafe is open for dinner Mon through Sat. Reservations are suggested but are not a must.

THE PIE WAGON, 1302 Division St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 2565893; thepiewagon.com; $$. This diner has been a favorite among locals for decades. It's been around at least since the early 1920s and was a short-order kitchen when owner Carol Babb purchased it in 1990. It's open for lunch only—hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon through Fri. The inexpensive, cafeteria-style cuisine is simple home cookin’, or comfort food as some people call it. Lunch entrees might include fried chicken, meat loaf, or grilled catfish, with vegetables and side dishes like real mashed potatoes, green beans, stewed tomatoes, turnip greens, and macaroni and cheese. There's also cornbread and homemade desserts. The friendly counter workers will treat you like family.

PRIME 108 RESTAURANT, Union Station Hotel, 1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 620-5665; prime108.com; $$$$. Sounds like a steakhouse, but Prime 108 is named after the Bully 108, the first engine to come through Nashville's Union Station more than a century ago. Located in the lovingly restored Union Station Hotel, Prime 108 serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner—a real boon to guests at the hotel and others who enjoy relaxing in the beautiful landmark. The breakfast menu features the usual, plus an excellent oatmeal soufflé that's a great way to start the day. For lunch, choose from soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Prime 108 also has an extensive wine list. Sip a drink and feel as though the clock has been turned back to the station's railroad heyday. A favorite dinner entree is pan-roasted halibut with lobster risotto served with homemade Yukon Gold chips and roasted baby carrots. For dessert, try the poached pear cheesecake or chocolate meringue cake.

PUCKETT'S GROCERY & RESTAURANT, 500 Church St., Nashville, TN 37219; (615) 770-2772; puckettsgrocery.com; $$. Puckett's is where real people go for real food. Sometimes with a mix of real music thrown in. Puckett's roots go back to the ‘50s when the Puckett family had a grocery store that just happened to serve food. Or maybe it was the other way around. Anyway, Puckett's found a good thing and doesn't mess with its recipe for success. In 2004, Puckett's opened a place in Franklin (120 Fourth Ave., 615-794-5527). In 2010, Puckett's added yet another location in downtown Nashville. Puckett's has won numerous awards, including Best BBQ in Nashville in the People's Choice Annual BBQ competition. Yep, the menu has BBQ and so much more—fried green beans for appetizer; Moonshine Platter for entrée: grilled Atlantic salmon or chicken breast, brushed with Puckett's signature moonshine glaze and served with smashed sweet potatoes and steamed veggies. For breakfast, try The King's French Toast: 2 slices of brioche bread filled with bananas and peanut butter, then egg dipped and pan fried, topped with powered sugar and served with syrup and fresh fruit. If you don't know who “The King” is, just ask or plan a side trip to Graceland to find out.

SOUTH STREET RESTAURANT 907 20TH AVE. S., Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 320-5555; pansouth.net; $$. South Street is a super fun place—a great spot to hang out in the spring, summer, and fall because they open up the big garage-door windows and let in the fresh air. If you're lucky, you might get a seat up high in the restaurant's tree house. South Street is within walking distance of Music Row, and music business movers and shakers can be found here daily. Word about this hip place has even spread to the rock ‘n’ roll world: South Street was selected as caterer for the Rolling Stones when they played Vanderbilt Stadium in 1997 and also for the Eagles when they were in town.

South Street serves “urban Southern” cuisine. The marinated Jack Daniel's strip steak should please the meat eaters. Fresh-shucked oysters and other seafood are popular. For dessert, get the New Orleans–style bread pudding with Jack Daniel's sauce. South Street serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week. On Sat and Sun the lunch menu is replaced with a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the dinner menu is available all day. Seating is first come, first served.

THE SOUTHERN, 150 Third Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 724-1762; thesouthernnashville.com; $$$. Located on the first floor of the 29-story Pinnacle tower at Symphony Place, the Southern offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, as well as a bustling bar. The menu features a combination of indigenous flavors and exotic ingredients served in an inviting home-like atmosphere. Get ready for a culinary adventure with a Southern twist. Take time to read the menu for such unusual treats as Bahn Mi Tacos—slow-braised pork belly, pickled daikon, carrot, cucumber, cilantro sprigs, and spicy hoisin served with kimchi. Or try the Royal Red Risotto—royal red shrimp, roasted tomatoes, oyster mushrooms, pepitas, lemon confit, and chilis. The Southern has a New Orleans–style shuck-to-order oyster bar and real wood-fired grill powered by salvaged hickory wood. Nestled in Nashville's first LEED certified high-rise, The Southern follows that green philosophy by using locally grown produce when possible, sustainable seafood, and local beef.

TTHE STANDARD AT THE SMITH HOUSE, 167 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 254-1277; smithhousenashville.com; $$$$. This 3-story 19th-century brick home features a refined Southern-themed menu. Once a boarding house and society club that hosted Nashville's elite, the Standard is a treasure from the past. Magnificently renovated, it offers a cantilevered walnut spiral staircase, chandeliers, Victorian furniture, and a New Orleans–style boardwalk on the side of the house with working gas lamps. The menu offers such treats as bacon-wrapped bacon—White Marble Farms pork, with speckled bean and sweet corn succotash. The Standard is well known for its truffle hash cakes and lump crab bisque. If the Smith House looks familiar, it may be because it starred in a 2004 music video for Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley's “Whiskey Lullaby.” The video won the CMA's Music Video of the Year award.

SWETT'S RESTAURANT, 2725 Clifton Ave., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 329-4418; swettsrestaurant.com; $$. Swett's is legendary for its meat-and-three meals. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up Southern food—soul food, if you prefer—since 1954. Diners choose their meat-and-three in a cafeteria line. Entrees, like fried chicken, beef tips, and ham, and a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, corn, and beans, fill the plates. A meat-and-three meal wouldn't be complete without cornbread, and Swett's has some of the best. Swett's is open daily for lunch and dinner.

360 BISTRO, Harper Hills Plaza Shopping Center, 600 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 353-5604; 360bistro.com; $$$$. Chef Will Uhlhorn is developing a loyal following with his creative flair, unusual ingredients, and glorious creations. An elegant array of entrees ranges from seafood and elk to boar and duck. The menu might change every day, dictated by the freshest seafood, meat, game, and produce. The entire menu is farm driven and made from scratch. A favorite is Berkshire pork shoulder, pancetta, duck confit, and bread crumbs. Desserts are decadent and excellent. Try the fig cheesecake or cappuccino panna cotta. In addition to an excellent menu, 360 offers more than 100 wines by the glass. Or try the interesting wine-tasting flights, weekly selections of wine served in 3-ounce tasting portions. The flights are available in light-body reds, full-body reds, light-body whites, and full-body whites.

TIN ANGEL, 3201 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 298-3444; tinangel.com; $$$. Tin Angel is a casual, cozy bistro-style restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine with an occasional international twist. Favorite dishes include warm goat cheese salad and lobster & shrimp risotto, sautéed with roma tomatoes and basil on lemon herb risotto and fresh spinach. Tin Angel is one of our reliable standbys—good food, good atmosphere, a good wine list, and rarely a wait. For dessert, try the coconut crème brûlée, rich and creamy with a crunchy sugar glaze. Tin Angel serves dinner 7 nights a week.

URBAN GRUB, 2506 Twelfth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 679-9342; urbangrub.net; $$$. Urban Grub has been drawing happy diners ever since it opened in 2012. With its unusual moniker, Urban Grub is a casual restaurant offering an upscale dining experience. The menu is a combination of southern traditions with a “flavored-up tweak.” Standouts include fresh-shucked oysters, smoked and grilled meat, and a charcuterie that's a meal in itself. Specialties include crab spaghetti, shrimp and grits, Kentucky lamb chops, and a 24-hour braised andouille pork shank. Urban Grub also offers a good wine list and interesting cocktails. Hard to believe this star on the Music City dining scene was once a car-wash site. The wonderfully designed indoor-outdoor space is a comfy setting for the popular 12 South restaurant.

VARALLO'S CHILE PARLOR & RESTAURANT, 239 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219; (615) 256-1907; varallos.com; $$. Varallo's is run by Todd Varallo, grandson of the legendary Frank Varallo Jr., who for years operated Varallo's on Church Street. Known as Nashville's oldest restaurant, the original location opened in 1907 and was operated by the Varallo family until Frank retired in December 1998. Though Frank and his wife, Eva, are missed, Varallo's Too is still serving up the tasty food that helped make the family famous. The signature item here is “three-way chili,” which is a combination of chili, spaghetti, and a tamale originated by Frank Sr. back in the ‘20s. The plate lunches feature your choice of meats and vegetables. Favorites like country-fried steak, meatballs, meatloaf, and turkey and dressing are accompanied by fresh “creamed” potatoes, turnip greens, broccoli casserole, and squash casserole. Homemade peach or blackberry cobbler and banana pudding are among the great ways to end a meal here. If you come for breakfast, you can order what Eva Varallo describes as the best hotcakes in town (made from her own recipe, of course), along with the usual bacon, eggs, and biscuits.

YELLOW PORCH, 734 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 386-0260; theyellowporch.com; $$$$. More than one potential diner has zoomed past this tiny yellow cottage, which is tucked between a gas station and a row of strip malls on a busy thoroughfare across from 100 Oaks Mall. That's their loss: Yellow Porch offers exquisite continental/fusion cuisine and an excellent wine list, all served in a subdued, dimly lit room that invites friendly conversation and romance. The menu is versatile and creative, often blending disparate elements into a unique signature dish. While the menu often leans toward Asian or Mediterranean inspirations, classic entrees like pork chops are given their due as well. The menu changes often as seasonal ingredients become available—all the more reason to keep coming back. Yellow Porch is open Mon through Sat for lunch and dinner.

ASIAN

ASAHI JAPANESE SUSHI BAR, 5215 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205; asahijapanese-restaurant.com; $$. Asahi serves some of the freshest and most delicious sushi and Japanese dishes in town. If you're not a sushi eater, try one of the teriyaki bento boxes. The tempura is great, too. Beer, wine, and several types of sake are available. This relaxed and friendly restaurant is in the Belle Meade area, at the corner of Harding Road and Harding Place. Asahi is open daily for dinner, open Tues through Fri for lunch.

INTERNATIONAL MARKET & RESTAURANT, 2010 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212; internationalnashville.com; $. International Market is one of those real “Insider” places that's really off the beaten path for most tourists. Popular with students at nearby Belmont University, as well as with Music Row workers and residents from the Hillsboro-Belmont-Vandy areas, this cafeteria-style restaurant has been serving Thai and other Asian food since 1975. It's fresh and affordable—you can get a satisfying meal for $8 or less. The buffet features more than two dozen items, including mild to extra-spicy beef, chicken, and pork dishes; rice; egg rolls; and soup. Beverages include bottled beers and juices from the cooler, jasmine tea, and sodas. Next to the seating area are shelves stocked with mostly Asian cooking items—bottles of soy, hoisin, and chile sauces; cans of curry paste and coconut milk; packages of noodles; and boxes of tea—as well as ceramic teapots and bowls and a few gift items. International Market is open daily for lunch and dinner.

KOBE STEAKS, Parkview Tower, 210 25th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 327-9081; kobesteaks.net; $$$. The family-friendly restaurant serves tasty if somewhat Americanized steak, chicken, and seafood. You'll be seated alongside other diners in 1 of 8 dining rooms, 2 of which are traditional “Japanese rooms” (which means you'll have to remove your shoes before entering). A dinner at Kobe is as entertaining as it is delicious because the chef cooks up your order right in front of you. It's always fun to watch. Children especially get a kick out of seeing the chef toss shrimp tails into his hat. Kobe's dark, comfortable, and spacious bar area is a nice spot to enjoy a cocktail before dinner. The restaurant is open for dinner only.

BAKERY/CAFE

BREAD & COMPANY, 2525 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 292-7323; breadandcompany.com; $$. Nashville traditionally has been associated more with biscuits than with baguettes, but when Anne Clay and her son, John Clay III, opened the European-style Bread & Company bakery in November 1992, they were welcomed enthusiastically. The bakery introduced many Nashvillians to hearth-baked, crusty breads. Now we're positively addicted. Bread & Company bakes about 18 different breads, including the always-popular light sourdough farm bread; pane paisano, a round loaf perfect for tearing apart and dipping into olive oil; and the dense and chewy raisin-pecan. The stores also sell outstanding gourmet sandwiches. A rotating trio of daily soup offerings always includes the popular tomato-basil. The busy cafes also have a daily breakfast bar, where you can get made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles, and other morning meals. Bread & Company has gourmet packaged foods and takeout, which can come in very handy for last-minute dinner parties (no one needs to know that you didn't make that Waldorf salad yourself) or for those evenings when you just don't want to cook. Bread & Company is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other location is 430 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin (615-771-6600).

CITY LIMITS CAFE, 361 Clofton Dr., Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 646-0062; $$. If you can get past the beautiful, tempting pastries, sweet rolls, cookies, and brownies lined up under the glass case at this cozy, upbeat cafe, you'll find that there are quite a few good sandwiches and salads on the menu. By now that's no secret to Bellevue residents, who have been packing in ever since the restaurant opened in early 2002. Located in a strip shopping center at Old Harding and Clofton, next to the railroad tracks, the colorful and comfortable cafe has about 20 tables indoors and a few outside on the sidewalk. There's also a tiny sitting area with sofas and chairs—just the spot for an afternoon cappuccino. Place your order at the counter, get a table, and you can pick up your food a few minutes later when your number is called. City Limits Cafe is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

CREMA, 15 Hermitage Ave., Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 255-8311; crema-coffee.com; $. The delicious aromas wafting from this coffeehouse on Rutledge Hill are a great way to wake up or provide a quick pick-me-up at any time of day or night. Crema got its name from the foamy, golden-brown elixir that develops in the filter and encrusts the top of an espresso. Every week Crema features a new coffee along with favorite regulars such as cappuccino, cafe au lait, tea, mate chai, cider (seasonal), and hot cocoa. Cold drinks include iced coffee, juices, and soft drinks. To go with the drinks, sweet choices include mile-high muffins, croissants, cookies, cakes, cheesecakes, and biscotti. Crema also serves bagels, quiche, and sandwiches.

PROVENCE BREADS & CAFE, 1705 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 386-0363; provencebreads.com; $$. Delectable pastries and wonderful artisan breads have made Provence Breads & Cafe one of Nashville's favorite bakeries. Croissants, fruit tarts, biscotti, and chocolate mousse cake are a few of the delicious indulgences available at this trendy and lively bakery/cafe. The extensive list of handmade breads includes sourdough, pistelle, fougasse, New York rye, and organic challah. San Francisco native Terry Carr-Hall opened the Hillsboro Village location in spring 1996 after studying baking in France. A second location at 615 Church St. (615-664-1150), located inside the main library downtown, followed in 2003. Provence also is located at 1210 21st Ave. S. (615-322-8887). Provence is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch, and also has a good selection of cheeses from around the world. The cafes are open daily until early evening.

BARBECUE

BAR-B-CUTIE, 5221 Nolensville Rd., Nashville, TN 37211; (615) 834-6556; bar-b-cutie.com; $$. Hickory pit barbecue is the specialty at Bar-BCutie, a Nashville favorite since 1948. Barbecue and ribs are most in demand here, but the restaurant also serves a good mesquite-grilled chicken sandwich as well as turkey and roast beef. Barbecue plates come with 2 side items and bread. This is a no-alcohol, family-style restaurant. The dining room is busy, and the restaurant does a brisk takeout and drive-through business, too. Bar-BCutie is open daily for lunch and dinner. Other locations are at 501 Donelson Pike (615-872-0207); 8456 Hwy. 100 (615-646-1114); 805 Old Fort Pkwy. (615-217-8883); 1210 21st Ave. S. (615-322-8887); 326 Harding Place, Suite I (615-454-3454); 1203 Murfreesboro Rd. in Franklin (615-784-9454); and 2037 N. Mt. Juliet Rd. in Mt. Juliet (615-733-5995).

CARL'S PERFECT PIG BAR-B-QUE, 4991 US 70E, White Bluff, TN 37187; (615) 797-4020; carlsperfectpig.com. $$. We've been tempted to keep Carl's Perfect Pig under our hats, but now that the unassuming little country restaurant has been featured on an Emeril Lagasse–hosted special on cable TV's Food Network, we might as well just come clean. The truth is, we'd be hard-pressed to find any better barbecue or ribs around these parts than the old-fashioned, open-pit kind that's cooked and served up at the Perfect Pig. Located about 30 minutes west of Nashville in the rural community of White Bluff, the restaurant also is a favorite stop for catfish, fried chicken, and “country vegetables” like pinto beans (served with corncakes), yellow squash and cheese, baked beans, turnip greens, potato salad, and coleslaw. Carl's Perfect Pig is open Wed through Sat for lunch and early dinners and for lunch on Sun. If you plan to visit on a Sunday, you'll want to get there before the after-church crowd arrives, unless you don't mind waiting in line for a table.

HOG HEAVEN, 115 27th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 329-1234; hogheavenbbq.com; $$. Hog Heaven doesn't look like much—it's a tiny white cinder-block building tucked in a corner of Centennial Park behind McDonald's—but once you taste their barbecue, you'll understand the name of the place. This is some good eatin’. Hog Heaven's hand-pulled pork, chicken, beef, and turkey barbecue is pretty famous among Nashville's barbecue connoisseurs. The menu is posted on a board beside the walk-up window. After you get your order, you might want to hop on over to Centennial Park and dig in, since the only seating at the restaurant is a couple of picnic tables on a slab of concrete right in front of the window. You can order barbecue sandwiches, barbecue plates that come with 2 side orders, and barbecue by the pound. The white barbecue sauce is just right on top of the chicken, and the regular sauce comes in mild, hot, or extra hot. Quarter-chicken and half-chicken orders are available, and Hog Heaven has spareribs, too. Barbecue beans, potato salad, coleslaw, turnip greens, white beans, green beans, black-eyed peas, and corn on the cob are among the side dishes. The homemade cobbler is a heavenly way to end a meal here. The restaurant is open Mon through Sat for lunch and dinner.

JACK'S BAR-B-QUE, 416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 254-5715; jacksbarbque.com; $$. Jack Cawthon opened his first barbecue restaurant in 1976 after studying in the barbecue hot spots of Memphis, Atlanta, Texas, Kentucky, and the Carolinas. Today he satisfies Nashville's appetite for barbecue at 3 locations and is also known for his catering (some of Music City's biggest stars have called on Jack's for that). The Broadway location backs up to the historic Ryman Auditorium, and diners there can sit on Jack's Backdoor Patio, in view of the Ryman's backstage door. Jack's serves Tennessee pork shoulder, ribs cut St. Louis–style, Texas beef brisket, smoked turkey and chicken, and Texas sausage. Side items include baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. For dessert, try the chess pie, chocolate fudge pie, and brownies. Beer is available. Jack's is open daily for lunch and dinner. Other locations are at 334 W. Trinity Lane (615-228-9888) and 1601 Charlotte Ave. (615-341-0157).

WHITT'S BARBECUE, 5211 Alabama Ave., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 385-1553; whittsbarbecue.com: $$. Whitt's has been serving barbecue to Nashvillians for more than 2 decades. It has been voted the No. 1 barbecue restaurant time after time in local publications’ readers’ polls. You can count on speedy service and quality barbecue that's been slow-cooked over hickory coals and topped off with a vinegar-based sauce. Whitt's serves pork, turkey, and beef barbecue in sandwiches or on plates. The plate portions are huge and come with 2 side items and rolls or cornbread. Whitt's miniature chess, fudge, and pecan pies are the perfect after-meal treat. Whitt's is open Mon through Sat for lunch and dinner. Whitt's has about a dozen Nashville-area locations, as well as restaurants in Clarksville, Springfield, and other areas of Middle Tennessee. Some locations have dine-in areas; all have drive-through windows. Other locations are at 5310 Harding Rd. (615-356-3435); 3621 Nolensville Rd. (615-831-0309); 4601 Andrew Jackson Pkwy., Hermitage (615-885-4146); 2535 Lebanon Pike, Donelson (615-883-6907); and 105 Sulphur Springs Rd., Murfreesboro (615-890-0235).

BREAKFAST

LOVELESS CAFE, 8400 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 646-9700; lovelesscafe.com; $$. The legendary Loveless Cafe is the real thing: country cookin’ just like Grandma's. Take it from a Southerner who spent half her childhood at her grandparents’ farm, where there was always a plate full of fluffy white biscuits sitting atop a dish of greasy bacon and sausage in the kitchen. The meals were Southern and country—always plenty of fried food and bowls of hot gravy. The Loveless always brings back memories of Granny's house. The Loveless is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We're partial to the Southern-style breakfasts, which are served all day. Choose from eggs, omelets, sausage, bacon, grits, waffles, and pancakes—all served with plates full of biscuits, bowls of gravy, and homemade blackberry and peach preserves. If you don't know the difference in the types of gravy offered (and we've learned there are many of you in this boat), take note: Cream gravy is the creamy white kind made with milk, flour, and bacon or sausage drippings; redeye gravy is made from ham drippings and black coffee instead of milk. If you're planning to come here on a Saturday or Sunday, you'll want to call a day or two ahead and make reservations. While you're waiting to be seated, check out some of the photos of celebrities who have dined here.

NOSHVILLE, 1918 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 329-6674; noshville.com; $$. This New York–style deli is famous for its enormous sandwiches, but it also serves a good breakfast. Assorted bagels and cream cheeses, plus eggs, omelets, griddlecakes, assorted toasts, and cereal satisfy just about any morning appetite. Read more about Noshville in the Deli section of this chapter. The deli is open daily but closes early, at 2:30 p.m., on Mon. A second location is located at 4014 Hillsboro Circle (615-269-3535).

PANCAKE PANTRY, 1796 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 383-9333; thepancakepantry.com; $$. The Pancake Pantry has been a Nashville breakfast tradition for decades. Locals are willing to stand in line as long as it takes to get a table and a stack of pancakes at this Hillsboro Village restaurant. The line usually snakes out the door and down the sidewalk. Urns of complimentary hot coffee are a welcome warmer during wintertime waits. Once inside, the longtime waitresses will make you feel right at home. In addition to a variety of pancakes, you'll find all the familiar breakfast foods on the menu. The busy restaurant is known to draw celebrities regularly, so you'll never know who might occupy the table next to you (try not to stare). The Pancake Pantry is open daily for breakfast and lunch.

PFUNKY GRIDDLE, 2800 Bransford Ave., Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 298-2088; thepfunkygriddle.com; $$. Located in a tiny cottage, the Pfunky Griddle lets you create the pancake of your dreams. Custom-made fireproof tables with built-in griddles are ready and waiting for you to mix and stir up a unique pancake. Be aware that this is a cook-your-own place. When you order pancakes, you get a pitcher of batter and choice of toppings—berries, chocolate chips, nuts, M&Ms, and the like. If you want French toast, you get a bowl of eggs and milk sprinkled with cinnamon and a plate of sliced wheat loaf. If you order eggs, that's what you get—ready for you to cook. If the pancakes seem to taste better here, part of it could be the special batter—hand ground from scratch using whole wheat, cornmeal, buckwheat, rye, and brown-rice flours for the 5-grain recipe, and unbalanced, unbromated enriched white flour for the old-time mix. The Pfunky Griddle also serves sandwiches and salads. If the name sounds strange, chalk it up to the owner Penelope Pfuntner. All in all, it's a pfun place. A second location is at 525 N. Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro (615-410-2980).

STAR BAGEL CO., Sylvan Park, 4504 Murphy Rd., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 292-7993; starbagelcafe.com; $. Star Bagel has some of the best bagels in town. There are all sorts of yummy ones to choose from here. Plain bagels and multigrain are two of the most ordered varieties, but there are also cinnamon-raisin swirl, sun-dried tomato, wild blueberry, and egg bagels. Star Bagel's cream cheeses include light plain, wild blueberry, light spicy cucumber, herb and garlic, olive pimiento, and the ever-popular honey walnut raisin. If a heartier breakfast is in order, you can top your bagel with any combination of eggs, bacon, salami, and cheese. For lunch, order from the menu of deli sandwiches such as hot pastrami and Swiss, roast beef and cheddar, and tuna melt—or create your own sandwich. Star Bagel is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

BURGERS

BROWN'S DINER, 2102 Blair Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 269-5509; brownsdiner.com; $. This weathered building, an expanded dining car, is a genuine tavern—what you might call a dive. But it serves what many people consider the best cheeseburger in town. Plenty of seating is available in the dining room, where there's a big-screen TV. But the real atmosphere is in the dark bar (beer only), a popular hangout for songwriters, businesspeople, and regular working folk, with a TV that's generally tuned to a sports event. Chili dogs, fried fish, and a few sandwiches are among the other menu items, but the burger with fries is really your best bet. This is real Nashville at its most unpretentious. Brown's is open daily for lunch and dinner.

FAT MO'S, 2620 Franklin Rd., Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 298-1111; fatmos.com; $$. Insiders may disagree about who has the best burger in Nashville, but there's no argument about who has the biggest. When your ads and signs proclaim “the biggest burgers in town!” you have to deliver, and this popular establishment offers the Fat Mo's Super Deluxe Burger, more than 27 ounces of fresh beef cooked up in 3 patties and topped with grilled mushrooms and onions, barbecue sauce, bacon, and jalapeños—enough to feed the whole family. Those with less hearty appetites (or smaller families) can choose from burgers of only 16 or 8 ounces; even the Little Mo's Burger weighs in at 5 ounces, which is bigger than a Quarter Pounder, and it's cooked fresh. And although we've listed only a handful of locations here, there are several more throughout the area where you can indulge. Other sandwiches include fried and grilled chicken, catfish, roast beef, hot dogs, and corn dogs. Fat Mo's also has fries in “plain” and “spicy” varieties, onion rings, cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, and stuffed jalapeños. And be sure to save room for an old-fashioned milk shake, ice cream cone, or sundae. While you'll have to wait several minutes for your order, you'll find the difference between Fat Mo's and fast-food burgers to be well worth the wait. The restaurants are open daily for lunch and dinner. Check the website for numerous other locations around the Nashville area.

Hot Chicken Comes Home to Roost

Perhaps one of the oddest food trends to hit an American city in recent years has been the, well, explosion of hot chicken restaurants in Nashville. In fact, this particular variety of Southern food is so, er, sizzling, that a new eatery seems to open up every few months or so. It's fair to say that hot chicken has positively burst upon the scene here.

Okay, enough with the bad puns. What is hot chicken, you may wonder? This is a unique brand of fried chicken that's highly seasoned, some would say to incendiary proportions. When we say this stuff is hot, trust us—it's positively flameworthy. The chicken is served Southern-style, on a slice of white bread; the bread soaks up all the spicy chicken juices and is one of the best parts about eating a hot chicken dinner. The usual accompaniment to all this spicy fried deliciousness is a side of dill pickles, baked beans, and potato salad. It's all washed down with sweet tea.

Most hot chicken restaurants are little more than shacks with devoted proprietors who passionately guard their hot chicken recipes, and most operate on a takeout–only basis. It's best to call and order ahead at these places to avoid long waits. Here are a couple of our very favorites.

BOLTON'S SPICY CHICKEN & FISH, 624 Main St.; Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 254-8015; $$. This east Nashville roadside stand is the only one that offers fish as well as hot chicken. The recipe is reportedly based on Prince's famous concoction—the proprietor's uncle once worked at Prince's and for decades operated a now-shuttered famous rival, Columbo's. Since the food is not quite as spicy as the others, you might dare to up the heat level on your food a notch. It's still plenty hot, though.

HATTIE B'S HOT CHICKEN, 112 Nineteenth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 678-4794; hattieb.com; $$. Opened in 2012, Hattie B's gives you fair warning what to expect: Southern means no heat; mild is a touch of burn; hot makes you feel the heat; damn hot is a fire starter; and Shut the Cluck Up is top-level burn notice. Pickle slices and white bread can help relieve the burn. Southern sides include black-eyed pea salad, greens, pimento mac and cheese, and cole slaw. Banana pudding is a sweet ending to a hot meal. Hattie B's has both indoor and outdoor seating. Be prepared for long lines. In 2014, Hattie B's opened another location at 5209 Charlotte Ave. (615-712-7137).

PRINCE'S HOT CHICKEN SHACK, 423 Ewing Dr., #3, Nashville, TN 37207; (615) 226-9442; $$. The pioneer of Nashville Hot Chicken, Prince's was started by Thornton J. Prince III. According to legend, back in the 1930s Prince came home from a night of catting around to find his girlfriend fixing him a Sunday dinner of fried chicken. To get revenge on her cheating lover, the gal dumped a hefty helping of hot spices on the chicken. The plot backfired. Prince loved the hot chicken so much that he refined the recipe and opened a restaurant. The hole-in-the-wall joint with about a half dozen tables is located in the middle of a strip mall. Look for the long lines. Prince's offers four degrees of heat—mild, medium, hot, and extra hot. The chicken is cooked when ordered in cast iron skillets, so the wait is seldom short but loyal diners say it's worth it.

ROTIER'S RESTAURANT, 2413 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 327-9892; rotiersrestaurant.com; $$. Rotier's—part old-timey diner, part burger joint, part tavern—has Nashville's most legendary burgers. Their cheeseburger has been voted the city's best in local readers’ polls for going on a decade. First-timers here might be surprised to see that the burgers are served on French bread instead of buns, so they look more like sandwiches. For the full Rotier's experience, you must have a chocolate shake with your burger. Rotier's is also known for their old-fashioned plate lunches and dinners.

CAJUN/CREOLE

BRO'S CAJUN CUISINE, 3214 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 329-2626; broscajuncuisine.com; $$. Bro's location has changed a few times in recent years, but the delicious food is still the same. Gumbo, red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, fried catfish on Friday—all the favorites are still on the menu. (And the rolls of paper towels are still on the tables.) Bro's is one of those Insiders’ favorites that has a devoted following. The affable owner, Darrell Breaux of Lafayette, Louisiana, cooks up authentic Cajun foods with just the right amount of spice. From Oct 15 to Dec 24, the restaurant sells deep-fried turkeys, injected with onions and seasonings. Bro's is open for lunch Mon through Sat until about 3 p.m.; on Fri, Bro's is open until 8 p.m., and on Sat from 4 to 8.

CARIBBEAN

CALYPSO CAFE, 3307 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 356-1678; calypsocafe; $$. Calypso Cafe puts a fresh, flavorful Caribbean spin on Nashville's traditional meat-and-vegetable plates. At Calypso, the meat is rotisserie chicken with spicy, all-natural Caribbean barbecue or mild Jamaican curry sauce, while the vegetable choices include Cuban black beans, flavorful mustard greens with tomatoes and onions, spiced sweet potatoes topped with coconut, and bean and corn salad. Caribbean sweet cornbread–coconut muffins are a delicious alternative to traditional Southern cornbread. Calypso Cafe also serves a variety of sandwiches, salads with homemade dressings, and desserts. Don't forget to get some refreshing fruit tea, which comes with seemingly endless refills. Calypso Cafe has a small kids’ menu and is a great place for takeout. The restaurants are open daily for lunch and dinner. Calypso Cafe is also located at 301 Gallatin Ave. (615-227-6133).

CATFISH

COCK OF THE WALK, 2624 Music Valley Dr., Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 889-1930; cockofthewalkrestaurant.com; $$. This catfish restaurant in the Opryland/Music Valley area has been a favorite since it opened in the mid-1980s. Many Nashvillians consider the catfish here some of the best around. The large restaurant is themed to the early-19th-century riverboat days, and the staff dresses in period attire. Meals are served on tin plates and in tin cups. The servers, dressed as keel boatmen, flip cornbread in iron skillets. If you're not in the mood for catfish, try the chicken or shrimp. The restaurant is open for dinner Mon through Sun and also serves lunch on Sun.

RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT & MARINA, 110 Old River Rd., Ashland City, TN 37015; (615) 792-7358; riverviewrestaurantandmarina.com; $$. The dockside restaurant on the Cumberland River has been serving up catfish since the 1970s. During the summer, the deck is a hot destination. For a sweet treat, try the blackberry wine cake.

DELI/PASTRY

DIANA'S SWEET SHOPPE, 318 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 242-5397; $. Named after the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana's is like stepping back in time. The shop is not a reproduction or a restoration. It is the real thing. And it came from Lake Huron, Michigan, where it opened in 1926. The store was transported in panels from Michigan and opened in 2010. Diana's sells delicious soups and sandwiches—try the meat loaf or club or chicken salad sandwich, corn chowder, or three-way chili—and fresh salads, like the popular strawberry pecan salad. Then there are the sweets. Diana's makes its own fudge in giant copper kettles and sells old-fashioned candy by the pound from rows of glass jars. A soda fountain serves up sundaes and floats. Diana's serves lunch and dinner. For an added touch, there's a working violano virtuoso and a Model T pie wagon on display.

NOSHVILLE, 1918 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 329-6674; noshville.com; $$. Nashvillians enthusiastically welcomed the arrival of Noshville, an authentic New York deli that became an instant favorite. Noshville serves tasty, high-quality food in a lively atmosphere. It's a fun place, and the sandwiches are huge. Meats are piled high. A bowl of kosher pickles on the table makes everything complete. Noshville also serves a selection of soups, salads, and entrees like homemade meat loaf, corned beef and cabbage, and pot roast served with a vegetable and choice of potato. There are several smoked fish platters available, and plenty of juices, specialty coffees, and desserts. Noshville on Broadway is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The 4014 Hillsboro Circle location (615-269-3535) is open only for breakfast and lunch.

FRENCH

MARCHÉ ARTISAN FOODS, 1000 Main St., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 262-1111; marcheartisanfoods.com; $$$. Located in East Nashville, this charming cafe is a popular place for breakfast and brunch but many diners don't seem to know that it's also a super “supper” (as the menu calls it) place. Chef Margot McCormack is at the helm, so you know the food is a treat. Initially started as a gourmet food market, Marché soon added dining and a sit-down cafe was born. The French-inspired menu changes monthly to spotlight seasonal ingredients. The soup and dinner omelets vary nightly. An excellent first course is the market salad with plums, goat cheese, almonds, and white balsamic vinaigrette. A wonderful second course is the pan-seared sockeye salmon with sweet corn–potato hash, shiitake, and grilled green onion. The menu suggests wine or high-gravity beer pairings for every dish. In season, the mussels and littleneck clams in a fennel bacon and cream sauce are rich and tasty. Take time to browse around Marché and enjoy take-home treats such as pastries and prepared foods. The shabby chic atmosphere is casual and comfortable.

MIEL, 343 53rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 298-3663; mielrestaurant.com; $$$. “Miel” means “honey” in French and this is definitely a sweet spot. Opened in 2008 in the historic Johnson's Meat Market building in Sylvan Park, Miel features an open kitchen and a lovely landscaped garden patio. If the heirloom vegetables and salad greens taste unbelievably fresh, they are. Many are grown just 10 minutes from the restaurant on Miel's Farm alongside the Cumberland River. The farm is also the restaurant's compost site for a commitment to organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Owners Jimmy and Seema Phillips preserved the market's 1940s character of high ceilings and added benches from the old Franklin Courthouse in the 2 dining rooms. A fantastic French menu offers such favorites as escargot with house-cured ham and parsley butter, and and foie gras pan seared with apricots and Banyuls-maple gastrique. The bouillabaisse is scrumptious with plenty of prawns, scallops, mussels, and fish in saffron, tomato, and country sausage stew. Many diners go straight for the risotto with country ham, stewed greens, and Parmigiano-Reggiano with a poached farm egg and scallops. The coconut bread pudding or profiteroles with chocolate sauce are wonderful endings to a special meal.

GERMAN

GERST HAUS, 301 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 244-8886; gersthaus.com; $$. This long-running institution has served brats, kielbasa, and Wiener schnitzel to Nashvillians since the turn of the 20th century. Locals were positively aghast when the place was torn down in 1997 to make way for the Titans’ football stadium. Fortunately, the owners knew they had a good thing going and built a new version across the street. Today the Gerst Haus is the closest restaurant to the stadium, making it a favorite pregame gathering spot. We like to eat here on Friday or Saturday night, when the restaurant's oompah band performs. In addition to the German specialties, the menu also includes American favorites (steak, fried catfish, barbecued ribs), sandwiches, and salads. You can wash it down with a selection of some 80 beers and ales from around the world—including the house brew, Gerst Amber. The Gerst Haus is open daily for lunch and dinner.

GREEK

ATHENS FAMILY RESTAURANT, 2526 Franklin Rd., Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 383-2848; athensfamilyrestaurant.com; $$. It is fitting that while you are in the “Athens of the South,” you should be able to dine at an authentic Greek restaurant. Opened in 2005, Athens Family Restaurant features family recipes from various parts of the Greek islands. The native Greek owners have incorporated the Greek concept into a very broad menu ranging from gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita to the honey-sweet baklava. The food is fresh and tasty, the surroundings reminiscent of Greece, and the cloth-covered tables and comfortable chairs friendly enough to linger over a leisurely meal. Decor includes fishing nets on the walls, Greek paintings, and other island items. The restaurant also serves breakfast, with eggs, omelets, pancakes, French toast, and other early morning treats, as well as heart-healthy choices such as yogurt and fresh fruit, on the menu. The owner is fond of saying that you don't have to spend a fortune to visit Greece. Just stop by his restaurant, and you'll think you are there—if only for a meal. The restaurant has a second location in Bellevue at 7071 Old Harding Rd. (615-953-3204).

INDIAN

SHALIMAR, 3711 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215; shalimarfinedining.com; $$$. One of the first Indian restaurants in Nashville, Shalimar's delicious food and fine service have earned it a very good reputation. Chicken tikka masala and chicken curry are favorite entrees, and the restaurant has a nice assortment of traditional Indian nan breads. For dessert, try the rice pudding or the gulab jamun, sweet dough swimming in a rosewater broth Shalimar doesn't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own; there's no cork fee. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and has a popular Saturday lunch buffet. Located in a rather nondescript building in Green Hills, the restaurant has an enclosed patio for outdoor dining.

SITAR, 116 21st Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 321-8889; sitarindiannashville.com; $$. This small and casual restaurant is where many folks go when they have a craving for spicy Indian foods. Business execs, the music-business crowd, performers, and students alike frequent Sitar. For dinner, chicken and lamb dishes are favorites, and there are vegetarian meals here, too. Sitar is open for lunch and dinner daily.

ITALIAN

ANTONIO'S OF NASHVILLE, 7097 Old Harding Rd., Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 646-9166; antoniosofnashville.com; $$. Bellevue residents often lament the lack of good places to eat on their side of town, but they are blessed with this fine Italian restaurant. Antonio's of Nashville serves gourmet Italian cuisine in a casually elegant atmosphere. It's a perfect place for a romantic date, whether you're wearing blue jeans, a tux, or an evening dress. All foods here are fresh and prepared to order. A favorite is the Piccata di Vitello, veal scaloppini lightly sauteed with mushrooms, green onions, garlic, capers, and white wine, served with sauteed spinach and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. Tiramisu is the ideal end to a meal here, but the fresh berries zabaglione (a sauce of sugar, eggs, cream, and Marsala) is a tempting alternative. Antonio's is open nightly. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

CITY HOUSE RESTAURANT, 122 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37210; (615) 736-5838; cityhousenashville.com; $$$. Located in the quaint residential neighborhood of Germantown, City House serves top-notch Italian dishes and memorable desserts. Follow the winding path to a former sculptor's studio that is home to City House with its rustic brick and well-worn wood. House-cured meats, fresh pastas, comforting soups, and simple grated cheese add to the taste and charm. Pan-fried Carolina trout is flavorful with capers, garlic, lemon, anchovies, and parsley. Pizzas are a favorite here, baked in a brick oven behind the counter. Try one with house-cured salami, tomato sauce, and house-made mozzarella. For dessert, it's a hard choice, but you can't go wrong with the cream puffs filled with chocolate cream in espresso zabaglione with homemade caramel and candied kumquats. The City House serves dinner only. Closed Tues.

MOTO, 1120 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 736-5305; mstreetnashville.com; $$$. Opened in 2014, Moto specializes in “rustic-modern” Italian cuisine served in chic comfort. Brick warehouse walls, vibrant colors, dark woods, and frosted hanging lights add to the contemporary atmosphere. Moto is open only for dinner. The menu offers a contemporary approach to authentic Italian cooking. Moto uses products from local farms and artisans as well as products imported from Italy. House-made pasta dishes, steaks, chops, and seafood are abundant. The blueberry lasagna with wild mushrooms and blueberry balsamic is a popular special. Moto has a large bar and lounge area and offers about 250 wines, plus couture cocktails including its own house-made limoncello. The name Moto is a nod to the Italian word for “motion,” fitting since this was once a mechanic's shop in the Gulch.

SOLE MIO, 311 Third Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 256-4013; solemionash.com; $$$. The Agnolettis, who moved their restaurant from northern Italy to Music City in 1995, specialize in handmade and hand-rolled pastas, homemade sauces, fresh fish, veal and chicken dishes, and brick-oven pizzas. Lasagna is a signature dish, and the mussels are a favorite as an appetizer. Open daily.

MEXICAN

LA HACIENDA TAQUERIA, 2615 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211; (615) 256-6142; lahaciendainc.com; $$. La Hacienda, a Mexican grocery store, tortilla factory, and restaurant, introduced many Music City residents to authentic, freshly prepared Mexican food. La Hacienda is owned by the Yepez family, who sought to create an authentic Mexican restaurant where the area's Hispanic residents could feel at home. They opened the original 60-seat location in 1992 and later expanded it to seat 250. The casual, bustling dining room is packed at lunchtime with workers enjoying a quick Mexican-food fix. The burritos are delicious. They're filled with beans, your choice of meat (chicken, beef, pork, Mexican sausage, tripe, tongue), onions, cilantro, avocado, and salsa. Tacos are just as good. We're partial to the chicken tacos—perfect little soft tortillas topped with flavorful shredded chicken, diced onions, and fresh cilantro and accompanied by an avocado slice, lime wedge, and green and red sauce. There are several combination platters, including the spicy rotisserie chicken served with rice, beans, corn or flour tortillas, and a salad. After your meal, visit the grocery store, where you can pick up a package of tortillas made at La Hacienda Tortilleria. La Hacienda is open daily for lunch and dinner.

LAS PALETAS, 2905 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 386-2101; laspaletasnashville.com; $. Paletas are to Mexico what gelato is to Italy. The tasty frozen desserts are similar to our Popsicles, but these aren't like any Popsicle the Good Humor man carried. Las Paletas proprietors Irma and Norma Paz, two daughters of Mexico, have brought their native treats to Nashville, where they operate a “Popsicle factory” in a small shop across the street from Sevier Park. You'll find exotic flavors like hibiscus and tamarind—even jalapeño, if you dare—as well as more traditional fruit flavors (with the fruit frozen inside), chocolate, and vanilla. Flavors change, but look for favorites like rose petal, cucumber chili, spicy chocolate with wasabi, hibiscus, and chai tea. Las Paletas really is a factory—the sisters provide paletas to Nashville's growing number of Hispanic grocery stores and restaurants. But they do plenty of walk-in business, too; just don't be surprised by the store's rather industrial appearance. Las Paletas is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tue through Sat and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun and Mon.

ROSEPEPPER CANTINA, 1907 Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 227-4777; rosepepper.com; $$. West Nashvillians who typically never think about crossing the Cumberland for dinner are now heading to this lively east Nashville restaurant in droves. Located in a historic neighborhood, Rosepepper Cantina is colorful and fun. It's part bar, part restaurant, with an open, casual, and vibrant feel. When the weather's nice, diners can head to the patio and enjoy a meal alfresco. Inside, the walls are decked out in everything from Mexican and Southwestern art to posters to corrugated metal.

SAINT AÑEJO, 1120 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 736-5301; mstreetnashville.com; $$. Saint Añejo bills itself as featuring “inspired Mexican cuisine.” Take time to peruse the menu to see what that means. Dishes are creative, using basic Mexican recipes that have been jazzed up for taste treats. Tacos, nachos, guacamole, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and more standards are offered, as are specialties like seared tuna with fresh corn, black bean salad, and poblano rice. For dessert, try the tres leches (three milks) with house-made sponge cake and house-made whipped cream. Craft margaritas are constructed with premium spirits, fresh botanicals, and wonderful combinations of nectars and spices. Sangria, beer, and wine also are available.

TACO MAMACITA, 1200 Villa Place, Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 730-8552; tacomamacita.com; $$. An eclectic restaurant, the funky fusion Taco Mamacita joined the dining scene in December 2009. As the name implies, the menu has plenty of tacos, including some very creative ones, along with many other choices. The basic and delicious fresh chicken tortilla soup features roasted chicken, diced tomato, freshly sliced avocado, queso fresco, lime, and chopped cilantro served hot pot style with house-made broth topped with tortilla chips. The roasted Peruvian chicken with lime juice and seasonings, plus salad and two side dishes, is a feast. The Oy Vey features slow-cooked chipotle beef brisket topped with Mama's ranchero sauce, crispy lettuce, pico de gallo, Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, and fresh escabeche. Taco Mamacita also pleases the thirsty with signature cocktails made with premium tequilas and fresh-squeezed juices. Try the seasonal mojitos or margaritas or, if you're brave, the Durty Sanchez, a 12-ounce can of PBR accompanied by a tequila chaser.

MIDDLE EASTERN

ANATOLIA, 48 White Bridge Rd., Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 356-1556; anatolia-restaurant.com; $$. Part of Nashville's ever-growing variety of ethnic eateries, the Turkish restaurant Anatolia is an all-around delight. The elegantly uncluttered dining space, adorned with a few Middle Eastern rugs and eye-catching accessories, is comfortable and inviting, and the friendly and professional staff go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. The menu of entrees is divided into two parts: grilled specialties, which include familiar chicken, lamb, and beef kebabs, and “classic Turkish home cooking,” a small selection of special recipes. If you aren't familiar with Middle Eastern food, you might want to try the lamb stew, a combination of lamb cubes and 10 vegetables served piping hot with a scoop of rice and a bowl of cool yogurt sauce. Those with more adventurous tastes might consider the homemade Turkish ravioli: ground beef–stuffed pasta in a garlic-yogurt sauce topped with hot butter, red pepper, and mint. A small wine list includes a couple of Turkish selections. For dessert, try the specialty, kunefe. This heavenly concoction of shredded puff pastry, unsalted cheese, and light syrup, served warm, gets better with every bite. Anatolia is located in the Lion's Head Village shopping center. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily.

KALAMATA'S, 3764 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215; (615) 383-8700; eatatkalamatas.com; $$. Freshness and flavor abound at this casual restaurant located in Green Hills's Glendale Center strip mall. Kalamata's specializes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. Be sure to check out the daily specials on the chalkboard before placing your order. One of the Lebanese-style savory pies topped with spinach, cheese, or meat makes a fine appetizer, as do the traditional tabbouleh and the stuffed grape leaves. The made-to-order sandwiches are chicken or beef/lamb gyros, served in a warm pita with lettuce, tomato, and cool, creamy yogurt-cucumber sauce; a falafel pocket; and a Mediterranean grilled vegetable wrap. Those with heartier appetites will be pleased with the beef, chicken, or lamb kebab plates that are served with basmati rice or roasted potatoes, Greek salad, and freshly baked pita. Pistachio baklava, cheesecake, and tiramisu are a few of the tempting ways to end a meal here. Open Mon through Sat for lunch and dinner. Kalamata's also has two other locations—at 330 Franklin Rd. in Brentwood (615-221-4002) and 1703B Portland Ave. in Belmont (615-292-5356).

PIZZA

MANNY'S HOUSE OF PIZZA, 15 Arcade Building, Nashville, TN 37219; (615) 242-7144; mannyshouseofpizza.com; $. House of Pizza has been satisfying downtown workers’ pizza cravings for almost 3 decades. Located in the historic Arcade mall (see our Shopping chapter), between Fourth and Fifth Avenues and Union and Church Streets downtown, the New York—style pizzeria serves pizza by the slice or by the pie. Don't expect to find any goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or other gourmet ingredients; most of the pizza sold here is of the cheese-and-pepperoni variety, though you do have a choice of crusts. Also on the menu are lasagna, spaghetti, calzones, stromboli, salads, and sub sandwiches. The restaurant seats about 50 to 60. Manny's is open Mon through Sat. They close at 6 p.m. Mon through Fri and at 5 p.m. on Sat.

PIZZA PERFECT, 357 Clofton Dr., Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 646-7877; pizzaperfectonline.com; $. The appropriately named Pizza Perfect has been a favorite for years. Pizza Perfect makes delicious pizzas with all sorts of yummy toppings. Pizza Perfect also has calzones, sub sandwiches, spaghetti, manicotti, lasagna, and salads. The restaurants are open daily. Pizza Perfect also has a Vanderbilt location at 1602 21st Ave. S. (615-329-2757).

PUB FOOD

ACME FEED & SEED, 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 915-0888; theacmenashville.com; $$$. A favorite with tourists, Acme Feed & Seed has one of the most conspicuous locations in Nashville—right in the heart of downtown with views of Broadway and the riverfront. The huge Victorian-era white-painted brick warehouse with red and white checkerboards was once Acme Farm Supply before the popular business closed in 1999. The building sat mostly vacant until 2014, when plans were hatched for Acme Feed & Seed. Each of the three floors is filled with interesting artifacts. The roof offers one of the best views in town. Live music and DJs often add to the party atmosphere. The menu offers creatively named bar food with an emphasis on Southern cooking, such as the Local Yokel—smoked chicken, fried potatoes, and green chili burrito with rice and beans. The Rule the Roost is hot chicken with green peppercorn aioli, American cheese, and pickles on white bread with hand-cut fries. Drinks are abundant.

BLACKSTONE RESTAURANT & BREWERY, 1918 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 327-9969; blackstone-pub.com; $$$. The fish-and-chips, artichoke chicken pasta, trout, and filet mignon are favorites at this comfortable West End restaurant/brewery, which is a popular lunch spot for Music Row, West End, and downtown workers. Blackstone brews 6 ales at its on-site brewery, including the award-winning St. Charles Porter. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.

BROADWAY BREWHOUSE MIDTOWN, 1900 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 321-3363; broadwaybrewhouse.net; $$. Broadway Brewhouse carries on the tradition of a roadhouse with cold beer and hot food. The menu features spicy foods like chipotle chicken wings, Cuban-Jamaican—style mojo-crusted jerk chicken, and molasses-jalapeño dipping sauce. Brewhouse carries bunches of beer—more than 2 dozen on tap and about 100 in bottles. It's the kind of place where you visit once as a stranger. When you return, the waiters and servers know your name, as do several of the patrons. Other locations include Broadway Brewhouse West at 7108 Charlotte Pike (615-356-5005); Broadway Brewhouse Downtown at 317 Broadway (615-271-2838); Brewhouse 100 at 8098 Tennessee 100 (615-673-2981); and Brewhouse South at 1855 Galleria Blvd. in Franklin (615-778-1860).

THE CORNER PUB, 2000 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 3279250; cornerpubtn.com; $$. This neighborhood bar and restaurant, located across the street from the famed Bluebird Cafe, draws a variety of locals, from college students to old-timers. There's a casual, relaxed feel here that is worlds removed from Green Hills's trendy moneyed vibe. That alone has given this haunt a stable of regulars who like to hang out at the bar and watch sports on one of four TVs. The Corner Pub serves a variety of beers and ales, plus hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, and the like. Other locations include 4136 North Mt. Juliet Rd. in Mt. Juliet (615-754-2783); 710 Old Hickory Blvd. in Brentwood (615-376-9988); and 8058 Tennessee 100 (615-866-9919).

MCCABE PUB, 4410 Murphy Rd., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 269-9406; mccabepub.com; $$. The casual and friendly McCabe Pub is a combination neighborhood pub and sports bar. It's known for great hamburgers, lots of good vegetables (mashed potatoes, green beans, squash casserole, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, and steamed veggies, to name a few), and great desserts. The home-cooked plate lunches and dinners, with entrees like fried catfish, pork chops, and meat loaf and your choice of vegetables, satisfy nearby Sylvan Park families, couples, and singles and lure out-of-the-neighborhood regulars as well, including the Music Row set.

ROCK BOTTON NASHVILLE, 111 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 251-4677; rockbottom.com; $$. Formerly Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Rock Bottom Nashville offers an expanded menu with plenty of food options, plus beer, wine, and cocktails. The restaurant serves salads, pasta, sandwiches, pizza, and entrees such as salmon, steak, and chicken. For dessert, try the creative Bourbon Pecan Pie Mason Jar, a mason jar filled with salted caramel sauce and rich and buttery Kentucky Bourbon pecan pie topped with vanilla ice cream and more caramel sauce, sprinkled with toasted graham cracker crumbs and fresh mint.

WHISKEY KITCHEN, 118 12th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 254-3029; mstreetnashville.com; $$. How can you not like a place that calls itself “tavern chic?” One look at the Whiskey Kitchen menu and you'll understand. This is sure a cut above regular pub food. Crocodile-leather wall coverings and reclaimed oak add a comfy vintage vibe. The large convertible windows and a good-sized patio are wonderful weather additions. The menu has plenty of solid appetizers, southern classics, wraps, burgers, hot chicken, and wood-fired pizza. Of course, drinks are a must and Whiskey Kitchen has a huge selection of world-class whiskeys, bourbons, ryes, and scotches, plus other thirst quenchers. Whiskey Kitchen is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

SEAFOOD

CANEY FORK RIVER VALLEY GRILLE, 2400 Music Valley Dr., Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 724-1200; caneyforkrestaurant.com; $$$. Modeled after the fish camps along the nearby Caney Fork River, this restaurant has a rustic feel and a menu with a Southern twist. Located near Gaylord Opryland Resort and the huge Opry Mills shopping center, Caney Fork has an outdoorsy theme with an indoor cabin and porch, 2 fireplaces, a 3,000-gallon pond with a waterfall and live fish, and a restored 1939 Dodge flatbed truck cab. Fishing and hunting artifacts abound, including record trophy game mounts, a couple of bears, tons of vintage lures, and a bar top consisting of more than 1,000 hand-cut fishing ads cropped from old magazines. For exciting sports shows, the bar has multiple plasma televisions. Comfort cooking is served here as well as broiled, blackened, grilled, and fried seafood. Old standbys like fried dill pickles and fried green tomatoes are popular appetizers. Barbecued ribs, a bunch of burger choices, meat loaf, fried chicken, fish and chips, grilled salmon, blackened ahi tuna, and many more choices are on the menu. Live music is enjoyed on Fri and Sat.

STEAK

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR, 2525 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 342-0131; flemingssteakhouse.com; $$$$. Fleming's is one of many upscale steakhouse chains that have discovered Nashville. Fleming's distinguishes itself from the competition with its easy yet slightly formal atmosphere. The steaks are all cooked to perfection. Other entree options include Australian lamb chops, veal and pork chops, salmon, tuna, swordfish, and lobster tails. The wine list includes 100 premium wines by the glass. Fleming's is open for dinner nightly. Valet parking is available.

JIMMY KELLY'S, 217 Louise Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 329-4349; jimmykellys.com; $$$. Steak lovers have plenty of very good new restaurant choices in Nashville, but generations of Nashvillians continue to return to Jimmy Kelly's, a fixture on Nashville's restaurant scene since 1934. The specialty is aged hand-cut steaks, and the corn cakes are legendary. If you're not in the mood for beef, try the veal chops, lamb chops, or fresh fish. Jimmy Kelly's is comfortable, and the service is top-notch. The restaurant is open for dinner Mon through Sat. Reservations are recommended.

KAYNE PRIME, 1103 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 259-0050; mstreetnashville.com; $$$. Kayne Prime is a steakhouse and much more. Opened in 2011, Kayne Prime calls itself an “artful fusion of a chef-chic boutique restaurant with a great American steakhouse.” The interior features dark woods, rich red leathers, and walls of reclaimed railroad ties to complement views of historic train yards, Union Station, and downtown Nashville. Cuisine features local products when possible, and menus change seasonally. The house-made bacon with maple cotton candy is a savory hit. The menu has plenty of seafood, chicken and, of course, steak, including wagyu beef. The menu also tells where the beef came from, such as the bone-in tenderloin from Michael's Meats in Columbus, Ohio. Open for dinner only. Dress code for men includes no shorts, hats, or sleeveless shirts.

Nightlife

THE BEER SELLAR, 107 Church St., Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 254-9464; originalbeersellar.com. This casual beer bar has a huge selection of——you guessed it—beer: 52 draft beers and 100 bottled brands, including many imports. They pour a lot of flavored brews, too, including cider, vanilla, and cherry. The 175-capacity room is frequented by an eclectic bunch, including college students and the over-60 crowd. Some come just for the tasty sandwiches or to watch a game. Darts, a pool table, and foosball also provide amusement.

FLYING SAUCER DRAUGHT EMPORIUM, 111 10th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 259-3039; beerknurd.com. Nashville's Flying Saucer, located behind the Union Station Hotel, is a good choice for beer connoisseurs. If your beer experiences have been limited to the occasional can of Budweiser, or a Corona when you're feeling adventurous, Flying Saucer will wow you with its selection of more than 200 brews from around the globe, dozens of which are on tap. Check the blackboard for the new arrivals. The spacious establishment offers samplers, featuring a selection of 5-ounce servings. The black and gold plates on the wall are tributes to patrons who have tried every beer on the menu at least once. Even if you don't like beer, you can enjoy the casual ambience, tasty bar food, and the covered outdoor patio. Flying Saucer is open daily.

M.L. ROSE CRAFT BEER & BURGERS, 2535 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37204; (615) 712-8160; mlrose.com. Billed as a neighborhood bar, the M. L. Rose offers a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of room to move around and more than 85 beers, some on tap, some in bottles. The casual pub decor features a long L-shaped bar, wood-paneled walls, a punched-tin ceiling, CD jukebox, pool tables, arcade basketball game, and walls full of movie and music posters, as well as other memorabilia. The menu offers burgers, chili, waffle fries, steak sandwiches, and other bar food. M. L. Rose has another location at 4408 Charlotte Ave. (615-750-2920).

MERCY LOUNGE, 1 Cannery Row, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 251-3020; mercylounge.com. Located in the historic 1860s Cannery building off Eighth Avenue S., Mercy Lounge opened in 2003 and quickly became one of the nighttime hot spots with one of the coolest vibes in town. Hardwood floors, comfy padded couches and chairs, and funky old lamps and tables create a fun and welcoming feel. The spacious bar is also known for presenting top-notch musical talent, leaning toward rock. There's lots of room to wander about: In addition to a music room and a bar area, Mercy Lounge has pool tables in the back room and an outdoor deck.

PATTERSON HOUSE BAR & RESTAURANT, 1711 Division St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 636-7724; thepattersonnashville.com. Opened in 2009, the Patterson House is named for the Tennessee governor, Malcolm R. Patterson, who vetoed statewide prohibition in 1909. With its speakeasy decor, the bar showcases well-made drinks and the talented bartenders—clad in vintage vests and Windsor ties—who create them. You know this is a serious drinking place when you hear about the 8 kinds of twice-filtered ice used. Some of the ice is cracked with a small wooden bat, some of it is crushed, or shaved. May sound like overkill, but bartenders say the ice types are made to complement each drink perfectly. Dimly lit with bookcases lining the walls, the Patterson House decor is rich with dark textures and colors and vintage chandeliers. An elaborate roster of cocktails features more than 50 different cocktail recipes. The Patterson House is popular, but folks seem prepared to wait for a seat at the bar or a booth.

THE PALM, 140 Fifth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 742-7256; thepalm.com; $$$$$. The Nashville edition of this upscale chain, located across the street from the Gaylord Entertainment Center, opened in 2000 amid much star-studded fanfare. Since then it has hosted such entertainment luminaries as Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill. Top-tier politicos and industry titans—as well as Titans of the NFL variety—are also regulars. The Palm is famous for the cartoons of celebrities that decorate its walls, but it has also quickly earned a reputation as the best restaurant in town. Thick, juicy steaks are the main reason to come; get one with a side of the Palm's signature “half and half,” crispy-fried onions and potatoes. A premium wine selection and rich dessert menu ensure that customers walk away satisfied. The Palm is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and dinner only on weekends. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

SPERRY'S, 5109 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 353-0809; sperrys.com; $$$$. This is a neighborhood restaurant, Belle Meade—style. Doctors, lawyers, judges, and well-dressed couples have been dining at Sperry's since 1974. Owned by the Thomas family for more than 25 years, Sperry's is a comfortably upscale restaurant with good food and good service. Deep red carpets and wood tables contribute to the warm and cozy atmosphere. Sperry's is known for its steaks and seafood. Fresh swordfish and tuna, a blue cheese—stuffed fillet, and rack of lamb Dijon are always in demand. There are daily specials. Desserts like bananas Foster and Death by Chocolate cake satisfy tastes beyond the 37205 zip code. Sperry's is open every night for dinner. Sperry's has a second location in Franklin at 650 Frazier Dr. (615-778-9950).

VEGETARIAN

THE WILD COW, 1896 Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 262-2717; thewildcow.com; $$. Opened in December 2009, The Wild Cow is drawing diners with a varied menu of creative meatless meals and a commitment to using local, organic produce and dairy. But first that name. Owners John and Melanie Cochran chose the Wild Cow as a symbol of more humane farming before “factory farms” took over, a return to the “wild cow” that would roam free and graze on natural feed. The Wild Cow also offers a gluten-free menu. Everything on the menu is vegan unless diners prefer to add or choose dairy cheese, which is organic, rennet-free, and from freerange cows. There's also a kiddie menu for ages 12 and under. For beverages, a wide variety of fresh-brewed fair-trade teas are available, along with an array of organic quality sodas and soy milk, plus wine made from organic grapes, hard cider from organic apples, and “high alcohol” beer. The Wild Cow also holds events to help raise awareness and funds for organizations that deal with animal welfare, environmental protection, safe and humane farming, and world hunger.

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Dining

OVERVIEW